The Art of Celebrating Magazine - Holiday 2022

' T I S T H E S E A S O N T O B E

Photography by Emilia Schobeiri

THE AKESHI AKINSEYE PODCAST

ENTREPRENEURS!

A podcast where I help wedding and event professionals struggling to take their business to the next level I share strategies to help you see real results from marketing to branding, pricing and more Each week, I’ll share new episodes with my insights and actionable tips, moving conversations with movers and shakers in the wedding and events field and more so you can build a business you are proud of and make more money while doing what you love

Photography by Nicee Martin

THE ART OF CELEBRATING HOLIDAY 2022 "CELEBRATION" ISSUE

Photography by Nicee Martin

Holidayinspiration atyourfingertips

Celebratein style!

PHOTO Emilia Jane Photography

Letter From The Editor

g g shopping and gift giving My hope is that this issue gets you ready and excited for the holiday season with our holiday gift guide, planning and decor tips, cocktail recipes, lifestyle tips and more

So this holiday season, we’re celebrating beauty, food, fashion, family, friends and more It’s my hope that as you browse through the pages of the magazine, it becomes a reminder and an invitation to remember that there’s always a good reason to celebrate life, love, friends and family So sit back and enjoy the issue

Wherever you are celebrating Christmas this year, make it the grandest and most memorable ever,

Sending you warm wishes this holiday season! xx

Akeshi Akinseye Editor In Chief

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I know you have heard this a million times but, it really is Making it to another season is

Photography by Collin Pierson

Photography by Collin Pierson

On the cover!

A BOLD AND DECADENT

Emilia Schobeiri

emiliajanephotography com

Emilia Jane is a Chicago-based wedding photographer who lives in the moment, celebrates in color, and travels often for work and for play with her husband, son Liam, groups of friends, and clients alike.

Emilia’s aesthetics and understated elegance are imbued into each facet of her work. She draws on her years of experience and background in visual arts to capture photographs that are evocative, playful, and sometimes even more stunning than the day they call to memory.

Named a Top Photography by BRIDES Magazine, Emilia's work has been seen in over 200 publications in print and online.

NICEE

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

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Join Akeshi Akinseye, founder and Editor In Chief of The Art Of Celebrating Magazine as she discusses and shares tips for celebrations, decor, home and life PLUS candid conversations with guest experts.

THROWING AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY?

PLANNING TIPS FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Congratulations! You are engaged! Now it’s time to celebrate Before proceeding any further, it's worth taking a step back and asking yourself whether it really is worth the time, money and effort to set up an engagement party. An engagement party is by no means mandatory, so this is a case of dancing to the beat of your own drums. This depends mainly on two things; the date of the wedding and the seasonal opportunity Some people have their party literally on the same day as the engagement, but more commonly, it's held within one to three months of the announcement Those who are having a more formal engagement party may leave it for later on, as the general rule

You may be wondering, when should you have your engagement party? I say the sooner the better. You should plan our engagement party two to four months after getting engaged This is the perfect spot between celebrating as a newly engaged and getting into the nitty gritty of wedding planning for your wedding celebration

Next thing to think about is who is in charge of throwing the engagement party? Traditionally, engagement parties are hosted by the bride's parents or a close friend of the couple Nowadays, anyone can throw an engagement party A lot of couples now choose to host their own engagement celebration

No matter who is hosting, these tips should definitely come in handy

Tip #1:

Start Planning early

Don't wait too long to begin your planning The sooner the better You want to space things out so you are not overwhelmed with planning an engagement party and a wedding That's a lot to handle

Tip #2:

Create a style guide or theme.

Now sure where to begin Pull your theme or inspiration from one item like fabric, flowers or even a dress you love If you're still struggling to know where to start with your tablescape then a beautiful tablecloth can be a great source of inspiration for your engagement party theme

Tip #3:

Create an enticing food and drink menu

People will always remember the food and drinks so make it unforgettable Welcome drinks are always a good idea Make sure you have a good amount of food no matter the style.

