The Violet | Winter 2012

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Contents OPEN

Director’s Letter

Contributors

5

6

LIVE 12 On Friendship 14 Live 2012 15 CREATE Make Something 18 Blossom 20 NURTURE Recommendations 23 Be Well 24 Five Totally Attainable

Do Something

New Year’s Resolutions

26

NOURISH

A Romantic Winter Meal

From Scratch

30

36

The Egg {A Narrative} 48 Play Bringing Back Brunch 44 EMBELLISH New Year, New You 57 Pretty Paws 70 MUSE Handmade With Love 71 Your Turn 74 CLOSE Back Story 78 WIN T ER 2012

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{ Open } verb * remove the covers or wrapping from


Director’s Letter

Sometimes I feel like the beginning of the year is kind of a bummer.

committed to taking this magazine as far as we can. We’re look-

I understand where this comes from — the holidays are over, the

ing into print options (eek!) and updating our blog regularly with

weather is (usually) bitterly cold, and there is a brand new year in

recipes, crafts, and other great posts (be sure to come say hi!).

front of us, which can be kind of overwhelming.

The bottom line is, this year is going to be what we make it. Our

But I think of January differently. It is one of my favorite months of the year. I’m usually quite relieved that the holidays are over

attitudes and ideas will dictate how this year plays out. We get to write our own futures. How freaking exciting is that?!

and my eating habits can return to normal again. Decorations come down, and I feel like my home is a clean slate, ready for anything. It’s cold outside, giving me the perfect excuse to layer up and wear my favorite kinds of clothes: big bulky scarves (page 64), bright tights (page 68), and heavy coats. And the brand new year that’s in front of us? Well, that’s the most exciting thing of

Camilla Salem

all! I’ve always said that I’m inspired by the future. I’m someone who spends a lot of my time (maybe a bit too much) daydreaming about the future. The beginning of the year is the perfect time for me to plan out all of the things I want to accomplish in the new year. It’s a clean slate. A chance to recreate myself, to shed old skin and create a new one. And that is nothing if not exhilarating. This year is going to be a good one. I can already tell. Here at The Violet things are already moving quickly. Our team is

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Contributors meet the rockstar team behind this issue of the violet !

CA MILL A SALEM

JA SMINE L . H . MYE R S

MOLLY YEH

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

COPY EDITOR

Molly Yeh is a writer and percussionist

Camilla is a 6’0 tall California native who

Jasmine is a southern California na-

living in New York City. She is a recent

enjoys food (a lot), yoga, creativity and day-

tive living in Long Beach, CA, with her

graduate of The Juilliard School and assis-

dreaming. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley’s

super-hot, hair stylist husband, Levi, and

tant editor of The Juilliard Journal. In her

department of Peace and Conflict Studies

their kitties, Gretel and Lily. True to her

free time, this Chicago-native enjoys tap

and admits to having amassed anembar-

Gemini nature, she values independence

dancing, eating, yoga, rock climbing, and

rassingly large collection of magazines...so,

and likes to dabble in anything that strikes

biking. Her refrigerator is home to

naturally she decided to start her own.

her fancy. She appreciates good food, good

approximately 50 mustards.

Blog: Champagne Bubbles

coffee, and good people.

Blog: My Name is Yeh

Blog: An Experiment in Poverty

A SHLE E GADD

JACKIE PFE FFE R

EMILY R ACK

MANAGING EDITOR

STAFF WRITER

A curly-haired, library-loving girl split

Ashlee Gadd is an aspiring writer & ama-

Jackie lives in New York’s Hudson Valley

between Ottawa (journalism school) and

teur photographer residing in Sacramento,

with her two dogs, Rocco and Suzette.

London (home). An apple lover, dinner

California. When she’s not making lists

Known as “the resident paparazzi”, it was

party enthusiast & bedroom ballerina,

and guzzling Go Girl energy drinks, you

no surprise that she’s ended up making

Emily enjoys picnics, baking, 80’s post-

can find her at your local thrift store, yoga

her living as a photographer. Jackie likes

punk and reading Hemingway. She loves

studio, or most likely, frozen yogurt shop.

hiking, sushi and she is among the small

boys with glasses, John Hughes movies,

She’s a self proclaimed joy-chooser, smile-

percentage of people in the world who

and listening to other people’s stories.

creator, and truth-lover.

actually enjoys hanging out in airports.

Idols include Anne Shirley and Tina Fey.

Blog: Where My Heart Resides

Blog: JacPfef

Blog: Say Anything


A SHLE Y L APATO

KE NZ A SALEM

KIMBERLY GENEVIEVE

Ashley Lapato is a natural redhead and

Kenza is 1 year old with a passion for

Kimberly is a photographer living in West

makeup enthusiast, and recently she

Shakespeare and all things old fashioned.

Hollywood. She enjoys concerts on Sunset

started sharing her passion for beauty on

She finds herselfself looking at life through

Boulevard and lunch dates at M Cafe. A

Youtube. Ashley lives in the great state of

some seriously dramatic lenses and like

collector of all things vintage, she can be

Virginia with her handsome husband, Jer-

so many teenagers considers herself well

found at the local flea market on a weekly

emy. Her secret loves include the salad bar

beyond her years. She’d much rather be

basis. She lives with her photog-assistant

at Ruby Tuesday and the television show

having steak frites with Badoit in France

boyfriend in what she considers the most

Storage Wars.

than going a high school dance.

charming neighborhood in Los Angeles.

Blog: That is All

Blog: My Treasure Trove

She considers herself friendly, social, and always excited for what may come next. Blog: Paddle to Shore

LESLE Y MILLE R

CELESTE NOCHE

A So Cal girl at heart, Lesley now lives in

Celeste is a Bay Area native whose life

Sacramento with her hot husband, Jona-

dream is to travel the world. A recent

than, and new baby, Anna. She recently

Stanford graduate in English and Classics,

traded in her heels; squeezing writing in

she loves her ukulele, film photography,

between stroller rides. She loves old homes,

stargazing, and Mr. Darcy. She splits her

morning runs, and leaving long voicemail

daydreaming equally between food, Eu-

messages. Her favorite places on earth

rope, and what to be when she grows up.

are: Newport Beach, Mammoth Mountain,

Blog: Wanderlust

Have an idea for a piece? Email us at contributors@thevioletonline.com with a 300 word pitch!

Hong Kong, and her living room. Blog: Barefoot on 45th

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{ Live } verb * remain alive


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Do Something!

by emily rack

Move!

questions are highly encouraged.

