THE BEDROOM ISSUE by Anderson Somerselle

ANDERSONSOMERSELLE.COM August 2017

The

A Lifestyle Zine

EDROOM SSUE Pillow Talk

Vegan-ish Brunch Join Anderson and his boyfriend Michael for a lazy Saturday in their bedroom. They’ve whipped up a delicious vegan meal and the perfect summer brunch cocktail.

We talk to awardwinning writer/director Caytha Jentis about sex in her 50s and season two of her hit web series, The Other F Word.

Plus: Check out Anderson’s A List

for tips on how to elevate your bedroom into a soothing oasis!

The Launch Issue

ANDERSONSOMERSELLE.COM A Lifestyle Zine

Photo By: Anderson Somerselle

THE BEDROOM ISSUE

This month’s issue will celebrate all things “bedroom,” giving us a glimpse into the private retreats of others. My “A List” features products that will elevate your bedroom into such a calming oasis, you’ll never want to leave. I’ll be getting into bed with award-winning producer/director Caytha Jentis for some pillow talk about her hit series, The Other F Word. “Pillow Talk” might leave you a little thirsty, so I’ll be sharing the recipes for two drinks I love to have in bed. Then, let’s experiment with a “Vegan-ish” breakfast (trust me it’s delicious). My good friend Lilly asked me to help design her bedroom, and I can’t wait for you guys to see how we “Re-Styled” it. There’s a lot going on, so grab a cocktail, snuggle up and let’s get into this Bedroom Issue!

Me in my favorite bedroom in the Palace of Versailles

f you asked me what is my favorite room to design in someone’s home, I’d always say the bedroom. For most of us, the bedroom is a sacred space - the place we go to get away from it all. The bedroom is a place of rest, our great escape from manic schedules and demands. It is where we are the most intimate with ourselves and the ones we hold dear. For parents, it is a retreat from the kids. For kids, bedrooms are where their imaginations can run free. I believe that we share such a deep connection to our bedrooms because that’s where we can allow our walls to come down and be comfortably vulnerable. The fondness for our bedrooms has grown thanks to technology making our favorite comforts available instantly and on demand. We find ourselves asking the question… why leave? Come on, admit it, we all long for one of those weekends where you don’t get out of your pajamas and just stay snuggled up in bed, eating a four course meal, and binge-watching your favorite television shows (mine are House Hunters International and Property Brothers).

THE

LIST

Elevate your bedroom into a soothing oasis.

Tucked Away

My reading nook is my little corner of the world. It’s where I can read a good book (I’m currently reading The Joy of Less, by Francine Jay). It’s an equally well-suited station for an intense game of Angry Birds 2 (I’m stuck on level 65). West Elm’s “Book Nook Arm Chair” is the perfect perch for any reading nook. The chair’s slim silhouette makes it a great fit for a corner of any size.

That’s Smooth I’m obsessed with this ultra-creamy (but not greasy) nourishing body lotion from Bath & Body Works. I use it every night before I get into bed. Its aromatherapeutic blend of eucalyptus and spearmint oil clears the mind and uplifts the spirit. How else would you want to fall asleep?

Inhale

Nothing beats coming home to a fresh-smelling bedroom. This Ultrasonic Diffuser not only fills your space with your favorite scent, it also helps purify and deodorize the air. Using aromatherapy is the perfect way to help you relax and relieve stress.

Snuggled Up Say hello to Tencel - no, not the stuff you put on your Christmas tree - I’m talking about the eco-friendly fabric made from eucalyptus fibers. It’s silky soft and cool-to-the-touch, which is perfect for those warm summer nights, so you can sleep comfortably, no matter how hot things get. Available at WestElm

Indie

Artist

arah Lightman is a singer. songwriter and actress from Hightstown, New Jersey - a small town just outside of Princeton. After graduating from Philadelphia’s Temple University, Sarah’s passion for the performing arts pulled her to the west coast. When she’s not basking in the bright lights of Hollywood, the songstress is busy performing all over the LA area, promoting her new EP, Fear. Sarah took a moment to share why her bedroom is important to her. Sarah: My bedroom is where I like to meditate so I can reconnect and self reflect. Doing those two things allows me to create and manifest the life I see for myself. I believe that being physically and mentally well-rested helps me remain focused so that I can achieve my dreams!

