MDDM | December 2020 | Vol. 5

DECEMBER 2020

presents

VOL. 5

Mylo Draven Siobhan Miller Kristine Bello Siobhan Miller Mylo Draven Kristine Bello Caitlin Knudsen Kira Gavalakis Siobhan Miller SGI Creative SGI Creative Ryan Davis Media Jason Kindig Photography LLC. Web Hosted By Cascadia Web Services

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Advertising Executive - Siobhan Miller 92 Piazza Lane Ste. 100, Colleyville, Texas 76034 outreach@mylodraven.com MDDM is published by Mylo Draven Digital Magazine, L.L.C. www.MDDMmagazine.com | hello@MDDMmagazine.com

The opinions expressed in MDDM do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use of this magazine.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of Mylo Draven Digital Magazine L.L.C.

Letter From the Editor Mylo Draven

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Tis the Season!!! Many folks believe that December is the #MerriestMonth. I think they’re right. No ma�er what angle you take, December is a great month. There is something for everyone. You have classic movies like Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Story for your viewing pleasure. You have the Queen of Christmas (music) Mariah Carey on the airwaves, as well as Nat King Cole, Eartha Ki�, Dolly Parton, and pre�y much any singer you can name singing Christmas tunes. You also have SALES, SALES, and more SALES!!! Yes, if you aren’t making all your gi�s by hand, then you are spending money. With the Pandemic affec�ng the US economy so heavily this year, it is a shopper’s season in 2020, for sure! And of course, for the religious among us, this is a very special �me of year. Many people around the world celebrate the birth of the Messiah.

This year, more than ever, I think that the joy and in�macy of the season is what will feed people, and their families. Many of my friends decorated for Christmas as soon as the �me change occurred. People are craving the lights, the laugh, and the overall merriment of the holiday season. With shelter-in-place, working from home for many, and all the repression of 2020, people just want to be jolly. As a country we needed an excuse to re-focus our energies.

Yes, it is that �me of year again: eggnog, cookies, and caroling. It is when the old feel young again through the eyes of their children and grandchildren. It is �me for families to feast together. Elf on the Shelf and reindeer hooves tapping on roo�ops. The jingle of the sleigh as Rudolph leads the way. It is a magical �me of year where

hope is renewed, and the future brings a fresh start.

It has been a long year for all. Let the holiday season free you of burden and worry momentarily. Indulge in kindness and turn away the frustra�ons of this year. Shop online un�l your fingers cramp! Be crazy and have pie for breakfast! Be silly and wear matching footsie pajamas with your loved ones. My hope for all the MDDM readers and family is that this season is marvelously merry and filled with hope, love & joy.

Table of contents 27

05

Ca rda mo TH E sea drin Ho m O ky so tC n! ou NE ho rang ED col e thi sh ate oli da

Mylo’s Luxury Gift Guide

Everything you need to know about giving the most FABULOUS gifts this year!

y

09. Top Winter Trends 2020 Get the scoop on what YOU should be wearing this holiday season!

33 Fin din g

13. Christmas Tree Quiz Check out MDDM’s FIRST EVER QUIZ to see what kind of Christmas Tree your family is!

Ho w tha to m t ev a ery ke the one m is r ost o ead u y to t of a y be ove ear r.

Joy

17. Lights, Christmas, Action!

We found three amazing MUST-DO events that are OPEN and ready for your visit!

21. Mylo’s Musings We know our readers love a good Mylo & Betty story! Find out about Ms. Claus in this Christmas Edition of Mylo’s Musings!

23. Revolution, Rescue, & Sleigh Rides An interview with the AMAZING Cat Dowden-Poage and her journey that you don’t want to miss!

39

rough Dashing Th Solo the Snow -

l about how han get rea Mylo & Siob lives, and affects their the holiday . their hearts

Page 3

29. Anything But Vanilla We’ve got the scoop on the best ice cream/coffee shop in town!

33. Holiday Joy Finding the light this holiday season during one of the worst years you’ve probably ever had.

43. Shop Local, Coming Soon, and Thank You Shout-Outs!

Congratulations to our November Giveaway winner, Angela Stager! She won an AMAZING gift certificate to The Hive Salon.

Want to be our next winner? Like, follow, share, and find our hidden beanie for even more chances to win!

Giveaway Partnership with C.C. Beanie!

Find this hidden beanie and get TWO entries into our giveaway for a matching beanie and mask from C.C. Beanie, as well as some great MDDM Swag! Click here to send us an email when you find it! NEED to up your chances of winning? Of course you do! Follow us on Instagram for more ways to win!

Page 4

MYLO’S LUXURY

GIFT GUIDE

By Kristine Bello

EXTRAVAGANCE DONE THE RIGHT WAY SO GET READY, HONEY: THIS IS MYLO’S LUXURY GIFT GUIDE!

05 GIFT GUIDE

As you may already know from Mylo’s social media accounts, MDDM (and Mylo) is all about luxury. But not in the way that it sounds. To us, luxury is everything: health, relaxation, work, food, self-care, and the list goes on. To be luxurious is to selfindulge in whatever form is best for you at that moment. And we stand by that 1000%. But today, we’re talking luxury brand products that will make everyone want a gift from you (and ain’t that too bad because only the real ones deserve these)!

Mylo’s MCM gift picks are so saucy that if you’re not careful, they’ll wear you. Example: this Men’s Monogram Velour Track Jacket and Pants duo requires the utmost drip and swag for ultimate street style. Get litty with graffiti wearing this Italian wool sweater. Is it the softest? Yes. Do you look soft wearing it? The opposite. Not wearing MCM = the softest out there. Now, this Monogram Travel Set with an eye mask, zip pouch, and oversized blanket, sweetie, this. is. a. steal! Don’t sleep on it now; sleep in it. And y’all know we had to finish MCM with a Covid-19 special: these logo and monogram face masks with chains are literal health (and fashion) essentials. If you have to wear a face mask, you might as well look fabulous doing it!

Dior really killed it with the shoe game. The men’s B23 Slip-On Sneaker in black and white from their iconic line is covered in the Dior Oblique print and these are all black with a white Dior and Shawn signature. Because boy, if you’re wearing Dior, everyone better know. From the winter 2020-2021 fashion show, these black and camel ankle boots are made from real leather and feature an aluminium ‘Dior’ buckle.

Wear these with jeans, pants, or shorts. It doesn’t matter; they’re Dior and they’re fabulous! Lastly, this tote bag perfectly fits the average amount of baggage—emotional or physical (yes, we’re looking at all y’all that carry with everything but the kitchen sink).

