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on the cover 6 • Erin McDonald Co. Creating timeless spaces out of ordinary places with his passion for design features 9 • From the Artists’ Desk 19 • Winter Weekend Getaways Head to one of these cozy and unique places for a a snowy escape xoxo rochester love pg. 10 12 • Adventures of Lolly Keep the grandkids busy all winter long, plus, throw a Valentine’s party for the whole family filled with crafts & fun activities health + wellness pg. 25 30 • The Beauty of Winter Local photography showing the splendor of winter weather in the Rochester area for the home pg. 36 38 • Handmade with Love Try these fun and quirky crafts at home
As we ring in 2023, many of us are taking inventory of all that needs to be accomplished. From the events we need to plan to the spaces in our homes we want to upgrade, the first few months of the year are the perfect time for the reset we desperately crave after the hustle of the holidays.
Renowned event designer, florist, and interior styling consultant, Erin McDonald finds this to be the perfect time to refresh your space and make accommodations for the celebrations in your life to come over the next year. Whether you are redesigning a space very personal to you or planning an event for a huge milestone in your life, the process is very similar.
Regardless of what he is designing, clean and classic elegance is always top of mind. McDonald views each new project as a blank slate. “Starting with a vision for what you want to create is the first step. From there, you can pull in the right partners and materials to bring it to life,” shares McDonald. To help you prepare for the year ahead, he shares his tips for creating breathtaking spaces.
#1.
“Lighting is often overlooked but can really transform a space,” shares McDonald. He emphasizes the importance of lighting and how much it adds to the overall ambiance of a space. So important, in fact, that this year he is introducing an innovative line of contemporary lighting for tabletops, which helps to highlight centerpieces for an event and create a much more intimate experience.
“No angles!” McDonald advises. Angles cut into a space and are not necessary whether on the table or as the whole of the room. They tend to confuse the layout and take up space. Instead, he suggests utilizing the shape of the room to balance the overall feel.
#3. Don’t be Afraid of Color
McDonald encourages his clients to find their style and stay true to that, while also incorporating colors and materials out of their comfort zone. “Focus on being classic and timeless, that always wins,” shares McDonald. Leaning into all of the local elements that the region has to offer can be a great way to incorporate natural authenticity and color, especially those that are in season.
Transforming Ordinary Spaces into Timeless Masterpieces with Event, Floral & Interior Designer, ERIN M C DONALD
an event visionary.
Esteemed designer and Rochester native, Erin McDonald moved to Chicago at a young age where he planned events of every caliber, becoming the VP of worldrenowned event planning company, HMR Designs, before going out on his own. Over the course of his career, he built a reputation for impeccable style and elegant features, known to be one of Chicago’s tastemakers. He has had the honor of working with two Presidents of the United States, several celebrities, and many professional athletes. His work ranges from large events such as weddings and galas, to small events such as private parties and showers, but those experiences also often lead to designing other areas of a client’s life such as their home or business. His work has been featured in some of the top wedding and design publications.
more space to celebrate.
In 2019, McDonald left the big city and moved back to Rochester to continue building his legacy and be with his family. Since returning, he has played a crucial role in the opening of two unique event spaces – Fuse and Anchor and Evento – and hopes to expand even more in the future.
FUSE AND ANCHOR is an open loft space located on State Street near High Falls. It has a quaint, studio-style, farmhouse feel where groups of up to 50 guests can comfortably gather for brunches, dinner parties, tastings, rehearsal dinners, showers, corporate events, and more.
He also recently worked with the DiMarco Group to help open Evento in the Street of Shops at BayTowne in Webster. This space fits up to 500 guests and is perfect for weddings, private events, conferences, fundraising galas, and more. “It really is a blank slate where the possibilities are endless,” shares McDonald.
Over the course of his career, McDonald has transformed countless venues, commercial spaces, and home interiors. His spaces are works of art that stand the test of time. While he has been fortunate to work with clients all over the world, he chose to establish himself here and has quickly become a distinguished, yet very approachable, designer in the Finger Lakes area. His work can be seen throughout Rochester and the Finger Lakes, including the Inn on Broadway, Lincoln Hill Farms, The Strathallan, Arbor Venues, Genesee Valley Club, and the highly anticipated Hotel Canandaigua (opening 2023), to name a few.
a collaborative approach.
