FEBRUARY 2021
VOL. 7
HOW TO LOVE YOURSELF FIRST THIS VALENTINE’S DAY
3 Must-Visit Cof fee Shops in DFW
Mylo Shares His Self-Love Journey
...and more!
Mylo’s V-Day Gift Guide
The Sweetest Cuddle Spots in DFW
Mylo Draven Siobhan Miller Kristine Bello Siobhan Miller Mylo Draven Kristine Bello Caitlin Knudsen Kira Gavalakis SGI Creative SGI Creative Benjamin Bledsoe Caitlin Knudsen Web Hosted By Cascadia Web Services
EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Advertising Executive - Siobhan Miller 92 Piazza Lane Ste. 100, Colleyville, Texas 76034 hello@mddmagazine.com MDDM is published by Mylo Draven Digital Magazine, L.L.C. www.MDDMmagazine.com | hello@MDDMmagazine.com
The opinions expressed in MDDM do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use of this magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of Mylo Draven Digital Magazine L.L.C.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 06
Three Must-Visit Spots for the Perfect Valentine’s Day in Dallas A vegan bakery, rustic-inspired coffee shop, and two unique cuddle spots!
Page 18
Love Potion No.7 Recipe A cocktail made with aphrodisiacs—like honey, pomegranate, and strawberries—to make any night a fabulous one!
Page 12
Mylo’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Made for family, friends, and even a night of self-care!
Page 20
Where to Get Your Cake, Coffee, and Cuddles in Fort Worth on Valentine’s Day
Your go-to guide for a stellar Valentine’s Day, including a diet-friendly bakery, animal rescue, and a coffee shop that’ll transport you back to the 1950s in Palm Springs. Page 28
Hazelnut Raspberry Chocolate Tart Recipe
A dessert so decadent, you’ll be blaming us for all the hearts that fall for you after you make them this!
Page 32
Page 16
Mylo’s Musings In Mylo’s words, “you must be a whole person to bring complete value to an intimate relationship, let alone a marriage.”
Coffee, Cakes, and Cuddles in the Metroplex for an Unforgettable Valentine’s Day What do you get when you mix an inspiring coffee shop, Mylo’s go-to bakery, and a cozy Airbnb spot? The perfect Valentine’s Day!
Letter from the Editor
Second month of 2021, and we meet again like old friends. Let’s keep meeting just like this!
I
am so glad that you are still here as a loyal MDDM reader. Have you told a friend or twenty about the magazine? Please spread the word. Think of it as a Valentine’s Day gift for me and my staff. It is the month of love. Seriously, I don’t think the world at large, and people in general, can survive well without more love. I read a funny quote that said “2021 is just 2020 with bangs!” As a former hairdresser, I think this is HILARIOUS!!! I also think it sums up 2021 thus far: different but still the same.
We now have the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, in office. It doesn’t matter where you reside on the political spectrum, the simple fact is “change is in the wind my friends” a la Bob Dylan. I don’t know whether the change will be good, bad, minimal, massive or what. What I do know is that we all need to open our minds. At the very least, we must try to leave negativity behind. Love wins, and this February I want you all to WIN! I want each one of our MDDM fam to feel love. I want you all to experience a love that transcends the weight of loss, sadness, and financial stress. I want for at least one day, on February 14th, for you all to enjoy the warmth of unconditional love. Yes, no judgement and no requirements other than just for you to exist. We all deserve to experience joy and love for just being alive. This love may come from a spouse, a sibling, a partner, or a child, but I want the unconditional love this year to come from you.
L O V E
You must love who you are: imperfectly perfect, fallible, and human. This year lead the love charge by loving yourself. This year embrace your power to uplift and support yourself. This Valentine’s Day do not rely on another or have unrealistic expectations, and therefore suffer no disappointment. Love yourself and those around you because love HEALS. You, and those you love, deserve to be happy…more than just one day of the year. Use this Valentine’s Day as the catalyst for lasting love in 2021. Start with you, and loving others will follow.
Remember, if no one else tells you, I am on your side.
W I N S
06
Three MustVisit Spots for the Perfect
Valentine’s Day in Dallas
By Kristine Bello
07
It’s almost Valentine’s Day already!? It feels like the-yearwho-shall-not-be-named ended like ten minutes ago. But hey, we’re not complaining. If there’s any time we want to celebrate love, it’s 2021. And that’s just it. Valentine’s Day is about all kinds of love. It’s not just about romantic love; it’s also about family and friends and Gucci—oh, for the love of fashion, Gucci! So even if you’re spending the day alone, at least spend it with your favorite accessories: an homage to your closet. And we’ve got the deets on where your fashionable self should go if you’re in Dallas on Valentine’s Day—alone or not.
