Pretty Magazine Fall 2026

Elegant Fall Entertaining (Made Simple!)

Hit the Beach

in Autumn

Vivien Leigh

Fall 2026

The Icon

ALEX GEORGE LILY P CRUMBS CREATOR

IS IN THE MOOD TO BAKE

+

The Truth about “Miracle” Products

S’mores Pavlova Late 90s Rewind Thinking Pink in Dallas

on the outside

FALL ISSUE 2026 Founder & Editor-in Chief Ginger Stewart

Special Projects Editor

Pretty Stunning

Celeste McCauley

CAVEAT EMPTOR....................................................6

Editors Shawnelle Eliasen, Jody

Pretty, the magazine for your beautiful life, is available online at www.pretty-magazine.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in digital and print reviews. Copyright © 2026 Pretty Media Pretty Media participates in affiliate programs and may earn commissions when readers shop linked products. Prices and availability were accurate at time of publication but are subject to change; every effort has been made to ensure accuracy.

Phil Bickett

TRENDY AT ANY AGE.......................................14 FIVE ESSENTIAL PIECES............................... 16 RETRO INSPO......................................................... 18 LEARNING TO LOVE MY............................... 24 TEN TRUSTWORTHY WOMEN................ 26 THE ICON................................................................... 28

John Mathew Smith / celebrity-photos.com / CC BY-SA 2.0

Visit us online: www.pretty-magazine.com Email us: editor@pretty-magazine.com

on the inside

Evans, Emma C Brown

REEL BEAUTY...........................................................11

Product images © respective brands — editorial use

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PRETTY PICKS....................................................... 32 PDRN REVIEW......................................................34

COVER STORY

The Sweet Life of Alex George Baker and Lily P Crumbs creator Alex George shares the childhood memories, beautiful philosophy, and homemade traditions that inspired her first cookbook—and why she believes even an ordinary Tuesday deserves dessert. (35) (Cover and interior photography courtesy of Alex George)

Pretty Charming PRETTY PLATE........................................................41 WELCOME.................................................................44

Jody Evans

JUST A NOD...............................................................51 PRETTY PLACES.................................................. 54 PRETTY GARDEN.................................................59 ASK AN EXPERT....................................................62 OCCASIONS............................................................. 64

Pretty Fun PLAY IT FORWARD............................................67

Pretty Inspiring SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY............................... 70

Ulrike Plaggenborg/Unsplash

Stephen Karlisch

Quilia/Unsplash

PRETTY THINGS................................................... 68

PRETTY CREEPY...................................................75 SHE CONTAINS MULTITUDES...................76 ISN’T IT PRETTY TO THINK SO?..............77

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FROM THE EDITOR RoonzNL/Pixabay

That Fall Feeling My favorite time of year has rolled around once more. Something about that first hint of crisp, cool air always makes me feel new again. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I can once again wear cozy sweaters and comfy boots. And speaking of boots, if you don’t have cowboy boots this fall, you might want to check out columnist Dianne Boyer’s “Trendy at Any Age” and guest contributor Molly West Coe’s “Five Essential Pieces.” Western wear is back in a big way, and they’ll show you how to pull it off without looking like you just came from a Conway Twitty concert in 1978. (Although we might kinda be here for it if you rock it unironically and with confidence.) And if you’ve ever been tempted to buy a miracle product advertised on social media—you know the ones: They get you when you’re mindlessly scrolling after midnight, showing you ageless celebrities who swear Product X changed their lives. Would they lie to you? Well, they might. Which is why we asked board-certified dermatologist Dr. Saira Agarwala to give us the real scoop on some of beauty’s buzziest claims. Good news: It’s not all snake oil. And if you want to know which products the women you see on TV really use, NBC Sports’ Kathryn Tappen shares her favorites for looking camera-ready on the sidelines. One of my favorite parts of Pretty is looking back at the styles and style-setters of the past. This issue, we revisit the late 1990s in all their glory, as well as the beautiful Vivien Leigh, whose Scarlett O’Hara made “Great balls of fire!” a thing before the song or Top Gun, and whose oneraised-eyebrow stare could say more than pages of well-written dialogue. Keeping things modern, we have Alex George, who is every bit as sweet as the S’mores Pavlova recipe she shares with us from her new cookbook, In the Mood to Bake. Alex personally arranged for us to give away three copies to Pretty readers, so watch our Facebook and Instagram accounts to find out how you can enter to win one. Oh, and did I mention the Dallas house in our “Welcome” column that I’m currently in love with? I now want a pink office just like the one on page 47. Actually, I may just want the whole house. As always, thank you for reading Pretty and for following along with us on social media. We love hearing from you, so let us know what you enjoyed in this issue—and what you’d like to see more of in the next one. Happy fall! Ginger Stewart

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Background: Ajeng Coleendyah/Unsplash

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CAVEAT EMPTOR by GINGER STEWART

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Cora Pursley/Dupe

Every day, our social media feeds promise younger-looking skin, thicker hair, and miracle transformations—often backed by glowing celebrity testimonials. We asked a board-certified dermatologist to separate science from marketing and tell us what’s truly worth your money.

I

f your Instagram or Facebook feed looks anything like ours, you’ve probably been tempted by at least one beauty product that seemed almost too good to be true. One promises to erase wrinkles overnight. Another claims to plump your skin, tighten sagging arms, erase dark spots, regrow thinning hair, or restore the glow you had at 25. Add a celebrity endorsement, a few dramatic before-andafter photos, and thousands of glowing comments, and it’s easy to wonder: Should I be buying this?

The reality? Most are simply very good moisturizers. “When your skin is well hydrated, fine lines become less noticeable,” Dr. Agarwala explains. “But it’s temporary. You’re not actually changing the structure of the skin.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Moisturizing is an important part of healthy skin care— but it’s helpful to understand the difference between a temporary cosmetic improvement and a lasting change.

The truth, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Saira Agarwala of Dermatology Partners in Amity Township, PA, is much less glamorous— but much more encouraging.

Collagen Supplements

“There is no miracle product,” she says. “Good skin is a long game. It’s about consistency, realistic expectations, and protecting the skin you already have.”

The scientific evidence, however, remains limited. Kadarius Seegars/Unsplash

Collagen supplements have exploded in popularity, promising firmer, youngerlooking skin from the inside out.

Here’s what she had to say about some of today’s most hyped beauty products.

Skin “Plumping” Balms Many products promise to instantly plump the skin and soften wrinkles.

“The digestive system breaks everything down,” Dr. Agarwala says. “It’s not like collagen gets absorbed into your skin in its original form.”

Some hydrolyzed collagen products may be absorbed somewhat differently, but overall, she describes the evidence as “very weak.” While she doesn’t discourage patients from taking them if they enjoy doing so, Dr. Agarwala cautions against expecting dramatic results.

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David Christensen/Pixabay

At-Home Microneedling

Dr. Agarwala says they’re being oversold.

Professional microneedling performed in a medical office can improve certain skin concerns. The inexpensive rollers and devices sold for home use are another story.

“Beef tallow is basically acting like a very thick moisturizer,” she says. “It’s not a miracle cure.”

Dr. Agarwala isn’t a fan. “They’re very superficial compared to clinical treatments,” she says. “My bigger concern is infection risk. In a medical setting, everything is carefully sterilized. At home, you’re creating tiny openings in your skin without the same level of control.” While the devices may increase the absorption of topical products, that isn’t necessarily an advantage if those products—or the device itself—aren’t perfectly clean.

Beef Tallow, Raw Honey, and “Natural” Skin Care Social media has embraced everything from beef tallow to raw honey as the latest skin-care miracle.

She also cautions consumers against assuming “natural” automatically means better. “’Natural’ doesn’t really mean anything scientifically. Arsenic is natural, for example, but I wouldn’t recommend it,” she jokes. She isn’t suggesting that ingredients such as beef tallow or honey are harmful. Rather, her point is that the word “natural” isn’t evidence that a product is safer or more effective. Beef tallow can be an effective moisturizer, she says, but it’s still just a moisturizer—not a miracle cure. Raw honey does have antimicrobial properties and is sometimes used in medical settings for burns or wounds, but applying it to healthy skin isn’t likely to produce dramatic cosmetic benefits.

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Retinol Body Lotion Unlike many trends, this one earns a thumbsup. Over-the-counter retinol body lotions contain much lower concentrations than prescription retinoids and can be useful for improving skin texture and mildly crepey skin. “They can stimulate some thickening of the skin over time,” Dr. Agarwala says. That doesn’t mean they’ll erase decades of aging. “Topical skin tightening is always going to be modest,” she says. “Lotions are not going to fix skin laxity.”

Dr. Agarwala laughs at those before-and-after photos. “There is no cream that’s going to make a 64-year-old suddenly look 45,” she says. Topical products can improve very fine lines by increasing hydration and stimulating collagen production over time, but they cannot erase deep expression lines.

“Skin Reset” Drinks and Other Beauty Beverages Drinks marketed to restore elasticity, smooth wrinkles, or reverse the facial changes associated with rapid weight loss are another growing trend.

Dark Spot Treatments

Hair Growth Serums

Many oils and creams promise to erase discoloration.

Many scalp serums make impressive claims about reducing shedding and regrowing hair.

Some ingredients have good scientific evidence behind them, including retinoids, kojic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C.

Dr. Agarwala recommends looking past the marketing and examining the ingredients.

But there’s one catch. “If you’re not protecting your skin from the sun, you’re wasting your time and money,” Dr. Agarwala says. Without diligent sun protection, new pigment continues to develop, undoing much of the progress these ingredients can make.

Wrinkle Creams Perhaps no advertisements are more dazzling than the ones showing someone who supposedly looks 20 years younger after using a particular cream.

One ingredient with the strongest scientific evidence remains minoxidil. “There is some evidence for rosemary oil,” she says, “but if you’re looking for the ingredient with the best research behind it, I’d go with minoxidil.” And you needn’t buy the weaker formula marketed to women—the ones for men are fine and usually cost less than the pink can.

So...What Actually Works? Throughout our conversation with Dr. Agarwala, one theme kept coming up: consistency.

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Photo: Kaboompics

Retinol body lotions may also help fade some dark spots, although stretch marks are much more difficult to treat because they’re changes in the skin’s underlying structure.

Again, Dr. Agarwala says expectations should be realistic: “Good nutrition supports healthy skin, but no supplement can replace healthy habits or completely reverse volume loss. Maintaining muscle through good nutrition and regular exercise remains one of the best ways to support healthy aging.”

When scrolling through social media, remember that dramatic claims and stunning before-and-after photos are designed to sell products.

Healthy skin isn’t built overnight, and it’s rarely the result of one expensive product. Genetics certainly play a role, but everyday habits matter too. Regular sunscreen use, a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin, retinoids when appropriate, a healthy diet, exercise, and patience will almost always outperform chasing every new viral beauty trend. And don’t stop applying sunscreen at your jawline. “The neck and the chest age us because they often get as much sun as the face, but they don’t recover from sun damage nearly as well,” Dr. Agarwala explains. “Your face has a much more robust blood supply, so it heals better than your chest and other areas.” It’s one reason the neck and chest often reveal our age first. If those areas are exposed, they deserve sunscreen every bit as much as your face. Perhaps the least glamorous advice she offers is also the most valuable. “It’s much better to protect your skin in the first place than to spend years trying to reverse damage,” she says.

Content Pixie/Unsplash

When scrolling through social media, remember that dramatic claims and stunning before-and-after photos are designed to sell products. Some ingredients are genuinely effective. Many products are simply good moisturizers. A few treatments have strong scientific evidence behind them. But if something promises to erase decades overnight, it’s probably promising more than science can deliver. The best skincare routine isn’t usually the trendiest one. It’s the one you’ll stick with—day after day, year after year. ❧

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Courtesy of NBC Sports

REEL BEAUTY

Fall means football! And after more than two decades as a sportscaster, Kathryn Tappen of NBC Sports’ Big Ten Saturday Night has learned that when it comes to looking camera-ready. . .

Less Is More BY GINGER STEWART

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W

hen your workday involves highdefinition cameras, hours on air, and sometimes heat and humidity thrown into the mix, you learn a few things about what works—and what doesn’t. Kathryn Tappen certainly has. Since beginning her television career in 2003, the sportscaster has watched both broadcast technology and her own approach to on-air beauty evolve. “When I first started in 2003, I remember caking on my makeup,” she says. “I wanted a flawless finish.” These days, her philosophy is decidedly different.

