The Inspired Home Journal no.02

THE

issue no. 2

fall .winter 2018

INSPIRED HOME JOURNAL the art of hygge kitchen apothecary: food as your pharmacy pull up a chair with tiffani thiessen country club: finding the simple life in a town of 99

fa l l / w i n t e r 2 0 1 8 display until 12/31/18 $12.99

us $14.99 can

THE HAPPINESS ISSUE

JOY COMES TO US IN ORDINARY MOMENTS. WE RISK MISSING OUT WHEN WE GET TOO BUSY CHASING DOWN THE EXTRAORDINARY. BRENÉ BROWN

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the happiness issue

Pull up a chair, we say. It’s the simplest sentiment, but it means so much. It’s not just sitting down and eating; it’s about reconnecting with the things that make us all so much happier.

—tiffani thiessen

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h o w to g e t fa m i ly dinners b ac k o n t r ac k pag e 8 0

contents features

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COUNTRY CLUB A life unexpected: how a cattle ranch sparked a personal transformation.

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FAMILY MATTERS Comfort and warmth inspire winter dinner parties centered on the flavors of life.

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MISSION POSSIBLE Cookbook author Tiffani Thiessen is on a mission to help busy families make the most of mealtime.

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BREAKFAST BUDDIES Morning fare and family tradition take center stage in this lifestyle guru’s Saturday kitchen.

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METALLIC COCKTAILS Sparkle and shine with sophisticated metallic cocktails.

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BOHO BASH A festive fall dinner with friends could be the antidote to traditional holiday stress.

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INTRODUCTION

irl

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MEET THE TEAM

real-life

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advice

EDITOR’S NOTE

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SMART HOME Amp up your happiness with these tech picks that maximize value and minimize frustration.

the share

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people, places, and things

PERFECT VISION See it, believe it, acheive it. How a vision board can help you reach your goals.

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MATERIAL OF THE MOMENT Everyday stoneware may be your new your casual-chic rock star.

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BOOKSHELF Our go-to picks for award-winning recipes you can trust.

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HOW TO CLEAN EVERYTHING Fresh tips for cleaning the often ignored items.

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BUYING KARMA Use your dollars to do good by becoming a savvy social impact consumer.

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EDITOR’S PICKS Our round-up of hygge-inspired picks to get you winter ready.

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TESTING HER METAL How one woman is bringing back the craft of heirloom-quality American copper cookware.

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WINTER LIKE A DANE Boost your happiness quotient by borrowing from cultures abroad.

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THE ART OF HYGGE How the Danish concept of hygge can infuse your home with peace and joy.

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THE SPICE OF LIFE Up close and personal with cupcake guru Candace Nelson on her new bestselling baking book.

BEAT THE BLUES Shorter days can bring seasonal sadness. Fight back with these tips from wellness expert Kelly LeVeque.

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NOT JUST CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ’Tis the season for soup, and these satisfying recipes will make your soul sing.

KITCHEN APOTHECARY What you stock in your kitchen can be your first line of defense against illness.

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WINTER WAKE-UP Five ways to give winter mornings a wake-up call.

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

TRACY GLASS TEITELBAUM E D I TO R AT L A R G E

LAUREN KELP E D I TO R I N C H I E F

CONSTANCE MARIENA P R I N C I PA L P H OTO G R A P H E R

MEGAN DUFFY ROSTAN DESIGN

SUSAN PASTERNAK COPY

THEINSPIREDHOME.COM

CHANDLER HARVEY S E N I O R W E B E D I TO R

SARA ANNE TOMCZAK A S S O C I AT E P R O D U C E R

CONTRIBUTORS DESTINY ALFONSO, GABE BERTACCINI, DANA CLAUDAT, NITIKA CHOPRA, ALIA DALAL, JEANINE DONOFRIO, COLLEEN JEFFERS, CARLEY KNOBLOCH, BROOKE LARK, KELLY LEVEQUE, CHLOE MACKINTOSH, MELISSA MAKER, REENA MAY, MEGAN STRAND, ELIZABETH VAN LIERDE, MEIK WIKING

SPECIAL THANKS SARA DAHMEN, JULIE & DAVID HOLDSWORTH, CANDACE NELSON, TORY SPARKMAN, TIFFANI THIESSEN, PAUL VITALE

INTERNATIONAL HOUSEWARES ASSOCIATION

DEREK MILLER PRESIDENT

JOHN ( JC) COLLINS C H A I R M A N O F T H E B OA R D O F D I R E CTO R 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 inquiries, please contact

inquiries@theinspiredhome.com

T H E I N S P I R E D H O M E ™ I S A R E G I ST E R E D T R A D E M A R K O F T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O U S E WA R E S AS S O C I AT I O N © U N AU T H O R I Z E D U S E I S P R O H I B I T E D.

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editor’s note

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Did you know that we shoot the majority of our images in film? That’s right, FILM! We love all forms of photography, but we’ve come to love film for its little imperfections, its hearty colors, and its nostalgic feel. To us, it’s like the difference between basic radio and taking the time to put on your favorite record.

or our cover shoot, we went to a remote California town of 99 to meet a former city-dweller who found happiness in the country. Chloe Mackintosh (page 62) gives us a glimpse into her unexpected life on a cattle ranch with her goats, chickens, horses, and cows. Her message?

Simplify your life and appreciate every moment.

In this issue, we explore the happiness equation. What does it take to set us up for optimal happiness throughout the year, particularly as the daylight hours decrease in the fall and winter, and the colder temperatures set in?

To break down the recent studies linking happiness and overall health and well-being, we turned to Meik Wiking, CEO of The Happiness Research Institute, an independent think tank based in Denmark. Meik provides valuable insight (page 40) about why people in some societies are happier than others, and suggests ways in which we can use this information to improve our own quality of life— regardless of where we live.

While there is certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution for happiness, we hope the following pages will provide you with inspiration for living a more joyful life. Learn how a vision board can help you reach your goals (page 38), and how to incorporate the Danish concept of “hygge” into your home to create a peaceful, cozy space (page 42).

Entrepreneurs Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes (page 26), and copper cookware artisan Sara Dahmen (page 22) remind us to nurture our souls through engaging in our passions. We hope you will enjoy pages of recipes and tips from renowned chefs, entertainers, and wellness experts that encourage us to recognize the power of social connections, nourishing foods, and healthy rituals.

Wishing you health and happiness,

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meet the team

TRACY GLASS TEITELBAUM

LAUREN KELP EDITOR IN CHIEF

EDITOR AT LARGE

Favorite App? Depends which kind. Nachos or Spotify.

Fall/winter traditions?

Sledding on snowy days with my kids, and then coming home to snuggle by a warm fire with hot cocoa.

A skill you’re working on mastering? Trying to do one measly pull up.

Favorite cold weather beverage of choice?

Anything with honey and bourbon.

Secret talent?

Superhuman smell.

What is on your nightstand? A Diptyque candle, rose quartz, my latest book club read, and too many water glasses to count.

CONSTANCE MARIENA PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER

What’s your wakeup ritual? I’m always at my best when I start my day outside. Morning runs around town are my inspiration and my sanity.

Fall/winter traditions?

My favorite memories have always been around the dinner table. Good food, good wine, good music, and storytelling and laughter that lasts hours. Forever my favorite.

follow us

CHANDLER HARVEY

SARA ANNE TOMCZAK

SENIOR WEB EDITOR

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

Favorite cold weather meal? Grilled cheese & tomato soup.

What does “Happiness” mean to you? Feeling the love of my family.

Favorite beauty routine step? A fresh manicure.

Fall/winter traditions?

Going to the orchard every year with my family, picking apples and making a homemade apple pie!

What’s your current TV obsession? The Americans Fall/winter traditions?

Hallmark movies and popcorn.

Describe yourself in a hashtag? #hungry

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@theinspiredhome_com

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share

people, places, and things we just can’t keep to ourselves

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material of the moment

GETTING STONED Stoneware is making a comeback in a major way.

With its durable sensibility and versatile appearance, this dinnerware material might just be the chic everyday-use alternative you were looking for.

see page 10 for details

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material of the moment “BR ING TEXTUR E A ND A N ORGA NIC VIBE INTO YOUR HOME WITH A RTISA N-CR A FTED STONEWA R E .”

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bookshelf

Now that the weather is getting all crisp and cozy, it is time to dust off that apron and try out some new recipes. Who better to cook with than some of James Beard’s finest? Find some of our favorite James Beard award-winning cookbooks below, and trust us, you will be reaching for these all season long.

GATHER & GRAZE 2018 / Clarkson Potter, $35

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THE LOST KITCHEN 2017 / Clarkson Potter, $26 PRUNE 2014 / Hardie Grant Books, $45 04

ON VEGETABLES 2017 / Phaidon, $50

01 Berghoff USA Ron Oval Covered Casserole 5.5-qt. Dish, Green, $250

CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL’S MILK STREET 2017 / Little, Brown, and Company, $40

02 Denby Studio Blue Mugs, $68 03 Gibson Elite Ombre 12-pc Dinnerware Set, $70 04 Denby Studio Blue Nesting Bowls, $100

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COOK BEAUTIFUL 2017 / Harry N. Abrams, $35 THE BEAUTY CHEF 2017 / Hardie Grant, $35

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secrets

H O W TO C L E A N E V E RY T H I N G Cleaning is something most of us do on autopilot; it never feels that important, and more meaningful moments in our lives tend to take up more of our mental energy, as they should! However, when our spaces feel cluttered or dusty, it’s time to freshen up. After all, cleaning serves not only to maintain our earthly possessions; sprucing up our spaces also can give a boost to our mood and our overall emotional health. I find that clearing the cobwebs of my home helps to sharpen my mind and actually lets me more fully enjoy the finer moments of my day.

I’m supposed to clean … that. But how? Most of us know the basics: how to clean floors, wipe down kitchen counters, and launder clothing. But there are other items around the house that still need love, and they require a bit more cleaning know-how.

Since I’ve spent the majority of my career studying all things cleaning-related and I am not one for wasting time, I’m going to show you how to clean some of these less-attended-to objects using extraordinarily simple cleaning methods.

Using simple, step-by-step cleaning techniques and easy-to-find tools and products makes cleaning these obscure household objects seem less like a dreaded chore and more like a goal to smash. Plus, there’s nothing quite like admiring a sparkling properly cleaned item—even a toilet. meliss a maker

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I HELD OFF ON PURCHASING MY CAST IRON PAN MOSTLY CAST BECAUSE I WAS CONCERNED IRON PAN ABOUT CLEANING IT—IT SEEMED DREADFUL. AS TIME PROGRESSED, MY DESIRE FOR A WICKED SEAR ON MY STEAK WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY FEAR OF CLEANING THE PAN. TODAY, IT’S MY PAN OF CHOICE AND CLEANING IT HAPPENS TO BE A BREEZE. SIMPLY:

1 /

Remove food and if nothing stubborn remains behind, wipe pan with paper towel once cooled. When you heat the pan again, bacteria will burn off. A patina, which is a build up of cooking flavors and a naturally non-stick coating, is developed over time using this method.

If baked-on food remains after going through the previous steps: 2 /

Maintain a low to medium heat and fill pan with an inch of water and a quarter cup of coarse salt.

3 /

Allow to simmer slightly and scrape bottom with a wooden spoon to ‘deglaze’ pan. Turn off heat and allow to cool.

4 / For any remaining bits, gently scrub with a palm brush—no dish soap needed—and rinse well. Towel dry.

see it. shop it.

Calphalon Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 12-In. Skillet, $55; Full Circle Bubble Up Dish Brush Set, $13

resources page 104

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Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, $100

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THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A PROPERLY PRESSED SHIRT. IRONS GET ZERO ATTENTION IRON POST-USE, BUT OVER TIME CAN BUILD UP STARCH OR DIRT ON THE SOLEPLATE AND ACCUMULATE LIMESCALE, WHICH CLOGS UP THE STEAM HOLES. DEPENDING ON YOUR IRON, DISTILLED WATER USE CAN SOLVE THE LIMESCALE ISSUE (CHECK YOUR USER MANUAL). REGARDLESS OF THE WATER YOU USE, FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO GET YOUR IRON BACK INTO LIKE-NEW CONDITION:

1 / Remove chalky build-up clogging the steam holes with a toothpick or cleaning toothbrush (once cooled, of course). After, apply a paste of two parts baking soda and one part water using a soft cloth. Scrub with a cleaning toothbrush to remove starchy buildup and residue. Wipe clean and dry.

2 /

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OG CLEANER Brillo Estracell NoScratch Wedge Edge Scrub Sponge 3-ct., $3; Brillo Estracell Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge 3-ct., $3

THERE’S A REASON WHY THE TEETH WHITENING INDUSTRY IS SO BIG—WE’VE GOT A SERICOFFEE OUS LOVE AFFAIR WITH JAVA. MAKER PREPARING IT DAILY TAKES A TOLL ON OUR COFFEE IMPLEMENTS OF CHOICE, TOO. OVER TIME, COFFEE GRINDS LEAVE BEHIND AN OILY RESIDUE AND LIMESCALE CAN BUILD UP IN THE MACHINERY AND CARAFE. TO BREAK FREE OF COFFEE STAINS AND FRESHEN UP YOUR BREW:

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Empty your old paper filter and coffee grinds.

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Fill your coffee pot with plain, 5% white vinegar where you would normally pour your water.