Tip #4: Focus on ambiance

Ambiance is key for any celebration. Make sure you set the right mood and engage all the senses

Tip #5: Send out an invitation

Be clear of time, location, theme and details guests need Be sure to specify a dress code if any on your invitation Don't forget to include a cut off date for RSVP

W I N T E R W O N D E R L A N D

WEDDING INSPIRATION

Photography: Collin Pierson collinpierson com

INSPIRATION

WINTER WONDERLAND

Inspiration for a glamorous winter wedding celebration

PhotosbyCollinPierson(collinpiersoncom)

If you ' re considering a winter wedding, get inspired to wed in style with these gorgeous winter wedding ideas that'll make you fall even more in love.Turn your winter wedding into a fairytale with these enchanting, whimsical design ideas

Winter wedding celebrations don't have to be boring and all branches Deck out your winter wedding with decadent floral arrangements, creative lighting, tabletop details and so much more

Winter wedding celebrations don't have to be boring and all sticks and branches Deck out your winter wedding with decadent floral arrangements, creative lighting, tabletop details and so much more. Want something different? skip the burgundy and go for white and silver Details like creative stationery, faux fur details and lush flowers can make a world of difference for your winter wedding

We hope you are inspired by these winter wedding design ideas!

Make a statement with layers of grand floral arrangement, candles and beautiful textured fabric for your table linens and napkins.

Lighting Ambiance

Lighting goes a long way Make room in your wedding budget for great lighting for the room, tables and areas that need lighting.

Think of ways to elevate your wedding celebration No detail is too little From the music to the food, drinks and decor, be sure to show off some serious style and create an ambiance that makes an impact

Great Food and Drinks

Guests will remember the food good or bad! Choose amazing The food is a crucial part of the wedding experience Consider food and drink selections that compliment the season.

The Details Decor

Details can change the look and feel of any event. For a winter wedding, play with fabric for your chair covers, tablecloth and napkins. Faux fur is fantastic for winter weddings Its so pretty and cozy

Your decor is important in tying in the theme. Hire an expert if you are struggling to tie everything together. it's worth he spend.

Colors like white and silver work perfectly for winter weddings. Don't forget about candles!

CREDITS

Photography:CollinPierson

@collinpierson

Venue:IntercontinentalHotel Chicago@interconchicago

Planning&Design:KeshEventsfor TheKeshExperience@keshevents

Stationery:GourmetInvitations @gourmetinvites

Calligraphy:CalligraphybyCT @calligraphybyct

Linens;TailoredElements @tailoredelements

LightingandDraping:APosh

Productions@aposhproduction

CustomDecor:NothernDecor @northerndecor

Cake:YumSquaredBakery

BridalGown:DimitrasBridalCouture @dimitrasbridalcouture

GownDesigner:ErsaAtelierofficial @ersaatelierofficial

Headpieces:MariaElenaHeadpieces @mariaelenaheadpiecesau

Makeup:MakeUpbyAga @makeupbyagak Har:JuanJose@hairbyjuanjose

LOVE IS IN THE DETAIL

PhotographybyNiceeMartin

Love is truly in the details Crafting your signature look for your celebration is the key to an unforgettable day for both you and your guests From your attire to your invitations, every detail comes together to create a breathtaking experience for your guests. Here are some fun tips for customizing your next celebration

CUSTOMIZED NAPKINS

Add a unique touch of elegance and transform those plain dinner napkins into one of your signature wedding staples

MINI CAKE PLACE CARDS

This is a great place to add some personalization to your event Depending on the guest size, place cards can be attached to mini cakes Show off personalization that tastes just as good as it looks

SIGNATURE DRINKS

Tailor your guests bar experience by offering signature drinks crafted by you Add a little more detail by making some personalized coasters, cocktail napkins and stirrers

ESCORT CARDS

Skip the traditional ushers, and opt into an exquisite escort card experience There are so many creative ways to use escort cards from champagne tags to wall displays

CUSTOMIZED MENU CARDS

For an additional personalized touch, consider using a calligrapher for customized handwritten calligraphy to create a wedding staple that is completely unique to you

Elevate

your celebrations with elegant tablescapes

Festive tables is your guide to elevating your hosting game This is a guide for taking your table from ordinary to extraordinary Learn the ins and outs of building a beautiful, layered celebratory experience with festive tables that make a lasting impression on your guests Akeshi explores a wide range of table design ideas and takes the reader on a journey with beautifully photographed table details, festive cocktails and recipes for your celebrations. Festive Tables is packed with exclusive table design ideas to help you elevate your table for seasons throughout the year Explore table design ideas for New Year, Spring, Summer, picnics, Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas and more Get inspired to celebrate in style and design glamorous and elegant tablescapes for your own celebration throughout the year Whether you're hosting a celebration for a large group or an intimate dinner, this book will help you elevate your hosting game with stylish and elegant table designs It’s the ultimate inspirational guide to throwing a sophisticated and stylish soirée with jaw dropping tablescapes with details that make all the difference By the end of this book, you’ll know how to bring elegance to every gathering