Go skiing, walking, tubing, skating, or

Stick to your New Year’s Resolutions!

snowboarding! Even if you don’t live somewhere frosty, your closest ski hill will

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all made

goals look more conquerable! Things like “expand my music knowledge, and find a great new band,” or “try a new recipe every month” are easy and fun, and you’ll feel a lot closer to your more life-changing

be pumping out artificial snow, and even

some lofty resolutions in the past (Write

an indoor skating rink can make you feel

that novel. Body like Jennifer Aniston.

wintry. It’s a fabulous excuse to get active,

Never get angry.), and although we

❦ Holding yourself accountable. If you

try something new, and have an atypi-

might make a champion effort the first

really want to accomplish something,

cal day trip with your family, friends, or

few weeks of January, we often let them

write it down and hang it up where you

maybe a cute boy. Go breathe some crisp

slide until we sheepishly revisit them 11

(and everyone else) can see it. This sounds

air, boost your adrenaline, and get the

months down the road. Oops. This year,

too easy, but it will seriously help you stay

giggles as you fly down a slope. You can’t

make it easier to achieve your goals by:

on track. The phrase “out of sight, out of

❦ Breaking down your bigger resolutions

mind” couldn’t be more accurate in this

beat those rosy cheeks… or the hot chocolate you obviously deserve afterwards.

Throw a Valentine’s Day bash.

into more manageable tidbits. Plan out how you can fit your resolutions comfortably into your life without any guilt or too

resolutions.

case. Put your list on your fridge, on your bedroom mirror, or above your desk. That everyday, visual reminder will help you succeed.

Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, it’s corporate. But we

much pressure. It helps to set a specific

get excited about any day to celebrate the

goal. Instead of the classic “get fit,” why

love in our lives! Invite all your loved

not “run a 5k by the end of February” or

ones, single or taken, mail handmade

Try your hand at a DIY project.

“sign up for a kickboxing class”? Specific

The winter months can sometimes make

Valentines as invitations (don’t forget the

goals give you a definitive end product.

everything in your life feel a bit sluggish,

doilies), serve a few pink cocktails, set up

From there, you can keep building.

even your decor. There are a few great,

❦ Including some smaller, doable resolu-

crafty ideas in this issue that might help

kitschy props and heart-spattered wallpaper, and play some smooch-y, old-school,

tions for the year. I often use this tactic

love tunes. If you’re feeling cheeky, party

with to-do lists, and it works wonders.

games like spin the bottle and loaded

Something about those extra check marks

a “kissing booth” photo station with some

is super motivating and makes your bigger

you brighten up your space on a budget. Even quickly rearranging furniture or hanging some new photos can bring some life into a sleepy home.


Refresh your body.

to restore moisture balance. Your body

cause is never a bad idea. Try writing a

Make a quick scrub with one cup of

will love all the extra attention after being

love letter to someone who really needs

brown sugar, half a cup of almond (or

hidden away under layers all day.

it. The World Needs More Love Letters

olive) oil, one teaspoon of vitamin E oil,

Do something for someone else.

and a squeeze of lemon to pep up tired skin in the shower. This concoction helps

After the holidays, our inclination toward

slough off dry skin cells and boosts your

charitable acts sometimes goes through

circulation, which is especially important

a bit of a slump. Take the opportunity

in the winter months when we tend to

to put good energy and beauty in the

be less active. Make sure you moisturize

world. Sparing a bit of time for a good

is an organization (made up of fabulous individuals around the world) that leaves love letters in places for people, who might need them, to pick up. If you want to unplug a little, reinstate the joys of snail mail, and do something positive.

slightly damp skin right after your shower

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On Friendship by lesley miller

We have very little in common, and it’s been like that since we

What I didn’t realize back then was that Sarah was a cheerleader

met at Springbrook Elementary School in sixth grade. She wore

for another friend too. Her name was Serenity, and she was dying

tall, knee-high boots with laces; I sported Keds and my Girl Scout

of leukemia at 16. I knew Serenity was sick; I even knew it was

uniform. She went to Iran for spring break; I went skiing. She

serious. But I didn’t know what to say or how to show up as a

was in the advanced math class; I was still trying to figure out my

friend. I’ll never forget the morning Sarah called me, all lightness

multiplication tables. And, had we been old enough, she’d have

gone from her voice. “Serenity’s gone,” she said, “I was just with

given her vote to Clinton while Bush Senior would have received

her, holding her hand. And now she’s gone.”

mine.

Sarah’s been holding my hand a lot recently. My husband was

I can’t remember that magic moment when we first connected.

diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We had just received the

I can say for certain that it didn’t happen while schlepping

news when she happened to call for yet another marathon phone

meatballs together in the school cafeteria. KnowingSarah, she

date. I didn’t want to tell her that the enemy who had taken her

never would’ve worked the lunch line. It just wasn’t her style.

friend so many years ago was trying to strike again.

Even then, she was more sophisticated than that. Now, her style consists of fantastic shoes and designer handbags, perfectly cute J. Crew ensembles, and understated jewelry; although, those discoveries came after we both went through terribly awkward stages in high school that I’d rather not discuss. For all our differences, we had one major thing in common that sealed our friendship: a love for the telephone. Our marathon sessions started in junior high when we attended different schools. There was plenty to catch up on each night, such as my mega crush on the boy with the hearing aid or her observations on the misguided flirtations in her school’s hallways. Sarah has always been my cheerleader, literally and figuratively. She was the friend who showed up at my volleyball matches with banners and who let me borrow a dress when I was homecoming princess. She listened to my dreams and desires and often rooted for them with more conviction than I did.

We think it was caught early. It appears curable, but there are days I’m scared. I’ve never walked this path before. Sarah has, and she has bravely stepped into a role that isn’t fun or glamorous. Sarah’s journey with Serenity led her to a career in health management, and she’s become my researcher and advocate as we navigate the complicated world of health insurance. Sarah also continues to calm my heart and lift my spirit: sending me funny e-cards, texting in the middle of the night to check on me, and driving a long distance to deliver a beautiful red blanket for Jonathan to use on chemo days. Most importantly, she has let me vent and feel sorry for myself without judging or pitying me. At 16, I didn’t know how to be a friend to Sarah as she walked next to someone battling cancer. Now, at 30, she is filling that support role for me with all the grace, patience, and humor that I failed to offer her as a young girl. I am so thankful that after all these years, she’s still that voice on the other end of the line.


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{ Create } verb * bring (something) into existence


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Make Something! Rose-Almond Valentine Bath Bombs

by emily rack

chemicals. It does the job, and it smells phenomenal.

