The Inspired Home Journal no. 03

THE

INSPIRED HOME JOURNAL issue no. 3

spring

the balance issue Organize Your Life The 80/20 Rule Setting Boundaries

PLUS A PEEK INSIDE THE LOVELY COTTAGE OF MEGAN RUNION

s p r i n g /s u m m e r 2019 d i s p l ay u n t i l 7 / 3 1 / 1 9

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s u m m e r 2019

Live in the sunshine Swim in the sea Drink in the wild air r a l p h wa l d o emerson

contents s p r i n g /s u m m e r 2019

the balance issue

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MOLLY’S WORLD Blogger, cookbook author, and the face behind Food Network’s Girl Meets Farm, Molly Yeh is sharing her story, her love of food, and what keeps her balanced. photograph by chantell quernemoen

“Spending time cooking with family always helps me feel balanced!”

— molly

yeh , with her mom , jody

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SPRING.SUMMER 2019

contents s p r i n g /s u m m e r 2019

70 FRENCH FARMHOUSE Come on down to Megan Runion’s Greenville, South Carolina home, where country charm meets modern French style.

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KALEIDOSCOPE COCKTAILS Splash and spirit strike a balance in these refreshing cocktails.

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BETTER HOMEMADE Rebecca Andexler shows us how the simplest ingredients yield big flavor.

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FLAVOR FIESTA Mexican street food is the perfect summer recipe for fun.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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MEET THE TEAM

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COLOR OF THE MOMENT

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Going Green: Give your home decor a fresh update.

SMART HOME

62

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KITCHEN HACK

Bring in the zen with these tech picks that promise to enhance your world with time savings and a large dose of calm.

54

Soft butter on demand using an old-school French technique.

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CAREFUL COMPROMISES

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How an 80/20 approach can up your self-care game and yield greater physical and emotional wellness.

CHECK IT OFF

Clean smarter, better, and faster with our spring and summer to-do lists.

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A prescription to bring order to this valuable bathroom real estate.

Destiny Alfonso explains how to make every space work for you.

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ORGANIZATIONAL PRESCRIPTION

BOOKSHELF

Our go-to picks to unplug and unwind.

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GET RID OF THE GRIME

Take household items out of hibernation with these tips to deep clean and freshen up.

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EDITOR’S PICKS

A round-up of our favorite items to help bring balance to our lives.

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CLEAN SWEEP

BALANCING ACT

Creating boundaries is key for achieving balance. Honing in on your needs can help you optimize your well-being.

ONE SMALL SIP FOR MANKIND

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Get serious about protecting our planet with these high-impact actions.

DESIGNING WOMEN

Get up close and personal with women who inspire with their creative spirit, determination, and pursuit of professional and personal success.

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ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT

Slicing and dicing can put you on edge.

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ADDITIVE WELLNESS

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Focusing on what’s good for your overall wellness.

SUMMER-READY STRANDS

Our experts offer up tips for taming those tresses during the warmer months.

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t h e i n s pi r e d h o m e j o u r na l EDITORS

TRACY GLASS TEITELBAUM E D I T O R AT L A R G E

LAUREN KELP EDITOR IN CHIEF

CREATIVE

CONSTANCE MARIENA

MEGAN DUFFY ROSTAN

SUSAN PASTERNAK

P R I N C I PA L

DESIGNER

COPY W R IT ER

P H OTO G R A P H E R

CONTRIBUTORS DESTINY ALFONSO, REBECCA ANDEXLER, COLLEEN JEFFERS, CARLEY KNOBLOCH, MARIJA KROSNJAR, MELISSA MAKER, JEANELLE OLSON, BILLY PARISI, CARLENE THOMAS, ELIZABETH VAN LIERDE

SPECIAL THANKS

SUSAN A HAROLD N E W S S TA N D C O N S U LTA N T

KEVIN ADLER, JULIE & DAVID HOLDSWORTH, MEGAN & JOHN RUNION, WOMEN IN HOUSEWARES, PAUL VITALE, MOLLY YEH

THEINSPIREDHOME.COM

CHANDLER HARVEY

SARA ANNE TOMCZAK

SENIOR WEB ED ITOR

A S S O C I AT E P R O D U C E R

INTERNATIONAL HOUSEWARES ASSOCIATION

DEREK MILLER PRESIDENT

JOHN ( JC) COLLINS CHAIRMAN OF THE B OA R D OF DIR ECTOR S

The Inspired Home Journal® was founded by The International Housewares Association’s mission to educate and inspire people to live their best lives through a celebration of all of the wonderful things that happen in our homes. Our goal throughout this and future issues is to highlight people, products, places and ideas that help you make the most of your life at home.

for editorial or advertising inquiries, please contact

inquiries@theinspiredhome.com

THE INSPIRED HOME ® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF THE INTERNATIONAL HOUSEWARES ASSOCIATION © UNAUTHORIZED USE IS PROHIBITED.

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My happy place!

I

editor’s note have a confession to make. I very rarely feel like my life

bears even a close resemblance to anything “balanced.”

Most days, juggling the responsibilities of work, raising three boys, finding time to stay connected to friends and family, and finding time for myself seems like an impossible task.

When I’m excelling at one of those important areas of focus, I feel as though, by definition, the others suffer.

One of my favorite aspects about working on this magazine is that it allows me to take a deep dive into whatever theme we are exploring throughout the pages, and that process inevitably has a very profound effect on my own life. So when our team was deciding on the concept for our Spring/Summer issue, it’s no surprise that I offered up the idea of balance. It turns out I’m not alone in my quest to better understand and achieve balance in my life—what would normally be a spirited debate about the selection of the theme for this issue was immediately met by our team with almost universal agreement and acceptance.

As we explored this topic, we recognized the role our homes can play in helping us find that elusive balance. For me, my home is my sanctuary. It’s my shelter from the storm and my refuge from the pressures and obligations that a busy life brings. Whether it’s the time I spend connecting with my kids around the dinner table, hosting friends, or simply relaxing and taking time for myself in a space that feels calm and comforting, my home plays a central role in my attempts to attain balance.

For inspiration, we turned to people who have dedicated their personal and professional lives to self-discovery in the search for overall well-being and, ultimately, balance. Don’t miss Nitika Chopra’s article about Creating Boundaries for Balance (page 52), as well as Carlene Thomas’s unique perspective about “Additive Wellness” (pg 62).

It’s no coincidence that we are exploring this theme in our Spring/Summer issue. This is a time for renewal. So whether it’s creating self-care routines, drawing wisdom from successful women entrepreneurs, or whipping up killer margaritas and tacos to unwind with friends and family, we hope that throughout these pages you might just find the perfect recipe for your own version of balance.

Wishing you balance and happiness,

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meet the team

TRACY GLASS TEITELBAUM EDITOR AT LARGE

What do you do to re-calibrate? Sit at my favorite spot on the shore of Lake Michigan and appreciate the beauty around me.

LAUREN KELP

CONSTANCE MARIENA

EDITOR IN CHIEF

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER

What does “balance” mean to you? Trying to live out the 80/20 rule.

What do you do to re-calibrate? In the morning—sweat! At night— good music and a glass of wine on the front porch.

What do you do to re-calibrate? A hot bath and a good glass of wine.

What does “self-care” mean to you? Eating mindfully, working out, and spending time outdoors.

Favorite color of the moment? I am loving soft terracotta tones lately.

You know it’s springtime when…

Charleston is covered in cherry blossoms.

Our magical photographer, Constance Mariena, shoots the majority of the photographs for The Inspired Home Journal on FILM. While we love all forms of photography, we’ve come to love film as the purest form of photography—providing for richer colors, a better dynamic range and an overall nostalgic feel.

It’s the perfect balance of art and function.

Itching to travel to… Vietnam.

Word for 2019? Lotus.

Itching to travel to… Japan.

MEGAN DUFFY ROSTAN

CHANDLER HARVEY

SARA ANNE TOMCZAK

SUSAN PASTERNAK

DESIGNER

SENIOR WEB EDITOR

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

COPY WRITER

What do you do to re-calibrate? Boxing.

It’s very cathartic to hit, kick, and sweat.

What does balance mean to you? Feeling centered.

What does balance mean to you? Using both the left and right sides of my brain.

Being creative while strategically reaching set goals.

What do you do to re-calibrate? Take deep, mindful breaths.

You know it’s springtime when…

Spotting that first robin and those first green shoots of plants pushing through the still-cold earth.

Itching to travel to…

Lisbon and the Azores.

You know it’s springtime when…

The birds are chirping!

Word for 2019?

Flexibility.

Itching to travel to… Poland.

What do you do to re-calibrate? Sweat.

Sweat every day.

What do you do to re-calibrate? Yoga & lots of sleep!

You know it’s springtime when…

I get the urge to purge!

What does “selfcare” mean to you?

Emotional, physical, and intellectual nourishment.

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tips and tricks we just can’t keep to ourselves

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color of the moment

MODERN AND ORGANIC, FOREST GREEN BRINGS THE OUTDOORS IN.

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01 Eva Solo Vacuum Jug, $79 02 Gibson Elite Soho Lounge 16pc Dinnerware Set, $45 03 Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 5qt Cast Iron Enameled Dutch Oven with Lid, $50 04 BYO by Built Metallic Vacuum Insulated Tumbler, $20

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To Do House Keeping

Le Creuset Butter Crock, $42

Spring cleaning season is upon us! It’s time to get ready for warm weather living—cooking on the grill, drinks on the patio, and leisurely afternoons reading on a porch. Our housekeeping to-do lists will help you get everything in top shape so you can focus on enjoying outdoor living.

—melissa maker

S P RI NG  Clean gutters  Clean interior and exterior windows  Sweep patio and garage floor  Clean window screens  Swap out front entryway door mats and boot trays for warmer weather  Change furnace filter

SUMMER  Power wash outdoor entryway, deck, and patio space  Clean gardening tools  Change furnace filter (do this at the change of every season)

kitchen hack

THE GAME-CHANGER BUTTER CROCK

 Clean outdoor light fixtures and change bulbs if needed

Obsessed. Magic. Genius. We polled a handful of butter crock owners and these are the adjectives they used to describe their very real addiction with this simple French invention. Also known as a butter keeper, this low tech and centuries-old method keeps butter soft and spreadable without refrigeration. Pack butter inside the lid and place into the base of the keeper with a little bit of water in it. This creates an airtight seal that keeps butter soft and fresh for up to a month with a weekly changing of the water. Your grilled cheese and morning English muffin will never be the same.

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SPRING.SUMMER 2019

 Clean exterior front door and outdoor porch accessories (e.g. large urns and mailboxes)  Declutter and re-organize garage— this is a big task but makes a huge difference for the rest of the year

the cleanup

O R G A N I Z AT I O N A L P R E S C R I P T I O N A medicine cabinet is used for a lot more than medication, so it’s important to keep it organized so it doesn’t end up like a chaotic junk drawer. There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure the space in your medicine cabinet is optimized. First, purge all expired medications and cosmetics. Next, work from the bottom shelf up, putting oft-used items such as cosmetics and skin care products on the bottom shelf. Try to keep “like” products grouped together on the shelves, with the top shelf housing infrequently used medications and perhaps monthly hair and face treatments. Finally, take advantage of the prime real estate on the inside of the door and install hooks to hold grooming tools.

top shelf

iDesign Medicine Cabinet Organizer, $10.50 Pretika Rotating Facial Brush, $25

middle shelf

LAV Mia Glass Bottle with Cork, $1 iDesign Toothbrush Center, $12 iDesign Self-Adhesive Hook Set, $7.50

bottom shelf

Design Ideas Cooper Vanity Organizer, $27

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Offline What We’re Reading Now Recommended reading from meditation to marinara sauce.

BECOMING

Michelle Obama

What makes me feel the most balanced is knowing that I am not alone in my ups and downs or struggles, and learning how to have empathy for myself on this journey of life. Recently, while reading Michelle Obama’s book Becoming, I found myself feeling more compassion for my self-perceived flaws and failures because even she had experienced many setbacks in her life. Her story offered me hope and fostered compassion toward myself that I truly need to feel more emotionally balanced, leading to peace in other areas of my life as well.

—nitika

chopra

THE ESSENTIAL RUMI

Jalal al-Din Rumi

Rumi resonates with me because he speaks to those universal questions we all find at our core, regardless of sex, race, religion, or politics. I’m not a very “Zen” person per se; I don’t meditate often or well, and, like many, I spend more of my time solving problems than creating solutions. Because of that, “re-balancing” is essential to my sanity. Rumi (usually in ten words or less) reminds me of what really matters in life, and that all we can do, be, or create comes from within us.

— to m

mirabile

THE FOUR AGREEMENTS Don Miguel Ruiz

This one has had a home on my nightstand for nearly two decades.

Sometimes when I am feeling particularly ungrounded I pick it up and read bits and pieces. It serves as a reminder that our internal dialogue can limit us with irrational or even false ideas. Based on ancient Toltec traditions, Ruiz’s “agreements” are not revolutionary, but they help me to put things in perspective and break the cycle of negative thoughts.

—tracy

teitelbaum

10% HAPPIER Dan Harris

The title of the book alone sold me on the concept. As someone who is a concrete thinker and a “time maximizer,” being able to quantify how much extra happiness I could achieve through meditation sealed the deal for me.

In his surprisingly laugh-out-loud memoir, ABC News journalist

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Dan Harris details how a personal and professional crisis prompted some serious soul-searching and his discovery of meditation. His narrative is not only inspiring, but an intellectually challenging experience as Harris’s command of the English language is second to none. Brain stress? Just meditate!

—susan

pa s t e r n a k

HOME COOKING: A Writer in the Kitchen Laurie Colwin

Working in food, it’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics and suddenly turn a weeknight dinner into a whole thing. Colwin’s writing is so real, funny, and smart; she lures me and keeps me coming back for more of her stalwart, honest dishes that keep my house running. I love how this book intertwines narrative and recipe, which, really, is how all good, dependable recipes start.

—jeanelle

SPRING.SUMMER 2019

o ls o n

how to

GET RID OF THE GRIME

It’s spring, meaning it’s time to open the windows, let in the fresh air…and scrub down the house. Make quick work by using the right methods and tools to clear the clutter and dirt and refresh your home.

—melissa

maker

PRO TIP Try a reusable silicone mat such as a Silpat mat to avoid tossing parchment paper or tinfoil.

Bradshaw Clean Ones Everyday Cleaning Natural Latex Gloves, $2 GreenPaxx Reusable Amber Glass Spray Bottles, $20 for 2 U.S. Full Size Silpat, $36 Chicago Metallic Elite Non-Stick Carbon Steel Large Cookie Sheet Rose Bronze, $11

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BAKING SHEETS

Baking sheets, whether used for baking or cooking, can build up a greasy and unsightly patina over time. To get them back to their shinier glory days, here’s a simple technique you can try:

3 / Layer another ½ cup of baking soda on top.

1 / Sprinkle about a ½ cup of baking soda on the baking sheet.

2 / Add hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle and spritz generously over baking soda—you want it looking pasty.

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4 / Allow to sit for a couple of hours.

5 / Scrub off with a scrub pad, rinse, and dry.

6 / Repeat on back side of pan, if desired.

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outdoor furniture cleaning recipe

1 gallon of warm water 1 cup of borax

1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide 1/4 cup of dish soap Dry brush the furniture in a downward motion to remove excess dirt and debris using a scrub brush. Mix the ingredients together in a bucket. Fill a clean spray bottle and liberally spray the solution onto each piece, using the scrub brush to agitate the mixture once applied. Sponge or hose the mixture off the furniture until suds are gone to avoid lingering residue on the furniture. Allow the furniture to dry in the sunshine.

GreenPaxx Reusable Amber Glass Spray Bottles, $20 for 2 Full Circle Tenacious C, Cast Iron Brush, $8

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It’s only fun to sit PATIO on patio FURNITURE furniture when it’s clean. Bird droppings, dirt, mold, and other outdoor treats can land on the furniture, making it less than appealing. Here’s the fix: a homemade recipe that works surprisingly well and is only pennies per application.

