Twila Fall 2013

the great tailgate tradition

issue no. 5 FALL 2013

letter from the

creative editor

Another issue! Can you believe that this is the one year anniversary of the first issue?! I can’t either. I can’t say I really knew where I was going with this magazine when I first started it, but I couldn’t be happier with the results thus far.

My letter this month is all about thanks and gratitude. Thanks to those who make each and every issue possible. Thanks to those who have supported me since Twila’s inception. And thanks to those who donated their time, goods, and efforts into this issue specifically: our first styled photoshoot.

I couldn’t be happier with the results of our first styled shoot. We had some amazing vendors donate foods and goods for us to use. And we couldn’t have asked for better cooperation from our models and photographers.

THANK YOU. This issue and these amazing photos wouldn’t have made it possible without you. I am constantly amazed with everyones willingness to participate in the crazy ideas I throw at them. This magazine wouldn’t be the same without it.

I will be forever grateful for the support my friends, family, and colleagues have showed over the past year in my dream to start this magazine, because without them none of this would be possible. xoxo,

Johnna

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r meet ou team alyson banks

alicia broehl

Alyson Banks is a recent graduate of James Madison University where she studied Communication Studies, concentrating in Public Relations and minoring in Writing Rhetoric and Technical Communication. The 22 year old enjoys blogging, going to concerts, discovering unknown artists and pouring over a good book. When she’s not working, you can find most likely find her at her local Starbucks enjoying a peppermint mocha.

Alicia graduated from JMU with a degree in finance. She works in investment management in Alexandria, VA. While she enjoys her job in finance, she fulfils the creative and artistic side of her through floral design. She works as a freelance designer for her company, Alicia Jayne Florals in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Alicia has studied floral design locally and at the New York School of Floral Design.

donna hetrick

jeri hetrick

Jeri Hetrick works as an event stylist for Twila & Co., where she recently joined the team as a full-time event planner.

She works and resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia where she spends her time planning events, cooking, baking, playing with her pup Lilly and enjoying Fredericksburg.

Jeri is also an ambassdor for Protein Bakery.

Donna Hetrick, is a certified clinical nutritionist, personal trainer & sales rep with Wildtree. She owns Lifestyle Fitness Nutrition providing nutritional counseling, blood chemistry analysis and personal training in Fredericksburg, VA. She has raised three amazing children, is still wildly in love with her husband of 30 years and is on this planet to teach others how to reclaim their health by nourishing their bodies with whole foods.

chelsea islin

Chelsea is a twenty-three year old living in Arlington, VA. She graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Communication Studies major in 2011 and is currently an Account Executive at DISYS. She’s a big fan of shopping, trying new wines and exploring DC with her friends. She started her blog for a college course and though that ended she’s continued posting!

FALL 2013

valerie paquette

valerie paquette

Valerie is graduate of Christopher Newport University who now lives in Richmond and pursues her love of sweet treats.

For Valerie, baking is a place of creativity and stress relief from her every day life, as well as a fun experiment and friendship builder as she shares her goodies with everyone. Valerie loves breakfast, running, farmers markets, and local Richmond food establishments.

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contributors ashleigh lamma editor

minh hussey photographer

virginia

fredericksburg, virginia

julie leah

alice parvin

life & style blogger virginia

meredith smoot

emily & nicole

home columnist alexandria, virginia

starboard clothing co.

life coach fredericksburg, va

lifestyle bloggers virginia

jewelry design new york, new york

annapolis, maryland

fredericksburg, virginia

fredericksburg, virginia

popcorn bag

bijou’s sweet treats

wildtree

Bee Sweet

Instant de Vie Photography

Jeff Ianicelli Photography

fredericksburg, virginia

edible weddings

lindsay van cleave

Virginia

fredericksburg, virginia

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culpeper, virginia

fredericksburg, virginia

D ES I G N ST U D I O

twila & co

E V E N T ST Y L I N G

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA TWILACO.COM | JOHNNA@TWILACO.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/TWILACO 540.840..0312 FALL 2013

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DO YOU KNOW

a great bachelor IN VIRGINIA?

We’re looking for great guys living and working in Virginia for our ‘sizzlin’ summer’ issue. If you know of a great bachelor, please email Johnna at johnna@twilaco.com.