“I have freckles and imperfections that I don’t want to hide.” “With as clear of technology as we have in modern television, less is more,” she says. “I have freckles and imperfections I don’t want to hide.” That doesn’t mean her routine is effortless. Long broadcasts demand products with staying power, particularly when Kathryn is reporting outside in less-than-ideal conditions. “Pigmentation in products, durability, and longevity matter,” she says. “We are on air for long periods of time and in various weather elements. You don’t want to sacrifice quality.”

At night, she uses Clé de Peau Intensive Night Emulsion. In the morning, she washes with either Burt’s Bees Fermented Honey Gel Cleanser or Clé de Peau Cleansing Foam, followed by Dr. Barbara Sturm Peptide Serum, Clé de Peau Protective Day Emulsion SPF 25 and EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. Kathryn arrives in the makeup chair with her skin prepped and her fine, straight hair already blow-dried. From there, a makeup artist—who also styles her hair—takes over. “I get to her chair with a prepped face and blow-dried hair so she can begin her magic!” Kathryn says.

Ready for Anything Because different makeup artists bring different products to their kits, Kathryn’s precise on-air look can vary. But she knows which products reliably work for her. For hair, texture and hold are key. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray helps give her fine hair texture, while TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray helps keep it in place. KENRA Dry Oil Control Spray also earns a spot in her kit. Her makeup favorites range from Haus Labs and Dior Forever Skin Glow foundations to Armani and Dior concealers, MAC Mineralize powders, Fenty bronzer, Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick and eye palettes from MAC and Makeup by Mario. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder defines her brows, while Chanel is her mascara of choice.

It Starts With Skin Before the makeup artist ever gets involved, Kathryn does plenty of prep herself—and her first beauty recommendation doesn’t come in a bottle. “The best on-air routine always begins with a good night’s sleep!” she says.

THE TRICK THAT STUCK At 22, in her first TV job in Providence, a local anchor taught Kathryn to remove her eye makeup with baby shampoo. More than 23 years later, she still swears by it.

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Her second choice: Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss #430 Icing.

Off Camera When the cameras are off, Kathryn happily leaves most of the makeup behind. “The only makeup I wear when I’m not working is mascara and lip gloss,” she says. “I actually don’t leave the house without both.” Unless she’s dressing for a social event, she prefers a fresh, no-makeup look. Her commitment to skincare, however, doesn’t take a day off.

Courtesy of NBC Sports

“The face products, moisturizers, cleansers and zinc never change,” Kathryn says. After more than two decades of getting camera-ready, perhaps that’s the real secret Kathryn has learned: Looking polished doesn’t have to mean looking perfect. Sometimes less really is more. ❧ But sports don’t always happen in climatecontrolled studios. “Hot and humid is the biggest X factor,” Kathryn says. “It requires more blotting, more touchups, more hairspray, and usually a hair tie to pull my hair back because humidity is the worst!” Rather than reinventing her routine for every assignment, she and her makeup artist “just adjust on the fly as the elements change,” Kathryn explains. And if Kathryn had to choose just one? Her beloved Chanel Glossimer #804 Rose Naïf— although there’s a problem. “I think they discontinued this! I can’t get it anywhere!” she says.

KATHRYN’S CAMERA-READY PLAYBOOK ON-AIR PHILOSOPHY Less is more BIGGEST BEAUTY FOE Heat + humidity ALWAYS WITH HER Lip gloss, blotting powder, hairspray OFF-DUTY LOOK Mascara + lip gloss

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TRENDY AT ANY AGE

The New Western How to wear fall’s Western trend at any age (all looks from Amazon)

By Dianne Boyer dianneinstyle.com

20s & 30s Give everyday denim a Western twist with a little fringe.: Fringe Jacket, $39.99.

FOR ANY AGE: Cowboy boots are a Western staple for all ages. Wear them with everything from jeans to dresses. $49.99 (20s & 30s: Tuck in your jeans for an of-the-moment look.)

A classic cowboy hat makes even a simple jeans-and-tee combination feel intentional. $21.99

Keep the silhouette current with an easy, straight-leg jean, $15.36.

Pink stones give a traditional Western silver necklace a softer, more feminine feel. $34.99 A neutral bag grounds bolder Western pieces with laid-back polish—and this one’s real leather for only $59.99.

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Western-inspired statement earrings add interest without making the look feel too themed. $9.99

Add a paisley scarf for an easy, understated nod to Western style. $14.99

40s50s+

BONUS WESTERN PICK We knew ‘em before they were vintage: Graphic tees with Western flair are having a moment. $14.98

A fringed bag brings in the trend without changing your whole look. $28.99

Head-to-toe denim in dress form gives Western style a polished, grown-up spin. Add the accessories shown here and cowboy boots opposite for the full Western effect. $32.97

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Five Essential Pieces

1.

To help us navigate fall style, we turned to Molly West Coe, resident stylist at the Four Seasons New York and founder of StyledBuy, a membership-based personal styling service. Her five essentials embrace the season’s mix of timeless classics and statement accessories while remaining easy to wear for everyday life.

Crisp White Button-Down Shirt A crisp white buttondown is one of the hardest-working pieces in any closet. “This isn’t just seasonal; it is timeless and classic,” Coe says. “It’s a need for all seasons and can be mixed and matched with whatever you choose.” Just look at what Coe herself is wearing in the photo above!

Orla Tote, $79.99, Vince Camuto

2.

Cotton Dress Shirt, $27.99, Amazon

Animal-Print or Embossed Bag

Accessories are taking center stage this fall, and an animal-print or embossed handbag instantly elevates everyday outfits. “A fun bag is a statement piece for fall and accentuates your personal style in every outfit,” Coe says. “We’re in a maximalist era. The accessories really are the full look, so lean into it.”

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Free People Farrah Western Boots,

Stylist tip: Invest in tailoring.

3.

Cropped Leather or Suede Jacket Nothing says fall quite like suede. Whether you choose the real thing or one of today’s convincing faux versions, a cropped jacket layers effortlessly over dresses, denim, and sweaters for an easy, polished silhouette. “Bonus points if yours has a little fringe and cowgirl flare,” Coe says.

4.

Faux Suede Bomber Jacket, $35.99, Amazon

Western Boots

Western influences continue to trend this fall, making cowboy boots an easy way to refresh your wardrobe. “Pair a cute dress with a pair of western boots for fall,” Coe recommends.

5.

Embellished Ballet Flats

Studded Suede Ballet Flats, $44.99, Amazon

Ballet flats continue their stylish comeback with embellishments, textured fabrics, and rich fall colors. “Spice up your simple looks with a fun pair and you’ll be right on trend,” Coe says. ❧

$124, Amazon

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RETRO INSPO

THE LAST ANALOG AUTUMN

A nostalgic look at the bookstores, DayRunners, coffeehouses, and cozy style that defined late-’90s autumn.

B

efore smartphones filled every spare moment, autumn had its own rhythm. Friday nights meant Blockbuster. Saturdays were for wandering bookstore aisles with no particular destination, lingering over a cappuccino, and slipping a new paperback into our bags “just in case.” We planned our weeks in burgundy DayRunners, where calendars, addresses, notes, and even a favorite pen all had their place. A J.Crew catalog in the mailbox, a favorite mix CD in the car, and the blinking light on the answering machine waiting at home somehow made the season feel complete. The fashion reflected that slower pace. Oatmeal sweaters, lived-in denim, leather satchels, opaque tights, loafers, and warm shades of camel, chocolate, navy, black, burgundy, and hunter green felt less like trends and more like old friends. Hair was smooth and often softly turned under. Matte lipstick leaned toward cinnamon and rosebrown. Nothing shouted for attention, yet everything felt quietly purposeful. We didn’t know we were living through the last autumn before the digital world quietly changed the way we shopped, planned, read, waited, and even noticed the season itself. It was a season when we lingered a little longer, carried books instead of distractions, and never imagined those ordinary autumn afternoons would someday feel extraordinary.

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Beauty Rewind

Alamy

By ROBIN SCHOEN, Celebrity Makeup Artist

Aaah, the ’90s…Flashback to when I was completely obsessed with Linda Evangelista’s ever-changing, chameleon-like beauty. I can still picture it so clearly: perfectly sculpted brows, sultry multi-toned feline eyes, and a rose-brown, fully lined lip. To me, that was the definition of sexy at that time. Then, on the flip side, Drew Barrymore was all about prominent string-thin, dark, rounded brows (which I wouldn’t necessarily miss if they never made a comeback) and deep, moody lips. At the time, it looked so sassy and rebellious, like the cool girl who was just a little bit reckless, but in the cutest way possible. Nearly any beauty trend from the past can be updated and made wearable today by selecting the elements that resonate with you and adapting them to suit your features and lifestyle. The iconic ’90s sitcom Friends provides a perfect example. Monica’s look typically featured a matte complexion, dark thin brows, contoured eyes with black liner, and a deeper lip color, while Rachel’s was softer and more natural, with lighter, softly defined brows, matte taupe shadow, subtle liner, and a russetcinnamon lip.

To bring these looks into the present, start with skin that appears fresh, hydrated, and radiant rather than muted and matte. Instead of thin, heavily defined brows, opt for filling in the shape and length minimally by creating with hair-like strokes from a brow pen. On the eyes, replace traditional shine-free taupe shadows with a wash of creamier, more luminous textures that open up and awaken the eye area. While matte shadows can still be beautiful, they can sometimes appear chalky, dry, and diminish the light that makes eyes look vibrant. As for lips, rich browns, deep burgundies, and medium taupe shades remain relevant and can be worn as softer, blurred stains during the day or full-on for evening. Whichever look you choose, the result is a modern interpretation of ’90s beauty that feels current, f lattering, and effortlessly wearable. ❧ Want more? Read Robin’s full ’90s makeup tutorial on the Pretty blog.

Robin has worked with Kate Winslet, Keri Russell, Parker Posey, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, Jessica Biel, and Elle Macpherson.

Robin’s Favorites Liner: Tarte Sex Kitten Liquid Eyeliner, $24

Brows: Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen + Waterproof Pencil, $28

Lips: Revolution Air Blur Matte Liquid Lipstick in Black Cherry, $11

Eyes: Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick in Adorn, $33

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RETRO INSPO

Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Hair Rewind

Pure Perfection: Cindy Crawford, 1995

The ’90s gave us supermodel layers, sexy short cuts—and a few looks best left behind. Hairstylist Ricky Hodge has THOUGHTS. Pretty | Fall 2026 | www.pretty-magazine.com | 20

Hair with Personality By RICKY HODGE, Hairstylist

Alright, let’s be honest. I’m an ’80s guy. I love big hair. Give me some HEIGHT and I’m happy. But when I look back at hair during the ’90s, there was SO much good stuff happening.

Leave it.

We had the supermodels and the Oribe blowout. BIG SUPERMODEL LAYERS! Cindy Crawford. Claudia Schiffer. Movement. Volume. That’s the magic. Then there was Linda Evangelista—in my opinion, THE best supermodel—with that sexy short haircut. I will forever believe a woman with a short haircut is either sexy, beautiful, or a complete baddie. There. I said it. Choose your lane. Then we had The Rachel. Everybody lost their minds over that haircut. And listen, I get it. It was iconic. But not everybody could wear it. And honestly? I saw a LOT of shelves [badly blended layers] happening around that faceframing era. And then there was Winona Ryder. Reality Bites. That whole “I woke up like this” vibe. Messy, cool, effortless. And maybe the most important thing about all these looks: THEY LOOKED LIKE HAIRCUTS. There was an actual SHAPE underneath it. The hair had personality. And honestly? I miss that.

The overprocessed platinum? The crunchy gel? The aggressively flipped ends? The tiny little tendrils hanging out around the face?

But bring back the foils, the brightness, and the high-maintenance blondes. We miss you! I LOVE a dark root with a warm blonde. Chestnut and caramel. Rich, dimensional color. Somewhere along the way, “lived-in balayage” became the answer to everything. And I’m sorry, but sometimes it gives me: “I got highlights for the first day of school and then did absolutely nothing until graduation.” And since we’re talking about today, sometimes you DON’T NEED EXTENSIONS. I’m tired of looking across the room and seeing the little extension tab peeking out. Like, GHURL. If I can see the tab from across the room, we have officially gone too far. Because I promise you, that visible tab is not giving “luxury”; it’s giving evidence. Extensions should enhance the hair, not become the haircut. Sometimes you don’t need 22 inches of hair. Sometimes you need a GOOD HAIRCUT. Shape. Movement. Density. A little personality.