There’s a reason Mylo’s nickname is Gucci Baby; it’s because he loves Gucci! So you better believe we’ve got a wide variety of gift ideas for this brand. Starting with shoes, these Men’s Ace Embroidered Sneakers are buzzzy in the best way: with green and red web, green leather detailing, and bees and stars embroidered in gold thread. For the dreamers in us all, the Men’s Disney x Gucci Donald Duck Ace Sneaker with blue detailing and Donald Duck’s nephews are more than enough to inspire a youthful, yet sophisticated look. We’ve got three different looks for bags to cater to all the different fashion-lovers in your life. First, there’s this GG Embossed Tote Bag that’s covered in the GG logo and boasts a semi-shiny finish. All-black and on track, ain’t that right? Next up is this Duffle Bag with Leather Details—ideal for the classic gals (not the basic b’s). And of course, you know we had to throw in a hounds-tooth tote because is it really the holidays without houndstooth? If you’re going to buy Gucci, buy it all, from the fierce bags, to the humble-flex accessories, like this Ophidia Web Keychain or this Ophidia Airpods Pro Case.

06 GIFT GUIDE

LUXURY IS AN

EXPERIENCE

We’re keeping it simple and straight to the point with Goyard. One of their most popular totes, the Saint Louis Tote is a top choice for us. Roomy and comfortable, this bag fits everything you need and more: your wallet, your keys, your first aid kit, cat, dog, and the hearts of all your ex-lovers. And pocketsized luxury, like cardholders and wallets, makes for the perfect gift for men and women. Though you can’t purchase their products online, they do have product descriptions on their website, complete with a unique backstory for each collection. Visit their website to find the store nearest you.

07 GIFT GUIDE

Oh, how we love Louie V’s fragrances! Currently, they have two mini fragrances sets that we are so here for—one with feminine scents and another with a variety. These are perfect for gifts as is, or you can add fragrances as a finishing touch to already puttogether presents. There is one scent, however, that Mylo lives for, so it deserves a special shout-out: Ombre Nomade. Disclaimer: we are not responsible for all the delicious attention you will receive once you start wearing it! And how can you buy LV fragrances without also getting the fragrance travel cases? We love this buckled brown logo case or you can get it in black for a sleeker look.

This might just be one of the bougiest brands ever. You can only physically buy their products in France or you can order online. We love almost everything they have, but to narrow it down, we’re recommending their black leather carry-on, Daily Battle in navy, black Veloce, Dream Bag in knight, and steel grey Take it Easy (because if we’re going to have structure in our lives, it will be with this bag). For smaller yet just as impactful gift options, their 12CC wallet in knight, 8CC wallet étendard in green leather, 6CC wallet étendard in blue leather, and 4CC card holder in beige leather are fabulous choices.

Are y’all ready to go off? Because you’re not ready for this Versace skateboard—made with top-quality wood and printed with Versace across. This logo print black robe and pink robe are the perfect gifts for that cute but sometimes annoying couple in your life (or maybe just mom and dad). Just make sure you know who you’re giving it to before you buy it, so you can personalize them to make them extra special! And this travel mug?

Come on! Sip that tea in style, girl. From Givenchy, we are head over heels (literally) for these low-heeled Austin Chelsea Boots.

08 GIFT GUIDE

0 9 –T O P W I N T E R T R E N D S

This holiday season, whether you’re opting to stay quarantined, visiting the hottest new spots, or hanging out with friends and family, we’ve got the breakdown for the top winter trends to make sure you’re looking fab no matter where you are. Read on to find the fit that’s perfect for you.

TOP WINTER TRENDS 2020:

T he Holiday Edit

BY KRISTINE BELLO

Cozy & Comfortable Stay at home in style this December with fashionable (yet comfy) musthaves, like joggers, pa jama sets, jumpsuits, and athleisure essentials. Take it back a few decades with these Velour Oversize Joggers from Nordstrom for retro comfort. More of a legging person? This cheetah-print high-rise legging from Spiritual Gangster at Favor the Kind are what we consider sophisticated animal print.

If you’re the type of gal that likes to throw one thing on and forget about everything else, then jumpsuits are ideal laidback luxury for you. And once you’re ready for bed, we’ve got two options: you can go for a premium pa jama set or for a more festive feel, these matching men’s and women’s thermal pa jamas from Nordstrom.

Must-Have Basics From turtlenecks and t-shirts, to jeans and sweaters, here are the must-have

On photo: Nike Athleisure from Nordstrom

And who are we kidding ladies? We’re not the coziest unless we’re braless or at least in a sports bra. Calvin Klein bralettes are offered in a variety of sizes and styles, ranging from light support, racerback, and more. For a brighter night at home, you can opt for a cute tye dye set!

10 – TOP WINTER TRENDS

pieces for a concrete wardrobe foundation. Serving as both functional and fashionable, turtlenecks are to winter as Christmas is to December; you can’t have one without the other! And Leith delivers on that promise with this widecuffed, puffed-sleeve turtleneck, a key piece in an effortlessly put-together look. Perfect for layering, this Naked Wardrobe bodysuit elevates the turtleneck game in figure-defining fabric.

For those of you who are willing to wear jeans (*salutes*), you can easily upgrade any outfit with a trendy pair of straight leg or boyfriend jeans.

And guess what? Sweater weather is about more than just knits (though cable-knits are so cute)! Think sweatshirts and pullovers too! Cropped sweatshirts are versatile tops that you could wear with jeans, sweatpants, skirts, and even with your bedsheets.

“You either know fashion or you don’t.”

– Anna Wintour

Did you hear collars are cool again?

Strut the new look with this half-zip pullover from Anine Bing at Nordstrom.

In a rush? Throw on a long-sleeve mini dress with a pair of boots and a jacket for a quick, last-minute look that’s runway-ready. And while we love trying popular trends, it’s always nice to have a foolproof option, like a glittering sweatshirt, casual sweater, or basic long-sleeve.

Pieces to Make a Statement Sometimes we want to be bold the same way Miranda (or should we say Andy) strutted into the office the day after getting a complete makeover in The Devil Wears Prada. From trench coats and dramatic cuts, to patchwork

11 – T O P W I N T E R T R E N D S

Pictured Left: Bottega Veneta Long Cotton Blend Trench Coat from Nordstrom $3430.

and faux fur, we’ve got the pieces to help you do just that (and maybe more!).

One does not simply wear a simple trench coat, one wears one made of faux fur because if you’re not being extra, what’s the point? Or you can try the puffer jacket trend.

Take your pick: long and hooded or oversized and made of faux leather (but we didn’t say you couldn’t have both!). A shearling-lined jean jacket can give more casual vibes while oozing just as much style. You could also play with the quilt trend and try a quilted bomber jacket. And with leather never getting old, a cropped leather jacket or Sherpa-trimmed leather jacket is not only stylish, but also a smart purchase. And to channel your inner Rebecca Bloomwood, this luxurious faux fur jacket from Elements is necessary. Another trendy pick: an embroidered jacket to live out your chic equestrian dreams.

While we know it’s winter and wearing a vest might be less than ideal, some of the vests currently on the market are too fabulous to not wear (plus, you can wear it with a turtleneck underneath for extra warmth and style points!). Easy and versatile, some women’s cardigans or men’s crewnecks can be worn as sweaters or as tops on their own and are great low-key options (especially when they’re bold and embellished) for my humble-flex crew out there.

