cupcakeMAG // Winter 2015

winter 2015

Talking The Real Girls Kitchen, Being a Mom and more!

cupcakemag.com

INSIDE!

gift guides galore must-have finds everything on our radar

Hello,

Holiday Style for Your Home & Your Closet

+

holiday baking with author sandy arevalo

Beverley Mitchell

Exclusive Chat with the 7th Heaven Star

Talking

The Fringe Hours with Jessica Turner

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PER FU MES AND BEAU TY RITU A L S

S H O P AT S H O PO L IV I NE.COM

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Casi Densmore-Koon Founder and Editor in Chief Jessica Peterson Graphic Design Skye McLain Director of Advertising Katlyn Dziegrenuk fashion & beauty director Courtney Boone Editorial Assistant Kylie Bean content manager Ahndea May cover art diretor Ashley Cordova make-up and hair Evan Yamada cover photography Stephanie Zahn assistant photo editor

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contents on the cover

haylie duff

talking The Real Girls Kitchen | 27

beverley mitchell

exclusive chat with 7th heaven star | 36

holiday style

for your home and closet | 42

jessica turner

the Fringe Hours | 60

holiday baking

with author Sandy Arevalo| 90

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winter 2015 cupcakemag.com

10 | Editor’s Note happy holidays

15 | Currently Coveting your wishlist

21 | The Scoop must haves of the season

11 | Editor’s Picks casi’s favorites

17 | Small Biz Spotlight the hottest brands

35 | The Lust List must-have essentials

12 | On Trend subscription boxes

19 | Holiday Gifts perfect for the season

48 | Holiday Styles to Steal bloggers invite us into our homes

14 | Currently Obsessing Over shop it because it’s hot

20 | Beauty Bests beauty essentials

68 | Shopping Guide shop the must-have holiday gifts

Cover Look:

Blazer: Target Tee: Loved by Hannah and Eli Gabrielle Diaper Bag: charlotte + asher

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WWW.OLLIEANDOLINA.COM heirloom quilt collections

CHERISH YOUR NEWBORN

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editor’snote

Happy Holidays loves!

I can’t believe it but this is our two year anniversary issue! TWO YEARS. I will never forget when I decided to turn cupcakeMAG into a magazine. A lightbulb hit me on a Friday night over pizza that I decided I wanted to make it happen. Fast forward, two years and nine issues later and I just can’t believe it. It’s been such an amazing ride and I can’t thank you enough for the support!

A few weeks ago we had the honor of spending the day with the amazing Haylie Duff. And yes, she’s just as amazing in real life as she is on the cover. She’s such a sweetheart and our team had such a blast shooting her at Bel Bambini in West Hollywood.

I have to take a second to say thank you Haylie! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day as a new mom and hanging out us. You’re amazing, inspiring and just such a wonderful mama.

And did you happen to notice who else was mentioned on the cover? The amazing Beverley Mitchell! The last few weeks I’ve been working with Bev on this amazing #shopsmall campaign on Instagram and it’s been so much fun working together. She has a new movie coming out on Lifetime so make sure you tune into A Giftwrapped Christmas on November 28th at 8pm! Beverley is such an amazing mama and a great friend and I’m honored to show her off in this issue. I couldn’t be more excited for the interviews in this issue!

Don’t forget to check out our biggest Holiday Shopping Guide yet filled with all of our must-have finds, plus what’s on our radar and more. We’ve done the shopping for you with the best of the best shops on the net while featuring our favorite small business shops around!

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As always -- I just want to thank you. Yes, you beautiful! Thank you for reading! Thank you for letting us be part of your day.

Thank you for the support and love. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We wouldn’t be here without you.

Lots of love, cupcake!

Lots of love, cupcake!

Casi

Casi Densmore-Koon Founder & Editor in Chief

Say Hello!

Your ongoing support and emails always make me smile.

Have a comment, suggestion, or just want to say hi?

Email me! casi@cupcakemag.com cupcakeMAG.com

editor’sPICKS

THESE ALL NATURAL SOY CANDLES ARE EVERYTHING. YOU’LL WANT THEM IN EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE! Downtown Candle Company, $18

Lorac Pink Champagne Palette, $75

A LARGE REVERSIBLE BLANKET IS ALWAYS ON MY LIST! Modern Burlap XO Blanket, $75

Vaalbara Designs Santa Fe Signature Large Clutch, $132

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I LOVE A GOOD HOME DECORATING BOOK! THIS NEW TITLE IS CURRENTLY SITTING ON MY COFFEE TABLE BECAUSE I LOVE IT SO MUCH. IT’S INSPIRING, WILL MOTIVATE YOU AND JUST BEAUTIFUL. The Inspired Room By Melissa Michaels

BECAUSE WHO DOESN’T WANT A SWEATSHIRT WITH THE LYRICS FROM THEIR FAVORITE SONG ON IT? Mason Blake Apparel Love Me Like You Do Sweatshirt, $35

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FOR THE NEW MOM

Babylish, $55

FOR THE INTERIOR DESIGN ENTHUSIAST

Subscriptionboxes NOT ONLY ARE SUBSCRIPTION BOXES ALL THE RAGE, THEY MAKE THE PERFECT GIFT AND WE ARE SHARING WITH YOU OUR MUST-HAVE MONTHLY BOXES.