“The hair had personality. And honestly? I miss that.”

And What Should Stay in 1998?

So yeah.

Oh, I have THOUGHTS.

Bring back the supermodel blowout. Bring back the sexy short haircut. Bring back the big layers. Bring back the high-maintenance blonde.

First of all, the chunky highlight can stay DEAD! Please. That zebra-striped, three-inchwide blonde situation? No thank you. I don’t know who decided that was a good idea, but I would like to have a conversation. Preferably somewhere with a good therapist.

Just leave the chunky highlights in 1998 where they belong. We’ve all grown. ❧

Pretty | Fall 2026 | www.pretty-magazine.com | 21

RETRO INSPO Black Opaque Tights, $6.50, Amazon— stylishly hiding imperfections since forever.

la id M ded: P o C le h on So R ac 9.99, A ma z 2 $ , Sk i r t

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $25, Amazon. 90s girls knew this lip color magically looks amazing on any skin tone.

ini

Sangeti Boot, $239, Vince Camuto

Flannel Shirt, $19.99, Amazon, for a stylish nod to the grunge era.

Ta ke a wa lk to Dawson’s Creek: K at ie Holmes report ed ly has th is sa me pa ir of Fra nco Sa rto chun k y loa fers, $59.99, A ma zon.

Get the Look

Recreate the warm, understated style of late-’90s autumn with timeless pieces inspired by the era. Major 90s-J-Crew-catalog vibes: Crewneck knit sweater, $19.99, Amazon

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Back when we carried books, paper, and pens, a leather messenger bag was the coolest. $62.99, Amazon

Levi’s black jeans, $59.46, Amazon Cargo Pants, $29.99, Amazon

Stainless Steel Watch by Fossil, $100, Amazon

Classic style, quintessential 90s color: Burgundy Short Sleeve Sweater, $30.99, Amazon

Could you BE any more comfortable? Oversized Sweatshirt, $28.99, Amazon

Women’s Chuck Taylors, $60, Amazon (Have these ever NOT been in style?)

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Learning to Love

My Smile

For years, I hid my crooked teeth behind a closed-mouth smile. Learning to love my smile didn’t happen when my teeth changed—it happened when I finally changed the way I saw myself.

I

used to think my smile was something to apologize for.

When I was growing up, every trip to the dentist felt like another reminder that something about me needed to be fixed. I remember being told that I needed braces or I wouldn’t have friends. I would leave those appointments in tears. My family simply couldn’t afford orthodontics, so I learned to live with crooked teeth—but I also learned to believe they made me less worthy. For years, I told myself I’d get Invisalign someday, when I could finally afford it. Someday never seemed to come. Instead of smiling, I hid. From middle school until I was 23, I almost never smiled in photographs. Whether it was a family picture, a selfie, or a photo with friends, I kept my lips closed. I was convinced everyone noticed my teeth as much as I did. I even avoided going to the dentist for several years as an adult because those early experiences had left such a lasting impression. The hardest moment came during my last relationship. One day my partner told me my teeth were “gross” and that he didn’t like kissing me. Looking back, I know those words were cruel. At the time, though, part of me

believed them because they echoed everything I’d already been telling myself. Eventually I ended that relationship, and in many ways, that was the beginning of changing how I saw myself. Not long afterward, I met the man who is now my fiancé. I was incredibly shy about smiling around him. One day he made me laugh, looked at me, and simply said he loved my smile. I was stunned. No one had ever said that before. Looking back, it amazes me that one person could look at my smile with disgust while another could look at that very same smile and call it his favorite thing about me. The difference wasn’t my teeth. It was the eyes that were seeing them. And slowly, because someone else accepted my smile so easily, I began to accept it too. Around the same time, I tried whitening strips, hoping they might give me a little more confidence. Ironically, they made a calcium spot on one of my front teeth even more noticeable, so I stopped using them.

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Photo: photosforyou/Pixabay

BY JACINDA TAGGETT, AS TOLD TO PRETTY

Arian Fernandez/Pexels

What changed wasn’t really my smile. It was the way I saw it. I also started practicing smiling. It sounds funny now, but I would stand in front of the mirror or take selfies when no one else was around, just to get used to seeing my own smile. At first it felt awkward. Sometimes having a picture where you could actually see my teeth was almost too much for me to handle. Little by little, though, it became easier. Today, I smile in pictures without thinking about it. I post photos on social media. I send smiling pictures to my family—the same family that used to tease me for never smiling in photos. Even more important, I’ve become more confident in every part of my life. I work as a neurology research administrator in Boston, and I also create neuroscience content online. I network more easily. I’ll strike up conversations with people at conferences or invite coworkers to grab coffee. I don’t spend those moments wondering whether people are staring at my teeth. I’m simply present.

The funny thing is, my teeth are still crooked. That calcium spot is still there. But I don’t see those things first anymore. I see someone who laughs freely, smiles for pictures, and walks into a room without wondering who’s looking at her teeth. If someone is hiding their smile because they think their teeth aren’t perfect, I want them to know this: you’re probably thinking about your insecurities far more than anyone else is. We don’t walk around judging other people the way we imagine they judge us. Social media makes it easy to compare ourselves to impossible standards, but real people aren’t perfect—and that’s what makes us interesting. If I could go back and talk to the little girl who cried after those dental appointments, I’d tell her she has no idea what’s waiting for her. I’d tell her she’ll become a neuroscience researcher. She’ll build a life she’s proud of. She’ll find someone who loves her smile exactly as it is. Most of all, I’d tell her that one day she’ll smile without fear. And she’ll wonder why she ever thought she had to hide. ❧

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I love Pixi Large Lash Mascara because it’s thick without being clumpy, longlasting, and smudge-proof. I recommended it to my sisterin-law when she raved that my lashes looked “like feathers.” —Brooke, mother of three teens (Amazon, $16 for 0.4 fl oz)

I recently discovered Laura Geller Spackle and wish I’d found it sooner. It’s a great primer, and because it comes in tints, it gives my face a little more color. Followed with their baked powder, it’s so natural looking—none of that heavy foundation that seeps into wrinkles. —Marcita, grandmother (Laura Geller, $38)

In a world of influencer kickbacks and sponsored content, whom can you believe about which products actually deliver? That’s why, in each issue, we ask...

TEN TRUSTWORTHY WOMEN ...what really works for them. My dermatologist recommended Elta MD’s UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen, and as a busy college student, I’ve loved being able to moisturize and protect my skin in one quick step. The tint means I don’t have to worry about using foundation, so it’s a pretty good price when you think of it as three products in one. —Lauryn, college sophomore (Amazon, $47 for 1.7 oz)

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm melts all my makeup off at the end of the day, even waterproof mascara, without irritating my skin. It’s creamy, not too expensive, and smells really good, too. —Sydney, high school senior (Amazon, $18.89 for 2.3 oz)

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It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product smells amazing and does what it says it will. I use it at the pool to comb out tangles when I come out of the water, after my shower, and sometimes on dry hair to make it softer. When I run out, I immediately reorder or go buy my next bottle. —Zell, high school sophomore (Amazon, $29.99)

I love that Alpyn Melt Moisturizer is plant-based and penetrates the skin instead of just sitting on it like a lot of moisturizers do. I have lots of allergies, and this light, fluffy moisturizer never irritates my skin. —Susie, “Mimi” to one granddaughter, (Amazon, $60 for 1.7 oz)

I have used Cover Girl Powder Blush in Rose Silk since high school. It stays on beautifully and looks fresh all day. For me as a blue-eyed blonde, no other color will suffice! ­­—Shelby, caterer (Amazon, $9.96 for 2-pack of .12 oz each)

I use Cerave Moisturizing Cream at night and can tell a huge difference the next day if I don’t. My skin is combination, but I use some other products that dry it out, so the Cerave cream is a lifesaver!. —Rachel, high school English teacher (Amazon, $18.96 for 19 oz)

DRMTLGY’s Vitamin C E + F Renew Serum makes my skin soft and supple and lessens the appearance of nasolabial folds. I use it before my makeup, and I feel like it makes my skin glowy. —Alithea, stay-at-home mom (Amazon, $69 for 1 oz)

e.l.f. Liquid Velvet Eyeshadow looks natural and stays on all day without creasing. It’s an easy way to look put-together without looking overly made-up. —Vicki, kindergarten teacher (Amazon, $8 for .15 oz)

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The actress who proved beauty is only part of what makes a woman unforgettable.

The

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Vivien Leigh Pretty | Fall 2026 | www.pretty-magazine.com | 28

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argaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind begins with a surprising declaration: “Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful...” Yet when Hollywood brought Scarlett to the screen, the role went to Vivien Leigh, an actress whose extraordinary beauty became the stuff of legend.

At first glance, the casting seems to contradict the novel itself. But perhaps the filmmakers understood something important: Scarlett O’Hara’s appeal was never rooted in physical beauty alone. Neither was Vivien Leigh’s. More than eighty years after Gone with the Wind premiered, Leigh remains one of cinema’s most enduring icons. Her luminous green eyes and delicate features certainly helped make her famous, but Hollywood has produced countless beautiful actresses over the years. Many have faded from public memory. Vivien Leigh has not. What made her unforgettable was her rare ability to inhabit a character so completely that audiences forgot they were watching a performance.

Watch the surviving screen tests from Gone with the Wind today, and many of the actresses are impressive. Some are charming. Some are spirited. Some are genuinely excellent. Yet once you’ve seen Leigh as Scarlett, it feels almost impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. She wasn’t merely playing Scarlett O’Hara. She was Scarlett O’Hara.

Not Just a Pretty Face Born Vivian Mary Hartley in British India in 1913, Leigh developed a love of acting at an early age and later trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Though she would become one of the most photographed women of her generation, those who knew her often spoke as much about her intelligence and determination as her appearance.

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Leigh was ambitious at a time when ambitious women were not always celebrated. When producer David O. Selznick launched his highly publicized search for Scarlett O’Hara, hundreds of actresses were considered. The role was one of the most coveted in Hollywood, and competition was fierce.

sympathetic, manipulative yet vulnerable, spoiled yet remarkably resilient. Lesser actresses might have turned Scarlett into a villain or a heroine. Leigh made her human. The role earned Leigh the Academy Award for Best Actress and transformed her into an international star.

Leigh, a relatively unknown British actress, ultimately won the part.

But she had no intention of being remembered for only one role.

The decision proved inspired.

More than a decade later, she won a second Academy Award for her portrayal of Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. The fragile, tragic Blanche could not have

Her performance captured every contradiction that made Scarlett so fascinating. She was selfish yet

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been more different from the determined Scarlett, yet Leigh brought the same depth and authenticity to the performance. That ability to disappear into a role rather than simply perform it is one of the hallmarks of a truly great actress.

The Beauty That Went Unseen It’s easy to look at photographs of Vivien Leigh and imagine that life came easily to her; beauty often creates that illusion. Yet behind the glamorous image was a woman facing

challenges that were largely hidden from public view. Historians now believe Leigh likely suffered from bipolar disorder, a condition that was poorly understood during her lifetime. She also battled serious physical health issues, including tuberculosis. These struggles affected both her personal life and her career, contributing to periods of profound difficulty. Today, with greater awareness of mental health, it is easier to appreciate the challenges she faced while maintaining a demanding career in film and theater. Leigh’s story serves as a reminder that outward appearances rarely tell the whole story. The woman audiences saw as the embodiment of grace and

beauty was also navigating obstacles that would have tested anyone’s resilience.

An Enduring Legacy Perhaps that is why Vivien Leigh still captivates audiences decades after her death. Her beauty was undeniable, but beauty alone does not create a lasting legacy. Like many great artists, Leigh possessed a depth that transcended appearance. She brought intelligence, emotional insight, and remarkable skill to her most celebrated performances. The result was a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences who were not even born when her films first appeared.