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Place your carafe where it normally belongs and run a ‘cycle’ through, allowing all of the vinegar to work through the machine.

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Repeat steps two and three a few times, unless you enjoy the taste of a vinegarlatté (trust me, you don’t).

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Rinse the carafe with soapy water.

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Clean the water reservoir. Add equal parts 5 % white vinegar and water to the reservoir and bring the iron up to its hottest setting. Once there, use the steam blast function up to 10 times to allow the solution to work through steam holes. Allow to cool and wipe dry. Empty remaining liquid and remember to empty the iron of all water after each use.

Reliable Velocity 200IR, $169

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SCENT SENSE Fresh Wave Laundry Booster, $10; Fresh Wave Spray, $8

LOOEEGEE Hygienic Toilet Squeegee, $40

TOUGH LOVE Full Circle Tenacious C Cast Iron Brush, $8

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THIS IS A JOB MOST PEOPLE DREAD, BUT IT CAN BE DONE EFFECTIVELY IN UNDER THREE MINUTES WITH THE TOILET RIGHT PRODUCTS, TOOLS, AND TECHNIQUES. IN FACT, MY VIDEO ON HOW TO CLEAN A TOILET REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL. THERE’S CERTAINLY SOMETHING TO THIS VERY SIMPLE METHOD:

2 / While the product is sitting, apply toilet bowl cleaner to interior bowl and underside of rim.

3 / Wipe the exterior clean using heavy-duty paper towels following the same top to bottom approach you took with your spray pattern.

4 /

1 / Spray the exterior of the toilet with all-purpose disinfecting cleaner including the flusher, tank, lid, seat, and base. Work your way from the top to the bottom with your spray pattern. The disinfectant will need a few minutes to loosen dirt and disinfect.

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Scrub bowl and under toilet rim using toilet bowl brush; a silicone brush can be used for this and will stay clean and bacteria-free after use. Flush the toilet and leave the brush under the seat to drip dry. Place back in brush container an hour later or when the brush has fully dried.

see it. shop it.

resources page 104

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Messy Mutts Divine Collection Dog Bed, $65

EVEN WHEN OUR BRIOCHE COMES OUT PERFECTLY BROWNED, TOASTER THE UNMISTAKABLE OVEN SMELL OF BURNT TOAST CAN BE BLAMED SQUARELY ON THE SMALL BITS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TOASTER THAT CONTINUE TO SINGE. THE FIX? CLEAN THAT TOASTER. HERE’S HOW:

1 / Remove rack and crumb tray and soak in hot, soapy water. Scrub well, using baking soda as needed for extra abrasion on tough areas. Rinse well and dry.

2 / Wet a non-scratching sponge or pad and apply a few drops of dish soap.

Clean the interior glass door with the sponge, and for tough areas, use a pinch of baking soda to help remove sticky spots. Scrub well and rinse suds away with a clean damp cloth. If the sticky spots persist, soak the area with water, dish soap and baking soda for an hour and then scrub again.

3 /

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melissa maker 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.

PET OWNERS KNOW THE PERILS OF A PET PET BED: THEY STINK. WHILE BEDS IT IS BETTER THAN THE ALTERNATIVE—YOUR PET STINKING UP YOUR OWN BED—KEEPING THEM CLEAN IS THE BEST WAY TO REDUCE ODORS. ALWAYS START BY CHECKING YOUR FABRIC CARE LABEL. THEN:

Wipe exterior with soapy non-scratching sponge, and then rinse suds away with a clean, damp cloth and buff dry.

Black+Decker 4-Slice Toaster Oven, $40

1 / Put pet bed cover or entire pet bed into washing machine (depending on style). Use regular, unscented laundry detergent and add two to four capfuls of laundry booster—this enzyme-based concoction helps remove odors and pet dander.

2 /

Remove from machine and allow to dry according to care label, typically using a drying rack or placing on a lowheat tumble cycle in the dryer.

3/

For on-the-go odor management, spray a pet safe odor-eliminating spray onto affected areas and allow to dry.

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tag u s / #theinspir edhome

What inspires you at home?

Is it an experience?

A meal? A person?

Tag us and share your joy.

follow us/ @theinspir edhome_com

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doing good

HIP WATER BOTTLES Beautifully designed by Karim Rashid, every Hip bottle purchased provides two days of safe drinking water to a person in need through a partnership with Water For People. Hip Bottle, $15

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SOMA WATER BOTTLES Water tastes great from a glass bottle but their weight can be a drawback. Not so with these sleek, lightweight glass bottles from Soma where every purchase includes a donation to charity: water projects. Soma Glass Water Bottle, $30

What could inspire more feel-goodness than a perfectly curated addition to your home that also “gives back�? We searched for, and found, beauty in form, function, and philanthropy.

see it. shop it.

resources page 104

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SCREW CANCER SCREWDRIVER Support cancer patients and survivors with the awardwinning ergonomically designed screwdriver you won’t want to hide in your toolbox.

40% of each purchase supports cancer-fighting charity partners. The Screw Cancer Screwdriver, $35 THE INSPIRED HOME JOURNAL

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VERVE CITRUS JUICER Whether you’re making fresh juice for breakfast or cocktails you’ll love the feel and performance of this authentic Mexican castiron juicer. Verve Culture supports the craftsman and culture behind each product. Verve Culture Artisan Citrus Juicer, $90

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or those with a philanthropic mindset, it’s an added bonus when we buy a product that leverages our collective consumer power to do good in the world.

But are all the products out there that are affiliated with charitable causes equally authentic? Do they do equal amounts of good? The answer is a resounding “no”. Here are a few simple considerations to help you become a savvy social impact consumer and ensure your hard-earned dollars are actually giving back to those in need.

The following should always be readily apparent on products that claim to give back: Benefiting Charity Although it may seem obvious, as a consumer, it’s critical to understand exactly who or what is benefiting from your donation. Simply stating that your purchase supports “breast cancer awareness” shouldn’t cut it. That said, sometimes products benefit many charities—too many to list—in which case, you should be directed to a website for additional information, e.g.

“Your purchase supports 150 local K-12 schools in the Pacific Northwest. See www.companywebsite.com for a full list of schools.”

Donation Amount You should understand how much the product you’re purchasing unlocks for the benefitting organization. Sometimes this is stated as a specific dollar amount, e.g. “$2 from your purchase will be donated to ABC Charity.” Sometimes this is an item, e.g. “When you purchase this notebook, one notebook will be donated to school children in need.”

Be wary of vague language, especially unknowable quantities such as “a percentage of the proceeds of the sale of this item will be donated to XYZ Charity.” Better would be, “5 percent of your purchase price will be donated.”

Minimum or Maximum Donation Very often, companies set a maximum donation amount generated from the

purchase of a specific product (e.g. $1.00 from the sale of this product will be donated to XYZ charity, up to a maximum of $10,000). This is always good information to understand and should always be clearly visible on the packaging. Occasionally, product packaging will advertise a general corporate donation even if the purchase of the product is not linked to the donation (e.g. We’re celebrating breast cancer awareness month by making a $10,000 donation to The Best Breast Cancer Charity). In this instance, the company is using the packaging to share their corporate support of a good cause more generally and build goodwill with consumers, versus a purchase-triggered donation.

Duration of the Campaign There are certainly products that have a donation built into the business model whereby a purchase always triggers a donation (e.g. TOMS shoes, Warby Parker eyeglasses), but the vast majority of programs are limited to a specific campaign period, which can vary from a single day to a full year. It’s always helpful to understand whether the purchase you’re making falls within that donation window.

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Bonus: Social Impact Savvy marketers understand that sharing the actual impact of a product purchase helps tell a more complete story for the consumer. Would you prefer to know that $5 from your purchase goes to a homeless shelter or that a new coat is given to a homeless child in your community?

You shouldn’t be expected to do copious amounts of research to understand how your purchase is helping those in need, basic information should be readily available to you. Bottom line: if a give-back product doesn’t resonate as being authentic with you, save your dollars for one that does. Fortunately, in today’s marketplace, there’s no shortage of excellent, high-quality products that help you help them make the world a better place. megan strand megan strand is the Director of Communications of Engage for Good—an organization that is dedicated to connecting nonprofit groups with companies and brands that are dedicated to doing well by doing good. Megan also co-hosts the Cause Talk Radio podcast.

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see it. shop it.

resources page 104

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m u s t - h av e s

w i n t e r r e a dy tracy

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After calling Chicagoland home for most of my life, I have come to realize the importance of being truly winter ready. Cozy set-itand-forget-it soups, a stunning fondue pot, easy dessert recipes, and plenty of stemless flutes are my go-to favorites for staying warm and toasty all season long.

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01 Stone Candles Reclaimed Bottle Candle, $36 02 Alessi 9093 Kettle, $190 03 Luminarc Cachet 9-oz.

Stemless Flute, $18 for a set of 12 04 Nordic Ware 6-Cup Anniversary Cast Bundt Pan, $40 05 Mauviel M’tradition Copper Fondue Set, $770

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06 All-Clad 7-qt. Gourmet Slow Cooker with In-Pot Browning, $300 06

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m u s t - h av e s

stay c at i o n lauren

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Snowstorms are just a way of life here in the Midwest, so we are prepping early this year and turning our house into a Parisian-inspired staycation.

We streamlined any clutter with twill fabric bins, created a coffee moment on the kitchen counter, and made our space more architectural interesting by adding bulb vases wherever we could. Cheers to staying in!

01 Sabre Bistrot Tortoise Flatware, $86 / 02 Le Creuset 5-qt. Braiser, $340 03 Kinto Aqua Culture Vase, Small $20, Large $27 / 04 neatfreak! Wire Frame Fabric Storage Bin, Small, $12 05 Nespresso VertuoPlus by De’Longhi, $220 / 06 Soma 10-Cup Pitcher, $40

see it. shop it.

resources page 104

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passion

Testing Her Metal To see Sara Dahmen in her workshop, hand crafting heirloom-quality copper cookware, offers a glimpse into a bygone era. For Sara, the woman behind the company House Copper & Cookware, that is intentional and comforting.

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

WHILE RESEARCHING AND

writing her historical fiction novel about a female blacksmith, Sara became enthralled by the American tradition of homemade cookware and decided to try her hand at metalsmithing.

Steeped in a tradition that dates back to the 1800s, Sara procures the raw and spun copper from family-owned and operated American businesses, and then personally drills, rivets, handtins, buffs, and polishes each piece in her garage workshop in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

“I use 200-year-old tools to build replica cookware used in pioneer kitchens,” Sara says. “It helps connect me to the way life used to be, and it helps

connect me in a very tactile way to my craft and my family. It’s the hands-on shaping, with my children running around near me, that creates a real feeling of being present.”

Sara is not alone in her fondness for the metal, and with an increasing focus on wellness and purity in American kitchens, copper cookware is increasingly becoming a must-have consumer product. Revered for its beauty, copper cookware is a favorite of professional and home chefs because it disperses heat consistently and conducts heat rapidly—in fact 25 times faster than stainless steel—saving energy and cooking time.

Copper is also free of alloys and

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has an antibacterial quality.

Sara also has a tip for cleaning copper: just rub a little ketchup all over the surface, let sit for a minute or two, rub off, and your copper will look freshly buffed.

To maintain her high standard for quality and craftsmanship, Sara has kept her product line to five essential copper pieces including pots, pans, and lids that will serve almost all cooking needs. She also sells two styles of cast iron skillets, and has partnered with Rowe Pottery from Cambridge, Wisconsin, to expand the House Copper product line, staying true to the company’s mission of selling handcrafted pieces made of natural and organic materials.

REVERED FOR ITS BEAUTY, COPPER COOKWARE IS A FAVORITE OF PROFESSIONAL AND HOME CHEFS.

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“ I T’S THE HANDS-ON SHAPING, WITH MY CHILDREN RUNNING AROUND NEAR ME, THAT CREATES A REAL FEELING OF BEING PRESENT.”

For a history buff like Sara, copper is the perfect product, as it will stand up to generations of use, and in thousands of years, will be considered an historical artifact still in mint condition.

To learn and hone her craft, Sara credits seeking out a metalsmithing mentor in Mac Kohler of Brooklyn Copper Cookware, who shared his know-how and professional resources.

“Even as competitors, we collaborated and shared the information we each found so we could both fulfill our dream of making copper cookware,” Sara says. “I was honest about my limited knowledge and, quite frankly, asked other artisans to share their own.”

To learn more about Sara, her copper cookware, and her new book, Flame: Our Love Affair with Cookware, visit HouseCopper.com.

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entrepreneur

The Spice of Life To put it mildly, back in 2005, people might have thought Candace Nelson was a little sweet on cupcakes when she launched her cupcakes-only bakery, Sprinkles. Twenty-three successful Sprinkles stores later, Nelson continues to sprinkle cupcake magic with her delectable treats and a new bestselling book, “The Sprinkles Baking Book.”

Nelson, also a judge and executive producer on the new hit Netflix series, Sugar Rush, spoke with us about building her cupcake empire and being the face behind an entire cupcake-focused industry.

How did baking become such a central part of your life?

I started baking from a really young age. I grew up overseas, so a lot of my childhood cravings for the American treats that I loved were not easily satisfied. I decided to take matters into my own hands and I adored everything about baking. I loved the process; I was in awe of the science of it all—seeing cakes and cookies rise in the oven—and, of course, I loved eating it.

Then, after years of academia and toiling in the financial industry, I came to a crossroads and decided, somewhat on a whim, to go to pastry school. My passion was born and I

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knew I had to make a career out of baking.