Follow Sarah on Instagram Photo By: Leah Huebner

Album Photo By: Tom Lowery

Click to listen to Fear on Spotify. Album Art By: Anderson Somerselle

S tyled

The Dilemma

When my good friend Lilly, a Behavorial Therapist in Philadelphia, asked me for help restyling her bedroom, I couldn’t resist! I told her to send me some pictures of her room, along with dimensions, and a breakdown of the furniture she already had in place. I spoke with her about the challenges she was having with the layout of the room, and found out more about what aesthetics and functionalities she would wish to incorporate in a new layout. Then I got to work!

“I have my bed against the wall. I’m worried that anywhere else it would just take up too much space. I can’t really visualize or plan out how I would move everything around and what would or wouldn’t still fit.”

“There’s this space between the two closets that I have my dresser and TV. I put the dresser there because it fit and felt like it would be out of the way.”

“I have this little table on the wall opposite my bed. It looks kind of out of place, but I don’t have anything else to put there.”

The ayout I’ve moved Lilly’s bed to the center of the room for three reasons: 1) She had the space to do it. 2) Having your bed pushed against the wall reads “I’m still in college” or “I am single and have no intention of having a serious relationship anytime soon.” 3) No one likes to be climbed over in the middle of the night.

Between the two closets there is a nook where Lilly had her TV and dresser. I’ve moved the TV and dresser to use this space for a sitting area. This will be perfect for when she and her friends are hanging out in the room. It also gives her a cozy spot for lounging and reading her favorite book (or the latest article from AndersonSomerselle.com).

With Lilly’s bed now in the center of the room, I decided to move her TV and dresser to the wall directly across from her bed. Doing this allows Lilly to enjoy a night of binge-watching her favorite shows, or maybe even “Netfix and Chill” moment.

S S

tyle heet

The Bed Area

Now here comes the fun part: styling Lilly’s newly laid out room. Lilly’s windows were already covered by these gorgeous plantation shutters, so I chose to frame them with drapes made from a sheer textured fabric in a heather grey color. I also did the duvet in the same grey to tone down all of the white in the bedframe and shutters. Orange is Lilly’s favorite color, so I’ve used that as the accent color in her sheets and pillows. I used a burnt orange so that it compliments the brick red accent walls. I added a little bling to the space with brushed nickel and brushed rose gold, which I incorporated with curtain rods, lamps and photo frames. I chose a vintage Mediterranean- inspired rug that anchors the space and connects all the colors of the room. Click on the items to shop the look.

The Nook Area

Why Should Kids Have All The Fun?

other F word the

Amazonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Web Series watch on

PILLOW TALK with

Caytha Jentis

Writer, Director and Producer Caytha Jentis just wrapped season two of her hit web-series The Other F Word. Caytha took time out of her busy post-production schedule to be our very first interview guest. We got cozy in her bed with a couple of cocktails and chatted about the upcoming season of her show and some other juicy topics.

Photo By: Good Housekeeping

SEX IN MY 50s IS MORE

ABOUT ME. NOW...I OWN MY

A: How has life been for you since wrapping season two of The Other F Word?

C: Trying to re-enter the real world is always a challenge after production, but I have been busy editing and taking some meetings in LA and reconnecting with friends that I missed. A: What can returning fans of the show expect to see in season two?

C: The episodes are longer, and the production value is bigger. The stories go deeper into all the characters’ journeys. I have a great scene in a real burlesque club that includes Gilbert Gottfried, [burlesque star] Darlinda Just Darlinda, and you! A: Why did you want to write a show centered around women in their fabulous 50s?