Mommy Mailbox, $40

FOR THE EXPECTING MOM

FOR THE PARTY GIRL! The Tom Kat Studio, $28

A MUST-HAVE FOR MOMS! That Glow, $45

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ashleygabbydesigns.com

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currently obsessing Baby Mama Sew Shop Mini Hipster with Fringe, $49

Little Teether Brave Necklace, $28

Faith and Finn Faith Driven Hustle Sweatshirt, $52

CURRENTLY OBSESSING Shop It, Because It’s Hot

Tales of Peanut Personalized Notecards, $25 and up

Root Collective Millie in Black Block, $124

Mason Blake Apparel All Black Everything Tee, $28

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Loved by Hannah and Eli Meh Tee, $40

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currently coveting Bip and Bop Ashlee Stacked Bar Necklace, $65 Bauble Bar Fuzzy Pom Keychain, $36

Little Giraffe Luxe Leopard™ Cover Up, $218

The Top Six That Should Be.... on your wish list Amongst The Waves Eau de Parfum, $80

Hazzard Lane Clothing, Living the COFFEE Life sweatshirt, $46

Hobo Lauren Clutch, $128 cupcakeMAG.com

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#smallbiz

Looking for that special southern touch? Caroline Randall Made is a sure favorite shop for anyone on your list. Yourself included.

Rach B Jewelry Deco Arrow Drop Earrings had us at hello. , $58

Little Adi & Co nails it with this must-have tee for Mom. It makes the perfect gift for just under $25.

#SMALLBIZ SPOTLIGHT a look at the hottest brands to hit the net Have you ever wanted to design your kids clothes? Now you can thanks to The Patchery. If you haven’t checked out this site, you need to right now.

The Patchery Design-Your-Own Kimono Dress, $52

Wine? Yes, please!

Fete Today Petite Sirah, $19.99

Not only does Loved

by Sophia Claire make the cutest pacifier clips around, they have hair bow too! The leather pretties really make us swoon.

Loved By Sophia Claire Prices vary cupcakeMAG.com

The cutest hat around this season is from Mama Owl Shop, Cinder Grey Hoodie Pom Pom Hat, $25

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Classic Pillow in Midnight Burlap18 Coee Sleeve Personalized Burlap Mason Jar Tumbler

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http://CarolineRandallMade.Etsy.com | IG @shop.crmade

holiday

Camplight Apparel Be Merry Long Sleeve Tee, $27

Abby Maddy Designs Clutch, $39

Rustic Wooden Decor Sign, $10

Caroline Randall Made Pillow, $38.50

Chasing Arrowz Hipster Reindeer Raglan, $20

8 MUST-HAVE HOLIDAY GIFTS Perfect to Tis the Season

ZoZu Baby Hair Bow, $12

For Posh Sake Mug, $16

Sparkle Bowtique Tis The Season to Sparkle Set, $62 cupcakeMAG.com

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beauty

Sheer Lust Bombshell Set, $65

Kimberly Parry Ginger Mint Foot Scrub is like heaven in a bottle. This line is a must-have that you need to buy right now. $26

Y T U A BE S T S E B

La Bella Donna Brow Kit is amazing because I have no brows! I hate having to reapply them every time I am out. Tthankfully with this, reapplying isn’t necessary! It makes my brows actually look like I have them!!

o r , K a t ly n t c e ir d y t d Beau ls and ia t Fa s h io n a n n e s s e y r beaut shares he buy now. o t d e e n w h a t yo u

JeNu is a game-changer and worth every penny! $249 Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Make Up Remover is non greasy and I haven redness. I even use it to get lip liner off.

Not sure if I’m supposed to or not but it works!

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Skinny Skinny Dry Shampoo works great for my fine thin hair which is why I am obsessed.

Color Wow Hair for color treated hair is a musthave! I got my hair highlighted two weeks ago.

But with this....it looks like it was done yesterday!

Osea Undaria Algae Oil makes dry skin vanish.