Beyond the experience of baking, I was enamored by the feel-good emotions that surround baked goods, but that seemed limited mostly to cakes. I thought, “Gosh, cupcakes should be as artful as cakes and we could elevate this sort of ordinary, everyday experience into something special.”

Hence, the cupcakes-only bakery! It’s even more impressive knowing that you did this in the middle of Los Angeles, where people are known for trying out all the latest diet fads.

On a visit to Los Angeles, my husband and I went to a few parties and everybody had the same cake. I thought, “This is a huge city, why is there only one go-to cake here? I also could tell by all the burger and donut shops that somebody in this town was eating.”

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SPICE CUPCAKES MAKES 1 DOZEN

Even in sunny California, I still enjoy looking forward to baking with those warm spices that herald the start of the winter baking season.

No matter whether it’s blazing hot or chilly out wherever you are, this recipe delivers a delicious dose of cozy comfort in every bite.

These cupcakes combine a generous blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves into a luxurious cake sweetened with rich, dark molasses. Top them with velvety, cinnamon-laced cream cheese frosting … and may I suggest a glass of eggnog to go along?

1 ½ cups all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp baking soda ½ tsp ground allspice ¼ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground ginger 1/8 tsp ground cloves ¼ tsp fine sea salt 1/2 cup buttermilk, shaken 1/3 cup molasses 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 recipe Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)

When we first started, there were not even boxes for cupcakes. We had to design everything from scratch. Now there are literally guides and books on how to open a cupcake bakery!

Now, more than a decade later, what do you think is the magic behind the Sprinkles brand?

I’m humbled every day knowing that there’s this whole generation of kids that literally doesn’t know what the world was like before Sprinkles. They’ve grown up with the idea: “Sprinkles equals Happy,” because they ate our cupcakes at a special celebration or simply because they know they will be greeted by someone behind the Sprinkles counter who wants them to have a special experience.

1. Preheat the oven to 325°.

Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt; set aside.

If you could cite one element, what has been the key to your personal success?

I didn’t care that everybody said we were going to fail, I didn’t care that there were landlords hanging up on me.

I was singularly focused and I was passionate about and obsessed with this idea and would not let anything stop me.

3. In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk and molasses.

4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 minutes.

Reduce the speed to low and add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add half the flour mixture, then the milk mixture, then the remaining half of the flour mixture. Beat after each addition until just blended and scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary, then beat in the vanilla.

What kind of advice would you give at-home bakers?

Consistency is key in baking, so it helps to have the right tools and appliances to get your baked goods perfect every single time. In the early days of Sprinkles we used 6-qt.

KitchenAid mixers to crank out thousands of cupcakes a day! They were whirring nonstop and never let us down. A quality mixer like this will help take your batters from good to great every single time. dana claudat In her book, Nelson offers her readers pro-tips and more than 100 recipes for her favorite desserts, and even showcases celebrity dessert recipes.

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5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared compartments and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cupcakes are dry to the touch, 16-17 minutes.

6. Transfer to a rack and cool completely before frosting with the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Makes 2 cups

1 1/3 cups confectioners sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon 6 oz cream cheese, softened 6 Tbsp butter, softened 1/8 tsp fine sea salt ½ tsp vanilla 1. In a medium bowl sift the confectioners sugar and cinnamon.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, and salt until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the confectioners sugar mixture until just incorporated, being careful not to beat too much air into the frosting.

3. Add the vanilla and beat until just blended.

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comfort food

Not Just Chicken Soup for the Soul For Jeanine Donofrio, soup is that special kind of wonder food that can satisfy both mind and body.

This recipe is made with light coconut milk, so it’s a healthier (also vegan) version of the soup I loved eating as kid.

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jeanine donofrio is a cook and food photographer whose blog Love & Lemons inspired a cookbook of the same name. You can find out more about Jeanine and her recipes at loveandlemons.com.

To me, soup is pure happiness and the ultimate comfort food.

I feel good eating it, and I feel good making it. Chopping vegetables to simmer on the stove is one of my favorite ways to spend a cool fall afternoon. As I cook a beautiful soup from scratch, I satisfy my creative soul, and I know I’m making something good for my body as well. jeanine donofrio

CREAMY BROCCOLI SOUP SERVES 3 TO 4

An easy creamy broccoli soup based on the recipe my mom made when I was growing up.

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for garnish 1 large leek (2 cups) 2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 medium head broccoli (just over 4 cups florets/ stems) ½ Tbsp white wine vinegar 2 cups vegetable broth 1 cup light coconut milk, plus ¼ cup extra for garnish 3 cups loosely packed spinach Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, more to taste Red pepper flakes

1. Slice the white and light green parts of the leek into rings. Using a strainer, rinse the leeks thoroughly.

2. In a large pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Add the leeks, crushed garlic cloves, and a few generous pinches of salt and pepper. Stir and cook until the leeks are soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Chop the broccoli, stems and all, into coarse florets and add them to the pot. Stir and cook until just softened, about 3 minutes.

Stir in the white wine vinegar, then add the vegetable broth and coconut milk. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Let the soup cool slightly, then transfer to a blender (you can work in batches if you need to). Blend until smooth. Add the spinach and blend again. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding a bit of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up a bit if you like.

5. Garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk and olive oil. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired.

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This hearty soup is wonderful for dinner, and the leftovers taste amazing for lunch the next day.

KALE AND FENNEL VEGETABLE SOUP SERVES 4

This kale and fennel vegetable soup is my go-to winter recipe.

It’s hearty—filled with carrots, fennel, and white beans.

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, chopped 1 medium fennel bulb, sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 medium carrots, chopped 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1 cup chopped savoy cabbage, sliced 1/3 cup dry white wine 4 cups vegetable broth 1 inch piece of parmesan rind 1 cup cooked white beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups chopped kale 1 ½ Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup chopped fennel fronds Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, a few pinches of salt and pepper, and cook for several minutes until the onions are translucent, about 8 minutes.

2. Add the white wine, stir, and let the wine cook off, about 1 minute.

3. Add the broth, parmesan rind, and white beans. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until all vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

Add the kale and simmer for 5 more minutes. Add the lemon juice and taste and adjust seasonings. Discard the parmesan rind and garnish with fennel fronds.

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The Shiitake & Spinach Soba Soup is my husband’s favorite (and one of mine too).

SHIITAKE AND SPINACH SOUP SERVES 4 AS A SIDE OR STARTER

Who doesn’t love a hot bowl of noodles in the winter? This one is made with an umami-rich miso broth, healing shiitake mushrooms, and a healthy few handfuls of spinach.

2 cups (8 oz) shiitake mushrooms 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup scallions, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp ginger, grated 5 cups water 3 Tbsp white miso paste 4 oz soba noodles 2 cups (4 oz) packed baby spinach 1 Tbsp soy sauce ½ tsp toasted sesame oil 1 1/2 tsp rice vinegar ¼ tsp red pepper flakes Sea salt

1. Prepare the mushrooms by removing the stems and cleaning with a damp cloth or paper towel. Then slice the mushrooms.

2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat.

Add the mushrooms and a few pinches of salt, and stir.

Let the mushrooms cook until soft, about 5 minutes, stirring only occasionally. Add the scallions, garlic, and ginger, and cook 1 minute more. Add the water and bring to a low simmer.

3. Into a small bowl, scoop some of the simmering water and add the miso paste, stirring until it dissolves, then add it back into your soup pot. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

4. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Prepare the noodles according to the instructions on the package.

Drain and rinse the soba noodles.

5. To the soup pot, add the cooked noodles, spinach, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

Stir until the spinach is wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Note: Add a poached egg or tofu cubes to make it a meal.

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p r o m ot i o n

OAT COUTURE There’s nothing that tastes like autumn more than the earthy, yet sweet flavors of maple and honey mixed with fruit and crunchy grains. The following recipes, using our favorite Purely Elizabeth granola, bring together these flavors and textures to create dishes that add to the already glorious season.

Serves 2

1/2 Tbsp coconut oil 1/2 Honeycrisp apple, sliced thin 1 Tbsp honey (plus more to drizzle) 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp apple pie spice 1/2 l emon, freshly squeezed 1 slice of thick-cut gluten-free bread, toasted 1/4 cup Purely Elizabeth Original Ancient Grain Granola Coarse sea salt Fresh-ground pepper Thyme

shopping list  Purely Elizabeth Original Ancient Grain Granola  Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Hemp Ancient Grain Granola

1. In a skillet, melt coconut over medium-high heat. Once hot, add apple slices to pan.

 Purely Elizabeth Cranberry Pecan Ancient Grain Granola

2. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp of honey, add vanilla, sprinkle with spice. Stir to coat until starting to caramelize.

Discover more products and recipes at purelyelizabeth.com

SPICED MAPLE BAKED PEARS

1. Heat oven to 400˚F.

2 pears, halved 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 2 Tbsp orange juice or Cointreau 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 4 Tbsp goat cheese, ricotta or non-dairy cream cheese 1/4 cup Purely Elizabeth Original Ancient Grain Granola Fresh thyme (for garnish) Pomegranate arils (for garnish)

3. Toss pears with vanilla, maple syrup, orange juice and spice. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking dish. Cover with foil, bake 30 minutes. Uncover, cook 15 minutes more, until sticky.

Serves 4

recipes: brooke lark

AUTUMN HONEY & SPICED RICOTTA TOAST

2. Scoop the core from the center of each pear.

4. Transfer to serving platter. Place a dollop of goat cheese in the center of each pear. Sprinkle with granola. Garnish with pomegranate arils and fresh thyme.

3. Add lemon juice, cooking just until juice begins to boil off. Spread ricotta on toast. Arrange apple mixture atop. Sprinkle granola atop. Salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh thyme and more honey, if desired.

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p r o m ot i o n

BUTTERNUT SQUASH & BURRATA SALAD WITH POMEGRANATES & GRANOLA STREUSEL Serves 6

1/2 butternut squash or 1 acorn squash, seeded and wedged 2 Tbsp coconut oil or ghee, melted 3 Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp coconut sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 8 oz baby spinach-arugula or mixed greens 3 Tbsp lemon-infused olive oil 2 Tbsp champagne vinegar 1 garlic clove, very finely chopped 1 ball burrata cheese or non-dairy cream cheese

BLACKBERRY GINGER PLUM COBBLER Serves 8

2 Tbsp melted coconut oil 1/2 cup almond flour 1/4 cup coconut flour 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp arrowroot flour 1 cup Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Hemp Ancient Grain Granola 1/2 cup honey 1/2 tsp sea salt 3/4 tsp baking soda 3 Tbsp water 12 oz fresh blackberries 8 ripe black plums, pitted and wedges Juice of 1 lemon 1” piece fresh ginger, grated 1/2 tsp cardamom 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9” baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a stand mixer, combine coconut oil, almond flour, coconut flour, ¼ cup arrowroot flour, granola, ¼ cup honey, salt, baking soda and water.

3. Spread half the mixture on the bottom of the prepared pan.

4. Toss blackberries and plums with 1 Tbsp arrowroot flour, ¼ cup honey, lemon juice, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour mixture into pan.

5. Dollop remaining mixture atop. Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes, uncover for the last 10 minutes and bake until crust is golden brown.

1/2 cup Purely Elizabeth Cranberry Pecan Ancient Grain Granola 1/4 cup pomegranate arils Sea salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)

1. Heat oven to 425˚F. 2. Toss squash in coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.

3. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in oven 30-40 minutes, until squash can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove and allow to cool slightly.

4. On a serving platter, arrange greens. Place squash atop. Slice burrata and crumble over salad.

5. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar and garlic. Drizzle over salad.

6. Sprinkle with granola and pomegranate arils. Salt and pepper to taste.

real life tools for being your best self

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SMART HOME / by carley knobloch

In today’s day and age of gadgets galore, finding technology that works for you can be downright daunting. Home tech expert Carley Knobloch, offers up tips on curating home tech to enhance your life, not complicate it.

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1/

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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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ately I’ve been thinking a lot about technology’s promise to make life better, and how sometimes it doesn’t quite live up to the hype.

Anyone who’s tried to set up a new wireless printer or pair a Bluetooth speaker to their phone can tell you that the process didn’t exactly spark joy.

And yet, there are plenty of digital tools that do make my life easier, which is a good thing. But what if technology could do more than maximize my efficiency … what if it could maximize happiness?

As a tech expert, I bring a lot of gadgets into my home. The ones that stay bring value to my life beyond just saving a few minutes here or there. They make it more pleasurable to get things done, or allow me to unplug, disconnect, and enjoy my life, in real life (yes, tech can do that too). Here, are a handful of tech-driven essentials on my radar that always give me a shot of happy.

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1/ Zojirushi Hot Water Dispenser This is the centerpiece of my nighttime tea station set-up. I keep this dispenser—which has four different temperature settings—plus, a selection of tea and mugs on the second floor of my home. This way, if I’m craving a cup of soothing chamomile before bed, I don’t have to go downstairs to boil water.

2/ Ember Ceramic Mug This matte (and, let’s be honest, kind of magical) mug keeps my tea hot until the very last drop—and I don’t have to do a thing. The corresponding app allows you to adjust the temperature remotely and choose and save presets for your different drinks. It’s a little thing I’ve grown accustomed to.

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IRL 3/ Noon Mood Lighting The right lighting can change the mood in your home for the better— tons of studies back me up on this one.

