Miss Sophisticate Luxury Living At Its Simplest.
4th of July OUTFIT IDEAS
Festive and fashionable pieces to wear on Red, White, & Blue Day Homemade Berry Flag Pie
JULY 2014
Step-by-step tutorial on creating a yummy, decorative pie for the 4th of July
Miss Sophisticate JULY 2014
BONJOUR pg. 6 Editor’s Note pg. 8 InstaMoments Lookback pg. 9 Film & Print pg. 10 Blogger Spotlight: Karen Gifford
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Miss Sophisticate fashion pg. 14 Inspired By: Gray Malin
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pg. 18 4th of July Outfit Ideas
Food pg. 20 Local Spot: Montage Mosaic Bar & Grille pg. 22 Homemade Berry Flag Pie
Miss Sophisticate Design pg. 28 A.Tesselaar Design Shop & Atelier pg. 32 House Hunting: Hamptons Getaway
Travel pg. 34 Daisy’s Travels: An Italian Adventure
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Editor’s Note
Editor’s Note
It’s a pretty special and coveted thing to call yourself an American citizen. We
can sometimes forget that in the midst of paying taxes or standing in the DMV line. Like most people, I have my gripes about living in the States, including the exhausting “work, work, work” mentality and our country’s love for anything highly processed and doomed to make us sick. But in all my travels abroad, I can’t help but compare the places I visit, the people I see, and the experiences I have to those seen and enjoyed in the United States. I’m always so happy when that plane lands on the runway at LAX. And each time it does, I realize that it’s a priviledge to call this country home and enjoy the luxuries that I sometimes take for granted. America was founded with a thread of optimism and hope. While we may not always get it right in this country, our culture and society is pretty spot on when it comes to dreaming big and pursuing happiness. I myself grew up in an enviorn-
ment where my dreams were encouraged and everything felt entirely possible, which I now recognize is a unique perspective to grow up with in this world. Therefore, this Fourth of July, I plan on taking a moment to truly appreciate and acknowledge how beautiful this country and its people are, and to thank our country’s founders and brave soldiers for making it possible to call myself a free and happy American citizen.
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june InstaMoments A lookback at last month’s Instagram snapshots.
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Film & Print
Miss Sophisticate is
reading... “The One and Only” by Emily Giffin. If you’ve read Giffin’s novels, then you
won’t be surprised by how good The One and Only is. The story revolves around the main character, Shea Rigsby, a 33-year-old woman who’s lived in her football-obsessed, Texas hometown for her entire life. Shea thinks she’s happy with her life until she’s suddenly confronted with tragedy. The unexpected experience causes her to rethink her situation, life goals, and whether she’s truly followed her heart and fulfilled everything she’s wanted to.
Miss Sophisticate is
watching... The Fault In Our Stars Like any story that deals with cancer,
there are tears to be shed, some happy and some not. The beauty of The Fault In Our Stars, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, is the moving portrayal of what it means to live with cancer. Particularly, audiences will enjoy the film for the characters’ great sense of maturity, wit, and humor that is used to deal with their impending fate. You will leave the theater with teary eyes, but also an appreciation for great love and what it can bring even in the worst of times.
Watch the trailer here 9
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Blogger Spotlight
Blogger spotlight a look at Karen Gifford, The blogger and Culinarian behind “The Food Charlatan”
All photos were taken by and courtesy of Karen Gifford.
