CE Clientele LGBT 2014 Print Ad.pdf
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CONTENTS
Welcome to the official Magazine of Say I Do LGBT Wedding Expo! Many wedding shows are just so...well...straight! Same-sex couples can feel like a stepchild when attending traditional wedding events. At Say I Do! DC we don’t do cookie-cutter, we don’t do boring, we don’t do stuffy and we certainly don’t do predictable. We do fun, entertaining, informative, creative and inspiring with the best vendors around town. Say I Do! was founded to give LGBT couples a forum to meet LGBT-affirming vendors who are ready, willing and able to make wedding dreams come true whether its bride-bride or groom-groom! No need to “come out” to each vendor, Say I Do! is a place where our love is accepted, affirmed and celebrated! Because truly, love is all we need.
SISTERSPACE
8
the oldest women’s festival on the east coast
roll call!
12
MEET PAST SAY I DO! COUPLES WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
DESTINATION WEDDING TIPS
15 REAL TALK: TOP 10 TIPS
ABOUT THE COVER Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo alumni Columbus Coleman and Christopher Murphy celebrate their union. Photography by Gino Addi Photo Shoot held at Las Caletas in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, MX Hair styling by Refuge For Men Creative Director/Graphic Design: Digital Empire Graphic Design www.digitalempiregraphics.com
A VENUE WITH A VIEW
24 INSIDE TOP OF THE TOWER
FOR SAYING “I DO!” ABROAD
the list!
23
see this year’s list of say i do! vendors
YOUR JUST DESSERTS!
31
MEET JASON SHRINER, THE AUBERGINE CHEF SAY I DO MAGAZINE | 5
- EDITOR’S LETTER -
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Tammy Freeman
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGN
Christopher Murphy
CONTRIBUTORS
Crystal Beng, Glenda Britt, Tammy Freeman, Stephanie Haynes, Christopher Murphy, Jason Shriner, Stevetta Vinowski
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gino Addi, Amanda Dorian, Oh Experience
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES
Tammy Freeman | info@sayidoexpo.com
CONTACT US
SAY I DO LGBT WEDDING EXPO (347) PINK-DOT info@sayidoexpo.com
The views expressed in the following pages and advertisements are not necessarily those of SAY I DO LGBT WEDDING EXPO.
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SAY I DO MAGAZINE | 6
I can’t believe we that are celebrating our 5th Say I Do! DC event already! It seems almost as if it were just yesterday that Say I Do! was founded to provide a safe and affirming space for LGBT couples to meet vendors who were willing and able to help them plan their wedding or any other special celebration. Say I Do! is not only a place where LGBT couples can come to find affirming vendors but also an event for couples - married or engaged to come and revel in the camaraderie of being around other like-minded couples, it is an event that affirms and celebrates same-gender love. Singles and our straight allies attend as well, proving that Say I Do! is the event for all who believe that love is love. I cannot praise enough the wonderful cadre of LGBT-affirming vendors that come out and show out each year for our couples. We are consistently overwhelmed with support from the business community and for that we are thankful. It is imperative that our community supports the businesses that support us. If they’re not a Say I Do! exhibitor they just won’t do for your wedding or event. Our vendors are held to the Say I Do! standard, if they’re at a Say I Do! event, you can trust you’re getting the best. A very special thanks to the Hotel Palomar, without them this would not be possible. They believed in the event back in 2010 when it was all just a concept and have opened their doors to hundreds of Say I Do! over the past years. We couldn’t have a better location for this event, thank you to Nicole Hendrix, Director of Catering and the entire Palomar staff. Thank you to an amazing team including Latoya Parnell of Something Blue Weddings, Glenda Britt who heads up our Philadelphia Say I Do! Expo and many others who help make Say I Do! possible. Congratulations to all the beautiful couples who are planning to say “I do” and those who already have. We wish you a life full of joy and love always. We aim to help you plan your wedding and plan for life as husband and husband or wife and wife at Say I Do! For Love and Equality, Tammy Freeman Founder, Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo and Events
S
SAY I DO
Event SCHEDULE Say I Do! Expo Philadelphia, PA November 2, 2014 @ Top of the Tower Washington, DC June 7, 2015 @ The Hotel Palomar
Say I Do! Soirees Richmond, Virginia Charlotte, North Carolina Brooklyn, New York Dates and locations to be announced!
