Spring 2016

MAGAZINE SPRING 2016

3 steps to

living your

DAY DREAM

how to find your passion, and act on it

LETTING GO

now is the time

cleaning

IN STYLE

jump start your bod for the warmer months ahead

plus

style, beauty, recipes & DIYs

PR IN

SPRING IN YOUR STEP

G

refresh and update your space

HELLO TO

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MAGAZINE SPRING 2016

WHAT’S INSIDE 12 3 STEP STEPS TO LIVING YOUR DAYDREAM Katie Dean, Designer and Founder of Katie Dean Jewelry, shares how to build a community and live out your passions.

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20 LETTING GO Intuitive healer and teacher, Alessandro Giannetti, of Guided Light Healing, helps us let go, find balance, and fully enjoy our lives in beautiful health.

26 5 TIPS TO REFRESH & UPDATE YOUR SPACE Online interior design company, Lauren & Wolf gives their take on tidying up for spring.

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78 30 BRIDE-TO-BE The Bay Club Company’s EVP, Annie Appel, hosts a quaint bridal shower and enlists the help of Molly My to style the final touches.

82 SPRING IN YOUR STEP Celebrity trainer, Mike Alexander, shares a quick and easy workout to jumpstart your bod for the warmer months ahead. Plus! Nutritionist, Kelly LeVeque’s go-to seasonal smoothie.

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IN WITH THE OLD Sending snail mail with Brittany Junod, Founder of Swell Press Paper Co. Traditional methods for modern day events.

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MAKING ARRANGEMENTS Of The Flowers Owner and Florist, Felisa Funes shows us her take on spring florals, and how to get the look - you might be surprised by some of the (gorgeous) deep hues!

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MY HELLO TO SPRING A spring celebration, hosted by Molly My, to enjoy the sunshine and spread a little warmth to friends the perfect afternoon to remember at The Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

a reason to celebrate

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s I sit down to write editors note each season, a rush of emotion comes over me – it’s the excitement as we share what we have worked on, and the reflective gratitude as we take a good look at all the incredible people we bring together in a just few short months.

Spring marks the fourth issue of #mollymymag, which means we have completed four seasons, and a pretty great year of learning and growing. I can tell you first hand that when I started this magazine, I did not know where it would land.

In your 20s, you often find uncertainty… in your career, love life, friendships, or even body image – growing into your own is not easy. You might not even know what “your own” means. Living your dreams, finding your soulmate, feeling comfortable with yourself, and so on – it takes a lot of good introspection. It is a continuous process, and what you do today may not be the same as what you would ultimately choose to do in one year’s time. It is important to remember that each step is just a stepping stone forward – and therefore, you need to just keep moving.

This said, and with 2016 well underway, all of us are quite literally, springing forward. It is a perfect time to think about the new relationships we have made thus far, those we have strengthened, and maybe even those from which we have built the confidence to stray. Life is, and will always be, what you make it. Remember to live through your deepest desires, and challenge yourself to be no less than your best and happiest version. Find confidence in your passions, and make room for self-growth and evolution. Celebrate your milestones.

This issue is intended to uplift you with the brightness of spring. The pages are filled with colorful blooms (of course), fresh eats and drinks, tips on tidying up, DIYs that make the simplistic even simpler by using items you already own, and more. My hope is that the content and knowledge from our contributors will energize you through the remainder of the year ahead.

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It is with pride and thankfulness that I am able to continue to grow with all of you as readers. My passions do not simply extend to the contents of magazine – as I am only able to fulfill these passions knowing that readership in some way, shape, or form, inspires you all beyond the extent to which I could without it.

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Thank you for the confidence you have all placed in me, issue for .

you

Let this season enlighten you.

my team, and our ability to create each

xx, molly my

new on MOLLYMY.com

Visit the site to keep up with recipes, DIYs, tips and more, plus stay connected with friends, they’re always up to something new!

my

What’s

my yours is

— see you there.

On Instagram @molly_my

This season, for a yummy spread, try whipping up this vegan pea pesto. Guilt-free and flavorful too.

The upside of long distance dating -- why living in different cities can have its perks.

SF City Guide: A foodie’s manifesto to local favorites in the city by the bay.

These butterdipped radishes are an easy appetizer that will delight your guests. Prep time: 5 minutes.

Ready, set, go!

BEHIND the SCENES

Like any girl, getting beautified and playing dress-up is one of our favorite parts of putting together each issue. With an All-Star glam team from Blushington, and a clothing rack of gorgeous threads from Draper James, we were set for style. One thing we’ve learned throughout is to always have snacks on-hand and, to pull off a successful shoot, it’s good vibes only.

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designlovefest for cheeky couldn’t be cuter! click to shop

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MAGAZINE

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Editor-In-Chief Chief Creative Officer Managing Editor Kimberly Constantino Recipe Features Editor Elizabeth Palmer Starnes Senior Managing Designer Elizabeth Feeney Production Assistant Camille Miller Photographer Vanessa Tierney

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

Greenhorn Club™ is a private women’s social club, established in New York City.

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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3steps to LIVING YOUR

day dream

By Katie Dean, Founder & Designer of Katie Dean Jewelry Photography by Monica Wang

From the time I was 18 years old, I started working and jumped from job to job, trying on different hats and seeing how they fit. I was searching for my calling, that fine balance of doing something I love, which was fulfilling artistically and which I could make a career out of. I was constantly striving to find that thing and by staying honest with myself and working hard at everything I did, I got there. In today’s social media saturated world, we have more opportunity than ever to seek out our passions and make them happen. That said, I’m sharing a little advise on passion, and some tips to help you too live your day dream.

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I started to make jewelry and while sporting it when I was out and about, people began stopping me, asking where I had gotten the pieces from. Soon enough, I was selling pieces directly off my body. I rarely could keep and wear a piece for a week before someone purchased it from me. It was at that point, I realized I was happiest making jewelry and people were loving it!

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Like a fairy tale (…with lots of hard work), it all fell into place. I took the plunge, quit my jobs and went full force into Katie Dean Jewelry. The company started in 2012 and I’m proud to say, it was the right choice.

Nothing makes me happier than making gorgeous, flirty jewels for you to shamelessly take a #selfie in.

FIND YOUR PASSION

I’m a strong believer that you know what you want to do from an early age. So, if you’re in a place in your life where you feel like you’re going day by day and not finding joy in what you’re spending your time doing, then ask yourself, “What was it that I used to LOVE doing? what did I wake up and get excited about?” This could be from any time in your life and it can be broad, such as arts & crafts or science or cooking. Whatever that subject is, go out and start doing some activity that’s in that genre!

ACT ON IT After you’ve got an idea of what your passion is, you have to get out there and actually DO something in that field. And don’t stop yourself before you start. I think that is way too common these days! People get all caught up in their head with thinking that it’s silly to try something new or it’s too much of a hassle. Stop those voices and just do it. Have fun with it too! If you make everything serious and you’re constantly worried about the problems that could arise from trying something new, then it’s going to be a struggle. Look at the glass half full and don’t take yourself too seriously. Maybe you try something and you find out it’s really not your thing. OK, fine. Move on and try the next thing. It’s ok to change your mind and spend time figuring it out. Take the time to research and discover what is out there for you to create!

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SHARE, CONNECT, BUILD AN AUDIENCE

Even before you officially decide on what new venture you want to take on, share your journey with others! Get creative on the way you share it too.

As an artist or anyone who’s in the creative field, it can be nice to see the reactions of others. From a business viewpoint, if you start doing something that catches people’s interest and can gauge that through social media, then I would say you’re onto something! Also, it’s fun to share your ideas and people like to see what you’re doing. Not to mention the free marketing that is at your fingertips with Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, etc.

Even if you have a great product, if no one knows about it, how are you supposed to sell it and make a living?

If you’re activey trying to get a following I would say you need...

Great content. (mainly photos!)