This well-designed touch screen system allows me to set the ambiance of an entire room with a swipe; bump up the brights in the kitchen to help my family start the day or tone it back to create a softer mood at night.

7/ Alldock Charging Docks Between my husband, two teenagers and I, there are a lot of gadgets in our home (even the dog has a fitness tracker that needs charging). Keeping this low-profile and modern docking set-up on my countertop is a subtle signal to my family that their tech has a “home” to go to when they walk in the door so we can all connect IRL.

8/ Hidrate Spark A Bluetooth sensor inside this sleek looking water bottle syncs with an app on my smartphone to automatically track every ounce that I drink. It results in a “no excuses” approach to hydration—and I can’t help but check the app a couple times a day to see how I’m doing. My skin’s glowy, and my energy levels are UP.

4/ Crane Humidifier Not only does this humidifier run for up to 8 hours before it needs a water refill, it has an optional color changing light and an aromatherapy diffuser, so that I can wind down the day with the scent of lemon, lavender, or jasmine oils—all stress-relievers—wafting through the air. (It’s especially helpful when you’re setting up that wireless printer … ).

5/ Quip Toothbrush Sometimes too much tech is just too much tech—there’s no need for buttons and apps that complicate things and don’t bring value. That’s why I love this electric toothbrush that delivers just the right amount of sonic vibrations for a two-minute deep clean that’s dentist-approved. And when the bristles start to look a little worse for wear, I check my mailbox: Quip sends a brush head refill once every three months.

6/ AeroGarden This countertop garden makes it a breeze to add more veggies to my family meals, especially given the fact that I can pick as I cook. It also generates a bounty of delicious produce regardless of the season thanks to an LED grow light and WiFi control panel. More plant-based meals means a happier and healthier family.

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Vision Boards should serve to inspire and organize all at the same time.

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IRL goals

P E R F EC T VISION / by nitika chopra

W

ith the final quarter of our year in full swing, it’s safe to say that we are all starting to get ready for an epic 2019. One of the most creative ways to plan out the year ahead is by creating a vision board.

You may have heard of them before from Oprah or created a digital one through Pinterest, but I want to show you how to create a vision board that you can consistently reflect on.

Vision boards are such powerful ways to keep your dreams alive and they also allow you to tap into your creativity in the process. That doesn’t mean that you have to be super crafty or artistic. That means that no dream is too high or lofty for your vision board. While setting realistic goals that you feel confident you will accomplish is helpful to keep you going, it’s also energizing to add dreams that might seem out of reach so you can work on chipping away at them throughout the year. Also, don’t be afraid of having empty or white space on your vision board. This is your way of leaving room for the unexpected, for new dreams, and for things you didn’t even realize you wanted!

1/ To start, I recommend journaling out what you want your 2019 to look like.

How do you want to feel next year? Do you want it to be a year of adventure or a year of restoration? Is this the year that you prioritize your health and learn to cook or get a gym membership? Or is this is the year that you see significant growth in your business?

Include as many items as you desire.

After journaling, take a separate piece of paper and list out some of the key elements you found in your writing. Were there specific themes that kept showing up? Make note of these before the next step.

2/ Once you have a solid foundation for what you want your 2019 to look like, it’s time to start gathering the words and images that are going to be a reflection of that. I recommend doing this through browsing the internet and entering the themes, words or actions that best describe your dreams and then find the picture that fits. Most people also tend to have a few magazines laying around so you can also dig through those to see if anything pops out at you that would work for your board. And last, write out some words, quotes and numbers that all reflect what you want to see in the year ahead. I recommend using all three of these elements when making your vision board.

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3/ Lastly, you just need to pull it all together. I have used everything from cardboard to construction paper. It doesn’t really matter as long as it’s something that makes you feel good when you look at it and is nice enough that you will want to keep it on display in a place you will see everyday.

Simply arrange the cut-outs that you have gathered and attach them to the board with tape, tacks, or glue and voila! You have a cherished vision board to carry you through 2019. I can promise you that the more you look at it, the more that those dreams will sink into your cells and become a reality for you and your life—just wait and watch the manifestation happen!

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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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a Securit Wall Cork & Chalkboard Set Including Marker, $19

b Corkcicle Tumbler, $25 c See Jane Work Small Push Pin, Pink, $4 d See Jane Work Jumbo Push Pins, White, $3 e Luckies Aroma Lab, $45 f Design Ideas Edison Pencil Cup, $8 g Kvell Kaptain Chair, $160

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IRL mindset

W I N T E R L I K E A DA N E

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/ by meik wiking

ar too often, I see people looking for happiness in the wrong places, and failing to convert wealth into well-being. That is not a new thing. Robert Kennedy famously said that GDP “measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile.”

That was in 1968. Since then, we have become richer—but not necessarily happier. Fortunately, there is a growing interest in measuring quality of life and understanding what drives happiness. Essentially, people are searching for answers about how we can create the conditions to help people lead rewarding lives.

This is the focus of our work at the Happiness Research Institute. I initially became interested in studying Lykke, the Danish word for happiness, because Denmark, along with the four other Nordic countries—Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland—usually top the World Happiness Rankings. Not surprisingly, these consistent rankings have sparked an interest in the Scandinavian countries, their culture and way of life. I quickly realized that many other cultures and countries have a lot to teach the world about happiness.

We know that there are discrete factors (beyond the wealth that is required to meet a certain level of quality of life) that increase happiness. Strong social support, regular exercise, meditation … these are all important and known determinants of happiness. But the question of how to create and nurture these conditions and habits is where people and countries may struggle. By borrowing tips and tricks from various places throughout the world, we can bridge gaps such as these and become more satisfied with our lives.

In my country Denmark, hygge is one way we bridge some of those gaps.

Hygge is about nurturing togetherness, warmth, relaxation, and simple pleasures in our lives. Hygge emphasizes an

atmosphere and an experience, rather than material things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and we can allow ourselves to let our guard down.

Hygge has received a lot of attention in recent years, and many people are now familiar with the concept. But, obviously, before this increased attention on hygge, Danes were not the only ones who could enjoy the pleasure that comes from

HYGGE IS ABOUT BEING WITH THE PEOPLE WE LOVE. A FEELING OF HOME. being in good company. Denmark does not have a monopoly on hygge.

The French find tremendous enhancements in happiness through meals. They spend more time eating per day than any other country in Europe. However, while they enjoy the food, the extra time is not about eating more. The ritual around the meal is almost as important as the food itself. It is about sitting down and eating calmly. It is about the experience of sharing meals with others, thereby creating a sense of community and strong social ties.

I remember a French woman who wrote me about her hygge habits. “I have been living hygge all my life—I just didn’t know there was a word for it.”

Mindfulness meditation is how children in Bhutan are able to achieve higher levels of academic achievement

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and improved well-being. The school day starts with a mindfulness exercise called “brain brushing,” which cultivates the ability to be present in the moment, leaving thoughts (often worries) about the past or the future behind.

In the Netherlands, a national effort to encourage social relationships with neighbors has been underway for more than a decade. The Dutch reported that neighborhoods where people talked over coffee or worked side-by-side in a communal garden were the most enjoyable. Every year in May, Denmark celebrates National Neighbors’ Day by encouraging citizens to reach out and create a sense of community (and in turn, extra happiness).

These are only a few examples of the techniques people and cultures have used to enhance happiness. There are, of course, so many more, and at the Happiness Research Institute we ask a lot of questions and try to answer them. For example: At what age do people report lowest levels of happiness? Mid-40s.

How does social media impact happiness and why? Looks like a negative effect as we compare our lives to the magnificent and magical lives everybody else seems to be living.

Are married people happier because marriage brings happiness or because happier people have an easier time getting married? Both actually.

While we may focus on answering such detailed questions about happiness, it may be more helpful for people to think about elevating their happiness in the short term as well as the long term.

For an immediate boost, an activity that requires undivided attention, such as crafts, cooking, and exercise, like dance or yoga. These activities can bestow us with a break from the negative thoughts in all of our minds.

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HYGGE IS ABOUT NURTURING TOGETHERNESS, WARMTH, RELAXATION, AND SIMPLE PLEASURES IN OUR LIVES.

meik wiking is the CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Denmark. Wiking is an international speaker and has authored several books and reports on happiness, subjective well-being and quality of life.

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IRL

goals

T H E A RT O F H YG G E / by reena simon

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ho doesn’t want their home to be a sanctuary of peace, happiness, and warmth? If that idea of creating a soul-nourishing home that is filled with special moments feels like an elusive dream, read on. Hygge could be the transformative element you have been missing.

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Hygge is a sense of comfort, togetherness, and well-being, according to Meik Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge (see page 40). The Danish philosophy of hygge is all about creating a feeling in the home that supports peace and joy in ordinary experiences. For me, happiness in the home is relaxing by the fire under a blanket or having a bath, spending time with my family, or having friends over for dinner. These are hygge experiences.

Creating a hygge atmosphere in the home takes a little consideration and effort, as well as a shift in mentality. And most people who embrace hygge for the first time don’t immediately think of storage and organization (the focus for the newly initiated is usually on candles).

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ORGANIZATION IN THE HYGGE HOME IS ABOUT HAVING THE THINGS YOU LOVE AND USE ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS ACCESSIBLE AND ON DISPLAY.

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IRL

Books and magazines should be visible, inspiring quiet moments of escape.

However, consider this: can you truly focus on the company of friends or the roar of the fire if your sightline is clouded by clutter? And what if the clutter was organized and put away, but in big ugly containers that were apparent in your peripheral vision? Organization in the hygge home is about having the things you love and use on a day-to-day basis accessible and on display (perhaps not the toilet roll).

Creating aesthetically pleasing storage and organization may not be the place you want to start when creating hygge in your home, but it is essential that you incorporate it in your hygge journey. Let me illustrate for you some of the ways I use organization to make my home a happier and calmer place.

I’ll start with the living room—the place that makes me feel most relaxed. I have all of the hygge elements that Meik talks about in his book: the real fire, wood, blankets, and an oversized sofa on which

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A hygge home should incorporate elements placed to enhance experiences, such as a candle by the bathtub or essential oils within reach.

THE DANISH PHILOSOPHY OF HYGGE IS ALL ABOUT CREATING A FEELING IN THE HOME THAT SUPPORTS PEACE AND JOY IN ORDINARY EXPERIENCES.

the five of us can snuggle. And I have organized some of those key elements in a hygge way by choosing storage solutions that fit right in with the decor. I am a basket addict! I have lost count of how many I own, but I love the design, texture, and ease with which you can move them around. I even use them to store Legos and toys.

If we move into the heart of the home, which for me is the kitchen, hygge is all about being social and finding enjoyment in everyday tasks like cooking.

Organization in the home does not mean hiding things away. I have a small kitchen with limited cupboard space so I like open storage. I don’t want my beautiful colorful spices and wooden kitchen utensils hidden away. These things all enrich the experience of cooking, and add to the warmth and atmosphere of the tasks at hand.

Don’t be fooled by what you have read so far, for chaos also exists in my home (particularly in the form of my three young children). Like most young children, they tend to trash their bedroom each day. However, at bedtime we like to tidy things up together. We make this an easy—but more importantly, fun—task by having accessible storage (no lids is a winner with little ones). This way, they can effortlessly pop things into the storage containers.

So, back to candles … I have candles in every room at my “hygge headquarters,” which Meik refers to as our homes.

However, I hope I have shown you that organizing your home the hygge way is easy to achieve, and can be a tremendous enhancement.

Happy “basket” shopping! reena simon is a UK-based blogger who writes about home interiors and creating hygge-inspired family homes and spaces.

Her website hyggeforhome.com serves up hygge-inspired design and lifestyle inspiration. photography by marie palbom

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3/ 2/ 1/

ELEMENTS GET HYGGE

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01 Design Ideas Lincoln Utensil Cup, $28.50 02 Design Ideas Maiz Handled Baskets (set/3), $101.50 03 Design Ideas Maiz Baskets (set/2), $45

04 Design Ideas Cooper Bath Caddy, $22.50 05 See Jane Work Wire Pencil Cup, $16 06 See Jane Work Wire Magazine File, $18

07 Serene House Cosmos Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser, $40 08 Kilner Glass Clip Top Spice Jar Set, $25 09 Yamazaki Tower Rolling Kitchen Storage Cart, $58

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B E AT T H E B LU E S / by kelly leveque

This time of year, I continually hear from my clients and friends that they’re feeling lethargic and moody. It’s no surprise to me.

A

s the weather continues to get colder and the daylight hours wane, many of us suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s a condition that is marked by reduced energy levels, feelings of sadness, disrupted sleep, and often unhealthy food choices that can exacerbate the effects of the disorder. Really, SAD is created by the perfect storm of these harsher winter conditions and self-imposed isolation at home.

1/ Maintain a Healthy Sleep Schedule Any time a client comes to me with concerns about winter depression, my first question is, “How much sleep do you get at night?”

Look at an overtired child and it’s obvious why a good night’s sleep is imperative to maintaining consistent energy levels and feelings of emotional wellness. With one in three Americans short on sleep, I make developing good sleep habits a priority for my clients.

So forget about sleeping in and lounging around all morning in your PJs. You need to maximize your ex-

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posure to daylight hours by getting up and getting moving, which probably means going to bed a bit earlier so you can wake with the sun.

That will support your body’s natural circadian rhythm and allow for a surge of cortisol, which is a naturally produced chemical in the body that we want to peak in the morning, to set the stage for an energy-filled day.