The Sisterspace Weekend Festival Article by Connie Thornton LFW (Lesbian Feminist Weekend)? Pocono Weekend? THE Weekend? You might be familiar with some of those titles for one of the oldest lesbian festival in the country. Starting out about 30 years ago as a small retreat focusing on self-defense for lesbians, the event grew to an annual event that includes music, sports, dance, and workshops. Held at a private camp in Darlington, MD, September 7 – 9, it’s place on the calendar the weekend after Labor Day has a long tradition in many the lesbian home. The diversity of offerings is just one thing that makes the Sisterspace Weekend Festival stand out. You can’t say it’s a music festival. Or a consciousness raising or political action event. It’s not focused on athletes, or artists. It’s racially, age, and interest diverse. Creating a community, even for a weekend, includes all those things and more, and that’s what you’ll find there. One 27-year-old festie goer from the Philadelphia says, “It is a wonderful venue for meeting people, learning/education through workshops and communication, always positive energy, always more than enough to do.”
“
You can find more information from the website at www.sisterspace.org. There you will also find information about the festival, supporting the organization, becoming a member, and connecting on facebook.
Some other
thoughts on the weekend from women who attended in the past:
SAY I DO MAGAZINE | 8
“It was an incredibly liberating experience. Everyone was so laid back and comfortable with one another.” R.L, age 24, Baltimore “There were so many activities to participate in and even if you didn’t participate in anything you could hang out with your cabin mates you just met and talk.” A. G. age 32, Feasterville, PA “I gave three strangers a ride to the weekend and became friends with two of them by the time we got back to Philly.” C. C., age 44, Philadelphia
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Philly Family Pride with Stephanie Haynes (Community Coordinator) Philadelphia Family Pride, more intimately called, Philly Family Pride is quickly becoming the pillar of LGBT Family Pride for the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. This organizations mission seems to be providing a comforting, supportive environment and social event gatherings for LGBTQ parents, prospective parents, and children and supporting family members. It is a team member’s dream, and most assuredly the organizations dream as well, to see non-discrimination, more LGBTQ education and the unity of LGBTQ businesses. It would first start with a city, then the state and hopefully the world! According to Stephanie Haynes, Community Coordinator, she feels some of the greatest accomplishments for PFP include the infamous Annual Philly Family Pride Conference, New Year’s Brunch and the Summer Picnic. She has been with PFP for several years after realizing the benefit of “normalizing things for her kids”. She has also enjoyed the ability of PFP laying the groundwork and relationships developed with event sponsors, and participating families. Stephanie has noticed the increasing need for PFP to reach beyond Philadelphia, which makes it a bittersweet interest. Philly Family Pride is currently a nine (9) person volunteer team, expansion is a goal, and support is the ideal. They can always use helping hands and giving hearts. If you are interested in joining/supporting PFP, Say I Do! To learn more about Philly Family Pride and all they have to offer please visit the website: www.philadelphiafamilypride.org If you are not local to Philadelphia, you can sign-up and participate in their blog at: http://philadelphiafamilypride.org/blog/. You can also reach them at: Philadelphia Family Pride PO Box 31848 Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-600-2864 info@philadelphiafamilypride.org.
CHRIS FERENZI PHOTOGRAPHY weddings | engagements | portraits
www.chrisferenzi.com cdferenzi@gmail.com | 609.790.1727
Why You Should Get Married
in Virginia Beach By Crystal Beng of Cherry Blossom Weddings
Having your ceremony and reception in Virginia Beach or anywhere in the state of Virginia might seem counter intuitive, but let’s be honest, it’s the best (and closest) mini getaway you can have. It will only be a matter of time before gay marriage is recognized nationally, and Hampton Roads has a fantastic wedding community already on board. Until the rest of the country gets their act together, go ahead and get your marriage license signed, sealed, and delivered in DC, but here are three reasons to celebrate in Virginia:
1. More Bang For Your Buck
If the average monthly rent in Washington, DC is over $1,900, imagine what that means for a venue. And catering. And centerpieces. By hosting your guests in the 757, you can stretch your dollar farther and splurge on those fancy linens you really wanted.