Meaning: clean, clear, crisp, beautiful images along with captions that represent you and communicate well.

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Interaction. Continuously interact with people and be interested in what other people are doing and socialize! Even though social media comes across like a ‘look at me all the time’ kind of thing it’s actually not. To really be effective you have to create relationships with your followers even if it’s just acknowledging that you saw their comment. This is really important especially when you’re first starting out but I would say it’s something you want to continue to do throughout the longevity of your business.

Consistency. I suggest being consistent with your posts and your image.

That only makes your branding stronger and helps your followers remember you and what you do. So if you’re a quirky brand, keep your content within that vibe, if you’re more bohemian-hippy keep your posts within that vibe.

It can be confusing if you’re posting about a million random things. You want your social media to be a communication of your art and what you as a brand represent.

The other thing I will say about social media is this: utilize it to find others that have common interests with you and connect with them -- not just through social media, but on a real, person-toperson basis. Reach out to people who inspire you, interact with them, and then ask them to meet up for coffee. If you’re genuine and have good intentions, people can tell and most want to be social and make real connections with others too.

I’ve met some of my best girlfriends through social media and we not only hang out as friends, but we collaborate and work together too!

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ome of my best selling jewels are the Evil Eye pieces from my current collection. It is believed that they protect you from misfortune or injury; they’re definitely a bit of a good luck charm. I love anything that gives good vibes and has a positive connotation. I like to create simple and classy pieces that have a fun, flirty flare and these Evil Eye pieces hit that spot on. They’re not your classic replication of the evil eye -- the eyelashes and small stone give it a bit of glam! They are dainty without being too overwhelming because, remember, less is more.

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It’s fun to share your ideas and people like to see what you’re doing.

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LETTING GO

FREEING YOURSELF FROM WHAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL

#ASKALESSANDRO

By Alessandro Giannetti, Creator of Guided Light Healing

#mollymymag is a lifestyle and life includes ups and downs!

Oftentimes, we receive insightful questions from readers, and we look to Alessandro Giannetti, creator of Guided Light Healing, for answers. This season, we came across a question that, in some way, we could probably all relate to! Take a read, you’re sure to find a good takeaway.

Q:

I want to start this new season fresh, but there are a few things weighing me down that I really want to let go of. First of all, I’m having a hard time getting over my ex and it’s time to move on. Also, I love my family, but they have been driving me crazy with old habits and patterns that I know are tough to break. At work, I’m generally feeling pretty unsettled and it’s causing me stress. What can I do to free myself from these stressors and learn to let go of things that are in the past, or things I cannot change?

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Loss and letting go are among some of our hardest life experiences. Unfortunately a lot of us deal with these emotions on a very regular basis. What makes these emotions so difficult to deal with are our inadequate tools and limited perceptions of what the whole picture actually is.

Let’s start with talking about why it is important to be able to let go. Think of not letting go as an anchor that attaches to you and weighs you down throughout your life. A lot of these anchors are in the form of anger, resentment, loss, or having less than what you desire.

How hard is it to run with a heavy object attached to you? How about 30 heavy objects? We can’t be as effective in life as we’d like to be when carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.

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Think of not letting go as an anchor that attaches to you and weighs you down throughout your life.

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Science has linked to the majority of sickness and disease to specific negative emotional states. In other words, emotions are like deep-seated anger and resentments that are now being linked to some of our worst diseases.

Holding any of the above mentioned emotions long enough will not only impact your emotional state but now, according to science, negatively impact your health.

Dealing with these emotions is vital to every part of our life, let alone peace and happiness. The key here is going to be looking at loss, anger, and letting go from a balanced perspective. Just as loss and letting go can be catastrophic and limiting, it can also be valuable and instrumental to our growth.

One of the principals on which our universe was built upon is balance. Light and dark, sickness and health, love and fear… What this means is that every positive has an equal balancing negative. If in your experience this doesn’t seem true it’s probably your perception that is only allowing you to see one side of any given situation. It’s our perceptions that create an unbalanced view. It’s only seeing one side that creates the limitations and stress we experience on a regular basis.

For example, let’s look at a situation like winning the lottery.

For most of us this would be a very positive thing. And why shouldn’t it be? Well for one, this situation would put us in a place of elation. When we are elated we make bad decisions.

We aren’t seeing the whole picture. Our feet aren’t planted on the ground. Balance in this situation would be seeing an equal number of negatives and positives. It’s when we see both sides that we make better decisions.

What are the negatives here? You may not have the skills to manage such a large amount of wealth and could lose it. We might have to pay someone to manage the newly acquired wealth. The person we hire could be dishonest, crafty, and steal from us without our knowing. It’s going to take a lot of our free time to manage our new wealth. It may take time away from the things we want to do due to the new education process we need to embark on. We could invest it poorly and feel terrible afterward. We may become unclear on whom are true friends are anymore. It could ruin relationships with those we love. The list goes on and on.

So, the first piece of advice I want to give here is find the balance in the situation that is causing you stress. Start by asking yourself the question, do I feel emotionally positive or negative about this situation right now? If it’s negative, start by making a list of all the positives that are the balancing counter parts to the situation. Keep going until you are no longer in a place of feeling bad about the situation. I would even go to the point of where you start to question whether there might actually be more positives than negatives in your situation. It’s at this point you have broken the feeling of being “done to” and started to shift things to possibly being a gift.

THE MOST AMAZING NEW BEGINNINGS ARE OFTEN TIMES DISGUISED AS PAINFUL ENDINGS. SOMETIMES WE NEED THE PAINFUL ENDING TO LEARN BETTER TOOLS FOR THE FUTURE.

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he next principal my clients and students find very helpful is the idea I call pizza slices. To understand this we first must remember the principle that energy is never created or destroyed. It only changes form. This is key to remember during a perceived loss. This next part is an example I use in my classes.

Picture yourself at the very center of a full pizza box. Now imagine that there are well over 100 slices in this huge box. (It’s actually way more than this but let’s keep it simple). Each slice is going to account for an attribute that exists in your life. Examples attributes might be: great conversationalist, great advice giver, super supportive, loves me unconditionally, is a great listener… The list will go on. Now when someone leaves our life either through a breakup, moving away, or moving on, we become sad. Most of us aren’t fully aware of why we are really sad. It’s not so much about the person as much as it is about the attributes we feel like we may loose or miss.

Here is the beautiful part. When a person leaves our pizza box, balance has to be maintained. It’s a law of this universe.

What this means is the slices / attributes have to stay in our pizza box and in our life. So what actually happens is that the slices that a person held for us immediately get redistributed to the remaining people in our box. This will even include pets, strangers, and ourselves. Remember it’s a law. The same is also true when a new person comes into our life. They step into our box of attributes and unconsciously take on the slices from others they can best hold.

Now that we have an understanding of this principle let’s start the process of beginning to heal. With a perceived loss we begin our scavenger hunt. The goal is to find all the relocated pizza slices of our loss. We need to search among all the people, animals, and ways we ourselves may be holding these attributes. The more slices we find the more the anger, hurt, and resentment start to disappear. Find all the slices and you have just found how that person is still in your life just in a different form. You will be amazed at how powerful this can be. There isn’t a situation that you can’t fully process and heal from through this.

The goal isn’t in any way to minimize the impact a person, event, or thing had on your life, rather it’s to actually to increase and sustain that love in our current life. By noticing how a person we don’t see anymore is actually all around us presently we become closer to them. We love them more. We feel more connected. This is a good place to be. This is ultimately how we free ourselves of all the things we need to let go of.

Our inability to let go can cause us to miss the very things in life that we have been waiting for. I just recently wrote an article on how the most amazing new beginnings are often times disguised as painful endings. Sometimes we need the painful ending to learn better tools for the future.

It’s in balance that we experience happiness, appreciation, and presence.

It’s here that we can fully enjoy our lives in beautiful health. Try these things and see your life become better than what it has been.