Above all things, McDonald prides himself on collaboration and the mentorship of others. He has taught many how to create breathtaking events and several of his past assistants have gone on to achieve great success. He truly believes in the importance of lifting others up and showcasing new talent. As a small team, he values collaboration and has built many relationships in the industry that help bring his visions to life.
“Design is the language which expresses the use, mood and the possibilities of a place.”
- from the artists’ desk -
It’s a new year which means it’s time for new adventures! Maybe that means getting outdoors more or reevaluating our relationship with ourselves and our neighbors. For some, perhaps it means a little more self-reflection and self-care. Here in Western New York the year may start out on the chillier side, but we’re not about to let that stop us.
A new year can make way for transformation, and no one knows that better than event designer, florist, and interior styling consultant Erin McDonald, who’s changing ordinary spaces into timeless masterpieces with his passion for design. Make the most of your event and have some peace of mind!
While we long for warmer days, local photographers have found ways to enjoy the splendor of winter weather in the Rochester area. Perusing photos may encourage some exploration of the outdoors, prompting us to take a moment to enjoy the beauty around us during the season. Winter is also the perfect time to cuddle up with your special someone, and we’ve kept an eye out for the coziest weekend getaways!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and love and snowflakes are in the air. Erin McDonald is also offering couture Valentine’s Day boxes with artisanal chocolates and fresh flowers designed exclusively for you. The holiday can also be a family affair, as Lisa “Lolly” Lander explores in Adventures of Lolly! Throw a Valentine’s Day party and create fun crafts fit for all ages. Get inspired with her adventures in keeping the grandkids busy all winter long, exploring local parks and other fantastic spots around town!
With so much to see and do and so many ways to celebrate, a new year gives us a chance to renew, refresh, and put things into perspective. However you choose to ring in the new year, thank you for joining us at Home as we kick off 2023!
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Lolly watches her four grandchildren four days a week for two of her four grown children in Rochester, NY. All under the age of five, she takes her grandkids on an adventure nearly every day they’re together. And their adventures don’t stop when the weather gets chilly, either. In fact, Lolly says, “there’s no bad weather, there’s only bad gear!”
Keep up with Lolly ’ s adventures on Instagram @ adventures of lolly ny
For Lisa Lander, or “ Lolly ” as her grandkids have coined her, every day can be an adventure if you put your mind to it !
THE GRANDKIDS BUSY ALL WINTER LONG !
Lolly’s been sharing her adventures with her grandkids on Instagram for some time now, but she was approached last year about creating a brand to inspire other grandparents who watch their grandkids. Lolly decided that having a website and blog could help create the support system many grandmothers need, especially during the pandemic. She shares that Rochester is great because of its ability to bring grandparents together, and she’s found a way to share her knowledge, too!
Lolly shares that she wants her grandkids to be the happiest kids in any room. She encourages her grandkids to make messes, learn from their crafts and adventures, and engage in play. As a grandparent, she feels she can provide this fun, happy, playful, and adventurous environment and keep her grandkids engaged!
Aside from daily adventures with her grandkids, Lolly also helps her husband of 41 years run their business. Lander’s River Trips is located in Narrowsburg, NY and includes three campgrounds and beautiful views! Lolly handles the marketing for the business while her husband handles the day-to-day work. Lolly’s also a certified life coach for women who want to be physically fit and excited about life in their 60s and beyond. She shares tips on how to be healthy and how to use movement as medicine! She also shares that sometimes getting older can cause people to struggle to provide value to the world. With her coaching and her Adventures of Lolly blog, she wants to create connections and community among grandparents. She believes that the wisdom of grandparents will be transmitted through children to grandchildren, which creates a longer and healthier life.
Lolly takes her grandkids to visit the Henrietta Public Library for storytime, the Greece Public Library for craft projects, parks throughout Rochester to build snowmen and go sledding, the Cummings Nature Center for hiking, the Letchworth Ice Volcano, Birdsong Trail so the children can feed the birds out of their hands, the ice sculpture and carnival weekend at Ontario Beach Park, and even the snowy zoo!
One of Lolly’s favorite winter activities with her grandkids involves visiting Kettle Ridge in Victor. With her entire family in attendance on a Sunday morning in February, the kids are pulled on sleds to find and tap a maple tree. The family calls it “Lolly’s Magical Maple!” The family works together to decorate the tree with wintery paper chains, handmade hearts, and more! After decorating, they are invited to enjoy breakfast in an igloo on-site and then sit around the bonfire. Kettle Ridge makes syrup from their tree sap and ships it to the Lander family in the spring.