Cleaning rugged cushioned pieces with permanent covers Spray the outdoor furniture cleaning recipe onto the cushions liberally and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. This will allow the product to saturate the material and break down dirt. Keep in mind that this should be done on colorfast surfaces only, so try testing an inconspicuous corner first before spraying down the entire surface. After the 15 minutes or so, hose down cushions and lay flat to dry in the sunshine. Flip the cushions over when the top is dry so that the bottom side can dry as well.

If the covers cannot be washed down for whatever reason, use a wet/dry vac to vacuum up debris. When necessary, stains can be spot-cleaned with warm, soapy water and a clean cloth.

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For teak and wicker furniture, try a gentler method. Mix together in a bucket a solution of 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to 1 gallon of warm water. Dip a clean nylon scrub brush in the bucket and gently scrub away the dirt and debris on the furniture, hosing down the surface when done to remove all bubbles and residue. Only apply oil to teak if the manufacturer’s instructions call for it.

Cleaning cushions with removable canvas slipcovers Place slipcovers in the wash with laundry detergent on a regular cycle. When the cycle is complete and the slipcovers are damp, place them back onto the cushions and allow to dry in the sun. This is an important step to ensure that the cushion covers maintain their shape.

Cleaning outdoor pillows and cushions Most are machine washable (if they fit into the washer).

Place them into the washing machine, run a gentle wash cycle, and tumble dry on low. Toss a couple of dryer balls in the dryer to help beat out the excess moisture and promote quick drying.

Cleaning outdoor umbrellas The homemade cleaning solution is perfect for run-of-the-mill grime buildup. If there is mildew on the umbrella, the process is a bit more detailed. Act quickly and clean it well to prevent more growth. First, brush off as much mildew as possible and then spray the affected area with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water. Leave it for 30 minutes to soak. Take a nylon-bristled scrub brush and remove the remaining mildew from the umbrella by gently scrubbing. Hose it down when done to remove the solution and mildew. Re-spray the area with the vinegar and water solution to protect against mildew buildup. Repeat this process monthly. In fact, this is a safe solution that can be sprayed on all outdoor furniture to prevent mildew.

SPRING.SUMMER 2019

Cuisinart Professional Portable Gas Grill, $150 Ewbank Steam Dynamo, $170 SHOP-VAC 4gal 4.5 Peak Hp All Around EZ Wet/ Dry Vacuum, $73

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Most barbecue enthusiasts would agree: the perfect sear is the holy grail of grilled meat.

If your meat isn’t searing properly, you can likely blame carbonized grease buildup on and under your grates (read: you haven’t cleaned your grill in awhile). The following cleaning process is involved, and you’ll need to do it once a year, but it’s well worth it and promises a grilling season worthy of the effort.

BBQ GRILL

You’ll need a long-handled brush (avoid wire because the bristles can get lodged in the grates and end up in food), a large container for soaking components filled with hot water, heavy duty degreaser (dish soap can work too), rubber gloves, a wet/dry vac, and a sponge. In some cases, a steam cleaner can make light of the job.

Brush grates and remove them from the grill; soak in large container with hot water and soap or degreaser.

Leave them to soak for at least 30 minutes to loosen gunk.

While soaking, use Shop-Vac to vacuum out crusty bits from the inside of the barbecue.

Empty the grease trap—it’s the small container under your grill that collects all the grease drippings. This gets messy so be careful. You might consider laying newspaper down on the ground in your work area before doing this to catch any spills.

Use a steam cleaner to blast out greasy areas on the barbecue’s interior walls and wipe clean (you can do this with the grease trap, too). You can scrub this area with a sponge, but I find steam much more effective. Wipe clean with old rags or paper towel.

Wearing gloves, clean grates in bucket filled with hot water and degreaser, using a sponge. Consider steam-cleaning or scrubbing with a long-handled brush if stubborn.

Clean the outside of the barbecue with the sponge that’s dipped in hot soapy water; make sure to wear your gloves! You may need a couple of sponges as the sponge will become quite dirty. A steam cleaner can help to blast off greasy build up, too. Wipe clean with an old rag or paper towels.

Rinse and dry, replace. Grill and enjoy!

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SHOP-VAC 4gal 4.5 Peak Hp All Around EZ Wet/Dry Vacuum, $73

is a Toronto-based cleaning expert and host of the Clean My Space channel on YouTube.

Visit CleanMySpace. com for more expert tips on cleaning products, tools and DIY guidance.

melissa maker

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A car is like a little home away from CAR home. Like any personal space, keeping it clean and organized will help with mental clarity and emotional well-being. To give your car a clean sweep in under 15 minutes, roll out the wet/dry vac.

This is the perfect tool to keep in the garage or workshop because it can handle wet or dry jobs and has a much more forgiving filtration system for those pesky coins or superheroes that can get sucked up.

Plus, smaller cordless options make quick cleanups even easier.

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1 / Remove all large items or pieces of debris.

2 / Remove car mats, shake well.

3 / Loosen any salt or dirt on rugs or vehicle floor upholstery with a heavy duty scrub brush.

4 / Vacuum car mats with gulper nozzle.

5 / Use the various nozzles to get into all the nooks and crannies.

The dust brush attachment is great for areas like the cup holders, arm rests, and even the air vents. For tough areas, such as the area between the seat and the door, use the crevice tool attachment. For larger areas, the gulper nozzle is perfect.

SPRING.SUMMER 2019

We Asked What Does Balance Mean to You?

Balance means doing at least one thing a week for me. It’s often taking a workout class where it’s just me, doing something good for my body and clearing my mind.

It’s my time to reset.

— @girlmeetsparty

Seeing friends is such a luxury these days!

If I’m able to see friends + feel in a good place with work, my world is happy!

— @dismukehannah

Balance, to me, means cutting myself slack and giving myself grace when things inevitably become unbalanced. Understanding and expecting that life comes with ebbs and flows of intensity and chaos makes it easier to have internal balance despite the external speed of life. Also, slow Sundays.

Those are good for balance too.

— @hilaryrosewalker

Balance to me is quiet in the chaos. Between work, writing, parenting, marriage, and friendship, I find time to be quiet and regroup. To remember how important it is to be intentional with all of the hats I wear.

And then maybe enjoy a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate.

— @culpepper_lane

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Must Haves Vintage Charm Meets Modern Lifestyle tracy

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01 This is not your average lamp. A brilliant Danish design team created this all-in-one LED lamp, Bluetooth speaker, and wine cooler (or flower vase). It’s perfect for adding ambient light, a jazzy playlist, and chilled drinks on a balmy summer evening.

Kooduu Synergy Pro, $189 02 These beautifully designed water glasses instantly perk up our open shelves in the kitchen, and add an unexpected touch of color to any table setting. Villeroy & Boch Boston Colored Goblet in Rose, $16

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03 There is no such thing as too many baskets in our house to corral wayward trinkets, books, and blankets. This set comes with three baskets in various sizes. Honey-CanDo Set of 3 Round Nesting Seagrass 2-Color Storage Baskets with Handles, Natural & White, $58 04 I have serious homemade pizza night goals this summer. The new Ooni Pro heats up to 932 degrees to cook next-level pizza (and other dishes) in just one minute. Ooni Pro Multi-Fueled Outdoor Pizza Oven, $599 05 W hile I’m a self-proclaimed early adaptor, sometimes it’s comforting to take it super lo-fi. Echoing the company’s first coffee grinder from 1840, this hand crank mill is adjustable to produce espresso from fine- to percolator-coarse grinds. Cottage Coffee Mill from Peugeot, $140 06 For more than a decade my Bialetti Moka Express stovetop coffee maker has been my go-to for kicking off the morning Italian style. So I couldn’t resist when I saw this mini two-cup version. My summer bucket list includes a lot of camping, and this little baby is definitely coming along for the ride.

Bialetti Mini Express, $35

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07 Combining equal parts form and function, this wireless, rechargeable lamp looks like a high-end piece of art. Gignko Octagon One Desk Light, $75 08 Fresh bread deserves a glamorous home.

The hard-wearing steel exterior and sustainably sourced bamboo lid work together to provide an airtight lid. This bin is one of the few things I keep out on the counter—the matte black with gold finish looks too pretty to tuck away in a pantry.

Typhoon Otto Bread Bin, $80 08

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Must Haves Warmth and Whimsy lauren

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01 I love a product that offers functionality and a dose of whimsy and this Alessi Tripod Trivet fits the bill! The chrome-plated zamak piece can be hung on a hook in the kitchen and then tossed onto the table to receive your serving dish. The little stars can be arranged in any shape you need.

Alessi Tripod, $58

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02 I ’m a sucker for all things that help me get organized! These large bin drawers from neatfreak! can be used to keep socks, intimates, and other loose accessories neatly organized. neatfreak! Large Easy-View Bin Drawer, $14

04 I love this indoor-outdoor tabletop fireplace from Anywhere Fireplace. It uses gel fuel and is super portable—perfect for concert picnics under the stars, or a quiet night at home playing board games by the fire. Anywhere Fireplace Empire, $120

03 I’m smitten with Nest Homeware’s cast iron single egg pan. Nest’s cookware is made to last a lifetime and the 4.5inch Egg Pan is the perfect size for a single egg, small compotes, and sides.

The design of the handle is inspired by the branch of a cherry tree that is both beautiful and ergonomically friendly.

Nest Homeware Egg Pan, $77

05 As a new mom, I’m always on the lookout for safe and stimulating toys for my little guy. With its bead fun top, maze, shape sorter, abacus, moving cogs, and sorting blocks, Maxim’s EverEarth™ garden activity sorter, with its eco-friendly construction, is sure to keep him busy and learning for hours. EverEarth Garden Activity Cube, $110

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06 This copper-plated set from Trudeau lets you add fresh-ground sea salt or pepper to your food with just a flip of the wrist. Simply inverting the mills triggers the battery-operated blades to mill and turning them upright shuts the mechanism off. The mills come beautifully boxed and prefilled with salt crystals and whole peppercorns.

Trudeau Graviti Electric Salt & Pepper Mills, Copper, $90

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07 For on-the-go convenience, nothing beats this innovative breakfast jar, complete with an eco-friendly stainless steel spoon that attaches to the jar. Try topping your oats with blueberries and nuts for a complete and delicious morning meal!

Kilner Breakfast Jar Set, $15

08 Mason Cash pottery has been around since the 1800s. The design of their classic mixing bowls has become a cult classic, standing the test of time with a chip-resistant design that has barely changed since the original. The earthenware is oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe and perfect for mixing and serving. Mason Cash In the Forest Hedgehog Mixing Bowl, $18

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ENTRYWAY In busy households like mine, the entryway serves as the on- and off-ramp of our home, and it’s the most prized real estate in the house! I like to maximize every inch of space, and do it with style. Try a catch-all console table with space below to house and conceal sports gear. Dress it up with a bouquet of fresh blooms and a pretty tray for keys and loose change.

Design Ideas Pietra Console Table, $320 Zak Designs MeeMe Small Serving Tray, $16 Kikkerland Umbrella Samurai, $38 Honey-Can-Do Tea-Stained Woven Baskets, Coastal Collection, set of 3, $60 Paddywax Dwell Candle, Violet + Vanilla, $29; Wild Fig + Cedar, $29

l a ce n get organized

It’s that time of year again. Winter snow has melted (hopefully) and we have the urge to purge to lighten up for spring and summer.

Piles of papers need to go…but where? And entryway systems need retooling for the warmer months. It’s time to get organized, and there’s no better place to start than in the spaces in our homes that serve as various components of our own command central.

e w s ep by d e st i n y a l f o ns o

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JUNK DRAWER

Everyone has a junk drawer.

Your junk drawer might look different from mine, but it probably resembles the cover of one of those I Spy books, and it might include quarters, bolts, pins, random papers, old spoons, measuring tape, the household hammer, and maybe even the keys to your diary you kept in middle school. While we hate to admit it, we need that junk drawer! What we don’t need is the mess that screams “chaos.”

The best way to manage your junk drawer is to treat it like “emotional junk.” First, recognize the problem, and then address it.

Sort, separate, purge, repeat (at least once every three months). Dividers can work wonders to organize all these disparate items and get your junk drawer working for you.

DRESSER DRAWERS An organized dresser drawer makes your life easier. Wake up, get dressed,

and start your day without the hassle of searching for your favorite t-shirt. If your dresser drawer is a hot mess, your day could start off with a whirlwind of disorder, and nobody likes to start their day like that. We can’t all be organizing guru Marie Kondo, but we can be somewhere in between rolled up shirts in perfect order and a pile of clothes dumped haphazardly into a drawer. Get your dresser drawer in order by first separating everything into categories: shirts, socks, bras, underwear, workout clothes, etc. Then assign a spot for each one. Use separators and small bins to help keep everything contained. Personally, I find shallow drawers to be ideal—no more than five inches deep—so that my favorite shirt doesn’t get hidden beneath five other shirts. And, if you keep your jewelry in your dresser drawer, use a tray that was made with jewelry in mind! This way you can easily keep like-pieces together and find what you are looking for in a jiffy.

above

Vault Trays with Lids and Inserts,$83–$97 OXO Good Grips Expandable Drawer Dividers, $20

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opposite page

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madesmart Classic Clear Bins $4–$8

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KITCHEN CABINETS For me, these cabinets

are the easiest to organize. Plates stay with plates and glassware sticks together. For my glassware, I like to put the tallest in back and work forward from there so that I can see everything. I’m also a fan of stackable glassware, which maximizes space. If you have tall spaces in your cabinets, consider buying risers so that you create extra shelf space.

These are best used in spaces where you keep baking and serving dishes, which are often awkward shapes and sizes.

Yamazaki Home Tosca Kitchen Rack, $40 YouCopia BottleStand Travel Mug and Water Bottle Organizer, $15

Prepworks Baker’s Storage 6pc set, $60

Anchor Hocking Montana Jars with Acacia Wood Lids, $17–$23

Yamazaki Home Tosca Tool Box, $30

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DESK The desktop and desk drawers are likely the workhorse spaces in your life, whether it’s used for your job or to keep important documents and bills organized and tended to. So, it’s essential to keep these spaces organized in a way that’s intuitive and accessible. Your desktop should house only what you deem essential—perhaps a computer charging cord, a pen/pencil holder with a few of each, and a notepad. I also like to have a small filing system with slots for action items (papers that need prompt attention) and outgoing mail.

Desk drawers should then be filled with items by order of importance. For example, the top drawer, or center drawer, should house all other items you need frequently.

Paper clips, Post-it notes, and index cards are some items I keep in this drawer. I also like to keep an extra set of car keys in my top drawer. If you are lucky enough to have more than one drawer, work down from there, keeping the least used items in the bottom drawer, and, ideally, setting up one drawer as a vertical file cabinet.

Bigso Birger 2-Drawer File Box, $23; LENA Desktop Organizer, $13; Hakan Letter Tray, set of 2, $18.00 Three by Three Up-Rise Monitor Riser, $120; Jotblock Bullet Pad, $10 Gingko Brick White Click Clock, $72 ESPRO Travel Press, $35 Paddywax Dwell Candle, Wild Fig + Cedar, $29

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500 MILLION PLASTIC STRAWS ARE USED EVERY SINGLE DAY IN THE UNITED STATES.

drinking straws

Sorry straw lovers. No doubt you’ve seen the reports of late that plastic straws present one of the biggest threats to marine life. Some 500 million straws are used every single day in the United States, with an average use time of only 20 minutes before the straw is thrown way and very likely ends up in our oceans by the tens of thousands. That is an astonishingly fast lifespan for an item that will be on the planet forever. Enter the copper straw, a reusable and on-trend straw for the most stylish of beverage drinkers who cannot do without their straws, but also want to preserve and protect our beautiful planet Earth.

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s av i n g t h e p l a n e t

old dutch duracopper drinking straw , Set of 4, $15

Elevate your drinking experience and reduce waste with these reusable copper-plated stainless steel drinking straws. The set includes four straws and one cleaning brush.