No peeling, no flaking -- nada!

scoop Billy Bibs Rosie, $23.95

She Does Justice Love More Judge Less Tee, $25

Piggy Paint Non Toxic Nail Polish, $7.99

The Latest Buzz on the MUST-HAVES OF THE SEASON Newlie Lily Tote Diaper Bag, $99

Mosey Handmade Cheery Cordial Crown, $38

Allisa Jacobs Clutch Bag, $46

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printable designs custom creations luxe printed cards

U SE CUP CAKE F OR 10 % OF F EXPIRES 12/1/15

e tsy .co m / s h o p/ jpc r ea t iv edes ig n 22

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The Glittered Pea Pod, Custom Glittered Wine Glass, $15

Let’s B Modest Floral Watch, $29.99

Your Texas Is Showing™ Sweet and Southern V-Neck Tee, $30

THE

the lust list

RubyClaire Boutique Sadie Bootie Walnut, $34

LUST LIST

Jazzy’s Creations Custom Monogram Case, $12

Nobella Grace Holly Plaid Poncho, $28

Sugar & Type Rule The World Planner, $34

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Silhouette America Silhouette Mint, $129.99

The Silver Loft Roman Numeral Cuffs, $24

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A baby-safe world速 starts here.

Bath Time

Skin Care

Sun Care

Household

Hand Hygiene

Diapering

Blazer, Target 26

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at home for the holidays with

an exclusive chat with the leading lady behind “the real girls kitchen” You have a lot going on! You recently had an adorable baby girl, Ryan and you’re constantly working on projects for Real Girls Kitchen. Catch us up to speed on life.

When we stepped inside your home we could see your passion for interior design? We have to ask...do you plan on adding a home category to your website?

Take us through a day with Haylie. What’s usually on your daily agenda?

Tell us about your show, Real Girls Kitchen. You produce it and write the recipes which most don’t know. Tell us about how it’s been working on this amazing project.

You basically said it all! I’m a new mom and busy with The Real Girl’s Kitchen show and site, it’s such an exciting time! I’m lucky that right after Ryan was born the show was on Hiatus so I’ve really gotten to spend a lot of quality time with her in this special phase.

I guess it changes based on what’s going on. Right now I am doing a lot of recipe testing for the show and baby play time. I just did a re-vamp of my blog so I’ve been busy shooting new recipes and gearing up for Season 3 of The Real Girls Kitchen. cupcakeMAG.com

I just recently re-vamped the Real Girl’s Kitchen site! Part of the re-vamp of RealGirlsKitchen.com was to include some of the other things I love like home décor, all things baby and even a focus on some philanthropic things as well.

It’s incredible to work on this show! I feel so lucky to go to work very day and do something that I love. I really have the best team where everyone shows up every day smiling and having fun. I just feel lucky! I also have a producing partner who makes my life very easy.

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What are your favorite holiday recipes?

I love my mother’s dressing, which is actually my grandmother’s recipe! But now my mom can take the credit. We also have a tradition of a caviar Christmas so we do little bite sizes Blinis with crème fraiche and caviar on Christmas eve. We do one expensive caviar and the others are middle of the road, then we flip the lids upside down and everyone has to say which is their favorite.

Usually the less expensive caviars are the favorite! Our tradition is tamales and caviar bites so those are the holiday recipes I look forward to most every year.

You recently welcomed a sweet little girl into the world, Ryan.

How has your perspective on life changed since being a Mom?

I mean it changes everything! You look at everything differently. The choices you makes and your priorities totally change for example when I’m watching the news and hearing about everything that’s going on in our world and thinking about travelling alone I wonder if it’s safe for me to go alone.

I didn’t used to second guess that. When your decisions directly affect someone else, the choices you make tend to be different.

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What are some of your must-have mom products you can’t live without?

While I was pregnant, I really liked this brand Healthy Mama.

Everything was safe for me to use, so it made my life easy! I love this little club chair from Mamas & Papas, it encourages little ones to learn to sit up. I am a very devoted Orbit Baby mom, I use the whole system! For products, I love Zoe Organics. The mama’s ritual oil for me and the baby oil for Ryan..and good ‘ol Cetaphil to keep her skin clean!

We are hoping for another book and another season of your show! What’s up next for you?

Hopefully all of those things! We will start shooting season 3 fairly soon and I am in the early stages for planning book number two now. It’s such a big project to take on so I am a little nervous but also excited because I have so much more to write about this time! I feel like there is a lot more to share with people and I am looking forward to that.

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Mug, Jessica N Desigsn Sweater, Free People Top, Elle

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“I’m a new mom and busy with The Real Girl’s Kitchen show and site, it’s such an exciting time!”