12 – TOP WINTER TRENDS

For a one-piece engagement, this velvet dress from Saylor won’t just turn heads, it’ll break them (a pretty good option for encountering any exes, huh?). Just as luxurious, but not for cold weather, is this backless asymmetrical red dress from Nicole Kwon Concept Store. It’s so gorgeous though, we might just wear it and deal with our frozen arm later! Make a more subtle statement (though nothing is subtle with your beauty, honey!) with a silky slip dress or plaid a-line dress.

Shoes & Accessories Galore Shoes and accessories are a crucial part of any outfit, so we could not leave these out of the list! This pair of Dolce Vita Sid Booties in faux black leather with a squared tip from Adeline will make any outfit look instantly cooler. We all know scarves are always in during fall, but this year, they’re trending in more ways than one: on your neck (obviously), in your hair, as belts, on your purse, and the list goes on! So invest in one of these wool and cashmere scarves from Tory Burch to add the perfect last-minute touch to your outfit. And of course, we can’t forget about our hate-love relationship with face masks. As long as we’ll wear them, we’ll look fab, especially with this mask chain from Adeline.

Pictured Left: Fendi Zip Patent Combat Boot from Nordstrom $890.

That completes our holiday trend list! If you shop any of these, make sure to let the store know we sent ya, and take a pic and tag us on Instagram (@mddm_magazine) with the hashtag #MDDMWinterEdit2020 for a chance to be featured on our page.

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13 - CHRISTMAS TREE QUIZ

WHAT KIND OF CHRISTMAS TREE IS YOUR FAMILY?

BY KIRA GAVALAKIS

1.What song plays on repeat in your house until Christmas?

A) A Charlie Brown Christmas album Vince Guaraldi

B) “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

C) Michael Buble’s Christmas Deluxe Album D) Top 50 Spotify Christmas Songs

E) “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande

2. Whрe is yo� family doing þeir holid� shopping?

3.

A) T.J. Maxx

A) Gingerbread Cookies

What’s your family’s traditional holiday dessert?

B) Amazon

B) Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake Christmas Cookies

C) Local Small Businesses

C) Halo Top 360-Calorie Gingerbread House

D) Macy’s

D) Peanut Butter Blossoms

E) Gucci, Baby!

E) Peppermint Bark

4

A) Classic Egg-Nog B) Spiked Drink After the Kids Go to Sleep C) Peppermint Tea D) Hot Chocolate Bomb E) Candycane-tini Cocktail

5 6

14 - CHRISTMAS TREE QUIZ

What day do you start decorating?

A) December 1st B) September 1st C) The Day After Thanksgiving D)November 1st E) The Day Before We Host Our Yearly Christmas Party

How long does it take you to finish putting up all of your Christmas decorations?

A) Less Than an Hour

B) An Entire Weekend with No Breaks or Sleep

C) It Depends on How Many We Want This Year

D) However Long it Takes for the Entire Family to Help

7

How does yo� family de��te?

8

E) I’m Never Finished

What Ugly Christmas Sweater quote defines your family?

A) Piece-by-Piece, as Needed

A) “Bah humbug!”

B) All Together!

B) “I Was Naughty This Year.”

C) Whoever is in the Mood

C) “I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite!”

D) Divide and Conquer E) While Christmas Music is Blasting for all the Neighborhood to Hear

D) “Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal.”

E) Any Sweater That Has a Cat on it Works for Us!

15 - CHRISTMAS TREE QUIZ

9.What is your family’s favorite holiday activity?

A) Decorating the Tree B) Wrapping Hundreds of Presents C) Making Blankets, Mittens, and Scarves for Shelters D)Baking Holiday Desserts E) Belting Christmas Music

10. What Christmas movie is on replay during the holiday season?

A) Elf

B) Christmas with the Kranks C) The Polar Express D) Home Alone E) A Bad Mom’s Christmas

Now – no cheating! Add up the amount of As, Bs, Cs, Ds, and Es that you have. Find the letter you have the most of, and check below to see what kind of Christmas Tree your family is!

A – The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Family Your family represents the most humble but giving tree of all. Though you may lay low on the decorations or celebration, there’s no lack of beauty and light in the love that you have, especially during the holidays. Much like Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree, you’re simple, sweet, and representative of the larger things in life, like connection, love, and inspiration. No matter how much you choose to utilize the plethora of Christmas-themed everything around you this winter, you always have the warmth, simplicity, and love that everybody wants during the holidays.

B – The Shopping-in-Bulk Christmas Tree Family Your family is never light on gift-giving, acts of kindness, and love! Your family’s Christmas tree has every type of ornament you could imagine, from ones that your kids made when they were little, to ones you bought customized at Disney World, to gifts from friends and relatives. You’re always on a mission to deliver the best because your loved ones mean more than anything to you. You’re willing to fare crazy crowds on Black Friday, go out in the cold to sing Christmas carols, and spend hours making sweet treats to give to your neighbors because your favorite part of Christmas is giving.

16 - CHRISTMAS TREE QUIZ

C – The Conscious Christmas Tree Family Much like a cut tree, your family is always mindful of resources, and are willing to find a more sustainable solution while still having a natural essence of holiday spirit. As opposed to gifts, you’d prefer to give (and receive) experiences, and are always sensitive to the ones around you who may not be able to celebrate the way you do. While never lacking in spirit, you take thoughtfulness to a new level, because you’re always looking at the bigger picture. Your awareness and intention bring your holiday spirit to life, while never sacrificing the beauty of the holiday.

D – The Classic Holiday Christmas Tree Family You have been waiting since December 26th of last year to start celebrating your absolute favorite holiday again. With your family, you don’t just love Christmas-- it’s part of who you are. Whether it’s constant baking, giving gifts to everybody from your kids to the crossing guard to the lady in line at the deli, you live the Christmas spirit not only in preparation for December 25, but during every other month as well, with big gestures, fun games, and much like a classically decorated, stout, and sturdy Christmas tree, with a personality and shine that is the true epitome of giving.

E – The Classy and Sassy Christmas Tree Sometimes luxury is about having a classy and sassy Christmas tree, with the most high-end ornaments, gorgeous ribbons, and aesthetically-pleasing decor-- because that’s how you live 24/7. Your family’s Christmas tree looks like no other-- with sass, class, and always extra sparkle. Best of all, you don’t care what other families think of you, because true connections, honest friendships, and surrounding yourself with others who embrace your bold and bright spunk is of top priority!

Take a picture with your family or tree, tell us which tree your family is and use the hashtag #MDDMChristmas to gain TWO extra entries to our December Giveaway!

17 - LIGHTS, CHRISTMAS, ACTION

Lights, Christmas, Action!

By Kira Gavalakis

The 3 Must-See Events this Christmas!