Sara Dahmen’s craft is based on honing a centuries-old tradition in a modern world.

one small sip for mankind HOW TO R E D UC E YOUR CA R B ON FOOT PR I NT WI T HOUT CHANGI NG YOUR LI F E (TOO MUCH)

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With all the news about climate change and the heavy toll that pollu-

tion takes on our environment, it seems imperative that we each do our part to repair our Earth. But it can feel downright daunting to try to dramatically alter our lifestyles. After all, many of us were raised on the idea and reality of conveniences in the form of disposable everything. Thankfully, there are little things we can do every day that will not only make us feel better about the way we choose to live, but also help make a collective dent in combating the negative effects of pollutants.

composting It may seem like something only for dedicated organic farmers, but composting is the latest in-home trend to reduce food waste and put good nutrients back into the soil. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up about 30 percent of what we throw away, and can be composted instead, creating an organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Making compost keeps waste products out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. There are many different sized composters, depending on the size of your family and how much food and yard waste your household produces. polder kitchen composter , $30

Small and elegant enough to keep on your countertop, the non-stick surface rinses clean and is dishwasher safe, and the lid rotates to control airflow for managing odors.

footprint and look chic at the same time. Swap your disposable water bottle for this tasteful stainless steel option from Contigo and watch how this one simple habit saves you money and reduces waste.

contigo thermalock water bottle , $20 Reduce your carbon

bottles For your drinking pleasure, consider investing in a high-quality steel or glass bottle that can be reused daily instead of consuming from and tossing disposable plastic bottles that can take a century to degrade. You can still enjoy your favorite drinks by purchasing the largest volume per container and filling your reusable bottle with the drink.

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grocery bag It’s time to ditch disposable grocery bags, whether paper or plastic. Now, there are so many fashionable, reusable, and even insulated grocery totes such as the Packit Freezable Grocery Bag. The cooling power is built into the base of the bag (just pop the bag in the freezer at night and it’s good to go in the morning), so there’s no need for ice packs to keep items chilled.

Meat, dairy, fruits, veggies and frozen foods stay safe so you don’t have to stop home to unload them while you run errands. ,

packit freezable grocery bag , $25 This bag

comes in a variety of patterns and colors for stylish and ecoconscious grocery shopping.

Made from food-safe, nontoxic canvas, the bag folds flat for cooling in the freezer overnight, and the waterproof interior can be wiped clean.

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stasher storage bags , $10-$30

Your kids will love these colorful and reusable silicone snack bags, perfect for keeping foods safe, and helping the planet by kicking the plastic bag habit.

kitchen sto rage bag s If you pack lunches for school and work, and you enjoy leftovers, you are no stranger to disposable plastic bags and containers, many of which end up littering our shores and oceans. Instead, consider colorful and heavy duty reusable plastic bags. They come in a variety of sizes and still have that sought-after malleability factor so they’re easy to pack in lunch bags and boxes.

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shun classic knife collection A blade for everything from rough chop to julienne. $50-$300 john boos & co . american black walnut end - grain chopping block , $375

honing steel

utility knife

s e r r at e d k n i f e

v e g e ta b l e c l e av e r

slicing knife

boning knife

chef’s knife

pa r i n g k n i f e

know your knives

A N Y WAY Y O U S L I C E I T A sharp knife is a chef’s best friend, but not all knives are created equal.

Learn which piece of cutlery is best for chopping, slicing, or dicing.

— b i l ly

CHEF’S KNIFE

BONING KNIFE

This is, hands down, the most important tool in your cutlery set. From slicing to finely mincing, this knife will be your go-to for all things prep.

Try it out for comfort before purchasing, and make sure to always keep it sharp to avoid accidents.

With its sharp point and narrow blade, the boning knife is used for breaking down a whole chicken to removing the skin of a side of fresh salmon. Its flexible blade and length—typically 5” to 6”—make it ideal for precision boning.

PARING KNIFE “Pare” down any food item with this 3” to 4” multitasking knife.

Small enough for peeling potatoes and flexible enough to be able to slice radishes and apples, paring knives are essential for everyday uses.

UTILITY KNIFE Living up to its name, the utility knife can be used for a variety of cutting duties, specifically dicing vegetables, slicing meats and cheeses, and cutting sandwiches.

SLICING KNIFE While not an everyday tool, special occasions often call for this knife that can slice a perfect piece of prime rib like it’s butter.

pa r i s i

k n i f e c u ts Fine Mince Whether it’s garlic or parsley, the fine mince, no bigger than ¹⁄₈”, is a necessity for flavor and garnish.

Small Dice

VEGETABLE CLEAVER If your recipes often call for lots of prep (soups and stews often require the most), the vegetable cleaver is comfortable to use and its wide blade makes it a perfect vehicle for transporting cut veggies to your pot.

For salads or consommés the perfect ¼” cut is exactly what you need.

Medium Dice For all of the veggies in soups and stews this ½” cut is perfect.

Large Dice I love this ¾” cut for stew meat.

SERRATED KNIFE

Julienne

If your family feasts on crusty bread, a sharp serrated knife is a must have. This knife, recognizable for its tiny teeth, is also essential for slicing into fragile food such as tomatoes and flaky pastries.

This thin slice is often used for onions, carrots, and other popular vegetables, making it ideal for sautéing or garnishing.

Batonnet Who doesn’t love french fries?

This rectangular stick shape can also be applied on vegetables to be served as part of a crudités platter.

KEEPING IT SHARP HONING STEEL

Restore the edge of your knife to its original sharpness by honing the blade on a steel rod.

billy parisi is a Chicago-based lover of all things food. Whether it’s creating and sharing recipes on his website billyparisi.com,

photographing his favorite meals, or talking about his latest food finds on TV and social media, followers can count on Parisi for cooking tips and inspired recipes using simple and fresh ingredients.

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PERFECT BLOWOUT

Customize your style by applying the ionic technology for smooth, shiny hair, or keep it off for more fullness and volume.

Infiniti Pro by Conair 1875 Watt Ion Choice Styler, $50

style secrets

summerREADy strands

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sk any woman which part of her beauty routine receives the most thought and attention, and the conversation will no doubt turn to their hair.

In fact, most women have a love-hate relationship with their hair depending on the weather, the time of day, her mood. Thankfully, this season is bringing with it a sort of anything-goes approach to hair. So let’s talk to the experts to figure out how to perfect your go-to style so you can spend less time getting ready and more time letting your hair shine in the sun of the season.

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STICK STRAIGHT The pin-straight hair that was popular at the start of the century is back, and it’s no wonder.

It’s easy to pull off and exudes an aura of confidence and professionalism. Our experts weigh in on the best straightening strategy. step one Apply a heat-protective cream before blowing dry your hair about ¾ of the way, using a paddle brush. Then, switch to a cool setting to dry the rest of the way through, and switch to a round brush. step two

Using a flat iron, work in sections, starting with underlayers of the hair and working toward the top layers.

Use clips to help you section off the hair. step three Apply a gloss or serum to help prevent flyaways and add that extra shine.

SAY GOODBYE TO FRIZZ

Say hello to gorgeous, silky-smooth hair. This rose gold hair straightener can be used for all types of hair and comes with 30 varying heat settings that heat up in 15 seconds. The auto-off function provides extra safety and convenience.

InfinitiPro by Conair Rose Gold Ceramic Flat Iron, $35

BEACH WAVES

Still loving the beach wave look? Who isn’t? It is perfect for summer, wears well on a wide variety of hair types, and not to mention it gets better with time. Perfect the “just got off the beach” look with these pro tips: step one Apply a sea salt texturizer to your hair, then blow dry or air dry your hair, twisting small sections into clips as you go. Dry completely and remove the clips.

.

step two Use a mid-size barrel curling wand (1-2 inches in diameter) and define a few loose curls, working with the bend in the hair already created by the clips. Keep in mind to only curl the bottom half of your hair.

step three Tousle your hair with your fingers to loosen the curls, and finish with an anti-frizz hairspray.

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POLISHED PERFECTION Maybe your go-to look is something a bit more polished?

You are no slouch with a curling wand, but your look could use a little umph.

With the right tools—think at least a 1-inch curling wand, flat iron, texturizing product, and a round brush—you can achieve an Insta-worthy head of glossy blow waves.

Here is what the experts say:

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SHINE ON Featuring a titanium barrel which reduces damage, eliminates frizz and adds shine, this curling wand heats up in only 30 seconds, and applies consistent high heat for long lasting results.

InfinitiPro by Conair Rainbow Titanium Clipless Curling Wand, $30

step one First smooth your hair with a strong blow dryer and round brush. step two Flat iron right around the hairline, then add in the loose curls just in the bottom half of your hair with a curling wand. step three Finish off the style with a no-frizz shine gloss.

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p ro m ot i o n

If there’s a better way to celebrate summer than with a gorgeous charcuterie board, laden with local fruits, cheeses, meats, and a glass of Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé of Pinot Noir in hand, we can’t think of one. Patio, porch, deck; beachside, lakeside, poolside; sunshine plus beautiful food and wine brings people together, no matter where they are.

Easy and elegant, a charcuterie board allows guests to choose their own flavor combinations and explore new ones, and everything pairs perfectly with fragrant, delicate rosé.

The Effortless Charcuterie Board cheeses Start by selecting two or three cheeses with different textures. Summer calls for brighter flavor profiles: think grassy, soft goat cheese, young Manchego or Gouda, and silky Robiola or Brie. fruits Choose fruits that are local and inseason. Let color and texture be your guide!

Citrus can sparkle in the sunlight, berries and grapes pop with their rich reds, purples, and pinks, and the soft juiciness of ripe stone fruit like peaches or apricots plays beautifully against the rich cheese. meats If you’d like, add a selection of cured meats. Rosé brings balance to both rich and spicy flavors. Think waferthin slices of prosciutto or herbaceous finocchio, or go spicier with Calabrese salami or sopressata. garnishes Finish with garnishes like olives, nuts, preserves, even edible flowers.

Slice some fresh bread, scatter a few handfuls of crackers, and you’re ready to go. All that’s left is to open the Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé and enjoy summer!

Visit SonomaCutrer.com to order the Rosé or locate a retailer near you.

Please Enjoy Our Wines Responsibly.

SONOMA-CUTRER is a registered trademark. ©2019 Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Windsor, CA.

As you pour this wine, you will notice fragrant fruit aromas of fresh strawberries, red cherry and grapefruit with just a glimmer of hibiscus tea. On the palate, the wine is crisp and fresh with an almost weightless mouthfeel. Bright acidity and crisp fruits carry through to the back of the palate leading to crisp and lingering finish of red berry fruit.

Drink it up

The elegant carafe with a charcoal filter makes ordinary tap water taste great.

Black + Blum Eau Carafe, $35

smart home

Bring In the Zen Tech picks that promise to enhance your world with time savings and a large dose of calm / by

c a r l e y k n o b lo c h

T

echnology is good at throwing us off kilter— just toss a few social media notifications on a pile of texts, news alerts, and emails and you’ve got a stress tsunami (or, as I like to call it, Thursday). These days, I look for ways to minimize all those distractions, and curate technology that can help me find (and keep!) a little Zen in my “crazybusy” life. Here are a few go-tos that can help you stay calm and balanced from sun up to shut down.

For those times when technology creates tension, reach for these items to help restore calm and balance.

Prep’d Lunchbox I have a recurring dream that I make more plant-based, balanced lunches at home, nourishing myself with nutrient-dense food… and then I wake up and Postmates a “taco combo”. When I saw the Prep’d Pack lunchbox, I knew it might be just the thing to help me turn over a new leaf. Its innovative design has all the functionality of a bento box and the looks of a roll-top desk. Inside, you’ll find lunch-friendly containers and a set of cutlery that sticks to the box— and to each other— thanks to built-in magnets. The Prep’d companion app has recipe ideas developed by experienced chefs and nutritionists, and will even track the nutritional value of your lunch, so you can feel good about

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skipping those tacos (though the occasional one is okay… in the name of balance, right?).

Black + Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box There’s nothing that gives me more product joy that a multitasker, and the the Black + Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box is a true three-in-one. Its streamlined design belies its functionality. Cook in it, transport your lunch in it, and use it to store food in the freezer. It even comes with a stainless steel fork and a slider divider to keep foods separate.

Black + Blum Eau Carafe I’ll admit that it’s tough to ditch convenient disposable water bottles, but in the name of conservation, I have commit-

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ted to using reusable beverage containers. Black + Blum’s Eau Carafe makes it easy… and healthy. It includes an xl binchotan active charcoal filter (6 months life) that makes your tap water taste great, and even helps whiten teeth and improve digestion. And its hand blown glass design makes it an elegant addition to the dinner table.

Black + Blum Food Flask If you’re an avid camper, a travel sports parent, or just someone who frequently eats on the run like me, you’re no stranger to trying to find innovative ways to transport food. And sitting on the sidelines during a chilly spring soccer game, there’s nothing I want more than a hot cup of soup. I found just the product to make this dream a reality with the Black + Blum Food Flask, perfect for transporting warm soup on a cold day, or, conversely, cooling me off with a cold beverage.

The rustic artificial leather strap that secures a spoon to the flask is the perfect touch to make me feel like I’m sipping in style. Now that’s balance.

Calming Commodities

Instant Pot Max 6qt Electric Pressure Cooker, $200

Serene House Duke Car Scent Diffuser Gift Set,$25

CHI Touchscreen Clothing Iron, $150

or other mix-ins) and select your strength. All you need to do is bring a glass of ice, a twist of lime, and press a button.

Maybe some salt on the rim? It’s Margarita time.

Bartesian, $299

Prepd Pack, $69

Black + Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box, $35

Black + Blum Food Flask, $40

Zeel App If you’re going to let your phone bother you with loud notifications, they might as well let you know your massage is imminent.

Zeel delivers same-day, licensed in-home therapists to your door for the days when balance is tougher to come by. (The service is available seven days a week and as late as 10:30 p.m.).

Bartesian Cocktails On Demand Sometimes, it’s just been one of those days and a cocktail is in order. I’ve never had great drink-mixing skills, but with the Bartesian capsule cocktail maker, I can be a precision mixologist every time. Fill the glass reservoirs with your spirits of choice, then pop in a capsule (full of real fruit juices, bitters,

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Gourmia Tea Maker Nothing calms me down like a hot cup of tea. And since I don’t drink coffee, it’s an all-day ritual for me: green in the morning, peppermint during the day, and chamomile or bedtime tea at night. I love the aesthetics and flavor of brewing the looseleaf variety, but the old-school process can be an ordeal.

That’s why I turn to Gourmia’s sleek-looking gadget, which makes the steeping easy. Brew up to four cups with three different settings (light, medium, and strong) so any type of tea has optimized flavor extraction.

Once it’s finished brewing, it passes through an extra-fine strainer which traps any stray leaves. In other words, it makes a perfect cup every time. FYI— for those of you loyal to your Americano, it brews coffee too.

Gourmia GTC8000 Fusion Tea Loose Leaf Tea Maker, $150

Serene House Car Diffuser A high-brow replacement for those gas station car deodorizers that hang from your rearview mirror, this aromatherapy diffuser from Serene House slots right into the cigarette lighter in your car and releases your favorite essential oil into the air. I used to just stick with lavender if I wanted to destress, but mixing oils can be so much fun, and feel very personal. Sage can add a grounding, clarifying vibe, and Ylang Ylang instantly calms me when I’m feeling anxious— and driving on Los Angeles freeways will make you anxious, let me tell you!

Instant Pot All hail the ease of dinner you can make ahead! (And let’s not forget the joy of walking in the door to a kitchen filled with the aromas of an effortless meal.)

It took me a minute to join the Instant Pot Mafia but now I’m a card-carrying member. Bone broths, stews, and whole grains like quinoa and wild rice are on repeat at my house, and they’re the kind of cozy meal to enjoy (slowly!) with your family after a lightning-fast day.

carley knobloch chronicles her travels and helps readers navigate the world of technology. You can find more about Carley at carleyk.com.