Have a question? The sky’s the limit, as far as guidance on any subject you’d like. Email molly@greenhornclub.com — we’ll select one of your questions to be answered by Alessandro, and featured in our upcoming issue.

Learn more about Alessandro’s practice, and sign up for his newsletter via guidedlighthealing.com.

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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SPRING CLEANING in style

5 tips

TO REFRESH &

UPDATE YOUR SPACE

By Stephanie Owens, Designer at Laurel & Wolf Photography by Laurel & Wolf

Flowers are blooming, the clocks have been set back, and you know what that means: spring cleaning! If all the scrubbing and dusting has left you feeling stressed, follow these five tips and you’ll be ready to spring into the new season!

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conquer that closet Spring is the perfect time to purge your closet and get set for the warmer weather. Start by grabbing a trash bag and giving away anything you haven’t worn within the last six months, and if you have space, switch out your winter wear for your lighter wardrobe. From there, organize your clothing by color or type and make sure all of your accessories are in their proper place and getting ready in the morning will be that much easier.

Update Tip: Grab some stylish acrylic storage boxes to keep your accessories organized and in sight. The more visible your belts, purses, and scarves, the more likely you will be to use them!

tame your outdoor space Whether you enjoy backyard barbeques with friends, splashing in the pool with family, or spending some quiet time by yourself, spring is the perfect time to head outside.

Winter has probably left your outdoor space a bit neglected, but with a bit of sweeping and hosing down, you’ll be ready to spend some quality time outside in no time.

Update Tip: Your patio may feel a bit lifeless after months of disuse, so grab some colorful pillows and easy to maintain flowers to bring back some life and cheer.

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rein in those toys

We all love our kids, whether they be the two or four-legged variety, but sometimes we don’t always love their toys, and spring is the perfect time of year to go through their collection.

Anything in working condition that the kiddos still use gets to stay, anything broken gets trashed, and anything in good condition that they just don’t use anymore can be given away. Of course, there will be a few pieces that you’ll want to keep for sentimental reasons, and that’s okay!

Update Tip: A place for everything, and everything in its place, but this can often be so hard for toys around the house. If this sounds like your living space, invest in some stylish baskets and bins that go with your overall décor for your children’s toys to stay in if they do not store everything in their bedrooms.

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The easiest way to eliminate a great deal of mail, and keep your finances in check, is to set up online billing.

Less stress, less mess.

crisp, cool white with pops of color — so neat and tidy!

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declutter your cabinets Cabinets! Who knows what lurks in their depths? If this situation sounds familiar, then you’ll want to block out a day (or two) and get rid of all that clutter. Grab some trash bags, bins for organization, boxes for storage, and purge! This may take awhile, but after you’ve gotten rid of items you didn’t even remember you had, organized everything into bins that will stay, and box up anything you want to keep, but put in storage, you will feel so much better and forget why the word “cabinets” made you so afraid in the first place!

Update Tip: Who says cabinet storage needs to be boring?

Grab some chic bins and boxes that match your style to keep this space organized. And guess what? Your cabinets will be so cute that you’ll stay motivated to keep them neat and tidy!

tackle your paperwork

Whether you have a home office or not, paperwork can become overwhelming, even if it’s just bills. The easiest way to eliminate a great deal of mail, and keep your finances in check, is to set up online billing. Less stress, less mess, and no searching for stamps!

Update Tip: While online billing will get rid of your bills, you will probably have some leftover papers lying around.

There’s a growing market for office supplies in a variety of design styles to keep you organized. Snag some fun file folders and a cute tray to keep everything tidy, and while you’re at it, grab a coordinating pencil cup and magazine holder. Hello pretty office!

While you may still have a bit of cleaning to do before your space is spick and span, these tips will jumpstart the season, leaving you feeling less stressed, more organized, and ready for spring!

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Bride to Be Helpful insight to planning a memorable celebration

By Annie Appel, EVP of The Bay Club Company Florals & Styling by Molly My | Photography by Melanie Deurkopp

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or Annie Appel, Executive Vice President of the Bay Club Company, fostering strong female friendships has always been important. When her younger cousin (and close friend), Jayne Appel, got engaged to her college sweetheart, it’s no surprise that Annie wanted to honor her lifelong friend and relative with a bridal shower that not only celebrated Jayne’s exciting engagement, but also acknowledged the amazing woman she’s become. Here Annie reflects on bringing together all the fantastic women in her family for this occasion.

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There are many times in my life when I am reminded of all the incredible women who surround me. Whether I need someone to confide in, need last-minute help with my kids, or just want to sit down and connect over a good glass of wine, I have outstanding women I know I can call—and today, one in particular stands out: My friend and cousin, Jayne Appel. While I know her as my baby cousin, you might be more familiar with her basketball pursuits as the star center for Stanford University and the WNBA’s San Antonio Stars.

Not only is Jayne a powerhouse athlete, she’s also an amazing friend—so amazing that it was only a matter of time before a young man realized her uniqueness and asked her to be his wife.

And to celebrate Jayne’s upcoming wedding, my mom and I recently hosted a shower on her behalf. With every laugh, every heartfelt story, and every champagne pop, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all the inspirational women in our family. I was also reminded to look for more opportunities to get together and celebrate even the small moments. After all, we don’t always need to break out the gold decorations, flowers, and champagne to get together. (Okay, maybe just the champagne!)

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Inspired to celebrate the fantastic women in your life?

No matter the gal, or the occasion, Annie shares her three go-to tips for planning a celebration that’s heartfelt and fun for all.

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put time and thought into the small details. When it comes to hosting an event, the little things mean a lot. Not only will guests appreciate the time and attention that you put into party planning, they’ll also see these small details as a reflection of whoever you’re celebrating. From adding fun elements on place settings, to using glassware passed down from generations, there are endless ways to craft a warm and creative setting. I especially loved the bespoke garland, handmade by my mom, featuring all the women of our family.

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for molly’s styling tips, & more insight into jayne’s shower, click here!

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add a little fun If you’re going to plan something interactive, consider something that everyone can enjoy and easily participate in. For this particular event, we asked guests to write down the reasons they are grateful for Jayne, which not only set the tone for the shower, but became a beautiful, heartfelt gift for our bride-to-be. And, since no Appel family event is complete without a little competition, we also played a rousing round of bridal shower bingo as Jayne opened her gifts. I loved this idea because it includes everyone in the fun of present opening.

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what are you most grateful for?

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love comes from food and wine! Everyone’s family has a certain preference for a kind of food or beverage, and ours is no exception. For this bridal shower, my mom and I lovingly prepared all the food together, using our favorite family recipes. Although this was a big undertaking (and we have kitchen prep pictures to prove it!), our homemade apps, savory dishes, and desserts were much appreciated.

And, of course, our friends and family members all share a serious love for good wine, so lots of hand-selected bottles were enjoyed throughout the event.

are you a newbie when it comes to party planning or hosting? don't stress!

my tips on trying something new by molly my

It’s never too late to try something new! If you feel stumped while trying to take the next step, in this case, planning and/or designing a bridal shower for a family member or friend, you’re not alone. There is a first for everything, and the greatest designers, professionals, and people you look up to yourself all started somewhere. This might be your chance to shine! To inspire you, I’m sharing a few tips I’ve picked up while tackling new or unfamiliar tasks.

Get creative: It’s not about mimicking something that’s already been done; someone you know has asked you to help them specifically because you have something unique to offer, and it’s important to remember that in the process.

Creativity comes in all forms, from the tablescape, to the menu, and budget. Think outside the box and remind yourself that just because something has been done well one way, doesn’t mean it’s the best way. You as your own person have something unique and original to bring to the (literal!) table. So embrace that, and don’t question your abilities.

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Tap your resources: Think about all the people in your life who have done this task before and might have some tips to share; don’t be shy about asking questions and learn from others, like your mom, sister, best friend, co-workers, etc.