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYED YAQEEN

Life is better with dinner parties, and no one does dinner parties better than Akeshi We can all learn a thing or ten about elevating our events from this party pro, who pours her heart into the details of every tablescape she designs So grab a cocktail and dig in the imagery and ideas she’s created and curated here are such a delicious treat ”

Elle Cashin, Modern Luxury Weddings Editor in Chief

““Akeshi brings her calming and simplified educational approach directly to you in her new book, Festive Tables A Guide to Setting Stylish Tablescapes for your Celebrations The book presents the blueprint to a well curated lifestyle Celebrations are what bring us all together, so why not celebrate in style? I love the way she breaks down how to incorporate all of the five senses into your table design She provides building blocks for crafting the most beautiful dinner table with simplified steps and stunning imagery If there is one thing that the recent pandemic has taught us, it’s that life is not guaranteed So no matter how big or small the occasion, celebrate every moment with the people you care about most with intention, beauty, and passion My hope is that your next dinner party is as beautiful as it will be joyful”

Jacqueline

Nwobu, Munaluchi Bride, Editor in Chief /CEO

“A visual delight! From lush tablescapes to behind the scenes know how, this latest book from Akeshi Akinseye is bursting with inspiration for your favorite celebration Staying true to her glamorous, luxe style, Akeshi generously shares her magical mind, bringing elegance to our everyday lives Not just another pretty coffee table book, Akeshi guides us to create, explore and entertain guests to perfection ”

Amy Allen, Group Publisher, Modern Luxury Weddings

More from us

TABLESCAPE

Deck the halls. Set the table. String the lights.

It's celebration season! Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and one of the most celebrated and beloved of all holidays Share the joy of the season with your own festive celebration.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

The heart of any holiday celebration is the table. Celebrate Christmas with a decadent table with details that wow and make a lasting impression on your guests.

Use lighting, candles, glassware, linens, flowers and beautiful holiday inspired stationery to enhance your Christmas table design.

LIFESTYLE

Preparing For The Holidays?

BY YVES MYR JACOBS

The holiday season is here, and it’s a busy time for everyone From shopping and wrapping gifts to attending parties and cooking elaborate meals, there's a lot to do in a short amount of time. If you ' re feeling stressed about getting everything done, take a deep breath and follow these ten tips for preparing for the holidays.

START EARLY

The earlier you start your holiday preparations, the less stressed you'll be. So make a list of everything you need to do and start checking items off as soon as possible

SET REALISTIC GOALS

Trying to do too much will only make you more stressed So be realistic about what you can accomplish and focus on the most important tasks first

DELEGATE TASKS

Holiday preparations can be overwhelming Ask family members and friends to help with some of the work involved in preparing for the holidays This will lighten your load and make things more fun for everyone involved

SET ASIDE MONEY

Holiday spending can quickly get out of control if you ' re not careful So set a budget and stick to it by sticking to a cash only policy or using a debit card instead of credit cards This will help you stay mindful of your spending and avoid getting into debt

SIMPLIFY WHERE YOU CAN

Don't feel like you have to go all out every single year. If decorating the house feels like too much, skip it this year or opt for a more simplified approach The same goes for gift giving if buying presents for everyone on your list is putting too much of a strain on your budget, scale back or get creative with homemade gifts instead

BE ORGANIZED

Getting organized is key to reducing holiday stress Wrap gifts as soon as you buy them, so you ' re not stuck doing it all at once right before Christmas It's also a good idea to keep a stash of wrapping paper and ribbons on hand so you ' re prepared when the time comes

Spreadsome holidaycheer...

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so don't get so caught up in completing all your To Do's that you forget to actually enjoy them!

TAKE BREAKS

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's important to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge So schedule some ' me ' time into your busy schedule and savor the moments when you can just kick back and relax.