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ten things we don’t know about

1. I hate raw onions! Don’t like them, don’t want any thing to do with them, never cook with them!

2. I have 10 tattoos – shhh don’t tell my dad!

3. I could eat sushi for every meal, including breakfast!

4. Every night I say prayers with Ryan before bed and our favorite one is “now I lay me down to sleep” except the original version scared me a bit so we have our own modified version that doesn’t say “if I die before I wake…” because neither of us are down with that.

5. My favorite holiday is Christmas!

6. I love crime television – True Crime stories and CSI are guilty pleasures 7. I don’t like to bake 8. I love a good photo-booth 9. I’m secretly a kitchen nick-nack hoarder. I have so many kitchen props for shooting RGK!

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10. I have 10 pillows for my bed, but still can’t seem to find the perfect one! cupcakeMAG.com

Straight from The Real Girls Kitchen

Photo credit: Haylie Duff

Fall Risotto with Crispy Shallots

by Haylie Duff

Ingredients · 3 tablespoons butter · Olive oil (for roasting & a bit for risotto) · 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped · 1-2 cups of cubed butternut squash (1/4” pieces) · 1 cup Arborio rice (risotto rice) · ½ cup dry white wine · 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed · ½ cup grated Parmesan · Fresh sage (1-2 leaves) cupcakeMAG.com

For the roasted butternut squash: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Scatter ¼ inch cubes of butternut squash across baking dish, drizzle with olive oil & a pinch of sea salt. Bake 20 minutes or until soft.

For risotto: Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter & 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, and a big pinch of seat salt, cook till onion is translucent Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until absorbed.

Turn heat to medium/low Start adding the broth, 1 cup at a time, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until absorbed Add another cup of broth and simmer, stirring again **You may add the roasted butternut squash to rice at any time!! I do it about now, then the squash absorbs some of the liquid too** Once rice has absorbed the liquid, add another cup.. you are getting the idea! Here is where your own tastes comes in to play… taste the rice… sometimes my risotto gets too seasoned with the chicken broth. So, sometimes, I will add filtered water instead of broth to dilute it a bit… (If the rice is not cooked through and the mixture is dry, add more liquid and put a lid on the pot.)

Stir in the parmesan.

Finely chop 1-2 leaves of fresh sage. Stir in to risotto or garnish.

For the crispy shallots: Peel and slice 1 large shallot in to rings.

Heat ½ cup of canola oil on medium heat. Place shallot rings in to oil while it is STILL COLD! Watch closely, using a slotted spoon or fish flipper remove crispy rings once golden brown and place on a paper towel.

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Enjoy 25% Off* On Your First Order When You Sign Up! (*First time registrants with US address only)

www.zoocchini.com

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“Do onto others as you would want done unto you.”

The Golden Rule, I live by it.

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Straight from

heaven BEVERLEY MITCHELL IS A HOLLYWOOD STAR WE ALL FELL IN LOVE WITH ON THE HIT SHOW, 7TH HEAVEN. NOW, SHE’S A FULL-TIME MOM, WIFE, ACTRESS AND JUST ONE AMAZING LADY. ONE OF THE NICEST MAMAS WE’VE EVER WORKED WITH, SHE’S A TRUE GEM WITH A HEART OF GOLD AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH YOU.

WE ALL FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU WHEN YOU PLAYED LUCY ON THE HIT TELEVISION SHOW, 7TH HEAVEN. BRING US UP TO SPEED NOW THAT YOU’RE A MAMA NOW TO 2 ADORABLE KIDS!

Well, it has been a long time since my days of 7th Heaven and being a mom on tv is a whole lot different than being a Mom in real life. It truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have always loved kids but having my own has changed everything. Every minute, is a new and exciting adventure.

TAKE US THROUGH A DAY WITH BEV.

It is pretty ordinary, wake up and make breakfast for the whole family. Then depending on the day we have a class for Kenz, and we all jump in the car and head out. We usually head to the grocery store, which is always an adventure and then we head home for nap time. If I am lucky I will sneak in a nap too and then it is back to work. I straighten up the house, do the laundry and

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prep dinner. Life is pretty ordinary for us, but it is extraordinary as well. We eat together as a family and then comes our night time adventure in putting every one down and once every one is in bed, Michael and I enjoy a minute to connect, and sometimes watch a movie and glass of wine, or catch up on our favorite shows or emails. And then we do it all over again!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE DOWN TIME?

Every waking minute I love to spend with my family, and we do EVERYTHING together. Michael and I don’t have Kenzie in preschool so we make up for it in classes, we have Ballet on Monday, Music Class on Wednesday, Gymnastics on Saturday and Soccer on Sunday. Needless to say, we stay pretty busy and we love every single minute. And when I work, the family comes with me, the whole family came up with me to Canada when I just did my last two films.