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Coffee Let’s be real: coffee is always a good idea. It’s an especially good idea for a first date, outing to catch up, or if you just want some alone time (which is not actually alone time because your cup of coffee will be quite the company). Cultivar Coffee Bar & Roaster is a particularly attractive spot because of their commitment to quality and sustainability. From farm to roast, they appreciate every single step that leads up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee and
With a rustic-inspired interior and plenty of natural lighting (you know we need to snap those pics for Instagram, girl!), this coffee shop offers the perfect ambiance for a conversation or even for an introspective session. Their menu is simple and straightforward, mostly offering various coffee drinks, like a Pour Over, Cold Brew, and Cortado. Non-coffee drinkers can enjoy a tea or hot chocolate. They’ve also got cool extras, like oat milk and house-made honey whip. And if you
prepare it with the care, love, and respect it deserves. We should all look at ourselves the way Cultivar looks at coffee.
become super obsessed with their coffee like us, you can buy several of their coffee blends and even get a coffee subscription, which makes the most perfect gift (after a Louis Vuitton bag). Not in Dallas? No worries! They also have a location in Oak Cliff. Find them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or their website.
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Cake Quite frankly, cake is a necessity every day of the year, but when it’s Valentine’s Day, three unique rules apply to make it even more special:
1. Calories don’t count. 2. We get to have extra. 3. Someone else gets it for you. How is cake not the best part with all these rules? Isn’t that why we keep our significant others around anyway? This Valentine’s Day, we highly recommend getting all your desserts at Reverie Bakeshop. They’re an all-vegan bakery in the DFW area whose sole goal is to make food that’s nice to animals, the planet, and your body. Founded by Nancy Castillo—with a degree in pastry arts— and Racene Mendoza— a self-taught entrepreneur—this bakery serves desserts made entirely with love, artistry, and dedication. Why would you go anywhere else?
Are you ready for their menu? You’re not going to know how to choose! Their dessert menu includes bars, cookies, chocolate, cannolis, pies, cheesecakes, cakepops, and fruit tarts. In addition to their dessert menu, they also offer select breakfast items, like quiche, kolaches, empanadas, cinnamon rolls, and breakfast sandwiches. On the weekends, they offer four additional items—three of which are donuts and the other being apple fritters. While their menu is vegan, not all items are gluten-, peanut-, and tree-nut-free, so they have a separate menu for those items. And if you’re tying the knot, they do wedding cakes too!
@reveriebakeshop Follow them on Instagram to get a daily dose of their delicious dessert pics!
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@texastheatre
@whiterockdallas
sunshine. Foodies can set up a
Cuddles
picnic—homemade or storelike your favorite sweatpants,
bought (we’re not judging!)
and skip the discomfort of
and
For fun activities, we’ve got
getting all dressed up (though
athletic can go for a relaxing
two options for ya. The first is
we love that sometimes). Just
bike ride. For more of an
seeing a drive-in movie at The
make sure to get there early
adventure, there are kayaks
Texas Theatre Sunset Drive-In.
because they sell out fast! And
and paddleboards for rental on
Opened in 1931, this theatre
if you forget snacks, don’t
the
makes for an exciting night out
worry: you can get snacks and
before sunset, and no matter
full of nostalgia and cuddles.
drinks delivered to your car
what you do, it’s bound to be a
While
while you’re there.
gorgeous evening. Honestly,
Our second option is more for
we’re
the
all you outdoorsy types (that
thinking
drive-in. Pandemic or not, we
like to torture yourselves).
movement, but we guess it’s
love the cozy vibes of sitting in
White Rock park, home to
okay if we can watch the sunset
the comfort of our car, eating
White
(and take selfies).
snacks and listening to the film
perfect
with
interruptions.
individuals, and friends alike
Depending on your mood and
to spend the day soaking in the
movies, we’re
they due
offer to
Covid-19,
recommending
no
indoor
your company, you could even choose to wear comfy clothes,
Rock place
Lake, for
is
the
couples,
those
lake.
who
Get
getting about
are
there
more
right
tired
just
all
this
Giveaways are one of our many love languages
You can can win this month! You month!
Ways to enter: - Like our FB page - Follow us on Instagram - Subscribe to the magazine - Send us the page # that the love stamp is on!