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THE FALL FEATURE

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FALL ISSUE what you’ll find

THE ESSENTIALS 10 Behind the Scenes 75 Define your Decorating Style 76 DIY: Football Wreath

HEALTH & BALANCE 18 Bittersweet Nostalgia 20 Bridal Bible 22 What is a Life Coach?

FOOD & RECIPES

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13 Tailgating with Wildtree 80 Pursuit of Sweetness 84 Favorite Tailgate

FASHION & BEAUTY

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56 Classy Chic & Chardonnay 62 Fall Back Into Fashion 56

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Styling the tailgate.

scenes

BEHIND THE

Sean and Aaron goofing off with their new Twila koozies.

This tailgate photoshoot was the first styled shoot for Twila and it couldn’t have been more successful! Many thanks to everyone involved for their patience and cooperation through our first photoshoot venture.

The je

welry

Relaxing after a long afternoon.

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from E

verisst

a.

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Achieve Healthy Balance in an Unbalanced World!

Nutritional Counseling Blood Chemistry Analysis Cardiovascular & Strength Training Workouts & Weight Loss LifestyleFitnessNutrition.com dphetrick@verizon.net Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: 540-898-5219 | Fax: 540-891-4050 12

TAILGATING WITH Other than what you may be throwing on the grill at the Tailgate—the best tailgate foods are those that can be made ahead, that travel well and look & taste great right out of cooler! Go to www.mywildtree.com/donnah for more recipes or to order any of the Wildtree products called for in the recipes.

by donna hetrick

wildtree

RODEO BURGERS

(shown to the right) Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 85% lean • 1 tablespoon Wildtree Rodeo Rub Preparation Heat a well-oiled grill to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and Rodeo Rub. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form into patties. Grill the burgers for approximately 5-6 minutes per side.

Devilish Dilly Eggs Ingredients • 6 eggs, hard boiled • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (We love Veganaise – egg free/dairy free vegan mayo) • 1 teaspoon mustard • 1/2 teaspoon Wildtree Dill Dip Blend • 1/4 teaspoon Wildtree Garlic Galore Dip • 1 teaspoon paprika • Black pepper to taste Preparation Peel eggs. Cut each in half & place yolks a bowl. Mash yolks and add seasonings, mayonnaise, and mustard; blend together well. Chill for an hour before serving.

FALL 2013

A

fresh LOOK by donna hetrick

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A

fresh LOOK Texas Caviar

Blazin’ Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 (15.5 oz) can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed • 2 tomatoes, diced • 1 red onion, diced • 1 bell pepper, diced • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (wear gloves) • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped • 1 teaspoon Wildtree Chipotle Lime Rub • 1 tablespoon Wildtree Hickory Smoked Grilling Grapeseed Oil

• • • • • •

1 cup chicken, cooked and shredded 8 ounces cream cheese 1/4 cup red onion, diced 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp Wildtree Blazin’ Buffalo Blend

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together. Transfer to a 5x7 loaf pan and bake for approximately Preparation 20 minutes, until bubbling. This dip tastes just Combine all ingredients in a bowl refrigerate as great at room temperature as it does right until ready to serve. Can be served with chips out of the oven – making it a great Tailgate as a salsa, on hot dogs or burgers, even in Dip that can be prepped ahead of time. an omelet or with scrambled eggs for a breakfast burrito.

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A

freshLOOK

What is Wildtree?

An Organic Pantry Foods company with nearly 200 products that do not contain MSG, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Oils, Artificial food dyes/flavorings, irradiated or GMO ingredients. That’s right—NO GMO’s!

ALL WILDTREE PRODUCTS ARE MADE IN A PEANUT-FREE FACILITY Our Product Line Includes: Herb & Spice Blends | Soup Mixes Bread Mixes | BBQ Sauces Marinades & Salad Dressings

Give Wildtree a Test Drive Find a complete nutritional analysis on every product at www.wildtree.com

Place an order!

mywildtree.com/donnah Find out more about hosting or attending a tasting or a freezer meal workshop or look into great career opportunity in organic foods e-mail Donna Hetrick at dphetrick@verizon.net.