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EVERYONE IS DYING TO KNOW....DO YOU WATCH RERUNS OF 7TH HEAVEN? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE EPISODE?

I don’t, I wish I had time. But honestly, 7th Heaven was more than a job to me, it is my family and my life. I grew up on 7th Heaven and it is some of my most favorite memories. Each episode is more like an actual memories, they all blend together! 7th Heaven was my family for 11 years and it is such an exciting new time as some of us are now starting families of our own. It is so much fun entering this new phase in our life and getting to share it with some of my favorite people. Being able to experience motherhood with my best friend is such a gift!

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS AND ALWAYS SO FIT. GIVE US ALL YOUR BEAUTY SECRETS AS WELL AS WHAT YOU DO TO STAY ACTIVE.

and Eli, and I love the pants from Mini Classy. For Me, I am currently living in my Mama Bear sweatshirt by Loved by Hannah and Eli. I am all about supporting the amazing Mom and Dad’s out there trying to support their families, and I love having unique things for my littles that not everyone has from the usual stores.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR IN 2016?

Everything! I love that now life is a whole new adventure! I love to work but I love being a MOM even more. MY family is everything and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to do what I love and spend so much time with my family. I am mostly grateful for working so much when I was younger that I have been able to to focus on my family so that I never had to miss any of these precious moments with both Kenzie and Hutton.

You are far too kind. Honestly, I wish I had time to work out but mostly I am just running around chasing my little ones and breastfeeding helps. I think I am blessed with good genetics. And as for my skin, I am all about this amazing organic skin care line called ElaSpa from Canada. It has completely changed my skin.

YOU ARE AN AVID SUPPORTER OF SMALL BIZ AND WE JUST LOVE THAT ABOUT YOU. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE SHOPS YOU ARE LOVING?

I love getting fun and unique tees for the littles, so right now I love Stellar Seven, The Blue Envelope, Loved by Hananah

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five things we don’t know about

Bev one

I was a cheerleader at my High School while working on 7th Heaven.

two

I met my husband my sophomore year in College and we have spent everyday together ever since. It was love at first sight, at least it was for me!

CURRENT BAG YOU ARE CARRYING? I love my Lisa Berck bag and of course my JujuBe diaper bags FAVORITE DRINK AT STARBUCKS? I love my Decaf Vanilla Latte.

three

I love to do laundry and clean the house, it is actually like therapy for me.

four

I was discovered when I was 4 years old at a mall, when I was throwing a temper tantrum. Can’t believe someone thought that was cute but Hey, worked out well for me.

five

I am a complete homebody, I am completely happy just hanging at home in my sweats with my family!

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FAVORITE REALITY SHOW? Dancing with the Stars and Survivor

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Wi-Fi Enabled Video Monitor

Safe. Secure. Simple. www.comfortcam.com 40

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䠀䄀倀倀夀 䠀伀唀刀℀ 圀攀 昀漀甀渀搀 琀栀愀琀 漀瘀攀爀 㠀 ─ 漀昀 洀漀洀猀 甀猀攀 戀漀琀琀氀攀猀 愀琀 猀漀洀攀 瀀漀椀渀琀Ⰰ 戀甀琀 洀漀爀攀 琀栀愀渀 栀愀氀昀 攀砀瀀攀爀椀攀渀挀攀 猀漀洀攀 猀漀爀琀 漀昀 ᠠ戀漀琀琀氀攀 爀攀樀攀挀琀椀漀渀ᤠ 漀爀 ᠠ渀椀瀀瀀氀攀 挀漀渀昀甀猀椀漀渀ᤠ 椀猀猀甀攀猀⸀ 匀愀礀 最漀漀搀戀礀攀 琀漀 愀氀氀 琀栀攀 昀甀猀猀⸀ 䌀漀洀漀琀漀洀漀 椀猀 搀攀猀椀最渀攀搀 琀漀 洀椀洀椀挀 戀爀攀愀猀琀ⴀ 昀攀攀搀椀渀最 昀漀爀 愀 猀攀愀洀氀攀猀猀 琀爀愀渀猀椀琀椀漀渀 猀漀 攀瘀攀爀礀 昀攀攀搀椀渀最 琀椀洀攀 椀猀 䠀愀瀀瀀礀 䠀漀甀爀℀ 夀漀甀爀 䠀愀瀀瀀礀 䠀漀甀爀 椀猀 猀瀀漀渀猀漀爀攀搀 戀礀 猀栀漀瀀⸀挀漀洀漀琀漀洀漀⸀挀漀洀