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Mylo’s
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide By Caitlin Knudsen
Hey, boo. It’s that special time of year when love is on everybody’s minds, and we want to give YOU the gift of expertly curated Valentine’s Day gifts. Honey, you know we want the best for you! Whether you’re into the finer things in life or just want to show a loved one you care, we love an excuse to indulge. You can pick from this list to show somebody how you feel, treat yourself (we are here for self-love), or set up the best date of your life. MDDM is an Amazon Affiliate. We receive a small commission if you purchase using these links at no additional cost to you!
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For Romance Love Language Card Game If you’re coupled up and think conversation is overrated, you need to get this card game. It’s an intimacy builder with juicy questions to get you and your partner seeing the love. We recommend you start or end date night with this game, and get personal this Valentine’s Day.
Price: ❤❤ Romance: ❤❤❤❤❤ Uniqueness: ❤❤
AN Cooling Weighted Blanket If you have a honey and you plan to celebrate with a romantic movie this Valentine’s Day, take your date night to the next level with a weighted blanket. You and your lover can get super relaxed together.
For F riends
Price: ❤❤ Romance: ❤❤❤ Uniqueness: ❤❤❤
Taza Chocolate Organic Mexicano Disc
Price: ❤ Romance: ❤❤ Uniqueness: ❤❤❤❤
Chocolate is a no-fail option for Valentine’s Day, but check out this set of Mexican stone-ground chocolate before you buy that tired old box of truffles. Don’t sleep on the rich and delicious champurrados and moles of the world. You can make both with this high-quality treat. Bonus: They’re 100% vegan. Can I get a yas queen?!
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Numi Organic Flowering Tea Gift Set We won’t stop mixing it up, and that’s a promise! Flowers are nice, but when was the last time you got your friends flowering tea? This 2-in-1 gift is great for the tea lover in your life, or for anybody that appreciates beauty steeping in 12 oz. of water. Each box has a selection of white, green, and black teas, so your friends can steep to suit their mood.
Price: ❤❤ Romance: ❤❤ Uniqueness: ❤❤❤❤
For Anybody Refugee Bath Co. Bath Bombs We love a company that thinks of others. That’s why we’re recommending this particular set of bath bombs—your purchase supports refugee employment in Washington state. Plus, the ingredients are all natural, including the skin-soothing powerhouse cocoa butter. That’s what we call a win-win. Price:❤❤ Romance: ❤❤ Uniqueness: ❤❤
Soing Silver 24-piece Cocktail Our Love Potion No. 7 recipe and this cocktail shaker set make the perfect marriage. Plus, anybody can appreciate these high-quality tools for upping your mixology game, available in a chooseyour-own-adventure of finishes. If you know a guy (or gal) that loves dabbling in the liqueurs and spirits of this world, this is the gift for them.
Price: ❤❤❤❤ Romance: ❤❤ Uniqueness: ❤❤❤
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Benevolence Los Angeles Candle With woodsy and garden floral notes, whoever you gift this candle to is going to ask where you found it because they’re going to burn it non-stop until it’s gone. That’s it. That’s the review.
Price: ❤ Romance: ❤❤❤❤ Uniqueness: ❤
How to Be Alone: If You Want to, and Even If You Don’t by Lane Moore If you’re single, you might as well laugh about it. This book, from the host of the comedy show Tinder Live With Lane Moore, is a must-read for people embracing self-love. It’s relatable, humorous, and gets deep about the realities of searching for connection in a crazy, mixed up world. Price: ❤ Romance: ❤ Uniqueness: ❤❤❤
Dr. Relief Accupressure Mat
Price: ❤❤❤❤ Romance: ❤❤❤ Uniqueness: ❤❤❤
What’s the ultimate treat-yourself moment? A massage, of course. If you’re keeping your distance this February, but want to give yourself the love you deserve, check out this acupressure mat from Dr. Relief. You can use it to unwind after a long day, soothe sore muscles after you kill that workout, or even start your day with some mat time to give you the energy you need to be your fabulous self.
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MYLO ’S MUSINGS
LOVE disappointment of varying magnitudes, love, love lost, hope, addicton, success, failure, rebirth, faith, shopping, laughter, and so much more. I have had a spouse or two in the past. I will say this though, “you MUST be married to yourself before all others.” If you cannot navigate your own self, how in the hell can you possibly expect to navigate the heart and emo�ons of another?
Ifyoudon’t knowwhoGraceJonesis,pleaseGooglethisDivaandIcon offashionandmusic.In1980,shecoveredasongbyRoxyMusic,“Loveis theDrug.”
“…Yeah,catchthat buzz, Love is the drug that I’m thinking of, Ohoh,canyousee? Loveisthedrugforme…” In this month of love we know as February, these lyrics can’t be more fi�ng. Let me just say that as a recovering meth addict, addicton is a serious topic. However, for my purposes here, not so much. Now, where was I? Oh yes, “Love is the drug that I am thinking of.” Like many, I have been a love junkie for most of my life. I love the idea of love. I love the romance of love. I love love! I love being in love. For me, there is no life without love.
