Sunshine Magazine by Sunshine Magazine

Sunshine Issue Number Two

November / December 2013

Sunshine Magazine Issue Number Two

November / December 2013

Photo by Stefani Thompson

A BRIGHT PERSPECTIVE

NOVEMB E R / DE C EMBER

11 EDITOR'S NOTE A hand-written letter from a Christmas music fanatic

16 HOLIDAY MUSIC A playlist that will keep you merry and bright

20 WHAT TO WEAR Get dressed for a night of holiday magic

PIE PARTY

30 ART PROJECT BRANDI L ISINB AND OTHE E'S HAIR R MUST-HAV WINTER ES FOUND ON PAGE 14

40 COLOR OF THE MONTH

46 CURRENT

OBSESSIONS

4 Sunshine Issue No. 2

Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like an arm full of bracelets

IN THIS ISSUE

EDITOR'S WISHLIST

DANCING THE NUTCRACKER

ONTHECOVER... PLACES WE

Crystal Lewis. Photo by Closer to Love Photography. Do you know Crystal Lewis? Learn more about her music and what keeps her inspired on page 48. 5

CELEBS

with

STYLE

LUC Y LIU FIND HER STYLE

WHEN SHE'S DRESSED UP SHE LOOKS COMFORTABLE. WHEN SHE'S DRESSED DOWN SHE LOOKS GLAMOROUS. LUCY LIU IS NATURAL AND EFFORTLESS. WE CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF HER STYLE!

The white blazer makes this outfit fresh and cool. Find a similar one at American Eagle for $69.50.

6 Sunshine Issue No. 2

BLOGS WE LOVE HELLO, FROM THE NATOS

MEET JAMI NATO Coffee or Tea? Tea. Iced. Even in the winter.

Favorite City? Kansas City! Best kept secret in the nation.

Spring or Fall? That's like choosing between chocolate or margaritas! I guess fall, because even though things are dying, the process is so beautiful.

Favorite Celebrity? Tina Fey and Kristen Wiig. They are sassy and funny and should be forced to be my besties.

Favorite Reality Show? Home by Novogratz.

Describe your laugh. My laugh sounds like someone peeing their pants because that's usually what happens.

Best thing about being a blogger? I love writing. It gives me a place to work through hard stuff, and sometimes totally different thoughts come through unexpectedly. It's been extremely helpful to me over the years.

A FUNN MOTHE Y BLOG ABO UT RH FOOD OOD, PARTIE AN S PHOTO D PROJECTS , G NATO, RAPHER, JA . M M LIFE SE AKES ORDIN I EM FU A N AND RY EASY.

Sunsh

Michelle Drashman Contributor

agazine

MEET THE TEAM

leann Daniel Fashion Contributor

MELISS

Founder, E

Stefani Thompson Photographer

Whatisyourfavoritepart oftheholidayseason?

The sense of "hope" in the air. And as much as we fuss about the commercialization of the holidays, walking around stores and seeing decorations everywhere perpetuates this mood of anticipation and hope for happy days ahead.

Being with my family. It's one of the few times we are all in the same place.

The cool weather that calls for scarf-wearing! Also sweet treats and Christmas music.

BestChristmaspresent you'veeverreceived? At 21, a television my 18 year-old brother gave me. It was special because he'd won it at work, but knew I needed one. It was so selfless and completely made me cry. 10 Sunshine Issue No. 2

BestChristmaspresent you'veeverreceived? I've had many fantastic presents throughout the years, but I'm going to have to go with my Lion King tent and sleeping bag. I slept in that thing for weeks!

BestChristmaspresent you'veeverreceived? Last year I received a beautiful tea set from my parents. It was one of the sweetest gifts I've received.