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fashion

Mayd Collective Jacket, $89

HOT HOLIDAY STYLE

Finley Lane Clutch, $32

Strappy Heel, $55

HOT A cces s o rieS

Wrenn Jewelry Bonnie Black Druzy Geode Necklace, $42 42

J.Crew Crystal Necklace, $138

Target Necklace, $19.99 cupcakeMAG.com

HOT HOLIDAY STYLE

steal this style

JESSICA N DESIGNS TEE $37

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Get the Look:

MINDY MAE’S MARKET

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HOT HOLIDAY STYLE

Steal this style:

GET JILLIAN HARRIS HOLIDAY STYLE

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Get the Look: EVY’S TREE

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YOUR IS SHOWING

TM

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We make fun, positive clothing that celebrates the simplicity and joy of childhood. Every shirt purchased helps children in need.

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SET YOUR TABLE THE RIGHT WAY with

JESSICA N DESIGNS

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FOUR BLOGGERS INVITE US INTO THEIR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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Courtney of A Thoughful Place knows just how to decorate for the holidays. Her blog not only is just about fashion, it’s a great resource for your home too!

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Craftholics Anonymous knows how to decorate a tree! We can’t wait to steal her style. Visit her blog to get even more amazing ideas for your home this holiday. cupcakeMAG.com

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Jenny Keller of Jenny Cookies can throw a party and decorate for onae. Her blog is a our go-to resource for anything holiday related, endless inspiration and a great reason to throw a party.

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Melissa of The Inspired Room inspires us to decorate with a minimalist feel and she does it effortlessly. The Inspired Room is an amazing resource for the interior design enthusiast.

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COZY UP WITH THE PERFECT PAJAMAS FROM

Gentry’s Closet

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SHOP NOW: LOVEDBYHANNAHANDELI.COM Say hello on Instagram & Facebook at @lovedbyhannahandeli

| Use code FRIDAY for 20% off |

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JESSICA TURNER JESSICA TURNER ISN’T JUST A BLOGGER AT THE MOM CREATIVE SHE’S A FULL-TIME MOM WITH A FULL-TIME JOB AND YOU CAN ADD AUTHOR TO HER RESUME. WE SAT DOWN WITH JESSICA TO CHAT ABOUT THE FRINGE HOURS AND HOW SHE DOES IT ALL.

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW YOU, THE MASTERMIND BEHIND THE FRINGE HOURS, INTRODUCE YOURSELF! My husband, Matthew and I live in Nashville with our three children – Elias, who is 7; Adeline who is 4 and Ezra who is 10 months. I work full-time as an online content strategist for a large non-profit hospital. In my fringe hours, I love to write and craft.

I have a lifestyle blog called The Mom Creative and in 2015 I released two books – The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You and My Fringe Hours: Discovering a More Creative and Fulfilled Life.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT BLOGGING. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I began blogging in 2006 as a way to connect with out-of-state family members and to share the various scrapbooking projects that I had made. At the time, the scrapbooking industry was at it’s peak and blogging was a way for me to connect with that community. I began doing more lifestyle content in 2008 when I cupcakeMAG.com

became pregnant with my son Elias, and then rebranded in 2009 to The Mom Creative.

WHAT IS SOME ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO A BUDDING BLOGGER? Consider if your blog is going to be a hobby or a business, then treat it appropriately. If you would like it to be a business, use an editorial calendar, respond to email promptly and act professional. Blogging conferences are a great investment in building relationships with other bloggers and brands. No matter what, be true to your voice.

WITH YOUR PLATES ALWAYS SPINNING, HOW DO YOU STAY ORGANIZED WEARING SO MANY HATS? HAVING A FULL-TIME JOB AS WELL AS BEING A SUCCESSFUL BLOGGER. I have a notebook that says Live Everyday with Intention. It goes with me everywhere and contains lists, contacts, to dos, writing ideas, etc. I also am diligent about my editorial cal61

endar for The Mom Creative and my outlook calendar for my day job. Laundry may sometimes fall to the wayside, but my deadlines get met.

The gift book, My Fringe Hours: Discovering a More Creative and Fulfilled Life releases in late-November 2015. It’s been a wild year, to say the least!

TELL US ABOUT WRITING YOUR BOOK. HOW LONG WAS THE PROCESS AND HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHAT YOU WANTED TO WRITE ABOUT?

YOU SURVEYED MORE THAN 2,000 WOMEN FOR THE FRINGE HOURS. WHY WAS THIS IMPORTANT? While the genesis of the idea for The Fringe Hours was my own story of how I used time, I wanted the book to resonate with a wide range of women in all life stages. In order to do this, I crafted a survey to gather feedback from women across the country about their passions, struggles and habits.