Conversely, try to create an environment conducive to falling asleep at bedtime. I advise wearing blue light-blocking glasses at night when you’re engaging with computer screens, phones, and tablets.

Keep those winter blues away the Kelly LeVeque way by substituting carb-heavy meals for heartier options like this Warm Chia Flax Pudding.

See recipe on page 50.

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WARM CHIA FLAX PUDDING MAKES 1 BOWL 1 Tbsp ghee or coconut oil (vegan) 2 cups coconut or almond milk 3 Tbsp chia seeds 2 Tbsp ground flax seed 3 Tbsp hemp hearts Optional 4 Tbsp pecans, chopped 2 Tbsp hemp seeds 1/4 cup mixed fresh berries Choose sweetener 1 serving Primal Kitchen Vanilla Collagen Fuel Protein (Keto, preferred) 3 stevia drops (keto) 1. In a medium nonstick fry pan on medium heat, add 1 Tbsp of ghee, 1 cup of coconut milk, chia seed, and flax.

2. With a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, continuously stir all ingredients until pudding is thick, about 3 minutes.

3. Pour warm pudding into a bowl, option to stir in sweetener of choice.

4. Top with nuts, hemp seeds, coconut milk, and berries. Serve Warm.

Blue light can suppress our body’s natural production of melatonin, and we need that melatonin to fall and stay asleep for a solid seven to eight hours, a widely recommended amount of sleep.

2/ Fresh Air and Friends I always try to find the joy in winter, and while I live in Los Angeles, my travels often bring me to snow-covered locales that leave me in awe of the crystal-like covered scenery. Morning walks—like waking with the sun—are ideal in establishing that circadian rhythm and boosting your body’s cortisol levels.

And remember to invite friends to join you! Many of us become homebodies in the winter to avoid the cold and snow. Who doesn’t love curling up by the fire with a good book? But too much of that can fuel feelings of isolation from the very people we need to keep us engaged and connected. Don’t underestimate the value of face-toface interactions with your loved ones in maintaining emotional well-being.

3/ Making Your Meals Work for You with the Fab Four I believe in eating foods that optimize nutrients and sustain energy, especially through long and often dark winter afternoons and evenings. That’s why I developed the Be Well Fab Four plan, a meal structure with a goal of having protein, healthy fat, fiber, and greens on every plate.

Regularly eating the Fab Four is even more important during the winter months

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when reduced access to fresh produce can leave us reaching for empty-calorie snacks. It’s one reason I created the Be Well Fab Four smoothie, which helps stave off mindless snacking. In fact, a meal composed of the Fab Four components will leave you satiated for four to six hours after eating by elongating your blood sugar and avoiding the spikes and crashes of high-glycemic foods and unbalanced meals.

Now, let’s talk breakfast.

Your mother was right: it’s the most important meal of the day, and it’s even more crucial to get it right as part of an effort to avoid SAD. Think pasture-raised eggs, high-fiber toast, coconut yogurt, and pea shoots, all food choices that will help boost energy levels in the morning. One of my favorite go-to breakfasts is a Fab Four-inspired chia and flax seed pudding that will be sure to warm you on a cold winter morning.

4/ A Well-Stocked Kitchen Helps with Healthful Choices Especially during the winter months, I make a big effort to keep staples on hand that are easy to prepare and that serve as building blocks of delicious and healthful meals.

For my greens, I always have a big container of mixed greens—whether it’s baby kale or spinach or super greens. Right now I’m loving this blend of protein greens and pea sprouts from Organic Girl. You’ll also always find

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tons of lemons or limes in my kitchen to infuse water or to add acidity and brighten the flavor of a green smoothie.

For quick proteins I’ll either steam a fresh piece of fish or chicken, adding flavor with fresh herbs and citrus. And in my pantry, I keep cans of wild salmon, tuna, sardines, protein powders, and fiber sources such as flax and chia seeds. Avocados are delicious on their own and can be quickly turned into guacamole that packs a punch of healthy fat and fiber.

During the winter, we all typically crave more carbohydrates, so I make sure to stock up on complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and fruit, and I advise my clients to limit their carbohydrates to one serving per meal. They will go much farther than a handful of potato chips in helping you power through the day.

Of course, winter is all about cozying up at home, being with loved ones, and cherishing the beauty that comes with the season. With mindfulness and planning, you can help yourself avoid SAD by taking extra care of yourself and might find that you have more energy than you could’ve imagined during what had previously been challenging months. kelly leveque is an L.A.based holistic nutritionist, wellness expert, and celebrity health coach. You can read more about her at bewellbykelly.com.

THERE IS NOTHING THAT MAKES ME HAPPIER THAN SITTING AROUND THE DINNER TABLE AND TALKING UNTIL THE CANDLES ARE BURNED DOWN. M A D E L E I N E L’ E N G L E

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K I TC H E N A P OT H E C A RY / by alia dalal

Finding nutritional powerhouses in common ingredients.

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get the sa lmon

m ac ro bowl r ecipe at

t h e i n spir edhome . com

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A kitchen pharmacy isn’t all powder supplements and bland ingredients— Alia helps people discover powerful foods for health that are fresh and delicious.

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s the daughter of a pharmacist, I’m a firsthand witness and strong believer in the benefits of modern medicine, pills and all. But as a nutrition-focused chef, I’m also aware that our first defense against many illnesses and stresses is in our self-care: how we are sleeping, how we move our bodies throughout the day, the strength of our social relationships, and—of course— the food we eat.

As we enter the fall and winter seasons, it’s a good time to focus on strengthening our defenses.

One great way to do that is by building up our kitchen apothecaries, making sure that our daily meals are full of nutritious plants, spices, and pantry items that can promote natural healing, fend off colds, and also help us feel nourished and cozy during darker winter months.

Here are a few tips that I practice in my kitchen and share with my cooking class students.

If the phrase “kitchen pharmacy” conjures up an image of bags of expensive superfood powders or bland, sterile meals, you are in for

alia dalal is a Chicago-based wellness chef and TV host. You can find her at aliadalal.com or on Instagram @aliadalal.

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a pleasant surprise: some of the most powerful foods for health— particularly immunity and gut health—are both basic and tasty.

If you are building up your kitchen apothecary, here are a few must-include ingredients: Naturally Fermented Foods Probiotic foods including sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles are believed to help populate our guts with “good” bacteria, and scientists are just beginning to understand the power of the microbiome when it comes to our overall health. Try adding two spoonfuls of these naturally fermented vegetable foods to a macro bowl, sandwich, or on top of some sautéed veggies.

Be sure to shop for fermented foods in the refrigerated section and look for phrases such as “live and active” cultures to make sure they are truly living foods. Want to DIY? Rich and creamy coconut yogurt is one of the simplest (and least messy!) home ferments you could ever make.

Colorful Veggies & Leafy Greens Eat a rainbow! Pops of color make for not only a pretty kitchen, but also a nutritious plate. Colorful vegetables like squash and beets are typically rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Leafy greens, in particular, are nutrient superheroes, full of iron, calcium, and beta-carotene, as well as gut-friendly fiber. A hearty green like kale can be sautéed and topped with a fried egg for a simple breakfast, or massaged with lemon and olive oil for a lunch salad that can stay sturdy and fresh in the fridge for a few days.

Omega-3 Rich Foods The Standard American Diet is known for being low in anti-inflammatory Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega 3s are most famed for reducing the risk of heart disease, but are also believed to have a strong influence on brain and mental health, and even skin conditions such as acne and premature skin aging. Seek out wild and sustainably caught varieties of salmon, trout, sardines, and herring, and add to macro bowls or salads. Fish provides a more advanced form of Omega-3s; plant-based sources of Omega-3s include flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Herbs, Spices, & Seasonings The way I season my food makes me feel most like an alchemist, perfectly calibrating my meal for swoon-worthy flavor profiles. While salt is rightfully every chef’s best friend, think beyond it when seasoning, especially when it comes to adding immune-boosting or anti-inflammatory properties to your meal.

Ginger and garlic are my winter go-tos for taste and immunity and are perfect as the base to any soup. Ground spices including cinnamon, cayenne, and turmeric can be added to almost anything that’s being baked or roasted in the oven. And of course, fresh herbs bring vitality to heavier winter meals and add energy-boosting chlorophyll and nutrients similar to leafy greens. Save extra fresh herbs and freeze into ice cubes to add to water to help you hit your hydration goal as well.

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CRANBERRY GINGER OAT CRUMBLE SERVES 6-8 For Cranberry Filling 20 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (about 4.5 cups) 2 granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2” cubes 2/3 cup coconut sugar 2 Tbsp grated ginger 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup water For Oat Crumble Topping

1/2 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup chopped pecans

3 Tbsp almond flour 3 Tbsp coconut oil 2 Tbsp coconut sugar 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/8 tsp salt Pinch of black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9X9” baking dish with coconut oil.

2. In a pot on the stovetop, combine all of the filling ingredients: cranberries, apples, coconut sugar, grated ginger, vanilla extract, and water. Simmer on stovetop until cranberries are broken down and mixture is like a thickened compote, about 15 minutes.

3. In a bowl, combine all of the crumble topping ingredients: oats, chopped pecans, almond flour, coconut oil, coconut sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and a pinch of black pepper.

4. Into a baking dish, pour the cranberry filling and top with oat crumble. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cranberries are bubbling and topping is lightly browned.

Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving—this will help it set.

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KALE SALAD WITH ROASTED SQUASH AND MAPLE PEPITAS SERVES 4 For Chickpeas 2 15 oz cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained Drizzle of grapeseed oil Salt For Squash 1 small winter squash like butternut or kabocha, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch cubes Drizzle of grapeseed oil Salt For Salad

1/2 cup pepitas

2 Tbsp maple syrup 2 bunches of kale, stemmed and chopped 1 lemon, juiced 2 Tbsp tahini 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. On a parchment-lined sheet tray, toss chickpeas with grapeseed oil and salt and roast until crispy, about 45-60 minutes, tossing once.

2. On a second parchmentlined sheet tray, toss squash with grapeseed oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast in oven until soft and lightly browned, about 25 minutes.

3. Meanwhile in a small skillet, toast pepitas until they are golden and start to pop.

Drizzle maple syrup and stir as the moisture evaporates, about 2 minutes. Remove to a plate and cool.

LEAFY GREENS, IN PARTICULAR, ARE NUTRIENT SUPERHEROES, FULL OF IRON, CALCIUM, AND BETA-CAROTENE, AS WELL AS GUT-FRIENDLY FIBER.

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4. In a large bowl, combine kale, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil and a generous sprinkle of salt. Massage with your hands until it softens, about 2 minutes.

Toss in chickpeas, squash and pepitas and serve or store in the fridge for lunches for the week.

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RICH AND CREAMY COCONUT YOGURT IS ONE OF THE SIMPLEST (AND LEAST MESSY!) HOME FERMENTS YOU COULD EVER MAKE.

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HOMEMADE COCONUT YOGURT MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS 1 1 2

2

15 oz can coconut milk tsp agar flakes probiotic capsules (use the ones you take or I bought P8 brand) 8 oz mason jars (lids and jars boiled in water and left to air dry)

1. Preheat oven to 100°F. 2. Into a small pot, pour coconut milk and whisk until smooth.

Sprinkle agar flakes on top (but don’t stir). Put over heat and bring to a simmer. Whisk to dissolve agar and continue at an almost-simmer until agar is dissolved, about 5-10 minutes. Let cool to just above body temperature.

3. Open probiotic capsules and pour contents into coconut milk and whisk. Pour mixture into mason jars and seal.

4. Turn off oven and place mason jars on a sheet tray inside oven.

Leave for 12-24 hours. Remove from oven and chill for 6 hours. Now you have yogurt!

Tips for Recipes yogurt

kale salad

Agar is a seaweed-based gelatin that’s used to firm up the coconut milk as it ferments to make the texture mimic traditional yogurt.

Look for it in the international aisle with other Asian products. You could use a traditional gelatin or leave it out if you don’t mind a runnier texture.

Is there any food that suggests autumn more than roasted squash?

Butternut or acorn squash works wonderfully for this recipe, but try kabocha squash (also called Japanese pumpkin) if you can find it. You’ll never look back after tasting this creamy, dreamy fall vegetable.

Yogurt is probably the most popular probiotic food in the American diet, but as more and more folks are sensitive to cow’s dairy (or simply want to avoid factory farming), decadent coconut yogurt is an easy substitute for breakfast or even dessert. Just remember that it’s very high in fat, so you’ll want to keep the portion size small.

Massaging the kale with the dressing tenderizes the kale leaves and makes them juicier and less bitter. It also breaks down their insoluble fiber a bit, making them much easier on the digestive system and less likely to cause bloating.

The best part about a kale salad is that it can stay fresh in the fridge for a few days, even with the dressing on! Make this ahead for a holiday meal or for lunches for the week.

macro bowl

Recipes for macro bowls can look complicated because of all the different components, but remember that you don’t have to cook them all at once. Leftover rice from a stir-fry tonight can become the base of tomorrow’s macro bowl. Mixing and matching different cooked ingredients in my fridge throughout the week is how I eat new homemade meals everyday … without having to cook everyday!

Mustard greens belong to the cruciferous family of vegetables— the same one that includes kale, broccoli, and cauliflower. I like their spicy bite (reminiscent of radishes) but if you aren’t a fan, substitute another leafy green or cruciferous vegetable.