Donna Hetrick 540-898-1272 www.mywildtree.com/donnah http://wildtreedonna.blogspot.com/

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A

fresh LOOK

Flourless Peanut Butter chocolate chip

gluten free cookies

Ingredients

Preparation

• 1 cup Smuckers Natural Creamy Peanut 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together peanut Butter butter and next 4 ingredients in a medium • 3/4 cup sugar bowl until well blended. Stir in chocolate • 1 large egg morsels.

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 • 1/4 teaspoon salt inches apart onto parchment paper-lined • 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels baking sheets.

(Dairy free morsels can be substituted if 3. Bake at 350° for 12 to 14 minutes or until necessary) puffed and lightly browned. Cool on baking • Parchment paper sheets on a wire rack 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack, and let cool 15 minutes.

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Think outside the flower petal...

Candy buffets, lollipop bouquets, boutonnieres, decor and more for weddings, rehearsals, baby or bridal showers, birthdays and all of life’s sweet occasions! www.Edible-Weddings.com (571) 572-8195 FALL 2013

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by alyson banks

bittersweet nostalgia

the bliss of the past merging with the benefits of the future...

“Nostalgia: a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one’s life, to one’s home or homeland, or to one’s family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time.” Dictionary.com does a fine job describing the summation of my life over the past few months.

Nostalgia is something that hit me hard, out of the blue. One second you’re graduating college and excited to embrace the working world in your 20’s. Then, in the words of the always eloquent, sometimes annoying Taylor Swift, you’re “happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time.” What gives?

At first, I’ll admit, I was very scattered; making myself content was a complicated scenario. I was no longer close to my best friends, location-wise, and I found myself far, far away from my boyfriend as well. To make matters more muddled, I was in-between jobs, seeking to find a position I felt I belonged in. I began to realize this was just a phase almost everyone had to go through.

Oh the joys of transition. No one said it would be easy, and it certainly wasn’t.

Finding out where I fit involved going through several changes that I didn’t anticipate, but instead of fighting these changes, I learned to embrace them. Life is often way more black and white than we think.

Ray

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Bradbury

once

wrote,

“You

can be happy or you can be miserable. The amount of effort is the same.” Happiness is wholeheartedly a choice. I firmly believe the perspective at which you view life directly relates to the outcome of your future.

While I love my memories from college, I came to the realization that I am not there anymore; I’m growing up. Life, whether or not I like it, will continue to change. I can pine away for the past, or I can learn to adjust and make the best out of what happens.

things we loved from the past and make them work in the present. It just takes time, patience, and effort. From our most valuable memories, we can pull out what means the most to us— goals we want to accomplish or qualities that we uncover about ourselves.

So I guess the moral of the story is this: stop fighting change. It’s a losing battle. However, we can grin and bear it with excitement for what the future holds. Who knows, it could bring even better things than what we were clinging to before.

Obviously, things aren’t as cut and dry as that seems. There are many days when all I want to And sometimes, change could be exactly do is sit with my best friend at Starbucks at JMU what we need. and sip on pumpkin spice lattes as we laugh and cry together over how weird we are. But I have to look back on that and accept it’s not reality right now. She’s in Florida working at her dream job and I’m in Virginia, nine-to-fiveing it too. There are still ways we can keep the

What if you could change your unhealthy population in

one year?

Workplace Wellness Solutions made simple.

SADE WELLNESS

FALL 2013

www.sadewellness.com | 703.850.1785 info@sadeWELLNESS.com

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by jeri hetrick

BRIDAL bible

“Thou Shall Not Roast During a Toast.”

It has been months of demands, unwelcome attitudes, and high stress appointments, but you have finally made it to the big day. It is understandable to have some irritation towards the bride after months of planning. But, it is now your time to shine and you can’t let those feelings show. Follow our do’s and don’ts for a successful and enjoyable toast: Do: Start by introducing yourself and how you know the bride Don’t: Include an embarrassing story of the bride from way back when Do: Include a light hearted joke or memory for her and the guests to get a chuckle out of Don’t: Give a dig or insult Do: Keep it SHORT and sweet Don’t: Abuse your chance at the spotlight with a lengthy speech Do: End with a loving hope to the newly weds Don’t: Give a negative wish (ex. Well, can’t wait to see how this thing ends up.) – and yes, I have heard that as an ending to a Maid of Honor toast.