We all see and experience things differently so even if these people you turn to have never thrown a bridal shower, chances are they’ve been to one or two and can share their experiences - and that might just spark some ideas of your own! When tapping resources this also relates to you as an individual - do you enjoy flower arranging? If so, save some money, and add an even more personal touch by making the floral arrangements yourself (what I did when helping Annie design Jayne’s shower).

Trust your instincts: This is something that is sometimes easier said than done, but so important to remind ourselves (daily)!

Have confidence in yourself and your knowledge of the person for whom you’re putting together this special gathering.

Your own taste/expectations should evidence themselves. If you are true to what you believe yourself to be, you’ll find the confidence and authenticity in the finished product that satisfies everyone. Most of all: simply enjoy the experience, because it will surely be something special to remember!

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t c e f r e p e r pict u ^ s e i r o m e fami l y m

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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GIVING IN

GRATITUDE (and feel good blooms)

By Dana ReneĂŠ Ashmore, Founder of Gratutude Collaborative Photography by Vanessa Tierney

I began making gift boxes four years ago for my production company and started Gratitude Collaborative in order to add a charitable component to the gifting process, with a high-end gifting service. We offer seasonal, corporate and custom gifts, and each box provides meals for children in need in the U.S. The best part is I get to work with my best friend, Laura Bousman my VP in life and business, who started working for GC when she was 8 months pregnant (nothing stops her!) - women, and women supporting one another are and continue to be a huge aspect of our business, and that is something we have found to be very special.

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What has been amazing is that we have discovered a community of like-minded individuals and businesses. We are a company who wants to do good, and through social media and networking, we have been able to meet people who want to do the same. By collaborating with companies, we can give back so much more. We have partnered with The Little Market and Solly Baby (who created a wrap for the non-profit Every Mother Counts) and have been able to expand our reach and the number of people we can help through these partnerships.

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A lot of the people who run these companies are women!

We recently collaborated on a box with Katie Dean, founder and designer of Katie Dean Jewelry (see page 12). Katie is an entrepreneur/small business-owner, and hustler working with her, and others like her, has taught us so much about how to market and promote our business; it is always inspiring to see a strong woman doing great things in their field, and offering their support to others. That said, we should all support each other and lift each other up because amazing things can happen when people join together.

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Two women I could not have done this venture without are Ilana Saul and Hannah Skvarla - I can ask them just about anything, and you need that in life, and business. I can honestly say that we would not be able to do what we do without the relationships that we have created. It is so important to continue to develop relationships as you develop in your career beacuse you can always learn something from others. We are so grateful to be in the business of giving gifts while also helping people in need, and supporting those we admire.

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cal l out

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A ll of our gift boxes have a “

donation built into their cost that goes directly to charitable sources.

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! le b a r o d a o o t e r a , o w t he s e t dana and her #1 fan, her husband shawn

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Photography Photography by

by Vanessa Vanessa Tierney Tierney

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

e e f f o c d e c i n a grab ! d a e r d o o g a d n a SPRING 2016

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top 5

PAGE

turners

A fresh start to spring includes a good read, or five!

Whether you’re enjoying some downtime over an ice coffee, picnicking in the park, or taking your time to get out of bed on a lazy Sunday morning, these page turners have you covered - find inspiration, be entertained, get lost in something new.

a bestselling author THE SUMMER BEFORE THE WAR: A NOVEL

By Helen Simonson

If you’ve enjoyed watching Downton Abbey, you’ll love reading this delightful novel - it’s nothing short of a treasure.

find your own “pretty happy” PRETTY HAPPY: HEALTHY WAYS TO LOVE YOUR BODY

an unforgettable, powerful story MILLER’S VALLEY: A NOVEL

By Anna Quindlen

By Kate Hudson

An insightful look at health from the inside out. Kate Hudson shares her tools for living well and plugging into what your body needs.

A powerful and emotional tale, and one you will never forget. This story is about discovering deep family secrets, the truth and a new perception of home.

redefines successful living

#1 new york times best selling guide THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP: THE JAPANESE ART OF DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING

By Marie Kondo

A step-by-step guide that takes decluttering your home to a whole new level. Enjoy the magic of a tidy home, a calm mindset and your new lifestyle.

WELLTH: HOW I LEARNED TO BUILD A LIFE, NOT A RÉSUMÉ

By Jason Wachob

Founder of mindbodygreen, Jason Wachob shows us all how to live lives that are deeply rich, in more ways than financially. He encourages us to embrace a fuller, happier, healthier, and more meaningful lifestyle.

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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a room of gorgeous blooms - the perfect way to cool down on a warm spring day!

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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making

ARRANGEMENTS (& we’re not talking about dinner plans) A few thing to know when creating your own spring inspired flower arrangements.

By Felisa Funes, Owner and Florist of Of the Flowers

The joy of springtime flower arranging is playing with all of the blooming branches — Almond, Pear, Cherry, the list is long. Although spring is often associated with soft pastel colors, some of the blooming branches can be quite bold and saturated in color, such as one of my favorites: the blooming RedBud tree. This season I have been especially drawn to all the deep purples, such as Black Ranunculus; the purple is often so deep is reads as black. For the more adventurous designer, a graphic composition can be achieved by enlisting both long lines, interesting branch shapes and high contrasting colors. I’m sharing three of my spring arrangements that might be beyond the traditional look and feel of the season.

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1

This arrangement resembles the balancing of scales. The darkness of color on the left side is counterbalanced by the volume of the more airy material on the right.

The gravitational center allows the eye to accept both sides as balanced.

2

This arrangement very well illustrates the idea of color blocking. Clusters of similar hues congregate together to give your eye spots to rest as it is pushed upward with all the curvy pointy lines.

3

The fun of this arrangement are the long lines. I found a curvy piece of blooming pear tree that allowed me to lead the viewer’s eye through the arrangement and beyond. Anything placed next to this arrangement is immediately drawn into the conversation.

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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SPRING in YOUR STEP an easy-to-do-anywhere fitness routine to try right now

By Mike Alexander, Founder of Madfit Photography by Vanessa Tierney

Because fitness and nutrition, should always hang together; celebrity trainer, Mike Alexander of Madfit, partners with Hollywood’s favorite nutritionist, Kelly LeVeque of Be Well By Kelly for a spring workout that will get you energized, and feeling great with warmer months on the horizon.

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Note: all exercises should be done for 20 reps. Do each circuit twice (A, then B, then C, back to A) before moving on to the next numbered circuit.

1

A

Seated row with band Sit with legs out in front. Wrap band around feet and crisscross handles. With arms straight out in front and palms facing in (towards each other), keep shoulder blades retracted throughout (pinched together), and drag elbows along rib cage, bring wrists to your waist. Return to starting position and repeat.

1

B

Push-up from knees From knees, cross ankles in back, and place hands below just slightly wider than shoulder distance. Tighten abs and glutes to prevent waist from bending, and lower upper body by allowing elbows to fall directly out to the sides. Keeping head neutral (don’t look up or allow it to hang) come down just slightly lower than halfway and return to starting position.

1

C

Leg extension from plank From a plank position (legs/back/neck straight, abs/glutes contracting, elbows below shoulders), draw right knee into chest and extend it fully (think of pressing your heel into the wall behind you) back and slightly up. Repeat for all reps before switching legs.

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2

A

Dumbbell hammer curl with stationary lunge Start from top lunge position (feet hip width apart/ weight on heal of front foot and ball of back foot), with DB in hand as same side with leg back. With palm facing in, flex elbow (bring hand toward shoulder) as you bend front knee and lower yourself down/ slightly forward (try to have curl/lunge movements in sync). Lower dumbbell to beginning position and return to top lunge by straightening left leg. Do all reps before switching arm/legs.

