SPRUCE LIFE, REPURPOSED
WELCOME From time to time we all find ourselves longing for ways to add adventure, beauty and purpose to our lives. A desire to grow and improve is natural and admirable. But how do you go about finding advice and examples of realistic people who are living beautiful, realistic lives? Enter Spruce. While the majority of lifestyle magazines offer no real insight into how you can better your life constructively, the aim of Spruce is to encourage the average person to enhance their life, both
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internally and externally, and to introduce new ideas and experiences through achievable means. Many publications are selling you a fairytale by suggesting that purchasing a five thousand dollar sofa, or stocking your cabinets full of vintage dishes will result in fulfillment and happiness. Our magazine will offer a blueprint for a genuine, creative and practical lifestyle through recipes, photos, interviews, self-improvement pieces and helpful tips.
We hope to add beauty to your life in any small way we can, whether you come away enhanced, enriched, or inspired, it’s all about sprucing it up!
BA R B Y K U L A KOV EDITOR IN CHIEF
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S 03. WELCOME 08. BEAUTY AND FASHION Homemade Facial Scrub Building your closet Outfit Inspiration
12. HOME DECORATING Succulent Centerpieces Wall Decor
16. RECIPES White Peach and Blackberry Crumble Raspberry, Mascarpone, and Pistachio Tarts
22. BOOKS TO READ Reviews and Recommendations
24. FILMS TO WATCH Reviews and Recommendations
28. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE Daytime Activities Nighttime Activities
30. IMPROVE YOURSELF 20. PROFILE Inspirational person photo courtesy of unsplash.com
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Photos reprinted with permission from unsplash.com
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ENHANCE
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BEAUTY & FASHION
POMEGRANATEHONEY FACIAL SCRUB Pomegranates are delicious, juicy fruits filled with antioxidants and touted for their nutritional benefits. But, they’re not only healthy inside our bodies—they’re also great for our skin!
INGREDIENTS:
23 Tbsp. packed brown sugar 3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. pomegranate seeds
Start out by adding the sugar into a small bowl and pour in the honey and olive oil. Mix these three ingredients together to create a smooth paste. Add more oil if the mixture seems dry or more sugar is the paste is too wet. Once you’ve reached the desired consistency, gentling stir in the fresh pomegranate seeds. Try not to let too many of the seeds burst in the bowl, as you want to save these small explosions for your skin.
APPLICATION Now that you have your scrub ready to go, it’s time to get started. Start by first cleaning your face with warm water and a non-irritating, fragrance-free facial soap. Don’t press the scrub into your skin; instead apply just enough pressure to let the pomegranate juices seep out and mix with the other ingredients. As the kernels burst, the smooth inner seeds will polish your skin to a heathy glow. Gently massage the scrub into your skin for about 5 minutes, working slowly and methodically to get every inch. However, avoid your eyes and the gentle skin around them. Pat dry and moisturize with your favorite lotion. PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION FROM WIKICOMMONS.COM
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BU ILDIN G YO U R CLOSET — S U M M ER ‘ 14
O UTFI T I NSPI RATI O N
all styles can be purchased exclusively from madewell
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Photos reprinted with permission from flora-fauna-blog
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HOME DECORATING
SUCCULENT CENTERPIECES AN ELEGANT AND SIMPLE DYI PERFECT FOR SUMMER TABLE SETTINGS. Roses on the dining room table can
combining them is simple and fun.
soil, and succulents. Arrange a thin
be beautiful and sophisticated given
Colors and textures that you wouldn’t
layer of rocks a the bottom of the vase,
the right circumstances, but the same
think would go together can be placed
then fill half way with soil, arrange your
arrangements day in and day out can
into a beautiful arrangement. The fact
succulents of choice, add more soil and
become a bore. The adorable trend of
that these vibrant exotic plants require
you are done!
cultivating your own succulent garden
little to no maintenance is just an added
is perfect for brightening up your home
bonus!
and providing an opportunity to go a
friends, water them thoroughly once a
little outside of the routine. Succulent
You will need a vessel, such as ceramic
plants come in amazing varieties and
pots and mini mason jars, small rocks,
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To properly maintain your new cactus week.
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HOME DECORATING
C R E A T E A WA L L OF ARTFUL I N S P I R AT I O N Whether you’re tired of staring at 60-year-old watercolors of landscapes, or the bland walls in your home feel reminiscent of a clinic, creating a gallery of eclectic wall art can quickly transform an entire space. —For supplies you will need about a dozen frames of varying style and size, same number of prints, scissors, nails and a hammer. —Acquiring so many frames might seem expensive, but luckily there are countless thrift stores in every town that boast large collections of frames for merely pennies. After selecting the frames, browse the Internet for prints and inspirational quotes. Choose a few more prints than you have frames, just incase you change your mind, and print them off in varying sizes. —Measure and cut the pictures to fit in the different frames, arrange them on the floor in a random but attractive pattern, and hang!
PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION FROM FLORA-FAUNA-BLOG
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RECIPES
WHITE PEACH & BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE Photos reprinted with permission from eatliveluv.blogspot.com/
Warm desserts served a la mode have a way of warming your heart and soul. While many people use baking as a stress reliever, eating this crumble could cure even the most acute cases of anxiety. The peaches and blackberries scream summertime with their sweet scent and vibrant colors. The scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top counteracts the tart filling and the oatmeal provides a heavenly crisp.
COMBINE: 240 gr of flour 50 gr of sugar 1 egg yolk
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65 gr shelled pistachios 7 Tbspn od cold butter 3-4 Tbspn of cold water
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RECIPES
R A S P B E R R Y, MASCARPONE, & P I S TA C H I O TA R T S One of my most cherished summertime memories from my childhood was wandering the narrow streets of my hometown, lined with familiar homes, barefoot and dodging the sweltering sun under leafy trees. I would run out of my front door in the morning, and explore my surroundings for hours on end, often with the intention of hunting down raspberries. I would peek in and out fences, hoping to spot that treasured bush and sneak a few before anyone noticed. Somehow even now when I’m perusing my local famers market, the moment the sweet scent of ripe raspberries hits my nose, I’m instantly transported back in time. Given that there is a short window of opportunity when raspberries don’t cost a small fortune, I take every chance I get to incorporate them into my summer desserts. These petit tarts showcase the berries beautifully, and the subtle sweetness of the mascarpone highlights their tartness, while a pistachio crust adds a depth of nutty flavor.
FOR THE TART SHELLS: 240 g of flour 50 gr of sugar 1 egg yolk
65 gr shelled pistachios 7 Tbspn od cold butter 3-4 Tbspn of cold water
1. In a food processor, combine the flour, pistachios, and sugar and process until the pistachios are finely ground. 2. Using the food processor or a pastry cutter, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until the size of small peas. 3. Add the egg yolk and gradually add the water just until a dough begins to form when you press it between two fingers. Do not overmix. 4. Form the pastry into a ball and refrigerate for at least one hour. (or stick it in the freezer for a shorter amount of time.) 5. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 6. Remove the pastry dough from the fridge and press the dough into the tart pans. Prick the bottom of the dough all over with a fork. Return to freezer for a few minutes if the dough has softened. 7. Bake for ~13-15 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
FOR THE FILLING: 450 gr mascarpone cheese 1/2 cup heavy cream freshly grated zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tspn vanilla extract
1. In a mixer bowl with the whisk attachment, whip the mascarpone, brown sugar, and heavy cream on medium high until soft peaks. 2. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest and continue to whip just until stiff peaks. Do not overmix. 3. Spoon the filling into the cooled tart shell, and smooth with a spatula. Top with raspberries or berries/fruit of your choice.
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Recipe adapted from Desserts for Breakfast
Photos reprinted with permission from eatliveluv.blogspot.com/
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ENRICH
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WHAT TO READ
WHAT TO READ
TH E MASTER & M ARGARITA
T HE P IC T UR E O F DO R IA N GR AY
M IK H A I L BULGAKOV — 1967
O SCA R W ILD E— 1890
Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita is considered of the greatest novels of the 20th century. The story is a scary and dark comedy symbolizing Stalinism as it describes the devil and his entourage, including a talking black cat, paying a visit to Moscow in the 1930s.
This one-time controversial novel follows the story of a young man who sells the purity of his soul for eternal youth. The story begins with a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward, who is infatuated by his youthfulness and striking beauty. Dorian is introduced to Basil’s friend, Lord Henry Wotton, and becomes obsessed with his world-views. Lord Henry suggests that the only things in life worth pursuing are beauty and fulfillment of the senses. Coming to the realization that his youth is
Written at a time when the Bible was banned in the Soviet Union, it is also a meditation on Jesus, Pontius Pilate and Christianity. But behind the scenes is a deeply beautiful love story, inspired by the author’s relationship with his third wife, Elena Sergeevna. It is a story of fantastical imagination that shocks and captivates you from beginning to end.
quickly fading, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul to ensure that his portrait ages, and he stays young and beautiful forever. His wish is fulfilled, and he subsequently pursues a life of debauchery, immorality and indulgence without ever considering the consequences
“TO DEFINE IS TO L I M I T. ”
of his actions. His portrait, meanwhile, serves to remind Dorian of his sins, displaying each one with a disfigurement upon his face. Oscar Wilde does a brilliant job of exposing the dark and selfish side of humanity, prompting us to examine our own lives and wonder what our own portraits would look like if all our sins were displayed in our features.
― —OSCAR WILDE, THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY 22
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WHAT TO WATCH
WHAT TO WATCH
AM E L I E 2001
“Amelie” is a quirky and romantic French comedy about a young lady living in Paris, with a habit of helping everyone but herself. She is naïve and isolated, but her optimism and curiosity take her on whimsical journey around Paris to solve a mystery and along the way discover love.