Still unsure and nervous about your big speech? Watch movies for help!

Do: Follow Samantha in Sex and the City Don’t: Follow Alan’s speech in Hangover 2, 5 Year Engagment or Bridesmaids And ultimately remember: Do: Toast Don’t: Roast!

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by alice parvin

WHAT IS A life coach?

You have probably have heard the term, “Life Coach� on television, through Facebook, from a friend or family member or perhaps you have even checked it out on Google. You are not alone. Just what is a life Coach?

In simple terms, a Life Coach is a partner in a process which helps individuals explore and recognize the potential that is already present within them awaiting access and exploration. This allows space for personal growth, to increase self-awareness and to refine their goals and to trust their inner knowing, while providing a safe space in which to move forward. It is two halves coming together to form a whole.

The creation of wholeness in the life of the client.

A Life Coach is a guide. They do not provide answers to the questions asked, they lead clients in creatively finding their own answers. This is the power of coaching.

Coaches do not give advice or provide solutions for the challenges the client may be facing. Coaching is actually a core tool to help bring clients to a truly resilient, creative and joyful life by guiding them through a process of discovering their own answers, their own truths.

How does that happen?

First, a coach and client come together to form an alliance to work together as partners in the process. The coach provides the container where the work begins and is held while the client is encouraged to seek answers to their own questions. It is easier than one might believe and extremely powerful. We all carry within ourselves the answers to our biggest life questions but we may need a guide to help us unearth them. Enter the Life Coach.

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Most coaches begin the coaching process through an initial consult with potential clients.

A little bit like a first date, but not as nerve racking. This consult session will begin to build the foundation for how the client and coach will work together. This is the time to ask questions.

Come prepared. The coach will have questions, as well. Through this Q & A exchange, coach and client will determine if they are a good match. Like a good dance partner, the coach will lead and create a dance that flows for the client. The majority of coaches do not charge for the consult session so you can try it on and see if the coach is a good fit.

This is one of the most important sessions. It will set the tone for the partnership and the direction the client and coach will take.

This session varies in length depending on the coach. Fifty minutes to an hour is the norm.

A good life coach will explore the needs of their clients by asking a series of questions which will vary with each clients and the set of circumstances or the challenges that are presented.

These questions are meant to invite the client to look at situations in a different way. As a coach guides the client, new insights will appear and new perspectives are revealed inspiring the client into forward movement.

and awareness. It is the fertile place where personal growth flourishes and answers are found.

Much of the growth and expansion of self for the client happens between coaching sessions. Clients begin to see things differently, do things differently, show up differently and change occurs. The level of commitment by the client will determine the actual success of the coaching process more than anything.

One of the questions I am asked the most is; “Is coaching like therapy?” The simple answer is no. Therapist and coaches have very different approaches and both serve an important purpose. For me the biggest difference is that coaching begins where you are and moves you forward. Therapy is sometimes the better path and a competent coach will be able to recognize this and make the proper recommendation. The delineation between the specific need for one or the other is usually very clear.

The second question is; “What do Life Coaches charge?”

It varies for a number of reasons but fees can range from $50 per session up to $150. Also some coaches require a minimum time commitment, usually three months. How payment is structured varies also. It could be required up front, billed monthly or paid following each There is a quote that exemplifies what this session. may look like. “Changing where we look, changes what we see. What we see hasn’t The third question is; “How often do client and actually changed; it is just how we now see coach meet?” Usually in the beginning sessions are weekly and are 50 minutes in durait…..anew.” tion. However, this is determined during the The partnership or alliance formed becomes first session when coach and client agree to a catalyst for life changes by inviting the cliwork together along with whether the sessions ent to be curious and to release judgment. are conducted in person or over the phone.

This opens a path for clarity, self-exploration

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The majority of coaches that work with individuals conduct sessions by phone.

Another very important piece of this partnership is to know that all coaching session are held in strict confidence by the coach. This creates a safe place for the client to completely immerse themselves in the process.

Coaches vary in their approaches and methodologies. If you are thinking about working with a coach look on line, ask a friend, do your homework. Some coaches specialize in career planning, corporate leadership, preparing for retirement, life changing events or even relationship coaching. Clients do not have to find a coach according to a specific area but they are out there if that is what the client is looking for. Again, the ball is in the court of the client.