These sweet, fizzy bath bombs are mois-

What you need: beeswax, coconut oil,

turizing, relaxing, and with the addition

sweet almond oil. For the jars: mason jars,

of rose petals... just a little romantic. A

chalkboard paint, chalk.

perfect present to give your girlfriends on

In a double boiler, melt one part beeswax

Valentine’s Day or to keep all for yourself.

to two parts coconut oil and two parts

What you need: baking soda, citric acid,

sweet almond oil. Feel free to add a drop

cornstarch, almond oil, water, cupcake/

or two of any essential oil. Stir up the

muffin tin. Optional: coarse sea salt, es-

mixture with a fork to combine them very

sential oils, dried rose petals/buds.

well before pouring into a small mason

In one bowl, mix together one cup baking

jar. Leave in a cool place until mixture has

soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup corn

settled. Apply to everything! A tip: apply

starch, and 1/3 cup sea salt until very well

salve all over feet right before bed, pop on

blended. In a separate bowl, mix 2 1/2

some little cotton socks, and snooze. By

tablespoons of almond oil, 3/4 tablespoon

dawn your heels will be softer than they

of water, and a few drops of any essential

could have every imagined. For chalk-

oil you’re using. Mix well. Quickly stir the

board mason jars, simply remove the lids,

wet ingredients into the dry ingredients,

paint on one horizontal layer or chalk-

making sure to squish everything together.

board paint and one vertical layer (drying

Pack the mixture down into cupcake tins,

between coats), rub all over with chalk to

and press the dried flowers into the tops.

prime, and then label away to your heart’s

Leave to dry overnight (or at least a few

content.

hours) before gently patting them out of

Customized Storage Jars

works well, but any multi-surface paint

the molds. Drop one in your bath right

whatever paint you’re using. Spray paint

If your kitchen cupboards are full of dusty

away, or pop into cute cupcake liners to

will do the job. Let dry, and then draw

packages of flour and unsightly bulk-

give away as little gifts.

your desired word(s) onto the jar with a

bought oats in transparent plastic bags,

pencil. After practicing on a scrap piece

Coconut Almond All-Purpose Salve (with Chalkboard Containers!)

it may be time for a change. By labeling

of paper, very carefully trace your word

glass jars and painting them pretty colors,

with your glue gun. Make sure to get

For me, winter means a lot of things.

you can still identify your goods, but with

an even stream of glue, and don’t worry

Snowfall, romantic skating dates, hot

a lot less mess.

about any tiny strings that form. They

chocolate, cozy socks, and lots of movies.

What you need: glass jar/container/vase,

can be rubbed off later. After the glue has

But it also means some less picturesque

rubbing alcohol, glue gun, glass-friendly

dried completely, go over your entire jar

moments. I’m talking about chapped lips,

paint.

with another coat (or two) of paint until

cracked hands, and crocodile elbows. Beat

Prime your glass container by wiping it

the dry skin blues very simply with this

with rubbing alcohol to prevent oil from

all-purpose, intensely moisturizing salve

accumulating. This will allow the paint to

that you can keep in little chalkboard tins

stick later. Give the jar a complete coat of

all over the house. All natural. No scary

the whole thing is an opaque color. Allow everything to dry and the paint to cure for 2-3 weeks before filling with food.


crafty tendencies.

until all ends are tied down. Double knot,

Every autumn, I tell myself, “This year,

What you need: ball/skein of yarn — any

cut loose, and weave the last piece into

you will start knitting a scarf and finish

color, any thickness, any texture. This is

the scarf. Repeat this wrapping process as

it before it gets cold.” Alas, as the frigid

your scarf!

many times as you like around the scarf,

months roll around, I am left with a

Line up two chairs side by side, and start

number of abandoned projects still needle-

wrapping your wool in a circle around

bound and one very chilly neck. I would

them. Continue until you have a loop as

love to knit myself a beautiful scarf one

thick as the scarf you want (I used about

day, but this year I simply do not have the

¾ of my skein of yarn for a rather hefty

time. Enter the no-knit infinity scarf. This

scarf). Cut off the end, and tie the two

cutie took me just a few minutes and one

loose pieces together with a double knot.

ball of yarn to complete. While it may not

Carefully remove your loop of wool from

be quite the same as a heavily toiled over

the chairs, and lay out on a work surface.

knit-purl-knit number, I think it’s pretty

Using the rest of your wool, tie a knot

adorable, and at least this time, I can say I

around the scarf where your loose ends

made it myself. Perfect for busy girls with

are, and begin wrapping for about an inch

No-Knit Infinity Scarf

using the same or different colored wools to add a different texture and to stop the strands from straying. This should be the right length to double over around your neck or to just wear loosely. Amazed? A cozy, wooly scarf in less than 15 minutes. So easy you can make them for everyone you want to keep warm. While other girls are wowed by your domestic skills, all you’ll do is flip your hair and say, “Oh, it was nothing.”

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Blossom

by jasmine l . h . myers photography by kim geneviève


white stood for innocence and pure love. Carnations could even be used to answer questions. A solid colored carnation meant yes, and a striped carnation meant no. Their history intrigued me, and I decided to give carnations a chance. I discovered that they’re actually quite lovely. They just need proper treatment. When working with carnations, I prefer to stick to one or two shades of the same color. In this case, I used dark and light shades of purple (symbolizing capriciousness – don’t you love that?). I also like to keep carnation arrangements full and low. They end up looking like a bundle of beautiful ruffles. If you’d like to recreate what I’ve made, you’ll need: ❖ hanging teardrop vases ❖ baker’s twine ❖ nails ❖ mini carnations ❖ tealights

Ahhh, carnations. One of the most

carnation. I did a little research and

unpopular flowers of our time. I used

discovered that carnations haven’t always

to hate them. Every time I’d spot a few

been so unpopular. They were considered

The directions are very simple. Just cut the

sneaky carnations in a bouquet of flowers

one of the most elegant flowers of the

heads off of several carnations, and bunch

from a boyfriend, I’d cringe a little on

Victorian era. In fact, carnations had a

them into teardrop vases. Add tealight

the inside. I’m not sure what it was about

hidden language all their own! During

candles to a couple vases. You can hang

them that I disliked. It could have been

the Victorian era, public displays of

them at varying heights against a wall like

that you could always find them wrapped

affection were a major no-no, so lovers

I did, or you can cluster them over a table

in cellophane with ferns and baby’s breath

turned to flowers to express their feelings.

like a chandelier or hang them from the

at the grocery store, all tied up with a

Carnations are the birth flower of January.

branches of a tree outside. I used small,

scratchy, cheap ribbon. Or maybe it had

They symbolize love, fascination, devotion,

tealight holders for the table arrangements.

to do with the fact that they’re used in

and distinction. And it didn’t stop there!

Just trim your carnations short, and fill the

elementary school science experiments.

Each color had its own meaning too!

vases with water. Mix in some tealights,

Pink carnations were used to say, “I’ll

and you have a very elegant, understated

never forget you.” Red meant, “My

display. Just make sure you choose the

heart aches for you.” Yellow symbolized

right color! Wouldn’t want to offend

disappointment and rejection, while

anyone with an insulting hidden meaning!