I developed the idea for The Fringe Hours in January 2013 at Al, a blogging conference in Salt Lake City. I literally bought the domain FringeHours.com during a session. So many women would ask me “how I do it all?” but when I dove into what they wanted to know, it was how did I make time for my passions. The answer was that I used my fringe hours—those pockets of time that often go underused or wasted altogether, I was using them for the things that I loved. I knew immediately it would be a topic that resonated.

Within two-three weeks after Alt, I signed with a literary agent.

By the spring I had my sample chapters written and a proposal, and I signed with a publisher in the summer of 2013. (This was an unusually fast process.) The book was due in spring 2014 and then released in February 2015. Simultaneously, we released a Fringe Hours product line with DaySpring, the faith division of Hallmark.

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The data and responses collected became an important cornerstone of the book. For instance, so many women responded with feelings of guilt, comparison and struggles to create a balanced schedule that I added an entire section to The Fringe Hours to help women navigate these challenges.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE WOMEN NEED TO BE BETTER AT PRACTICING SELF-CARE AND PURSUING THEIR PASSIONS? Women are stretched incredibly thin. Oftentimes they believe the lie that the only way to get everything done is to say no to their needs and passions. In my own experience and research, I have found the opposite to be true. When you invest in yourself, you cupcakeMAG.com

CONNECT WITH JESSICA

at The Mom Creative

BUY HER LATEST BOOK

The Fringe Hours on Amazon

are your best self. Moreover, you are then able to be a better wife, mom, friend, co-worker. Also, for mothers, it is important that we model healthy behaviors like self-care for our children. In both Fringe Hours books, I take women on a journey of self-discovery so they can embrace a healthier lifestyle. The books are practical, relatable and the permission slip that so many women need!

WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS? Taking time to pursue my passions fills me up in such positive ways – it is a necessity. I adore crafting, memory keeping, baking, reading and photography. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons to be in the kitchen and I am often trying new recipes that I find on Pinterest. My husband jokes that he can always tell when I am not reading because I get a bit grumpy. He’s right, though! I always have a book with me.

Of course, I also love writing and am often brainstorming new content ideas for The Mom Creative.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE BOOKS ON YOUR BOOKSHELF? Gosh, so many! Fiction favorites: Pretty Baby, A Light Between Oceans and Someone Knows My Name. Non-fiction favorites: cupcakeMAG.com

Simply Tuesday, Searching for Sunday and Daring Greatly. Of course, I am also a huge fan of anything by Matthew Paul Turner (my husband) especially Our Great Bib American God and Churched.

WHAT IS UP NEXT FOR YOU? WE ARE HOPING FOR ANOTHER BOOK! Book-wise, I am focusing on the new companion book to The Fringe Hours called My Fringe Hours: Discovering a More Creative and Fulfilled Life. I am contracted to write another trade book, but it won’t be out for a few years. I’m hoping to take my own advice, slow down a bit and be less busy in 2016.

Blog-wise, I am hoping to do a major site redesign in 2016. I have been bookmarking sites that I love and reimagining what I want The Mom Creative to be. I am really excited about the project.

Personally, I am looking forward to catching up on my Project Life scrapbook (having a baby and releasing 2 books in the same year meant I fell behind on my documenting), going on vacation with my family in the summer and baby-proofing everything as my son will be walking soon!

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Five Working Mom Tips WHEN I THINK ABOUT WHAT HAS REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY WORK EXPERIENCE, IT GOES BACK TO THESE FIVE TIPS! 1. CREATE BOUNDARIES: As

a working mother, it is incredibly important to have work-life balance. If you find that you are working all the time or aren’t able to leave work at work, it might be worth considering if you need a job or career change. After 7 years at a marketing firm, I realized that agency life was not a good fit for my growing family. While I adored my colleagues, changing jobs was the right decision for me and my family. I now work at a job with a much healthier-work life balance and have learned the importance of being boundaried in my work.

Lunch is an opportunity to refuel physically and mentally. Don’t spend it at your desk. I always leave work during my lunch break. Sometimes I use the hour to run errands so that I don’t have to do them in the evening or on a weekend, while other times I spend the time enjoying a meal with a friend. This break in my day has become incredibly important to my well-being.

2. TAKE YOUR LUNCH BREAK:

4. CREATE COMMUNITY AT WORK: You

spend a lot of time at work, so being in community with your colleagues is important.