SPECIAL THANK

S TO:

Y CE COMPAN N A D E G N A L ME CE JANA WALLA AY KELLI MURR NS REALIZATIO NO N AMBER GAN BARKLEY & WIS CRYSTAL LE JAMI NATO

SATURNER

Editor In Chief

editor's note

A LOOK BACK AT SUNSHINE'S SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER

IN INSTAGRAMS LL FO

US @

SU NS HIN EMA GAZINE

OCTOBER 5

Down Syndrome Buddy Walk

OCTOBER 1 Sunshine Magazine Goes Mobile!

Date Night

Paula Deen

NS IS G I S E NA D RHON OFFICIAL G THE M EDITIN GRA INE INSTA R SUNSH R O O APP F NE. LOOK F E! ZI OR MAGA UR APP ST O IT IN Y

PA PE R BROWN

E PACKAG

14 Sunshine Issue No. 2

P WITH S S TIED U

TRINGS

...

Sunshine's

Photo by Stefani Thompson

HOLIDAY PLAYLIST

Top 10

BESTHOLIDAYSONGSEVER 1. Joy to the World / Mariah Carey 2. Christmas Song / Mindy Gledhill 3. I'll Be Home For Christmas / Michael Buble 4. Jingle Bell Rock / Rascal Flats 5. All I Want For Christmas Is You / Mariah Carey 6. Santa's Song / Harry Connick Jr. 7. Holly Jolly Christmas / Burl Ives 8. Winter Wonderland / Jason Mraz 9. Do You Hear What I Hear / Whitney Houston 10. Rockin Around The Christmas Tree / Brenda Lee

OUR F AVOR HOLID ITE A ALBU Y MS

SHE

D AN

/M ARI AH

CAREY /M

OLBI C / L INDY GLEDHIL

IL L A C E

Children's BOOKSHELF

Illustrator, Julia Denos, is the artist behind many picture books including Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo and Dotty by Erica S. Pearl. She lives in Quincy, MA. Visit her online at www.juliadenos.com

Why we love it...

It's a creative story about repurposing a favorite clothing article. We love it because it teaches kids (and adults) about seeing the world with creative eyes and getting the most use out of what you have. We also love the quotable rhyming phrases that you'll find your little ones (and yourself) saying over and over.

WHAT to WEAR

GETTING FANCY FO RA HOLIDAY PARTY DO ESN'T MEAN SACRIFICING COMFORT. WE'VE P AIRED AN EASY DRESS WITH A PAIR OF BOOTS THAT WILL M AKE YOU FEEL MERRY AND B RIGHT.

LEANN DANIEL

Fashion Contributor 20 Sunshine Issue No. 2

Get

the

look

LACE TOP RUE 21

DRESS MARSHALLS

TIGHTS TARGET

BOOTS TARGET

APPLE

S'MOR ES

P LE AP

PA R

L, IGHTFU R F S I UTSIDE GHTFUL O R E H EAT DELI THE W PIES ARE SO BUT

CHO CO

PUMPK IN

E I P TY

22 Sunshine Issue No. 2

N ECA P HIP C E

S'MORES

PIE

CHOCOLATE FILLING: 5 large egg yolks 6 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons constarch, sifted

RECIPE

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 cups whole milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes, at room tempurature 1 Graham Cracker Crust MARSHMALLOW TOPPING: 6 large egg whites 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

To make the filling: Whisk the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a heatproof bowl until thick and pale in color. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle boil. Whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk into the egg yolks. Then, continuing to whisk, add the remainder of the milk in a steady stream. Set bowl over a medium saucepan of simmering water (do

not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water) and cook the egg-milk mixture, whisking constantly until thick and glossy, 5-7 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the vanilla & melted chocolate until well combined. Let the filling mixture sit for 2 minutes to cool slightly, then whisk the butter until the custard is smooth and silky. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the chocolate filling so that a skin does not form and let cool for 30 minutes, or until it reaches room tempurature. When filling has cooled pour it into the prepared crust. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.

opaque. Rub a little of the mixture between your fingers to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add the vanilla and , starting on low speed to high, until the marshmallow topping is glossy and forms stiff peaks, 5-7 minutes. Loosly pile the rest of the marshmallow topping on top and use a spatula to spread it in big luscious swirls. The pie is best served the same day, but it can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