2

B

Lying dumbbell elbow extension (triceps) with bridge From bottom bridge position (feet hip width and about a foot from butt), have elbows directly above shoulders and bent approximately 90 degrees (palms facing in and just outside of ears). Extend hips by contracting glutes and hamstrings (press heels into ground) while simultaneously extending elbow straight (wrists should be directly above shoulders/elbows). Return to starting position with both movements, but do not allow weight to shift from your butt to the ground.

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2

C

Lateral hops on step Start with one foot on step and slightly in front of foot on the ground.

Keep weight distrusted evenly between both feet (on the heels) with center of gravity directly below the middle of your hips. Jump up and to the side switching back foot to step and top foot down to other side of step (once again, the foot on the step should be slightly in front of foot on ground and weight should be evenly distributed). Return to beginning position by jumping back and repeat from side-to-side.

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hogie, t he yogi

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3

A

3A. dumbbell lateral raise Start standing with arms straight down at your sides (palms facing in). Raise dumbbells straight out to the sides until your shoulder is at 90 degrees (your arms should be making a “T”). Lower dumbbells to beginning position, but stop just short of allowing them to hang straight down before raising again.

Step-up with leg extension Begin with one foot on the step (height should allow for knee to be at approximately 90 degrees) and one foot on the ground. Stand up by pulling yourself with top leg (not pushing off ground with bottom leg). As bottom leg comes off ground, keep it straight and raise heel towards ceiling (focus on getting a good contraction/”squeeze” on glute). Slowly lower (don’t “drop”) to starting position and keep majority of weight on top heel throughout movement. Repeat for all reps until switching legs.

3

B

3

C

Reverse crunch (10-15 controlled reps) Lie on back with head resting on mat and arms to your sides and palms flat on ground. Bend legs (try to press back of calves to hamstrings), and bring knees directly above hips.

Using your abs, lift butt/lower back up and back (spine should curl up, not remain straight) until your knees are even with your collarbone. Slowly return to starting position, and do not allow lower back arch at the bottom.

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coconut berry

#bewellsmoothie

By Kelly LeVeque Creator of Be Well By Kelly

Proper nutrition is critical when you lead an active lifestyle. Consuming protein ensures you have amino acids present in your blood to support muscle synthesis instead of breakdown. Adding healthy fats helps increase insulin sensitivity to support your muscles to refuel, and fibrous vegetables release natural sugar (glucose) slowly to keep blood sugar balanced and provide just enough energy. Current research contradicts the previous belief that you need to eat “pre” and “post” workout meals. Instead, it suggests if you are eating enough protein, fat and carbohydres to fuel up, three square meals are enough. At Be Well by Kelly, this goes hand in hand with our beliefs. That being said, if you need a little pick me up pre or post workout opt for a balancing snack like 1/2 apple and almond butter or a nut pack - or a delicious coconut berry #bewellsmoothie!

Ingredients 2 cups almond milk l

1/2 cup blueberries l handful of spinach l 1 tbsp chia seeds l 1 tbsp coconut oil l 1 tbsp shredded coconut (optional l 1 serving of vanilla protein l topped with shredded coconut (optional)

How To Combine spinach and blueberries in a blender.

Add chia seeds, vanilla protein, coconut oil and shredded coconut. l Add the almond milk to the rest of the ingredients. l Blend all ingredients thoroughly l Serves 1 l

enjoy!

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sending snail mail the pressed way

By Brittany Junod, Founder and Designer of Swell Press Paper Co. Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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I

t’s probably no shock to hear that I’m a huge proponent of a physical, mailed invitation for almost any event. There is something timeless about opening up a piece of mail that has been hand-addressed to you — especially as our lives get more hectic and receiving personal letters in the mail becomes more of a rarity.

“

Let’s be honest, anything that comes from the postman that breaks up the monotony of junk mail and bills is pure delight.

”

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While I love letterpress, it is certainly not suited for every event.

For smaller events where you’ll be sending out less than 30 invitations, flat or ‘offset’ printing is a better option. With flat printing you’re not limited to only one or a few colors like letterpress, and the cost is relatively low. Even with flat-printed invitations, you can always add a special touch like a ribbon or a fun envelope liner.

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invite in processes!

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I do think there are certain events that deserve quality paper goods — think of something you’ll keep or put in a scrap book, or even that you’d show your grandchildren one day, like a birth announcement or wedding invitation. I still have the first letterpress piece I ever came in contact with over a decade ago. At the time I had no idea what kind of printing method gave the thick piece of paper its tactile beauty, but its texture and timelessness captivated me.

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I tend to think of letterpress as a little luxury — it is the very definition of hand-made. Every design is cast into it’s own plate, and that plate is then inked and paper is fed one by one through the machine. Every single color requires a separate plate, and a separate run through the press. I personally believe you don’t need a ton of colors for letterpress to make an impact -- it is the tactile beauty of the piece that is sure to impress. And if letterpress isn’t laborious enough, I love adding extra special touches, maybe a swash of watercolor, a pastel dip dye, or a bright edge that catches your eye.

I suppose you could say those extra, handmade touches are my signature style.

At Swell Press, I focus solely on letterpress invitations and personal stationery. Right now every job is custom (which I love!), though I plan on introducing semi-custom suites later this year.

do you have an event coming up this spring? we’d love to hear what you’re planning! @swellpaperpress @molly_my

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Photography: Vanessa Tierney Location: The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Wardrobe: Draper James | Reese Witherspoon’s Clothing Line Makeup: Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge Home accents: Haven & Co. Invitation: Swell Press Paper Co.

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HELLO to

SPRING

With spring here, we have the opportunity to make the most out of the warmer weather and get outside! Celebrations can happen at anytime, and any place - we kicked off the season in one of The Fairmont Miramar’s quaintly charming bungalows - and sipped on cocktails together, enjoying fresh bites on a perfect afternoon in one of our favorite cities, Santa Monica. However you enjoy the sunshine in these warmer days, remember life is what you make of it. At the end of the day what matters most are love and memories, so make sure you give it, and make sure you make them.

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molly my’s must-have spring items: a stripped sweater and a french market tote SPRING 2016

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when you sip, you give back — what’s not to love?! click to shop

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always aim to learn something new!

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OUR SPRING PLAYLIST

click to listen!

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SPRING STYLE, THE DRAPER JAMES WAY insight into the “unapologetically pretty” line created by Reese Witherspoon

By Frederick Tremblay, Design Director at Draper James

Q:

Draper and James’ spring ‘16 line is fun, feminine, and colorful, which is quintessential for the season; what inspired this collection (aside from the gorgeous weather upon us!)?

A:

Bright colors and happy prints. We love a botanical motif year round at Draper James, but what is a better time to embrace it than when the warm weather is upon us? While Reese was renovating her house in Nashville she found a series of vintage magazines from the 50’s and 60’s left from the previous owner. We loved getting inspired by these issues of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Seventeen!

Q: A:

How would you describe the Draper James girl? And what does she stand for?

Q: A:

When you’re entertaining, and putting together a centerpiece bouquet, what’s your go-to flower of the season?

The Draper James girl has contemporary yet timeless southern style, and doesn’t mind matching her shoes to her purse. Her style is bright, lively and feminine. One of the brands tenets is to be “unapologetically pretty,” which really sums up the ethos.

My go to flower is the magnolia - it looks so gorgeous with every table setting and is a common motif in many of our items. To me, it is the quintessential southern flower.

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(quick & easy)

SUNHAT UPDATE This simple trick is one way to make something old something new. Invite friends to bring a dated sunhat and spruce them up with a simple ribbon and bow. Play with color and patterns that match your personal style.

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What You’ll Need • • • •

sunhat ribbon scissors hot glue gun (optional)

How To

Select ribbon and measure it to the diameter of your hat with excess for tying.

Tie a bow and secure it with glue.

*Note: it’s much easier to tighten a bow when the hat is being worn, so grab a friend!