Lolly’s adventures take place at home, too. She and her grandkids get crafty year-round, but Valentine’s Day crafts are definitely a fan favorite among the Lander family.
TRY THESE IDEAS OUT AT HOME!
Make your own Valentine’s Day wrapping paper!
Roll banner paper on the floor and have the kids dip their hands and feet in red and pink paint. They can place hand and footprints on the paper, making this a fun activity for the kids. Once dried, use the newly decorated banner paper to wrap Valentine’s Day gifts!
Create simple frames with those handprints, too!
Purchase $1 wooden frames and have the kids decorate them with their red and pink hands. Place pictures in the frames once dried for a fantastic gift for a teacher or another family member.
Decorate a “love tree!”
Lolly’s known for her family love trees during the Valentine’s Day season. Paint tree limbs a simple white. Then, create a bunch of crafts to add to the “love” tree. Create hearts out of playdough, clay, and paper. Use plaster of paris to create hand prints, too! The kids will learn texture, color, and engage in sensory play when they complete this craft. Plus, they can hang their homemade decorations on the tree and feel super proud of their beautiful creations!
Design Valentine’s Day mailboxes with flags. Use paper and leftover cardboard to create simple mailboxes. The kids can deliver gifts to each other and their parents and lift the flag to let their loved one know a gift is ready for them!
Put all the crafts together.
Purchase cheap little white bags and have the kids fill them with their Valentine’s Day creations. They can hand them out to neighbors and other family members!
Lolly also throws a Valentine’s Day-themed party each year for her family. The grandkids’ Valentine’s Day crafts are hung up, the love tree goes on display, they play music, they dance, and they create a “love castle” out of snowballs they dye red and pink with food coloring outside! The kids make flags out of hearts ahead of time, put them on wooden dowels, and stick them on the castle during their Valentine’s Day party. They also bake cookies and truffles and make homemade red play dough for crafts!
It may seem like the winter months drag on, and you find yourself stuck inside searching for new and exciting things to do. What better way to enjoy the chilliest time of year than with a cozy cabin getaway! Here are a few incredibly cute and unique places to stay if you’re looking to escape and have the quintessential winter getaway.
– BY LAUREN LEONELooking to take your honey on a super unique romantic getaway? This charming little spot is a shipping container turned Airbnb in the foothills of the Adirondacks! The structure features huge glass windows along the front side, bringing you stunning views of the surrounding scenery and make this small space feel much bigger. This little getaway has so many special features to experience, like the heated floors that allow you to walk around barefoot while still feeling that warmth you desire! Outside on the patio you can toast some s’mores at the fire table or soak in some real relaxation time in the private hot tub and infrared sauna.
What makes this space so unique is the care that goes into the feel and experience you have with each changing season. During autumn, the color palette and décor are inspired by the changing leaves and vibrant beauty outdoors. Each season brings about a different theme that shows just how important the attention to detail and design can be for your overall experience.
You may want to spend all of your time snuggled up inside, but there are also a number of fun activities to partake in and places you should visit while enjoying your stay! If you’re a lover of wildlife, snowshoeing around the property is one fun way to get active. Feeling even more ambitious? There’s downhill skiing at local slopes nearby and plenty of great sledding hills.
Another way to get the full Scenic Orchard experience is by visiting some spots that are beloved and frequented by locals. Woodland Farm Brewery serves up delicious bites and brews with both indoor/outdoor hang options. They also have some fun themed food and drink options based on the TV show The Office. If you’re in the mood for some tasty Italian dishes and don’t feel like cooking yourself, Ventura’s Restaurant is the spot to stop into. This restaurant has been running for over 75 years and three generations, making for not only excellent food, but outstanding service. Searching for a local favorite menu item? Word on the street is that the “Shrimp Riggies” are a must!
Located on 45+ acres, the owners of The Scenic Orchard also have another incredible getaway nearby. There’s no better way to cozy up than in a tiny house with spectacular views! Hickory Outlook is surrounded by nature and just secluded enough to decompress the way you desire, but also tap into fun activities nearby. This house features a 600 foot heated patio built to protect you from the cold, while still enjoying the views. The custom design and décor of this home are something to be admired, along with all of the amenities provided. A glass of wine and sunset view from the hot tub and you’ll just be scratching the surface on all that there is to enjoy about this cute little getaway!