Then, one day I had to throw a bridal shower. I was in my early twenties and broke, so I turned to the inexpensive

❖ tealight holders

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{ Nurture } verb * care for and encourage the growth or development of


We Recommend

BOOK — An Everlasting Meal Tamar Adler elegantly recreates M. F.

by celeste noche

Album — “No One’s Slate is Clean” by Courtney Marie Andrews

MOVIE — Jane Eyre As a lover of classic literature, film adapta-

K. Fisher’s How to Cook a Wolf to make it

I think it’s safe to say that everyone’s fa-

tions of my favorite books usually serve as

relevant today: instead of addressing the

vorite part of January is the fresh start. But

a painful experience or offer a great new

challenges of wartime meals, she promotes

what about the people we were last year?

perspective. Cary Fukunaga’s rendition of

the ability to eat well with whatever you

Five years ago? Twenty? Courtney Marie

Jane Eyre stands apart from its preceding

have. “Cooking with grace and economy”

Andrews’ “No One Slate Is Clean” is a

18+ film versions as the latter. Not only is

comes from buying produce in season,

melodic rendition of what it’s like to hold

Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender’s

adjusting recipes to accommodate what

onto the people we were yesterday. Her

chemistry spot on, they portray their char-

you have and transforming leftovers so

songs are dreamy yet honest — yesterday’s

acters with the perfectly balanced reserve

they’re always fresh. It’s about tasting wa-

stories set to today’s feelings. “Keep your

and longing of their literary counterparts.

ter as you boil it, incorporating stems and

past as your reminder for your future,”

Fukunaga highlights the emotional inten-

vegetable ends into broths and celebrating

sings Andrews in “Ballad of a Home Once

sity between Jane and Mr. Rochester by

quality over quantity. Adler instructs to

Left.” This album is what a rainy morning

emphasizing the novel’s Gothic elements,

develop instinctive cooking: to trust your

sounds like, when you’re inside planning

from the opening scene of Jane lost in

own judgment in your kitchen. Instead of

for the future but remembering the past

a storm to the dark colors and musical

relying on gourmet ingredients and state-

instead.

score throughout the film. These elements

of-the-art equipment, she uses the bones,

only serve to highlight the mastermind of

peels and ends of meals before them to

Charlotte Brontë’s original text and offer

make the most satisfying dishes. It’s a

an aesthetically inspiring interpretation of

simplistic approach to cooking that focuses

her novel. Of course, as books are adapted

on the pleasures of eating. An Everlasting

into films, there will always be differences

Meal isn’t just a book of stories and recipes

between the two. Here, the most notable

— it’s a mindset.

change is that Fassbender’s Rochester is oceans and leagues more attractive than the literary Mr. Rochester, but who’s complaining?

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Be Well

If you had asked me a few years ago for

think of the big picture.

my advice on coping with stress, I would

When things get really difficult, I can’t

have laughed at you. Majorly stressing out

help but remind myself that life is short,

over small issues used to be a really bad

and I don’t want to spend a majority of

manage your stress levels

habit of mine. I think I actually was more

my time being upset or negative. Stress

better in the new year!

comfortable being stressed than being at

and negativity are very contagious and

By Camilla Salem

peace, so I would find any excuse to enter

soon enough you may find yourself

panic-mode.

surrounded by even more of it. Nobody

don’t worry, be happy.

Once I started experiencing the physical

wants that, trust me.

manifestations of my stress (stomach ulcer,

tap into your resources.

piercing migraines, breakouts) I realized

Chances are you have a friend or contact

something had to change, and fast. Since

who has gone through something some-

we don’t really have control over the daily

what similar to your own situation. Reach

occurences that happen to us, the only

out to them for advice and guidance. They

thing we can do is change our reactions.

may even have their own resources that

Here are some of my tips on managing

they can pass on to you!

stress:

counter the negativity.

Breathe deeply.

Even if we try our very best to prevent

At the first sign of a potentially stress-

stressful situations, let’s face it, they’re

ful moment, take a deep breath. Don’t let

going to show up. I feel the effects of

your body tense up or hold your breath so

stress almost immediately in the form of

that toxins build up in your bloodstream.

stomach pain or a headache. Something

A deep breath can help put things into

that I’ve found useful in recovering is to

perspective.

immediately do something that makes me happy. Try singing really loudly in the car

Be rational and logical.

to your favorite song, taking a hot bath,

Face the problem head on. Ask yourself

cooking a good meal, getting in a solid

questions like “what’s the outcome I want

workout or yoga session, or spending

from this situation?” and then “is there

some time outdoors, breathing in fresh air.

a straightforward way to get it?”. Most problems that we allow ourselves to panic over have very simple solutions that we are missing because of our reaction.

The truth is, stress shouldn’t be a regular part of our lives. If something is continually bringing you down, it may be time to reconsider things in your life. Don’t

The world is filled with problems that

be afraid to make big changes if need be.

have incredibly complex solutions, or even

And remember that things usually end up

sometimes none at all. Most of the day to

working out.

day things that we face are things we can handle.

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Five Totally Attainable New Year’s by jackie pfeffer photo by celeste noche


Resolutions See you later, 2011! It’s time to set our goals to make the most

when this happens, we tend to sacrifice our down time because

of our new year — so let’s run five miles a day, trade in our

it just seems so expendable. It’s not! Our brains need time to

hamburgers for celery and write the next Twilight series! Or…not.

recharge and de-stress to function properly.

Resolutions are easy to make and sometimes our ambition gets the

✺ Set aside an hour. It’s tough to drag yourself out of bed some-

better of us. We can follow through on our resolutions by making

times when the day seems so overwhelming (and your blankets

them attainable. And so, without further adieu, I bring you five

are so warm!). Allow yourself an hour of just you, your pajamas,

totally attainable New Years resolutions.

your coffee and your couch.

Keep it Positive. Not everything is always rainbows and butterflies, but here are a few tricks to put a positive spin on a rainy day.

✺ Write a happy list. Force yourself to write down ten things that you’re thankful for. It doesn’t have to be something big! Love hot cocoa? Write it down. Really partial to wool socks? Write it.

✺ Go for a quiet walk. Leave the headphones at home and just let yourself have some time to be a part of your surroundings.

✺ Disconnect. Turn off your phone, your computer, your iPad and any other communication devices during meals and definitely while you sleep!

Fulfill your goals.

✺ Knock out the “shoulds.” Did you know that by using the

Whether you want to write a blog or a book, paint more, or im-

word should, it automatically puts a negative spin on things?

prove your yoga skills, a consistent schedule is necessary.

Should in the past tense implies regret (ie: “I really should have

✺ Make your goal less intimidating. Writing a chapter is less

left ten minutes earlier.”) and the future tense indicates uncer-

a lot less intimidating than writing a book. Doing a perfect

tainty (“I should really run today.”). Try replacing the ‘shoulds’

downward dog is way less intimidating than doing a handstand.

throughout your day with positive words, like ‘will’.

Whatever your main goal is, break it down into smaller accom-

✺ Find the silver lining.

If you look hard enough, I promise it’s

there.

Be Active. Let’s be honest, running five miles a day would be impressive — ­­ but who has the time or energy for that? Even thinking about it is exhausting. Try increasing your activity in small ways instead.

plishments and commit to achieving one of those at a time.

✺ Make time. Schedule time to work on your goals and write it down in your calendar. By physically putting it into your schedule, you’re more likely to follow through.