Even though this Christmas might be a little different, that doesn’t mean that we can’t still share the magic of celebration with others. All open now, these three best spots to see Christmas lights are a must-do for your holiday celebrations, whether you want to celebrate in a large space, or from the comfort of your own car. We picked out the top three con‐ tenders, all of which are confirmed to be open amidst the ongoing pan‐ demic. Each is ranked out three possible snowflakes for family-friendli‐ ness, events, and whether Santa will be in attendance. Here’s a rundown of our top favorites!

18 - LIGHTS, CHRISTMAS, ACTION!

The Rundown...

1. Gift of Lights

2. Prairie Lights

3. Luminova

Give the gift of light to your family this Christmas while enjoying the comfort of your car, right over at Texas Motor Speedway.

Boasting “warmth, com‐ fort, and safety from your own car,” Gift of Lights is ready to bring you their tradition of a gorgeous holiday celebration – from a safe distance.

The holidays are already gearing up at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, as their Prairie Lights will continue on this year! If you attended their virtual Sneak-A-Peak event hosted on Facebook (a walk-through in previous years), you may already know a bit of what’s to come. If not, then you’re definitely in for a treat.

Luminova is excited to be dropping their reins right here in Texas – for the first time ever – at Globe Life Field to bring you all of the holiday fun for your family, co-workers, team, and more. A world-premiere event, Luminova brings dazzling lights, exciting games, and Santa and his friends all to your back‐ yard in Arlington.

1. Gift of Lights T�as M�� Sp�dway Price: $ F�t W��, T X Family-Friendliness: Events, Activities, and vendors: North Pole Attendance:

What’s to Sing About Open now and ending January 3rd, Gift of Lights features gorgeous, colorful cascades of colorful lights that will wow you and your whole family. Your family – and even your well-behaved pets – are invited to this gorgeous holiday drive-through, where you can enjoy tunes from 94.9 KLTY, food from the food trucks on Food Truck Friday and Food Truck Saturday, and the traditionally gorgeous light cascades.

In accordance with the pandemic, you can order your food online while you’re in your car for a contact-free pick-up. Additionally, due to Santa’s Village being closed for the season, additional lights will be added for an even bigger and brighter experience. The best part? Every year, Gift of Lights partners with local charities to continue their community support throughout

the year. One such charity is 2 Miles of Smiles, an organization that empowers cancer patients and survivors through sky-diving!

How Much Silver and Gold?

Prices start at $30 per car and go up with larger vehicles. You can also find discounts and coupons for partnering organizations on the events page of their website.

Things to Note Unfortunately, Santa will not be opening his village this year at the Speedway, to ensure all the good little girls and boys are safe. He encourages all of the attendees to continue to enjoy the beautiful lights from inside their cars.

19 - LIGHTS, CHRISTMAS, ACTION

2. Prairie Lights Grand P ra�ie, T X Price: $ Family-Friendliness: Events, Activities, and vendors: North Pole Attendance: What’s to Sing About The Prairie Lights are located right on beautiful Joe Pool Lake, open every night from 6-10 pm until December 31st, and feature a gorgeous array of colorful and vibrant lights that kids and adults adore, with a path over 2 miles with more than 6 million lights. Halfway through your drive, stop by the concessions to order treats and drinks, and end your light journey through the all-new light tunnel! Similar to Gift of Lights, your monetary exchange extends back to the community, helping cover program fees and scholarships for underprivileged children to take part in the Parks, Arts, and Recreation classes.

How Much Silver and Gold?

Pricing-- modified due to the pandemic-- has been reduced to $30 per car. For a fast-pass option with a shorter wait-time, pricing starts at $99. Check out their website for their drivethrough treat and drink menu!

Things to Note Santa has also decided to close his village here on the lake, as well. He hopes to see you there next year though!

3. Luminova Holiday Experience Price: $$$ Family-Friendliness: Events, Activities, and vendors: North Pole Attendance:

Arlington, T X

What’s to Sing About

How Much Silver and Gold?

There are opportunities both indoors and outdoors for this uber-celebration. Though it sounds crowded, they’re ensuring to stay in compliance with CDC regulations to prepare a safe, clean, and socially-distanced event while bringing you all of the holiday fun you thought you’d miss. Along with an ice-skating rink, events include light-up hopscotch, train rides, and holiday fun for the kids. Holiday vendors, bites and drinks are available for the adults, so you can celebrate the way you want. For the ultimate experience, book an overnight stay for multiple days of fun!

Ticket prices come in peak and non-peak options. Peak pricing starts at $30 for adults and $20 for children, and non-peak is $5 less. There are also senior, military, EMT, fire, and police discounts, family discounts, and discounts for large groups of 40 and over.

Things to Note Slots are filling up fast, so be sure to visit their website to check about availability before planning your day.

Are you ready to start celebrating? Whether you’ll be in your car, shopping it up, or hanging out outside, there are plenty of ways to still get your Christmas light celebration on. Where will we find you, this year?

20 - LIGHTS, CHRISTMAS, ACTION!

1

2 3

4

5

1

On photo: Luminova Holiday Experience

2

On photo: Luminova Holiday Experience

3

On photo: Prairie Lights

4

On photo: Gift of Lights

5

On photo: Prairie Lights

21 - MY MS. CLAUS

Mylo’s Musings My Ms. Claus

S

o, you’re a divorced single mother of one, and it’s Christmas Eve. As you wrap gi�s for your child, you sign all the gi� tags “from: Ms. Claus.” It makes perfect sense, right?

Welcome to most of my Christmas mornings. I don’t remember ge�ng Christmas gi�s from Santa Claus.

I am sure when I couldn’t read the gi� tags they were from Santa, but once my mom got divorced, Ms. Claus made all the present deliveries. I never knew any different. I didn’t think it odd. A�er all, there was a Mrs. Claus. I think I may have asked my mom once why I got presents from Ms. Claus, and she said, “Only the extra special kids get presents from Ms. Claus.” Well, I didn’t ever ask again. Would you? LOL The commercializa�on of Christmas depicts tradi�onal two-parent families with two kids and a pet. Even the more inclusive marke�ng over the past decade shows same-sex couples with children. What about the single parent families? Is it taboo to market to single parents? The divorce rate in the United States is currently at 39% according to the latest census. That is a lot of people that are feeling le� out when it comes to adver�sing.

There is enough judgment and shame, in many instances, associated with divorce that retailers and marke�ng companies don’t need to compound it.

The holiday season should be one of joy for families of every type. My mom made sure of it for me. My mom is truly a trailblazer. Dare I say, a feminist of sorts. My mother made sure that my Christmas, yeara�er-year, was great. No, not because of the presents, but because of the love and posi�vity. Eventually, I figured out who Ms. Claus really was, and I loved it. My mom loved me enough to make sure that I

22 - MY MS. CLAUS

knew SHE LOVED ME. She did not give credit to a male archetype that had no place in our family unit. She showed me that an empowered woman was more than capable of pu�ng up a tree, decora�ng it, and providing the only inspira�on and impetus for a loving holiday. I also ALWAYS knew that Christmas was about the birth of Christ, and that gi�s were just a bonus. Like I got to celebrate in the birth of Christ with my own gi�s.