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You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. martin luther king

wellness

Careful Compromises How the 80/20 rule can set you up for success / by

m a r i j a k ro s n j a r

H

ow often have you started a wellness routine only to lose interest and start feeling like it was becoming more of a chore? Despite our best intentions, many of us struggle to maintain a healthy balance in our life, not because we lack the capabilities, but because in our overachieving society, “all-or-nothing” goals can set us up for failure in the long run. The 80/20 rule, or the Pareto Principle, is a more practical way of introducing new habits into your lifestyle without over restricting things you love. The principle teaches us that 20 percent of our focus delivers 80 percent of the results. Essentially, it reminds us that we need to prioritize our limited time on what is most important.

The 80/20 rule allows you to give yourself small indulgences, so that you aren’t living in a state of constant deprivation. The idea is to unwaveringly honor your commitment to big changes, while providing room to ease into your set goals and overall wellness plan. Instead of thinking, “I’m going to lose 15 pounds in the next three months,” instead say, “I’m going to increase my workout by one minute each day.” Racking up mini-wins will keep you motivated, and it has been proven that the act of crossing an item off your to-do list releases dopamine in your brain—it literally makes you happier.

Here are six ways to help you create a balanced self-care routine utilizing the 80/20 rule.

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Healthy Habit Helpers

Vivitar Vivelife 3mm Exercise Mat, $15

Sunny Health & Fitness Neoprene Dumbbell, $15

Sunny Health & Fitness Heavy Duty Bench, $77

Sharper Image Travel Foam Roller, $13

ViviLife Spider Cross Resistance Bands, $13

Proactive Scheduling Uncertainty is hard to live with.

Trying to determine the time commitment of a particular activity or how long will it take to achieve a goal can throw off the best of intentions when it comes to developing a wellness plan.

Taking the time to map out your self-care routine at the beginning of each week will take the guesswork, and the stress, out of your days. Spend one hour on Sunday mapping out the week ahead by scheduling your exercise, self-care, and meal plans in a planner for the week. By working in seven-day increments, you allow yourself to experience the success of mini-wins. Proactively thinking through your week ahead will help you to stick to your plans and ignore less important distractions that come up mid-week.

Fitness at Home Committing to your fitness goals can be a daunting task, so it’s important to develop a system that sets you up for success. If having to travel to a gym is going to prevent you from working out, there are many at-home programs that can provide the same benefits.

Start by purchasing a yoga mat and weights and setting up a dedicated workout space in your home. By relocating your workouts to a place that is convenient for you, you are boosting your chances of committing to your plan.

Go Clean with Beauty The “go clean” movement has taken the beauty industry by storm over the last year, and it’s hard to ignore the long-term benefits of these products. Completely overhauling your beauty cabinet is not always practical (or financially possible) but it’s something you can work toward over a period of time. Start by determining what is an achievable change for you in your beauty routine, and what will be most impactful. For me, it’s a daily moisturizer, rather than an infrequently used eyeliner pencil. I love knowing that this one change is making my skin healthier on a daily basis.

Burning the Midnight Oil Essential oils have been a favored holistic approach in healing for many years and their benefits are vast. Incorporating essential oils into your routine doesn’t take up a lot of time, and delivers noticeable benefits. If you are trying to improve the quality of your sleep, try diffusing lavender at night. The easy setup helps create hours of a sleep-conducive environment.

Friends and Family The 80/20 rule can also be applied to how you spend your time communicating with friends and family. Over the course of the day, you may spend hours sending countless “haha” texts and memes to friends. While connecting frequently is important, we tend to sacrifice depth of connection for quantity. Instead, try making one phone call or FaceTiming versus sending texts—the texts are just filling time and not necessarily helping to build stronger connections.

Working from Home Working remotely is becoming a common trend where people are given the autonomy to work from the comfort of their own home. As someone who works remotely, I have often found myself distracted with my looming “at-home to-do list” of laundry and cleaning, and therefore haven’t been as productive at work as I’d like. My solution? I carved out a dedicated work space in my home that was not only inviting, but also fostered productivity. I also designated certain hours of the day as “professional” time, helping me to mentally block out my domestic to-do list. Compartmentalizing space and time offers self-imposed rules that help govern the day.

Three by Three Dry·Erase Board, $15

marija krosnja launched the blog Sportsanista (sportsanista.com) as a way to fuse her love of both

the fashion and the sports industries. Her street style page brings together current trends, affordable and accessible fashion finds, beauty tips and game-day fashion.

Three by Three Jotblock Combo Planner, $10

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IRL

The Pareto Principle, or 80/20 Rule reminds us that we need to prioritize our limited time on what is most important.

see it. shop it.

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well-being

Balancing Act

Three ways to set and keep healthy limits / by

nitika chopra

B

alance often becomes a state of being to covet when life feels completely chaotic or you start to notice that you are depleted to a level that concerns you and your loved ones. It isn’t something we are taught to implement in our lives in a consistent and steady way. Instead we look to it as a savior when all else fails.

What if 2019 could become the year that you didn’t have to hit rock bottom in order to create a life that feels balanced? I know that if you’re reading this in the middle of a major challenge in your life, that might seem completely impossible, but I assure you that it’s not.

The healthiest way to create more balance in your life is to learn how to implement strong boundaries that are non-negotiable for you. We often set boundaries only when someone actively takes advantage of us or we find ourselves in a situation that leaves us feeling manipulated. While boundaries are a great tool during challenging times, they are just as important to utilize on a day-to-day basis, and setting them is the first step to fostering real balance in your life.

Sound hard to do? Let me show you three ways that setting boundaries creates more balance:

nitika chopra is a beauty and lifestyle expert who inspires readers to discover and celebrate

their own inner beauty. Read more about Nitika at nitikachopra.com

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1/ Saying no allows for

more yes!

While it could be very easy to focus on all of the things you are omitting from your life by saying “no,” I invite you to focus on everything for which you would be making space. Think of all of the times when you said you would help that friend who always seems to need you, or you agree to show up for your ex one last time, helping, caring, supporting someone else again and again with no real end in sight. Or all the times when you take on extra tasks at work, or promise to do chores around the house just because you can and it seems easier to just do the work yourself. Maybe you’re afraid of how someone will feel if they hear the word “no” or you just don’t have the energy to dig deep into the well of strength within you to say “no.”

Now think of all of the things that you could be

doing during these times if you had decided to put yourself first! The yoga class you could finally take, or the meal you would be able to cook from scratch and enjoy in peace. You might be able to take a walk with that dear friend for whom you never seem to have enough time.

You could finally enroll in the Spanish lessons you’ve put off. Once you start eliminating things that don’t fill you up and incorporating activities that do, your life will naturally feel more balanced.

choose joy more, it will also allow you to open yourself to your internal compass in a way that you never knew would be possible. Instead of being reactionary in life, you’ll be able to use your heart and mind to take control. That alone creates a feeling of balance and is completely life-changing.

3/ Let go of your

2/ Listen to your

internal compass Something I hear a lot is that people don’t even know what really makes them happy. They are caught in the hamster wheel of life and going through the motions. While making space in your life will allow you to

inner critic Often when we are going after the seemingly unattainable goal of balance, we tend to be incredibly harsh on ourselves when we miss the mark. Life is full of setbacks; when you experience one, don’t beat yourself up, as that will just add more stress and disappointment to your day. Instead, reflect on the setback and recalibrate, ridding yourself of criticism,

shame, and additional stress.

If the only thing you do in this quest for balance is to be gentler and kinder to yourself, you will almost immediately experience more overall peace in your life.

I know that when people talk about balance they often tackle the to-do lists and tangible moments throughout their day, but I have seen that the process of finding true balance in life is actually much deeper than that. It starts with a process of self-reflection and compassion.

Implementing boundaries is a powerful way to make that happen. Incorporate these aforementioned steps into your life and see how the heaviness and resistance start to disappear.

It’s a powerful reframe for your life that will leave you feeling balanced in no time!

Daring to set boundaries is “about having the courage to

love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others. brené brown

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”

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people to know

Designing Women

Leaders in their fields discuss everything from journaling to Dolly Parton

I

t could be said that this is the “era of the woman” with women increasingly occupying seats in political houses and C-suites around the globe. The design industry is no exception. We were lucky enough to speak with three leading women in design.

Sarah Kauss is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of S’well, a pioneer and market leader of fashionable and plastic-free portable bottles. Andrea Brown is Vice President of Creative at Now Designs, a Canadian-based home décor and living design company which creates unique high-quality products for of-the-moment retailers. Architec President Jenna Miller leads the company in designing innovative and colorful houseware products. We talked to the women about their business, their passions, and what drives them to their personal best.

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IHJ: Tell us a bit about your role. sarah:

I wear many hats in my role at the company, so needless to say, every day is a different adventure. One constant though is that my days are filled with meetings— anything from collection previews and overarching business reviews to retailer meetings and one-onone check-ins with the team. I am pretty hands-on and, while I don’t touch everything, I appreciate having the opportunity to have visibility into all facets of the business. andrea: As

part of our executive leadership team at Now Designs, I lead our all-female Creative Department, comprised of Marketing, Surface and Product Design, Graphic Design and Packaging Design. There are eleven incredibly talented members of the Creative Team, all with unique and eclectic backgrounds.

jenna: As President of Architec, I head the creative process, and also have my hand in just about every aspect of the business.

IHJ: What have you learned from your greatest business setbacks?

sarah: I’ve grown immensely from the risks that I’ve taken and the perspective I’ve gained—the stories I could tell! One of the biggest learnings though has been the need to invest in the right people.

Every company dreams of growth, but if you don’t have the right people and team in place when it comes, it can hinder your efforts. andrea:

Set your expectations out very clearly, and ensure everyone buys into them. Be flexible. Be up front and transparent about mistakes, and learn. Focus on your strengths, don’t spread yourself or your resources too thin.

Have you achieved balance without guilt, and if so, how? andrea: Surrounding

oneself with a community who support and affirm balance is really important, and you must challenge and educate people who simply don’t get it, and indeed shut down those who try and provoke guilt, particularly for

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S’well Ridding the world of plastic water bottles, with eco-friendly, stylish hydration accessories.

Cornflower Roamer 40oz, $55

women in the workplace. Also, I try and ensure my team always hears affirmations from me about work-life balance and I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t try and set a somewhat decent example. jenna: I’m not a natural “balancer,” but I’ve set up tricks for myself to achieve work-life balance. There are the two parts of my life—work and family—and each is a priority. It’s hard to make family the priority when work demands my attention. I’ve set up a system that really helps me though. I’ve never allowed a computer in my house. When I’m here at the office, I’m working and fully focused. When I go home, I’m only focused on my family.

Obviously my phone allows me to check email and keep in touch with people, but not having a computer allows me to really say, “It’s work when I’m at work and family when I’m home.”

What is your advice to young women on cultivating mentors? andrea: Find

Sport Bottle 17oz, $40

Cool Critters 10oz, $15

someone who loves what they do or have done, who may have faced barriers to success but holds pride and joy in their achievements. Seek out someone funny who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Find someone who doesn’t totally fit your comfort zone, find someone who challenges you and makes you think. They might ruffle your feathers every so often, because they do think differently than you might, they communicate differently and they have

a wealth of experience behind them. That’s a good thing. jenna: Join everything you can, any group that you can. I haven’t always been a joiner; I get intimidated by it. But I’ve forced myself to take advantage of networking opportunities, and through them, I’ve met so many incredible people who have changed my outlook and perspective on so many things.

Speaking specifically of design, was there any experience or even specific product from your youth that served as an inspiration to your career?

sarah: I’ve always been an environmentalist—my family was the first to recycle on the block before they started picking it up curbside. And the University of Colorado Boulder started me down the path of carrying a reusable bottle—everywhere. But my bottle back then didn’t necessarily fit my style as I climbed the corporate ladder and wasn’t as thoughtfully designed as the handbag I was carrying. I thought, what if I could create a bottle that looked better, worked harder, and made a positive impact on the world? And that is where my inspiration for S’well came. andrea:

My mum has a wonderful eye for design and collected vintage Figgjo Flint ceramics from Norway. We ate meals off these beautiful plates decorated with intricate designs and enticing stories of fishermen and flower

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markets. In some way it taught me that design and beauty can be all around us, in every daily experience, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune and it should be accessible to everyone. jenna: My mom gave me an Elsa Peretti bean necklace, and it’s one of my favorite things in its simplicity and its meaning to me. It looks like it was touched by hand.

I reference that all the time. At Architec we’re building things in 3D but they are designed in a computer. I’m always going back to that bean with its organic shape and feel, and I want our products to look like they were touched by hand and sculpted, not designed in a computer.

Do you have a certain morning and/or daily routine that you follow to ensure productivity and balance in your professional and personal life?

sarah: I keep a five-year journal that I write in each night before bed. It helps keep me humble and motivated, showing me how far I’ve come and inspiring me for the future. andrea: I live on the West Coast of

Canada and my 20-minute bike ride to work and back is the best way to reset, ponder the day and get rid of some of the useless grumpy thoughts that might be hanging over me. It’s time that I have to myself (plus the odd seal or seagull).

We also have a dog friendly office, that’s a really big deal. Pet a puppy; it solves a lot of problems.

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Trust and “embrace your

curiosity and don’t be afraid to take risks. sarah kauss, s’well

”

photograph courtesy of s ’ well

I’ve been very “inspired by the

community of women around me who are outspoken, committed to causes they believe in and unwavering in their dedication to see things through. andrea brown,

”

now designs

photograph by tanya goehring

jenna: I take my dogs out in the morning and I stand out in the yard, and look around in nature, expressing daily gratitude for God and the opportunities I’ve had.

What are the pros and cons of being a woman in this industry in 2019?

sarah: Being a woman is all I know

and the only option for me, so I don’t ponder the pros and cons of it.

I focus on understanding my purpose. How can I make a difference in this world, with my company and with my actions on a daily basis. Then, how can I keep evolving, growing and learning to make a greater impact through my actions. andrea: The

first time I watched “9 to 5” with Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda, it was kind of a-ha moment for me. It was an old movie by the time I watched it in the 90s, but it was the first movie where I was like, “Huh, it’s kind of great and wonderful and amazing to take control of your own possibly mediocre circumstances and not put up with terrible behavior from people who want to keep you down.” It’s also the first time I learned the phrase “male chauvinistic pig.”

The film may not totally stand the test of time, but I still love it.

When have you felt most satisfied in life? Please tell us about that.

sarah: I find the deepest satisfaction when all is good with my family and work is going well enough that I can be truly present for them. I have a seven-monthold baby boy who brings so much

joy to our lives. He’s my North Star and the decisions I make now are centered around his well-being. andrea:

I grew up thinking that confrontation was quite daunting and at some point I came to the conclusion that sometimes backing down was the “easy” solution.

I think I’ve felt the most pride and satisfaction in my life when I’ve dug in my heels for the things I believe in, and been a trigger for positive change. I’ve been very inspired by the community of women around me who are outspoken, committed to causes they believe in and unwavering in their dedication to see things through.

jenna: That’s easy! It’s when I’m involved in anything creative. But I have to say one recent development was sort of a pinnacle for me.

My nine-year-old daughter Harper came up with an idea that we then developed together, and it’s even spawned new related concepts. It’s called The Dream Pillow. It’s like a stuffed animal in the shape of a pillow with a deep pocket inside, which houses children’s Dream Wish Notes—children write or draw their dreams on the notes and tuck them into the pocket before going to sleep. We’ve found that this process really teaches kids about the power of their intentions and also taps into their creative sides. Harper now travels with me to shows, develops new characters, and helps with digital content and marketing ideas. It’s been the best feeling knowing that I helped to foster her creativity, and that she was able to make her dreams a reality.

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How did you get where you are today and who helped you along the way?

sarah: I was born into a family of entrepreneurs—my parents were small business owners—so I saw early on how rewarding it could be. When it came time to start S’well, I was motivated and determined to make it work. Of course, there was anxiety about quitting my job for the unknown, but I believed so much in the idea and the positive impact we could make that it outweighed all fear.