To make the marshmallow topping: Put the egg whites, cream of tartar, and sugar in a large heatproof bowl, set the bowl over a medium saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water) and whisk constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the egg whites are warm to the touch, 3-4 minutes. The mixture will appear pale and 23

g n i c Dan the

NUTCRACKER THE ART AND MAGIC OF A CHRISTMAS TRADITION

dancing the nutcracker Jo Ann Christopher, director of Melange Dance Company, is celebrating the company's 35th year of the Nutcracker ballet. The ballet has become an essential part of the Christmas season in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Casting for the production is done around the middle of August. Rehearsals and costume fittings begin the following week. The 21-member company, cast, and supporting group of non-company participants and local "celebrities" rehearse every week until opening night. As Artistic Director, Jo Ann Christopher (known by her ballet students as "Mrs. Jo Ann") directs all aspects of the Nutcracker including staging, performance, and even costume design. Former Melange Dance Company member and now assistant to Mrs. Jo Ann, Dylan Demouey, says "She doesn't give herself enough credit when it comes to costume design. Mrs. Jo Ann designs all the costumes, right down to where every single sequin is placed." She works alongside seamstress, Ruth Steiner, to hand make the costumes. The costumes have a simple, traditional elegance that captures the audience's attention in a whimsical way. In its 35 years of production, the Melange Dance Company's Nutcracker choreography has been slightly revised, restaged, and changed, but the tradtional story remains the same. It is a huge part of

Pascagoula, Mississippi's local culture. Mrs. Jo Ann tells us, "We are the only ballet company in Jackson County and our main goal is to bring the art of ballet and production to the community. It is our goal as well to give the artists an opportunity to perform in a professional production. The Nutcracker has become a Jackson County tradition." The company also performs the Nutcracker for local schools each year. They rotate schools so that every child in the community has the opportunity to see the Nutcracker. "Many kids do not know what true, classical ballet is. For most, it will be their only chance to see a professional ballet performance. We want to educate and expose the local children to the art of dance and give them the opportunity to participate in such a magical event." We asked Mrs. Jo Ann: What is your favorite part of the Nutcracker? "I love every part, every piece of music, and every set piece. If I had to say, my favorite thing about the production would be coming into the theatre on move in day to an empty stage, no sets, no lights, no costumes... just an empty stage... and we bring the whole production to life. Seeing performers from ages 3 to 63 step onto the stage and make the Christmas Dream a reality is my favorite part." 25

dancing the nutcracker

The role of Clara is carefully selected based on dancing ability, facial expressions, acting ability, size, and age. Usually a 5th to 7th grade girl. Since the Melange Dance Company is made up primarily of female ballerinas, male dancers are brought in to perform male roles. Tyler McCants will perform the role of the Nutcracker this year and Ryan Arnold will be the Cavalier. Both of these men were former students of Mrs. Jo Ann's at LeFlore Magnet High School in Mobile, Alabama. Tyler is finishing his final year as a dance major at University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Dance Performance. Ryan is a graduate of University of Alabama with degree in Dance Performance. In the past, guest dancers have come from Nashville Ballet, Florida State University, Bocca Ballet, Miami, and Atlanta.

JO ANN CHRISTOPHER 26 Sunshine Issue No. 2

Learn mo re abo at www.m ut Melange Dance C elangeda ncecompa ompany ny.com. This year's Nutcracke rP are Decem ber 13, 1 erformance Dates 4, sales and more info and 15. For ticket r m of Dance and Gymn ation contact Stud io astics (22 8)762-64 93.

little kid BIG STYLE

28 Sunshine Issue No. 2

meet

JOLIE

AGE LOVES WE 5. ARING TU TUS DANCING , DESIGNI , NG FASHION CLOTHES AND CREATING ART PROJ ECTS.