To all the single ladies that had a man or woman put a ring on it that you took off, more power to you as a single mother at Christmas.

Take a cue from my mom, Be�y, and move Ms. Claus to the forefront. There is no reason Ms. Claus needs to be relegated to wife and suppor�ng role only. My Christmases were memorable thanks to my Ms. Claus, and I wouldn’t change my Christmas history for any reason.

Photos by Ryan Davis Media & Mylo Draven

REVOLUTION, RESCUE, AND SLEIGH RIDES

By Siobhan Miller Nine carriages.

Thirteen carriage horses.

One amazing, go-getter woman.

S

itting down with Catherine “Cat” Dowden-Poage was like chatting with an old friend. Most of our readers may not know this, but long before I was the Creative Director of MDDM, and even before the inception of SGI Creative, I was a carriage driver in downtown San Antonio. My love of horses was one of the �irst things Mylo and I bonded over, him being a former rider himself.

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Our interview lasted over an hour, punctuated by the rhythmic clip-clop of the ironically named Tiny’s hooves.

Beloved Tiny is an 18-hand Percheron-Thoroughbred cross. In layman’s terms, he’s HUGE. He’s a pro at carriage life, but his life before Cat wasn’t a bed of roses. A former kill-pen horse, he joined Cat’s family after she acquired another carriage company as part of her efforts to expand her business. In the beginning, she described him as “uppity and kind of jumpy as a horse.” Her current description of him was one of the highlights of our interview.

“Now, you can light �ireworks off his ass during an Indian wedding.”

Cat has revolutionized the commercial horse-drawn carriage industry. An industry that often comes with a bad reputation, she’s made innovative strides in changing that narrative. Among her improvements are fair pay for her drivers, safer equipment for the horses (including no longer using the industry-standard car-batteries to power the carriage lights), and being willing to completely cancel events for the sake of the horses.

“I don’t care if a horse doesn’t work for me for a whole year,” she says, “It doesn’t change anything.”

We commiserated over the poor reputation of the carriage industry, due to several companies who prioritize pro�it over the health and well-being of their horses.

She went on to mention that unlike other companies that run their horses until they die, or sell them off to kill pens when they’re no longer able to work, a horse with Cat is always family. “Mine either get re-homed to someone I know, or they stay with me. I actually have some that are out at a retirement facility,” she says.

As a matter of fact, Tiny, our horse-of-the-hour, will be retiring at the end of this Christmas season. He’ll still have an active life as Cat’s personal riding horse, but his time of pulling the carts will come to an end. It’ll be a signi�icant transition for the working horse. “This one right here throws �its if he sees that trailer leave more than two days in a row without him,” Cat laughed. Some horses are just born to it. They love what they do and

the people they do it with. “You can’t force them to... If they’re not feeling it that day, you’re not catching them out in the �ield. We respect that, I listen to them. I’ll have another horse standing right here by my side wanting to go.

REVOLUTION, RESCUE, AND SLEIGH RIDES

“I started changing heavily what I wanted to change, or what I felt needed to change in the industry. It’s not a secret that carriages get a bad rep, they just do. I knew that it would always happen... But I didn’t want anyone to be able to look at me and accuse me of being one of those crack carriage companies... Because I extremely pride myself on how I run my carriage business. I even get along with some of the big vegan activists downtown.”

How my horses are, and they, you know, their health, and well-being, and happiness, rises above anything else.

-Cat Dowden-Poage

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REVOLUTION, RESCUE, AND SLEIGH RIDES

“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.”

-Brene Brown As if running a carriage empire wasn’t enough, Cat also is the main farrier and equine dentist for her horses, as well as an experienced rescuer and rehabilitator.

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She shared her passion for rescuing horses with me. “It always just kinda held a softspot,” she says. “There was a horse that got me back into it... Over a year ago now. His name is, ‘Boon.’ He’s a little Appaloosa. He was just skin and bones... Just a mess of a little horse. He was a candidate to be euthanized, I’ll be honest.”

Every year, hundreds of horses are sent to kill-pens, rescues, or are seized by animal control. Cat makes it her mission to save those she can. Luckily, Boon’s story has a happy ending. “He’d been left. When it rained, that’s when he got to drink. If something blew into the yard, that’s what he ate.

We did a lot of x-rays, medications, and I absolutely fell in love with that little horse.” Cat went on to say that she partners with generous veterinarians and feed partners, including Hallway Feeds. Through their dedication and generosity, as well as donors, Cat has

been able to rehabilitate numerous horses and has become known as the one who can take pn severe cases with success.

After our ride, I stayed just a little longer to soak up more of this courageous woman’s story. She told me how she’d survived a life-threatening illness, became a boss-babe before 30, and how supporting small businesses is part of her heart and soul. Holiday rides aren’t the only service Fourwinds Carriage Company offers.

They also offer dinner rides where the food is sourced from local restaurants in small towns. If you order flowers for your ride, they’ll be bought from a local florist. Even the diapers the horses wear are handmade by a little old lady in Michigan.

My biggest take away from our time together was the honesty of Cat’s heart. Her foundations are the very same that founded the heart’s of Mylo’s brands, and my own. Integrity. Strength. Perseverance.

Integrity. Strength. Perseverance.

REVOLUTION, RESCUE, AND SLEIGH RIDES

Despite revolutionizing the carriage world, Fourwinds Carriage Company is about more than just romantic rides in what Cat calls, “Hallmark Movie Towns.” It begins and ends with the horses. Her love for them, her passion, and giving them the best life possible.

What we do is a huge part of who we are. And at the end of the day, we all want to be proud of what we’ve accomplished and the relationships we’ve fostered. What began as light-hearted article about the best carriage company to check out this holiday season (and you should!), turned into a story that I hope encourages everyone to take what you do, and do it better. Don’t let naysayers stop you from changing the world. Don’t be afraid to rock the boat of your industry. As the new year quickly approaches, get ready to show the world exactly what you can do.

Where to find your ride: Now through December 27th in Mount Pleasant, TX - 20-minute ride around historic town square - $25 per carriage (up to 6 people)

December 4th-28th in Highland Park, Dallas - 1-hour rides through the lighted neighborhoods of Highland Park - Starting at $185 (for up to 6 people, and larger carriages can carry up to 12!)

BOOK NOW

December 3rd-24th in Heath, TX - 15-minute rides through a carriageonly light display - $50 per carriage (up to 6 people)

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Cardamom Orange Hot Chocolate

With Honey Crème F raiche Whipped Cream

We’re getting oh-so-fancy with our hot chocolate at MDDM. Caramel and mint are great and everything, but it’s time to update your favorite winter drink and treat yourself.

With the spicy cardamom and orange zest, this hot chocolate got an upgrade. Top it off with tangy creme fraiche whipped cream sweetened with wildflower honey and sip it slowly. Then tell everybody you know about how you make THE BEST hot chocolate.