✺ Cut out distractions. Make your scheduled time a distraction free zone and eliminate things like your cell phone, facebook, and

✺ Park further away. By parking a block or two away from your

twitter. It’ll all be there when you get back.

destination (or even across the parking lot) you’re adding in a

Treat yo’self.

short walk. A block doesn’t seem like much, I know, but think

New Years Resolutions are about hard work, and part of hard

about how much it adds up in a year’s time.

work is rewarding yourself for it — you deserve it! Here are

✺ Embrace your higher heel. Wear high heels one or two more days a week — you’ll look cute and tone up your legs.

some ideas:

✺ Some time at the spa. Skip a few days of coffee or lunches

✺ Skip the cart, carry your groceries. It’s the equivalent to

out and put that money toward a massage, a manicure or a pedi-

walking with weights. I usually do a few lifts with them as I’m

cure. You will thank yourself as you’re relaxing.

walking across the parking lot to my car, which I highly recom-

✺ A dinner & movie night. Make yourself a fancy dinner pour

mend if you don’t mind the funny looks.

yourself a glass of wine and settle down in front of a good flick.

Relax. Life gets overwhelming. Sometimes, we feel as though there’s not enough time to get our laundry list of to-dos done. Unfortunately,

✺ Shoes. Do I even have to explain this? Here’s to a healthy, happy 2012!

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{ Nourish } verb * Provide with food or other substances necessary for growth, health and good condition


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A Romantic Winter Meal by camilla salem

Sometimes I think the work that goes into putting together a beautiful meal can kind of kill your mood. These cold weather dishes come together in less than two hours and the smells alone while you’re cooking will get you excited to eat. This meal is best enjoyed with one other person, a lover or just a loved one. These are classic flavors that when brought together make the most comforting meal you can imagine, but without that too-full feeling that often comes with rich dishes.

Drink red wine. Skip the fancy cocktails and open a bottle of your favorite red. It’ll warm you up from the inside out and will pair perfectly with the flavors in this meal.

Start with fresh bread and cheese. Keep things simple for yourself when it comes to appetizers so that you can truly enjoy the meal (rather than being exhausted from cooking all day). Serve your favorite cheese with warm crusty french bread.

Split a classic roast chicken. A proud, moist roast chicken is a delicious main event. It’s really easy to make, requiring only a bit of preparation and a browned deliciously in a hot oven are ad-

is the step in which you massage the salt

Accompany with rosemary roasted root vegetables.

into the breast of the chicken. This step

Root vegetables are not only packed with

gets the last of the roast garlic. It’s just that

ensures a moist bird with great flavor.

flavor, but also nutrients. This side dish

good.

Don’t skip it!

is so satisfying. It’s starchy components,

few ingredients. The secret to this chicken

dicting. You may end up fighting over who


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Cabbage salad is a crisp addition.

possible that your night is just getting

you will be quite impressed with your

started (wink, wink). We wouldn’t want

skills in the kitchen and how calm and re-

Cabbage is not only in season, but it’s

you to feel weighed down by anything

laxed you are. And don’t worry, we won’t

loaded with important nutrients. It’s one

too heavy, oily, rich, or sugary. This apple

tell them how easy this meal really is to

of those sad vegetables that’s often ignored

cake is the perfect way to end a meal like

make. It’ll be our little secret!

for the fancier produce, but tossed with

this one. Bake this earlier in the day as it’s

chopped parsley and a simple red wine

much, much better once it’s had a chance

vinaigrette and it transforms. It’s a fantastic

to cool and set a bit.

and different salad to accompany a very

Often times, when we prepare big, lovely,

classic meal. The salty chicken and roasted

painstaking meals for people we love, we

vegetables scream for some kind of an

end up so exhausted that we don’t even

acidic, fresh component and this salad is

feel like eating, let alone enjoying the

just the ticket!

night afterwards. The purpose of this meal

Finish with a light but comforting apple cake.

is to bring amazing flavors to the table

Even though your meal is ending, it’s quite

is lucky enough to enjoy this dinner with

and to allow you to enjoy them! Whoever


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Recipes Cheese Plate with Fresh Baguette 1 fresh baguette 1 or 2 of your favorite cheeses Slice the baguette on the diagonal into thin slices. Set the cheese on a pretty plate and arrange slices around it. Enjoy!

Roasted Chicken With Thyme 1 whole chicken, washed and dried thoroughly

2 heaping teaspoons kosher salt (I usually do this by eye - this is a rough estimate)

2 sprigs of fresh thyme or 2 pinches of dried thyme (fresh is better)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 small bunch of parsley 1 sprig of rosemary 1 lemon, halved Preheat the oven to 475° F. Place the chicken in a pyrex baking dish. Cut two slits in the skin of each breast, and with fingers, loosen skin from the meat. Stick a spring of thyme in each slit. Generously sprinkle salt all over chicken, paying careful attention to massage the salt into the breasts. Sprinkle evenly with black pepper. In the cavity of the chicken, stuff parsley, rosemary, and lemon halves. Cook the chicken at 475° for about 40 minutes. At this point turn the oven down to 400°

2 yams, cut into large pieces 2 turnips, quartered 1 large yellow onion, quartered 4 carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 sprig rosemary, leaves removed Preheat oven to 450° F.

In one bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs, and apples until everything is mixed together. In another bowl, sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Mix the first bowl with the second bowl until everyis mixed in. Pour into buttered dish or

hands, toss vegetables to ensure they are

pan and bake for about an hour or until a

evenly coated. Spill evenly onto a large

tester comes out clean.

baking sheet. Roast in the oven until vegetables begin to brown. Serve hot. Serves 4.

Cabbage Salad with parsley 1 medium sized head of green cabbage 1/2 cup parsley, chopped 1/2 cup canola oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper With a mandolin or a sharp knife, shred the cabbage. Place in a large serving bowl and sprinkle parsley on top. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour over cabbage and toss. Serves 2-4

1 1/2 cup of sugar 1/3 cup of canola oil 2 eggs 4 green apples, peeled and diced 2 cups of flour 2 teaspoons of baking soda 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

2 beets, washed, quartered 2 cloves of garlic, with the top 1/4 cut off

pyrex baking dish or a cake pan.

salt, pepper, and rosemary. With your

bird is done. When legs are wiggly and

Rosemary Roasted Root Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 300° F and butter a

thing is well incorporated and all the flour

Green Apple Cake

Serves 2-4.

Butter for greasing baking dish

In a large bowl, combine vegetables, oil,

F and cook at this temperature until the juices run clear, the bird should be done.

1 teaspoon of salt

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From Scratch it may be tempting to buy bottles of the premade stuff, but these sweet sauces are so easy to make!

Chocolate syrup From 52 Kitchen Adventures 1 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup unsweetened cocoa poweder 1 cup water 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cocoa powder until most of the lumps are gone. Add water and salt and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently. Bring to a boil and cook for a few minutes, until thickened, continuing to stir frequently. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes, then add vanilla extract. Store in air tight

container in the fridge.

whipped cream From The Violet 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons sugar With a standmixer, handmixer, or by hand, whisk together the ingrdients until soft peaks form. Don’t over-whisk or you will find yourself with butter! Refrigerate until ready to serve.