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crumble

Cranberries are one of the joys of fall. These tart jewels are known for their high antioxidant content.

This crumble is essentially a compote topped with streusel, so it’s perfect for any non-bakers out there. I use coconut sugar and maple syrup for a less processed and less cloyingly sweet dessert.

When crafting desserts, I usually skip the highly processed or refined ingredients like grain flours and substitute whole grains and monounsaturated fatty acidrich nuts. Here I use spices like cinnamon, clove, and black pepper in larger quantities than expected to create a dessert that’s spicy and tart in addition to sweet.

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get out of bed

W I N T E R WA K E U P / by nitika chopra

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hen you’re waking up on a frigid winter day, it’s easy to drag your feet and want to get right back into bed. That’s why I created a winter wake-up self-care routine that actually inspires me to get moving in the morning. Whether you incorporate all of these tips or just dabble in one, you will start your day feeling pampered and ready to tackle what’s ahead. Promise! >> True Brands Pinky Up Tea and Mug Who doesn’t want to indulge, guiltfree? I know I do! That’s why I was so excited to discover Pinky Up’s Chocolate Mint Tea. With organic flavors, you might even trick yourself into thinking you’re soothing your soul with a velvety hot chocolate. Go ahead and brew it right in Pinky Up’s gorgeous ceramic and gold mug, leaving you feeling indulged from the inside-out.

GuruNanda—Oil Pulling There are countless studies that tout the overall health benefits of oil pulling—an age-old remedy rooted in Ayurvedic medicine that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. GuruNanda’s Oil Pulling Mouthwash takes out all of the guesswork of which oils to use and makes it super easy to incorporate this natural wellness exercise into an everyday routine. Another result? Whiter teeth. I’ll take it!

Conair Infiniti Pro Diamond Styler Who doesn’t love a good blowout?

Now you can get similar salon results at home with this diamond-infused ceramic dryer (and when does a girl not love anything with the word “diamond”?). Using a professional AC motor, this styling tool dries your hair 50 percent faster than the average blow dryer, and even protects it from heat damage. Plus, it’s ionic technology means less frizz for those of us for whom humid weather is enemy number one. It’s an absolute must-have in your beauty tool kit.

Serene House Essential Oil Diffuser >> It’s important to awaken all of your senses in a soothing and calm way when you start your day. This diffuser aromatically delivers pure essential oils to your space, with many “mood enhancing” options. One of my favorites is a citrus oil that instantly brightens my morning. 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 photography by laurel creative

Pursonic FC110 Advanced Facial Cleansing Brush Brushes aren’t just for hair and teeth.

With this two-speed rotating cleansing brush, you can effortlessly exfoliate dead and dull skin, leaving your skin looking vibrant and fresh all year round. Bring on that summer glow all year round!

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I /R /L

Studies have shown that early risers are happier and more successful.

Follow Nitika Chopra’s advice for how to kick your body into high gear and jump-start your day.

A city girl finds happiness in an un-“Likely’” place

by Chloe Mackintosh

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country

club MEMBERSHIP: 99

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kid friendly

Chloe, pictured here with two of her many goats, relishes early mornings on the ranch.

Growing up in a fairly large city, I always imagined I’d end up working in a high-rise building, thriving in the hustle and bustle of metropolitan living. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Today, I live on a cattle ranch in the tiny town of Likely, California (population: 99).

My husband Greg and I met in college while both attending business school at the University of Nevada, Reno. About halfway though our time together at UNR, he decided school just wasn’t for him. He came home one day and said, “I’m not going back to school, I’m going to move to the ranch.”

He said this in a very matter-of-fact tone; there was no swaying him. He had made up his mind, and shortly after, he began working at his family’s cattle ranch in Likely.

Although he had made up his mind to work on his family’s ranch, I had made up my mind to finish my degree, just in case the whole cattle ranch thing didn’t work out for us. At least we’d have a back-up plan.

So for a few years he commuted between the ranch and Reno while I finished up my degree. As my graduation approached, I faced the decision: to move or not to move? I suppose you probably already know the answer to that.

About a month after graduation, we packed up our house in Reno, and headed north for Likely. That was four years ago.

Many of my friends couldn’t believe I had decided to leave behind life as I had known it for cows and wide-open space.

To be honest, I don’t think I even gave it a second thought. Something inside me must have known how wonderful a simpler life could be.

I’ve discovered a new outlook on life and discovered what is truly important.

I used to draw so much of my identity from a pair of shoes or designer handbag.

Today, my happiness comes from the satisfaction of a job well done, taking pride in simple tasks, and living with gratitude.

I have found a sense of peace and joy I had previously never known, and I can tell you with 100 percent certainty: no one cares what kind of clothes you wear.

It wasn’t a seamless transition; it’s been quite a journey. The first few months after moving were difficult. I didn’t know anyone, and was on a steep learning curve with zero ranching experience.

Although I was very grateful to have a roof over my head, it also took some time to adjust to our new home. Built in 1963, the house was full of my husband’s grandparents’ old things and in desperate need of a renovation (thankfully, that

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“Something inside me must have known how wonderful a simpler life could be.”

Chloe curates pieces for her home, made of varied materials and style, but always gravitates toward a simple aesthetic.

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“I have found a sense of peace and joy I had previously never known.”

came later). The house had been empty for nearly eight years before we moved in, except for the rats, mice, ground squirrels, spiders, and carpet beetles that had taken up home there. It was almost enough to send me running back to the city.

However, slowly I adjusted, and I morphed from a city girl into a girl in boots and jeans. Of course, it isn’t always easy.

Animals don’t always survive. Early mornings and the stress of ranching can be taxing. However, living out here requires you to slow down, do your own handiwork, step away from materialism, and focus on the important things in life.

Now I feel whole after a hard day of work or time spent working on our ranch.

One of the greatest rewards of living here is the deep sense of community.

While living in the city, I never really experienced that. Out here, camaraderie and community are woven into daily life. It’s not at all unusual to get calls like: “You’ve got cows out on the road!” and “Hey, we picked up some of your heifers, come get them anytime.” Everyone works together for the greater good.

On any given Saturday you might find a group of neighboring cowboys horseback around a branding barrel helping each other get their calves ready for the summer rangeland. And, you bet we

spend Saturday nights spinning around a dance floor.

It’s a simple life, and it’s truly magical.

I can’t believe that this is where my story has taken me, but I am so grateful it has.

My hope is that I can inspire people to slow down and find contentment in a simpler life.

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chloe mackintosh, an urban girl turned cowgirl, shares her passion for interior design and ranch life at her blog boxwoodavenue.com.

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ranch

life

Chloe’s kitchen is carefully curated with aesthetically simple pieces drawn from varied materials, all enhancing the surrounding dÊcor in her breathtaking renovated ranch.

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01 Honey-Can-Do 6-qt. Copper Bowl, $80 02 Staub Cast Iron 5.75-qt. Coq au Vin Cocotte, White, $200

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03 Magisso Happy Pet Project Large Food Bowl, $55; Magisso Happy Pet Project Large Water Bowl, $50 04 Magisso Pino Pint Glasses, $60

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05 Chantal Ceramic French Press, Fade Grey, $50 06 Honey-Can-Do Round Wooden Clothespins, 100-pack, $14

06

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A CHEF WITH THE HEART OF A POET: GABRIELE BERTACCINI’S SOULFUL CULINARY JOURNEY

f a m i ly m at t e r s

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T

o call my craft “cooking” would be a misnomer.

In fact, creating a meal is nothing short of a magical experience for me. It’s a coalescence of familial nostalgia, my Italian traditions, and a soulful passion for bringing people together.

It’s been 18 years since I first set foot inside a professional kitchen, and seven years since I opened il Tocco Food in my adopted city of Phoenix. To this day, I will often shed a tear when I smell a Sofrito coming from the kitchen, as it brings me back to preparing meals side-byside with my grandmother in Florence, breaking bread every Sunday with our extended family, and savoring that first bite of fresh pasta. In essence, each meal is a story, woven together by these very traditions from my life. I experience true joy from conception to fruition when bringing my memories forth in the form of food and sharing them with my patrons.

The social aspect of cooking is a central part of my culinary philosophy—the warmth, the comfort, the anticipation of the feast—and continues to inspire my love of dinner parties. A dinner party contains all the flavors of life: food, drink, friends, and conversation. In the end, it’s really a basic and enduring combination of ingredients, made unique by what hosts and guests infuse into the evening.

People often ask me the secret to Italian entertaining. My answer is simple: it’s not so much about impressing your friends with a huge effort. It’s about gathering together a group of people you adore. It’s not about the bread that is on the table; it is about the hands that break it.

In Italy, it’s typical to host 20 people for lunch or dinner. You’ve got your family and your friend … and their families. We truly live by the Italian saying “a tavola non s’invecchia (at the table, one does not grow old)!”

The dinner table is the center of our family where pure ingredients, pristine execution, and boisterous conversation mingle harmoniously.

the dinner table is the center of our family.

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

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For Gabriele, each meal is a story, woven together by the Italian traditions in his life.

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it ’ s not about the br ead that is on the table ; it is about the hands that br eak it.

A dinner gathering in my beautiful Florence on that first cool autumn evening—my favorite time to invite friends and family to dine—might have a bright winter citrus and arugula salad with mint, pistachios, and ricotta salata; a rich sausage ragù served over creamy Parmesan polenta, culminating with bittersweet chocolate pudding cakes with Grand Marnier whipped cream.

The ambience is equally inspired: a Florentine dinner table adorned with pillar candles that illuminate centerpieces of thyme, rosemary, oregano, and lavender plants. Votive flames line the winding garden paths. It’s a table ready to celebrate food in all its sensuality.

It’s that sensuality, really, that makes every Italian gathering we create so memorable. Because when you experience a meal with your eyes, your taste buds, and your heart, it lives on in your soul forever. gabriele bertaccini is the owner and chef at il Tocco Food, an underground dining experience, in Phoenix, Arizona and Los Angeles, California.

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SWEET POTATO GNOCCHI WITH BALSAMIC BROWN BUTTER SERVES 6

gnocchi 1 lb red-skinned sweet potatoes (approx.

2 potatoes) 1 (12-oz.) container fresh ricotta, strained in a sieve for 2 hours 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 2 tsp salt 2 1/2 cups (or more) all-purpose flour 1. Scrub and dry the sweet potatoes, then prick them all over with a fork.

Place the sweet potatoes on a plate and microwave them on “high” until they’re fork-tender, about five minutes per side. Remove the sweet potatoes from the microwave, cut them in half, and then scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Using a fork, thoroughly mash the sweet potatoes, or alternately, pass the sweet potato flesh through a ricer.

cr eating a meal is nothing short of a magical exper ience for me .

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2. To a large bowl, transfer three cups of the mashed sweet potatoes.

Add the strained ricotta, stirring until thoroughly combined. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and salt, and then start adding the flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Shape the dough into a large ball.

3. Lightly flour a baking sheet and set it aside. Lightly flour your work surface and divide the dough into six equal portions. Take one portion and roll it on your work surface or between your hands until it’s about 20 inches in length. Cut the dough into 20 pieces to form each gnocchi then transfer them to the floured baking sheet. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the remaining five pieces of dough. Using the back of a fork, press each gnocchi with the tines to form indentations.

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4. Prior to cooking the gnocchi, make the brown butter sauce (recipe follows).

5. When you’re ready to cook the gnocchi, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a portion of the gnocchi to the boiling water, stir, and then let the gnocchi cook until they float back up to the top, about one minute. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon to a serving bowl. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining gnocchi.

6. Toss the warm gnocchi with the prepared brown butter sauce.

Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve.

balsamic brown butter 8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter 1/4 cup loosely packed sage leaves 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper Parmesan cheese, for serving 1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring occasionally. Cook the butter until the foam subsides and it begins to turn a golden brown color, about three minutes. Turn off the heat and add the sage leaves, allowing them to cook for one minute.

2. Remove the brown butter from the heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Serve immediately with the sweet potato gnocchi.

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LAMB CHOPS SCOTTADITO WITH CHARRED CHERRY TOMATOES SERVES 4 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped ½ cup rosemary, finely chopped ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling 12 lamb rib chops (about 2¼ pounds total) Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper 1 lb cherry tomatoes, preferably on the vine 1. In a large bowl, combine garlic, rosemary, and ¼ cup olive oil. Working one at a time, pound lamb chops between two sheets of plastic wrap to about ¼-inch thick; trim any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper and add to marinade; turn to coat. Cover and chill at least two hours and up to one day.

2. Prepare a grill at medium-high heat. Remove lamb chops from marinade and wipe off marinade. Grill lamb chops, turning often and moving around on grill as needed, until charred on both sides, about three minutes. Transfer to a platter.

3. Drizzle tomatoes with oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill in a grill basket or large cast iron skillet until lightly charred and blistered, about four minutes. Serve tomatoes alongside lamb.

ROASTED YAMS SERVES 4-6 3 large yams 2 Tbsp honey 1 Tbsp Espelette pepper, or crushed red-pepper flakes 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ cup Greek-style yogurt 4 Tbsp fresh lime juice (approximately 2 limes) 2 scallions, both green and white parts, trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish 1. Heat oven to 425°F. Cut the yams lengthwise into four wedges per yam. Into a large bowl, put the yams and toss them with the honey, ½ tablespoon of the Espelette pepper or crushed red pepper flakes, and two tablespoons

of the olive oil. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so, tossing once or twice to coat as the oven heats.