In an age that often encourages us to judge people by appearances, Leigh’s story offers a different perspective. Beauty may draw our attention, and talent may earn our admiration, but it is courage, perseverance, and character that leave a lasting impression. Margaret Mitchell may have begun her novel by telling readers that Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful, but what she ultimately revealed was that beauty alone was never the point. Scarlett’s power came from her spirit, her determination, and her ability to command a room. The same could be said of the actress who brought her to life. Vivien Leigh was undeniably beautiful, but that is not why we remember her. We remember her because she made us believe. ❧

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PRETTY PICKS

C

elebrity makeup artist and Mally Beauty founder Mally Roncal has spent decades making women look—and feel—their most beautiful. Known for her infectious personality and approachable beauty philosophy, she has worked with some of the most recognizable faces in the world while encouraging everyday women to have a little more fun with makeup.

Mally’s Beauty Natasha Denona HY-GLAM Foundation “Liquid and cream foundations are especially great as we get older. I love this one because it feels soft and skin-like while leaving the complexion with a beautiful, glowing finish.”

For Mally, though, great beauty isn’t necessarily about having more products. Sometimes it’s knowing a clever new way to use the ones already in your makeup bag.

“Aquaphor is the greatest! I use it to hydrate the skin, prep the under-eye area before concealer, as a lip balm, to add shine to the eyelids, and even as a cheekbone highlighter.”

Mally’s secret? It’s not just what you use— it’s how you use it.

Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara

From glow-giving hydrators to a mascara trick that makes eyes look instantly more lifted, Mally shares the products she reaches for— and a few of the beauty-artist secrets that make them work even harder.

“Another one of my favorite beauty hacks is to change the direction you apply your mascara. Instead of sweeping the lashes outward, brush them slightly toward the bridge of your nose. This creates a beautiful, fanned-out effect that makes the eyes look instantly more open and lifted.”

“I always like to lock in the eyelash curl with a thin coat of waterproof mascara such as this one. Doing this helps ensure your lashes stay lifted all day. You can layer your favorite volumizing mascara over it, but the key is to avoid disturbing that initial curl.

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Dr. Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum “When I hit my 50s, my skin changed almost instantly! I started using this religiously on my face and body. It sets matte, and makeup works beautifully on top.” Photo courtesy of QVC

Playbook OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

Mally’s clients have included Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Angelina Jolie. In addition to her makeup artistry and her makeup and fashion lines, she hosts Over 50 & Fabulous on QVC.

TRY THIS! “This is my secret weapon. I use it as an all-over body hydrator, but it’s also great for adding hydration and a beautiful glow to the hair or anywhere else that needs a little extra radiance.”

Conceal Like a Pro: Put concealer on the back of your hand first, then work it into your brush before tapping it onto the skin. Mally says the trick creates a natural-looking, creaseless finish.

Gloss Up Your Brows For fuller-looking, polished brows, Mally reaches for something you may already have in your makeup bag: clear lip gloss. “One beauty trick I always do is comb a little clear lip gloss through my brows to give them a glossy, brushed-up finish,” she says. “It adds instant shine and makes the brows look fuller and more polished!”

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polydeoxyribonucleowha?

J

The new buzzword in beauty is one you probably can’t pronounce.

ust when we’d learned to say “hyaluronic acid” without stumbling, along comes polydeoxyribonucleotide. Fortunately, you can just call it PDRN. PDRN is made up of DNA fragments and has been studied medically for wound healing and tissue repair. Now it’s turning up in aesthetic treatments—and on our bathroom counters. Traditionally, PDRN has been derived from salmon or trout DNA. Yes, fish DNA on your face. Beauty is nothing if not an adventure. While research into PDRN’s regenerative potential is promising, that doesn’t necessarily mean topical skin care will produce the same results as medical or injectable applications. So when Mario Badescu offered to send me its new PDRN products, I was curious. Its version is plant-derived and, according to the company, uses ultra-small DNA fragments designed for efficient absorption. I tried the PDRN Foaming Jelly Cleanser, PDRN Milky Toner, and Advanced Peptide PDRN Jelly Cream. The cleanser and toner were both gentle, with none of the sting, burn, or oof I associate with harsher formulas. But the jelly really caught my attention. Its gel consistency seems to sink in and then seal, and I could still feel that cushion of moisture hours later, even the morning after I’d applied it before bed. I wore it beneath sunscreen and makeup and at night beneath my usual night cream—even with my prescription Retin-A—without irritation.

Editor’s note: Mario Badescu provided products for editorial consideration and did not pay for or approve this review.

Can I tell you PDRN was rebuilding my skin or doing anything else I couldn’t see? Nope. But what I could see was immediate: My skin looked glowier, even beneath makeup, and felt unusually hydrated—almost as though there were a little oasis of moisture sitting just under the surface. Does that mean PDRN is the next skin-care miracle? I don’t know. But I understand why it has people talking. And thank goodness I have to pronounce it only once. ❧ GINGER STEWART, EDITOR IN CHIEF

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Photos: Alex George

COVER STORY

The Sweet Life of Alex George “I probably should just learn to say, ‘I love you.’ Instead I just provide baked goods constantly.”

we asked where her love of baking began, she didn’t start by talking about recipes. She started by talking about love. When you think back to your childhood, who first welcomed you into the kitchen? My mom and my mom’s mom—my Mum Mum—really taught me that food is a love language. It’s saying, “I made this for you,” or, “I made your favorite.” That’s how we communicated love to each other, and I still do that today. I probably should just learn to say, “I love you.” Instead I just provide baked goods constantly!

T

here’s something refreshingly unpretentious about Alex George.

The creator of Lily P Crumbs has built a devoted following with whimsical desserts, nostalgic recipes, and cakes almost too pretty to slice into. But spend an hour talking with her, and it’s clear that what draws people in isn’t just the baking. It’s the baker. George has a way of finding beauty in the everyday. A homemade cake frosted with nothing more than a knife. A blue velvet couch that “just spoke to me.” Her mom laughing with friends over a game of mah jong. Those ordinary moments, she believes, are often the most beautiful of all. That philosophy shapes everything she creates. Her desserts are polished without feeling precious, playful without being intimidating and always made with the hope that they’ll bring people together around a table. When

My boyfriend is the recipient of many baked goods. He’s from Nashville, and his coworkers are always asking, “I ordered the cookbook. When am I getting the treats?” And I’m like, “Get back to me when you’ve ordered 20 copies, and then we’ll talk!” Did you always know baking was in your future? Alex: I think I really did. When I was 10, a friend and I filmed our own little baking show and mailed it to Food Network. We never heard back­—I cringe now wondering where that tape ended up! It’s funny because that same friend is now a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and I’m doing Lily P Crumbs, so I guess we were onto something. Then, in middle school, I started my own cupcake business called Whip. I designed the logo myself in Microsoft Word, which is hilarious to think about now because at the time, I thought I was very high-tech. Baking has always been a theme in my life. Food is such a place of comfort. We celebrate with

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food; we console ourselves with it. I always felt pulled toward baking. Lily P Crumbs has one of the cutest names in baking. Who was Lily? She was my childhood dog. We used to call her our junkyard dog because she wasn’t nearly as demure as her name! I named her Lily P after Lily Pulitzer, and I was always trying to dress her in little dresses. She hated every minute of it. When I started my business, she was actually the logo. That turned out to be a mistake because everyone thought I sold dog treats! I literally had to stamp the bakery bags, “Not for Canine Consumption.” So here’s my advice: don’t put a dog on your logo, and don’t name your business after a woman if that’s not your name! Eventually I changed the logo, but she’ll always be the heart behind the name. When Lily was well into her twenties, we decided she’d earned the right to eat whatever she wanted except chocolate, which can be fatal to dogs. She loved the cake scraps, and especially the frosting—which is just butter and sugar, so what’s not to love? Do you have any furry companions these days? My dog Phoebe actually lives with my parents because she loves having a yard. I adopted her when I was living in Nashville, but then I got sick and moved home for treatment. She absolutely loved my parents’ yard, so it ended up being the perfect place for her. She lives

“Frosting is just butter and sugar, so what’s not to love?”

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cake where the frosting was spread with a knife or a little offset spatula instead of some elaborate decorating tool. You can tell someone made it with love. I think that’s beautiful. You seem drawn to authenticity. Yeah, there’s kind of a balance between perfect and imperfect. For example, I recently watched Daisy Jones & the Six, and I loved it, and the actors were all gorgeous. But afterward, I was reading some of the chatter online, and people were saying, “Nobody looked that perfect in the ‘70s.” I remember thinking, That’s actually a really good point. Sometimes authenticity is the more beautiful choice. Like the other day, my mom was playing mah jong with her friends, and they were laughing uproariously. They were just fully enjoying being themselves, and it was so beautiful. It’s those little moments that make you appreciate life. It sounds like your mom has had a tremendous influence on the way you see beauty. She really has. Growing up, she always emphasized confidence over appearance.

there with Gus, a huge Bernedoodle. They get along so well together. Your desserts have such a feminine, romantic feel. How would you describe your aesthetic? I always gravitate toward fun and whimsical. I love beautiful French pastries and the artistry that goes into them, but to me, there’s something really special about a homemade

I remember being voted Best Dressed in high school, and while that was fun, she always reminded me that what really mattered wasn’t what I wore—it was who I was. She used to tell me, “School is your job.” She wanted me to understand that character and hard work mattered more than anything else. Looking back, I’m so grateful for that perspective.

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What about your personal style in your home? I honestly don’t put a lot of thought into my home decor, but I impulse bought this blue velvet couch a few years ago. Why a blue velvet couch? I don’t know—it just spoke to me! I love color. I love things that feel warm and welcoming instead of overly serious.

“I love taking things people already know and giving them a homemade twist.”

If you could live in a fictional place, where would it be? Probably Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. I love that little town, the gazebo, all of it. But if we’re talking about houses, I’d move into a Nancy Meyers movie home tomorrow. The one in Something’s Gotta Give is probably my dream house. Do movies, books, and travel inspire your baking? Absolutely. Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unexpected places. I remember seeing this beautiful Greek-themed tablescape and immediately thinking about dessert instead of dinner. I started imagining lemon flavors and Mediterranean ingredients. Other times it starts with nostalgia.I’ll think about something I loved growing up and wonder how I can make it prettier, fresher or just a little more special. That’s probably my favorite kind of recipe to create. And presentation is part of hospitality as much as the food itself. I love beautiful cake stands, pretty serving pieces and thoughtful packaging. It’s not about being fancy. It’s about

making someone feel special. Little details communicate that someone cared. Even with my cookbook, I insisted that the copies sent to the media were in pink boxes. I wanted the first impression to feel joyful and unmistakably Lily P Crumbs. After years of baking online, what finally made you decide it was time to write a cookbook?

I’ve wanted to write one for a long time, but I wanted it to feel like me. There are so many beautiful cookbooks out there, but I wanted this one to feel approachable. I wanted people to feel like they could actually make these recipes. Some are definitely showstoppers, but there are plenty that are simple enough to make on a weeknight or for a family gathering. I wanted there to be something for every kind of baker. More than anything, I hope these become recipes people make over and over again. I love hearing someone say, “This has become our birthday cake,” or, “We make this every Christmas.” That’s the biggest compliment I could receive. Your recipes have such a nostalgic feel. Where does that come from? I love taking things people already know and love and giving them a homemade twist. Maybe it’s something from childhood, or a favorite snack, or a dessert everyone remembers eating at birthday parties.

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There’s something really fun about recreating those flavors in a way that’s homemade. I love asking, “How can I make this even better?” That’s where so many of my ideas begin. What’s one recipe in the book that’s maybe a bit unexpected and really special to you? I love the cake in a jar because it was inspired by my dad. Whenever I’m making layer cakes, I usually trim the tops so the layers stack evenly. I’d end up with all these delicious cake scraps. Even after giving a few bites to Lily, I had extras, so my dad suggested layering those scraps with frosting in little jars instead of letting good cake go to waste. The cakes in a jar are adorable, they’re practical, and they’re just as delicious as the finished cake. My dad loves that you don’t have to cut a slice; you just grab a spoon. He was touched that I included “his recipe” in the book. What do you hope people feel when they bake from your cookbook? I hope they have fun. I hope they’re not intimidated. I hope they realize baking doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Maybe they bake something with their kids. Maybe they make dessert for a neighbor. Maybe they bring a cake to someone’s birthday. Those are the moments I think people remember. If this cookbook helps create more of those moments, then I’ll be thrilled. ❧ Pretty | Fall 2026 | www.pretty-magazine.com | 40

One Last Slice What’s your idea of the perfect fall afternoon? Warm apple cider or coffee, throwing on a comfy old sweatshirt or cardigan for a walk through the leaves, a bonfire with s’mores, and then coming home to watch a movie or curl up with a good book.