Strawberry Sauce From The Violet 1 bag frozen strawberries 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup water In a sauce pan heat strawberries, sugar, and water together. As mixture is cooking down, mash strawberries with potato masher, or with the side of your spoon. Once it’s cooked down, keep at room temperature until ready to serve. Note: you may need to double this recipe if you’re planning to serve more than 4 people. The strawberries cook down quite a bit.

Salted Caramel Sauce Adapted from Yummy Supper 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed 1/2 cup heavy cream 2 teaspoons vanilla pinch of salt Place sugar in a small heavy sauce pan. Pour water over the top. Turn stove top to medium-high heat. Swirl saucepan occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Cover pan, turn heat to high, and boil for 2 minutes. Remove lid and continue to boil until syrup turns brown around the edges of the pan. Again grab the handle and swirl syrup occasionally until it turns a deep amber and begins to smoke. Remove pan from heat. Add butter. Gently whisk, until all butter is mixed in. Stir in cream. Stir in vanilla and salt. Store in an airtight container.

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The Egg {A Narrative} by molly yeh

From the ages of however old I was when

There was a point in time when if I didn’t

in contrasting forms and as different parts

I got teeth to when I discovered bologna

like what my mom made for dinner, my

of a meal. If you don’t already, do yourself

(so, from about one to eight years old),

only other option was scrambled eggs. My

a tasty favor and take the extra effort to

my solution to that classic mom motto

annual birthday breakfast of choice? A big

find the freshest, organic, local eggs you

of “you need more protein” was eggs. I

fat egg sandwich. And then, of course,

can.

wasn’t very into meat, and I loved eggs

there was the egg white stage: that sad,

so much that I was willing to be that kid

tasteless moment in time when I had first

with the ever-smelly hard-boiled egg at

started college and thought I could avoid

the lunch table, sacrificing the olfactory

the freshman 15 by removing the best

senses of more sensitive children.

part.

The fact that the contents of one little

Eggs always have been and always will be

rounded shell can take on so many tasty

a favorite of mine. The possibilities are

forms blows my mind. And while memo-

utterly endless, especially when you look

ry-makers like scents, playlists, and books

past the American stereotype that eggs are

help a person recall various stages of his

mainly a breakfast food. Following are

or her life, it’s eggs that do it for me.

four egg-centric recipes that showcase eggs

Grilled Cheese Hole-in-theMiddle (or egg-in-a-basket, egg-in-ahole, egg-in-the-middle… someone please get this dish an identity) During a growth-spurt year, I ate two hole-in-the-middles every morning (Don’t do that. There is such a thing as too many eggs.). As a result, my mom became an expert hole-in-the-middle maker. Every single time, the whites ere evenly firm and the yolk was gloriously runny. The grilled


cheese component adds a little twist (and a few more calories) and makes a great, quirky lunch! Ingredients:

Two slices of bread

2/3 cup finely grated cheddar cheese 1 egg salt & pepper to taste butter to grease the pan Directions:

In a buttered pan over medium heat, toast each slice of bread on one side. Remove from heat, and evenly distribute the cheese between the slices with the toasted sides facing in. Return the sandwich to the pan (adding more butter if necessary), and cook covered over low heat, flipping once, until cheese is slightly melted and the bread is beginning to brown. Remove from heat, and cut out a 2-inch circle from the center using a cup or cookie cutter. Over medium heat, return the sandwich and the circle to the pan. Crack an egg into the middle of the sandwich. Once the egg has become firm on the bottom, flip and cook on the other side until egg reaches desired firmness. Season with salt and pepper.

Ingredients:

saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to

4 cups chicken broth 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 stalks scallions, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 6 strips bacon, prepared and chopped into

a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of broth. Set aside. In another bowl, beat eggs with the salt and remaining ½ teaspoon of black pep-

1-inch pieces

per. Drizzle into the soup, stirring gently.

Bacon and Egg Drop Soup

soy sauce to taste

The eggs will cook in seconds. Stir in the

This one’s a nod to my Chinese side and

1 teaspoon black pepper

cornstarch mixture.

a spin on the bacon and egg sammy I like

2 teaspoons cornstarch

Serve with Sriracha.

to indulge in on my birthday. This soup is

3 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt

Tamago

Directions:

my survival tool during all of those meals

Combine the first seven ingredients plus

when my fish-loving sister requested that

a 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper in a large

our family go out for sushi. While she

smoky, tasty, and filling enough to be an entire meal. It’s also easy as pie. Egg drop soup is probably the easiest way to cook an egg.

Tamago, a sweet, chilled omelette, was

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firms up, and then roll up, building on the first roll. Repeat this process until all the egg mixture is used. Remove from heat, wrap the roll in plastic wrap, and then wrap in a kitchen towel. Shape the roll by gently flattening it to form a brick shape. Cool completely. Slice into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch pieces, and serve wrapped in seaweed on top of sushi rice or any other way you’d like!

Egg Custard Tarts On a recent trip to Hong Kong, egg custard tarts were everywhere. Kind of like how restaurants in the U.S. advertise with big plastic donuts or cones of french fries outside, massive, size-of-my-head egg custards decorated Hong Kong. My favorite experience was buying one for the equivalent of less than one U.S. dollar and enjoying it on the ferry to Hong Kong Island. Things just taste better on ferries. feasted on colorful little rolls, each with

2 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce

a different piece of fish, my plate was

vegetable oil to grease the pan

a monochromatic display of five or six pieces of tamago.

Combine the eggs, sugar, mirin, and soy sauce in a bowl. Mix well.

to make. Some people use a square pan

Grease the bottom of a small frying pan

specifically meant for tamago, but it’s not

with vegetable oil and set over medium-

necessary (you’ll end up with a few ob-

low heat. Pour a quarter of the egg mix-

long end bits, but those are fun to munch

ture into the pan. Once it firms up on the

on right out of the pan). I eat tamago on

bottom (and while the top is still slightly

its own, in sushi rolls, or on top of rice

runny), start at one end of the pan and

bowls.

fold the egg onto itself three or four times

4 eggs 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon white sugar 1 tablespoon mirin

too-sweet dessert. They go great with tea. Ingredients:

Directions:

Homemade tamago is incredibly easy

Ingredients:

These egg custard tarts are a perfect, not-

until it is completely rolled up and at the other end of the pan. While the egg roll is still in the pan, pour in another quarter of the egg mixture. Cook until the bottom

For the custard filling:

3/4 cup boiling water 1/4 cup white sugar 4 eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract juice from half a lemon a pinch of salt

1/2 cup evaporated milk For the shells:

1 stick of butter, softened 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 egg pinch of salt


1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups flour 
 Directions:

Preheat oven to 450° F. Grease or line a cupcake pan. Set aside. Combine the boiling water with the white sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool. As it cools, make the shells. To make the shells, cream the butter and

extract, and lemon with an electric mixer. Stir in the evaporated milk. In the cupcake pan, form the shells with the dough, creating ¼-inch walls. Fill to the top with the custard. Bake for 1520 minutes or until shells have slightly browned and filling has puffed up.