ART PROJECT

SUPPLY LIST Mod Podge Balloons Foam Brushes Newspaper Sticker Dots Gold Leaf Gold Leaf Adhesive Gold Leaf Sealer

Kelli Murray's blog is full of beautiful, inspiring projects. These gold leaf paper mache bowls immediately stole our hearts. They are perfect for adding a little accent to your jewelry stash. They are also a fabulous idea for handmade Christmas gifts. You won't regret carving out some time this weekend to make these pretty bowls.

32 Sunshine Issue No. 2

All photos used with permission from Kelli Murray. Visit her blog www.kellimurray.com

ART LIVES ON THE ARTWORK OF WALTER ANDERSON DEFINES A COASTAL COMMUNITY

36 Sunshine Issue No. 2

Southern artist, Walter Anderson, was born in New Orleans in 1903. His family later moved to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. After marrying his wife, Agnes, he found himself making a living as an artist in a time when most people found it hard to make a living at all. He was known to residents of Ocean Springs as the crazy artist who rode his bicycle everywhere. He passed away in 1965, but his work lives on at a place called Realizations. The pieces of Walter Anderson's work displayed here perfectly capture the spirit of this vibrant coastal community.

ART LIVES ON

Realizations is a Walter Anderson museum and store located in downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The walls are covered in many of Anderson's original paintings and sculptures. As your feet click along the dark hardwood floors, your eyes get a visual feast of color and beauty. Prints of Walter Anderson drawings can be purchased in the form of posters, framed art, greeting cards, tote bags, t-shirts, hats, scarves, curtains and so much more. Shoppers can even purchase black and white prints on heavy paper that can be painted with watercolors at home. Articles of clothing are stamped with some of Anderson's most famous coastal scenes. Walter Anderson's affection for nature and animals is displayed beautifully on the racks at Realizations.

38 Sunshine Issue No. 2

Behind the counter you'll find local artists, writers, and aspiring business owners who are always up for good conversation and chats about Walter Anderson. Clothing and bags purchased at Realizations can be found all around this quaint little Mississippi town. They are staples... not souvenirs. Although Anderson lived an introverted life, his art lives on boldly and brightly.

ART LIVES ON

"TRUE ART CONSISTS OF SPREADING WIDE THE INTERVALS SO THAT IMAGINATION CAN FILL THE GAPS..." -WALTER ANDERSON

CRANBERRYSAUCE

40 Sunshine Issue No. 2 1 2

3 4

1. Pillow by Anthropologie / 2. Pendant Light by YLight.com / 3. Cherry wood guitar from Amazon.com / 4. Neff watch

COLOR OF THE MONTH

8 6

5. Votive Candle Holder. Find similar at World Market 6. Nike Running Shorts from Nike.com / 7. Table Setting photgraphed by Dapper Designs / 8. Sorbet found at Vintage Rose Garden.com /9. Cowl from etsy.com

PLACES we LOVE OLIVELLA

arkley and Amber Gannon say they love working together. "We are best friends and both have really laid back personalities. We compliment each other as a team." This young married couple owns a gourmet food store that specializes in imported extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars.

"Barkley is an amazing sales person. He could sell ice cream to an eskimo! I keep up with paperwork. We know how to read each other. If one of us senses that the other needs a little breathing room, we respect that and alter our schedules accordingly." Amber tells us. Olivella sells 13 infused olive oils with flavors ranging from Garlic and Basil to Blood Orange to Chipotle. They also have 23 different aged dark and white balsamic vinegars. The flavors range from Traditional Balsamic for the conservative palate to Dark Chocolate or Blackberry Ginger for more open-minded tasters. "Right now Tuscan Herb is our best selling olive oil. It is infused with basil, rosemary, garlic and oregano. It's an amazing bread dipping oil. The blood orange is a close second. It's awesome on salads, over grilled fish or baked sweet potato wedges with a little bit of sea salt and cracked black pepper. The Cranberry Pear is by far the most popular vinegar. Cinnamon Pear, Lavender, and Strawberry are also consistently popular. If you can't think of ways to use them, we provide lots of ideas!"