Servings: 2 Ingredients: 3 cups of whole milk (You can try a 50/50 mix of whole milk and heavy cream if you’re feeling extra decadent.)

2 tsp orange zest 20 green cardamom pods 3 oz high-quality dark chocolate, chopped Pinch of sea salt 2 tbsp creme fraiche

Recipe & Photography by: Caitlin Knudsen

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4 oz heavy whipping cream 2 tbsp wildflower honey

Holiday Beverage

Whipped WhippedTopping Topping • Add the heavy whipping cream to a small mixing bowl.

• Using a hand-mixer, beat on medium-high until the heavy cream begins to aerate and become fluffy, increasing in size.

• Add the honey and creme fraiche and continue mixing until the whipped cream thickens and holds its shape on the beaters.

• Spoon (lots of) the whipped cream onto your hot chocolate.

• Top with a twist of an orange peel and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate. You might need a spoon for all this goodness!

Notes:

Directions Directions

Twist the orange peel over the whipped cream before laying it on top for extra orange flavor.

Feel free to substitute non-dairy milk if you can’t have dairy. Try almond or oat milk.

If you want to make this adult-friendly, add 1 shot of bourbon per serving after taking the mixture off the heat.

Two shots if it’s been a rough day or family is over!

• Using a mortar and pestle, gently grind the cardamom pods until they crack open and you can see the seeds.

• Add the milk, orange zest, and cardamom pods to a small saucepan.

• Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a simmer, just off boiling, and then turn the heat off.

• Steep the luscious ingredients in the milk for 10 minutes. It’s worth the wait!

• Strain the cardamom pods and orange zest out of the milk mixture before adding it back into the saucepan.

• Place on the burner on medium-high heat.

• Add the chocolate and the pinch of sea salt to the milk and stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is steaming. Yep. You should smell everything working now.

• Using a hand-whisk or handheld blender, mix until the chocolate is smooth, creamy, and slightly frothy.

• Pour into the most festive mugs you can find and top with as much whipped cream as you want!

Holiday Beverage

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Anything

But Vanilla

by Caitlin Knudsen AT MDDM, YOU KNOW WE’RE ALL ABOARD THE SWEET TRAIN. CHOO! CHOO, HONEY! JOIN US AS WE TALK TO SCUYLER GREY AND FIND OUT HOW HIS COMPANY, BALDO’S, IS OUT TO MAKE SURE YOUR LIFE IS ANYTHING BUT VANILLA. o you remember the first time you tasted ice cream? With your face covered in a sticky, sweet mess, I bet you felt like you dove into the cone and ended up in heaven. And every subsequent time you have ice cream, the magic doesn’t go away, does it? It’s one of the best treats out there, with memories in every spoonful and a flavor for everybody.

The folks behind Baldo’s understand the nostalgia and pure happiness that come with a well-crafted scoop of the good stuff.

D

We spoke with Schuyler Grey, Owner of Baldo’s, a self-proclaimed scoop shop cafe, to find out why Dallas-Fort Worth residents should plan an indulgent visit in the coming months.

Though only open for a year and a half, the vision for Baldo’s started years ago in Grey’s native Denver, Colorado, where there are ice cream shops in every neighborhood. An SMU graduate, he noticed the neighborhood surrounding the university was missing a place to gather and indulge, and thus Baldo’s was born.

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THE SMELL OF THE CINNAMON CONES ALONE IS PURE HEAVEN, ACCORDING TO OUR CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SIOBHAN.

Baldo’s is a purveyor of ice cream with a mission and a clear sense of identity. Its website notes that they don’t recommend sticking to vanilla because it keeps us comfortable and doesn’t expand our horizons. It’s a bold assertion against the most classic ice cream flavor out there, but their reasoning is sound. Vanilla doesn’t encourage sharing, discussion, or reflect greater cultural value. Yes, Baldo’s incorporates art, community, and culture into their small-batch flavors.

In only a year and a half, Baldo’s has changed hours, flavors, and offerings available to their customers, but at the heart of every decision is a desire to listen to what the people of Dallas want and to put a smile on their faces.

The focus is equally on quality as well as process. Grey explains how Baldo’s does it differently: “Basically, it’s all made in-house. We use local ingredients.

We have an open kitchen to just show transparency that we’re actually putting ingredients into it. We also want people to realize it’s a three day process to make our ice cream. It’s not just dumping some base ice cream into a freezer and flavoring it. We steep things overnight. We let our base age.” Each flavor is a labor of love with time required to develop intense flavors. But a visit to Baldo’s is about more than the 22 flavors of ice cream available for scooping each day. It’s about the experience.

It’s so much more than a scoop of ice cream.

Grey starts by describing one of the popular menu items. “We have this thing called a Frozen Baldo, which is a cold brew shake with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon and ground coffee beans.” It sounds decadent, doesn’t it? This sweet and rich milkshake reflects Grey’s appreciation for both ice cream, which Baldo’s is largely recognized for, as well as coffee. Coffee featured prominently on the original menu and remains to this day, shining in some of the smallbatch concoctions the staff whip up every season. The artwork on the walls is matched only by the latte art in your cappuccino.

As Grey tells it, when Baldo’s first opened, “What we wanted to do was obviously bring people in from the neighborhood to come enjoy our space, relax, get their mind off things, have meaningful conversation. The way we do that is with our flights.” The flights of ice cream are available up to six scoops, so you don’t have to choose. They’re designed to stay inhouse to encourage you to take in the full ice cream experience. “You’re staying inside the shop. You’re taking in the atmosphere. You’re smelling the cinnamon cones being rolled in the back. You’re absorbing the action and you’re engaging with whoever you might be with.”

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GREY SHARES, “WE WANT THIS TO BE A PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO GET AWAY, AND A PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO SEEMINGLY FORGET WHAT’S GOING ON WITH ALL THE ADVERSITY WE’VE BEEN THROUGH THIS YEAR.” HE WANTS CUSTOMERS TO COME ENJOY THE AMBIANCE AND OFFERINGS IN THE SHOP, WHERE SAFETY MEASURES ARE SECURELY IN PLACE AND THE STAFF CRANKS OUT NEW ICE CREAM FLAVORS REGULARLY. hen you look at the menu, you may notice there are four categories of ice cream— Vintage, Why Not, Vitality, and Specials.

If you like the classics, but with Baldo’s attention to detail, choose from flavors like Cookies ‘n Cream, Mint Chip, or Salted Caramel. Why Not is the category for the adventurous ice cream lover. Grey mentions that the staff whipped up a batch of Dill Pickle ice cream a while back and while they didn’t sell as much as some of their other flavors, “...it was fun for people to try.”

W

For those with dietary restrictions, Baldo’s aims for inclusivity; the Vitality options are all vegan. Finally, the Specials are the seasonal options that change based on available ingredients and holidays.

Coming up in December, you will find flavors like

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gingerbread and peppermint.

But let’s talk about that Cookies ‘n Cream. Grey explains, “If you’ve ever—I’m sure you have— dunked an Oreo into the milk and it gets that kind of sogginess at the end… We steep the Oreos so it gets that flavor into it. Then we strain it and then we spin it and then we add more Oreos into it.”