This quaint little stargazing cabin is nestled in the heart of the Catskills and is your ideal hideaway for rest and relaxation. The house itself sits on eight acres that are yours to explore! There’s so much to do, even if you’re just looking to cozy up in the cabin all weekend long. Get the wood burning fireplace going, put on your favorite record and pour yourself a glass of wine. The bedroom loft offers extreme cozy vibes with bean bag chairs and a projector, making it the ultimate movie room.
If you’re looking for both relaxation and adventure, The Pines has it all. Close by the cabin you can find lakes and skiing. There are also some of the best hiking trails in the Catskills nearby, like Balsam Lake Fire Tower. If you want to get out while still staying warm, why not take up some indoor activities around the area? Play a game of pool at Urban Cowboy Lodge or stop in to Arkbowl for some live music and bowling. A great stop for lunch and a beer is Bovina Farm and Fermentory. This house, built by the owners, sits on top of a hill surrounded by ferns and pines. Here, they brew their own beer and serve up farm to table lunches and dinners. Don’t forget to pop in to Home Goods of Margaretville. You can stock up on local produce and goods like meats and cheeses to make your own charcuterie board back at the cabin! Whether you’re looking to stay inside or explore the town, this spot has it all for you. The Pines are calling and your unforgettable cozy cabin getaway awaits!
The most relaxing feature of this house has to be the soaking tub with a window looking out to the gorgeous views of nature. Not only is the tub a distinct feature, but the bathroom itself is truly the most unique part of the house. The original owner built the walls of the bathroom using bluestone that he carried down from old agricultural fences on the property. Another amazing feature in the bathroom are the skylights. Take in the view of the pine trees above and you’ll find yourself bathing in the middle of a forest.
Our local publications help connect families, commu nities & local businesses, providing our readers with helpful tips, informativ e articles, and ways to get involved in the community. Your business will get its own place to shine in our Home Publication. To place your ad for our next edition, call 585.226 .8111 or visit us online!
SalCo Design is a small business that started out selling handmade cra�s. We have expanded to include organizing ar�san and handmade cra� events at local popular venues.
Our Vision: To be a trusted leader in bringing “New People, New Products, New Places” to the cra� vending community.
Our goal is to merge the ar�san cra�ers of the east side with the handmade looming and goods from the west side, while also suppor�ng direct sales/small businesses. Each event showcases the unique vendors in the Greater Rochester area.
April 16 • 11am-4pm
Kin Event Space 52 Sager Drive, Rochester
July 16 • 11am-4pm
Sweet Briar Lodge 2888 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester
August 5 • 11am-4pm
Fairport Brewing Co. 1044 University Avenue, Rochester
September 17 • 11am-4pm
Wilder Room 120 East Avenue, 2nd Floor, Rochester
October 14 • 11am-4pm
Balcony Point 700 Colby Street, Spencerport
October 21 • 11am-4pm
Glacier Ridge Sports Park 4618 W Ridge Road, Spencerport
Mental attitude, outlook, and positive habits are important factors in reaching goals in all phases of life. Whether you are training for an athletic competition, looking to advance in your profession, or looking to get relief from chronic back pain, what you think is just as important as what you do. Many people want to make changes to improve overall health, but struggle to get started and sustain progress.
Agape Physical Therapy shares three actions that can be implemented to strengthen your mind and get your brain in a place where it can lead your body to success.
1. Make your bed: Okay, I know what you are thinking, “What does this menial task that brings back memories of my mother yelling at me to finish my chores have to do with a healthy lifestyle?” This small activity can have a profound impact on your day, however. Every single day we face a multitude of challenges. Some large such as completing a sale to a high profile client, and some small such as putting your sheets and covers in order. While the act of making your bed probably won’t matter much, it’s the decision to take on the first “challenge” of the day and come out victorious that sets the tone for how the rest of the day will progress. Excellence is a habit, not an act. And building a positive habit takes practice. If you say “yes” to making your bed, you can say “yes” to cleaning out your inbox. If you say “yes” to cleaning out your inbox, you can say “yes” to going to the gym or performing your physical therapy exercises. All of these decisions lead to healthy habits, and it starts with looking at your messy bed first thing in the morning, and deciding how you want your day to go.