DON'T OVERCOMMIT

Saying yes to every holiday party or event invitation that comes your way will only wear you down both mentally and physically. So pick and choose wisely only attend the events that sound fun and that you have time for without overextending yourself

STICK TO HEALTHY HABITS:

Just because it's the holidays doesn't mean you should let all your healthy habits go out the window in favor of treats and sweets 24/7 moderation is key! Indulge in your favorite holiday goodies in moderation, keep up with your regular exercise routine as best as you can, and get plenty of rest so that you don't get run down during this busy season

ENJOY THE MOMENTS

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so don't get so caught up in completing all your To Do's that you forget to actually enjoy them! Savor time spent with loved ones, take in the beauty of festive decorations, and relish in those special moments that make the holidays unique they'll be gone before you know it!

amazon com macys com amazon com bedbahandbeyond.com amazon.com

neimanmarcus com

FLORAL & DECOR

Inspiration and tips to help you make a great impression at your next gathering and create an impactful experience.

Transform your Christmas table with elegant table settings that will help you spread holiday cheer to your friends and family.

Bring in some candlelight! Set a beautiful and cozy Christmas table filled with the beautiful glow of candlelight. Use gold or themed votives, candlesticks, or a candelabra to showcase your candles.

“Christmas is the season of joy, of gift-giving, and of families united.”

Norman Vincent Peale

Celebratetheseasoninstylewithcarefully selectedfestivetabletoppieces.

HOST WITH THE MOST

Celebrating at home? Set the tone for your holiday celebration with these must have tabletop finds From festive china to table linens, these top picks will surely get your guests in a festive mood. Here are some of the best holiday tabletop finds for entertaining to help you celebrate and gather in style.

When it comes to entertaining, you want to be the ultimate host by creating an unforgettable experience no matter the guest size Make your guest feel special with a well curated tablescape design and beautiful tableware

Need more decorating ideas?

HEAD TO THEARTOFCELEBRATING.COM/FLORAL-DECOR

N

GIFT IDEAS H O L I D A Y IDEAS FOR

GIFT IDEAS H O L I D A Y

stocking stuffers

Give the little gifts that bring the most joy.

Holiday RECIPES TO WOW YOUR guests

ByMaryAbitanto

When it comes to the holidays, I set the bar high so that my family is overtaken by the magic of Christmas

It’s all in the details: from the sparkle on the glassware to the old fashioned ricotta cheese cookies decorated with colorful sprinkles. The table is adorned with bright, glistening candles, Mom’s garden patterned china, color themed floral arrangements including evergreens, eucalyptus and decorative ornaments, and crisp pressed linens and napkins.” This is an excerpt from my newest cookbook, Gather For The Holidays where I offer many crowd pleasing recipes bursting with flavor, color, and creativity I have included my non dairy, egg free eggnog for you along with a fabulous make ahead dish, my sweet potato casserole also included is a newly developed gluten free chai spiced pumpkin loaf that your family and friends will rave about Cheers to the holidays!

Mary is a prolific author and entertaining expert She is a talented self taught chef, accomplished food stylist, and food photographer whose talent in the kitchen has caught the attention of award winning chefs and television personalities including Christie Brinkley, Denise Austin, David Burke and Graham Elliot She lives amidst horse farms in a scenic suburban town in New Jersey with her husband Peter, their children Maggie, Sydney, and Jack, and puppies Charlie and Teddy.

Mary has successfully parlayed her talents into writing cookbooks that any home chef can trust for ease and accuracy She pays tribute to her Italian roots in her first cookbook, Food That Will Gather Your Family She explores other cultures and offers healthy recipes with creative twists in Food From My Heart & Home, as well as shares her entertaining and food styling tips Gather For The Holidays is Mary’s third cookbook which celebrates the holidays in style with heartfelt stories, poems, and photography. She demonstrates her mastery of show stopping food boards and her talent at hosting large gatherings with well planned menus All her books are available on Amazon

Chai-SpicedPumpkin Loaf

8 servings

ByMaryAbitanto

This newly developed chai spiced pumpkin loaf that is gluten free It is the most aromatic, flavorful, and delicious loaf that your guests are going to rave about

Easy Chai Spice

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ginger

½ teaspoon cardamom

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Optional, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Topping

2 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

Dash of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice

Lavender Icing

½ cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons lavender simple syrup (Recipe Follows)

Lavender Simple Syrup

½ cup water

½ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon dried culinary lavender

INGREDIENTS

1 cup whole oats, (gluten free)

1 cup almond flour, spooned and leveled

1 cup pumpkin purée, strained ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