Results from coaching can be experienced as minor shifts which help a client move through a difficult challenge, it can be transformative as the client begins to listen to their inner voice and step into their own wisdom. It can truly be life altering as clients begin to honor their deepest knowing and show up in all of their magnificence. It is a catalyst for discovering just how wonderfully full and rich life can be.

Alice Parvin Life Coach Ripple Effect Coaching Fredericksburg, VA. 24

DEOCRATIVE COOKIES & MORE Jeanette Burpoe beesweetonline@gmail.com

We specialize in wedding cakes, hand decorated cookies and custom baked goods to make your special occasions extra sweet. www.bijoussweettreats.com info@bijoussweettreats.com 540-244-0341 FALL 2013

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R G E E A H T T

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Photographed by Instant de Vie; Truck from Vic Eaves; Graphics/Labels by Twila & Co.; Floral Arrangements from Alicia Jayne Florals; Popcorn from the Popcorn Bag of Fredericksburg; Hamburgers from Wildtree; Candy Bouquet from Edible Weddings; Cupcakes from Bijou’s Sweet Treats

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Photographed by Jeff Iannicelli; Truck from Vic Eaves; Graphics/Labels by Twila & Co.; Floral Arrangements from Alicia Jayne Florals

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Photographed by Instant de Vie; Truck from Vic Eaves; Graphics/Labels by Twila & Co.; Floral Arrangements from Alicia Jayne Florals; Jewelry from Everistta; Popcorn from the Popcorn Bag of Fredericksburg; Hamburgers from Wildtree; Candy Bouquet from Edible Weddings; Cupcakes & Cookies from Bijou’s Sweet Treats; Cookies from Bee Sweet

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Photographed by Jeff Iannicelli; Graphics/Labels and Koozies by Twila & Co.; Bowties from Starboard Clothing Company

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Photographed by Instant de Vie; Truck from Vic Eaves; Graphics/Labels by Twila & Co.; Floral Arrangements from Alicia Jayne Florals; Jewelry from Everistta

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Photographed by Jeff Iannicelli; Truck from Vic Eaves; Graphics/Labels by Twila & Co.; Floral Arrangements from Alicia Jayne Florals

Photographed by Instant de Vie; Graphics/Labels by Twila & Co.; Floral Arrangements from Alicia Jayne Florals; Popcorn from the Popcorn Bag of Fredericksburg; Jewelry by Everistta

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Photographed by Instant de Vie; Truck from Vic Eaves; Graphics/Labels by Twila & Co.; Floral Arrangements from Alicia Jayne Florals; Jewelry from Everistta; Popcorn from the Popcorn Bag of Fredericksburg; Hamburgers from Wildtree; Candy Bouquet from Edible Weddings; Cupcakes from Bijou’s Sweet Treats

Photographed by Instant de Vie; Truck from Vic Eaves; Graphics/Labels by Twila & Co.; Floral Arrangements from Alicia Jayne Florals; Jewelry from Everistta; Bowties from Starboard Clothing Company

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Graphic Design and Event Planning Twila & Co. (formerly known as Artketing) Floral Design Alicia Jayne Florals Jewelry Everistta BOWTIES Starboard Clothing Company 50

Food Vendors Edible Weddings Popcorn Bag of Fredericksburg Bijou’s Sweet Treats Wildtree Pursuit of Sweetness Bee Sweet Photography Instant de Vie Photography Jeff Iannicelli Photography

Truck Borrowed from Vic Eaves of Stafford, VA Models Chelsea Islin of Classy Chic and Chardonnay Jennifer Baer and family of MAYJUNE Events Jeri Hetrick, Event Stylist of Twila & Co. Alyson Banks, Resident Blogger of Twila & Co.

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Meredith & Kyle Smoot Will Strand Sean Hetrick Aaron Wagoner Stephen Norair Rose & Daniel Maddox Tammy Harper and a few amazing families!

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Minh Hussey 540.847.0307 instantdeviephotography.com

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STARBOARDCLOTHING.COM FACEBOOK.COM/STARBOARDCLOTHING TWITTER.COM/STARBOARDSTYLE

FALL 2013

restaurants | travel | wine | fashion ceislin.com

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by chelsea islin 56

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TRUSTY trend...