2. To a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet, transfer the yams. Season with salt and pepper and then bake until they are deeply caramelized around the edges and soft when pierced with a fork at their thickest part, approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

3. As the yams roast, combine the yogurt, lime juice, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl, whisk to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

4. When the yams are done, transfer them to a serving platter, drizzle the yogurt over them and garnish with the remaining Espelette pepper or red pepper flakes, the scallions, and some flaky sea salt if you have any.

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harvest time Gabriele’s tables are often adorned with simple serving pieces to give the food—the star of the show—the opportunity to shine.

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01 Fortessa Heirloom Smoke Dinnerware, $8-$18 02 John Boos Model R02 Hard Rock Maple Edge Grain Cutting Board, $108 03 Sabre France Bistrot Grey, $60 04 Vinturi Winged Wine Opener, $40 05 Riedel “O” Water, $30 06 Riedel “O” Whisky, $30 07 Lodge Cast Iron 12-inch Skillet, $40

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mission

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t i f fa n i t h i e s s e n i s o n a m i s s i o n to bring people together with

possible

d e l i c i o u s f a m i ly r e c i p e s

To order Pull Up a Chair ($30), visit TiffaniThiessen.com/cookbook to get yours today.

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let ’ s get real:

Pulling off a family meal any (let alone every) night of the week seems like an impossible goal. Shuttling kids to activities, getting to the grocery, corralling the screens, and cleaning up afterward make family dinners next to impossible for many of us.

While family mealtime may seem as distant a memory as new episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210, one of the show’s stars is determined to help you bring it back! Tiffani Thiessen is host of the Cooking Channel’s new show, Dinner at Tiffani’s and author of a recently released cookbook. She is on a mission to make it simpler to bring back the venerable institution of American family meals.

Thiessen grew up watching the women in her family cooking together. Food and family became forever intertwined in her heart. The experience taught her that creating great meals was about not only wonderful flavor, but also the experience of sharing it with those you care about. That is the sentiment behind her cookbook title, Pull Up a Chair.

“It’s the simplest sentiment, but it means so much. It’s not just sitting down and eating; It’s about reconnecting with the things that make us all so much happier,” she says.

“It’s about laughter and joy and conversation.”

Thiessen’s approach centers on how a little upfront preparation, some shortcuts along the way, and a few high-value frills can help busy families make the most of mealtime together.

comfort zone

Dish up some love with this chicken pot pie that brings new meaning to the term “soul food”.

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cake walk

Sugar and spice collide in Thiessen’s sinfully delicious carrot cake.

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

buddies

breakfast

SATURDAY MORNINGS IN DESTINY ALFONSO’S HOME ARE FILLED WITH CHILDREN, LOVE … AND DADDY’S FAMOUS BREAKFAST.

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OUR FAMILY

of five rarely finds itself with a free Saturday morning. Between football practice, dance practice, dance competitions, recitals, basketball games, school projects, my husband running a small business, and me doing all the things at home, we go full steam. So when we do get a break, we cherish a Saturday morning ritual imagined in the early days of our marriage.

My husband Reggie has always been the king of breakfast. In those early days, when it was just the two of us, he would make a delicious all-American breakfast every Saturday morning. We had no kids.

Our weekends were carefree. We would wake up late after a crazy work week, eat breakfast, and do a house project or two.

It was simple, and it was a routine that we enjoyed together.

As our family grew and our children were still young, we all eagerly anticipated those Saturday mornings when daddy would get up and make his special breakfast of Daddy’s Famous Cheesy Eggs (named by the kids), Texas-sized French toast, crispy bacon, and fresh squeezed orange juice.

The boys and I would snuggle on the sofa and watch cartoons, while Livy, a toddler at the time, would make her way into the kitchen to be with her Daddy.

“Daddy, can I mix the eggs?”

“I want to add the salt, Daddy.”

DADDY’S FAMOUS CHEESY EGGS SERVES 2-3 5-6 large eggs Salt & pepper 3 Tbsp olive oil 4 slices American cheese ¼ cup minced onion

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs.

Add salt and pepper.

2. Add three tablespoons of olive oil to a non-stick skillet. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and add the minced onions; sauté until soft, about 1-2 minutes. Add whisked egg mixture.

Gently move the eggs from side to side and the mixture begins to settle. Add American cheese slices one by one and melt them into the eggs.

3. Cook eggs until the are nice and fluffy and minimal liquid is left.

4. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Destiny’s other main squeeze—her son Mikel— loves to join in on the Saturday morning breakfast action.

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I HOPE I ALWAYS LOOK UP AND FIND REGGIE AND LIVY IN THE THE KITCHEN TOGETHER, BONDING OVER CRACKED EGGS

I savor that time watching my husband and daughter together. On occasion, the boys and I pitch in by squeezing the fresh-from-the-orchard oranges.

Mostly though, I have the pleasure of simply relaxing and eating.

When we are fortunate enough for the uninterrupted time, this Saturday morning breakfast is the highlight of my week. I hope I always look up and find Reggie and Livy in the the kitchen together, bonding over cracked eggs, and I hope the boys and I are always hungry enough to join.

In our family, if you can cook, we love you.

If you can eat, we love you even more. destiny alfonso is a Phoenix-based home living and lifestyle blogger. Aside from her husband and three kids, one of her greatest loves is making, creating, and sharing beautiful things. Find more of her recipes at justdestinymag.com.

ALIVYA’S FRENCH TOAST SERVES 3-4 4 Tbsp soft butter 6 to 8 slices thick/Texas Toast Bread 3 large eggs 3/4 cup milk or cream Pinch of salt 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp cinnamon 2 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract

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1. Heat an electric griddle to 350°F. 2. To a blender, add eggs, milk, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.

Into a shallow casserole dish large enough to hold two pieces of bread, pour the batter.

3. Place two pieces of bread in the casserole dish.

Let them soak for about 30 seconds, then turn them over, and let soak for about 30 seconds on the other side. Make sure the bread is not soggy.

4. Just before you place the bread on the preheated griddle, place a small amount of butter on the skillet and melt. Grill until both sides are golden brown.

5. Serve hot with butter and maple syrup!

FALL.WINTER 2018

breakfast basics Wake your kitchen up with these simple and chic essentials.

Each can help you bring a laid-back, comfy vibe to breakfast.

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01 Frieling Cilio Citrus Press, $200 02 OXO Good Grips Chopper, $20 03 Tablecraft 14-oz.

Teardrop Syrup Dispenser, $8 04 Design Ideas Catanga Stool, $157.50

05 Tovolo Flex-Core Wood Handled Spatula, $8 06 Pyrex 2-Cup Measuring Cup, $6 07 Le Creuset Rectangular Dish with Platter Lid, $100

08 Danica Studio Denman ApronDishtowel, $20 09 Dash Chef Series Power Blender, $180 09

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C O C K TA I L S : The pop and fizz of champagne, the gentle clink of coupes—nothing says ‘pause’ and ‘enjoy’ quite like raising a glass with friends.

This season, let fresh ingredients shine in your libations, while celebrating the happiness of the moment and the people with whom you have the privilege of sharing it. recipes

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HOLIDAY MAIL MAKES ONE DRINK

A touch of fresh ginger brings welcome seasonal spice to the classic Airmail cocktail.

1 oz aged Puerto Rican rum ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice, strained through a fine mesh sieve ½ oz ginger honey syrup Dry champagne or cava 1. For the ginger honey syrup, combine one cup honey, one cup water, and one large knot of ginger (about six inches long, peeled and thinly sliced) in a saucepan over high heat.

2. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat to medium and simmer five minutes. Remove from heat and chill in the fridge overnight, then strain through a fine mesh sieve, discarding solids. Use immediately or store in the fridge.

3. For the cocktail, combine all but the champagne in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, then strain into a chilled flute and top with champagne or cava.

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SILVER HOUR MAKES ONE DRINK

A sprig of woodsy rosemary elevates the 21st Century cocktail into a new cold weather classic.

1 1/2 oz gin 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained through a fine mesh sieve 3/4 oz white creme de cacao (Marie Brizard preferred) 3/4 oz Lillet Blanc Sprig of rosemary

1. Firmly press the sprig of rosemary against the palm of your hand to release its oils, then swipe it around the rim and bowl of a chilled coupe glass.

2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the remaining ingredients and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

3. Strain into the coupe glass and garnish with the rosemary sprig.

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boho h a r v e st a new tradition t h i s h o l i d ay s e a s o n by h o st i n g a relaxed c e l e b r at i o n j u st f o r f r i e n d s

bash by elizabeth van lierde photography by abagail halstead and elizabeth van Lierde

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elizabeth van lierde is an event planner and food lover—with a passion for hosting and entertaining. Find more of her tips and recipes at thecollegehousewife.com.

FOR MOST OF US,

the holiday season is a joyful time of celebrations with friends and family, and a lot of food and drink. For others, however, it’s no secret that it can present all sorts of stressors—having to entertain, manage family conflict, and balance all of the other daily parts of life that still go on during these weeks.

I look forward to this time of year—seeing out-of-town family, hunkering down by the fire, and joy that comes with the season­—but not without some hesitation.

“So when are you two getting married?” “Are you going to have kids anytime soon?” “How do you make money doing that job?” “Did you put on some weight this year?” These are most likely some of the uncomfortable (and often inappropriate) questions that we get asked every year during holiday gatherings.

Spending time with my family is something I cherish this time of year, but the chaos and intensity the holiday season prompted me to reconsider how I kick off the season. Enter: Friendsgiving, a laid-back gathering of my dearest friends before everyone jets off to their hometown for traditional festivities.

Friendsgiving is a gathering where you can bring over the closest members of your tribe for endless wine, funky music, and plenty of inspired fall recipes! And it truly helps me set the tone for the festivities ahead during the holiday season by connecting me with what’s important—good times spent with those I love.

Making sure everyone has a full wine glass, a delicious meal, and giving thanks for traditions, and creating new ones are my top priorities for Friendsgiving.

Whatever you do, don’t worry about everything being perfect. It’s truly the magic of the season that’s important and when you are relaxed, your guests will be too.

WHAT TO SERVE

HOSTING A FALL FRIENDSGIVING The point of Friendsgiving is for everyone—including you—to have an easygoing evening with less pressure.

Do as much prep work as you can in advance, consider asking friends to bring a dish, and choose simple recipes to help the focus stay on fun.

Signature Cocktail Set the tone for the evening by offering a signature cocktail as guests arrive, perhaps something seasonally inspired.

Anything with bourbon and a twist of orange—one of my favorites is a Manhattan.

Not only will this keep you from playing bartender all night, but a signature drink immediately creates a sense of unity and festivity.

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Simple Appetizer I love offering a light, flavorful bite at the beginning of the evening. This could be anything from a simple Caprese tomato salad on a skewer to a chicken satay dipped in peanut sauce. It’s also nice to have a crudite platter with dip for guests who want a healthy bite before the main meal.

Having appetizers on hand for guests will buy you time in case dinner is running late.

FALL.WINTER 2018

Two to Three Favorite Side Dishes When it comes to side dishes, I am old-school. I love having a starch-based side dish and a vegetable side dish. And I know that my favorite comfort foods will elicit an enthusiastic response from my guests.

Think macaroni and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, potatoes au gratin, and garlic green beans. It’s all about balance.

A palette of whites and neutrals creates a relaxed atmosphere and provides the perfect backdrop for beautiful food.

Main Entrée For the main event, I love doing a slow-roasted flavorful meat like turkey or pot roast. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also fills the house with the warm smells of home cooking. If you have a vegetarian crowd, lasagna and risotto are great hearty alternatives.

A Showstopping Dessert Focus on one great dessert that can also serve as a gorgeous centerpiece to your table. Fruit tarts, pies topped with fresh whipped cream, and anything with a rich chocolate finish all are go-to winners for taste and for presentation. And if baking isn’t your thing, there’s no shame in buying a beautiful dessert from a bakery.

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endless wine, funky music, and plenty of inspired fa l l r e c i p e s

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Keep things simple, inviting, and warm with a centerpiece of fresh, loosely arranged flowers in muted fall colors.

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GRUYERE & GOUDA BACON APPLE MAC AND CHEESE

CHECKLIST

FINISHING TOUCHES

MAKES 8 SIDE-DISH PORTIONS

Create an atmosphere that is warm, inviting, and sets the stage for what is to come: a fall feast!

1 lb (16 oz) curly macaroni pasta 8 oz bacon 1 pink lady apple, diced ¼ cup unsalted butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced ½ tsp Kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp onion powder 2 ½ cups whole milk 1 cups Fontina cheese, shredded 1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded 1 ½ cup Gruyere cheese, shredded (reserve ½ cup for topping)

DISHES Consider using dishes that will immediately bring texture and color to your tablescape.

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1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray. .

2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop pasta in and boil for 7-9 minutes or until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.

3. Cook bacon on low heat until fat has rendered and bacon is crispy. Set bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and crumble when cooled.

4. Sauté diced apple in bacon fat for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Transfer apple to a small bowl and set aside.

5. In a large sauté pan, melt ¼ cup butter on medium heat. Add flour to melted butter and cook for two minutes, whisking occasionally. Add in minced garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Whisk to avoid burning.

6. Add milk to butter/flour mixture and turn heat up to medium-high. Whisk mixture occasionally for 3-4 minutes or until boiling and the mixture has thickened.

