Seasons December 2018 | SeasonsMagazine.com
CHRISTMAS EDITION
GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPES Cinnamon & Peppermint
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
What to Get Him and Her this Season
HOME DECORATIONS
Embellishing on a Budget
A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE The Brightest Bundle
THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
Winning this Jolly Season
Top Dog for Christmas
Display until December 15, 2018 $3.49 Seasons
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THE PERFECT PUPPY PRESENT
EDITOR’S LETTER
THE SEASON OF PEACE
There is something incredibly special about the holiday season, maybe it is because everyone seems so much kinder, maybe it is due to the eye-catching decorations everywhere you look, or maybe it is the anticipation of waiting until Christmas day to open presents and eat delishious food. Growing up in a large family in central Michigan made Christmas look like a winter wonderland, life around this season was also slower everyone came together and a calmer tone joined us. My seven brothers who were avid football players where no longer eating as quickly as they could in order to get to practice on time, my two older sisters were not rushing off to cheer practice then hanging out with their boyfriends, and my parents just seemed more calm and at peace during this time. Christmas the only time of the year where we all came together and took time to focus on one another without distrations. Living in the hustle and bustle of New York City, especially during the holidays, I am reminded of how important it is to spend uninteruppted time with your loved ones. How important it is to put distractions to the side and learn to be calm and at peace, not just for the holiday season, but rather the whole year round. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!
Lauren Gruda
Lauren Gruda, Editor in Chief instagram @editorLaurenG twitter @editorLaurenG
image from: jessica sego
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DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE
3
Table of Contents 6
9
10
13
images from: pexels.com, unsplash.com, & pixabay.com
6
9
Embellishing on a Budget by Katherine Castro
The Brightest Bundle by Lauren Gruda
Home Decoration
Christmas Miracles
14
15
10
The Ultimate Experience
Winning this Jolly Season by Lauren Gruda
16
18
13
Perfect Puppy Present Top Dog for Christmas by Lauren Gruda
14
15
16
18
The Uglier the Better by Caleb Ruiter
Modern vs. Traditional by Cameren Wiles
Disneyland & Universal Studios by Katherine Castro
What to Watch this Season by Cameren Wiles
Top 5 Ugly Sweaters
4
Gingerbread Cookies
SEASONS MAGAZINE
Christmas Vacation
The Best Holiday Movies
cinnamon & peppermint
BY KATHERINE CASTRO
Gourmet Hot Chocolate
vegan | gluten free | traditional
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Prep Time
Cook Time
5 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1. In a large glass measuring cup, combine the
1 Tbsp sugar
cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and 2 tbsp
1/4 tsp cinnamon
milk. Mix thoroughly until well combined and the
1/2 tsp vanilla
result is a thick, chocolate syrup. Set aside.
2 Tbsp & 3/4 cups of milk
2. In a small saucepan (over medium heat) or in
Whipped Cream (optional)
the microwave, warm 3/4 cup of milk over medium
Marshmallows (optional)
heat until it reaches preferred temperature. Pour
Cinnamon Sticks (optional)
the warm milk into the chocolate syrup and stir until combined. Pour into your favorite mug and garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle of cinnamon.
Peppermint Dark Hot Chocolate Cook Time
2 minutes
8 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
4 cups of milk
1. Stir the milk and chopped dark chocolate
8 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
together in a medium saucepan.
into small pieces (or dark
2. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring
chocolate chips)
occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
and the chocolate is melted. (Do not let it come
1/2 tsp teaspoon peppermint
to a boil or let the chocolate burn on the bottom.)
(or more/less to taste)
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and
Whipped Cream (optional)
peppermint extract.
Marshmallows (optional)
4. Pour into a mug on cold winter day.
Crushed Peppermints (optional)
5. Serve warm, with optional toppings if desired.
DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE
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Prep Time
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SEASONS MAGAZINE
6
Home Decoration Embellishing on a Budget by Katherine Castro Mini Christmas Tree Don’t have enough room for a big
end up wasting valuable time that should have been spent
Christmas tree or are you on a budget? Here is a perfect idea for
on decorating other parts of your house. If you do plan on
you. First, this will be around 4 or five dollars. Go to any dollar
making a design, make it simple. If your lawn is not big enough
store and you may find a small Christmas tree for a dollar, next
then add some lights and find some small inflatable light up
you will need to find the small ornaments and small lights you
snowman and a light up Christmas tree with the color light
may find them also in the dollar store for a dollar or two. Now
blue or white. I also recommend adding some simple designs
sometimes these small lights use battery’s you are going to
like a snowman.