2. Strive for Gratitude: How we look at life has a profound impact on what we do and how we feel. You may have heard the Charles Swindoll quote that, “Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it.” A consistently negative thought process can lead to all kinds of health issues, including chronic pain.
Did you know that one of the strongest predictors to how long your back pain lasts is how unhappy you are at work? A lot of this can be adjusted by what you focus on. If you have a big budget meeting that you are dreading tomorrow, starting the process of stress and worrying today can lead to a day of poor digestion, irritability, and altered sleep. None of this is good for your health. Certainly prepare and be ready for any events in the upcoming week, but try not to perseverate on them. Try this little trick. As you mentally prepare and think about what the next day has in store for you, think about something that makes you happy. Instead of dreading going to work and having a meeting with your boss, be grateful that you get to watch your son or daughter play soccer after the day is over. Focusing on a positive part of the day instead of dreading a negative can have a big impact on health. By no means is this easy, and some days will be much harder than others, but practice makes perfect.
3. Get lost...in a good way: No matter who you are or what you do, the stressors of life will inevitably come knocking on your door. Work, family, financial, and relationship stress can all add up and affect your mental well-being. Having a safe and healthy way to “get out” of your head and do something that makes you feel good is a vital coping mechanism. The options are endless. It can be formal such as going to the gym, writing in a journal, meditating, or practicing yoga. Or it can be informal, such as taking a walk, going for a drive, or taking a minute to listen to your favorite song. Finding a way to release stress will help prevent excessive cortisol buildup in the body, and just plain make you feel good.
Our physical therapy professionals are completely invested in restoring, improving, and reclaiming your movement to maximize your wellness and performance.
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Take the first step to improve your hearing! Hearing better has a direct impact on improving your quality of life!
Let our team at Lakeside Audiology and Hearing Solutions guide you through this very important journey. Our doctors of Audiology will provide a comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluation in order to help you decide which hearing solution is the very best possible choice for your individual lifestyle needs.
Lakeside Audiology and Hearing Solutions, LLC is committed to reconnecting you with your world. Because, today, CONNECTION is the only thing that matters.
It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it.”
- John Burroughskrystal vickery ig: @krystalvickeryphoto
Cassie Haller & her daughters enjoy the beauty of winter colliding with the blossoms of spring at Highland Park
The sun peeks through the snow covered twisted tree in Highland Park anthony ryan // ig: @arrtography
Being forced to spend more time at home during the winter season leads individuals to seek ways to pass the time.
Crafting can help people fill their time, reduce stress, inspire new relationships, and serve as a source of pride when an item is handmade from start to finish.
In an online study, respondents felt there was a relationship between knitting frequency and feeling calm. Experts surmise that the rhythmic, repetitive movements and focused attention of certain crafts might produce a calming effect not unlike meditation. Crafting helps exercise several areas of the brain, including those responsible for problem solving, creativity and concentration, states Craft Courses, an online crafting course company.
The following are some unique crafts for those looking for something new.
This craft also goes by the name paper filigree. It involves twisting, rolling or looping thin strips of paper and then gluing them together to make designs. They can adorn the outside of homemade cards, or be attached to stock and then framed.
- Decoupage -
Another paper craft, this one involves sticking small pieces of paper of any kind to another item and then coating the object with varnish. Just about anything can be improved and customized with decoupage.
- Marquetry -
Marquetry involves applying pieces of wood veneer to a structure to form a decorative pattern or picture. Think of it as paint-by-number but with wood veneer. The technique is often applied to small objects or furniture.
- Bead crochet -
Crochet artists may want to take their crafting up a notch with bead crochet, which incorporates beaded string or yarn into a crocheted item.
- Water marblingWater marbling is a unique craft that produces a different result each time it is done. The crafter fills a tub roughly two-thirds full of water, adds a special chemical to allow oils to float on the water’s surface, then drops different colors of oil-based paint onto the water. The colors can be swirled and manipulated. A paper or piece of canvas is then placed on the surface of the water so that the design can transfer onto the material.
- PyrographY -
Pyrography involves using a heating source and burning designs into a piece of wood. The term literally means “writing with fire.”
The exper t s at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Galler y are here to help create a home that ’s as ex traordinar y as you are.
Any projec t , any st yle, any dream— bring your inspiration to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Galler y Visit build.com/ferguson to schedule your personalized showroom experience today.