The interestng shi� I have made over the past few years is my mental shi� about love. Love no longer must involve another person. You guessed it, I discovered the value and need for self-love. In recent years, I have come to understand the need to love myself. I have come to appreciate the “high” and happiness of loving ME. Trust me, it has been a long journey. A lifelong road that has been filled with abuse, heartache,
I have been rocked to my core by the loss of love. It stands to reason that with the highest highs come the lowest lows. I have had to rebuild every bit of my self-esteem. The beau�ful disasters that I endured have made me the man that I am today. They have made me independent of another. I have been able to realize, and accept, that a healthy roman�c/in�mate rela�onship is one of choice. There should not be a “need” for another. For too long we have been raised to believe that we need an in�mate rela�onship or marriage to someone to be a complete person. WRONG! A coupling should be based on the healthy choice to have someone in your life that compliments who you
17
are, where you are, and where you want to be in life. A healthy, loving rela�onship is supposed to offer support. You must be a whole person to bring complete value to an in�mate rela�onship, let alone a marriage. I look forward to being married again. I o�en say when talking about marriage with friends, that “I have one le� in me.” As I grow more comfortable and confident in my skin, I want to bring that strength and recently discovered self-love to a marriage. For all the singles out there, please do not be discouraged or jealous. Know that
you must turn within: heal and grow. You want your next mate/ partner to be one who complements your best self. For all of you that are married, be grateful that you found the one who provides you with sanctuary and a founda�on from which you flourish.
Myl
Whether single or coupled, make sure that during this month of love, you take care of YOU. The healthiest love you can experience is love of self. .
o
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O R I G I N A L
M D D M
D R I N K
R E C I P E
By Caitlin Knudsen
L o v e Po ti on N o . 7 Whether you’re partnered up or flying solo and fabulous this Valentine’s Day, this is a drink to mix up and sip in front of your favorite flick. Pretty Woman, anyone? We created this cocktail using our top aphrodisiacs (yes, we’ll go there!) like pomegranate, strawberries, and honey. Add some bubbles and you’ve got a good time!
METHOD
TIME
SERVING
D I F F U C U LT Y
SHAKER
30 MINUTE
1 PERSON
BEGINNER
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
1 la rg e st raw be rry
1. Dice a strawberry and toss it into the bottom of a 12 oz.
1 t e a spoon of honey
mason jar or highball glass.
Spla sh of hot w a t e r
2. In a shaker, add one teaspoon of honey. Add a splash of
4 oz. of c ru she d ice 1 ½ oz. w hi t e ru m ½ oz. a llspice d ra m
hot water, and mix the honey up so it’s the texture of simple syrup. 3. Add the crushed ice to the shaker. 4. Add your white rum (any brand you like, but permission to
3 oz. pom e g ra na t e
be fancy) and allspice dram.
j u i ce
5. Add the pomegranate juice.
Se lt ze r t o f inish
6. Shake to combine for about 20 seconds. 7. Pour in the glass on top of the strawberry. 8. Fill your glass the rest of the way with the seltzer. You deserve a drink this good for Valentine’s Day! 9. Put a straw in it and sip up. If you add extra rum, we won’t tell.
Notes: Topo Chico is fabulous in place of standard seltzer. Add a few pomegranate seeds for extra crunch. There’s nothing wrong with being a little extra!
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20
Where to Get Yo u r Ca k e , Coffee, and Cuddles in Fort Wor th on
Valentine’s Day By Kristine Bello
PAGE 02
21
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! And just to let you in on a little secret, Mylo sat down with Cupid for a cup of coffee and they discussed everything. Ultimately, they decided that ain’t nobody allowed to feel lonely this year. Of course, we’ve all had our sad Valentine’s Days over the years, but if there’s anything that 2020 taught us, it’s that life’s too dang short! So whether you’re spending the day alone or with a special someone (pet, family, friend, significant other, Gucci bag, etc.), we’ve got your go-to guide for where to go and what to do in Fort Worth! PAGE 03
22
Co f f e e
Photo credits: Benjamin Bledsoe
K
ris Frank, owner of Boule‐ vard Brew, always dreamed of having an all-inclusive place where he could offer different services and products under one roof. He started by first opening Frank’s Realty, then Boulevard Brew. Maintaining his dream alive, he is now working on opening his own an‐ imal rescue. Though these are all separate places, they’re all interconnected in many ways! For example, Boulevard Brew’s general manager, Tina, is ac‐ tually someone who was renting one of Kris’ properties. When he was opening Boulevard Brew, he reached out to her to see if she wanted to run the shop because he thought she’d be perfect for the job! And the animal rescue actually stemmed from a poster board in the coffee shop, where they post animals in need of homes.