1 cup olive oil

1 large egg

1 tablespoon molasses

2 teaspoons vanilla, I used Casa Bella Vida

½ teaspoon dried culinary lavender

½ tablespoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

Loaf pan

Stand mixer with paddle attachment

High speed blender

Strainer

Mortar and pestle

Cheesecloth

INSTRCTIONS

1) Preheat the oven to 325 degrees

2) Make the Lavender Syrup

In a small pot, stir together equal parts water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stir, and let the sugar dissolve. Stir until translucent. This creates the simple syrup, then you can infuse flavor. Take the pot off the burner and add ½ teaspoon of dried lavender, give it a quick stir, and cover Let steep until it’s cool, strain, and discard flowers Then refrigerate until ready to use Use this to infuse flavor into cocktails, cakes, or cookies Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 1 2 weeks You can use other garden herbs like thyme, rosemary or mint

Note: Use fragrant rich English lavender. This is culinary lavender and is available at farmers market, or online. I harvest the lavender from my garden in the summer, dry it, and jar it for use during the year and for this delicious loaf Alternatively, you can buy lavender simple syrup

3) In the high speed blender, add the oats and pulse for about 2 minutes to create a powder like consistency Some tiny bits will remain Stir to redistribute oats Add the almond flour and pulse for 1 minute

4). Over a large bowl, pour the combined flour mixture into a strainer a little at a time. With the back of a spoon stir the mixture to break up the clumps. Some of the mixture will not go through Set aside

5) Make the Chai Spice: This is so fragrant Make a big batch and store it in a jar Use it in cakes & cookies all year long In a small bowl, add the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and pumpkin pie spice and mix. In a mortar and pestle, add the rosemary and lavender and grind them down. Mix the rosemary and lavender with chai spices.

To the flour mixture, add the baking soda, baking powder, chai spices (including lavender & rosemary) and whisk.

6) Prepare the wet ingredients: In the bowl of the stand mixer, add the strained pumpkin purée, olive oil, molasses, vanilla, and sugar and mix on medium speed Last, add the premixed egg and mix on medium speed until combined

7) Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and mix for 1 minute on medium speed, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

8). Prepare the loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture in the loaf pan.

9). Prepare the topping. Add the spices and sugar and mix. Pour the melted butter over the loaf You may not need all of it Sprinkle on the spices/sugar mixture

Bake on the top shelf for about 1 hour and 15 minutes It’s best to bake at 325 degrees and go longer so it doesn’t burn on the outside and then remain soggy on the inside

Allow it to cool This is the hardest part of the recipe because this is the most fragrant cake you will ever make next to a pumpkin pie

Pick up the ends of the parchment paper and lift the loaf onto a cooling rack. Cool 1 hour before cutting it. It’s so delicate that cutting slices may be a little challenging, so the longer you let it sit, even overnight the better.

Prepare the Lavender Icing

Mix the powdered sugar with the lavender simple syrup and whisk Pour on each slice Enjoy!

The Art Of Celebrating Holiday 2022

Non-Dairy, Egg-Free Eggnog

By Mary Abitanto

Egg-free EggNog is definitely an oxymoron, but many guests find traditional eggnog too heavy, so this is a lighter, healthier, and non-dairy alternative. My healthy version is very refreshing, delicious, and has a festive holiday vibe.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups oat milk, extra creamy (preferred)

1 cup almond milk, vanilla flavored (sweetened)

2 tablespoons maple syrup, sugar-free

2 tablespoons (or more) bourbon

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dash of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice

Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice

4 food-safe cinnamon sticks for serving 4-inch drinking glasses

High-speed blender (recommended method)

Small pitcher for chilling

TO MAKE

Place all the ingredients in a high speed blender and blend for 1 2 minutes until the milk becomes frothy

Pour into a small pitcher and chill in the fridge for 1 2 hours or longer.

Mix upon serving

Pour into glasses and add a cinnamon stick or pour into small tasting glasses for sipping

Add a shaving of freshly grated nutmeg as garnish or add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice

Note: You may skip the alcohol as well In this case, add an additional tablespoon of maple syrup This will be equally delicious and refreshing!

Tip: If you are toasting to the holidays, I recommend Bellissima Prosecco DOC Brut by Christie Brinkley. It’s certified vegan and made with organic grapes for the most crisp and fresh taste. Cheers to the holidays!