There are numerous food bloggers out there in
the blogging realm, many of them whipping up delicious meals and sharing fantastic recipes. It can be difficult to stand out among all these talented bloggers, but Karen Gifford has done just that with her humorous and authentic writing. With each recipe that Gifford shares, you’ll also find a personal account of a funny experience or story that’s been inspired by what she’s just created in the kitchen. These anecdotes from her personal life make her relatable to readers and encourage them to spend more time in the kitchen, which is the goal of any food blogger. No matter what your level of cooking skill is, you know that you have Gifford, a trusted source and friend in the kitchen to turn to. Q: How long have you been a food blogger? A: My 3 year anniversary is coming up in October! Q: What made you decide to create a food blog? A: One day, 3 years ago, my mother-in-law sent me a cupcake recipe to try. It was my first time ever visiting a food blog. I should probably send my old employer back-pay for that day of non-work [because] I spent the entire day looking at food blogs, one after the other. 10
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Blogger Spotlight I quickly became obsessed. After every post I read over the next few months, I thought to myself, I could totally do this! Lack of photography and computer skills held me back. But then, one day, I just thought, what the heck. I started a free Wordpress blog and published this [cookie recipe]. Q: Do you have any professional training, education, or experience in the food industry? A: None, whatsoever. My mom likes to joke that when I left the house, the only things I could make were chocolate chip cookies and jello. Q: Who/what has inspired, or does inspire, your recipe choices? A: I’m inspired by what I see, and I see quite a bit. I’m still obsessed with food blogs. I get several cooking magazines and, sometimes, I just like walking around the grocery store (without kids!). I’m inspired most by simple food that the majority of people would actually make—not just pretty, obscure food for the sake of it. Food blogging is art, sure, but I like to keep it practical for my 3-year-old’s sake. Q: What is your favorite food to make and/or eat? A: Cookies. Always. Or maybe pie. My mom is famous for her pies and I grew up watching her make them with fresh blackberries and lemons. 11
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Q: What is your least favorite food to make and/or eat? A: Seafood. I know, I know. Since I started my blog, I have branched out to enjoy fish like salmon and tilapia. But shellfish? Sushi? Ugh. Don’t hate me, I’m working on it! Q: What is your favorite thing about cooking and/or baking? Do you lean towards one or the other? A: Um, is this a trick question? The eating part! If I had to pick something else, though, it would be the actual mixing and stirring of ingredients, rather than styling and photographing my food. I struggle with food styling, and I have literally one setting on my camera that I do not move. Ever. I’m trying to get past that! Q: Do you have a dream person you’d like to cook or bake with/for? A: With? For? Heck no. I would be way too intimidated. I would love for Paula Deen to whip up some fried chicken for me though! Honestly, what I love most is cooking with my family, including my extended family. My mother-in-law is a huge inspiration. Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the kitchen, or is pretty intimidated when it comes to making anything from scratch? A: My advice is to follow the recipe! I know that sounds obvious, but the intuitive part of cooking only comes with experience, so don’t worry about that in the beginning. Find recipes that are highly rated [and] have hundreds of reviews, [then] follow the recipe to a T and, probably, it will turn out. But don’t give up if it doesn’t! Fortunately, you’re going to be hungry again tomorrow, so you can just try again. 12
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You can see more of Karen’s work and recipes by visiting her blog, or following her through her Facebook, Twitter, 13 Miss Sophisticate and Pinterest accounts.
Inspired By
Gray Malin Photography
Gray Malin, the traveling and incredibly talented photographer, has a series of photographs entitled “La Dolce Vita,” which is the inspiration for this month’s shopping spread. Gorgeous shots of the Cinque Terre beaches will get you inspired for a bright and beautiful summer wardrobe.
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(1) Boohoo Madison Maxi Dress; (2) Dannijo Becker Chandelier Earrings; (3) Lilly Pulitzer Resort Tote; (4) Dolce Vita Donni Sandal; (5) Leith Woven Cuff Bracelet
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(6) Kiini Crochet Yaz Bikini; (7) Lemlem Samara Pareo; (8) Gucci Carolina Wedge; (9) House of Harlow Chelsea Sunglasses
A creative marketing boutique specializing in fashion, beauty, design and lifestyle businesses.
www.SocialStylate.com
get the look Photo courtesy of: Huffinton Post
Outfit Ideas: The 4th of July Why you might need ideas: While finding clothing with the American flag print isn’t difficult, the reality is that purchasing such an outfit is probably not the best wardrobe investment. As much as being a proud American is great, demonstrating it through clothing usually only happens once a year, on the 4th. Finding pieces that are festive for the holiday but can also be worn throughout the year is a little more challenging. What To Do: If you’re looking for a clear show of American pride, then only purchase accessories that bare the American flag print, or pieces that make subtle use of it. Buy your major clothing pieces, like your dress or top, in a year-round, acceptable print that’s done in red, white, and/or blue. Not only can you wear them more than once, but they usually end up looking more fashion-forward than the flag print.