need a pack of double a battery to use your lights. This part is
A fun and simple thing to do is making a winter wonderland
optional if you want you can by white fabric or white material
if your lawn is big enough and you don’t live in an area that
to make snow depending the store and where you buy this it
snows then you must buy some fake snow and add some lights
could cost you a few extra dollars.
and add some light up reindeer. However, do not commit
Now its time to put your tree up place it in your desired area
to this if you are not going to put in the effort. I have seen
where you want to place the tree. Place this small tree on a
countless versions where they decided not to put a group of
table or a counter so you won’t topple it over or you won’t see
deer’s they just add one deer or
a toddler messing with it if it is on the floor also if you have
no lights on the house and
a cat, they will be less likely to topple it over by climbing it
it looks unfinished. Only
since it is small. However, if they sill topple the poor tree over
do this if you have time
then just put the tree away from edges and from any form of
and
water supplies. Once that’s done you can take some photos and
to spend all night or
share it with us on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the
day doing this right.
hashtag #myminichristmastree.
are
committed
If you would like to
Outdoor Lighting Christmas is the time of the year where family’s
show everyone who
come together and enjoy each others company. Decorating the
reads on how you
outside part of your house could bring the family together as
decorated your house.
well! However, if you are first starting of you need to know what
Send us your photos
looks amazing but not to overdone.
on Twitter, Instagram, or
First of if you like adding lights to your house don’t try and make designs if it is your first time. You will get frustrated and
Facebook using ths Christmas hashtag #lightingupchristmas.
Say Hello to the Future Get the iPhone X and enjoy all the amazing new features Now $1149
DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE
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Holiday Gift Guide What to get him and her this SEASON
FOR HIM
FOR HER
2
1
4 3
5
7 8
6
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9
10
11
by Cameren Wiles 1. COZY UP Balitello Men’s Dress Socks, $20 or $15/monthly sock subscription, balitello.com 2. COMBAT FOR THE SNOW Bullboxer Kelden Cap Toe Boot, $109, dsw.com 3. PUCKER UP Creamy Lip Stick Amuse Bouche Lipstick, $26, sephora.com 4. LOVE POTION Chanel Nº5 Eau de Parfum Spray, $80, chanel.com 5. BABY IT’S COLD OUT H&M White Men’s Sweater, $30, h&m.com 6. GIFT OF TIME Daniel Wellington ST Mawes Watch, $232, danielwellington.com 7. Real Techiques By Sam & Nic $20, realtechniques.com 8. CHRISTMAS SMELLS Jo Malone London Cologne, $68, jomalone.com 9. DRESSED UP Torino Traditional Fit Front Plaid and Wool Pants, $199, nordstrom.com 10. SPARKLING TIME Nikon Rose Gold Warch, $100, nixon.com 11. FOR THE COLD COCOOIL body oil, $24.99, cocooil.com.au
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SEASONS MAGAZINE
Christmas Miracles The Brightest Bundle by Lauren Gruda When informed that their prematurely born son was facing a 12 percent survival rate, Teri and Jeff Rodgers vowed that they would not turn the lights on their Christmas tree until he was back home safely. Their son Pierson was born at 30 weeks coming in at 10 weeks before his due date. On October 16th, Pierson Rodgers was born at 5a.m. weighing in at 1lb 3oz. After three months of exhaustive treatment and care, he will spend his first Christmas with his family in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It will be a Christmas to remember under a fully lit, beautifully decorated tree. “Pierson is more than a miracle, he is happy and healthy – it’s a dream come true. He is our bright bundle of joy” said his father Jeff. He added: “When Pierson was first born the odds were stacked against us and the news was heart breaking. We never gave up on him and we will never give up on him.” Pierson was a baby worth waiting for. God showed his presence by comforting the Rodgers despite and in spite of their circumstances. He never left their side and presented them with a miracle for their unwavering faith. ‘Our baby was in intensive care for so long that when she was finally transferred to a hospital in Albuquerque a little hope was formed, and we decided to decorate the house in case he could possibly come home by Christmas. We decided to save the action of turning
"Pierson is more than a miracle... He is our bright bundle of joy."