What’s on your ideal fall dinner table? Probably a roast chicken with shallots and tomatoes roasted until they’re caramelized, a really good pasta, and a kale salad with feta, snap peas, and radishes.

One ingredient you always have on hand? Butter. Always butter.

Finally...do beautiful desserts have to be saved for birthdays and holidays, or can an ordinary Tuesday deserve something special too? Oh, I think Tuesday absolutely deserves dessert. You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to make something beautiful. Sometimes making a cake just because it’s Tuesday is the occasion. You deserve to eat something delicious and beautiful.

Love Alex’s philosophy? Click the cover to order In the Mood to Bake on Amazon­—then follow Pretty on Instagram and Facebook for details on our giveaway of three copies, courtesy of Alex and The Countryman Press.

Alex George

PRETTY PLATE

Alex shares her delicious twist on s’mores from In the Mood to Bake

S’mores Pavlova

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes • Bake Time: Pavlovas: 30 minutes, plus 1 hour cooling in oven; graham crunch: 12 to 15 minutes; molten cake: 14 to 15 minutes • Total Time: 3 hours

Counter & Equipment Prep: Stand mixer, large baking sheet, parchment paper, piping bag with round tip, 1-­pound loaf pan, 2-­t ablespoon cookie scoop, kitchen torch No Surprises/HEADS UP: Order matters in this recipe! The pavlovas should be made first, along with the graham cracker crunch. See the make-­ ahead instructions for details there. Make the molten cake just before serving. We want it molten, gooey, and hot!

This is the ultimate dinner party dessert. It’s often served with fruit, but since pavlova is meringue-­based, it is the ideal marshmallowy vessel for a s’mores spin. This one features a molten chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, and a graham cracker crunch, all placed in a marshmallowy pavlova nest. Pavlova 5 egg whites, room temperature 1⁄8 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon white vinegar ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt 1¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar 1½ teaspoons cornstarch

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Graham Cracker Crunch 7 tablespoons (98 grams) unsalted butter ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar 8 sheets (136 grams) graham crackers, crushed roughly (I do this in a plastic bag with a rolling pin) ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt Molten Lava Cake ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature ½ cup (85 grams) semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped ½ cup (85 grams) dark chocolate, roughly chopped (if you aren’t using a scale, this is 7 squares of a Ghirardelli chocolate bar) ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar 2 large egg yolks, room temperature 2 large eggs, room temperature ¼ cup (31 grams) all-­purpose flour ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt 1 pint (453 grams) vanilla ice cream To Make the Pavlova Preheat the oven to 275°F. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the egg whites, cream of tartar, vinegar, and salt. Whisk on medium-­low speed until the mixture becomes foamy, then continue mixing and begin to slowly add the sugar, leaving about 1 minute in between each addition. Keep the speed on medium-­low, about 4 on a stand mixer, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the mixture is bright white, glossy, and all granules of sugar have dissolved. Increase the speed to high and whip until the mixture holds stiff peaks, 2 to 3 more minutes, pausing to check for peaks every minute. Once it reaches stiff peaks, fold in the cornstarch with a nonstick spatula and transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (about ½ inch wide, such as Ateco #809). If you don’t have a tip, you can use two spoons to dollop the mixture for a rustic look. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pipe a 3-inch mound of meringue, then use the back of a spoon to make an indent, pressing lightly into the middle and swirling outward to create a shallow nest. Smooth the sides upward as you go so the rim stays taller than the center. Place the sheet tray with the pavlovas in the oven and immediately lower the temperature to 250°F. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until pavlovas are dry and firm but not browned. Turn off the oven but leave the pan inside and let the pavlovas dry out for another hour. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. To Make the Graham Cracker Crunch Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan over medium heat add the butter and sugar. With a nonstick spatula, stir constantly as the butter melts. Continue stirring until the butter starts to foam and sizzle and all the sugar dissolves into the butter. Turn off the heat and add in the graham crackers and salt. Mix with the nonstick spatula to ensure they are evenly coated. The mixture will look like wet sand. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and use the spatula to break up big chunks. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the crunchies are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool. To Make the Molten Lava Cake Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 1-­pound loaf pan with a parchment sling; no need to leave much overhang. In a microwave-­safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped chocolates. Microwave in 30-­second intervals, stirring with a nonstick spatula between each, until the mixture is completely smooth. Stir in the sugar until it is fully incorporated. Vigorously mix in the egg yolks and the eggs to form a thick, smooth batter. Gently fold in the flour and salt. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 14 to 15 minutes; the center will be wobbly and shiny, but the outside should look set. Go straight to assembly.

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The Baker’s Notebook Why do baking recipes call for room-temperature eggs and butter? You’ve probably seen it countless times in recipes: Bring the eggs and butter to room temperature. But does it really make a difference? It does—and here’s why. Room-temperature butter creams more easily with sugar, creating tiny air pockets that help cakes and cookies bake up light, tender, and fluffy. If the butter is too cold, it can’t trap as much air, resulting in a heavier texture. Room-temperature eggs also blend more smoothly into the batter. Cold eggs can cause room-temperature butter to firm up, making the batter look curdled and harder to mix smoothly. When all of your ingredients are close to the same temperature, they combine more easily, creating a batter that bakes more evenly.

Short on Time? Eggs: Place them in a bowl of warm (not hot) tap water for 10 to 15 minutes. Butter: Cut it into tablespoon-size pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. In a bigger hurry? Cut it into small cubes or grate it with a box grater to help it soften more quickly.

To Assemble Once your pavlova shells have cooled completely, use a kitchen torch on its medium setting and torch the outside of the shells by moving in a smooth motion around the outside. The color should be light golden brown with a few darker spots. Time to plate! Get your serving plates ready and place a pavlova on each. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, place 2 scoops of that rich molten cake onto each pavlova. Top with a scoop of ice cream, sprinkle over the graham cracker crunch, and enjoy! Makes 8 pavlovas. Storage: Fully assembled pavlovas should be eaten right after plating. ❧ EXCERPTED FROM In The Mood To Bake. Copyright (c) 2026 by Alex George. Used with permission of the publisher, The Countryman Press, a division of W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo credit Alex George.

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WELCOME

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Photos: Stephen Karlisch / Interiors by Studio Thomas James

A Dallas home shows how a favorite color became the heart of a timeless design.

A House That Blushes

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hen these Dallas homeowners found themselves entering a new season as empty nesters, they weren’t looking for a dramatic change so much as a thoughtful new chapter. They wanted a home that felt every bit as gracious as the one they were leaving, but one better suited to the way they live today— elegant enough for entertaining, comfortable enough for everyday life, and always ready to welcome children, grandchildren, and friends.

very beginning,” he says. “Rather than creating a house around new furnishings, we designed a home that celebrated the life they had already lived. The result is layered, collected, and timeless, with a freshness that keeps it from ever feeling overly formal.”

Unlike many custom homes, this one wasn’t designed around a wish list of brand-new furnishings. Instead, it began with a life already well lived.

“We wanted people to feel immediately at ease,” they say. “We love entertaining, so it was important that the house felt gracious and beautiful, but never intimidating. We hoped guests would feel that the home had evolved over time rather than being decorated all at once.”

Years of travel had filled the couple’s home with antiques, artwork, and meaningful objects that carried memories as valuable as the pieces themselves. Rather than starting over, they hoped their next home would honor those stories while creating space for new ones. Designer Philip Thomas Vanderford of Studio Thomas James immediately embraced that vision. “This was a newly constructed home, allowing us to tailor every architectural and interior detail to the homeowners’ lifestyle from the

For the homeowners, beauty alone was never the goal.

That philosophy quietly reveals itself from the moment you step inside. One color gently threads its way throughout the home, though never in quite the way visitors expect. Pink has long been one of the homeowner’s favorite colors—not because it was fashionable, but because it simply felt like home.

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“We wanted the house to unfold naturally, with every space feeling like part of the same story.”

Like a gentle blush across the home’s palette, the color never asks to be the center of attention. Instead, it quietly welcomes visitors from one room to the next, tying the home together with warmth and grace. “It never felt like a bold decision to me,” the homeowner says. “It’s a color that simply makes me happy.” The effect is immediately apparent in the butler’s pantry, where rosy cabinetry feels both fresh and timeless. Rather than dominating the space, the color serves as a warm invitation into the rest of the home.

Step beyond that first blush of pink into the blue living room, and the home’s rhythm begins to unfold. “We wanted the house to unfold naturally, with every space feeling like part of the same story rather than a collection of individual rooms,” Vanderford explains. “Each room has its own identity, but they’re all connected through a consistent language of materials, color, and proportion.” That thoughtful progression makes wandering through the house feel almost effortless. Cool blues temper warm blush tones. Traditional architectural details are softened with inviting

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furnishings. Around nearly every corner, another carefully considered view waits to be discovered. One such surprise is a charming built-in writing nook tucked just beyond the main living spaces. Painted in the same welcoming palette, it offers a quiet moment within a home designed for gathering—a reminder that gracious living also leaves room for solitude.

Long before construction began, Vanderford and his team were already thinking about the homeowners’ favorite antiques, treasured artwork, and collected furnishings. Rather than asking the couple to fit those pieces into a finished house, they designed the house around them.

The homeowners say that balance is one of the things they appreciate most about working with Vanderford. “Philip and his team did an incredible job listening to what was important to us while introducing ideas we never would have considered ourselves,” they say. “It always felt like a collaboration, and that’s one of the reasons the home feels so personal.” Although every room has its own personality, everyday life naturally centers in the kitchen. It’s where the couple shares meals, morning coffee, and conversation. When children, grandchildren, and friends come to visit, it’s also where everyone seems to gather without thinking twice. For quieter moments, the breakfast room offers something different. “I love sitting in the breakfast room with my morning coffee,” one homeowner says. “It’s peaceful, the light is beautiful throughout the day, and it’s one of those spaces that always makes me appreciate the decision to build this home.” More than beautiful rooms, these spaces support the life the homeowners envisioned when they first began dreaming about this next chapter. Beautiful homes often reveal themselves slowly. In this one, some of the most thoughtful decisions are also the easiest to overlook.

“We measured many of their cherished furnishings before the architectural plans were finalized,” Vanderford says. “Wall lengths, circulation, and room proportions were tailored specifically to pieces they had collected over decades. Those are the details that make a home feel truly custom.” It’s a philosophy that’s becoming increasingly rare. Instead of beginning with a blank slate, this home begins with memory. Every antique,

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“The best moments are when the house is filled with family and friends.” and authenticity that quietly carries throughout the entire project.”

every painting, every meaningful object has a place because each one represents a chapter in the homeowners’ lives.

It’s an observation that could just as easily describe the home itself.

“Nearly every room holds a memory,” they say. “It doesn’t just look collected, it truly is collected. Every piece reminds us of a place we’ve been or a chapter in our lives.” That same attention to detail shaped the home’s architecture. Working closely with the architect, Vanderford developed a U-shaped floor plan that creates an unusual sense of privacy and intimacy for a Highland Park property. While the home is gracious enough to welcome a house full of guests, it never loses the comfortable scale the homeowners wanted for everyday life.

Individually, the rooms are striking. Together, they create something even more remarkable—a home that feels gracious, welcoming, and unmistakably personal. Perhaps that’s why the reactions have been so gratifying. “Many people tell us that the home feels both elegant and incredibly comfortable,” the homeowners say. “It’s beautiful, but it still feels like a home that’s meant to be lived in.”

Some of Vanderford’s favorite moments are the ones visitors may never consciously notice.

For the homeowners, the greatest reward comes when the rooms are doing exactly what they were designed to do.

He points to the Paris Ceramics flooring in the entry as an example. “Many people simply experience it rather than consciously notice it,” he says, “but it immediately establishes the tone of the home. It introduces a richness

“There have been many moments,” they say, “but the best moments are when the house is filled with family and friends. Seeing everyone naturally gather, move comfortably through the spaces, and truly enjoy being here reminds us

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Think Pink Designer Philip Thomas Vanderford shares the secret to getting pink right. For designer Philip Thomas Vanderford, the secret to decorating with pink is “choosing the right tone and using it with conviction.” Look for muted, complex shades and treat them almost as neutrals, pairing them with natural stone, rich woods, antiques, and classic architectural details.

that every thoughtful decision was worth it.” For Vanderford, that’s the true takeaway.