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Photo Credit: Lulu Guinness Instagram
get the look
What to Wear on the 4th:
Collection XIIX; $32.00
Alexander McQueen; $1,168.00
Lisa Marie Fernandez; $375.00
A.P.C.; $135.00
Valentino; $311.00
Tinsel; $45.00
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Local Restaurant
Mosaic Bar & GrillE in Laguna Beach, CA nothing says summer dining than a the restaurant does not disappoint with gorgeous ocean view as you eat. And that’s exactly what you get at the Mosaic Bar & Grille; a stunning coastal backdrop that will have you feeling like you’re on summer vacation (even if you might not be!). The restaurant is a semi-upscale, semi-casual dining spot at the Montage Resort in Southern California. The resort and its surrounding grounds are stunning, making the restaurant an idyllic place to enjoy an outdoor meal at. Since California weather is often mild and pleasant, you’ll most likely have crystal clear waters and a cool ocean breeze to accompany you. If you’re more concerned with how the food will taste, then don’t worry because
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its menu. There are an array of foods you might crave during the summer, including refreshing salads and fried finger foods. Favorites of each include the Organic Mixed Baby Greens (made with local fruits and candied walnuts) and the TempuraBattered Chicken Strips (with a side of sweet potato fries). The restaurant also features live music during the summer months, Monday through Friday nights and all day Saturday and Sunday. Since it does get quite busy with guests from the resort and local community dining in, make sure you call ahead to make a reservation. www.MontageHotels.com 30801 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 866.271.6953
FOOD
Homemade Berry Flag Pie a Step-by-step recipe tutorial to create This Easy and festive holiday dessert
There are an abundance of Fourth of July desserts made in America each year,
ranging from tri-color jello cups and icicle pops to red and blue dyed cakes. But sometimes, it’s best to just stick to the basics and enjoy a classic dessert on this very classic, American summer holiday. On the following pages, you’ll find a step-by-step tutorial for creating a homemade, no-fuss flag pie that’s as easy to make as it is to eat!
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Pie crust recipe adapted by: Joy the Baker
Homemade Berry Flag Pie
Ingredients for pie crust (makes 2):
Ingredients for the filling:
2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp granulated sugar 2 tsp salt 1 cup cold, unsalted butter, cubed 2 tbsp milk 1 egg
2 cups strawberries, sliced in half with stems removed 3/4 cup blueberries 2/3 cup granulated sugar 3 tbsp cornstarch zest of 1/2 a lemon 1 tsp lemon juice
Step 1: Get started on your pie crust by adding your all-purpose flour to your food processor. Alternatively, you can forego the processor and simply use a large bowl.
Step 2: To the flour, add your sugar and salt. Give everything a pulse (or whisk) to combine.
Step 3: Add your cubed butter to the flour mixture and pulse until a dough is formed. If you’re not using a processor, use a pastry blender or your hands to massage the butter into the flour.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a medium bowl. Set aside. In a smaller bowl, crack open your egg.
Step 5: To the egg, add the milk.
Step 6: Whisk the egg and milk together until they’re combined well.
Step 7: Add the egg mixture to your dough and stir into the dough until all of the dough is wet and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 8: Divide the dough into 2 chunks, and on a well-floured board using well-floured hands, mold the chunks into 2 compact balls.
Step 9: Flatten each ball into a disc shape before wrapping separately in plastic wrap and refrigerating for 30 minutes.
Step 10: While the dough chills, create your pie filling by adding your sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch to a large bowl.
Step 11: Whisk the ingredients together to combine.
Step 12: Add your strawberries and blueberries to the sugar mixture.
Step 13: Stir until all the fruit is coated with the sugar mixture. Set aside.
Step 14: Roll out one of the dough discs into a large circle, a little larger than 9 inches.
Step 15: Line a greased pie pan with the dough, molding it into the creases.
Step 16: Scoop the blueberries into the top left-hand corner of the pie dish, and then the strawberries into the remaining open cavity.
Step 17: Roll out the second dough disc and then cut 1 inch wide strips using a sharp knife. Apply these strips on top of the strawberries, taking care to trim the strips as needed. Use your knife to also cut a few star shapes out of the dough to go on top of the blueberries.