Sweet Potato Casserole

SERVINGS: 8

This sweet potato casserole is a make ahead dish from my cookbook, Gather For The Holidays. It’s a great recipe for Fall cooking, and a savory Thanksgiving or holiday side that my kids love so much I believe chives are an underrated and under used herb but not in this recipe which is loaded with chives. It’s a winning side dish that can be paired with any holiday meal and it’s always a crowd favorite. Everyone raves over this dish! Make this one day ahead of any holiday gathering. This can easily be reheated in the oven (or even on the stovetop) and will stay warm up to one hour in a cast iron skillet

INGREDIENTS:

4 large, sweet potatoes (or yams), roasted 1 bag finely shredded mozzarella cheese

1 bunch fresh chives

3 heaping tablespoons light cream cheese

3 tablespoons light sour cream

Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, coriander, and paprika

Topping: 3 tablespoons salted butter, diced Large, enameled cast iron skillet, highly recommended

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees

Start by cooking the sweet potatoes First, wash, scrub and pierce them (If you are roasting the potatoes, wrap them in foil)

Place the foiled wrapped potatoes onto a lined baking sheet and roast for roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. Bake the potatoes until a fork pierces through them easily (Another time saving option is to cook them in the microwave Doing so will not impact the taste of this dish Do whatever is easiest I am all for saving time)

Note: I prefer organic sweet potatoes because they have more flavor than conventional produce in my opinion

Once the potatoes are fork tender, allow them to cool Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Scoop out the inside of the potatoes (discard skin) Transfer the sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash Add the cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup or more of mozzarella cheese and mix until all the ingredients are well combined. Dice the chives we like a lot of chives; add as much or as little as you like Toss this into the potato mixture Add the potato mixture to a large skillet and heat on low Add a dash of coriander, black pepper, and a few good sprinkles of sea salt Be sure to taste it and decide if you need more seasonings!

Note: I go to a market by my home where they have huge bunches of chives, so I will usually get that for this recipe Most grocery stores only carry small packages of chives, so you may want to buy 2 or 3 so you can be generous.

Next, level out the top of the dish with the back of a spoon. Add a handful of the mozzarella cheese to the top along with more chives, and a few dashes of paprika for a pop of color Cut up 3 tablespoons of butter (or more) into tiny chunks and place the butter on the top Bake for 25 minutes This will become a family favorite holiday side dish for years to come!

Tip: Push out any excess air in wrapped baked dishes or bowls of food and store in the fridge Same holds true about the freezer A tight seal all the way around the dish will ensure no air gets in to compromise the amazing food you just made Properly cool foods before placing them inside the fridge or freezer, so as to not impact the temperature of the fridge or freezer. Quickly refrigerate perishable foods Little note reminders placed onto each baked dish will help you remember how long to bake each dish and at what temperature

BY MARY ABITANTO

Photo by Nicole Guglielmo

Holiday COCKTAILS

festive cocktails

Photo by Nicee Martin

Whiskey Smash

INGREDIENTS:

2 oz whiskey ¾ oz simple syrup Mint leaves Lemon wedges Sugar cube Lemon peel, mint, garnish . In a shaking glass, muddle mint leaves, lemon quarters, and a sugar cube. 2. Add simple syrup, sugar, whiskey, and stir. 3. Add ice and shake well. 4. Strain mix into a glass over ice and garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon peel.

'tis the season

TO BE JOLLY

Photography by Emilia Schobeiri

Grand Cosmopolitan Ingredients

1 ½ oz Vodka

1 oz Grand Marnier

½ lime (juice)

2 oz cranberry juice cocktail

Orange slice, garnish

To Make:

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, Grand Marnier, juice of 1/8 of a lime, and cranberry juice cocktail

Shake and strain into a martini glass

Garnish with orange slice

GENE & GEORGETTI'S FESTIVE COCKTAIL RECIPES

Make the evening more festive with these delicious cocktail recipes. 500 N FRANKLIN ST, CHICAGO, IL 60654 GENEANDGEORGETTI.COM

It is time to deck the halls, and the cocktails too! Undoubtedly one of the most wonderful times of the year is here And celebrating deliciously is certainly one of the best ways to celebrate. In my family, our holiday soirees and intimate dinner parties always begin with an aperitivo (or cocktail, as we say in english) We’re including some of our favorites for this holiday here And while we’re at it, we are also talking great gift ideas for the carnivorous foodies on your nice list! We now offer steak boxes at Gene & Georgetti Always fresh and never frozen these steaks are our signature cuts, aged just how we do it in the restaurant for the last 80 years. All of the tradition and taste come beautifully packaged and ready to be enjoyed by all

CHEERS TO THE Holidays!