the tree lights on until we could do it all together as a family for the very first time,’ his mother Teri said. Teri and Jeff were over the moon when they finally got to bring Pierson home just in time for Christmas. Lighting the tree together was so significant because it was the first step to starting their life with one another. images from: pexels.com & unsplash.com
God blessed a faithful family with an incredible little dream. He is something special that this couple deserved and waited patiently for. Pierson is a miraculous bundle of light that was brought into this world. He is the happiest baby who never ceases to giggle his butt off. The Rodgers initial smiles have yet to leave their faces. They are looking forward to watching this little bit of heaven grow into the person God has planned. Pierson Drake Rodgers was the brightest bundle anyone could have received this Christmas.
DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE
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The Ultimate Experience Winning this Jolly Season by Lauren Gruda
End Travel Hassles
Find Perspective
Set a Budget
This time of year, traveling
A fresh perspective is always
Typically,
comes in all different forms
around the corner. This is an
negative feel to them because
from cars to planes and even
active thing where you can
it feels so restricting. However,
trains. If you are traveling by
choose to make a change.
they can be a blessing in
car this year, confirm that
Look at your life in this season
disguise. If a person puts
everything with your ride has
and find where the joy is
a limit on how much they
been checked. Double check.
lacking, then seek a new way
will spend for Christmas, the
Then
check
again.
have
a
images from: pexels.com, unsplash.com, & pixabay.com
Before
to tackle it. It is often easy
craziness of shopping then
getting on the road be sure to
to pursue perfection, it is a
becomes easier. Preemptively
check all conditions and road
challenge that turns things
planning
closings. Air travel can be
that are meant to be joyous
as to what is possible even
simplified by arriving no later
into distressing tasks. This
with constraints. The world
than three hours for flights.
season is a time for reflection
pushes people to feel as if
If you are picking up holiday
and prayer. Focus on finding
they need to pay more than
guests make sure to sign up
moments
can
they intend to with media
online for travel alert to avoid
quiet the world down and turn
and advertisements, but you
parking hassles. Be patiently,
moments
can give just as much without
prepared it is all you can do.
memories.
where into
you
meaningful
Pursue
a
new
outlook on every situation.
10
budgets
SEASONS MAGAZINE
provides
exceeding your budget.
clarity
Bake the Best
Savor the Cold
There is nothing better than
Braving
the smell of holiday treats
every single shiver. Even if
like
baking in the oven. Baking is
you do not stay outside for
a
a special part of the holidays
a prolonged time a breath of
satisfaction
because it brings a comforting
fresh air is always worth it. You
wrapper and the individual
warmth to a person’s every
will reap the benefits of a little
receiving the gift. Is it worth
sense
stimulation.
walk because staying cooped
the money, time, or effort?
Baking is a simple task, but
up inside will make you feel
The answer is yes! Receiving
it is meditative and artistic in
heavy.
your
a gift wrapped in a decorated
its very essence. Baked goods
spirits and put a new spin on
paper covering is essential
are a pleasure to receive,
your mood even just after 10
to the experience. Wrapping
so it is rewarding to share.
minutes. Go for a family stroll,
paper was used to protect
Gingerbread
is
aroma
admire your significant other,
“precious materials”, so when
that
the
through
brings
the
the
This
cold
will
is
lift
Always Wrap worth
While wrapping gifts seems a
hassle,
it
tremendous
provides
amount
for
both
of the
Christmas
sled down a hill, or even build
a gift is wrapped it sends the
season to life, so this season’s
a snowman. Get creative with
message that it was chosen
signature treat for all is “Old
your time outside. Snow, rain
with
Fashioned Gingerbread”. This
or shine the outdoors are
for the one receiving. Gift
treat
calling out to you.
wrapping is a visual signal of
is
a
mouth-watering
pleasure for all.
intension
and
heart
happiness. Start wrapping!
DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE
11
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Perfect Puppy Present Top Dog for Christmas by Lauren Gruda You have never seen something so cute and lovable in your
French Bulldogs have a presence that will never cease to put
entire life. What is it you may ask? A Frenchie! French Bulldogs
a smile on your face. This breed is more rewarding that work, so
are one of a kind in their ability to be fawned over. This
here are a couple of the top reasons as to why you should get a
attentive, spirited, and malleable dog is irresistible to everyone
Frenchie for someone you love this Christmas.
from adults to small children. These puppies most signature
1. Laugh Endlessly
feature might just be their so called “bat ears�. Their ears make
Frenchies have quirky personalities. They are peaceful,
a statement with how large they are and the manner in which
gentle, and they have hearts of gold. They are a little
they rest upright. There are many things that make this breed
clumsy, which just adds to their adorable nature.
the perfect present this season.
2. Wiggle Butts Frenchies have wiggle butts because when they get excited, they will shake their stumpy tails back and forth.
dog but are truly dogs of few words. Typically, they bark only
3. Smart Cookies
when necessary. These dogs are perfect for any situation from
Frenchies listen to every word their owner says. They
living with singles, couples, and even families. These dogs are
train really well and retain an unimaginable amount of
incredibly adaptable, which in part acts as noteworthy reason
information. They will sit and intently listen to understand
as to why this breed is perfect for any situation. If you already
what their owner is trying to communicate.
have a dog, cat, or other animal this is the prime dog breed
4. Small Bodied Big Dog
for you because they get along swell with other animals and
Frenchies are small, but they are mighty. They like to
thoroughly adore making new doggy friends. While Frenchies
tumble and play rough by holding their own ground.
need to be walked, they do not require a large backyard or an
5. Unconditional Love
enormous amount of exercise. People who live in all sort of
Frenchies love without fault. They fling themselves at
different situations advocate this charming and companionable
anyone who will give them the attention they think they
breed. This is the optimal acquaintance for you, your children,
deserve. Each dog will adore you with absolute adoration;
your significant other, or even your friends.
they will be devoted to you selflessly.
DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE
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image from: unsplash.com
The lively, affectionate Frenchie is such a Casanova. French Bulldogs are alert, yet quiet. They act as the perfect watch
Top 5 Ugly Sweaters by Caleb Ruiter Ugly sweaters are a christmas tradition that
We asked our most devoted users to send
has been going on for quite some time now.
us pictures of their favorite sweaters and we
People go from office party to family reunion
sorted threw and decided that these sweaters
every holiday season reusing there christmas
were our top five. Thank you to all those that
sweaters each year.
sent in photos for our competition.
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New & Recycled Fashion Find a Store Near You
14
SEASONS MAGAZINE
www.buffaloexchange.com
modern vs. traditional
BY CAMEREN WILES
Gingerbread Cookies
vegan | gluten free | traditional
Vegan & Gluten Free Gingerbread Prep Time
Cook Time
1 hour 15 minutes
8 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 23 minutes
1 batch flax egg
1. In a large bowl mix flax egg and water, let
1/2 cup brown sugar
rest (5 minutes).
1/4 cup almond butter
2. Add soften butter, molasses, almond butter,
3 Tbsp molasses
brown sugar, salt, spices, baking soda; mix on low
1/4 cup vegan butter (softened)
setting or whisk vigorously.
3/4 tsp ginger
3. Add gluten free flour to wet ingredience and stir
1/2 tsp cinnamon
until combined.
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
4. Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour
1/4 tsp salt
(preferably overnight).
1/2 tsp baking soda
5. Preheat oven to 350º. Roll dough to 1/8" thick
1 1/14 - 1 3/4 cups Bob’s Red
between wax paper.
Mill Gluten Free All Purpose
6. Dip cookie cutter into flour and cut out shapes.
Baking Flour
Place cookies onto baking sheet and freeze for 5 minutes until firm. 7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly brown. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before decorating.
Traditional Gingerbread Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
3/4 cup butter (softened)
1. In a large bowl beat butter, brown sugar, and
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
molasses together until fluffy (2 minutes). Add
2/3 cup molasses
egg and beat until combined.
1 large egg
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, ginger,
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until
1 Tbsp ground ginger
combined. Gradually add dry ingredience to wet
1 tsp baking soda
incredience and mix until dough starts to form.
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3. Divide dough in hald and create two discs.
1/2 tsp ground cloves
Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until
1/2 tsp kosher salt
firm, (2-3 hours).