Step 18: Cover the pie with a piece of foil wrap before baking for 30 minutes at 400째F. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until crust is golden in color.
Serve pie warm with freshly made whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Design
A. Tesselaar Design Shop & Atelier A look at luxury interior designer Angela Tesselaar Photo courtesy of: Angela Tesselaar
One of the design goals of Angela Tesselaar, a Southern California-based
luxury interior designer, is to make spaces that feel good in addition to just looking good. When you walk into her downtown Laguna Beach atelier and shop, A.Tesselaar, nothing is more apparent than that. You want to immediately curl up on one of the pristine beige sofas and bask in the relaxing, yet sophisticated surroundings. This perfect balance of comfortable and chic is a result of Tesselaar’s innate ability to maintain “character, quality, sophistication, and restraint” throughout her design process. No matter how long a project takes or what the budget is, her clients turn to her for her unwavering dedication to using the best materials and the best design. Tesselaar’s work has become popular with more than just the clients; other industry professionals have also been seeking out Tesselaar for her appealing design choices and innovative work. It’s one of the main reasons Tesselaar added a retail space to her studio, since other interior designers have increasingly turned to Tesselaar’s curated furnishings and selections as a resource for their own projects. Beautifully crafted sculptures and tasteful indoor plants are just some of the unique highlights of the A.Tesselaar shop. You will also find luxurious bedding, cashmere throws, and an extensive line of deliciously scented candles and soaps. If you want to learn more about Angela Tesselaar and her design services, or check out her portfolio, you can visit her website at www.ATesselaar.com.
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A.Tesselaar Atelier & Shop 278 Beach Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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Hamptons Beach House Remsenburg, New York, United States (Images courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens)
When you think of the Hamptons, you
probably think of those gorgeous shingle homes with their beautiful gardens, sitting on white, sandy beaches. This house lives up to that visual and everything else that a fabulous Hamptons house should be. The home is brand new construction by famed architect, Craig Arm, and offers 9,000 sq. ft. The home boasts 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and 2 half baths. The finishes in the home are everything you would expect from a luxury, custom-designed Hamptons beach house, with white marble countertops in the kitchen and baths to a custom Roman edge Gunite swimming pool. Large bay windows give you unobstructed views throughout the house, although, the home is right on the beach so you’re never lacking gorgeous water views. The great thing about this house is that its exterior and layout is reminiscent of classic Hamptons design, but inside has been designed with all the modern amentities and aesthetic a person could want today, including high-end appliances and bonus features like an outdoor fire pit. This is the perfect home for entertaining and fulfilling all your dreams of having a Hamptons beach house! www.BHSHamptons.com
Travel
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Daisy’s Travels: An Italian Adventure Fall into wanderlust with this glimpse of avid traveler, Daisy Nguyen’s, trip to Italy All images were taken by and courtesy of Daisy Nguyen.
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f there’s anyone who has a thirst for travel, it’s Daisy Nguyen, the author of the blog Fleuraly. She has a penchant for adventure and the savvyness to fulfill it. Nguyen has traveled to almost every country on both the North American and European continents, documenting her travels through Instagram and her blog. She’s fearless and triumphant when it comes to seeing the world, and her passion for travel leaves everyone in a state of complete and utter wanderlust. Nguyen is only 24 years old, but she’s seen more places than most people do their entire life. In fact, she’s currently visiting Vietnam for her summer holidays, however, followers are still drooling over her pictures from her most recent trip to Italy. It wasn’t her first trip there, but it might as well been from all the glorious 34
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experiences she had, including the foodie ones. Meals of pasta with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, as well as gelato-cookie desserts are just a couple of the foods she enjoyed. Now do you see why her followers have been drooling? Daisy recommends anyone visiting Italy, especially Florence, to give the Florentine special, tripe, a try. Tripe stands are everywhere in Florence and once the tripe is prepared in the magnificent Florentine manner, you’re left with a delicous, tender meat that’s typically topped with tomato sauce. If you’re simply seeking pure r&r, then Daisy suggests visiting the small town of Montecatini Terme, which is famous for its natural and thermal spas. To follow Daisy on more of her adventures, you can visit her blog or Instagram.
Au Revoir, mes Amis
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