Every season there’s a list of new trends that come and go but after a couple seasons and restocking of colors, colored denim seems to be one that’s sticking around for a few more shifts in the weather. When I ran across these olive skinnies from Gap, I knew they had to come home with me. It was almost like hitting two birds with one stone... colored denim in a fall hue, and they would fill my void of being not quite ready to jump into the camo trend.

The first somewhat cooler day I jumped into them, pulled on a very comfortable peplum and slipped into my new favorite gold metallic heels. Add some jewels and ta-da you have yourself my outfit!

And for a CC&C style tip... metallic heels- silver, gold, platinum- can be worn with everything! I love the warm gold contrasting against the olive but how beautiful would a silver be against a tride and true blue jean?!

Jeans, Gap/ Peplum, Forever21/ Necklace, via TJMaxx/ Shoes, J.Crew/ Purse, South Moon Under/ Watch, Akribos/ Sunglasses, Forever21

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CAT call

Dressing from desk to drinks sometimes can be tricky, especially when you work in a more conservative atmosphere. Insert blazers.

They’re a great way to look professional while in, and out of, work but just as easy to take off and transform your whole look. I know I’m not suggesting something you’ve never heard before, but a simple reminder is sometimes nice :) Pair an animal print blouse or tank with black skinnies (I recommend J.Crew’s Minnie Pant) and when 5 o’clock hits just take off the blazer and you are ready to start sipping!

Pants, J.Crew/ Peplum, Ann Taylor/ Blazer, Gap/ Purse, Tory Burch/ Necklaces, via Nordstrom/ Watch, Akribos/ Bracelet, gifted/ Booties, DVF

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FALL BACK

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by julie leah

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orange YOU GLAD..

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Dress, MICHAEL KORS; Vest, JCP; Heels, FRANCO SARTO; Belt, NY & Co.; Watch, MICHAEL KORS; Turquoise bracelet, GROOP DEALZ

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blue

THE DEEPEST

Dress, KAREN KANE; Denim jacket, GAP; Booties, TARGET; Necklace, BAUBLE BAR; Pave bracelet, GROOP DEALZ; Bangle, CHARMING CHARLIE; Sunglasses, D&G

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dog

HAIR OF THE

Sweater, ANTHROPOLOGIE; Tee shirt, TARGET; Shorts, JCP; Heels, TAHARI; Necklace / turquoise bracelet / pave bracelet, GROOP DEALZ; Tortoise bangle, LULU FROST for J. CREW; Earrings, KATE SPADE; Sunglasses, D&G

THE BEST OF

burgandy Dress, BELK; Heels, J. CREW; Necklace, BAUBLE BAR; Pave bracelet, GROOP DEALZ; Bangle, CHARMING CHARLIE

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chambray

& CAMO

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Camo jacket, JCP ; Chambray blouse, J. CREW; Jeans, AMERICAN EAGLE; Booties, TARGET; Earrings, J. CREW;Turquoise bangle, COACH; Tortoise bangle, LULU FROST for J. CREW; Sunglasses, D&G

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DEFINING YOUR

by meredith smoot

decorating style

Where you live is a reflection of you and your what those words look like. Do you see life and deciding how to decorate your place certain colors or places? can be much more complex than deciding 3. Look at magazines and websites. They on the paint colors you like. Defining your style are great resources to get ideas and see is a cornerstone in the decorating process. new trends in home décor. Don’t forget to Your style choices will drive hours of effort look at fashion magazines too. Many times and hundreds if not thousands of dollars in clothing trends foreshadow home décor purchases. So where do you even start? Here trends. are 5 suggestions for how to start the process 4. Decide what you don’t like. This can be and begin your decorating adventure. a crucial step in deciding what you do 1. Start in your closet. Decorating your living like and narrowing your options. Do you space is just as personal as your individual hate clutter? Maybe modern style with clothing style. Your closet is a great place its tendency for clean lines and simplicity to get inspired by colors and textures. Is may be for you. But don’t be too quick to there a sweater you love? Try a knit throw accept or reject a whole genre of design. or pillow. How about that neon colored There may be some parts that work while top? Try some bright ceramic vases for a others do not. table centerpiece.