Coffee with a side of pups! We met the cutest pups during our shoot! Jane and Jeanie are both seven-month-old mixed breeds. They think they’re Blue Heeler Catahoula Leopard mixes, but it’s not confirmed (and who cares because they’re so adorable!). And although Jeanie is super active and Jane is more calm, they’d both make the sweetest, cuddliest lap dogs! Ideally, their future owner can take both of them home together, as they’re siblings, and we would hate to have to split them up! Mylo would have taken them himself, but Greyson (aka Diva Kitty) would probably make their lives miserable not get along with them.
Photo credits: Benjamin Bledsoe
Boulevard Brew
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24 In their 1950s-Palm-Springs-in‐ spired shop, you’ll find friendly employ‐ ees and an overall undeniably inspiring atmosphere. With mid-century modern furniture and Old Hollywood stars, like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, adorning the walls, the vibes here just make you want to sit down, sip on something yummy, and listen to your company talk about their dreams. If you’re rolling solo, you’ll want to take advantage of the ambiance to catch up on your reading or finally start journal‐ ing. And they have live entertainment regularly, so if your date sucks or you’re tired of reading, you can just watch the artists and still have a grand ‘ol time because your fabulous outfit sure as heck isn’t going to waste no matter how the outing goes! But what will you drink while you’re there? Well, to start, their menu offers both tea and coffee—all of which are locally sourced. They’ve got drip coffee and espresso, including house blends, dark roast, and even decaf Colombian coffee. In fact, their coffee is so darn good that during our photo‐ shoot, Mylo accidentally ordered an iced coffee with an extra shot and he was as energized as if he had just bought a new pair of Dior shoes. He was bouncin’! For non-coffee drinkers, they have CBD drinks, hot chocolate and a variety of tea, from regular to functional. Some of their functional teas are Peach Ginger Detox, Water‐ melon Fat Burner, and Butterfly Blue‐ berry White. We are all for something that’s both delicious and practical. If our MCM bags could be fabulous and help us burn extra calories, the world would be a much better place. For both tea and coffee, they have iced options. And in case you’re hungry, they serve breakfast, sandwiches, and snacks, like house-made bread.
Siobhan’s favorite Iced matcha tea with almond milk!
Photo credits: Benjamin Bledsoe
25
Ca k e
W
e want that cake (cake, cake, cake) every day of the year, but on Valentine’s Day, it’s a must. Whether you have it fresh at the dessert shop or order it for pickup or delivery, there’s no mistaking cake’s crucial role on one of the most romantic days of
the year. So don’t you dare show up at our door without those goods! Unrefined Bakery is our top pick for V-Day. Featured in D Magazine, Advocate, and the Dallas Observer, this bakery was founded by a mother-daughter
duo who suffered from several food allergies. They wanted to serve food that was nourishing not only for your body, but also for your soul! They took inspiration from family recipes— nixing the gluten and other ingredients like soy, corn, dairy, and eggs—to come up with an
entirely allergen-free menu. They also have options for those with a keto, vegan, or paleo diet, which means you get to have your cake and eat it too while on a diet!
because who’s picking up, huh? We sure aren’t! If you’d rather skip the mess and work (we don’t blame you), you can still put in extra effort and order a custom cake. You can choose the size, flavor, On their menu, you’ll icing, filling, as well as find all sorts of yummy have them write or treats, like pies, breads, design whatever you donuts, muffins, cookies, want on it. Make sure brownies, cupcakes, to place the order three cinnamon rolls, and days in advance, and more. They even offer maybe even sooner their signature baking since it’s for a popular blend for sale in case holiday! And if you’re you want to get crafty not in Fort Worth, don’t for Valentine’s Day and fret! They’ve got six have a cute movie locations all throughout moment with your S/O, the DFW area. You can baking, pretending to find them on their drop things (and picking website, Instagram, and them up—mhm, we see Facebook. you), and getting into a flour fight—which doesn’t really end up being all that cute
Photos sourced from @unrefinedbakery
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Cuddles C
uddles might be our favorite part of the whole day, but that largely depends on who we’re cuddling with, ain’t that right? However, with Saving Hope Animal Rescue, there’s no doubt that the cuddles will be the best.