People. This isn’t your run of the mill cookies and cream. It’s a spoonful of memories.

In many ways, anything you order at Baldo’s has an attention to detail that you can’t find anywhere else. Not only are the ice creams chock full of cookies, cream, and sugar, but they are infused with a strong awareness of what ice cream can make us feel.

PRO TIP: IT’S ESSENTIAL TO SAVOR THE SWEET MOMENTS IN LIFE AND THERE’S NO BETTER WAY THAN TO TRY A FLIGHT OF BALDO’S EXPERTLY CRAFTED ICE CREAMS.

A spoonful of Cookies ‘n Cream can transport you to sitting at the kitchen counter after school, dunking your Oreos into a tall glass of milk, absorbing the milk until the cookie is on the verge of falling apart, lost crumbs in a sea of 2%. It also reflects the close relationships Baldo’s maintains with other local businesses.

For example, one flavor Baldo’s cultivated was a lemon basil created using fresh lemon basil grown on an aquaponics farm in North Texas. The fresh herbs were infused into the cream, yielding a piquant, herbaceous ice cream that pays homage to the Baldo’s process as well as local agriculture.

Pre-pandemic and onward, supporting other businesses has remained a priority for Grey. As he reflects on all of the pivots he’s had to make since March, he notes, “Our team has done a great job of dealing with the uncertainty.” Grey and his staff have continually made adjustments to ensure ice cream is available during the pandemic, a saving grace for all of us who need a spot of goodness during a tough time. They’ve even started mixing up vanilla ice cream, but with Baldo's spin: One recent offering included activated charcoal to turn this classic flavor from it’s usual dreamy color to black.

If you want to enjoy ice cream beyond the walls of the shop, Baldo’s offers catering for your comfort level.

The staff has also partnered with area companies to deliver pints of ice cream to employees working from home, lightening the load of managing all the changes that have come with social distancing. If there’s a flavor you’d like to see Baldo’s make again, cast your vote; the winners end up in to-go pints. So, you can definitely enjoy Baldo’s from the comfort of your own home.

Stay tuned. You may see future collaborations between Baldo’s and Mylo Draven Magazine, but in the meantime, you can find Dallas’ premier, handcrafted ice cream destination open from 1 pm-10 pm.

BALDO’S HOT CHOCOLATE POUR OVER IS LITERALLY TODIE-FOR! A MUST-TRY THIS WINTER SEASON!

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FINDING THE

Joy

IN A PANDEMIC CHRISTMAS

Caitlin Knudsen

G

orgeous subscribers! We know the holidays are usu‐ ally something you get excited about, and we also know they could look quite different this year. These weeks are typically jam-packed and filled with family, laughter, and good cheer, and we know it’s hard to imagine a year without the typical jingle bells. We’re here for you, and we understand many of you may be opting out of travel or large family gatherings due to COVID-19. But, you still have options for finding the joy in Christmas this year, and we want to be sure you go into this festive time with bright ideas for creating happy memories to carry you into 2021.

• • • • • •

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Get Creative Deck the Halls Holiday Baking Find the Light Gift Yourself Share Joy

F I N D I N G

J O Y

Photo by Elements Envato

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F I N D I N G

J O Y

Get Creative with Connection To make sure you still see your loved ones’ beautiful smiling faces, include video conferencing and phone calls in your holiday schedule. The Zoom fatigue is real. We get it. The thought of one more video conference might make you roll your eyes, but believe us when we say it’s worth it to see your brother’s cat Zoom-bomb your call.

Make sure you are inten‐ tional about your technology dates. Play a game. Tell stor‐ ies. Pick out a recipe and cook it together, but apart.

Find an option that spells FU-N, fun for you and your loved ones. More than ever, and especially during Christmas, connecting with people who care about us and accept us for who we are, is so important. You just have to be a little creative about it, and we know you can be creative!

Deck the Halls... and Then Some When it comes to decorating for the holidays, 2020 is the perfect year to indulge! Online ordering has hit its stride and as long as you order early, your goodies should arrive with plenty of time to spare.

String lights? Buy a couple of sets and hang them inside and outside your house. Light up the neighbor‐ hood! Garland? It’s a classic that doesn’t go out of style. Candles?

From rustic and pine-scented to sweet, tart, and spicy, there are many options to create your favorite ambi‐ ance. The flickering warmth of a candle makes hygge possible. If you can’t travel for the holidays, bring the holidays home to you.

Holiday Baking is Calling Baking was huge at the beginning of the pandemic, and if you participated then, you probably worked out any major kinks months ago. Now, you’re basically a pro in the kitchen, and you’re ready to whip up all of the amazing holiday treats that just taste better in the month of December.

Our favorite treats can transport us and if you need to escape into a bite of something sweet, go for it! You deserve a break from the new normal.

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Our suggestions? Classic buttery spritz cookies are two bites of heaven. Ginger‐ snaps are good for the soul. Check out our recipe for Cardamom Orange Hot Chocolate—it’s bliss in every sip! Don’t forget to order your snowman cookie cutters, whip up a double batch of but‐ tercream, and spend an afternoon cre‐ ating holiday works of art. The best part? This is the best kind of art—the ed‐ ible kind!

F I N D I N G

J O Y

Find the Light Everywhere Even if social distancing is full speed ahead, you can still take a walk or a drive through your favorite neigh‐ borhoods and enjoy every‐ body else’s light displays.

Embrace your childlike won‐ der and let yourself take in the twinkling decorations. If you’re looking for social dis‐ tancing-friendly activities, don’t miss our article about the best things to do in DFW this December. They are Mylo-approved ways to enjoy the city during one of the best times of the year.

Take it a step further. Look for sources of light around you to be grateful for. Pause for a moment every day this holiday season and write down some words of appreciation for the sources of light in your life. Look for the moments of love and connection. Find the light and keep it close.

Do Something Special for You Even though the holidays are tradition‐ ally about togetherness, they are also an excellent time to do a little something for you. You matter, too! Self-care can easily be adapted for the season.

Do you love holiday movies? Make your‐ self a mug of hot chocolate with melty marshmallows, curl up on the couch, and treat yourself to your favorite flick.

If you do best with physical activity and time outside, go for a walk and enjoy the scenery. What’s important is that you have a good sense of what gives you comfort and joy and that you choose those moments for yourself the whole month of December. No apologies!

Create Memories & Share the Joy This season is all about finding and cre‐ ating joy. One of the best ways to wel‐ come joy this holiday season is to share your joy with others. You can use social media to share pictures of your twink‐ ling decorations or succulent baked goods (don’t forget to tag us!). Christmas cards are still in style. You can ask your people to hop on the phone and listen to holiday tunes together. It’s always good form to belt out Mariah Carey at the top of your lungs. Just us?