HER 2013
“Her” is a touching story that follows a romantic relationship set in the not-too-distant future. A lonely divorced man falls in love with his computer operating system, but finds the connection to be more real than anything he has ever experienced.
Photos reprinted with permission from IMDB
“THE PAST IS JUST A STORY WE TELL OURSELVES.” photo courtesy of screenmusings.org
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INSPIRE
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WHAT TO DO
WHAT TO DO
DAYTIME—F ORAGING
NI G H T- T IM E— F I RE WO RKS
Instead of lazily wasting the day indoors, head outside with some friends and spend a few hours foraging! The quaint term sounds almost fictitious, but collecting edible mushrooms, berries and plants is truly a rewarding experience. A well planned outing serves as both a fun and productive activity! Be sure to carry a book on poisonous plants with you!
Going to the movies gets old very quickly. But with this simple idea for a date night, you can literally experience fireworks. Head to the closest Fireworks store in your area, load up on some sparkly fun, and drive out to an abandoned field. It will be loud and bright but without a doubt a night you will both remember. Photos reprinted with permission from Stock Exchange
Photos reprinted with permission from Unsplash.com
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ADVICE
IMPROVE YOURSELF We made our way down the empty
But we laughed together and we
Around new years I told my hus-
streets and stopped at a corner waiting for the light to change. I was shifting on my feet and eventually started doing jumping jacks because... well, I was cold, and I’m strange I suppose. We heard a couple from across the street laugh.
wished each other the best and that’s more than I can say for most humans I’ve come across over the years. It’s as if we said to each other “I’m a human and you’re a human and we
band that my biggest “resolution” or rather as I call it “thing I’d like to work on in myself” this year was to try and compliment people more, but not just my family and friends, everyone. So many times a complete stranger has made me smile with an “I love your shoes” or “that lipstick is gorgeous” and “your baby is beautiful” that it’s really about time I give it back. I want to be the one handing out the “I love you’s” and telling people their baby is beautiful. I want to leave even the simplest interaction with another person knowing that I may have made their day a little better.
“Staying warm?” the woman said smiling. “I’m absolutely freezing!! And the light won’t change!” I yelled. “Well she looks cozy,” the lady said pointing to Valentina bundled up in her stroller. “I wish I was in there,” I laughed. We all laughed. Finally the light changed and as we passed each other I said, “stay warm” and the couple wished us a lovely evening. I’ll never know their names or their story. They’ll never be invited to our house and we’ll never talk on the phone. I won’t add their names to our address book and they won’t send us Christmas presents.
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should acknowledge each other!” It’s such a simple, little thing and yet so hard to do sometimes. Though I will admit having a kid makes it easier. She makes the first move with her little smiles or by climbing on the lap of a girl at the table next to us at dinner (true story, this kid is a little too sociable sometimes). We’ve heard many grievances from parents that pick up on that special kind of exhaustion that comes from grocery shopping with a grumpy baby. We’ve been complimented and given advice and listened and been listened too. And it’s good; it’s so good for the soul. Connecting with others even in the smallest way inevitably leaves me feeling warm, grounded and happy. And I just wish it happened more often.
Reprinted with permission by Flora&Fauna Photo used with permission from Unsplash.com
photo courtesy of wikicommons
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ADVICE
PROFILE JILL INMAN “A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s
unforgettable memories from the
not what ships are built for.” This very
amazing times are the real reasons I
statement serves as inspiration at the
continue to travel,” she said.
heading of Jill Inman’s blog. She was tired of the daily routine of her life and
While many are turned off to the idea of
wanted to embark on an around-the-
quitting their day jobs and gallivanting
world trip. Jill had long dreamt of see-
across the globe due to financial rea-
ing the world in a way that many people
sons, Jill is able to afford her nomadic
only daydream about. So one day, she
lifestyle with relative ease through
decided to make her dream a reality.
planning and budgeting. “I am able to
She left, and never looked back.
travel because of my general stinginess in everyday life,” she explains, “and
Jill says the most common question
the love of a challenge of beating the
she is confronted with is “why are
system and getting good deals.”
you doing this?” Her answer, “I travel
Jill wants to encourage others to do
because unlike anything else I have
the same because she believes that
tried, traveling truly expands my mind
seeing the world allows her to be more
and pushes my limits.” She has since
adaptable to life’s curve balls. “I view
visited 64 countries spanning across
the world with so much more curiosity.”
the entire globe from Southeast Asia to Athens, Greece, and everywhere in
Adapted from I Quit My Job To Travel
between. “While my passport stamps and screensavers from the 64 countries
Photos reprinted with permission from I Quit My Job To Travel
I’ve visited are the recognizable signs of my adventures; the lasting lessons learned from the challenging times and
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SPRUCE LIFE, REPURPOSED
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