Remember what we said about practicality? It applies here too! an outing that’s both fulfilling for us and our furry friend community? Major win. Because there’s no luxury in life like giving a pet a forever home. Spend some time volunteering, or agree to have a no-gift holiday and instead donate that money to the rescue. If you’re ready for a new furry family member, then adopt! Just keep in mind that you need to hold yourself accountable and be responsible for this animal, so if you’re not ready and/or have not discussed it with your partner, do not (we repeat, do not) get or gift a pet. We highly recommend Saving Hope because not only are they completely devoted to the animals, but they also focus on informing the public. They provide a unique voice that stands up for these abandoned animals and educates the community to address euthanasia, animal abuse and neglect, as well as animal overpopulation. Other ways to support them include shopping the merchandise on their site; they sell teddy bears, stir sticks, and the softestlooking blankets. You can also visit their site, Instagram, and Facebook to see news, updates, and the cutest photos of animals that are up for adoption.
“Because there’s no luxury in life like giving a pet a forever home.” Photos sourced from Saving Hope Rescue and Kari Breen, Inc.
F�i�� H��� L���
Design
Carolyn, a.k.a. CJ, is an interior designer in Southlake, TX with over 20 years of experience. Some of her services include:
Residential/ commercial interior design Home renovations Home staging Events Digital Marketing And if you’re concerned about the pandemic, don’t worry! She offers remote design, color selection, and furniture placement. Follow her on Instagram for free design tips and advice, including DIYs! If there’s any way she can save you money, she figures it out!
#MDDM Market
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Hazelnut Ra s p b e r r y C h o c o l a t e Ta r t
By Cail�n Knudsen
W
e want you to unleash your inner roman�c this Valen�ne’s Day. The perfect way is to bake up something special and decadent. Here she is. The hazelnut, raspberry, chocolate tart of your dreams. She’s silky smooth, rich and chocolatey, and beau�fully balanced with tart raspberry. It’s a bite you won’t forget. And why should you? You deserve a Valen�ne’s Day to remember!
2
29
Ingredients
Serves
: 12
:
For the tart shell (adapted from The Bojon Gourmet) ½ cup hazelnut meal ½ cup oat flour ¼ cup sweet rice flour ¼ cup dutch process cocoa powder ¼ cup cane sugar 2 tbsp arrowroot flour ¼ tsp salt 6 tbsp salted butter, chilled and directly from the refrigerator 1-2 tbsp cold water (optional) 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the chocolate ganache 8 oz. semisweet chocolate 6 oz. heavy whipping cream 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the chocolate mousse Reserved ⅓ of the chocolate ganache 3-4 oz. heavy whipping cream 1 pinch of salt 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the raspberry compote 2 6 oz. containers of organic raspberries 4 tbsp cane sugar 1 tsp lemon juice 2 tbsp water 3
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Directions
:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
20 minutes before going to step 12.
2. Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a remov-
7. While the tart shell is baking, pick out
able bottom. Use butter, use spray oil. You 8-10 juicy, perfect raspberries from the do you.
containers that you will use to decorate the
3. In a food processor, combine the hazel-
tart and set them aside.
nut meal, flours, arrowroot powder, cocoa
8. Pour the rest of the raspberries into a
powder, sugar, and salt.
saucepan with the water, sugar, and lemon
4. Roughly chop the butter and toss it into juice. Turn the heat up to medium-high and the food processor with the vanilla extract.
cook until all of the raspberries are broken
Mix for 20-30 seconds until just combined.
down and the mixture is thick.
Be careful not to overmix! Nobody has time 9. Turn off the heat and let the mixture for a ruined tart crust. The dough should
cool for about 15 minutes.
be sandy with moist chunks. If it’s not
10.Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
coming together, add the cold water and
In a separate saucepan, gently heat the
pulse for a few seconds.
heavy whipping cream until it’s lightly bub-
5. Press into the tart pan, working the
bling at the edges. Pour over the chocolate
dough up the sides as you go.
and allow to sit for about two minutes.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until slightly
Mix the chocolate and cream together until
firm to the touch. Once you remove the
you have a smooth, fabulous ganache in your
tart shell from the oven, use a wooden
bowl.
spoon or spatula to press the baked crust
11. Set aside ⅓ of your ganache in a large
down as it makes it easier to slice when
mixing bowl.
you’re ready to indulge. Cool for about 15-
12. To assemble the tart, spread the rasp4
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berry compote in the tart shell, ensuring it
and fluffy. Add 3-4 oz. of heavy whipping
covers the entire bottom up to the sides.
cream, salt, and vanilla extract, and continue
13. Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
to mix until it forms thick waves of chocolatey
Pour yourself a cocktail while you wait!
goodness that hold their shape. Yes, you just
14. Once the raspberry compote is set, pour
made an easy chocolate mousse. No egg whites
the chocolate ganache over top and spread to
or double burners necessary!
the edges.