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take advantage of what’s in season, even when it comes to cocktails — citrus pairs nicely with just about anything!

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PALOMA

Recipe provided by Fairmont Miramar Hotel ​Serves 1 ​

​Ingredients ​ • • • •

2 oz tequila ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice ½ oz fresh lime juice ¼ oz agave

How To

Shake, strain, and serve up in a martini glass - add a splash of soda to top it off and garnish as desired.

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fill water pitchers wilth various fruits for a simple, but tempting beverage - sparking water makes for a little something extra!

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MOSCOW 75

Recipe provided by Fairmont Miramar Hotel ​Serves 1​

​Ingredients • • •

1 oz vodka ¾ oz fresh lemon juice ¼ oz agave

How To

Combine all ingredients, and shake then strain in a champagne coupe. Top it off with champagne or sparkling wine, and garnish as desired.

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detail tabletops with greenery and f lorals - keep it simple.

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FLORAL BODY SCRUB

With the warmer weather comes sundresses and sleeveless tops. One way to prep your body for higher temps is to use an exfoliant.

Floral Body Scrub helps promote even skin tone and repairs and moisturizes your skin after sun-exposure with beautyboosting coconut oil. Spring is known for blooming flowers and incorporating them into your exfoliant is one way to reap the benefits of the season. This DIY makes for a fun and festive activity to share with friends and/or package up as a gift or party favor.

Always remember to stop and smell the roses, or, in this case, your new go-to body scrub.

my

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What You’ll Need • • • •

•

2 cups coarse sea salt or granulated sugar 1 cup coconut oil 2 tbsp rose water dried flower petals (we used rose, calendula, chamomile, and hibiscus) clean jar or container

How To

In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients.

Transfer to a jar or container and keep for up to 2 months.

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smells just like spring should, & looks pretty too!

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SPRING PACKING CHECKLIST Spring Getaway Packing Necessities

By Jacqueline Kerns, PR Director of The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

Sun kissed spring days spent by the beach call for a thoughtful packing list. For a beach getaway to the iconic Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, California, the hotel’s Public Relations Director Jackie Kerns offers her insights for a stylish stay in Santa Monica.

Vilebrequin Sun Block With more than 300 days of sunshine in SoCal, sunscreen is a must! The Saint Tropez based swim trunk line known for it's bright and colorful prints also offers exceptional SPF UV protection without the greasy mess.

Yoga Pants The joke in Santa Monica is that we have work clothes, and workout clothes (pretty much true). Locals take their workout routines seriously and they do it in style. At exhale Santa Monica, the core fusion barre studio is a place you'll find people sculpting and toning outfitted in patterned pants and softs fabrics by Lululemon and Lorna Jane.

A Canvas Tote Bag The Santa Monica Farmers' Market is one of the best in the nation.

Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30am - 1pm the market is similar to a red carpet for chefs who frequent weekly, sourcing the very best ingredients from local farmers and growers.

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my Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • •

favorite way to crudité —

CREAMY AVOCADO DIP

1 large avocado 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1 large lemon, juiced 1 tablespoon Primal Mayo 1 tsp of pure maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce of choice, or crushed red pepper 2 tablespoons chopped scallions 1 large handful of fresh basil 1/2 cup fresh chopped fennel 2 cloves garlic 1 teaspoon dried tarragon 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste crushed black pepper to taste

How To

In a blender, combined all ingredients; blend on high until smooth. If needed, add more salt, then again, blend or mix well. Refrigerate until chilled and serve with favorite fresh vegetables (also yummy paired with roasted veggies)!

Note: if you’ll be refrigerating this dip for long, you’ll want to save the pit of the avocado and place it into the dip until served; the pit of the avocado preserves the freshness of the dip while it otherwise could turn slightly brown (yuck!).

A crudité platter is an easy, and beautiful way to bring the season into your gathering - also, makes for a healthy snack too. Explore various veggies (your local famers’ market is a great for scoping out what’s in season), and colors - play with different shades (like all white, using cauliflower, white asparagus, etc.) or simply mix your favorites (radishes, carrots, and more) for a delicious, fresh and guilt-free appetizer!

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cheers!

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CROCHET DENIM CUTOFFS

People have been sporting crochet since the 70’s and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Add a little extra flair to your basic cutoffs by adorning the edges with various trim. These make for a subtle but cheeky addition to your spring wardrobe.

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What You’ll Need • •

crochet lace trim denim cutoffs

• •

scissors fabric glue (machine washable)

How To

Line pocket seam and/or hem with fabric glue - if you opt for the hem, make sure to glue on the inside of your shorts.

Fasten trim by gently pressing the two together along the entire seam, until complete.

Note: when adding trim to hemline, start and stop at the outer seam of each leg for a seamless finish.

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this jonathan​​ad ler backgammon set is too cute for words click to shop

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A few things to know...

SPRING MAKEUP TIPS from

Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge For spring makeup the first thing you want to get rid of is a heavy full coverage foundation. Pick up a light and illuminating foundation or CC cream with spf to give your skin a healthy natural glow and help protect it. Secondly, put away those dark and drastic lip colors from winter and choose pinks and corals to brighten up the face and show the change in season. Third, find a primer for your skin type. Since it will be getting warmer out you need a primer to elongate the life of your makeup and keep it looking fresh.

#makeupgamestrong SPRING 2016

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yay!

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Photography by Vanessa Tierney

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THE LAST BITE

By Sarah Fennel of Broma Bakery We love good food, and photography, and culture continues show us how important photo-smarts are when sharing and extending passion(s). A good bite often brings a social component (we’re convinced good food gathers good people!), whether sharing online or in person - and we couldn’t be more thrilled about this pattern. That said, we lucked out; the very talented Sarah Fennel of Broma Bakery, a beloved food blog filled with everyday yumminess, and beautiful photography, is treating us (quite literally!) to one of her delicious spring recipes. Anytime someone is living out their passion, we want to hear about it, so we tapped this creative entrepreneur for more insight into her world - and she’s sharing her most treasured photo tips; try for yourself!

Q: What came first, the food or the photo?

A: The photo, for sure. For me, creating a great recipe is

just as much about the image as it is the recipe itself. Of course, I won’t post a recipe without being happy with how it tastes. But the food blog world is all about visual storytelling through food, so you have to create eye candy in order to market your recipes.

My background is in photography, so it just so happens that the visual aspect is what I enjoy the most. I started Broma Bakery in college as a way, not only to document great recipes, but also to have a creative outlet through photography.

I was never formally taught food photography.

But having that background in the fundamentals -things like composition, the rule of thirds, and creating movement in a static image -- provided a strong base for photographing food. Whether your subject is a person or a brownie, fundamentals matter in creating a strong image.

Of course there is also a facet of learning over time with each photoshoot. I’ve been photographing food for 6 years now, and I still feel like I’m just beginning to understand my style. It’s an amazing feeling to be in the middle of a shoot and know right away that’s the shot. In those moments, I try to question why that particular image is ‘the one.’ It’s that constant curiosity about why an image is powerful that helps me to continue to grow as a photographer.

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Q: How did you decide to take your business in the direction it is now?

A: Honestly, I never had intentions of being a full-time food

blogger. In the fall of 2014 I was nearing the beginning of my second year out of college and absolutely hating my job. I decided to quit cold turkey, with no idea of what I was going to do next. I was fortunate enough to be in a position where I could take a few months off to evaluate things, and decided to work on Broma Bakery for a month or so before making a decision about what to do next with my life. I remember the day I quit my job, I googled 'how to make money on a food blog.' That still makes me laugh.

I really had no idea what I was doing.

I think that's the biggest difference in how I went full-time versus how almost everyone else I know did. Prior to that point, I had made no money on my blog. No ads, no brand partnerships, nothing. It was purely a hobby. Most people who take their blog full time do so because they are making more money on their blog than in their current job. So they readily take the plunge.