We want to know what your favorite ways to eat up eggs are! Tweet us (@thevioletonline) or write on our Facebook wall and we’ll compile a great blog post full of deliciously eggy ideas.

These can be served cool or while they’re still warm.

powdered sugar with an electric mixer. Add the egg, salt, and vanilla, and mix until combined. Add the flour a 1/2 cup at a time to form a smooth dough. Form into a ball, and set aside. For the filling, combine the cooled sugar water with the eggs, vanilla, almond

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{ Play} verb * engage in activity for enjoyment


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Bringing Back Brunch that beautiful weekend meal where anything goes By Ashlee Gadd and Camilla Salem

This winter we’re bringing back brunch— that magical time of day when you can get away with eating just about anything. Can’t decide if you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory? Light or hearty? We think it’s perfectly fine to serve it all. Whether you’re hosting a winter shower, birthday celebration, or simply a gathering among friends, we’re certain that brunch is worthy of your next anyoccasion party.

THE DECOR ☞ Book page table runner – Buy an old book from a thrift store ($0.50-1.00) and rip out a series of pages. Tape the underside of the pages together, and lay across the center of your table.

☞ Pinecone place cards – Bring an element of nature to your table by writing your guests’ names on slips of paper and placing them on top of pinecones on each plate.

☞ Handmade favors – It’s always a nice gesture to give your guests a little something to take home. We love these handmade lotion bars by The Lamm Farm, perfect for beating dry winter skin!


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THE MENU ☞ Freshly squeezed grapefruit mimosas ☞ Homemade cinnamon buns ☞ Baked eggs with caramelized onions and kale ☞ Baguette with smoked salmon and lemon ☞ Chocolate covered strawberries ☞Clementines

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This menu is designed to be enjoyed slowly and with great friends. Everything is meant to be shared over laughs. This menu is incredibly easy to bring together — provided that you prepare the dough for the cinnamon rolls ahead of time.

freshly squeezed grapefruit mimosas 6 large grapefruits, juiced 1 bottle of inexpensive champagne In a large pitcher, pour grapefruit juice. Top with as much champagne as you’d like. Drink up!

cinnamon buns With cointreau icing From 101 Cookbooks 4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 cup warm nonfat milk 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 large egg, beaten 1/2 cup barely melted 1 teaspoon kosher salt 4 cups all-purpose flour Filling: 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons cinnamon 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Glaze: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water Icing: 1 cup powdered sugar 4 tablespoons heavy cream 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons Cointreau Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk in a large bowl. Add a pinch of the sugar and stir to dissolve the yeast. Let stand for a few minutes or until foamy.


Add the remaining sugar, the egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth. Stir the salt into the flour, then gradually add the flour to the bowl, a bit at a time, incorporating the flour after each addition. Knead dough in bowl for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Lightly oil bowl, turn it to coat with oil, and cover with a kitchen towel or equivalent. Let the dough rise in a sunny or warm place until doubled, about an hour. Cut the dough in half on a floured counter top and form each piece into a ball. One at a time, roll each piece into a rectangle 12 inches and 1/2 inch thick. For the filling, start by combining the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Spread half of the butter evenly over one rectangle of the dough. Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture evenly across the butter. Roll the dough up tightly lengthwise, then turn it so that the seam side is down. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices, a serrated knife works best. Bake in a buttered baking dish. Arrange the slices about 1/2 inch from each other on the baking sheet or in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining rectangle of dough and filling. You can freeze any slices you aren’t going to bake at this point. Cover the rolls you are going to bake with a dry towel and let rise in a sunny or warm spot until doubled, about an hour. The timing is pretty flexible here - you can go a few hours depending on what is convenient. Heat the oven to 400° F with a rack in

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the top third. Brush the buns with the

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate

egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if you

chips until melted, stirring once during

like. Bake the buns until golden brown,

process. Dip strawberries into chocolate,

roughly 15-18 minutes. Remove from the

coating them evenly and place on a

oven and slather with icing.

parchment lined baking sheet to set. Place

Whisk sugar, cream, vanilla and Cointreau until smoothe. Pour over hot cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

baked eggs with caramelized onions and kale

in a large bowl when ready to serve.

baguette with smoked salmon and lemon 1 large seeded baguette 1 package of smoked salmon 1 lemon

Butter 6 eggs 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped 1 cup kale, shredded

With a mandolin or a sharp knife slice lemon thinly. Place smoked salmon on a plate and top with lemon slices. Serve with sliced baguette.

1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons heavy cream In a sautÊ pan, heat olive oil and caramelize onions on low heat until they are brown. Add kale and cook until kale is wilted. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375° F. Butter a casserole dish and spread onions and kale evenly over the bottom of the dish. Crack eggs into casserole dish evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle heavy cream over the dish. Bake eggs in oven for 10 minutes then set oven to broil and let the tops of the eggs get brown and bubbly. Cook to desired doneness and serve hot with crusty bread and hot sauce.

chocolate covered strawberries 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 basket of ripe strawberries

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{ Embellish } verb * make (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features


New Year, New You photography by ashlee gadd modeled by kenza salem

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Bold Jewlery A statement piece of jewlery can transform a simple outfit into a memorable one with minimal effort. Try a big, detailed necklace, bright earrings, or a chunky bracelet.


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Rock Your Femininity One of our values here at The Violet is the expression of femininity. We think you should choose pieces that cinch your waist in and enhance your curves. Don’t try to hide them with baggy shirts. Show them off! Curves are beautiful.


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Go big with scarves It’s winter and it’s cold out. The chunky scarf look is very in and we’re happy about it. Not only does this look incredibly chic, but it will keep you toasty warm in the cold air. Find the chunkiest scarf you can and wrap it around your neck a couple of times. Don’t be shy about this one — the bigger, the better.

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Layers upon layers Another great trend for the cold months is to layer excessively. Add depth to your outfits by wearing things together you normally wouldn’t. Here we have a turtleneck, a button up, a big soft sweater, and a jacket. This keeps you toasty warm and takes your look to the next level.


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be yourself! Don’t worry about fitting into the crowd. Allow yourself to stand out! Do you love bright tights and leather jackets? Wear them! The most important thing is that your shining personality is expressed and that you feel like yourself in your clothes.


lipstick never goes out of style A bright lipstick is one of those things that can turn a bad day into a good one. Try out new colors this year and have fun with it! This is one trend that will never go out of style. Worried that it’s not for you? Wear it around your house first and get comfortable, then venture out. But always keep your lipstick on you to reapply!