A pink to try: Benjamin Moore Venetian Rose, used in the home’s kitchen and butler’s pantry. Vanderford loves its “beautiful softness that shifts throughout the day with the changing light.”

“I’d encourage people to make their homes more personal and less perfect,” he says. “Some of the most memorable spaces aren’t filled with the newest furniture—they’re filled with things that tell the story of the people who live there. Whether it’s a favorite color you’ve loved your entire life, an antique collected while traveling, or a piece that’s been passed down through generations, those layers of memory are what give a home its soul. Trends come and go, but authenticity never goes out of style.” The homeowners couldn’t agree more. “Don’t decorate for someone else’s idea of beautiful,” they say. “Surround yourself with things you genuinely love, collect pieces over time, and don’t be afraid to let your personality show. That’s what makes a house feel like home.” ❧

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JUST A NOD

NeoDeco

Photos: Susie Brenner

Art Deco glamour gets a modern—and more livable— update.

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rt Deco has never exactly been known for restraint. Born in the 1920s, the style reveled in rich color, gleaming finishes, strong geometry and unabashed glamour. Now those influences are finding their way into interiors again—but with a decidedly modern edit.

That means keeping the glamour while losing some of the excess. “Where traditional Art Deco often featured ornate detailing and color-drenched interiors, NeoDeco takes a more edited approach,” Wood says. “It pares back the ornamentation, creating

Shape Up Start with one of the style’s most recognizable characteristics: its shapes. “One of the hallmarks of both Art Deco and NeoDeco is the interplay between strong geometry and soft curves,” Wood says. “Arches, fluted detailing, and channel tufting instantly evoke the style.” She suggests something as simple as a fluted table lamp, a cabinet with fluted or arched doors, or a chair with channeltufted upholstery.

Add a Little Glamour Materials offer another easy way to hint at the style. “NeoDeco embraces materials that reflect light and add a touch of glamour,” Wood says. “Glass, marble, and warm metallic finishes like brass or gold are perfect choices.” Channel-tufted furniture, glass, and warm metallic finishes bring the style.

“NeoDeco is a fresh, modern interpretation of the glamorous Art Deco style that emerged in the 1920s,” says interior designer Tennille Wood of Beautiful Habitat Interior Design in Denver, Colorado. “It embraces the rich color palettes, warm wood tones, and luxurious materials that made the original movement so iconic, while adapting it for the way we live today.”

spaces that feel refined rather than overly decorated.” And that makes it particularly well suited to a little experimentation. You don’t need to redo a room from top to bottom to bring in the look. A few well-chosen elements can give your home just a nod to NeoDeco.

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A sunburst mirror, marble table lamp or metallic accessories can introduce that Deco sparkle without overwhelming the room. Warm wood tones— particularly walnut—also play an important role. “When paired with metallic finishes like brass, they create the rich combination and understated glamour that Art Deco is known for,” Wood says. Velvet adds another layer of depth, texture and luxury.

Make a Color Move If the budget allows for only one update, Wood would put her money on color. “Color has an incredible ability to transform the mood of a space while requiring a relatively modest investment,” she says. That could mean a dramatic paint color or geometric wallpaper, but it doesn’t have to involve a Saturday spent with a paint roller. Deep shades can also come in through pillows, artwork and decorative objects. Wood suggests velvet pillows in colors such as emerald green or burgundy, particularly when paired with warm woods or geometric patterns. The key is using those saturated colors selectively rather than everywhere.

“Rich colors should be balanced with warm neutrals, and decorative details should feel intentional rather than abundant,” she says.

Know When to Stop And that may be the most important part of pulling off the trend. “The biggest mistake is recreating Art Deco instead of embracing NeoDeco,” Wood says. “Traditional Art Deco is known for its dramatic color drenching, bold ornamentation, and lavish details. NeoDeco takes a more restrained approach. It captures the glamour and richness of the original while editing out the excess.”

every Deco motif you can find—Wood recommends thoughtfully layering a couple of complementary elements. Pair an Art Decoinspired mirror with a deep, moody wall color, for example, or velvet pillows with fluted or arched accessories. The result should feel sophisticated and livable rather than like a reproduction of another era. After all, you don’t have to live like it’s 1925 to borrow a little of the decade’s glamour. A rich color here, a graceful arch there, perhaps a flash of brass— and that may be all the nod you need. ❧

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PRETTY PLACES

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fall for destin

all ushers in some of my favorite traditions, from cheering for my favorite college football team to finding the perfect pumpkin spice treat. As summer loosens its grip, many people head for the mountains in search of colorful leaves and cool evenings. I head for the beach—or, these days, simply step outside. My favorite place to welcome fall is somewhere most people associate with summer: Destin, Florida. The emerald water and sugar-white sand first caught my attention when I visited in 1997. More than two decades later, in November 2020, I found myself needing a little solo getaway. I remembered Destin.

I knew how I felt at the beach—almost any beach. Looking out at that vast expanse of water had always made my problems seem smaller. Whether the sea was turbulent or tranquil, it somehow spoke the same language to me: peace, calm and ease of mind. Standing on the shoreline that November, I prayed, “Lord, I just want to be here.” Back home in Alabama, though, I had no particular plan for making Destin home. Then

When the summer crowds thin and the temperatures cool, this Florida beach town settles into a slower, sweeter season. By JODY EVANS

a chance encounter introduced a possibility I hadn’t considered. I helped a woman at a local shopping mall find her car, and as we talked, I learned that she lived in Destin. She mentioned that a new high school was opening there. I had enough years of teaching behind me to retire, which gave me the freedom to consider a new chapter. I looked into the school, traveled to Destin to meet the principal, and eventually became one of its first teachers. The place I had returned to for a getaway had become home.

When Destin Exhales Something changes here when summer ends. It’s almost like a subtle switch is flipped. The crowded roads, packed beaches and long lines begin to dwindle. There are fewer cars, fewer visitors and fewer people rushing to get somewhere. The intense summer heat begins to ease. Destin seems to let out a sigh. AN EARLY RISER’S REWARD Sunrise paints the shores of Destin in an entirely different kind of fall color.

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Photos: Jody Evans

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The pace becomes slower and gentler, and the sweet little beach village beneath the bustling summer destination begins to reveal itself again. It’s the season when I find myself spending even more time at the beach. The beach itself seems different in fall. The air turns crisp, and I’ve learned to grab a hoodie or jacket when I leave the house because even two blocks inland, I can feel the difference. The sun seems kinder somehow, casting a friendly shine over the shore instead of the intense heat of summer. Some days the water becomes as smooth as glass, looking more like a lake than the Gulf. With fewer people around, it’s easier to notice what else is there—the birds overhead, dolphins offshore and marine life beneath the clear water.

CASTLE WEATHER Cooler fall mornings don’t keep Jody from playing in the sand.

water give the landscape the feeling of old Florida.

This is my favorite Destin.

The park itself is new, but somehow it feels nostalgic—a quiet place to watch nature and the rhythms of life along the water.

Mornings by the Water

A Little Adventure

One of my favorite places to experience it is Calhoun Beach.

Of course, I don’t spend all of fall quietly contemplating the Gulf.

Just before sunrise, I park nearby and walk barefoot across the sugar-white sand. Sometimes I bring a chair and a travel mug of coffee and find a place to sit as the sky changes from darkness to the brightest morning light.

One of my favorite memories is taking a sunset cruise aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Ship with my two adult sons. The cruise may be designed with children in mind, but that didn’t stop us. We fully committed ourselves to the pirate songs, laughed at the games and antics and joined in the revelry.

Every sunrise is different. Birds begin to appear. Pelicans fly low over the water like B-52 bombers, moving in perfect formation. On some mornings, dolphins travel in pods offshore, briefly breaking the surface before disappearing again. Another favorite is Captain Leonard Destin Park, overlooking the bay toward Crab Island. It feels almost like a secret hidden from tourists. Boats head out or return from the water while Great Blue Herons make their homes in the trees overhead. Moss hangs from the branches, and the large trees standing so close to the

There was something wonderfully joyful about it: the imaginations and excitement of the children aboard the ship mixed with the beauty of a Destin sunset. Going in fall meant fewer crowds and less heat, so we could enjoy every part of the ship. Destin offers plenty of other ways to get out on the water, from dolphin cruises to trips to Crab Island, the famous submerged sandbar accessible only by boat. October also brings one of the city’s biggest traditions, the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo.

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Photograph courtesy of Linda Gibso

on

CREATURE FEATURE From Great Blue Herons along the shore to curious residents at Gulfarium, wildlife is never far away.

Beach State Park offers a quieter stretch of shoreline, and just a few miles away, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offers another way to spend a day near the water. I’m happy to enjoy that particular tradition from dry land. I love walking along HarborWalk Village, looking at the charter boats and their wonderfully original names and seeing what the anglers have brought in that day. On one fall day, a boat in particular caught my eye: Sweet Jody. Not only did it have my name, it even spelled Jody the way I do. Somehow, in the beach town I had once wished I could call home, finding a fishing boat with my name on it felt like one more little sign that I was exactly where I belonged. I still haven’t summoned the courage to face the possibility of seasickness on a charter fishing trip. But I did buy myself a Sweet Jody hat. For now, that will have to do.

A Different Kind of Fall Color Destin doesn’t have the blazing red and orange leaves that draw travelers to the mountains each autumn. Our fall color comes in a different palette. It’s the brilliant white of the sand beneath your feet. The green-blue water stretching toward the horizon. The golden light of sunrise. The deepening colors of a sunset over the Gulf. Fall is also a wonderful time to explore places that can feel busier during summer. Henderson

But some of my favorite moments don’t require an attraction or an itinerary at all. They happen while walking the beach, spotting a stingray in the water or watching a Great Blue Heron along the shore. They happen when an afternoon rain clears and leaves behind a spectacular sunset. Living here has taught me that you don’t always have to plan the best parts.

Know Before You Go A few things I’ve learned can make a fall trip to Destin easier. Watch the beach flags. Conditions in the Gulf can change quickly. Always check the warning flags before entering the water and take them seriously. Be patient with traffic. If a left turn requires crossing several lanes, I would rather drive a little farther and turn at a traffic light. Destin may be quieter in fall, but some turns still aren’t worth the trouble. Check the golf cart rules. If your rental includes one, don’t assume it can be driven on every road. Check the local regulations before heading out. Leave the beach as you found it. Fill in holes before you leave. Besides posing a hazard to people walking after dark, holes can create obstacles for sea turtles and hatchlings.

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Don’t give up on a rainy day. Rain here can come and go surprisingly quickly. Some of the most beautiful sunsets appear after the clouds have cleared.

“I Live Here” Before moving here, Destin wasn’t the place where I had spent every childhood summer or accumulated decades of family vacation memories. In a way, I’m grateful for that. It became a place I chose for myself. Today, whenever I’ve been away, I know I’m almost home when I cross the Mid-Bay Bridge and see the little skyline ahead of me, surrounded by all that water. And sometimes I still say it out loud, almost as if I need to remind myself: “I live here.” Somehow, after all these years, I still haven’t gotten used to how good that sounds. ❧

MORE TO EXPLORE A few more ways to spend a fall day in Destin GO SHOPPING Destin Commons, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, and Silver Sands Premium Outlets offer three very different shopping experiences.

WALK THE PIER Head out over the water for expansive Gulf views, fishing action, and a chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds.

VISIT CRAB ISLAND The famous submerged sandbar is accessible only by water, with options ranging from boat rentals and charters to tiki cruises. Planning a Destin getaway? Find Jody’s complete guide— including rainy-day ideas, shopping, beach tips and more—on the blog at pretty-magazine.com/things-to-doin-destin-in-the-fall.

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PRETTY GARDEN

growing beautifully

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or Justine Reichman, a beautiful garden isn’t something simply to look at. It’s something to wander through, cook from, gather in—and share. Just outside her kitchen, an herb garden puts everything from cilantro to kaffir lime and lemons within easy reach. A vegetable garden,

up wasting most of it?” Justine says. “We got rid of that.” Her garden grew out of the same philosophy of intentional living that shaped the renovation of her home. What she planted mattered, but so did where she planted it, how she would use it, and how it would make her feel. And because dogs are part of the household, she made sure everything planted where they have access is safe for them, too.