2. We Have Something For Everyone
Even if you aren’t into the idea of a sunset wedding on the beach, Hampton Roads has a ton of options to offer. From the Half Moon Celebration center in Norfolk to the Williamsburg Winery, we have a little bit of everything within a 40 mile radius.
3. Hello Mini Vacation!
It could really be this simple: hire a wedding planner to take care of all the details while you’re in DC. Get here on a Thursday, celebrate on a Friday, and then use Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the rest of the weekend with friends and family. Since it’s just a quick 3 hour drive back home, your life can resume back to normal by Monday.
Crystal Beng | Head Wedding Ninja Cherry Blossom Weddings, LLC www.CherryBlossomWeddingsVA.com
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ROLL CALL THEY CAME. THEY EXPO’D. THEY DID!
MEET A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE SAY I DO ALUMNI COUPLES
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Photo: Gino Addi Location: Puerto Vallarta, MX
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SAY I DO MAGAZINE | 13
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CHRIS WEDS CHRIS
Attended the Say I Do! Expo in june 2011 | Married April 21, 2012 Christopher Lovell Murphy and Columbus Christopher Coleman (aka The Chris’) were married on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Las Caletas, a private island cove in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Accessible only by sea, and once the private home of film director, John Huston, Las Caletas’ secluded beach and majestic Sierra Madre Mountains served as the tropical backdrop for their destination wedding. Family and friends boarded a luxury catamaran for cocktails and h’ordeuvres and sailed to Las Caletas for a private sunset ceremony, followed by dinner, entertainment, and an open bar reception on the beach. The newlyweds are still in honeymoon mode and just celebrated their two year wedding anniversary!
Top 10 Tips
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Destination Wedding
Take it from the Chris’! The devil’s in the details when planning a wedding abroad. Here our their Top 10 Tips for planning the perfect destination wedding ...
10. Choose wisely. The world is your oyster! Point to a map and go - but when scheduling the date (especially for tropical locations) be mindful of rainy/hurricane season, spring break and national holidays specific to the area that can impact your special day. Also, get a pulse on how LGBT-friendly the area is! 9. Don’t allow distance to be a barrier. If your planner resides at your wedding destination, use this to your advantage! Who knows the area better than your planner in this case? Pick their brain for ideas and ask them to keep their ear to the ground. Meet regularly via Skype and email photos of samples to convey your vision for your big day. 8. Use your location to your benefit. Instead of spending a lot of money on decorations, use the natural beauty of your location! Use flowers indigenous to the area and pull in inspiration from the scenery around you! 7. Visit the destination at least once prior to the wedding. Get a lay out the land! If possible, visit the same month oneyear-out prior to the wedding. (How’s the weather? Are there more tourists than usual during this time?) Plus, it’s a prime opportunity to locate fun spots and activities that you can share with your guests later. 6. All-inclusive! Direct your guests to accommodations with an all-inclusive option. Your guests will appreciate the savings while on the trip and you won’t have to plan meals. Most all-inclusive programs include all meals and beverages including alcohol. (You can also honeymoon at a different resort after the wedding like we did for some alone time!) 5. Don’t sweat the guest list. Invite who you want to attend. The people who you think may not be willing to travel may surprise you! Also remember that destination weddings double as a vacation - and many folks welcome the opportunity! You can also have a reception/party at home when you return and celebrate with everyone all over again! 4. Give your guests at least 1 year notice and hard deadlines! Remember that some people on your list may not be travel savvy. Helpful reminders and deadlines to book accommodations and apply for passports early will help your guests feel better prepared and alleviate anxiety on everyone’s part. 3. Have a website! Make this the go-to source for your guests for all information pertaining to the wedding and remember to make it fun! Include info about the area, the itinerary, deadlines (RSVP, passports, etc.), info on accommodations and travel tips. The website should answer everyone’s questions (and reduce the amount of phone calls coming your way.) 2. Utilize your wedding party on the day-of. Remember that they are there to support you - so don’t be afriad to put them to work. Assigning specific duties will allow you to focus on more important things - like memorizing your vows! 1. Enjoy! When else will you have your family and friends in a distant location abroad celebrating your union? The day goes by fast, so soak in everything and make time to relax and enjoy the get-a-way with your partner!