Business Spotlight MUSE COFFEE STUDIO

Muse is more than a coffee shop. Yes, the coffee is good, but it’s about more than coffee. Muse is about the acknowledgement, appreciation, and amplification of culture through creative expression.

We are inspired by culture the stories, the art, the sounds, the history, the now. We are moved by the voices, heard and unheard.

It's more than COFFEE

es, coffee is good, but it’s about more than coffee Muse is about the acknowledgement, appreciation, and amplification of culture through creative expression. We are inspired by culture the stories, the art, the sounds, the history, the now. We exist for the purpose of inspiring those that come in to do more, to dream bigger, to just take a moment to appreciate the beauty in the small things Muse has become the place where you can discover a new artist, song, or author, and the place to find new creative inspiration From open mic nights to book clubs, kids’ yoga and intimate music shows, everything is open to the community at large and welcoming to families, artists, students people of all ages, backgrounds and interests It’s where people have come to feel at home.

MUSECOFFEESTUDIO

George Davis is the owner of Muse Coffee Studio based in Chicago Muse is an art-centered coffee space that supports and features local roasters, local bakeries, and culturally inspired experiences All of our coffee beverages and house made syrups are intentionally crafted and inspired by people, places, and events that have had a personal and cultural impact on him

GeorgeDavisistheownerofMuseCoffeeStudio Museisanart centeredcoffee spacethatsupportsandfeatureslocalroasters,localbakeries,andculturally inspiredexperiences Alloftheircoffeebeveragesandhouse madesyrupsare intentionallycraftedandinspiredbypeople,places,andeventsthathavehada personalandculturalimpactonhim Instagram:@musecoffeestudio|VisitWebsite&Shop:wwwmusecoffeestudiocom

MUSE Lavender Simple Syrup

INGREDIENTS

F300 grams of water 300 grams of turbinado sugar

3.5 grams of dried lavender flower 3 pinches of salt

INGREDIENTS

Bring water to a boil. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add 3 pinches of salt and stir until dissolved.

Remove from heat and add lavender flowers.

Cover and let steep in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours.

Remove from the refrigerator and strain the lavender flower from syrup Enjoy!

We are inspired by culture – the stories, the art, the sounds, the history, the now ~MUSECOFFEESTUDIO

Travel tips for a smooth trip this holiday season

Start planning early

The earlier you start planning for your trip, the less stressful it will be. This means booking flights and hotels well in advance.

Travel light

Try to travel with only the essentials. This will make it easier to get around and avoid lost luggage.

1 2 3 4Before you leave for your trip, make a list of everything you need to pack. This will help ensure that you don't forget anything important.

Make a list Relax

Finally, don't forget to relax and enjoy your trip. This is supposed to be a fun experience, so don't let the stress ruin it!

O L I D A Y T R A V E L T I P S

BY YVES MYR JACOBS

Christmas is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, and flying can be stressful even under the best circumstances Millions of Americans hit the skies to visit loved ones, which can mean long lines and delays at the airport To make your holiday travel plans go as smoothly as possible, follow these tips

A G U I D E T O

Wellness

fall in love with taking care of yourself

6 TIPS TO HELP AVOID HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN

By JP Thomas jzpthomas.com

Photo by Hannah Schweiss Photography

The holidays are a time for fun and family togetherness, but also a time where those sneaky little extra pounds can creep up on you fast Even if you have an iron will, saying no to all of the sweet treats during the holiday season can be difficult. The funny part about the holidays is that everywhere you look, someone has a sweet treat The office is full of donuts, cookies, and cakes The grocery store has all of the dessert items on sale and in the front of the freaking store And every party or gathering we attend seems to have an extra helping of dessert

While the decorations go away in January, the excess holiday pounds do not The holiday season always seems to feel like such a busy time of the year When we are busy, those trips to the gym can seem to get harder to make. While the trips to the gym become fewer and fewer, those pesky little pounds start to pile on But, gaining excess weight during the holidays is avoidable if you plan and take the right steps

1. AVOID STRESS EATING

Many people say that they feel extremely stressed during the holiday season. Sometimes the stress is due to holiday travel, having guests in town, or being responsible for throwing a holiday party If you are someone who has these stresses in your life, you may turn to food to cope with them Grabbing a donut or bag of chips is one of the quickest ways to make yourself gain excess weight If you know that things like hosting or having people in town stress you out, try to find healthier ways to help you cope such as meditation and breathing Also, when you are home, try to keep the unhealthy snacks out of your house Go for snacks like almonds or a piece of fruit when you feel like you need to snack on something