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Pretty Paws

by ashley lapato

Pretty nails make any outfit look polished (get it?) and finished. You don’t have to spend a lot to take care of your nails. Here are some of my favorite polishes right now:

deborah lippmann between the sheets: Don’t be afraid to add some color back into these cold months with this vibrant fuchsia creme polish.

deborah lippmann bad romance : This polish with its jet black base & chunky fuchsia glitter is just plain cool. Plus, it’s inspired by Gaga herself!

zoya jana : Cozy winter sweaters call for pretty neutral polishes. Try Jana for an effortlessly chic look.

butter london the old bill : Metallics are always in style during the cold months. This coppery shade is particularly eye-catching. For super helpful makeup and beauty tips and tutorials, be sure to visit That is All.

essie cocktail bling: This pale gray polish is the perfect modern neutral. Wear this polish for sophistication with an edge.


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{ Muse } verb * be absorbed in thought


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Handmade With Love by ashlee gadd

Thanks to modern technolog y (see: the interwebs) and the beauty

ing their dream. If you resolved to buy more handmade items in

of social media, becoming an artist has never been easier. With

2012, here are a few of The Violet’s favorite artists and where to

just a few clicks of a mouse, you too can have an online shop up

find them…

and running in minutes using services such as Etsy, Big Cartel, or Goodsie. If you can draw, paint, sew, or stitch, there is room for

kelli murray

you in the handmade community - a perfect place to find stran-

I make: paintings, prints, cards, & stationery

gers and friends who cherish and appreciate one-of-a-kind items.

I’ve been doing this since: 2008

If you can’t do any of those things (like me), you can certainly take advantage of this different approach to online shopping. The battle of handmade vs. mass produced continues to be a chal-

What inspires me: fashion / nature / animals / things from the past / childhood memories / hopes & dreams

lenge for many artists, but the rising awareness of slave labor and

An artist is: a person who is simply inspired... and creates.

the fair trade movement have more people searching for products

Advice for up and coming artists: Don’t force your

that were made both responsibly and ethically. Sites like Pinterest have also helped artists’ work to “go viral” and reach the masses through people sharing products they love. While I adore Target as much as the next girl, there is something

art. Create when you are inspired. Be patient with the process, and allow yourself room to breathe. Some of my best work has come after a long period of not doing any art at all. Always keep pursuing your dreams.

to be said about the special-ness of handmade objects. I love owning unusual items that were handmade with love from a real art-

moorea seal

ist to wear or showcase in my home. Part of it is selfish, because

I make: Jewelry (I’m also an illustrator, graphic designer, and

I always receive compliments on such treasures, but part of it is selfless, because I truly love supporting someone who is follow-

blog designer for Freckled Nest Design.)

I’ve been doing this since: 2010.


An artist is: Someone who makes with purpose beyond the

molly gaines of vivi dot

practical.

I make: Jewelry and other accessories that all feature 1-inch

Why it’s important to support the handmade community: Handmade artists and small businesses need the

handmade buttons.

support of their community to stay in business, to stay motivated in their efforts, and to give reason and voice to the artist’s pursuits! Unlike huge corporations, and as a single woman and a handmade artist, my entire livelihood depends on the success of my business. To survive, we need the support and love of our communities to keep us going not just financially but emotionally as well.

Advice for up and coming artists: As an artist, you need to be very cautious and wise as you pursue turning your art into a business. I highly recommend reading Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco. I also recommend taking the online Indie Business course run by

I’ve been doing this since: 2007 What inspires me: I’m inspired by the fact that there’s really no limit to what I can create. Since I’m able to design my own fabrics and laser cut pieces, the possibilities are truly endless. Most often I find pattern and color inspiration by picking up on the little details in architecture, shadows, and nature.

Why it’s important to support the handmade community: Being one degree away from the person you’re purchasing from has so many benefits. It’s pretty awesome to know that the item you’re buying is supporting their passion and is coming from a place of love, not just a transaction driven by money.

Leigh-Ann Keffer, Jill Munro, and Kyla Roma. This class is offered

Advice for up and coming artists: Be confident in

once a year, and the next class starts January 26, 2012. I took this

yourself, who you are, and what you create.

class two years ago, and it was extremely helpful in guiding me through all of the aspects of turning my creative dream into a reality.

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Your Turn we asked you: do you buy handmade? if so, what are your favorite shops?

Having gone to art school I 100% support buying handmade and have so many talented friends to buy from! My hands down favorite shop is . She is so talented and does all of her work by hand. I am the proud owner of two of her amazing pieces and hardly ever take the earrings off! Check out her stuff here: http:// www.laurenblais.com/ — Lauren, Blog: Pack n’ Play

I buy handmade all the time - to me, it’s about individuality and supporting a real person. But more than anything, it’s about supporting the story behind the purchase. I volunteer at a fair trade store in Colorado Springs called Yobel Market, which carries products handmade from literally all over the world. Each item represents the story of someone’s life — a lot of them are uneducated, living in extreme poverty, without access to what we consider basic necessities. But through the products they make, they are able to change their lives; sending their kids to school, buying enough food, leaving behind destructive lifestyles, acquiring a sense of pride in who they are through what they make. Handmade products are amazing — the person, the story, the product are all representative of something personal and beautiful. — Irene, Blog: goodnight, dear void

I’m the creative mind behind citybirds, my Etsy shop. I love Etsy. It is crazy how much it has grown since I found out about it back in 2007. It is such a great place to shop and it feels good being able to support small businesses. Being a small business owner I know how important that is and the connections that you make with buyers and other sellers. In a world where almost everything is mass produced it is great to be able to find all that you need with just a click of a button, a place where you are getting something extremely unique and special. Handmade has always been something that I seek. I love knowing where it came from, who made it and knowing that my purchase is helping that creative person continue their dream. Rusty cuts, who is a local San Francisco designer, is one of my favorite shops. Thief and Bandit is another amazing shop, filled with modern tribal designs, and lastly, Tiny Tangerines is a crocheting goddess. I am a proud owner of a custom hat and I love wearing it knowing that I am the only person wearing it. Etsy is pretty awesome like that. — Christie, Blog: City Birds Nest


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{ Close } verb * bring or come to an end


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Back Story

If you ever find yourself making one of our recipes, do snap a photo and send it to us so we can see! We love sharing recipes!

When I was dreaming up the seasonal

example. Have you ever seen something

meal for this Winter issue (page 30), I

so lovely? Those spots of color, unique

kept thinking of heavy, delicious, cream-

to each individual root, are so vivid and

laden meals that were so rich I’d get

beautiful! It deserves to be truly tasted

full just reading about them. But then I

and enjoyed for what it is, not masked by

thought, it’s the beginning of a new year,

other flavors.

and most of us (myself included) are trying to eat lighter, more nutrient rich foods. Besides, I wanted to come up with a menu fit for Valentine’s day, and who wants to feel weighed down by a heavy meal?

A lot of thought goes into each meal that we talk about in this magazine. We are in love with food and we simply can’t help but get excited about things as basic as eggs (page 38) or as complex as home-

So I stuck to the basics. Real, whole,

made chocolate syrup (page 36), which

unpeeled ingredients (because that’s where

makes the best chocolate milk by the way!

so many nutrients can be found), prepared

What can we say? Life is just so delicious!

in a simple way that let’s their true flavors

­— CS

shine. Take the turnip you see above as an


The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. Oprah Winfrey

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