5. Have patience. Chances are that you 2. Make a list (and not one for the grocery won’t finish overnight. You don’t want to store!). What are 3 words that describe rush into decisions that could potentially your personality? Write them down. They cost time and money. Also, take the time will help you determine what kind of vibes to enjoy the process; shopping around and your home should give. Next, try to visualize experimenting are half the fun!

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DIY:football wreath

by emily & nicole

Riddle me this: Why on earth would you spend $40-50 (or more!?) on a seasonal wreath for your door? You don’t have time to make your own, you say? Pish posh. This wreath takes only five steps and about an hour of your time.

Plenty of stores (both on and offline) would charge you upwards of $40 for something a wreath like this. Here’s how to make your own for less than (likely way less than) $30.

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beautiful LET IT BE

Let me help you prettify your blog or business!

DAILY BLOG

BLOG MAKEOVERS

LOGO DESIGN

BUSINESS CARD DESIGN

www.libbdesigns.com www.letitbebeautiful.com ashlyn@letitbebeautiful.com FALL 2013

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What You’ll Need • A (plastic-wrapped) 12″ straw wreath (*Keep plastic on) • A screwdriver (of the flat head variety) • Scissors • 5-6 yards of cheap fabric (in the colors of your choosing) • A decal or little thing-a-ma-jig of some sort to stick on once you’re done 1. Start with your straw wreath. Under $3.

Budget win already. Keep in mind that you’re going to add a ton of fabric to this guy… so a 12″ wreath isn’t going to look much bigger because it will puff up once you add the fabric. NOTE: Do not take the plastic off this wreath or you will get straw everywhere (you will thank me later)!

2. Now the fabric. Don’t go overboard and buy expensive fabric. It’s not worth it. We’re talking $8 or less a yard. Visit the remnants bin.

Patterns are cool, but you’ll want to make sure you have a ton of solids, as patterns usually are just one sided (to give you an idea, 3/4 of my fabric was solid, the other 1/4 was assorted patterns). Don’t forget to look for coupons online! Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics, etc. are always having deals.

3. Cut your fabric into 4″ squares. The squares don’t have to be perfect. Cut a bunch of each color/pattern to start with, this way you can mix/match and pick/choose as you go without having to stop and cut every 2 minutes. TIP: if you don’t want a million little threads to clean up, use pinking shears instead of regular scissors. If using scissors, try to pull off as many of the little straggler threads as possible BEFORE putting the wreath together.

4. Using your screwdriver, jam the fabric into the wreath. Stab away, jamming fabric all over the front of the wreath (you’ve still got your plastic on there, right? If so, this is the moment where you should be thanking me).

Keep going until the front is covered. You can always pull it out and replace with another color if you want.

5. Once you finish the front, flip it over and jam fabric around the inner and outer edge (this way, when you look at it from the front, you won’t see any straw). You can finish the whole back if you’d like (cheaper if you don’t).

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You should have a fluffy wreath that looks a little something like this.

Sure, it’s cute, but it’s missing a little something, right? I recommend adding a little thing-a-majig to spiff up the wreath a bit. I opted for a Redskins logo that I glued onto some cardboard and then attached. There are many different ways of attaching your thing-a-ma-jig, depending on what it is, including: hot glue, regular glue, some needle and thread, heck, even a bobby pin or safety pin may work.

Well, folks. There you have it! Your very own wreath for around $20. Good job, you.

Nicole is a twenty-something wife, marketer, diehard Redskins fan, proud cheer coach, grumpy gym goer, and blogger. Her blog, {Ever After, Happily}, is about life: updating (and eventually selling) her teeny tiny townhouse, losing weight, getting healthy, and eventually making a move to Florida ... where she’ll never have to be cold again.

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by valerie paquette

PURSUIT OF SWEETNESS

blt hummus Ingredients • 1 1/4 cups (1 container) store-bought plain hummus • 1/2 cup sour cream • 1 package bacon • 1 pint cherry tomatoes • 1 package shredded lettuce Directions 1. Cook bacon according to directions on package. Place on paper towels to drain and allow to come to room temperature. Chop cooled bacon into small crumbles.