For more information about Olivella find them on facebook or call (251) 725-6810.

44 Sunshine Issue No. 2

Barkley and Amber agree that owning a business is a balance of good and evil, but the freedom and satisfaction in creating something out of nothing is worth all the hard work.

e're seeing stacks of bracelets on arms everywhere. Bulky bangles are not just for college kids and summer campers anymore. Styles range from simple friendship bracelets to jewel encrusted cuffs, and are worn by celebrities and non-celebrities alike. If you're looking for a few last minute Christmas gifts, bracelets ae the way to go. You can purchase bracelets seen here at Anthropologie, Zara, Forever 21, or Claire's. There are also zillions of tutorials online if you're enthusiastic about something more personal. Make them, keep them, give them, wear them, love them! 46 Sunshine Issue No. 2

CRYSTAL LEWIS THE ARTIST BEHIND THE VOICE

Photo by Closer to Love Photography

In a day and age where so many artists come and go, Crystal Lewis' unbelievable voice and undeniable message has withstood the test of time. This critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and multiDove Award Winner celebrates almost three decades as a successful recording artist. We asked Crystal what she's doing now and what keeps her inspired, challenged and happy. "I moved from Southern Califoria (where I was born and raised) to Montana 7 years ago. And while I've been through various seasons of life, i never fully understood the true meaning of seasons until now. It's remarkable the way God uses creation to help us unfold truth in our lives. The inevitable coming of the cold and surety of spring bring hope and faith to life in a whole new way! Since moving to Montana, I have recorded one album. While I've continued to travel and write and record, moving to the country was still a step back from the hurried and hectic life in the city and on the road. It has been, and continues to be, a beautiful way of living... all slowed down and quiet. Well, as quiet as a house full of musicians 50 Sunshine Issue No. 2

CRYSTAL LEWIS

can be! We became a homeschool family early on, prior to our move, when the kids were 8 and 10, so our house has always been loud and raucous and inspiring and wonderful. Now, my son is nearly 20... and married! My daughter is 17. They each graduated by 17 and are pursuing careers in music and ministry. Today, literally right now, I'm in the process of making a new record. Letting the beauty of creation and the country seep into new songs about Jesus and life and truth. I feel so blessed to be able to travel and see the city, but I always come home to my Montana." What inspires you? "I'm inspired by such a giant, interesting mix of things. I love the noise and clamor of the city, but I need the quiet too. I love hearing people's stories and getting to know what's going on in people's heads, but

sitting in the presence of my horses birngs a different kind of understanding. I believe God gave us each such unique minds and abilities and He allows us to see the beauty of HIS heart in countless scenarios." What are your greatest challenges? "I will say that this work, this work of being creative and making music that means something isn't without its challenges. Being an independent artist, which I chose to be years ago when my husband and I started our own record label (Metro One, 1992), can be rewarding but tough. The music industry as a whole is terribly political, which makes making headway hard. The biggest challenge is a spiritual one. I truly believe that any time you do what you're called to do in light of Jesus and living with an eternal perspective, you encounter opposition. Call me whatever you want, but I believe in the Bible and the Bible says we 51

have an enemy that does not want me to succeed. So often I feel clobbered emotionally, creatively and spiritually."

What's the best advice you've ever been given? " 'Crys, get in the Word. Stay in the Word. It's by far the BEST thing you can do for your life and ministry.' So I try to live by that. Every day, in how I live and what I do, in what I sing and what I say. I try to immerse myself in the life-giving truth of the Word. I hope my work and life reflect that. I'm not suggesting I have 100% success rate... but I try... I'm trying."

Learn more about Crystal's journey on her website www.crystallewis.com

52 Sunshine Issue No. 2

parapalla design shoppe

Invitations. Announcements. Custom Stamps.

Flit, flutter, or fly on over to a brand new corner of the web featuring fun and fresh graphic design!

parapalla.com

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