A few years ago, I started monthly (ish) potlucks at my office and they have been an awesome opportunity to connect over people’s favorite recipes. About six months ago, I also started a bi-monthly women’s book club. Each month we meet at someone else’s home, and it has created great conversation and bonding amongst the women on our team. (Books we have read so far: All The Light You Cannot See, Pretty Baby, The Language of Flowers and Big Little Lies.)

If you work in an office setting, making your desk, cubicle or office your own. Bring in some photos, a favorite calendar and some knick-knacks to personalize the space. Having these personal items make my desk feel more me, and the photos of my family remind me why I do what I do.

5. DECORATE YOUR OFFICE SPACE:

This is the most practical (and maybe the most obvious), but also the most important! I block everything out in my Outlook calendar – from meetings to my children’s school events. I am also diligent about blocking out my own self-care. If it is on the calendar, I can’t push it off. I like that my calendar sync with my phone too, so I always have my schedule with me.

3. USE YOUR CALENDAR:

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Because babies really should have warning labels!

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Featured on Tori Spellings Must-have list!

Chunky Jewelry for Ladies & Littles MAKSCHICBOWTIQUE.COM FIND US ON:

SHOPPING GUIDE SHOP THE MUST-HAVE HOLIDAY GIFTS

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get the look: charlotte and asher Gabrielle bag, $195

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Kissy Kissy Heavenly Jacquard Collection Popular baby brand Kissy Kissy offers their heavenly soft cotton collection in a thicker weight for winter. Available in soft pink, blue & white. Prices range from $25-$65.00

WINTER 2015/2016

Mu s t- Have s for Stylish Babies and the Chic Parents WHO LOVE THEM FROM BEL BAMBINI It’s Winter time and Sarah Getchell (store manager at Southern California baby boutique Bel Bambini) has identified five new, must have winter inspired items for babies and the chic parents that love them.

Little Giraffe Big G Stuffed Animal A super-sized version of their classic plush - The Big G is sure to be a nursery favorite for many seasons to come. $160.00

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Orbit Porter Collection Designed to beautifully stroll the line between vintage inspiration and modern design, The Porter Collection is Orbit Baby’s first-ever Limited Edition Travel System. $1,500.00

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Find these items and much, much more at www.belbambini.com About Bel Bambini: Sarah Getchell has been in the juvenile industry for more than six years - four of them at Bel Bambini. She is currently the store manager of the upscale boutique’s Newport Beach, CA location. cupcakeMAG.com

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get the look: with Evy’s Tree

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shopping HOT S ’ T A WH OW! N T H RIG

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PEPPERMINT MOCHA

CARAMELS SWEET PEPPERMINT GETS PAIRED WITH RICH CHOCOLATY MOCHA.

YOUR FAVORITE COFFEE HOUSE BEVERAGE IS NOW AN ARTISAN CARAMEL.

BY SANDY AREVALO PREPARE YOUR PAN: • Spray your jelly roll pan with a thin layer of cooking spray and using a clean dry paper towel wipe the excess off. Make sure you cover the sides and bottom of the pan, this will help prevent the caramels from sticking • Trim a piece of parchment paper so that if just covers the bottom of the pan but has about a 2 inch overhang over the handles • Re-spray the parchment paper with a light layer of cooking spray and wipe the excess off PREPARE THE CARAMEL: 4 cups heavy cream 1 pound good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 cups light corn syrup 4 cups white granulated sugar 3 tbsp espresso powder dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water ¼ cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 2 cups crushed candy canes •

• • • • •

Combine the Cream and chocolate chips in an 8 quart stock pot set over medium-low heat. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Add in the corn syrup, sugar and espresso.

Bring the mixture to a boil stirring constantly. Be careful, it can bubble over very quickly if you aren’t paying attention!

Cook over medium high heat, continue to stir, until a candy thermometer reaches 248. This is just beneath the firm ball stage.

Remove from heat and quickly stir in ¼ cup of butter. Stir until the butter is completely incorporated.

Pour into prepared pan and topped with crushed candy canes. Let cool completely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Baking has always been a large part of Sandy’s life, with sweet memories of time spent in the kitchen alongside her great grandmother. So it’s no surprise that what started as a hobby after her son was born, baking for her family and friends, eventually turned into a thriving business.

In addition to her growing list of celebrity clients, Sandy has also donated countless sweets for Operation Shower, a non-profit organization that provides baby showers to military wives whose husbands are deployed.

Sandy currently resides in Crystal Lake, IL with her husband and 2 kids.

You can order from her at www.FireflyConfections.com And follow her on social media: Facebook: Firefly Confections | Twitter: @sandysbaking Instagram: @sandysbaking | Pinterest: Sandy Fregin-Arevalo cupcakeMAG.com

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