C: It’s about being in mid-life – 40s and 50s – which I believe is a really exciting time for women, as so may of us put the pedal to the metal and take on life more fully – it’s now or never!!! A: In the show most of the characters are very open about sex. So, I’ve got to ask this question: How would you describe sex in your 50s compared to how it was in your 40s and 30s?

C: I’m so excited that you asked me a sex question. For me, sex in my 50s is more about me. Now... I own my orgasm and have more confidence as a partner. Bring it on. A: Viewers don’t see that behind the scenes, most of the crew are women. What do you like about working with a female-powered team?

C: I didn’t consciously have such a female powered team (as

I like boys just as much as girls) but to me, it’s about creating a like-minded, passionate team. I’m all about creating intimacy with my friends and crew and valuing what everyone brings to the team. A: Caytha, my darling!! Thank you so much for taking the time to cuddle with me and catch up!

C: There’s nothing better than cuddling with my big A. Season one of The Other F Word is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

ORGASM.

Mmmm! COMMON UNIVERSAL FOOD IS OUR

GROUND , A

EXPERIENCE -JAMES BEARD-

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eat!

VI -

ooking for two palates is always a challenge, but when dietary restrictions come into play, you’ve really got to start thinking creatively. The idea for this recipe came out of my love for two things: my boyfriend … and breakfast in bed. The trick here was creating a delicious breakfast that had no animal products (he keeps vegan) until the end of the cooking process. Once we separated our vegan breakfasts onto separate plates, I was free to add cheese onto mine. We lovingly call the concept “Vegan-ish” – the base recipe keeps vegan, but there’s the option to add on some “ish” at the end for the meat and dairy fans like me. I’ll be honest, I had my doubts about scrambling tofu instead of eggs, but it was a fun cooking experience and a delicious result.

Ingredients 1/4 tsp. turmeric 1/4 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. paprika pinch sea salt 1/8 tsp. black pepper 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. truffle oil 1/2 cup chopped green & red peppers 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup cremini mushrooms, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 package firm tofu, very well drained 1 Tbsp. chopped basil

Directions

1) In a small bowl mix turmeric, cumin, paprika, truffle oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside. 2) Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the peppers, onion, mushrooms and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until everything turns slightly translucent. 3) Crumble tofu into the pan, breaking it up with your fingers. Pour seasoning over tofu and mix well, trying to color as much tofu as possible. Cook for 2 minutes or until tofu is hot throughout. Toss in basil and tomatoes, and continue to stir for another 1 to 2 minutes. Once cooked, serve with favorite sides and toppings, such as sliced avocado, whole-grain crackers or toast, bacon (regular or meat-free), shredded cheese, salsa, and/or hot sauce.

TRUFFLE TOFU SCRAMBLE

egan sh

Let’s

rink

There is nothing like brunch in bed. Yes, you read that correctly. I said, “brunch in bed.” Recently, Michael and I got to spend a rare weekend morning in bed together, so we decided to steal a few moments for ourselves and enjoy some brunch and Saturday morning cartoons (Voltron). While Michael made his tofu scramble (recipe in our Vegan-ish post), I decided to make us a little cocktail for the occasion. While a screwdriver is a normal drink to find on a brunch menu, it normally features vodka and orange juice. I prefer tequila to vodka, and we both love pineapple juice. So, I decided to mix things up and invent a perfect cocktail to suit our tastes. If screwdrivers aren’t your favorite, another great drink to bring into bed is the classic hot toddy. Cheers!

Electric

Screwdriver 1 1/2 oz tequila pineapple juice mint HOW TO MAKE IT Add the vodka to a highball glass filled with ice. Top with pineapple juice and a sprig of mint

Hot

Toddy 1 1/2 ounces of rum 1 tablespoon honey 1/4 lemon juice 1 cup (8 ounces) hot water 1 tea bag HOW TO MAKE IT Add the rum, honey and lemon juice to the teacup filled with hot water.

Please remember to drink responsibly

Thank you for reading!