Ditch the consumerism and donate in‐ stead. There are plenty of charities and non-profits to send your dollars to and let’s be honest, those big box stores don’t need your money anyway. Plus, there’s less wrapping paper to toss in

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the garbage, it’s social distancing friendly, and you will definitely get that warm feeling inside when you know you’ve helped somebody out. Joy is meant to be shared and grows bigger and brighter the more people that bask in its warmth.

We hope you find joy this Christmas, despite everything going on in the world. Christmas is a reminder of what’s important, a time to slow down, and an opportunity to cherish small moments that make long-lasting memories.

There’s no reason why a pandemic needs to take that opportunity away from any of you. We won’t let it! Find your joy, enjoy every last bite of it, and make sure you share it with others.

F I N D I N G

J O Y

G N I H S A H D G U O R W H O T N S E SOLO H T written by: mylo draven

photos by: ryan davis media

MYLO & SIOBHAN GET REAL ABOUT LIFE, LOVE, AND DREAMS DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

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D A S H I N G

T H R O U G H

T H E

S N O W

I HAVE SPENT MANY CHRISTMAS SEASONS AS A SINGLE MALE. FOR SOME REASON, AS I GET OLDER, IT BOTHERS ME JUST A BIT.

I

slight eye-roll too. The, Did you really not know the answer? eye-roll I have become familiar with from her. We took the moment to chat during a break from contorting our bodies to hide nature’s flaws for the shoot and took the moment to discuss our different Christmas lifestyles.

“Hey, Siobhan, how do you feel about being married with a toddler during the holiday season?”

“The pressure to ensure that a child has fond memories is daunting,” she tells me. Siobhan is an overachiever and her own worst boss. She has her successful business, SGI Creative, then she is the Creative Director for MDDM, wife, and a mother.

That is a loaded plate for any woman. She caps it all off with a determination for control and perfection that is unrivaled. The order with which she must, and does, live is dumbfounding and extraordinary.

s it years of watching romantic comedies, or even the early years of Disney films, that have ingrained in my psyche that I should have a spouse? At the very least, a potential temporary-to-permanent Prince (kind of) Charming?

Once you get to a certain age, your mind, friends, and advertisers conspire a bit to make you feel bad about who you as a single person.

The immediate response caught me off guard.

“Exhausted,” she said as she exhaled fro dramatic effect. I think I remember a

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D A S H I N G

T H R O U G H

T H E

S N O W

“YOU WILL HAVE WHAT YOU WANT, MYLO”

“Putting up a tree, decorating it, making sure I have fun activities for my toddler, and then not to neglect my husband. I mean, what was I thinking?!” She laughs. All the things I want and crave at times, she has. I want a child to love on and make Christmas memories with. I want a fiance, at least.

“I want what you have!” I blurt out.

She looks at me like I just threw up on myself since my words jumped out so quickly. “I mean, I want my own family. I am not trying to plot your disappearance and demise,” I say as we both start laughing. “I mean, I can do what I want, when I want, in terms of decorating the tree, and even shopping since my list is small, but I wish I had a family to share the family events with during this season. It would be fun to see the excitement on my child’s face as we pick a tree, or when they come down Christmas morning and Santa’s cookies are all eaten.” As I ponder and imagine, neither one of us is sure if this just took a slightly sad turn. “Well, I have Miss Diva Kitty, Greyson, and I have a feeling she is going to be really excited about having her own Christmas tree.” We both laugh, because Greyson is a oneof-a-kind fur baby.

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The point is, we all want what we don't have, on some level. The more important point, is that we should all be grateful for what we do have. Siobhan says, “It’s hard.

All of it. The balancing act, the bad days, and sometimes, even the good days. But there’s nothing like it. Having your own family changes your life in a way that nothing else will.” Thoughtfully, she continues, “You will have what you want, Mylo.” The care with which she nearly whispers it is to disguise any doubt or tinge of sadness that may have been attached.

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D A S H I N G

T H R O U G H

T H E

S N O W

I have spent a lifetime loving, and failing, at relationships.

fairy-tale ending, or something close, alive. This year, I think with all of the self-quarantining and isolation, I lost sight of the true goal: independent wellness. I am on a journey, 365-days-a-year, to be the best me I can be. Does being the best me mean I have to have a spouse and a child? Nope. It does not. While I would love to be partnered up and saddled with a child, I am fine without, and I will be too.

“I MAY JUST END UP BEING THE G’UNCLE TO MANY,” I SAY, SATISFIED.

I have my stepson, but when we met, he was already sixteen. Still, I am bless to call him, “Kiddo,” and have had him in my life all of these years. “Girl, it may not be my destiny, and that is just the way it is. I am not going to let this affect this holiday season, or any others in the future.” Siobhan looks at me like I have more to say. I hate it when the pressure to say something wise shows up on her face.

On the flip side... I do love a challenge.

“I have to remember just how blessed I am. Maybe I would sacrifice everything to have the man and the child, but would I be happier?

Why does it have to be one or the other? I want it all, and if God sees fit to grant me more, I will be ready.”

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There is a pause that only occurs between people who know each other so well, chosen family, and then we move on to smile for the next click.

I have spent a lifetime loving, and failing at, relationships. I have spent just as long keeping the hope of a

I love what Siobhan and others I know have with their families. I am also extremely blessed that so many choose me to be a part of their family. So, for all my singles, just learn to be content with the life you live. We are all privileged to be alive. Don’t let judgment bring down your mood, or cause doubt about your worth. It’s Christmas, the merriest time of year, so embrace the season, and yourself.

Remember, if no one else tells you, I’m on your side.

Merry Christmas, 23 – RUNNING TITLE

D A S H I N G

T H R O U G H

T H E

S N O W

#su�ortlocal During these crazy times, we could think of nothing better than to show our love and su�ort to local busineßes in the #DFWarea. That’s how we met Trinity, and heard her amazing story!

An entrepreneur at only 18, Trinity already has the drive to take the world by storm! She creates GORGEOUS chalk signs (which make great Christmas gifts!) and is attending sch�l to become a pediatric nurse... All while also being mom to her sw�t one-year-old daughter! Talk about Superwoman! Join us in celebrating and su�orting Trinity this month and do your part to #su�ortlocal!

Get your own custom design by hitting Trinity up on her Instagram below!

chalktomebytrin

Coming S�n...

The Health & Wealth Issue • • • • •

Life Coach Fitneß Coach Pure Cafe Finance Profeßionals Everything you n�d to make 2021 the year 2020 wasn’t!

Get your #newyou journey off to the best start by checking out @purecafesouthlake and grabbing a juice and tasty salad!

Special Thanks Grand Homes, Steven Christopher Sales, and Nicole Lang for provided us with a GORGEOUS home for our December photo sh�t!

C.C. Beanie for their amazing sponsorship of MDDM! We’re so excited to feature them in our swag bags and contests!

And last, but certainly not least, our amazing writers & social media team (Caitlin, Kristine, and Kira!), faithful aßistant, Chelsea, and our families for putting up with all of the streß and long hours! We couldn’t do this without you!