Pretty With a Purpose Justine makes no apologies for wanting her surroundings to be beautiful. “I do well when things are pretty,” she says. “My surroundings are integral to how I feel.”

All garden photos: Justine Reichman

That philosophy is apparent throughout the terraced garden. French doors along the back of the house allow the outdoor spaces to feel like extensions of the rooms inside. Outside Justine’s office are purple lantanas, a palm and kaffir lime; outside the kitchen, a table and chairs invite meals outdoors. Other seating areas are tucked throughout the garden.

berries and fruit trees add to the bounty. Even the placement was intentional. “You know how you’re cooking and you have to run to the store to get one thing, and you end

Winding stone steps lead upward through native and local plantings selected to reseed and withstand dry conditions. In the edible garden, a trellis keeps the dogs out while passion fruit grows overhead. Higher still are fruit trees, including lemon and fig, poppies, and still more places to sit. “The idea was to have lots of sitting areas so you can enjoy the view regardless of what terrace you’re on,” Justine says. “It’s beautiful without feeling contrived.”

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“Lean into natives,” she advises. “It will allow them to thrive in the environment and continue to grow.” And don’t underestimate green. A garden doesn’t have to be filled with flowers every minute of the year to be beautiful. “I like a robust garden,” Justine says. “I still have a lot of green even when it’s not blooming. I like green, flowers, then it goes back to green.”

Room to Gather Perhaps the loveliest thing Justine’s garden produces, though, isn’t something you can harvest.

For Justine, tending a garden means growing beauty and abundance side by side.

Let the Seasons Do the Work That sense of ease carries into the way Justine approaches the changing seasons. Rather than continually starting over, the garden was intentionally planted so that as one thing fades, another begins to take its place. “We have things planted for each season,” she says. “We’ll start to see some things die as others are blooming.” For gardeners hoping to keep their own yards looking lovely well into fall, Justine suggests thinking ahead rather than waiting until the garden begins to fade. “Intentionally plant things that will populate as the season changes,” she says. What those plants should be, however, depends very much on where you live. In her own garden, lantanas bloom for a particularly long time. But Justine would rather gardeners choose what thrives naturally in their own area than chase a particular look.

The many seating areas allow guests to spread throughout the garden when Justine entertains, while a fire pit becomes a natural gathering place as evenings turn cooler. She likes the sunny front patio, surrounded by lemon trees, in the morning; by evening, she gravitates toward the back garden and its cozy fire pit. “I love to have dinner out there,” she says. And the garden’s abundance now extends beyond her own table. Justine recently started the Ross Valley Farm Walk in Marin County. On the last Sunday of the month, participating neighbors put out baskets containing whatever their gardens have produced in excess and share with one another. She hopes the idea might inspire other neighborhoods around the country to do something similar. “I’m really proud there’s so much abundance to share with my community,” she says. The garden has even changed the way she cooks. Instead of treating a missing recipe

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Photo of Justine: Laura Reoch

It’s connection.

ingredient as a reason for a trip to the store, Justine looks at what’s growing and improvises. “I think it allows me to be more creative,” she says. “If a recipe asks for something I don’t have, I’ll figure out how to use what I have in the garden. Get inspired.” It’s a fitting description of the garden itself: use what flourishes, work with the seasons instead of against them, and create something beautiful enough that you want to linger there. Because when Justine considers what a truly beautiful garden means to her, she doesn’t name a single flower. “Calm, peace, connection, community,” she says. “It supports all those things for me, and it brings them all together.” ❧

KEEP IT GROWING Justine’s simple ideas for keepiing your garden growing into fall

Plant for what comes next. Choose plants that emerge or bloom at different times so something new takes over as something else fades.

Go native. Choose plants suited to your climate— they’ll have a better chance of thriving from season to season.

Make watering realistic. If regular handwatering isn’t practical, consider drip irrigation or another system you can maintain.

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ASK AN EXPERT

EXTEND THE SEASON

Nk Ni/Unsplash

Think your garden’s glory days end with summer? Rosarian Paul Zimmerman shares how to keep the color, texture and interest going well into fall.

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all doesn’t have to signal the end of the garden show. Paul Zimmerman, rosarian for Jackson & Perkins, explains how to make the most of the season and give your garden a second act of blooms, berries, colorful foliage, and texture.

Not thinking about what is going to bloom in the fall. Asters, some sedums, Japanese anemones and goldenrod are plants that feature a fall bloom. Some spring perennials, like certain penstemons, will rebloom in the fall if cut back after their initial flowering. Fall annuals scattered into the garden also add interest, as do fall bulbs like autumn crocus and some lilies. Modern roses generally have their second-best bloom in the fall. Don’t just plan your garden for spring. Be on the lookout for fall plants. How can gardeners create a beautiful fall garden without relying on pumpkins and mums? The most important aspect of any garden design is actually texture and shape. Flowers are further down the list. Use plants with varying foliage texture and color, like the airy foliage of bronze fennel, the gray of caryopteris, and the flow of nepeta. And don’t overlook grasses. They add texture as well as movement as they sway in the wind.

Is it true that fall is too late to put new plants in the ground? There is a myth that you should not plant new plants in the fall. Nothing can be further from the truth, particularly if you live in a warm to hot climate. Planting in the fall gives them plenty of time to get their roots established and settled in before the next summer comes around. What’s your favorite way to keep a garden feeling alive and welcoming after summer ends? Fall is actually a very active time of growth and bloom in many areas. During the summer, not only are the days warm, but so are the nights. Watch for when the nights turn cool. That is the sign your garden is about to burst into life with the fall show. Any tricks for seeing your garden with fresh eyes? A great trick I learned years ago is to take a photo of the garden with your phone, then convert it to black and white. If the photo is still interesting, you have texture and contrast in your garden.

Özlem KALABALIKOĞLUUnsplash

What’s the biggest mistake gardeners make when planning for fall interest?

GET READY FOR THE FALL SHOW A little late-summer housekeeping can help set the stage for a beautiful fall garden.

Deadhead and tidy roses. Remove dead wood and weak growth. Cut back rebloomers. If a perennial will flower again, cut it back after its first bloom. Check your mulch. Add more if levels are getting thin. Give the garden a grooming. Shape plants, remove dead wood and thin excess growth to prepare them for a fall burst.

Keep it growing! Click here for more of Paul’s fall garden tips.

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OCCASIONS

Fall Is REASON ENOUGH Why save all the gathering for Thanksgiving? A few thoughtful touches can turn an ordinary autumn evening into an occasion.

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T

here’s a funny thing about fall entertaining: We wait for Thanksgiving. We spend September and October admiring the changing leaves, buying apples at the farmers market, pulling sweaters out of storage and remarking on how wonderful it feels to turn the oven on again. And yet,

That idea inspired Apples After Dark, a dinner-party concept built around the feeling of an orchard after sunset—less hayride and harvest festival, more candlelight, lingering conversation, and dinner with friends. “The mood is intimate and very seasonal without feeling overtly themed,” Gessin says.

“There’s an entire season before Thanksgiving that’s worth gathering for. You don’t need a holiday on the calendar to make dinner feel like an occasion.” when it comes to inviting people around the table, we often save all our energy for one very big Thursday in November.

And therein lies a rather appealing blueprint for fall entertaining at home.

Erika Gessin, founder of The Fête Edit, a company that creates complete dinner-party concepts with coordinated menus, tablescapes, and hosting details, thinks we’re missing out.

Creating an autumn table doesn’t have to mean covering it in pumpkins, mums, and orange leaves. Gessin prefers to suggest the season through “color, texture, ingredients and light.”

“We treat Thanksgiving as the moment fall entertaining begins, when there’s an entire season before it that’s worth gathering for,” she says. “You don’t need a holiday on the calendar to make dinner feel like an occasion.”

Let the season whisper

For Apples After Dark, she drew inspiration from the colors of an orchard at dusk: burgundy, plum, brown, amber, and ivory. Natural linen, warm wood, and ceramic dishes add texture, while branches and candles add rustic charm.

“I also love a table where not everything reads as ‘decor,’” she says. “A bowl of apples, a jar of apple butter or something you’re actually serving can be part of the visual story.” That approach also makes a gathering easier to pull together. Instead of buying decorations destined for a storage bin on December 1, Gessin recommends investing in things you’ll use again— interesting linens, glassware, or candleholders.

Pick three things Creating a memorable fall table doesn’t require dozens of different elements. Gessin suggests starting with just a few cues that work together to establish the mood. Her formula is wonderfully manageable: Choose a deeper fall color such as burgundy, chocolate, plum, or tobacco brown. Add “far more candlelight than you think you need.” Then bring one seasonal ingredient—apples, pears, figs, or grapes—onto the table. “You can do those three things on dishes you already own and still completely change the atmosphere of the evening,” she says. “The goal isn’t to copy a tablescape. It’s to borrow the point of view.” In other words, think atmosphere rather than accumulation.

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step. Let elements do double duty: Apples can decorate the table and become part of dinner; a jar of apple butter can contribute to the meal and go home with a guest. Most of all, don’t plan a menu so impressive that you miss your own party. “The best dinner-party menu isn’t the one that sounds most ambitious,” Gessin says. “It’s the one that lets the host actually be at the dinner.” ABOUT THE FÊTE EDIT The Fête Edit creates complete digital entertaining guides, including recipes, invitations, tablescape ideas, and hosting details. Its Apples After Dark Edit provided the inspiration and photos for this story. Learn more at TheFeteEdit.com.

Choose a quiet theme For Apples After Dark, apples provide a thread that runs through the evening without turning the party into an apple-themed extravaganza. They appear in the centerpiece, the welcome drink, savory dishes, and dessert. The menu begins with an apple cider spritz, followed by a shaved apple and fennel salad, pork with apples, roasted delicata squash, and a caramelized apple tart. Caramel apples can even become a sweet takehome favor (see photo above). The same idea could work with another ingredient—or simply another element of the season. The point isn’t to plaster a motif on every available

Don’t wait for an invitation from the calendar

surface. It’s to create a little continuity that makes the evening feel considered.

Plan for the person throwing the party, Too Perhaps the best entertaining advice has nothing to do with how the table looks. “One of my favorite hosting principles is to put as much of the experience as possible in place before guests arrive,” Gessin says. “A dinner feels very different for the host when you aren’t styling the table, making drinks and finishing six separate dishes at the same time.” Look for things that can be made ahead, assembled early or finished with one simple

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Maybe that’s the real charm of an ordinary fall dinner party: It doesn’t carry the expectations of a major holiday. Nobody needs a perfectly roasted turkey. The china doesn’t have to come out. There are no traditions to uphold or relatives to accommodate. It can simply be Saturday in October. “There’s something about fall that naturally makes people want to come back around the table,” Gessin says. “It gets darker earlier, we start cooking differently, and being at home begins to feel appealing again.” So invite a few friends. Put apples in a bowl. Light too many candles. Make something warm for dinner. The season itself can be the reason. ❧

The best part of growing up? Getting to introduce a new generation to some of the fun.

Play It Forward If You Loved. . .

They’ll Love. . . Instead of just collecting them, now they can make their own. 3D Sticker Maker Kit, $19.99

Take those designs off the page: This kit lets budding designers create miniature fashions with fabric, trims and mannequins. Fashion Design Kit, $30.50

Same satisfying little pops of color, now in portable pixelart form. Pixel Art Lightbox, $34.95

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: The Original Spirograph Jr, $13.05

Things have heated up. This Rubik’s Cube starts out black, revealing its colors with the warmth of your hands as you play. Phantom HeatActivated Rubik’s Cube, $8.41

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PRETTY THINGS

JUST BECAUSE Lovely little finds for fall—no special occasion required. Baltic Born Tona Faux Suede Skirt, $69. All the richness of suede in a swishy silhouette made for boots, sweaters and the first cool day of fall.

L’occitane Almond Cleansing & Softening Shower Oil, $29 for 8.4 oz. A cult favorite that turns an everyday shower into something a little more luxurious— and leaves skin soft enough to skip the lotion.

medicube Glow Vanilla Hair & Body Fragrance Mist, $21.90 for 3.38 oz. Warm vanilla with a soft, subtle scent for anyone who wants to smell delicious without announcing it across the room.