My mom is the one who encouraged me to start S’well, challenging me to identify what I really wanted. It was on a trip with her and a conversation about career happiness that the idea for S’well was born. I also had a network of people who helped me get S’well off the ground by giving their time, insights and expertise over many cups of coffee! andrea:

I’ve certainly been given creative opportunities from an early age, and I’m so fortunate to have that experience. I had a mum who never once told me that art or design wasn’t a real career, and in fact made sure I had ample sketchbooks and pens and paintbrushes, even when money was very tight elsewhere. I had an endless supply of beautifully illustrated library books at my disposal to inspire me, and the world of fiction was both an escape and an inspiration. I had some specific splendid women lift me up in my early jobs as a teenager and in my post-secondary education, who encouraged me to aspire to bigger

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things. There were certainly folks along the way that tried to taint those aspirations and discourage the idealism of my young self, but that only made me want to prove them wrong. I guess it was a bit of a shock to enter a different level of workforce after college and understand why empowerment, feminism and equality is so incredibly important. I was fortunate to find a company in Now Designs that valued equality and was (and is) keen to continue to evolve in terms of diversity and representation, and I am focused on playing a part in leading that evolution. Having said that, I believe that I have lifted myself up to where I am today, I have worked extremely hard, I’ve carved out my own path and tried to carve out a path for others that follow. I’ve had supportive figures in my life but I do have to recognize and value the work I’ve put in to elevate my own journey. jenna: I am lucky enough to have

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worked with my best friend for 16 years. We are like sisters, but we are total opposites, which works really well in a professional and creative environment. And there’s my husband...I always say that if you marry your biggest cheerleader, your whole life is going to be easier, and he is that person for me.

What advice would you specifically give to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in design?

sarah: Trust and embrace your curiosity and don’t be afraid to take risks. andrea: Folks who can communicate through design are so valuable. Know your value, know the power you hold. Have pride in your work and your skill. But also understand that you can be skilled and able in a much wider spectrum of areas that can complement your ability to paint or create layouts or digital content. Curiosity in other fields and developing your range of skills in areas that will aid you in your aspirations and ambitions is really integral to the process.

You’re smart, you’re able; explore beyond the confines of design.

If you want to rise in your field, grow your skill set, study digital marketing, learn how to code, learn photography, study a little psychology, take a business class, study project management, read, learn. Round out your design expertise with a robust package of additional knowledge and skills. jenna: There have been times when people have thought my ideas were crazy and would never work, and I hyper-focused on solutions. For example, I wanted to find a solution to an environmental issue farmers were facing with wasted flax husks when flax seeds became a hot food ingredient a few years back (there was no use or demand for the flax shell

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so farmers would burn them and it was bad for environment). After working with people in different capacities—we couldn’t even afford an engineer—I figured out how to suspend the flax husks in translucent plastic products.

What is your most effective way to “unplug” from work?

sarah: Unplugging sounds simple, but it is not easy! I’m on my phone all the time whether I am checking email, taking calls or staying up-to-date on social media. But since I had my baby, I set some new ground rules to help me unplug and be more present.

This includes leaving the phone in a drawer outside of his nursery at the end of the work day to maximize quality time with him. So far, it has proven to be successful, except when I sneak the phone for the occasional baby photoshoot! andrea:

Get your heart pumping, get moving! Run around with a cute dog, do some stretching, listen to loud music and dance around. Eat yummy food. Find your joy with your people or an animal or by yourself. Laugh a lot.

Read something amazing about something you don’t know. Listen to a great podcast.

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When I’m here at the office, I’m “working and fully focused. When I go home, I’m only focused on my family. jenna miller, architec

photograph by ian dawson , c & i studios

”

smart choices

Additive Wellness Why total health isn’t just about cutting things out / by

carlene thomas

W

hen people talk about creating balance in their lives, they often focus on restricting, removing or avoiding “unhealthy” habits.

For me, balance means something different. It includes drinking wine, eating cheese, and reading outside.

Some may deem these activities unhealthy, but in the bigger picture of life, I believe they are crucial for overall wellness.

As a dietitian, I’ve witnessed the “free-from,” “no-X” health trends and diets that ruled the wellness world over the past decade (plus)—far too long in my opinion.

The more these extreme diets masquerade themselves as a “lifestyle,” the more self-righteous people tend to feel about what they’re doing and try to convince everyone in their orbit why they too should be following along. Misery does enjoy company, doesn’t it?

Instead of deleting bread, sugar, nightshade

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vegetables, or whatever else the fad diet community can dream up, I try to add in the wellness component instead. Think about it this way: adding something into your life naturally squeezes out something else.

I am a minimalist at heart, and this concept seems so intuitive to me. Enter my home and you’ll see a lot of open space and neutral tones (it hides the cat hair better than you would think). I love figuring out how to streamline my life and say “no” to what doesn’t work for me. Many times though, focusing on adding can be a better psychological and wellness strategy than taking away. It can shift your mindset and make you healthier—whatever that means for you.

Give it a try—there’s nothing to lose (at first)! By adding any of these 10 things, you just might find you naturally remove something not serving you in life.

Without guilt. Without pain. Let’s see.

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Hydrate The simple act of

drinking more water adds to our total health. Add lemon and mint to make it feel special.

10

Healthy Additions

Add pulses: Lentils, beans, and

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peas (a.k.a. pulses) are an amazing food choice that’s an inexpensive, environmentally conscious source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Adding as little as a half cup per day can help improve your heart and gut health while reducing your risk for chronic diseases and helping you maintain a healthy body weight. Add chickpeas to your salad or black beans to your tacos. We’ve got a recipe for a lentil salad that will keep you coming back for more.

Add walking: Movement mat-

ters. We sit too much, but instead of focusing on reducing screen time or whatever it is that makes you feel guilty, figure out how to add more walking. Park far away.

Get off a subway stop earlier. To make movement breaks more tempting, call a friend to chat at the same time or download a great podcast (#SSDGM).

Add a salad somewhere: Please

note the absence of the phrase “eat less of your favorite food” anywhere in this article. Have the pizza! I sure will. But add a leafy green salad somewhere in the day too. If you want to go all in, you can do what we do: have “salad pizza.” Make pizza, and either add salad on top or cut up the pizza and use it as a salad topping.

Add veggies in interesting shapes: Blah, blah. No one

actually digs steamed broccoli florets. But you know what I am into? Produce in interesting shapes that makes eating fun (this works for not only small children, but also adults). Use a food processor, mandolin or even a spiralizer tool to take veggies and make them texturally and visually interesting. For us, shredding cabbage finely along with carrots makes it so easy to finish an entire batch. Throw it in with snap peas cut on a bias and diced red peppers. You might just find you love a food that you didn’t find appealing before.

Add flavor: Since when did well-

ness become all about suffering?

Add flavor to healthy things.

Don’t be a martyr and eat dry dull salad. You won’t win any awards! Fresh herbs and citrus can completely change a dish. So do a little bold feta, a pinch of flaky salt, umami seasoning, and even bacon. A few chopped lardons will make a dish of Brussels sprouts disappear. My husband Chris and I call these additions “salad confetti” because they are the fun in the salad. My brother, who used to adhere to a strict nacho-only diet, can vouch for this.

We tried these recipes on him.

Add nature indoors: Adding

some nature indoors has a lot of health benefits. Studies abound on why forest bathing works and why a nice house plant can help with air quality. For big visual impact with low maintenance, get large branches in a large vessel for the floor. Get a low-maintenance cactus if you’re chronically traveling.

My personal plant drug of choice is orchids. When you add in the nature, remove something in your home that stresses you out. Hate that weird picture frame your aunt gave you? Get rid of it and put your new plant-lady swag there instead.

Add a self-care habit: Be it acupuncture, massage, a warm bubble bath, or even a magazine subscription, add something special into your life that is just for you and that brings you joy. Wellness has many forms, but happiness is a big part of it, however you look at it. Schedule a self-care habit into your day and treat it like an important appointment.

Add people you care about to your life: There are some sorry

excuses for people out there, but once you find YOUR people, never let them go. Call them. Visit them.

Connect over more than a text.

Make time for them and boost your mood at the same time.

Add fruit on the counter: Fortessa Heirloom Pasta Bowl $10

Fortessa Heirloom Rice Bowl $8

Add water: Most of us are mere

shriveled raisins of humans lurching from coffee to wine with nothing in between. Just drink some water. We all know we’re dehydrated. Buy a water bottle you love. Make this one a double-add if you’re so inclined, and drop in some lemon for extra flavor and vitamin C.

We eat what we see. That’s why a candy dish in the office needs to be constantly refilled. Add a fruit—or three—of your choice to a pretty bowl on the counter and make snacking easy.

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Add flavor

Flaky sea salt gives this salmon that little something extra.

Crispy Salmon recipe on page 68.

on adding “Focusing can be a better psychological and wellness strategy than taking away.

Veggie Fun

Changing the shape of an ordinary vegetable can make eating it more fun to eat, for kids and adults alike. Pan-roasted Cabbage Slaw recipe on page 68.

�

Add a salad

Sneak a salad in on top of a delicious pizza. Salad Pizza recipe on page 68.

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PAN ROASTED CABBAGE SLAW

SALAD PIZZA

Serves: 2

Active Time: 15 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Total Time: 30 minutes 2 slices thick bacon or lardons, chopped

Pizza dough of choice (can be store bought or homemade)

1/4 head green or purple cabbage

1 small can of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes

1 rib celery, sliced

Drizzle of olive oil

1 tablespoon celery leaves

1/2 teaspoon cornmeal

1 heaping tablespoon capers

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

1/2 tablespoon fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

Freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

for salad

1 pinch all purpose flour

1 tablespoon olive oil

11/2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 tablespoon minced shallot

1/2 teaspoon whole grain Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon whole grain Dijon mustard

Drizzle of clover or wildflower honey

A few grinds freshly ground black pepper

Pinch red pepper flakes

Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high and crisp all sides of the lardons or bacon. This can take about 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the bacon or lardon. Once the lardons are crisp, remove from the pan and spoon out rendered fat (save it for roasting veggies later).

While bacon is cooking, shred cabbage using a food processor with a shredding attachment (or use a large knife and thinly slice).

Add shredded cabbage to the pan over medium high to begin to brown. Remove from pan and place in a large bowl.

Add the bacon, celery, celery leaves, capers, dill, and parsley to the bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, shallot, garlic, mustard, and black pepper. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss.

Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups finely chopped kale 1/2 cup shredded Brussels sprouts

full coverage.

Push dough into pan and partially up the sides (careful, it’s hot!).

Ladle about ¹⁄₃ cup of the crushed tomatoes and their juices onto the dough in the pan and top with cheese.

Drizzle olive oil around the outside of the crust and down the inner sides of the cast iron.

Bake for about 10 minutes until crust is brown. Broil for a few seconds, if desired, and remove from oven.

While pizza is cooking, prepare salad by whisking garlic, mustard, honey, vinegar, oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper together in a large bowl.

Add the kale, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, shallot, and parsley to the dressing bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cut pizza and serve salad on top or on platter alongside slices.

CRISPY SALMON Serves: 4 Active time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced (about ¹⁄₃ cup)

4 8-ounce fillets of salmon, skin on

1/2 small shallot, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

Divide dough to form a ball that will stretch to fit about a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Cover and refrigerate any dough not being used.

Preheat oven to 450° F or 500° F (as high as your oven will go) and place a rack at the top.

In a small bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, and sugar.

Set aside.

Open tomatoes and hand crush.

Heat skillet on medium-low on stove top.

Shape dough into a disc and begin to work/thin it out with your hands.

When the skillet is hot, turn off heat and remove skillet. Add a pinch or two of the cornmeal mixture over the bottom of the pan.

It should be a light coating, not

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Wash salmon and pat dry.

Season with salt and pepper.

Over medium heat, heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet.

Place the salmon in the pan, skin-side down. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, until skin is very crisp.

Flip fish and cook the other side for an additional minute.

Remove from skillet and serve with lentil salad.

MINT RADISH LENTIL SALAD Serves: 4-6 Active Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes 1 cup dry French lentils 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 small celery root, peeled and cubed 1/2 small white or yellow onion, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 bay leaf 3½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth 1 bunch small radishes, thinly sliced 1/4 cup sherry vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint 1/2 shallot, thinly sliced 11/2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger 1 teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Place lentils in a strainer to sort and discard any debris.

Rinse under cold water.

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the celery root, onion, garlic, and bay leaf. Cook for 5 minutes.

Pour in the broth, stir in the rinsed lentils, and bring to a boil.

Cover and reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer.

Cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.

Remove and discard bay leaf.

Drain the lentils.

In a large bowl, combine the drained lentils, radishes, sherry vinegar, mint, shallot, ginger, salt, and pepper to taste.

Recommended to serve with Crispy Salmon. carlene thomas, r.d.n, l.d., is a nationally renowned nutritionist and dietician who publishes the food and wellness blog Oh Carlene (healthyfullyeverafter.co).

Her company specializes in telling clients’ brand stories through recipe development, photography, and videography.

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Feed your heart

Just a half cup of lentils per day provides protein, vitamins and minerals to help improve heart health. Mint Radish Lentil Salad recipe on opposite page.

see it. shop it.

resources page 104

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This page: Megan with one of her “girls.” “Sometimes the best part of our day is in the backyard with our pups and chicks.”

Opposite: In the South, a front porch is a must-have, and specifically, a front porch with a haint blue ceiling. Megan and John begin their mornings there together.

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megan runion brings her s i g n at u r e s t y l e h o m e t o

greenville, south carolina

french Farmhouse

o spend time with Megan Runion in her home in Greenville, South Carolina, is to be treated to a sensorial and soulful experience. From squawking chickens and barking dogs to the scent of lavender from her French-inspired garden, Megan and John Runion’s renovated farmhouse is the true embodiment of their lives together, filled with abundant love, respect for the land and animals, and most of all, an inviting space to gather with cherished friends and family.

Megan started the blog For All Things Lovely in 2012 as a way to document her passion for fashion and lifestyle. She also has chronicled her home renovation and continues to inspire her more than 230K Instagram followers with artistic photos of her home and life. Perhaps it’s a coat closet that she and John converted into a beautiful bar with an antique table against a moody greenish-black painted wall, or a centerpiece crafted of woods and greens she collected from her yard that now adorns her dining table.

The Inspired Home Journal spent the day with Megan and John at their home in Greenville. Megan spoke with us about her carefully curated French farmhouse style, and the very intentional building of their lives and their home together. ihj: Thank you so much for

opening up your beautiful home to us. It seems like this house was made for you and your husband. Can you tell us a bit about why you chose this particular home in Greenville?

megan runion: John and I are both from South Carolina, and we met in Greenville. Our families are mostly here, so it made sense. In our house search, we knew we wanted the character of an old home.

Although we added onto the existing house, we wanted to keep as much of the original home as we could—the bones and the detail that made us fall in love with it.

The old, solid wood doors with brass door knobs, the original hardwood floors, the rusted hardware beside the windows where the shutters used to be, and the naturally aged chimney were all things that most people would get rid of that really spoke to our idea

of what we wanted our home to be. Also, we loved the yard and size of the lot. We immediately saw the potential for summer night family dinners and early morning coffee with our chickens running around the backyard. Being outside— soaking up the sunshine, with our animals, planting and gardening—it all feeds our soul.

What are some of your favorite things about Greenville and the community here?

mr: Being close to our vibrant downtown was so important to us—it’s where we work and where we play. And we love that each house in our neighborhood has its own character; we love that it’s so family oriented and we’re so excited to eventually raise a family here.

And last, but definitely not least, we love that everyone drives around in golf carts!

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What are a couple of favorite memories that you’ve had in your home? mr:

We’ve only lived here a year and a half and already have so many! I will say one of my favorite memories was waking up the first morning we slept here. Each room was full of boxes, nothing was unpacked, and we slept with a single blanket on top of our mattress, but I woke up with tears in my eyes and the biggest smile on my face—my heart felt so full. All of our hard work and endless decision making finally paid off and it just felt right.

Aside from that specific memory, we live for gathering friends and family around our table. Cooking, endless conversation and laughter, and simply making the most of every moment. Everything from John’s surprise 30th birthday party to an easy, weeknight dinner with our best friends— we celebrate it all.