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JENIFER + SHANNON
Attended the Say I Do! Expo in November 2013 | Currently engaged! We attended the SAY I DO! expo in November of 2013 and we are excited about the expo this coming June! We love the SAY I DO! expo because all of the vendors are LGBTQ friendly. The many different vendors are very informative, professional and courteous. The event in itself was a lot of fun, we enjoyed the different raffles and giveaways. The food and wine was delicious and Ms. Coco B. Colby, (the official Say I Do! hostess) gave me LIFE!!!
Our Love Story … Shannon: I knew Jenifer was the one before I laid eyes on her. We were introduced in an unconventional way through a mutual friend having a crush on us both. We started talking on the phone a lot. She was the first voice I heard in the morning and the last voice I heard at night. She had an amazingly perfect playful voice, everything she said sounded beautiful. She has a great sense of humor and one of the kindest people I ever spoke to. When we both finally got the chance to meet I knew she was perfect for me and one day she would be my wife. Meeting her and seeing that she was the most gorgeous thing I ever laid eyes on was a bonus. That’s why in October of 2013 I asked her to be my wife (yes I put a ring on it)!! Jenifer: We were introduced in November 2010 through a mutual friend. We talked via phone for about a month. I knew she was the one before we ever physically met. I started looking forward to her calls and text, I would think about her and she would call, the times we didn’t speak I missed her. I felt like a teenager in love!!! Once we physically met it was the icing on the cake, SHE WAS MY MS. RIGHT!!! You ever see someone and you heart skips a beat and your stomach gets butterflies? Well that’s how it was with Shannon. Yes we have our ups and downs but its 3 years later and she still gives me butterflies! Shannon and Jenifer are planning an intimate wedding the evening of March 7, 2015 in front of family and very close friends.
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MEET CLAUDIA & TERESA They have Attended the Say I Do! Expo since 2011 | Married August 2013
Our names are Claudia Elias and Teresa Tran. I, Claudia, was lucky enough to meet Teresa at the daycare I had just enrolled my girls in. The moment I saw her I knew I had to talk to her. Although the look she gave me was more of a rude one LOL, I just knew I had to get to know her.. I have never been as happy as I am with her. I have learned the meaning of true, unconditional love. She my rock my best friend, my partner my equal and I’m so happy that we finally get to get married! Say I Do! is important to us because at their events we always get some of the best, most helpful info we need. We have attended every event since 2011! Marriage equality is important to me because my love for my wife is no different than the love between a man and a woman. My marriage is just as meaningful as any other marriage. I would love for one day to see all couples be able to marry who they love wherever they want! No laws, rule or restrictions. Love knows no boundaries so why put boundaries on marrying the one you love! My wife and I have been together for 5 years and just recently married in August 2013. We have 3 amazing children, from my previous marriage, who we adore. :::::::::::::::::
THE FIRST COUPLE
Meet Tamara and Darnita | Married October 2011 Meet Tamara and Darnita of Burien, Washington. They were the first couple to purchase tickets for our first ever Say I Do! DC event back in 2010. They wed in Washington DC at the Woodrow Wilson House. They booked Say I Do! vendor Love Bus Events and Design to help plan all the details of their big day! We are excited that the couple will be celebrating 3 years of marital bliss on October 2, 2014!
Do you have a Say I Do love story?
Tell us all about it and submit your photos to: info@sayidoexpo.com
SAY I DO MAGAZINE | 17
Orchid Florist DC
Whether your love story begins with a large affair or an intimate day for two, Orchid Florist DC wants to create the perfect floral design with you.
Call or email to book your free wedding consultation!
www.OrchidFloristDC.com 8004 Norfolk Ave Bethesda, MD 20814
Telephone: 571-206-8632
Email: orchidfloristdc@gmail.com
FROM THIS DAY FORWARD
YOUR PERFECT CELEBRATION DESERVES THE PERFECT PLACE, CROWNE PLAZA CRYSTAL CITY. WEDDINGS AND SOCIAL EVENTS ARE OUR SPECIALTY.