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
4. Preheat oven to 350º and line baking sheets with parchment. 5. Roll dough until 1/4" thick. Cut gingerbread men and transfer to baking sheet. 6. Bake for 10 minutes or until slightly puffed. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE
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image from: unsplash.com
Prep Time
1 hour 15 minutes
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SEASONS MAGAZINE
Christmas Vacation Disneyland & Universal Studios by Katherine Castro Disneyland Now that it is the happiest time of the year the
bit to look like Whoville the fictional town in the book and
best place to vacation has to be the happiest place on earth
film. Some of the rides have a Christmas theme some don’t.
Disneyland! How ever during Christmas time prices go up on
however, the one that does have a bit of a change is the tram
this day or on the 24th. Prices for 4 are 540.00 dollars plus tax
ride which in certain parts have a Christmas theme. One thing
and parking. $135.00 per ticket for 1 park.
that does change is that they add a Grinchmas carol where
However, it is worth it since there are many things to do here some if not all the rides have been changed to have a Christmas
everyone form Whoville sings some songs from the film. Even Hogwarts gets its own little Christmas spin too.
themes so do the different parks, they all have variants of
Now how much will it cost to enter the festivities? It is
decorations for Christmas. The food they have also has the
actually cheaper to go here then to Disney land. Here you pay
theme for Christmas from different cultures. The parades
only $496.00 plus tax that is 44 dollars cheaper than Disney
are also themed to charismas, so every character is in there
land. However universal studios may not be for everyone for
charismas ware. Now lets say that you can’t go on Christmas
some rides you have to be a certain height to even ride since
you can still go to Disneyland and enjoy the Christmas theme it
some are fast roller coasters and not all of them are meant for
started November 9th and it gose until January 8th so you can
extremely young kids.
go before or after Christmas. Going to Disneyland is good to spend time with family since
However, no matter where you go to just make sure you have fun and enjoy the time with family together.
Disneyland is for everyone of all ages so everyone can have fun and enjoy the holidays. We recommend arriving early so you can get good parking and get on your favorite rides first. Universal Studios Do you like movies like Back to the Future, or any or any other classic film then universal is the place for you! Universal studios is another good placeto go during Christmas time since them like Disneyland have a theme during or image from: unsplash.com
around Christmas time. For universal its is called Grinchmas. What is Grinchmas? Grinchmas is based of how the grinch stole Christmas with Jim Carrey in the live action film. All of universal is covered in Christmas lights and is redesigned a
Bring the look of a flim camera to a digital camera with the FUJI X100s
DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE
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by Cameren Wiles
What to watch this SEASON
The Best Holiday Movies
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s the season we get together to cook, decorate, catch up, and to watch movies. This holiday season we asked you, our readers what your favorite holiday movies are, these are your responses!
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
An angel is sent from
When a nice elderly man
Heaven to show a
claims to be Santa Clause
frustrated businessman
he is institutionalized, a
what life would be like if
young lawyer decides to
he never existed.
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
defend him.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Bitter, hateful, and
Irritated at the
irritated the Grinch
materialism of Christmas,
hatches a plan to become
Charlie Brown sets out to
Santa Clause and steal
find the true meaning of
Christmas from the
Christmas by directing a
Whos of Whoville.
ELF Buddy goes to New York City in search of his birth
play with his friends.
SANTA CLAUSE
When divorcee Scott
father, who happens to be
Calvin inadvertantly kills
on the naughty list. Buddy
Santa on Christmas Eve,
makes it his mission to bring Christmas cheer back home.
he and his 6-year-old son, Charlie get into Santa’s slead and are transported all around town
images from: internet movie database
HOME ALONE
THE POLAR EXPRESS
When bratty 8-year-old
A young boy is awakened
Kevin McCallister ruins
by a train called the Polar
dinner before a family trip he is left at home and
Express enroute to the North Pole. The train is
now needs to defend
not just going to meet
his home from burglers.
Santa but a journey of self discover.
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SEASONS MAGAZINE
Thank You for Supporting Us by Caleb Ruiter
“ ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS” Shaine H.
“SENSATIONAL” Jacob W.
“VERY WELL WRITTEN AND WONDERFULLY LAID OUT” Kenzie S.
“GREAT Hannah G.
Where’s Santa?
READ”
PHOTOGRAPHY”
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“AMAZING
Jessica R.
HO HO HO
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DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE
19
PRESENTS
Holiday 2018