For me, I was starting from ground zero with no income or sense of how to do things. But I also believe that is what motivated me to work so hard on Broma Bakery. It was one of those all-or-nothing moments where I knew that if I wanted to make my blog work, I would have to put my every waking hour into it. I don't know if I would be where I am now without having that motivation.

Q: A good photo can make or break the credibility of a recipe. What are your tips for snapping p ​ retty pics?

A: 1. Know the fundamentals: a good photo is a good

photo, regardless of the subject. Go to the library and take out books on photography. Study the masters (some of my favorites are Robert Frank, Diane Arbus, Man Ray, Elliot Erwitt, and Mary Ellen Mark) and ask yourself why each photo is considered historically significant. Read up on geometry and patterns. Watch lectures on contrast and cropping. Photography is equal parts art and science, so understanding the techniques behind great photography will take you far.

2. Practice: I love the idea behind Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000 Hours of Practice. It states that achieving mastery takes time. I'm not sure if you need to photograph food for 10,000 hours, but you get the idea. So any chance you get, practice photographing food. It can be with your iPhone or an SLR. Just practice!

3. Understand light: put simply, photography is the documentation of light. Good light is key, especially in food photography. Before you snap a picture of that cookie, pay attention to where the light is coming from. Are the highlights blown out? Is the light even? Make small adjustments to both your light source and your subject's positioning until you like what you see.

4. Stay visual: if you're making banana pancakes, put bananas on top of the pancake stack. If you're making mocha brownies, put a cup of coffee in the background. Our eyes judge photos almost instantly, so having visual cues of what you're looking at makes an image stronger.

5. Cook pretty: so some people may judge me for this, but it's rare that I will put something on the blog that isn't 'pretty.' Like the other night, my sister and I made an amazing dinner of cauliflower mash, red lentils, and sautĂŠed veggies. It was freaking delish, but on the plate it looked like three piles of mush. Even with good light and composition, there's no way I was going to be able to make that plate look good.

So when you're creating food, think about presentation. If you have the option to cut your brownies into 16 smaller squares or 9 huge squares, cut them into 9 because abundance is pretty. If you are making a cake, make it 3 layers instead of two, because taller cakes look way better. Make your food pretty.

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Ingredients 1/2 cup coconut oil

l 1 cup cane sugar l 2 large eggs, room temperature l 1 teaspoon vanilla extract l 2 cups grated zucchini l 4 ounces crushed pineapple, drained 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour l 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda l 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon l 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg l 1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon fresh ground cardamom

For the cardamom pistachio streusel 1/2 cup pistachio l 3/4竇田up all purpose flour l 2 teaspoons fresh ground

cardamom

l

1/2 cup brown sugar

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l

1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into small cubes

How To Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan

with parchment paper l Set aside l In a large bowl, beat the oil and sugar for 1 minute. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating for an additional minute. Stir in pineapple and zucchini.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cardamom, nutmeg, and salt, whisking to combine. Fold into wet ingredients. l To make the streusel, place the pistachios, cardamom, flour, and brown sugar in a food processor and pulse until the pistachios look well chopped. Pulse in the butter until just combined. Pour half of the batter into the pan, then sprinkle with half of the streusel. You’ll want to squeeze the streusel into your hands, making it dense like wet sand, then sprinkle it over the batter. Pour in the rest of the batter, then top with remaining streusel. l Bake for 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before removing from pan.

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THE LAST SIP

By André Darlington & Tenaya Darlington Authors of The New Cocktail Hour and www.sprigandspirit.com

new release click here

As siblings, we have always recognized the beauty of cocktail hour to end the day – the late afternoon light calls for a moment of relaxation, a special sip with friends. Whether you’re planning a patio party or just hosting a few of your besties, there are a couple of things that will make your drinks unforgettable. Ready?

1. Start with fresh ice made with filtered water (yes, fresh ice does make a difference).

2. Place your glasses in the freezer to chill them, so your drinks will stay cold longer.

3. Use freshly squeezed juices, always.

The Gin Basil Smash is one of our favorite cocktails for spring parties – it tastes so fresh and unexpected. Try serving it with fresh mozzarella, cut and drizzled with olive oil and cracked black pepper, alongside grilled veggies and some crusty bread. If you have fresh basil, you can make this drink all spring long. Experiment with muddling in a second herb if you have a garden, like rosemary, sage, or lavender. They’ll work, too. Cheers!

Reprinted with permission from THE NEW COCKTAIL HOUR © 2016 by André Darlington & Tenaya Darlington, Running Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group

brisk herbaceous basil juniper

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GIN BASIL SMASH By Jöerg Meyer This drink demonstrates so ably how fresh ingredients can be incorporated into everyday drinking cocktails. Head to your kitchen garden or snag a big bunch of basil at the farmers’ market, and you’re mere steps from a living drink that will make your head dizzy. This drink smashes basil, but you can smash anything—tarragon, thyme, cilantro, or kefir lime leaves. Let this drink inspire you. We like to host a garden party with an assortment of fresh herbs and gins, and let friends muddle their way through an array of flavors.

mollymy.com

Cocktail Ingredients 2 ounces (60 ml) gin (Beefeater) l 1 ounce (30 ml) fresh

lemon juice l 2/3 ounce (20 ml) simple syrup (recipe follows at bottom) l Small bunch basil leaves (about 10) l Basil sprig, for garnish l Muddle basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup. l Add ice and gin and shake. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice l Garnish with a basil sprig.

Simple Syrup Makes 1 1⁄2 Cups (12 Ounces)

Many drinks call for simple syrup to unify flavors and add viscosity to drinks. We like to use organic raw sugar, like Demerara, in place of bleached refined sugar because it has greater depth of flavor. For more about sugar options, check out the sugar note in our pantry list (page 256).

Store your simple syrup in a squeeze bottle—a bartender tip that prevents your work space from getting sticky.

For flavored syrups using herbs or fruit, we love the advice of Amy Stewart (aka The Drunken Botanist), who recommends heating equal parts sugar and water together, then steeping the herbs or fruit in the hot syrup. Steeping the herbs—rather than simmering them with the water and sugar, as many recipes advise—makes for a bright, zesty infusion, rather than a syrup with a cooked taste.

You can halve these recipes, or double them, depending on your needs. Covered and refrigerated, these syrups will last for about a month. You can extend their shelf life considerably by adding an ounce of vodka.

Ingredients 1 cup (200 g) Demerara sugar l 1 cup (240 ml) water

How To Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over

medium heat. Do not boil. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the stove. Cool. Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar.

Cover and refrigerate.

Note: If you use plain white granulated sugar, you do not need to heat the mixture on the stove. Simply combine sugar and warm water in a jar, then cover it tightly with a lid, and give it a good shake.

SPRING recipes

By Elizabeth Palmer Starnes

Springtime makes for some of the most

fresh & delicious ingredients!

Here are a few recipes to enjoy this season.

GREEN GODDESS COCKTAIL

SPRINGTIME FRITTATA

QUINOA BURRITO BOWL

This easy DIY cocktail has all the flair and character you’d find at a bespoke downtown cocktail bar, in the comfort of your own backyard.

This springtime frittata, packed with beautiful spring produce, is just the thing to usher in the warmer, brighter days ahead.

Makes 4 cocktails

Serves 2-4 (depending on appetite) Total Time: 20 minutes

This vegan quinoa burrito bowl is packed with so much flavor, you won’t even miss the meat. Dressed with a creamy, spicy chipotle dressing, you’ll want to double the recipe and take it for lunch the next day.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

8 oz. vodka 2 green tea bags ½ cup honey 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped 2 handfuls baby arugula 6 kirby cucumbers, cut into quarters, reserving ½ for garnish 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (leave in a few seeds if you like it spicy!)

4 lemons 4 sprigs of fresh mint, to serve

How To

In a jar, combine the vodka and tea, and allow to steep for at least six hours, or overnight. Once it’s steeped, remove the tea bags, and chill the infused vodka in the fridge.