1480 CRYSTAL DRIVE • ARLINGTON, VA 22202 CPNATIONALAIRPORT.COM • 703.416.1600
Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo thanks Wet for their generous contribution to our Swag Bags!
“Love is Love.” ALWAYS inclusive, always awesome. The best resource for practical & personal wedding planning in the Washington, DC Metro Real Wedding Inspiration Wedding Advice Inclusive Vendors DIY Workshops Wedding Classifieds & MORE
www.capitolromance.com SAY I DO MAGAZINE | 19
It’s your Big Day. You should be well rested. Dream Water is a 2.5oz natural liquid sleep aid that helps you get the rest you need. Perfect for every day or while you travel, Dream Water will have you sleeping on cloud nine before you hit 30,000 feet. In the air or back at home, get the rest you need to be bright-eyed and ready for what’s ahead. Visit us at drinkdreamwater.com to learn more or buy online. Also available in the sleep aid section of your local retailer.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
†
Rainbow Families DC (RFDC) is a nonprofit organization for all LGBT parents and prospective parents and our allies in the DC Metropolitan region. Our mission is to support and connect LGBT parents and prospective parents by providing educational programs, social events, and discussion forums for LGBT parents and prospective parents in the DC Metropolitan area. RFDC is a volunteer led organization, supported by members, community sponsors. We bring parents and prospective parents together in several ways: • Educational Workshops and events such as our biannual LGBT Family Conference and our Maybe Baby program that provides information and discussion around all aspects of becoming parents as an LGBT couple or individual. • Support Groups for couples or individuals who have decided to become parents and who are in the process of waiting for their family. • Events and Social Gatherings such as our winter family dance, the Capital Pride parade, fall picnic at Hillwood Estates, outing to Cox Farms, family camping/retreat weekend, and much more. Maybe Baby Program This program is an 8 week educational group that offers a wealth of knowledge to couples or individuals who are thinking about having children, and would like to gather more information about resources and options. Maybe Baby brings experts from the community to cover topics in areas of adoption, surrogacy, donor insemination, financial, legal, parent readiness, multicultural issues and more. After graduating, people feel much more prepared for their journey. Rainbow Families DC’s website is www.RainbowFamiliesDC.org. Follow us on Twitter @RainbowFamDC. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RainbowFamiliesDC.
SAY I DO MAGAZINE | 21
www.ekatephotography.com info@ekatephotography.com you're gonna want to remember this
SAY I DO MAGAZINE | 21
703.888.7986
Thank you to our 2014 Say I Do! Vendors Chrysis Entertainment Blue Ribbon Restrooms Cherry Blossom Bridal Jon Fleming Photography AK Henna Designs Chris Ferenzi Photography Charm City Cakes Ben and Jerry’s Travel Leaders MRM Associates Edible Incredible Desserts eKate Photography Orchid Florist Chef’s Expressions Pollyanna Events Washington Wine Academy Crystal City Wine Shop Mary Kay The Pampered Chef Something Blue Weddings Photos from the Harty SPAGnVola Chocolatier Tagg Magazine All About The Journey Wedding Concierge SAY I DO MAGAZINE | 23
VISTA ROOM AT TOP OF THE TOWER
distinctly yours from the first savory bite to the ultimate sweet finish.
The Vista Room at Top of the Tower enjoys a stellar reputation as an exceptional venue for Center City Philadelphia weddings. Breathtaking views, warm wood finishes, soaring ceilings and sleek lines create a stunning framework for your signature day. And the gay owned Vista Room team has been welcoming gay weddings since way back when they were called commitment ceremonies.
The Vista Room can accommodate parties of up to 220 guests allowing for room for the dance floor. On the east side of the floor is the Observatory which is an ideal location for your ceremony. These two room are connected by a glorious 160 foot grand hallway wrapped in floor to ceiling windows commanding magnificent views. The Grand Hall is a great location for the cocktail reception.