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Do you have any summer traditions in your home?

mr: Summer is easily our favorite time of year—windows open throughout the house, planting and working in the yard all day, and grilling every night—it’s how we live our best life together. My biggest “want” when designing our outdoor area was a long farmhouse table we could gather around. We even extended our deck to make it happen. John and I designed and built our entire patio on our own, from start to finish.

We planted all of our favorite things around it and put a fire pit right in the middle surrounded by oyster shells. We have happy hour on the patio, complete with pups and chickens running around the backyard. Our little outdoor area is a work in progress for sure, but one of the happiest places in the world for us.

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Megan designed the entryway to establish the inviting tone of the home.

Since the space flows directly into the living room, she created a defined and functional entryway by adding a large mirror and concrete benches.

The light and airy living room, is fully enjoyed by the Runion’s dog Gibson, and is the perfect spot on a beautiful spring day to indulge in a little rosè.

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Balance means: Working hard, but knowing when to call it a day. being strong but vulnerable.

Taking care of yourself so you can love others better.

Top: Another look at the cozy front porch.

Below: A closet turned home bar. “We both grew up in homes that were full of antiques and sentimental pieces. We filled our home with a lot of those handme-downs that brought us comfort and love.”

You and John seem very much in love. What do you think are the most important factors in a healthy marriage?

mr: Everyone preaches trust and communication in a relationship and those things are so, so important. However, to us, the most important thing in a marriage is simply choosing each other, always. We love to be together. I don’t want to experience anything without John; I want him there for the big things and the little things.

We constantly try to ‘outdo’ each other and are intentional about making sure the other feels loved.

What are your favorite qualities about John and what do you think he’d say about you?

mr: I think both of our answers would be each other’s heart.

For me, I love and feel things so deeply, and John loves and appreciates that about me. He trusts my intuition and loves that I

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constantly cultivate our relationships with our family and friends. I love that he has the most giving and servant heart and would do anything for anyone, always. His actions always speak louder than his words. He can do anything, fix anything, and he’s such a hard worker.

What does balance mean to you? mr:

It’s knowing how to proportion the different areas of your life with the right things so that it doesn’t fall apart. Working hard, but knowing when to call it a day and focus on what feeds your soul. Being strong, but vulnerable. Holding on to people tight, but also trusting your gut when it tells you to let go. Ordering a salad with a side of french fries! Taking care of yourself, so you can love others better. Making mistakes that teach us lessons. Knowing when to let yourself rest and when to hustle. Breaking down so you can break through.

Tell us about the chicken coop! mr:

Our chicken coop is a labor of love, to say the least. For months, we poured our time, hearts, and souls into creating a safe and beautiful home for our girls. Sometimes the best part of our day is in the backyard with our pups and chicks, so we wanted to make sure it was a space we longed to live in at the end of the day.

Our team is based in the Midwest and we always hear about Southern hospitality.

What does that mean to you?

mr: Southern hospitality is a way of life. Saying thank you and holding a door open might seem like a ‘good deed’ to others, but it just comes naturally to Southerners. We don’t overthink it—manners and kind gestures are how were were raised and how we raise our own.

You’ve mentioned that you and John are drawn to the French Farmhouse look. Where did this inspiration come from?

mr: We both grew up in homes that were full of antiques and sentimental pieces. Since we got married at such a young

age and couldn’t afford much, we filled our home with a lot of those hand-me-downs that brought us comfort and love.

Together, we developed a love for sourcing our own antiques and pieces we truly loved. It turned out that every single time we found something we couldn’t live without, it’s been a vintage, French piece. We started gravitating towards that culture and lifestyle and made ourselves well versed in understanding what that looked like when it came to our home decor.

We’ve incorporated that into our outdoor living as well—we’ve been really intentional about filling our yard with French herbs and flowers. The farmhouse lifestyle was something that really developed when we moved into “the lovely cottage.”

When we decided to have chickens of our own, it really gave meaning to our French Farmhouse decor.

The master bedroom serves as the perfect little escape.

Above: “We live for gathering friends and family around our table. Cooking, endless conversation and laughter, and simply making the most of every moment.”

Left: Megan’s one request for the master bath was a big, beautiful soaking tub that became the focal point of the bathroom.

megan runion’s blog can be

found at forallthingslovely.com.

You can also follow here on instagram @meganrunionmcr and @thelovelycottage.

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01

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get the look

french farmhouse

01 Open Up Tannic by La Table d’Arc, set of 6 $60

08 Sagaform Nature Serving Plate, $60

02 Staub 5.5qt Cocotte White, $325

09 Mauviel M’150s Copper Tri-Ply Roaster with Rack, $270

03 Berard Convida Round Cutting Board, $130

10 Paddywax Urban Tobacco + Patchouli, $11

04 The Laundress Dish Brush, $12; Pet & Lint Brush, $60

11 Le Creuset Signature Saucepan, $185

05 Sagaform Top Vase, $35 06 Otello Sky Chrome Pasta Machine, $250 07 SMEG Retro-Style Espresso Machine, $460

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see it. shop it.

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sunny side up a peek inside the joyful world of Molly Yeh

kale shakshuka page 82

Story by Jeanelle Olson

In her sunny, south-facing kitchen

Molly Yeh appears to be powered by a million-watt smile.

And sprinkles. Perhaps bagels too. Throw in some marzipan, memories of Lunchables, delightful recipes from her motherin-law’s old church cookbooks, and the promise of stumbling upon someone’s grandmother’s ancient cast iron at a yard sale.

This is Molly.

If you don’t know who Molly Yeh is, you’ve probably eaten something Yeh-inspired (Yeh is pronounced “Yay!”). If you’ve had a dessert with tahini in it, that’s Molly. If you’ve heard of hotdish and you don’t hail from a very specific part of the Midwest, also Molly. If it’s ever occurred to you to dress up a cake with bits of custom-colored marzipan, you’ve probably entered Molly’s orbit.

And that’s no surprise considering how prolific Molly’s influence is in the ever colliding worlds of cooking and entertainment. She’s written two cookbooks, stars in Girl Meets Farm on the Food Network, posts almost daily for a devoted social media following, and continues to write a successful, long-running blog. Sound like a lot? The plot thickens: at the time of publication, she’ll be a new mom. Add it all up, and most people would be exhausted. Molly prefers exhilarated.

What’s her personal recipe? For starters, Molly is so joyfully, insatiably open to inspiration wherever she goes, so good at telling a story of how she came to love, say, those weird Italian rainbow cookies in New York bakeries and turn them into an entire cake (spoiler: she didn’t know they were almond-flavored until she did and then it was all over), so naturally, fearlessly inclined toward mashups and remixes of ingredients, that it seems almost everything she makes goes viral. Maybe she was born with it.

With a Chinese dad and a Jewish mom, she grew up with “such good carbs,” she gushes, and a philosophy of, “If it tastes good together, eat it!” It helps, of course, that her personal style, which extends to her kitchen and the now-signature way she presents her food, is bright, yet authentic, never trying too hard, and always approachable.

Six years ago, Molly and her husband Nick moved from Brooklyn to his family’s generations-old sugar beet farm in Grand Forks, Minnesota. In fact, they live in Nick’s

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grandmother’s former home, the house where his dad grew up.

She’s traveled the world for food, for music (she studied percussion at Juilliard and is a lover of classical music), and for the 2017 Pyeongchang Olympics (she’s a figure skating superfan).

In some ways, Molly says finding balance has been an ever-changing element of her career path. “Working for myself– having the blog and then working on a cookbook–has forced me to strive for balance,” she says. In the early days, when she and Nick moved to the farm and the blog was young, they both threw themselves into their work. “I was working seven days a week. Nick was working seven days a week. We were just beginning our careers and had this mindset of, ‘Oh, if we can work these hours, we should.’” Since that time, they’ve both harvested a lot, so to speak. Success, of course, but wisdom, too. “It’s because we had those few years of driving ourselves crazy that I felt like I could finally step back. And it showed me how burned out I could get. It made me realize that balance has to be a priority, and to close my computer on the weekend.”

She no longer obsesses over the perfect flat-lay photo–you know the kind, taken from directly above a table or other meticulously styled, posed surface, “like with the hand-carved spoons and all the ingredients just perfectly set.” She grins her excellent grin, and while you can’t see a playful eye roll, it’s in the air. And to be sure, Molly directs a good portion of this good-natured older-wiser thing back on herself. “I used to stress out about making a blog post out of a weekend outing with my family.

Trying to make it look cute, dressing cute,” she laughs. “Now I’ve found it’s so much more fulfilling to just be present.”

She’s noticed a shift, too, in what kinds of visuals get traction on social media. Whereas a painstakingly perfect photo used to rule the feed, Molly finds now that authenticity and a refreshing absence of much forethought–“like an un-styled cookie,” she laughs, or something plopped onto a sheet pan–get more likes than they used to. Where does she think this stems from?

“Relatability,” she says almost immediately, as if she senses our collective need to connect with food heroes as real-life people with messy kitchens or a basket of laundry just out of the frame.

“People have a desire to feel like they can do something, like they are living meaningful lives,” and if posting that cookie helps make people feel as if they can make that too, so much the better.

Nowadays, Molly uses an app called Forest to gently remind her to put down her phone. She recognizes that sometimes, especially while shooting her show during pregnancy, she needs to insist on 10 hours of sleep. She’s also made peace with the occasional sleepless nights that have seemed to pop up more often during pregnancy; instead of panicking about how tired she might be the next day, she looks at it now as reading time, or a chance to putter around and get things done in the middle of the night. “I never want to take for granted the fact that I have this luxury with the blog, with my own deadlines that I can push back,” she says, “but I’ve lightened up on myself.”

Happily for her fans, Molly has never strayed from a certain brand of lightheartedness in her writing and cooking. Marzipan party animals on a birthday cake. Obscure delights from the upper Midwest, written about with adoration, like mazariner (Swedish almond tarts), lefse (Norwegian potato flatbreads), cookie salads (yes, they’re a thing), and a dizzying variety of those hotdish recipes. And of course, sprinkles everywhere.

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Left: Molly’s kitchen eminates colorful happiness.

Below: Molly’s favorite recipes and life stories are collected in cookbook Molly On the Range.

Molly Yeh appears to be powered by a million-watt smile. And sprinkles.

Even her green smoothies have sprinkles—in the form of a flax-chia super seed mix. In fact, those smoothies are a bit of a clue as to how Molly keeps balance in her kitchen. Certainly, there are a lot of sweets–her blog offers a whopping 75 cake recipes, and that doesn’t even include muffins, donuts, cookies, or other treats–hearty comfort foods that stick to the ribs, and legacy dishes like knoephla soup, all manner of dumplings, and her mom’s matzo brei. Yet some of Molly’s most interesting twists and mashups occur in places where, she admits, “I have to coax myself into eating a salad by way of putting some ridiculous carbohydrate on it.” Behold: kale matzo pizza, bagel dog salad, falafel fattoush, and salad pizza (you’ll find the last two of those recipes in this issue). “There has to be that one element in there,” she insists, “that makes you say ‘Oh, I want to eat that!’ And then you’re okay with eating the salad that comes with it.”

Molly knows herself well enough to know that it’s not her style to abruptly adopt something like a cleanse, or a detox, or other restrictive style of eating in the name of balance. “I have LOT S M O R E AT

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to do things in moderation,” she says, and her use of the word “coax” above feels just right. All she needs is a milky ball of burrata to nestle into some greens, or a pizza-esque base on which to pile all the leftover vegetables in her fridge, to get to a place where she feels back on track.

After our interview, Molly is ready to get into nesting mode.

She’s excited about stocking the freezer with all manner of sustenance for when baby arrives. She plans to take a few months off, then the Food Network crew will return to her kitchen to finish filming season three of Girl Meets Farm. Whatever the future brings, it seems that Molly, miles from where she and the blog started, has found a solid sense of home here on this farm.

Food has been her way of connecting with her husband’s family and staying close to her own. “Time with my family is so meaningful,” she says. “Family is just everything.”

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Kale Shakshuka

Falafel Fattoush

Falafel

Yield: 6 servings

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Yield: 14 falafel balls

A medium cast-iron skillet;

SALAD

6 mini cast-iron cocottes

Olive oil or flavorless oil, for frying

1 tablespoon coriander seeds

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 day-old pitas, chopped or ripped into 1- to 2-inch pieces

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked for 10 hours or overnight and drained

Kosher salt

1 small onion, coarsely chopped

Special equipment:

6 cloves garlic, minced

“There has to be that one element in there that makes you say ‘Oh, I want to eat that!’

And then you’re okay with eating the salad that comes with it.”

11/2 teaspoons sweet paprika 1 pound kale, stemmed and coarsely chopped

6 cups spinach, lightly packed

Kosher salt

1/2 English cucumber or 3 Persian cucumbers

1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled Freshly ground black pepper Pinch of red pepper flakes Juice of 1/2 lemon 6 large eggs FOR SERVING

Greek yogurt Za’atar spice Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped Crusty bread

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a medium cast-iron skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.

Add the garlic and paprika and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.

Add the kale in 2 or 3 batches, allowing it to wilt slightly between batches so it all fits in the pan. Add a good pinch of salt and cook, stirring often, until the kale is softened, 7 to 9 minutes.

Stir in the stock and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes more. Add the cheese, a few turns of black pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes and the lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.

Distribute the kale mixture among 6 mini cast-iron cocottes and create a well in the center of each. Crack an egg into each well. Bake, uncovered, until the whites are cooked but the yolks are still runny; check for doneness at 12 minutes.

Top each cocotte with a drizzle of yogurt and a sprinkle of za’atar, parsley, salt and pepper. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

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2 medium tomatoes, sliced into pieces ³⁄₄-inch thick 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 2 radishes, thinly sliced 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped Black pepper to taste

2 teaspoons cumin seeds

4 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup lightly packed cilantro leaves with stems, roughly chopped 1/4 cup lightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves with stems, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons flour 11/2 tablespoons lemon juice Olive oil or flavorless oil, for frying 1 teaspoon kosher salt

DRESSING

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup tahini

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup water

Black pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pinch of crushed red pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced ³⁄₄ teaspoon sumac 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Falafel (recipe follows)

To make the salad: In a skillet, heat 1/4-inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Fry the pita pieces until lightly browned, 30 to 60 seconds on each side. Transfer to a paper towel and immediately sprinkle lightly with salt.

In a large bowl, combine the pita chips with the spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, radishes, and mint leaves. Season with a few turns of black pepper and salt to taste.

To make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, sumac, and salt, stirring until thickened.

Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad, toss, top with the falafel, and serve with the remaining dressing.

Toast the coriander seeds and cumin seeds in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant, then coarsely grind in a spice grinder.

In a food processor, combine the cumin, coriander, soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, flour, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, crushed red pepper, and a few turns of black pepper, and pulse quickly, 80 to 100 times, until the mixture is combined, but still slightly grainy.

In a large skillet, heat 1/4-inch oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry a 1-tablespoon test patty until golden. Adjust the seasonings in the mixture as desired. Form balls of falafel mixture, 3 tablespoons each, packing them firmly and then flattening them slightly. Fry on all sides until golden brown.

Transfer to a paper towel.

jeanelle olson is a food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook writer. You can follow her @bookandsalt and find her recipes at bookandsalt.com.

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back story

At school, the percussionists often observed Waffle Shirt Wednesday, Food Stand Friday, and happy hour every day at Harry’s Burritos with Travis the chillest bartender in Manhattan. The percussionists were creatures of habit, which sometimes frustrated me when I’d want to try new cool restaurants downtown and all they’d want to do was go to Chipotle; but it also comforted me when I knew that I could go to Harry’s any day at 4 p.m. and find Hammer and Kyle chain-smoking and drinking pre–studio class margaritas.

Food Stand Friday came about because of the really tasty lunch cart that parked on the corner right outside of Juilliard. The guys would usually get a pile of meat on rice and I’d go for the very coriander-y falafel with white sauce and a little tiny bit of

For all things Molly Yeh, check out her blog at My Name Is Yeh, and follow her @mollyyeh.

hot sauce. An extra-crispy crust and the heavy hand on the coriander separated this falafel from the refined dainty herby balls that I later discovered downtown, but it’s probably a draw for which falafel in the world is my favorite. As long as it’s salty and crispy and not at all soggy, it pretty much has my vote.