Gap Women’s Cable Crewneck Sweater, $45.49 Cream cable knit is practically a fall uniform—and this classic looks equally at home with jeans, skirts, or trousers.

Fall Pumpkin Pillow Cover, $13.99 Three little pumpkins, one easy seasonal switch. Toss it on the sofa and suddenly the house knows it’s fall.

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eora Snea kers, Gola Women’s Cl s brow n suede give $1 20. Chocolat e. te da up n m an autu a spor ty classic s rd co d an w no s jean Wea r them w ith ratu re drops. when the tempe

Wooden Salad Bowl, $29.39 Warm acacia wood makes even a weeknight salad feel a little more special—and looks pretty enough to leave on the table.

Steel Lattice Fire Pit, $104.95. Because some of the best fall nights happen outside. Just add a crisp evening, a cozy throw, and something to toast. Relaxed-Fit Cotton Blend Turtleneck Pullover Sweater, $24.20 ($12.20 with coupon!). The kind of easy, cheerful sweater that makes the first hint of sweater weather feel like an occasion.

Ana Luisa Frida 14K Gold and Freshwater Pearl Huggie Hoops, $65. Pearls loosen up a little on modern gold huggies—pretty enough for dinner, easy enough for every day.

Set of Four Le Jardin Green Cabbage Plates, $58.54 Deep green, delightfully leafy, and just quirky enough, these bring a little garden charm to the autumn table.

Kate Spade New York Leather Tulip Tote, $175.80. Rich olive green may be fall’s best supporting color—and this roomy, sculptural tote makes a strong case for carrying it everywhere.

Silky Pajama Set, $35.99 Blue-and-white florals keep these silky PJs pretty while long sleeves make them just right for cooler nights and lazy mornings.

Kodak Charmera Keychain Digital Camera, $34.99. Need it? No. Want it? Yes.

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she walks in beauty

The

VALUE of

GOLD

Marek Kupiec/Pexels

BENEATH A CANOPY OF AUTUMN GOLD, SHAWNELLE ELIASEN CONSIDERS WHAT WE LOSE, WHAT REMAINS, AND THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLY BEING PRESENT.

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I

t’s autumn, and the sunshine is weak now. We’re past the scorching rays of summer. But anemic beams still bring warmth and light. I let my car idle for a moment and then turn the key. When I step outdoors, I’m surprised by the silence. This park was carved in the 1940s from the Iowa bluffs that border the Mississippi River. The two-story lookout castle, stone bridge and cement picnic tables—with seats that snag your shorts— were Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) projects, part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, built in the years when opportunity was low and hunger was high. During the summer, all these years later, the park still comes to life. Swings whine their age-old song. Families flood the pavilions. The tall metal slide still heats like a cast-iron skillet. But in the fall, there is silence. Today, it quiets my soul. I make my way over a grassy field decorated by lonely disc-golf baskets. There are low hills, and I make my way over these, too. I head to the outskirts of the property, where no one would go without the purpose of finding the trees.

I’m headed toward a grove of Norway maples. It’s a secret place. Maybe forgotten or undiscovered. Whatever the reason, when I see the trees on the horizon—bold and strong and beautiful, glimmering gold—I pick up my pace. Years ago, when my husband and I were raising our five sons, nearly two-hundredyear-old Norway maples flanked our Victorian home. They must’ve been planted by a wayward traveler during westward expansion, because they’re not native to the Midwest. Our village grew up around these grand trees, and they’re still the glory of the river valley when they don their golden crowns. When we moved to a newborn home with a naked newconstruction landscape, I longed for those trees. Then one afternoon, like they were dropped from the Lord’s coin purse of kindness, I came upon this grove.

But I’m convinced that our appreciation runs longer, deeper, because while the rest of the world runs toward the pumpkin patch or fall festivals or crowded places where there are cider donuts and sticky apples on sticks, we’ve always run toward the trees. When I was a girl, fall would bring Sunday drives to the country, and when we stopped to walk, I’d gather oak and maple leaves to press between the pages of

My daddy, who now has dementia, had the soul of an arborist, and part of his heart broke away and was grafted right in the center of my own.

My steps come quicker when I see them. I move as though I’m welcoming their embrace. My daddy, who now has

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dementia, had the soul of an arborist, and part of his heart broke away and was grafted right in the center of my own. A friend once told me that everyone feels peace in nature. God placed man in a garden, for crying out loud.

my stacks of books. When my bevy of boys were little, we’d head to a lookout over the river, and my sons would sit pretzel-legged with their oil pastels scattered beside

them, tongues hooked around the corners of their mouths, while autumnal hues covered the pages of their sketch pads. Now I’m beyond traveling with my daddy or the boys who came after him. But I carry them with me, and appreciation fills me like warm embers. I reach the grove. I count the trees. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. They cover an expanse of ground, yet I know that there is a place just for me. I walk a bit deeper, and I spread my blanket under the generous breadth of the center tree. I pull the corners square, smooth the wrinkles and then lie down, flat on my back.

Tom Fisk/Pexels

In the Victorian, afternoon sun on the maples would cast gold that pressed through panes of antiquated glass. I’d found that to be the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, until today. Today, when I gaze at the branches above me, there’s a bright bowl of blue behind the gold-fire leaves. I hear the gentle hum of cicadas. The chirping of a grasshopper or two. The Pretty | Fall 2026 | www.pretty-magazine.com | 73

ground beneath me is hard, but it’s also solid and strong. I am anchored. I am still. I’ve heard it said that autumn offers reassurance: Something beautiful can come from change. The lush summer green gives way to the crisp color of fall. As I lie in this grove of maples, I let my mind wander. I understand, from years in

aged parents, struggling to survive, Daddy now a time traveler, slipping back to the boy he had been. And by right, by truth of circumstance, I should feel empty. Drained not of chlorophyll but of the dear times of life. But I do not. For me, as the weather changes, as my sundresses are replaced by soft hoodies and my favorite sweater with

times of green fullness and times when gray winter grips us with its bony, cold hand. But there’s always an opportunity for gratitude. There is unfailingly something to be grateful for in the present. There’s a goodness in the here and now. So today, as I’m alone on a blanket in the far-off corner of a Depression-era park that skirts the churning river and brushes against the dark woods, I am grateful for all that was, and I am grateful for all that will be.

Nika Akin/Pixabay

I am blessed by the memory of the radiance of summer, but I’m enchanted that even the weakest sunbeams dapple my blanket with a flood of warmth from above.

our homeschool classroom, that due to the weaker sunshine, a little door in the stem of the leaves shuts, and from a lack of chlorophyll, the leaves drain of green. It’s a depletion. A depletion that brings a glory all its own. I consider my boys, all grown, our youngest deposited in a college dorm just a few weeks before. I think of my

buttons that shine like shells, I do not resist. I don’t pause to feel the loss and chase the beauty that comes from change. I do not stretch my palm open and see empty flesh and wait for the next blessing that will cause my fist to clench. Rather, I lie still and recognize that in life, there’s a season for everything. There are times of abundance and times of loss. There are

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I don’t want to study the beauty of change so closely that I forget to simply lie beneath it. With autumn curved above me, I bend my arms to cradle my head. I am perfectly content in this moment, for I know the value of gold. ❧ Shawnelle Eliasen writes from Iowa, where she lives with her husband, Lonny, and their dog, Hazel. You can read more of her work in Walking in Grace.

They may be Halloween icons, but take a closer look: Some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures are surprisingly beautiful.

O

Pretty Creepy By SHERYL SMITH-RODGERS

ne morning as a teenager, I was putting on my makeup before school when I noticed I had an audience: a fuzzy black-and-white spider on my bedroom wall. Instead of shrieking or reaching for a shoe, I looked closer. Its large eyes gave it an oddly inquisitive expression—as though it were every bit as curious about me as I was about it. I later learned my visitor was a jumping spider, a group known for unusually keen eyesight and those distinctive, almost expressive eyes. And while the name might sound alarming to the spider-averse, jumping spiders use their impressive hops to get from place to place—not because they’re looking to launch themselves at unsuspecting humans. Years later, when I developed an interest in nature photography, I remembered my little eight-legged friend from my teen years. I began looking more closely at the spiders around me— and discovered that, through a camera lens, these often-misunderstood creatures could be surprisingly beautiful.

As summer gives way to fall, I watch for black-and-yellow garden spiders on their distinctive zigzag webs. Their size and bold markings may look intimidating, but these dramatic spiders pose little threat to people and can be strikingly beautiful. Recently, I photographed my first spinybacked orbweaver, a taxi-cab-yellow beauty with dramatic black spines. I literally danced with happiness. Crab spiders often turn up among flowers, where their unusual shapes and striking colors can look almost decorative. Beautiful, intricate and endlessly surprising, spiders have taught me that sometimes the things we instinctively shy away from are worth a closer look. You may not be ready to welcome one into your bedroom, but perhaps the next time you spot a spider, you’ll resist the shoe long enough to admire her. ❧

That beauty is part of what fascinates me about spiders. They come in an astonishing variety of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes, and different species create webs that can be works of art themselves. They also play an important role in nature by helping to keep insect populations in balance. Orbweavers are among my favorites. They create the beautiful round webs we tend to picture when we think of spiders. E.B. White studied spiders before writing Charlotte’s Web, and Charlotte herself was inspired by an orbweaver that lived in his barn. Pretty | Fall 2026 | www.pretty-magazine.com | 75

SHE CONTAINS MULTITUDES Red Carpet Report on Mingle Media TV / CC BY-SA 2.0

The Inside Scoop Coffee Order: Vanilla latte with almond milk. “Give me that and I’m a happy lady!” Favorite Escape: “A weekend at home with nothing on the schedule and Netflix to binge.”

Judson Copeland

Reading Habit: A nightstand packed with partially read nonfiction. “I did recently finish a 60-day devotional with girlfriends!” Comfort Food: “One hundred percent chips and salsa. I could eat that every day of my life.” Always in Her Bag: BandAids and a mini notebook for recording ideas. “I’m still a paper person.” Most Admired Woman: Her mom: “A friend, an inspiration, a mentor, and my closest confidante.” Best Advice: “The only person you can control is yourself.” Always Makes Her Laugh: “I have a houseful of boys.” Beautiful Life: “My center is faith, and my joy is in the Lord.”

Aubrie Ross Edmond, OK

Musician

Mom

Missionary

Since her greatgrandfather’s generation, Aubrie’s family has performed in musical groups using Aubrie’s maiden name, Lashley. So naturally, Aubrie grew up playing piano and singing. She and her husband, Lucas, met while performing in a musical comedy group in college.

With her own two sons—both now teens—Aubrie made sure they began piano lessons at a young age, and now she, Lucas, and their boys continue her family’s tradition by performing as the Lashley Family Band. “My dad was part of our group for a while,” Aubrie says. “Our love of music is very deeply rooted.”

After learning about Ghana through research for her church, Aubrie founded Heartbeat for Hope in 2008. The nonprofit supports education, children’s projects, and skills training for women in Ghana. “Missions is relationships,” Aubrie says. “We learn so much working with others.”

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Isn’t It Pretty to Think So?

“You owe it to all of us

Whatsoever things are lovely...think on these things. (Phil.4:8, KJV)

to get on with what

“I believe that the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”

you’re good at.” –W.H. Auden

We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.

Tell me every terrible thing you ever did, and let me love you anyway.

–Katie Thurmes

RAMESH0046/Pixabay

–Viola Davis

—Sade Andria Zabala

–Booker T. Washington Do what you can, with what you you’ve got, where you are. —”Squire Bill” Widener

The incalculable

“I paint flowers so they will not die.”

winds of fantasy and

–Frida Kahlo

music and poetry, the mere face of a girl, the song of a bird, or the sight of a

There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.

horizon, are always

—Vincent Van Gogh

blowing evil’s whole

There isn’t room in my brain for a negative thought. If one sneaks in, I confront it, deal with it, and then kick it out. –Herbie J Pilato

structure away. –C.S. Lewis The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire. –Ferdinand Foch

Confidence gets you in the room. Self-worth reminds you that you belong there. –Jamie Kern Lima

George Clarke/Dupe

Character is power.

“Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind­—even if your voice shakes.­­” –Maggie Kuhn

“You will be proof that beautiful things are born out of darkness.” –Ana Dee

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