Your wedding deserves exceptional service, creativity and flavor, starting with the planning process. So you will have our focused attention until the final exhilarated goodbye. Take comfort in our years of wedding experience ... relax and enjoy your day. Last but not least - the meal. On your Vista wedding day, yours is the only menu being prepared by the Vista Executive Chef and the kitchen team. Together, we craft a menu that is
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:
J. Mickey Rowley, Principal Top of the Tower Three Logan Square 1717 Arch St. 51st Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 rowley@topofthetower.com
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Brides Against Breast Cancer will contribute $2 million dollars to help people impacted by cancer this year.
Our Mission
Shop for a Great Cause
Donate Your Gown
The revenue generated by BABC makes it possible to deliver free information and services to thousands of children and adults impacted by cancer.
Purchasing your wedding gown at a BABC “Nationwide Tour of Gowns” Bridal show not only saves you money, you’ll also be contributing toward a worthy cause.
Already said “I Do”? Please consider donating your gown to Brides Against Breast Cancer. Gowns are accepted at all shows.
For more information on our mission, bridal shows and ways you can help, please visit
www.bridesabc.org 877-721-HOPE (4673)
THE FREEDOM ORGANIZATION
The mission of The Freedom Organization is to
positively advise and counsel the youth of the LBGTQ Community. Through videos, campaigns, programs and public service we pledge to inform and educate and empower the youth of our community. From The Hear, See, Speak Campaign to our Mentor Program that will be launching this fall, this organization’s passion is to change the world, starting with one child at a time. If you would like to know more about this organization just follow them on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and even check them out on YouTube. Just type in The Freedom Organization and go into their world! http://thefreedomorg.wix.com/thefreedomorg
Contact Information: Stevetta Vinowski Founder/CEO thefreedomorg@gmail.com 267-595-0558
Paul (38) and Bryan (40) Columbia, Maryland
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Mer MRM 6082 Alex (703 mrm
Sherelle (34) and Tina (35) Fort Hood, Texas
Tie the Knot Your Wedding...Your Way CANCUN | LOS CABOS | MAZATLAN | RIVIERA MAYA | VALLARTA
Mexico is a diverse country full of contrasts, traditions and culture. Those from the LGBT community will feel welcome and can enjoy vacations with a wealth of fun options to ensure your visit will be an unforgettable one.
Kaitlyn (24) and Melissa (26) Baltimore, Maryland
Apple Vacations Destination Weddings Team will take care of your flight, transfer and hotel arrangements for your entire wedding group, and we will put you directly in touch with a wedding coordinator at your RIU Resorts. Together we will plan your wedding, your way with every detail in place- from the wedding ceremony to the reception.
Monique Gaskins, Travel Consultant Direct (703) 862-3525 • Office (703) 803-9500
Shaneda (29) and Shaina (25) Maryland
Say I Do! & 10,000 Couples Spring 2014 Cutest Couples Contestants
Laura (27) and Alexandra Jean (26) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Steven (24) and Stanley (26) Virginia Beach, Virginia
Jenifer (34) and Shannon (34) Richmond, Virginia
A prospectus surance sales investment op information c MetLife variab variable inves worth more o your financial
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Love is expressed in many ways. Like life insurance. “Not enough.” Those are words you never want to say about your coverage. So call us and talk to the leader in life insurance. MRM Associates, Inc. is an approved independent distributor of MetLife life insurance products. We’ll help you put together a plan that meets the real needs of your family. Think of it as another way of saying, “Love you.” Meryl McBride, CLU MRM Associates, Inc. 6082-A Franconia Road Alexandria, VA 22310 (703) 971-8407 (800) 255-8011 mrmassoc@verizon.net
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A prospectus for variable life insurance issued a MetLife insurance company and for the investment portfolios are available from your financial professional or in the life insurance sales kit. The contract prospectus contains information about the contract’s features, risks, charges and expenses. The investment objectives, risks and policies of the investment options, as well as other information about the investment options, are described in their respective prospectuses. Please read the prospectuses and consider this information carefully before investing. Product availability and features may vary by state. MetLife variable life insurance policies have limitations, exclusions, charges, termination provisions and terms for keeping them in force. There is no guarantee that any of the variable investment options in this product will meet their stated goals or objectives. The account value is subject to market fluctuations so that, when withdrawn, it may be worth more or less than its original value. All product guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Please contact your financial professional for complete details. Life insurance products are issued by MetLife Investors Insurance Company, MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and, in New York only, by First MetLife Investors Insurance Company. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Variable products are distributed by MetLife Investors Distribution Company (MetLife Investors), Irvine, CA. L0509038588[exp0610] 0905-1527 © UFS
A Valentine’s Breakfast Anytime of the Year By Jason Shriner, The Aubergine Chef
A
Valentine’s BREAKFAST for anytime
of the year
Jason Shriner, The Aubergine Chef shares with
us this delicious Cinnamon Roll recipe perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day of the year. This handmade surprise breakfast can make any day more romantic, a perfect treat for your sweetie or to share with the entire family as children are sure to love this too!