Here, instead of stuffing falafel in a pita or serving over rice, I’ve counteracted the fried-ness with a bed of fresh vegetables, lemony sumac dressing, and squishy pita croutons. It’s not a traditional fattoush, but it’s a good one.

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Sugar, acid, spirit.

by Colle

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Almost every cocktail relies on achieving perfect harmony between those few key elements, so much so that a “well balanced drink� has become the ultimate compliment to the cocktailier. In these recipes, the freshest flavors of the growing season add their vernal notes to the classic melody.

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Snap Pea G&T MAKES ONE DRINK

The Gin and Tonic, known for its crisp florals and botanicals, takes a turn towards the vegetal with the addition of a snap pea infusion.

2 oz snap pea infused gin (recipe below)

5 oz good quality tonic water

for the snap pea infusion

Combine ²⁄₃ cup roughly chopped snap peas with 1 cup gin. Let sit for one hour, stirring occasionally, then strain through cheesecloth or a nut milk bag. Store in freezer. for the cocktail

Express the lemon peel by twisting it into a chilled, empty wine goblet. Run the peel around the edges of the glass and discard.

lemon peel

1. Add gin to the goblet.

2. Gently pour the tonic water into the gin by tilting the glass and pouring it down the side.

3. Gently add ice by sliding it slowly down the side of the glass.

4. Garnish with juniper berries or peppercorns, pea shoots or shiso, and edible flowers. Optional: add a squeeze of lemon.

Adding the garnishes and citrus last keeps the carbonation from dissipating.

At Gabe’s table, the more the merrier, including his adorable furry pups Miele and Perla.

Botanical-ada MAKES ONE DRINK

The tropical combination of pineapple and coconut takes a botanical turn with the addition of honey, lavender, orange blossom, and floral gin.

2 oz floral gin (like Hendrick’s or Nolet’s Silver Dry) .5 oz pineapple juice .5 oz fresh squeezed/ strained lemon .5 oz cream of coconut .5 oz heavy cream .5 oz honey lavender syrup (recipe follows) 1/4 tsp orange blossom water

for the honey lavender syrup

Bring 1 cup honey and ²⁄₃ cup hot water to a simmer over medium high heat, stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 cup lavender and let simmer for two minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Let stand overnight, then strain through a fine mesh sieve and store in the fridge. for the cocktail

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with three ice cubes. Shake for five seconds, then pour into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.

Add additional crushed ice and garnish with a pineapple flower or sprig of lavender (or both); serve with a straw.

Garden Party

MAKES ONE DRINK

This foamy pink sour layers five different floral infusions for a veritable bouquet of flavor: elderflower, lavender, hibiscus, rose, and hops.

2 oz lavender-infused vodka

.5 oz hibiscus syrup (recipe below)

.5 oz elderflower liqueur

.5 oz IPA syrup (recipe below)

.5 oz fresh squeezed/ strained lemon juice

3-5 drops rosewater 1 egg white

for the hibiscus syrup Add 1 Tbsp hibiscus tea (dried hibiscus leaves)

to 1 cup of very hot water. Let stand for five minutes, then add 1 cup sugar and stir until combined. Let cool and store in the fridge. for the ipa syrup Add equal parts (ideally by weight—use a kitchen scale) IPA beer and sugar in a blender, then blend on high until combined.

Store in fridge. for the cocktail Add all ingredients to a shaker with one ice cube, and shake in an oval-like motion until the ice completely dissolves (when you don’t hear it rattling inside any more). Pour without a strainer into a large coupe.

Garnish with edible flowers.

Chartreulep MAKES ONE DRINK

Green Chartreuse is the only liqueur in the world with a completely natural green color.

Adding a splash of this intensely herbal spirit to a classic julep makes the drink as verdant as the grass on Churchill Downs.

2 oz Bourbon 1 oz Green Chartreuse at least 3 sprigs fresh mint powdered sugar 1. Splash a tiny bit of chartreuse into the bottom of a metal julep cup. Using your fingers, gently press the mint sprigs into the bottom and sides of the cup until you can smell the mint, then discard.

2. Fill the cup completely with crushed ice. Pour the bourbon evenly over the ice. Pour the remaining chartreuse over the bourbon-soaked ice.

3. Top with additional crushed ice, using your hands to pack a snow cone-like mound on top.

Top lightly with powdered sugar and an herbal garnish, then serve with a straw.

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Better homemade

m a d e - f rom - scratch

m a d e s urpris ingly easy

r ecipes by r ebec ca andexl er

sunrise c itrus wellness shot page 98

tip

Dark, richly colored honey is prized for its higher antibacterial and antioxidant power.

Buckwheat and Manuka honey are some of the darkest available but if you can’t find them, any high-quality honey will work in this shot.

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t

here’s nothing quite like the unparalleled flavor of freshly squeezed orange juice, a spoonful of still-warm applesauce (stolen right from the pot), the intoxicating aroma of bread baking. Certain pleasures just can’t be bought from a store. Simply put, scratch-made food tastes better, costs less, and can be surprisingly easy to make.

Julia Child once said, “In cooking you’ve got to have a whatthe-hell attitude.” Armed with that spirit of adventure and a few simple ingredients, I’ve come to find that nearly everything in my kitchen is just better homemade.

INSTANT POT APPLESAUCE Yield: 8 servings Special Equipment: Johnny Apple Peeler, Instant Pot, Potato Masher 4 pounds (about 8 large) apples of mixed varieties (we like a mix of Granny Smith, Golden Delicious and Honeycrisp) 1/2 cup water 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon honey 1/4 teaspoon salt

Peel and core apples using a Johnny apple peeler, then roughly dice them into bite-size pieces.

Add water, lemon juice, cinnamon, honey, and salt to instant pot and stir to combine. Add apples and toss to mix.

Secure lid and cook on manual (high pressure) for 8 minutes.

Do a controlled quick release or allow the pressure to naturally release.

Mash the apple mixture a few times with a potato masher, until the mixture reaches desired consistency.

Transfer contents to a bowl and allow to cool completely.

Stir in more cinnamon or honey, if desired, to taste.

Enjoy warm or cold. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days.

SUNRISE CITRUS WELLNESS SHOT Yield: four 3-ounce shots 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons dark honey, such as Buckwheat or Manuka 1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly until honey is completely dissolved and mixture is combined.

Divide between shot glasses and enjoy immediately.

STONE-GROUND MUSTARD Yield: about 3/4 cup Special Equipment: Mortar and Pestle 6 tablespoons brown mustard seeds 1/2 cup water (cold for mild mustard, hot for spicier) 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon sugar or to your taste

Crush mustard seed using a mortar and pestle until seeds just start to break, about 5 seconds. continued on page 93

ALMOND MILK Yield: 10 (1/2 cup) servings Special Equipment: High Speed Blender, Nut Milk Bag or Ultra Fine Cheesecloth 1 cup raw almonds (soaked overnight in cool water) 5 cups filtered water (less for thicker milk, more for thinner) 1 pinch sea salt 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (omit for unsweetened) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Strain soaked almonds and discard soaking water. Add soaked almonds, filtered water, salt, honey, and vanilla (if using) to a highspeed blender and blend until creamy and smooth.

Keep it running for at least 1 to 2 minutes.

Strain using a nut milk bag or Ultra Fine Cheesecloth.

Then squeeze until all of the liquid is extracted.

Discard pulp.

Transfer milk to a jar or covered bottle and refrigerate. Almond milk will keep for several days, although it’s best fresh. Shake well before drinking, as it tends to separate.

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SOURDOUGH BREAD Yield: One 9-inch round loaf.

Equipment: A 4½- to 5½-quart heavy Dutch oven with lid ¾ cup prepared sourdough starter (ask around for a friend to “gift” you some starter or purchase online) 11/4 cups, plus 2 tablespoons unbleached allpurpose flour ²⁄₃ cup whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1 cup, plus 1 tablespoon 65-70° F water Wheat bran or semolina flour, for dusting

In a large bowl, combine the white flour, wheat flour, and salt, and whisk to combine. In a small bowl, whisk the starter and water until the starter is fully dissolved. Pour the starter mixture into the flour, and use a spatula to mix. Cover the bowl loosely with a clean towel, and let the dough sit at room temperature for a half hour.

Turn the dough, pulling it off the sides of the bowl and stretching it over the center as you turn; work it as little as possible. Cover loosely and let rest for 30 minutes before turning the dough

again. Repeat this process for 2 ½ to 3 hours, mixing the dough approximately five times. The dough will be ready when it easily peels off the bowl and stretches over itself when shaping.

Shape the dough into a ball, then set seam side down.

Preheat the oven to 500 F. Preheat a cast-iron ovenproof Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid in the oven. Carefully remove the lid and transfer the dough on the parchment into the pot. Slash the top of the dough with a serrated knife to allow steam to escape.

You can make a cross or another decorative design. Cover the pot

tip

Sourdough starter can made from scratch or—better yet—acquired from a friend. Any good “bread head” will gladly share their bounty. Once you have established or acquired your starter you will need to “feed” it on a regular basis.

The process is quite simple and can be done as little as once a week if starter is stored in the refrigerator.

immediately and place the pot in the oven.

Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes with the lid on the Dutch oven. Carefully remove the lid and tear off any excess parchment. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes with the lid off, until the crust is a very dark brown.

Remove the loaf from the pot.

Cool the loaf on a wire rack.

The loaf will continue to bake as it cools, so wait an hour before cutting into it.

continued from page 90

Slowly add water and continue grinding the seed. Cold water will produce milder mustard and hot water will result in spicier mustard. Grind until the water is incorporated, leaving some seeds whole.

Add the remaining ingredients and continue grinding until the desired consistency is achieved.

Store the mustard in a glass jar in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.

Mustard will keep for up to one year in refrigerator.

HAND-CHURNED BUTTER Yield: 4 ounces butter Equipment: Kilner Butter Churner Set 10 ounces fresh heavy, double or whipping cream, at room temperature Pinch of salt

Ensure that cream has been allowed to sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours before churning.

Pour the cream into the base of the butter churner and place lid on top to seal. Turn the handle to begin churning. Continue churning for 10 to 12 minutes or until the handle becomes hard to turn and then suddenly it loosens and becomes easier. The cream will be pale yellow and separated to form butter and buttermilk.

Remove the lid from the churner and carefully drain the buttermilk into a separate container. Save buttermilk for another use, such as making buttermilk pancakes.

Pour the butter into a mixing bowl and pour cold water on top.

Use butter paddles to squeeze out any remaining buttermilk.

Remove butter from water and place on a clean, flat surface.

If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over butter and use butter paddles to mix then mould butter into a square shape.

Cover butter with waxed paper or store in a butter dish. Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to use. Consume within 2 weeks.

SHALLOT AND TARROGON COMPOUND BUTTER Yield: 5 ounces

Yield: 4 servings Equipment: Air Fryer

4 ounces freshly churned butter, softened

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4” strips

1 tablespoon shallot, minced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon tarragon, minced

1/4 teaspoon cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

Combine the butter, shallots, and tarragon in the bowl of a standing mixer, and mix on medium speed for several minutes until thoroughly combined.

Transfer mixture to a sheet of wax paper and shape into a log.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.

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93

Olive oil spray

Soak sweet potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes.

Drain and pat sweet potatoes dry with paper towels.

Preheat air fryer to 350° F for 8 minutes.

Combine salt, cornstarch, and

paprika, and toss with sweet potatoes to evenly coat.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place sweet potatoes in basket in a single, even layer and fry at 350° F for 10 minutes.

Remove basket from air fryer and shake lightly to toss fries. Replace basket in fryer, increased temperature to 400° F and continue frying sweet potatoes for 5 more minutes.

Serve immediately.

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tip

Compound butter, or buerre composé in French, is any combination of butter and supplementary ingredients such aromatics, herbs, spices, or sweeteners.

They are delicious spread on freshly baked breads, used as a topping for grilled seafood or vegetables or stirred into sauces to add richness and flavor.

KALE PESTO Yield: 8 (1/4 cup) servings Special Equipment: Food processor, zester for lemon 2 cups packed torn kale leaves, stems removed 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves 1 teaspoon sea salt

STRAWBERRY & THYME COMPOUND BUTTER Yield: 5 ounces

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup toasted almonds 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon lemon juice

4 ounces freshly churned butter, softened

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh strawberries, finely diced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced

In a food processor, combine the kale leaves, basil leaves, and salt. Pulse 10 to 12 times, until the kale leaves are finely chopped. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Scrape down the sides of the processor. Add the almonds, garlic, lemon juice, and zest and process again, then add the cheese and pulse to combine.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To serve, toss with your favorite pasta or use as a topping for grilled meats, fish or vegetables.

Combine the butter, strawberries, and thyme in the bowl of a standing mixer, and mix on medium speed for several minutes until thoroughly combined.

Transfer mixture to a sheet of wax paper and shape into a log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.

CHILI AND LIME COMPOUND BUTTER Yield: 5 ounces 4 ounces freshly churned butter, softened 2 teaspoons grated lime zest Squeeze of lime juice ½ teaspoon crushed chili flakes (or to your taste) Pinch of salt

Combine the butter, lime zest, lime juice, chili flakes, and salt in the bowl of a standing mixer, and mix on medium speed for several minutes until thoroughly combined.

Transfer mixture to a sheet of wax paper and shape into a log.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use. rebecca andexler is a

professional recipe developer and food blogger. You can find her recipes at homemakershabitat.com or Instagram @homemakershabitat.

more recipes

Find more of Rebecca’s Better Homemade recipes at theinspiredhome.com

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tip

Pesto is a wonderful medium for experimentation not to mention a great way to use extra produce.

Replace the kale with cilantro, arugula, or beet greens as desired.

making it 01

homemade 01 Kilner Butter Churner, $40; Clip Top Jars, 4oz-68oz, $5-$11 02 Rabbit Citrus Juicer, $15 03 Hamilton Beach 8-cup Stack & Snap Food Processor with Bowl Scraper, $99 04 RSVP White Marble Mortar & Pestle, $19

06 Dash Digital Compact Air Fryer, $70 07 Instant Pot Max 6qt Electric Pressure Cooker, $200 08 Regency Ultra Fine Cheesecloth, $5 09 Masontops Complete Fermentation Kit, $55

05 MAKO Angled Glass Shot Glasses and Dipped Glass Shot Glasses, $8

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Elizabeth Van Lierde gathers friends for an evening of Mexican street fare

story and styling by elizabeth van lierde

photography by abagail halstead

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Pineapple mezcal margaritas Serves: 4 2 thick slices fresh pineapple 2 cups diced fresh pineapple 6 tablespoons agave nectar 2 cups pineapple juice 1/2 cup orange liqueur 1/2 cup mezcal Juice of 4 limes

my three main philosophies in life:

Be kind to everyone, always put 100% into everything you do…and make time for a killer margarita.

I repeat these three simple mantras to myself each week to try and find a little bit of calm and balance in my life. As a natural workaholic, I know how effortless it can feel to work Friday, Saturday, even Sunday evenings to try and stay on top and get ahead. I am also all too aware of how quickly a day can pass without stepping away from screens. Most importantly, I have come to realize how vital it is to just stop and be present with friends and family.

When I want to unwind, inviting a handful of close friends over for a dinner in the backyard always does the trick. There is something about having my people over for a casual evening that balances me out and forces me to be present for them and for myself.

My go-tos for a night of personal harmony are ice-cold pitchers of margaritas and a trio of tacos. For me, nothing says “hot summer night” quite like revitalized street tacos and freshly squeezed pineapple mezcal margaritas. Making time to set a table, artfully arrange some blooms, and try a new taco recipe are playful activities I absolutely adore, and making time for them fosters my own personal symmetry after a hectic work day.