17. Slather the chocolate mousse on top of the
15. Place in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. ganache and decorate with the raspberries. If you’re feeling ambitious, use a piping bag to
I know, I know, but it’s worth it. 16. While your ganache is setting, take the reserved ⅓ of ganache and mix it using an electric hand mixer on high until it becomes light brown
pipe the chocolate mousse onto the surface of the chocolate ganache. Either way, it tastes ahmazing. 18. You can eat the tart right away, but it will set to a lovely sliceable texture if you let it sit for a few hours in the refrigerator.
Notes: If you hate seeds in your raspberry compote, feel free to strain them out before assembling the tart. We’ll support you either way! And this tart sets up beautifully overnight in the fridge. Make it ahead of time and see what we mean. We dare you. 5
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Coffee, Cakes, and Cuddles in the Metroplex for an Unforgettable Valentine’s Day By Kira Gavalakis
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Who says the Hallmark day of love has to be just one day? Whether you’re planning on spending the 14th with your partner, family, friend, or yourself, there’s no excuse not to practice that love all month!
Sure, quarantine restrictions might have you feeling like you can’t do anything, but guess what? We have you covered. Because with our featured coffee, cakes and cuddles—i.e, the best coffeehouse ever, our favorite sugar-fix, and the ultimate snuggle spots—you won’t be feeling like you’re missing out on anything! Best part of it all? You’ll be supporting all local businesses!
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Coffee
RE:defined Coffeehouse IG: @redefinedcoffeehouse Number: 817.488.2828 200 Northwest Highway Grapevine, Texas 76051 “Not just a coffeehouse, but a home.”
Sourced from: @redefinedcoffeehouse
Specialties RE:defined is all about that homey vibe. This coffee shop, not only features comfy seating, artsy colors, and delectable warm drinks, but also co-working environments, and even a performance space (we’ll get to that). If your W4H (work from home) routine has been a little bland, coming by RE:defined and twisting it up can get you in the mindspace to get s$&@ done. With gorgeous fairy lights, rustic accents, and a clean and artistic style, who wouldn’t want to get their inspiration juices flowing with some good coffee by their side? Here are a couple specialty desserts that you can order—whether you decide to stay, or if you’d prefer to utilize their pick-up service:
Lifestyle-Friendly Snacks ☞Vegan + Gluten-Free Turtle Cookie ☞Vegan + Gluten-Free Berry Crumble ☞Paleo + Gluten-Free Brownie
Teas That Made Us Go “Mmm…” ☞Herbal Spa Tea ☞Ruby Slipper Herbal Tea ☞Gun Powder Green Tea
Perfect W4H Coffees ☞White Winter Mocha ☞Nitro Cold Brew ☞Cortado
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Sourced from: @redefinedcoffeehouse
Spotlight RE:defined doesn’t only work as a coffeehouse. From the outside, it may look that way, but they pride themselves on encouraging productivity, collaboration and community. Check out what makes their space different from the rest: The Green Room is a co-working space fit for large groups, like for school projects, company meetings, or entrepreneurial collaboration and brainstorming sessions. The space is an all-glass room, fully enclosed but still feeling as part of the coffeeshop. It kind of makes you feel like a VIP, which is probably why it’s rented out for both business meetings and photoshoots. #lightingonfleek The Nook is is a perfect, cozy space for when working at your house just isn’t cutting it. It fits around four, so it’s perfect for more intimate dining and meetings, catching up, and small co-working sessions. It’s quaint, it’s cozy, and it’s great for a warm cup of tea. Did we mention the first two hours of booking is totally free?
Sourced from: @redefinedcoffeehouse
Sitch RE:defined Unplugged is an artistic feature that brings in both local and national performing artists, speakers, and industry leaders. Some of RE:defined’s recent guests include Jason Upton, Jake Hamilton, Rita Springer, Dara Maclean, and Kim Walker Smith. Good music, good food, and good drinks? Count us in! Featured Artists are always being promoted, as you’ll see new pieces of artwork for sale cycling through their wall regularly. Take a stroll in there-- you never know what unique piece you might find!
As a small business, RE:defined has been doing everything they can to continue serving their community. In the current state of things, they’ve been offering “inside open, mask required,” service, as well as online ordering and curbside pick-up. Whatever you’re feeling, they can do. P.S., They have great last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts, too. Just sayin’.