T
Cinnamon Rolls
Makes about 12 – 18 rolls According to Jason, the best thing about this recipe is that it is yeast free, meaning no fermentation time. They can be made quickly and easily even if you’re short on time or as a spur of the moment breakfast solution. This yummy recipe is below but first here are some tips from Jason to help make your cinnamon rolls come out perfect each time: 1. To make hearts, start on each end and roll them at the same time toward each other. When you slice the log, you’ll have two spirals. To make them more heart-shaped place them on the sheet pan to bake then mold the piece of dough connecting the spirals into more of a point. Even though the dough spreads and rises during baking it will retain the heart appearance well. 2. Substitute up to one cup of Guinness beer for the milk if you want the fermented flavor. 3. Make sure all ingredients used are at room temperature. When all your ingredients are at room temperature your dough comes together faster and the ingredients get mixed together much better. Cinnamon Rolls 3 ¾ cups all-Purpose Flour + 1 cup more for kneading 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder 1 ¼ teaspoons Baking Soda Pinch of Salt 2 cups Whole Milk 2 sticks of Unsalted Butter, separated per stick and melted Cinnamon Filling 2/3 cup Brown Sugar 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar 2 – 3 teaspoons Cinnamon Pinch of Salt 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, room temperature Cream Cheese Icing 8 ounces of Cream Cheese, room temperature 1 stick of Unsalted Butter, room temperature 2 2/3 cups Powdered Sugar 2 Tablespoons Whole Milk
Instructions 1. Combine all ingredients for the cinnamon filling together and mix with your hands until the mixture resembles wet sand. 2. Preheat oven to 400-425 degrees F. Prepare desired pan: pyrex glass casserole dish, 9 inch round cake pan, or sheet pan. Grease well with pan spray. 3. Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sift to help break up any chunks of baking powder. Whisk ingredients together to blend them well. 4. In a separate bowl, microwave together the milk and 1 stick of butter to melt butter. Whisk and allow to cool. 5. Create a well in the flour and pour in the milk mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until absorbed. 6. Knead the mixture with extra flour. You can do this on the table or in the bowl. Knead until smooth. 7. Press dough out into a 12” x 15” rectangle using your hands. Be sure to check to make sure it’s not sticking to the table as you do this. 8. Brush the dough with half of the melted butter. Sprinkle the dough evenly with the filling, leave a ½ – 1 inch border. Press firmly into the dough. 9. Roll the dough up into a tight log, jelly roll style, ending with the seam on the bottom. To make a heart shape, roll the dough from both ends at the same time. 10. Stretch the log if necessary to make it even. Cut about 1” pieces. 11. Place the pieces onto the prepared pan (you may need to reshape the heart shaped pieces a little after moving them) and brush with the remaining butter. You can bake them very close to each other if they’re round, but if you’re aiming for a heart shape make sure to place them at least 2” apart. Bake until the edges are golden brown, 20-25 minutes. 12. Remove from pan and place on plate for serving. Ice cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting while still hot to have it drip and ooze all over the rolls – then serve. 13. To make the cream cheese icing, combine all ingredients together and blend until smooth. 14. Warm in the microwave to make more fluid if desired – do not add additional liquid. If you’re more of a visual learner, scan the code below to be taken to a video tutorial of this recipe.
Happy Baking!
Jason Shriner owns the baking & pastry blog The Aubergine Chef, which contains free tutorial videos and recipes. He also teaches baking classes at the Manassas Park Community Center. You can visit his blog at www.TheAubergineChef.com.
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