In a small saucepan, bring the honey, ½ cup water, and ginger up to a boil. Off the heat, add the arugula and stir to wilt the arugula. Let this mix steep for 10 minutes, than strain out the ginger and arugula, and chill the simple syrup in the fridge.

When you’re ready to make your cocktails, make them 2 at a time. Add ¼ the chopped cucumbers, ½ the jalapeño, and the juice from 2 of the lemons to a large muddling glass. Muddle until everything is crushed. Add 4 oz. of the green tea vodka, and 2 oz. of the arugula ginger simple syrup, and a handful of ice, and stir everything to combine until your glass is frosty.

Fill two tall glasses with ice, and pour over the cocktail mix, straining out the solids. Garnish with ¼ of the remaining chopped cucumber, and a sprig of mint in each glass. Repeat with the remaining ingredients for your remaining two cocktails, and enjoy!

Note: You can make the simple syrup and green tea vodka a few days in advance, and keep in the fridge until needed.

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Ingredients • • • • • • • •

roughly 10 asparagus stalks 5 cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided Salt and pepper to taste 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 5 eggs, cracked and whisked 1 small handful shredded mozzarella cheese chopped fresh basil, to serve

How To Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. On a sheet pan, drizzle the asparagus and halved tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 6-8 minutes, until just tender.

In an oven safe skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil over medium heat, and add the garlic. Sautee for 1-2 minutes.

Lay the asparagus stalks across the pan in an even layer, and add the tomatoes, filling in the gaps. Off the heat, pour over the whisked eggs. Top with the mozzarella, sprinkling it evenly on top.

Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the eggs are set and the cheese is turning golden brown. Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil, and serve.

Serves 2 | Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

2 cups cooked quinoa 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 bell pepper, deseeded and sliced into strips 1 sweet potato, sliced into thin circles ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained 1 small cucumber, sliced 1 small handful cherry tomatoes, sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

How To Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, spread evenly on a baking sheet, and bake until tender, 10-15 minutes.

In the meantime, sauté the sliced peppers over high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil until charred and tender, about 6-8 minutes.

Divide the quinoa and lettuce between 2 bowls. Split the cooked potatoes and peppers between the bowls, and arrange with the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and beans. Drizzle over the dressing, and serve extra on the side. Enjoy!

For the Dressing: Makes roughly 1 cup In a blender, combine ½ cup Vegenaise (or low fat mayo), 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 clove garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Thin with 2-3 tablespoons cold water, and blend until smooth.

perfect for a dinner party or luncheon CAULIFLOWER FAUX-RICE SUSHI ROLLS

VEGAN KALE CAESAR WITH SALT + VINEGAR CHICKPEA CROUTONS

Making sushi rolls at home is easier than you think, and making them with this cauliflower faux-rice saves you both time and empty calories. This recipe is vegan friendly and gluten free.

This lightened up twist on the classic Caesar salad is big on flavor and satisfaction while still being swimsuit-friendly for the warmer days ahead.

Servings: 8 rolls | Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients

Ingredients

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

head cauliflower, trimmed of green leaves, and roughly chopped 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar salt and black pepper to taste rolls (you can use as many or as few fillings as you like- feel free to get creative): 8 sheets of nori (seaweed paper available at most grocery stores or online) 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced thinly Small handful pea shoots 1 carrot, peeled and sliced thinly 1 persian cucumber, thinly sliced ½ cooked sweet potato 1 scallion, thinly sliced hemp hearts or chia seeds

To Serve • • • •

Tamari or soy sauce mixed with a splash of sesame oil, to taste Wasabi Pickled ginger Sesame seeds

How To In a food processor, blitz together the cauliflower, sesame oil, vinegar, and a bit of salt and pepper. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and blitz again until everything is smooth and finely minced.

To make a roll, place one nori sheet on top of a sushi-rolling mat. Spoon about ¼ cup of your cauliflower rice on the nori and spread it into a rectangle on the half of the nori closest to you.

Place your fillings on top of the cauliflower, focusing on the bottom half and being careful not to overfill the roll. Put a little rice vinegar or water into a small bowl and place near your rolling mat.

Use the end of your sushi mat to roll up the sheet with everything inside, starting with the side with the fillings and working towards the bare nori at the other end.

When you’ve almost reached the end of the nori, use your finger to lightly brush it with water or vinegar to seal the edge of the roll. Press the roll in your sushi mat tightly to ensure everything stays put.

Remove the mat, and slice your roll using a serrated knife into bite size pieces. Finish the remainder of your roll, top with a few sesame seeds if you like, and enjoy!

• • • • • • • • • • • •

1 small (15 oz.) can cooked chickpeas, drained + rinsed 1 ½ cups white vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon vegenaise (optional) 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes (more to taste) 1 tablespoon ground vegan parmesan cheese (more to taste) 4 cups chopped raw kale 1 small handful pea shoots, chopped 2 tablespoons hemp hearts (more to taste) salt + pepper to taste

How To Preheat your oven to 400ºF degrees. In a pot, add the chickpeas and vinegar, and bring up to a boil. Turn off the heat, and let the chickpeas steep in the vinegar for 20 minutes. Drain the chickpeas, and arrange on a baking sheet.

Drizzle with the olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and roast for 20 minutes. Toss, and roast for 5-10 more minutes, until crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the Vegenaise, olive oil, lemon juice, yeast flakes, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Add the kale, and massage into the dressing for a minute until the kale becomes tender. Add the pea shoots and hemp hearts, and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more cheese if desired.

To serve, divide the salad into two bowls, and garnish with the chickpea croutons. Enjoy!

Note: This salad is hearty, and keeps well in the fridge for lunch the next day. Reheat any leftover chickpeas in the oven at 400ºF degrees for a few minutes until crispy.

Credits: Salt + Vinegar Croutons inspired by the Oh She Glows cookbook.

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6 ‘grammars who’ve got our attention Inspiration pops up in all forms — look within your very own social community and you might be surprised by all the talents and passions that surround you.

ready, set, scroll!

@ericabarstein the “cool girl,” always up to something.

@good_life.co wellness coach, with an energetic, carefree mentality.

@danibeinstein spiritual advisor, astrologer, writer, and more - the perfect balance.

@ktdurko one word: #girlboss

@ finamariee fun, fresh and oh so adorable.

@inter_disciplinary photographer with an eye for the beautiful, simple things.

Share a friend’s flow, or your own! Tag photos with #mollymymag or email molly@greenhornclub.com for a chance to be featured in our next issue.

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credits Feature Contributors: 12 - 19 Katie Dean, Katie Dean Jewelry 20 - 23 Alessandro Giannetti, Guided Light Healing 26 - 29 Stephanie Owens, Laurel & Wolf 30 - 41 Annie Appel, The Bay Club Company 46 - 63 Dana Renee Ashmore, Gratitude Collaborative 78 - 79 Felisa Funes, Of The Flowers 82 - 85 Mike Alexander, Madfit 86 - 87 Kelly LeVeque, Be Well by Kelly 90 - 101 Brittany Junod, Swell Press Paper Co. 110 - Katelyn Laspisa, Spotify Playlist 168 - 171 Sarah Fennel, Broma Bakery 172 - 173 Andre Darlington & Tenaya Darlington, Sprig and Spirit 174 - 175 Elizabeth Palmer Starnes, Elizabeth Palmer Kitchen Product Contributors: Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Cheeky Home Draper James Haven & Co. Jonathan Adler ONEHOPE Wine Faces: Aliana Gungor Brooke Pickering Elizabeth Palmer Starnes Karin Shiff Katie Jensen Kimberly Constantino Kira Sullivan Maya Butler McKenzie Sixt Meg Pickering Megan Stark Molly My Nicole Haley

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WINTER 2015 SPRING 2016