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Cake
Elegant Cakery
IG: @elegantcakery Number: 817.488.2828 2364 E State Hwy 114 Southlake, TX 76092 Photos sourced by @elegantcakery
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Specialties If you’ve been a client of Mylo’s, you may have gotten one of these sweet treats as a closing gift. If not, then you’re missing out (both on Mylo, and on this top sweet spot!). Micky at Elegant Cakery have created everything from a barbecue grill-shaped cake to a Louis Vuitton cake (can you take a guess who that was for?). Anything you can imagine, Elegant Cakery can put onto a cake… and can make taste delicious! (Who knew a barbecue cake could taste so good?) Their cake creation ranges from gender reveals to weddings to birthdays to any other celebration you can think of.
Sitch Elegant Cakery has placed a pause on their personal cake consultations and in-person taste testing. Take note of their new showroom hours if you want to stop by.
When Ordering... ☞Order your cake as soon as you know you’ll need one. (Although they can do rush-orders, it’s definitely not preferred.) ☞At the moment, they’re limiting their services to standard cake designs and a few custom cake designs. If you are in need of something more custom, you can text an inspiration picture to them, and they’ll get back to you on how they can help! ☞They’re awesome at custom cakes-- but that’s not all they do! Find them on UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub for cupcakes and dessert cakes delivered straight to your couch. Photos sourced by @elegantcakery
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Magazine by: d
Cuddles
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designsoul
When all else fails, cuddles are there! Just because things are a little different this year doesn’t mean you don’t have the freedom to travel to some new places (even if they’re more local.) Even better, you’ll be supporting local businesses as hosters. Yep— we said hosters, because we’ll be featuring our top 3 Airbnb spots in the Metroplex area! Whether you want to treat your hubby to something a little different this holiday, or celebrate Galentine’s Day in style, check out these amazing spots, hosted right in your neighborhood!
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Ravinia Bungalow (Dallas) Story: When you’re staying in Ravinia Bungalow, it’s all about the art. Fit with a lofted bedroom, private bathroom and shower, and on an almost 2-acre property, Ravinia Bungalow is easily accessible to the Bishop Arts district, 15 minutes from downtown Dallas, and an absolutely adorable spot to stay in.
Spotlight: Our spotlight on this Airbnb is its natural, earthy color scheme. The combinations of the deep brown reclaimed wood and a beautiful mossy green paint on the doors and window panes make you feel like you’re a character in a book. For an artsy night with your gal pals to celebrate self-love and friendship, find yourself in this cozy bungalow that’ll make you feel like you’re a character straight out of a romance novel.
Sitch: The host, Jim doesn’t allow pets, parties, or smoking. He’s a superhost, so he means business when it comes to keeping the space the best it can be!
Tiny House Getaway on Urban Farm (Keller) Story: This tiny house certainly doesn’t sacrifice experience, even with limited space. In fact, its quaint and cozy design may just be the perfect fix for those who want a night of cozy fun. A former shipping container, the tiny home’s long design fits everything you’ll need for the perfect stay, from a partially-separated bedroom space to an adorable, old-fashioned yet fully-functional refrigerator. The dining set-up-- where you’ll be eating should you choose to cook at home-- is faced directly across a wide window overlooking the surrounding tiny houses.
Spotlight: This shipping-container home features a rooftop deck fit with a firepit, perfect for those cool nights where all you need is some cuddling under the stars. Who could ask for anything more?
Sitch: This house requires your shoes to be off to ensure it remains as clean and pristine as possible. The hosts do provide shoe covers if you don’t wish to go “bear-to-bare.” Additionally, the hosts have a dog who guards their cows against wildlife. If he happens to be having a particularly loud night, they’ve provided a sound machine so your rest doesn’t get disturbed. Photos sourced from Airbnb.com
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Good Vibes Getaway (Fort Worth) Story: This unique, modern, and totally cool getaway is everything you need for a cozy and cool night in with your hubs. Right splat in the middle of Fort Worth, this space is fi�ed with all the ameni�es you need-- whether a small workspace to answer quick emails or that prime cuddle space for Ne�lix and Chill. This quaint li�le city spot will make you want to stay cozy inside all day!
Spotlight: The imita�on boxwood wall where their main TV is mounted is unique, modern, and straight-up awesome to look at. Addi�onally, the shiplap in the bathroom is actually part of the original shiplap of the home from the early 1900s. Talk about rus�c!
Sitch: No smoking, pets, or par�es are allowed. Addi�onally, since neighbors are closeby, the hosts ask that you start simmering down a�er 10pm. This space is definitely great for a quiet night in with your partner.
Photos sourced from Airbnb.com