2. In a large bowl, mix together hummus and sour cream. Stir in about 1/2 - 3/4 cup bacon crumbles and reserve the rest for topping. Place hummus mixture in serving bowl and smooth down.

3. Slice tomatoes and layer over bacon hummus, followed by lettuce. Garnish with bacon crumbles and a few tomato pieces. Serve with bagel chips, pita crisps, wheat thins, or toasted french bread slices.

Tip: This tastes best after letting the bacon-hummus mixture sit in the fridge overnight, which allowed the smokiness of the bacon to really blend with the rest of the dip.

For more recipes from Valerie, visit pursuitofsweetness.com.

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CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA

Ingredients • 1 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour • 1/4 cup wheat germ (or bran) • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 egg • 1 medium banana • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt • 1/2 cup natural apple sauce • 2 1/2 tablespoons light agave nectar • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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muffins

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line or grease muffin tins. Combine dry ingredients—flour, germ, meal, salt, powders, soda, sugar—in a medium bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together oil, egg, extract, yogurt, apple sauce, and agave nectar. In small bowl, mash banana and then add it to the wet ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined. Add chocolate chips.

3. Fill muffin tins 1/2 to 3/4th of the way full and bake 12-15 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean.

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GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA

muffins Ingredients • 1 1/4 cups all purpose gluten free flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 egg • 2 medium bananas • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt • 1/2 cup natural apple sauce • 2 1/2 tablespoons light agave nectar • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line or grease muffin tins. Combine dry ingredients—flour, salt, powders, soda, sugar—in a medium bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together oil, egg, extract, yogurt, apple sauce, and agave nectar. In small bowl, mash banana and then add it to the wet ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined. Add chocolate chips.

3. Fill muffin tins 1/2 to 3/4th of the way full and bake 12-15 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean.

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JALAPENO

corn dip

by alicia broehl

INGREDIENTS • 1 large bag white shoe peg corn (not in butter) • 1 pkg cream cheese • 1 stick butter or margarine • 1 Cup diced jalepenos • 1/4 tsp garlic salt • 1 bag Fritos Scoops DIRECTIONS 1. Pour half of the bag of corn into a microwave safe baking dish. Cut the stick of butter into 1/4” chunks and lay half of the chunks on top of corn. Cut the block of cream cheese into chunks and lay half on top of corn. Sprinkle 1/2 Cup of the jalepenos on top of corn. Pour the other half of the bag of corn on top. Place remaining butter, cream cheese and jalepenos on top and sprinkle with garlic salt. Cover with microwave safe lid or paper towel and heat on high in microwave for 5 minutes.

2. Remove dish and stir contents to mix. Return dish to microwave and heat for additional 5 minutes. Remove dish and stir contents to mix.

The goal is to melt the butter and cream cheese and combine all ingredients until well blended. Serve warm with Fritos Scoops!

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dip

SEVEN LAYER

2. Here’s how the layers are assembled: 3. Layer 1: beans and taco seasoning; Layer 2: guacamole Layer 3: sour cream; Layer 4: Ingredients salsa or pico de gallo; Layer 5: cheese; Layer • 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans 6: tomatoes; Layer 7: green onions and olives • 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning 4. In each plastic glass, layer about 2 • 2 cups guacamole • 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream Tablespoons of the beans, followed by 2 Tablespoons of sour cream, 2 Tablespoons • 1 cup chunky salsa or pico de gallo of guacamole, 2 Tablespoons of salsa or • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend pico de gallo, and 2 Tablespoons of cheese. cheese Make sure you drain your salsa or pico to • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced get the excess liquid out before you pour • 1/2 bunch of green onions, sliced it on. Then top with about 1-2 teaspoons of • 1 (2.25 ounce) can of sliced olives, drained • 8 (9 ounce) plastic tumblers tomatoes, olives, and green onion (If making ahead of time, wait to add these toppings • tortilla chips until shortly before serving).

5. Garnish with one tortilla chip. Store in the DIRECTIONS refrigerator until serving and serve with chips.

1. In a small bowl mix taco seasoning with Makes around 8 individual dips. refried beans. Some people prefer to mix their taco seasoning with the sour cream layer but I wanted a bright white layer so I did it with the beans. by alicia broehl Yield: 8 cups

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