On a hot grill (we used a grill pan) cook the pineapple slices on each side for 1-2 minutes. You want the slices to be just charred and not burnt. Cut into wedges and reserve for garnish.

In a large cocktail shaker or glass beaker add in pineapple chunks and agave. Muddle together for a minute or until pineapple has been smashed and the juices released.

Add in pineapple juice, orange liqueur, mezcal, and lime juice. Stir or shake well (30-60 seconds).

Strain cocktail into a glass filled with crushed ice. For extra pineapple flavor, strain ¾ of the cocktail and leave the rest unstrained.

Garnish with charred pineapple slices.

days I only like a small amount.

Start out with ½ cup and taste test your way up.

Place the margarita batch into the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving or fill glasses with crushed ice. Garnish with lime wedges and serve.

CHOPPED ELOTE ENSALADA Serves: 4 SALAD DRESSING

1 ripe avocado ¹⁄₃ cup cilantro leaves 1/4 cup olive oil Juice of 1/2 a lime 1 tablespoon agave nectar 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 1 garlic clove 1/2 of a jalapeño 1/2 teaspoon salt Water to thin, if needed SALAD

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped 2 cups fire roasted corn, canned is fine 1 cup black beans 5 radishes, thinly sliced

pitcher of classic margaritas

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Serves: 6-8

1 cup crumbled cotija cheese

1/4 cup kosher salt 3 ½ cups reposado or añejo tequila 2 ½ cups freshly squeezed lime juice, strained 1 cup Cointreau or orange liqueur ½ -1 cup agave nectar Crushed ice Lime wedges

Pour the salt into a shallow dish.

Rim 6-8 lowball glasses with a lime wedge and dip into the kosher salt.

In a large pitcher add the tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, and agave to taste, and stir for 30 seconds. note: the agave nectar is totally to your preference! Some days I like a sweeter margarita and put the full cup of agave and other

1 jalapeño, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons chili powder 1 avocado, sliced

In a food processor or blender, blend the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. If desired consistency is not thin enough, add a small amount of water to dressing and blend until ideal consistency is achieved.

Transfer to a tightly sealed mason jar or container.

In a large bowl, add all of the romaine lettuce as the base of the salad. Top with the corn, black beans, radishes, cilantro, and jalapeño slices. Sprinkle on cotija cheese and dust cheese with chili powder. Right before serving, add the sliced avocado and drizzle with dressing.

pineapple mezcal margaritas

Elizabeth takes advantage of being the hostess and has the first taste of the Pineapple Mezcal Margarita.

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Mexican flavors and vibrant colors abound, serving as inspiration for this al fresco evening to kick off summer

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blackened cod fish Tacos

BLACKENED COD FISH TACOS

tortillas on a gas stove top or cast iron skillet for 30 seconds. Layer on chunks of blackened cod, a handful of cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and jalapeño slices.

Serves: 4-6 TOPPINGS AND ASSEMBLY

1 avocado, sliced 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced

of the ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

AVOCADO CREMA

1 avocado 1/2 cup sour cream 2 teaspoons lime juice

Zesty cabbage slaw (recipe below)

STEAK CHIMICHURRI TACOS

Corn tortillas, taco size BLACKENED FISH

Serves: 4-6

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

TOPPINGS AND ASSEMBLY

1 cup thinly sliced radishes

1½ teaspoons onion powder

Corn tortillas, taco size

1½ teaspoons garlic powder

STEAK

11/2 pounds skirt or flank steak

1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons garlic powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

1-1½ pounds of fresh cod filets or any white fish

In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, brown sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and mix to combine spices. Rub cod filets with blackened spice blend on each side of fish filet.

Grease your grill well and turn to medium heat. note: you can also use a cast iron grill pan; just be sure it’s well-oiled. Cook fish for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and break into chunks.

In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder.

Rub the seasoning mixture onto both sides of the steak.

On a grill or grill pan, cook for 1-2 minutes per side.

If using a cast iron skillet, drizzle pan evenly with oil.

Chop steak up into strips.

CHIMICHURRI

2 cups finely chopped cilantro 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 small shallot, finely diced 1/2 a jalapeno, finely diced (more if you like it spicy!)

Juice of 1/2 a lime

ZESTY CABBAGE SLAW

In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients together.

Refrigerate until steak has finished cooking.

2 cups cabbage blend, thinly sliced ½ cup chopped cilantro Juice of one lime 1 teaspoon cumin

MANGO SALSA

½ teaspoon salt

In a medium bowl, toss the cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and salt. Cover and refrigerate until tacos are ready to be assembled. final step: heat corn

1 mango, diced 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped 1/2 red onion, diced 1/2 to 1 jalapeño, minced Juice of 1 lime

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.

Transfer to a bowl and cover until serving. final step: Heat corn tortillas on a gas stove top or cast iron skillet for 30 seconds. Layer corn tortilla with a spoonful of avocado crema, steak strips, a drizzle of chimichurri, mango salsa and radish slices.

CHICKEN TINGA TACOS Serves: 4-6 TOPPINGS AND ASSEMBLY

Pickled red onions Butter lettuce leaves Cotija cheese, grated Corn tortillas, taco size CHICKEN

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning (you can use a store bought blend or mix 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and crushed red pepper) 1/2 yellow onion, diced 2 8-ounce cans green chiles 2-3 chipotles in adobo, chopped 2 tablespoons adobo liquid from the can or jar 3 garlic cloves, minced Juice of 1 lime 1/2 jalapeno, minced 1 cup chicken broth, plus more if needed 1/2 bottle of light beer (I used Coors)

In a medium bowl, combine all

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Season chicken generously with taco seasoning on both sides. In a large Dutch oven or braiser over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and cook until translucent, 3-4 minutes.

Remove onions from braiser and set aside in separate bowl. Sear chicken on each side for 3 minutes; chicken will continue to cook during braising time.

Return the onions to the pot and add the green chiles, chipotles, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, and jalapeno.

Cover with the chicken broth and beer, adding more broth if needed so the chicken is covered halfway with liquid. Gently stir and bring to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.

Remove chicken and shred with two forks.

Return chicken back to braising liquid and toss well. final step: Heat corn tortillas on a gas stove top or cast iron skillet for 30 seconds. Layer on butter lettuce, chicken tinga, pickled red onions, and cotija cheese. note: To quick pickle your red onions, thinly slice 1 red onion and place into a large mason jar. Pour ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp of sugar, and 1½ tsp of kosher salt. Shake jar vigorously and refrigerate for 1 hour. Will keep for 2 weeks.

elizabeth van lierde is the author of the entertaining and lifestyle blog College Housewife. She is known for her accessible approach to all things domestic for modern life.

01 Fortessa Arezzo Brushed Black Bouillon Spoons, $144 02 Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 16in Oval White Stoneware Platter with Brown Rim, $20 03 Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 13.28oz Mini Cast-Iron Dutch Oven, $10

05 Prologue by Libbey Haze Handblown Entertaining Set with 4 Rocks Glasses and Carafe, Smoke, $40

get the look

06 Harman Inc Slate Placemat, $18 07 Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 2qt Cast Iron Everyday Family Pan with Handles, $30

Fiesta

04 Fortessa Arezzo Brushed Black 5pc Place Setting, $60

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Resources For information about products featured throughout this issue, please contact these sources.

Note that we cannot guarantee the availability of items.

Color of the moment

page 9

Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 5qt Cast Iron Enameled Dutch Oven with Lid, $50, target.com Gibson Elite Soho Lounge 16pc Dinnerware Set, Green, $45, walmart.com Eva Solo Vacuum Jug Forest Green 1L, $79, ahalife.com BYO by Built Green Metallic Vacuum Insulated Tumbler, $20, pfaltzgraff.com

The game changer page 10 Le Creuset Butter Crock, $42, lecreuset.com

organizational prescripition page 11 Design Ideas Cooper Vanity Organizer, $27, shop.designideas.net Pretika Rotating Facial Brush, $25, pretika.com LAV Mia 050, $1, amazon.com iDesign Medicine Cabinet Organizer, $11, amazon.com iDesign Toothbrush Center, $12, amazon.com iDesign Self-Adhesive Hook Set, $8, amazon.com

get rid of the grime page 13

must-haves

page 18

Honey-Can-Do Set of 3 Round Nesting Seagrass 2-Color Storage Baskets with Handles, Natural & White, $58, honeycando.com Villeroy & Boch Boston Colored Goblet in Rose, $16/glass or $60/set of 4, villeroy-boch.com Gingko Octagon One Desk Light, $75, gingkoelectronics.com Kooduu Synergy Pro, $189, kooduu.com

Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Matte, $21, contigo.com

Ooni Pro Multi-Fueled Outdoor Pizza Oven, $599, ooni.com

Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop, Stainless Steal, $21, contigo.com

Bialetti Mini Express, $35, amazon.com

Design Ideas Pietra Console Table, Teak, $320, shop.designideas.net

must-haves

Gingko Brick White Click Clock, $72, gingkoelectronics.com

page 20

Alessi Tripod, $58, alessi.com Kilner Breakfast Jar Set, $15, uncommongoods.com Mason Cash In the Forest Hedgehog Size 30 Mixing Bowl, $18, fantes.com neatfreak! Large Easy-View Bin Drawer, $14, neatfreak.com Nest Homeware 4.5in Egg Pan, $77, nesthomeware.com EverEarth Garden Activity Cube, $110, maximenterprise.com

Trudeau Graviti Electric Salt & Pepper Mills, Copper, $90, williamssonoma.com

SHOP-VAC 4gal 4.5 Peak Hp All Around EZ Wet / Dry Vacuum, $73, shopvacstore.com Chicago Metallic Elite Non-Stick Carbon Steel Large Cookie Sheet, Rose Bronze, $11, amazon.com Full Circle Tenacious C, Cast Iron Brush, $8, fullcirclehome.com

clean sweep

page 22

Anchor Hocking Montana Jars with Acacia Wood Lids 64oz, $20, anchorhocking.com

madesmart Classic Clear Bins, $4 $8, bedbathandbeyond.com OXO Good Grips Expandable Drawer Dividers, $20, oxo.com Paddywax Hygge Wild Fig + Cedar, $29, paddywax.com Paddywax Dwell Violet + Vanilla, $29, paddywax.com Prepworks 6pc Baker’s Storage Set, $60, containerstore.com Three by Three Jotblock Bullet Pad, $10, threebythree.com Three by Three Up·Rise Monitor Riser, $120, threebythree.com Vault Trays with Lids and Inserts, $83–$97, wolf1834.com Yamazaki Home Tosca Kitchen Rack, $40, theyamazakihome.com Yamazaki Home Tosca Tool Box, $30, theyamazakihome.com

Anchor Hocking Montana Jars with Acacia Wood Lids 96oz, $23, anchorhocking.com

YouCopia BottleStand Travel Mug and Water Bottle Organizer, $15, youcopia.com

Bigso Hakan Letter Tray, $18.00 set/2, thecontainerstore.com

Zak Designs MeeMe Small Serving Tray, $16, zak.com

Bigso Birger 2 Drawer File Box, $23, thecontainerstore.com Bigso LENA Desktop Organizer, $13, amazon.com ESPRO Travel Press, $35, espro.ca

THE INSPIRED HOME JOURNAL

Contigo Couture THERMALOCK Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, White Marble, $20, contigo.com

Typhoon Otto Bread Bin, $80, typhoonhomewares.com/where-to-buy

GreenPaxx Reusable Amber Glass Spray Bottles, $20, greenpaxx.com

U.S. Full Size Silpat, $36, amazon.com

madesmart Classic Clear Bins, $4 $8, bedbathandbeyond.com

Cottage Coffee Mill from Peugeot, $140, us.peugeot-saveurs.com

Anywhere Fireplace Empire, $120, anywherefireplaces.com

Ewbank Steam Dynamo, $170, ewbank-llc.myshopify.com

Kikkerland Umbrella Samurai, $38, bedbathandbeyond.com

Contigo Couture THERMALOCK Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Sandstone, $20, contigo.com

Cuisinart Professional Portable Gas Grill, $150, cuisinart.com

Bradshaw Clean Ones Everyday Cleaning Natural Latex Gloves, $2, cleanones.com

Honey-Can-Do Tea-Stained Woven Baskets, Set of 3 Coastal Collection, $60 for the set, honeycando.com

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one small sip for mankind page 28 Contigo Couture THERMALOCK Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, White Marble, $20, contigo.com PackIt Freezable Grocery Bag, $25, packit.com Old Dutch DuraCopper Drinking Straws, Set Of 4, $15, saksoff5th.com Stasher, $10-$20, stasherbag.com Polder Kitchen Composter, $30, polder.com

careful compromises

french farmhouse

page 48

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page 70

Mauviel M’150s Copper TriPly Roaster with Rack, $270, mauvielusa.com Sagaform Nature Wine Carafe with Oak Stopper, $45, zola.com/shop Sagaform Nature Wine/Water Carafe with Oak Stopper, $40, zola.com/shop Sagaform Nature Serving Plate, Light Grey, $60, zola.com/shop Sagaform Top Vase, $35, zola.com/shop

S’well Calacatta Gold, $35, swellbottle.com

Le Creuset Signature Saucepan, $185, lecreuset.com

any way you slice it page 34

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Otello Sky Chrome, $250, kitchenuniverse.com

John Boos & Co. American Black Walnut End-Grain Chopping Block, $375, cuttingboard.com

Three by Three Dry-Erase Board, $15, threebythree.com

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Shun Classic Knife Collection, $50-$300, shun.kaiusaltd.com

18.5oz Open Up Tannic by La Table d’Arc, $60 set of 6, latabledarc.com

Designing women page 54

SMEG Retro-Style Citrus Juicer, White, $170, smegusa.com

Architec Gripper Cutting Boards, $6–$20, architecproducts.com

summer-ready strands page 36

Garnier-Thiebaut Royal White Bath Mat, $13, shop.gtlinens.com

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bring in the zen

page 44

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fiesta page 96

The Laundress Dish Brush, $12, thelaundress.com

Prologue by Libbey Haze Handblown Entertaining Set with 4 Rocks Glasses and Carafe, Smoke, $40, amazon.com

The Laundress Pet & Lint Brush, $60, thelaundress.com S’well Moonstone Tumbler, $30, swellbottle.com

kaleidoscope cocktails page 84 Old Dutch Two-Ply Hammered Copper and Stainless Steel Whiskey Tumblers, Set of 2, $25, amazon.com

Prologue by Libbey Haze Handblown Entertaining Set, Smoke, $70, amazon.com Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 13.28oz Mini Cast-Iron Dutch Oven, $10, target.com Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 2qt Cast Iron Everyday Family Pan with Handles, $30, target.com

Raye: Copper Footed Tumblers by Viski, $20, viski.com

Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 16in Oval White Stoneware Platter with Brown Rim, $20, target.com

Raye: 7oz Crystal Coupe Glass by Viski, $29, viski.com

Harman Inc Slate Placemat, $18, harmaninc.com

Koziol Club No. 2, $11, koziolusa.com

Fortessa Arezzo Brushed Black 5pc Place Setting, $60, shop.fortessa.com

Fortessa Heirloom Linen Pasta Bowl, $10, shop.fortessa.com

Better homemade

Fortessa Arezzo Brushed Black Bouillon Spoons, $144, shop.fortessa.com

Eva Solo Self-Watering Orchid Pot, $110, ahalife.com Zyliss Easy Squeeze Citrus Press, $18, zyliss.com

Instant Pot Max 6qt Electric Pressure Cooker, $200, instantpot.com

Additive Wellness

page 61

Cuisinart Pro Custom 11cup Food Processor, $169, cuisinart.com Fortessa Heirloom Smoke 5.75in Rice Bowl, $8, shop.fortessa.com

page 88

Lodge Enamel 6qt Oyster White Dutch Oven, $115, lodgemfg.com

Dash Digital Compact Air Fryer, $70, amazon.com

LOT S M O R E AT

105

THEINSPIREDHOME.COM

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony. t h o m a s m e r to n

THE INSPIRED HOME JOURNAL

106

SPRING.SUMMER 2019

issue no. 3 / the balance issue / theinspiredhome.com