7. Remove milk mixture from heat and whisk in one cup each of Gouda, Fontina and Gruyere cheese until melted. Stir in apples and crumbled bacon. Stir cheese sauce into macaroni noodles. To the casserole dish, transfer mixture.

8. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup of Gruyere and bake for 10-15 minutes or until top is golden.

FIG & PROSCIUTTO CROSTINI

APPLE CIDER WHISKEY ROSE

MAKES 8

MAKES 8 COCKTAILS

8 slices cranberry walnut bread or seedy bread Olive oil 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese Flaky sea salt 6-8 figs*, thinly sliced 8 prosciutto slices Honey Fresh thyme sprigs

12 oz whiskey 1 cup rosemary simple syrup* 8 large ice block cubes Sparkling apple cider For garnish: rosemary sprig, apple slices

1. Preheat oven 350°F. 2. Brush bread slices with a thin layer of olive oil and toast lightly in the oven until golden brown (about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through).

3. Spread a thin, even layer of ricotta cheese on crostini. Sprinkle with sea salt.

4. Evenly arrange fig slices and prosciutto on crostini. Sprinkle with fresh thyme sprigs and drizzle with honey. *Note: If figs are no longer in season, substitute with pears or apple slices.

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1. Fill shaker with whiskey, rosemary simple syrup*, and ice. Shake for 30 seconds. Pour whiskey mixture evenly into eight whiskey glasses.

2. Place a large ice block into each glass. Top each cocktail with a splash of sparkling apple cider. Garnish with rosemary sprig and apple slices. *Note: To make rosemary simple syrup, bring one cup of water and one cup of sugar to a simmer.

Remove from heat and add in three 5-inch rosemary sprigs.

Steep for 20 minutes and strain mixture into a jar.

FALL.WINTER 2018

NAPKINS Napkins, cloth or paper, can be in an autumnal tone and tied with raffia. I like to collect leaves and use them as seat assignment cards. Gold permanent markers write beautifully on leaves, and can be strung through the raffia.

GLASSES Use water goblets and wine glasses in different sizes and shapes, bringing an eclectic and rustic look to a fall-inspired table.

FLORAL Use fresh flowers in autumn colors with pine cones and tea lights interspersed around the table. Flowers can be arranged in various containers made of different materials such as wood, metal, and glass. A little bit of flower foam in each container will help keep your arrangements stable.

LIGHTING Use candles with rustic-style candelabras. Make sure to use different heights and try to space the candelabras between flower arrangements.

MUSIC Set the mood and keep energy levels high with a mix of your favorite tunes.

GIFT Don’t forget containers for leftovers; everyone loves to take home a doggy bag!

f r i e n d ly f i n d s

Classic white serving pieces with rustic touches and a hint of nostalgia create a tablescape your friends will fall for.

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06 07 08 01 Bormioli Rocco Romantic Tumbler, Pale Pink, $20 for a set of 4 02 Hampton Forge Argent Orfèvres Rosé 18/10 5-pc. Place Setting, $85 03 Fortessa Heirloom Blush Dinnerware, $32-$48 04 Staub Ceramic 10.5” x 7.5” Rectangular Baking Dish, White, $25

05 ED Ellen DeGeneres Crafted by Royal Doulton Serving Board 14-in., $29 06 Schott Zwiesel 13.2-oz.

Double Old-Fashioned Glass, $10 07 ED Ellen DeGeneres Crafted by Royal Doulton Serving Bowl, Large 14-in., $43 08 Schott Zwiesel Sensa White Wine Glass, $14

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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.

Material of the Moment

page 21

Berghoff USA Ron Oval Covered Casserole 5.5-qt. Dish, Green, $250, overstock.com Denby Studio Blue Mugs, $68, denbyusa.com Gibson Elite Ombre 12-pc.

Dinnerware Set, $70 for the set, gibsonusaoutlet .com Denby Studio Blue Nesting Bowls, $100, denbyusa.com Page 10

How to Clean Everything

Page 11 Calphalon Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 12-In. Skillet, $55, calphalon.com Full Circle Bubble Up, Dish Brush Set, $13, fullcirclehome.com Page 12 Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, $100, cuisinart.com Brillo Estracell No-Scratch Wedge Edge Scrub Sponge 3-ct., $3, walmart.com Brillo Estracell Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge 3-ct., $3, walmart.com Reliable Velocity 200IR, $169, reliablecorporation.com Page 13 Better Living LOOEEGEE Hygienic Toilet Squeegee, $40, looeegee.com Fresh Wave Laundry Booster, $10, freshwaveworks.com Fresh Wave Spray, $8, freshwaveworks.com Full Circle Tenacious C, Cast Iron Brush, $8, fullcirclehome.com Page 14 Messy Mutts Divine Collection Dog Bed, $65, messymutts.ca BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, $40, blackanddeckerappliances.com

Buying Karma

Page 16 Hip Products Hip Bottle,

$15, be-hip.com Page 17 Soma Glass Water Bottle, $30, drinksoma.com Page 18 Grappleworks Screw Cancer Screwdriver, $35, amazon.com Page 19 Verve Culture Artisan Citrus Juicer, $90, verveculture.com

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Editor’s Picks

Page 20 Stone Candles

Reclaimed Bottle Candle, $36, stonecandles.com Alessi 9093 Kettle, $190, alessi.com Mauviel M’tradition Copper Fondue Set, $770, mauvielusa.com Luminarc Cachet 9-oz.

Stemless Flute, $18 for a set of 12, amazon.com Nordic Ware 6-Cup Anniversary Cast Bundt Pan, $40, nordicware.com All-Clad 7-qt. Gourmet Slow Cooker with In-Pot Browning, $300, all-clad.com Page 21 Sabre Bistrot Tortoise Flatware, $86, didriks.com Le Creuset 5-qt. Braiser, $340, lecreuset.com Kinto Aqua Culture Vase, Small $20, Large $27, kintostore.com neatfreak! Wire Frame Fabric Storage Bin, Small, $12, neatfreak.com Nespresso VertuoPlus by De’Longhi, $220, nespresso.com Soma 10-Cup Pitcher, $40, drinksoma.com

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The Spice of Life

Page 26 KitchenAid 6-qt.

Bowl Lift Stand Mixer, $460, kitchenaid.com Page 27 Nordic Ware Large Baking & Cooling Grid, $16, nordicware.com

Not Just Chicken Soup For the Soul

Page 31 HIC Blue Willow Cereal Bowl, $40 for a set of 4, amazon.com Staub Cast Iron 5.75-qt. Coq au Vin Cocotte, White, $201, surlatable.com

Smart Home

Page 36 Zojirushi VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer, $260, zojirushi.com Ember Technologies Ceramic Mug, $80, ember.com Page 37 NOON Home Room Bundle, $530, noonhome.com/store Crane White Personal Humidifier & Aroma Diffuser, $40, crane-usa.com Quip Electric Toothbrush, starting at $25, getquip.com AeroGarden Bounty Elite, Wi-Fi, $380, aerogarden.com ALLDOCK Walnut & Black 6x Port USB Charging Station, $179, alldock.com Hidrate Spark 2.0, $55, hidratespark.com

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Perfect Vision Page 38 Design

Ideas Edison Magazine File, $28.50, shop.designideas.net Page 39 Securit Wall Cork & Chalkboard Set Including Marker, $19, pier1.com Corkcicle Tumbler, $25, corkcicle.com See Jane Work Small Push Pin, Pink, $4, officedepot.com See Jane Work Jumbo Push Pins, White, $3, officedepot.com Luckies Aroma Lab, $45, luckies.co.uk Design Ideas Edison Pencil Cup, $8, shop.designideas.net Kvell Kaptain Chair, $160, kvellhome.com

The Art of Hygge

Page 45 3 Sprouts Storage Box, Sheep, $17, Unicorn, $17, Rhino, $17, 3sprouts.com Page 47 Design Ideas Lincoln Utensil Cup, $28.50, Maiz Handled Baskets, set of 3, $101.50, Maiz Baskets, $45 for a set of 2, Cooper Bath Caddy, $22.50, shop.designideas.net See Jane Work Wire Pencil Cup, $16, Wire Magazine File, $18, seejanework.com Serene House Cosmos Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser, $40, serenehouseusa.com Kilner Glass Clip Top Spice Jar Set, $25, bedbathandbeyond.com Yamazaki Tower Rolling Kitchen Storage Cart, $58, theyamazakihome.com

page 47

Kitchen Apothecary Page 52-53 Gibson

Elite Ombre 12-pc. Dinnerware Set, $70 for the set, gibsonusaoutlet.com Page 53 KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer in Bird of Paradise, $500, Spiralizer with Peel, Core and Slice, $130, kitchenaid.com Page 55 Gourmet Settings Windermere Cake Server, $10, bedbathandbeyond.com Page 56 Bialetti Easy Cookware 10-in. Saute, $25, amazon.com Lipper 12-in. Acacia Footed Salad Bowl, $30, target.com Chicago Metallic Commercial II Non-Stick Large Jelly Roll Pan, $25, chicagometallicbakeware.com Page 56 Gibson Elite Ombre 12-pc. Dinnerware Set, $70 for the set, gibsonusaoutlet.com

abode-newyork.com Chantal Ceramic French Press, Fade Grey, $50, chantal.com Honey-Can-Do Round Wooden Clothespins, 100-pack, $14, honeycando.com

Winter Wake Up

Family Matters

Page 60 Pinky

Up Chocolate Mint Tea, $10, Bailey Ceramic Tea Mug & Infuser in Gold Dipped, $20, pinkyuptea.com GuruNanda Oil Ayurvedic Formula Pulling Oil, $15, amazon.com Samsonic Pursonic 5C110 Advanced Facial Cleansing Brush, $25, pursonicusa.com Conair Infiniti Pro Diamond Infused Ceramic Styler–Model #580R, $50, conair.com Serene House Cosmos Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser, $40, serenehouseusa.com

Country Club

Page 69 Honey-Can-Do

6-qt. Copper Bowl, $80, honeycando.com Staub Cast Iron 5.75-qt. Coq au Vin Cocotte, White, $200, surlatable.com Magisso Happy Pet Project Large Food Bowl, $55, Large Water Bowl, $50, abode-newyork.com Magisso Pino Pint Glasses, $60,

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Page 79 Fortessa Heirloom Smoke Dinnerware, $8-$18, shop.fortessa.com John Boos Model R02 Hard Rock Maple Edge Grain Cutting Board, $108, butcherblockco.com Sabre France Bistrot Grey, $60, didriks.com Vinturi Winged Wine Opener, $40, vinturi.com Riedel “O” Water, $30, “O” Whisky, $30, riedel.com Lodge Cast Iron 12-in. Skillet, $40, lodgemfg.com

Breakfast Buddies

Page 87 Mason Cash In The Forest Fox Size 12 Mixing Bowl, $52, food52.com Swan Daydream Apron by Now Designs, $20, amazon.com Christopher Kimball for Kuhn Rikon Thin Edge Spatula, $18, kuhnrikon.com De’Longhi Livenza All-Day Grill, $300, delonghi.com Frieling Cilio Citrus Press, $200, direct.frieling.com OXO Good Grips

THEINSPIREDHOME.COM

Chopper, $20, oxo.com Tablecraft 14-oz. Teardrop Syrup Dispenser, $8, bedbathandbeyond.com Design Ideas Catanga Stool, $157.50, shop.designideas.net Tovolo Flex-Core Wood Handled Spatula, $8, tovolo.com Pyrex 2-Cup Measuring Cup, $6, pyrexware.com Le Creuset Rectangular Dish with Platter Lid, $100, lecreuset.com Danica Studio Denman ApronDishtowel, $20, amazon.com Dash Chef Series Power Blender, $180, bydash.com

Cocktails: Attired

Page 93 Viski Raye Faceted Crystal Coupe, $28, viski.com Page 94 Viski Summit Stemless Copper Champagne Flutes, $35, viski.com Page 95 Villeroy & Boch Grand Royal Platinum White Wine Glass, $40, villeroy-boch.com/shop MAKO Bar Essentials Set, $40, makobarware.com

Boho Bash

Page 103 Bormioli

Rocco Romantic Tumbler Pale Pink, $20 set of 4, macys.com Hampton Forge Argent Orfèvres Rosé 18/10 5-pc. Place Setting, $85, hamptonforge.com Fortessa Heirloom Blush Dinnerware, $32-48, shop.fortessa.com Staub Ceramic 10.5” x 7.5” Rectangular Baking Dish, White, $25, zwillingonline.com ED Ellen DeGeneres Crafted by Royal Doulton Serving Board 14-in., $29, royaldoulton.com Schott Zwiesel 13.2-oz.

Double Old Fashioned Glass, $10, shop.fortessa.com ED Ellen DeGeneres Crafted by Royal Doulton Serving Bowl Large 14-in., $43, royaldoulton.com Schott Zwiesel Sensa White Wine Glass, $14, shop.fortessa.com

“WHAT GOOD IS THE WARMTH OF SUMMER, WITHOUT THE COLD OF WINTER TO GIVE IT SWEETNESS.” j o h n s t e i n b e c k

THE INSPIRED HOME JOURNAL

106

FALL.WINTER 2018

p h o t o g r a p h by chloe mackintosh LOT S MOR E AT

107

THEINSPIREDHOME.COM

issue no.

2

the happiness issue

theinspiredhome.com