2. START THE DAY WITH EXERCISE

During times when our schedules are packed with activities, we have to make the most out of our days Going to the gym or doing a home workout at the start of your day is one of the most effective ways to help yourself avoid holiday weight gain Getting a morning workout does not mean that you should allow yourself to eat everything in sight, but the fact that you are getting moving and burning calories gives you a little bit of wiggle room Getting up early to workout will free up your time, and give you a chance to hit that holiday party after work, or burn off the excess calories from the night before

3. SKIP THE SECONDS

Holiday dinners are typically served buffet style, which can be extremely tempting when you are hungry. There are usually several foods to choose from, and when you are hungry, everything looks good. Buffet style meals can lend itself to people serving themselves seconds and sometimes even thirds The extra servings lead to excess calories and additional weight gain Instead of finishing a plate and immediately going back in for another serving; try to give yourself time to assess if you are still hungry If you are, try not to go for another full serving Serve yourself a smaller portion If you feel full, move on to other aspects of the party and away from the food Our bodies need time to register if we are full or not, so instead of immediately grabbing another plate drink a glass of water and wait a few minutes

4. IF YOU ARE HOSTING, SERVE MEALS RESTAURANT STYLE

Our eyes tend to be much bigger than our stomachs when we feel hungry If you are eating your meal in the dining room, try to leave the food in the kitchen The saying out of sight, out of mind can be true when it comes to food as well If you have a delicious pie in front of you, you are more likely to grab another piece even if you do not want it Opt for a smaller plate and try not to fill it with tons of food When we have a table filled with food in front of us, it makes us more likely to consume more than we ordinarily would Try to keep the food away from your eating area to help cut back on consumption

5. DO NOT ARRIVE HUNGRY

Have you ever gone to the grocery store for a couple of items on an empty stomach? If you have, you can probably attest to spending way more than you intended to on foods you did not plan to buy When hunger is top of mind, we go for whatever is in sight to help us satisfy that feeling Chips, check, cookies, check To avoid holiday weight gain, try not to arrive to the party hungry This may sound like counterproductive advice because it is a party, but if you eat a small healthy meal before arriving, you will be inclined to eat less If you arrive not feeling famished, you will be inclined to make better food choices, which will help you avoid holiday weight gain

6. GET SOCIAL

One of my favorite aspects of the holidays is spending time with people that I do not get to see often Try to keep a distance between you and the food, and spend more time socializing with friends and family It will feel much better to hang with family and friends than it will to hover over the food and dessert table. Plus laughing is a great way to burn a few excess calories

JP Thomas is a healthcare professional and certified personal trainer with a passion for equal access to health for all and a passion for fashion This passion inspired her to start her blog which focuses on health/fitness and affordable fashion. JP believes that when we look good we feel good inside out.

Take care of you!

“Be gentle with yourself.”

Simple wellness tips that improve your health

W e l l n e s s a c t i v i t i e s f o r o p t i m a l p h y s i c a l a n d m e n t a l w e l l n e s s

Wellness is primarily being in good physical and mental health Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health Daily wellness activities for optimal physical wellness Here are 18 tips to help improve mental and physical health

Establish regular exercise routines in your life

Get adequate rest

Eat a variety of healthy foods

Control your meal portions

Drink in moderation

Maintain satisfying social relationships

Keep involved in activities and pursuits that interest you

Try to maintain a positive attitude to support your resilience when you have setbacks

Get adequate sleep

Do something fun every day

Have a sense of purpose in your life

Slip vegetables into your favorite recipes

Make sure you get some good fats in your diet

Stretch your body every day

Make time for relaxation and recreation

Set goals and priorities

Practice gratitude

Focus on positivity

THE POWER OF A MORNING ROUTINE

Morning is the most important time of the day because how we spend our mornings shows how we spend our days If you wake up without enthusiasm, don't have breakfast and just leave for work, of course, your day won't be successful

When first starting the day, it's important to avoid “decision fatigue” by having a set morning routine Having a morning routine can increase your energy, productivity and positivity When you practice a set of morning routines, you'll experience less stress, have more time to relax and your mental and physical well being will get a strong boost After all, increased stress levels have a major impact on your physical health and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease

Morning routines inevitably lead to efficiency, since they remove the decision making step, saving you time and energy Some of the world's most admired, creative, and successful people rely on their own morning routines to ensure their days are as productive and fruitful as can be.

Believein the magic of the season