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Sisters, singers, and lifelong collaborators, Presley & Taylor have built a career on connection— between each other, their music, and the fans. In Pretty’s Winter cover story, the Nashville duo talks about growing up together, their creative bond, and what it’s really like to chase a dream side by side (16).
Look Pretty for Less
Trending Now: Faux Fur
Trends don’t have to come with designer price tags. Sometimes the chicest finds are waiting on a resale rack for a fraction of the cost. To prove it, we turned to Jennifer Johnson, owner of True Fashionistas in Naples, FL, who pulled together this winter-ready look featuring the season’s coziest statement: faux fur. Every piece in this outfit came straight from her resale shop, showing that you can look pretty for less–without sacrificing style. ❧
REEL BEAUTY
Danica McKellar in Have We Met This Christmas?
In Have We Met This Christmas?, Danica McKellar shines as Katie Sloane, an ambitious real estate executive who awakens at the Merry Mountain Inn with no memory of her past—including Emmett Jones, the man she once vowed never to speak to again. But will the inn’s warm holiday spirit—and Jesse Hutch’s easy charm as Emmett—find Katie falling in love again? And could Emmett possibly resist her polished, warmly romantic look, created by makeup artist Ashley Lamon and hairstylist Amanda Steitz?
Ashley created Danica’s radiant complexion with IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream, layering it with Face Atelier Foundation for a dewy, soft-focus finish. She brightened the under-eye area with Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer in Mocha. For Danica’s eyes, Ashley blended warm, taupe-based tones from the Natasha Denona Bronze and Biba palettes and customized the lash line with Ardell Active Lash Clusters in Dash. A sweep of Chantecaille mascara—one of Danica’s favorites—added soft definition for a subtly festive finish. Ashley lined Danica’s lips with MAC Lip Pencil in Spice, then applied a mixture of Bobbi Brown Crushed OilInfused Lip Gloss and Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in Cherry Oil for a juicy, dimensional sheen.
For hair, Amanda styled loose, cascading waves that showcased Danica’s naturally full, luxurious texture. She prepped with Joico Heat Hero, then curled two-inch sections using a one-inch Hot Tools iron, misting CHI Keratin Hairspray between layers to build hold that lasted through long shooting days. To finish, she added volume at the crown with Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, giving the waves their effortless, romantic movement. ❧
Catch Danica in Have We Met This Christmas? on Great American Family this December!
Photo: courtesy of GAF
Cameron Diaz in The Holiday
It’s been almost twenty years since The Holiday debuted, but Cameron Diaz’s cozy-chic look still feels fresh. Here’s how to recreate her timeless style today.
The Hair
We asked Raven Hurtado, stylist, and Rex Jimieson, colorist, at Maxine Salon in Chicago how to achieve Cameron’s effortlessly chic winter look. Raven says her layered short bob is “always on trend,” styled with a side part for volume and movement, and needs trimming every six to eight weeks to keep it polished.
Rex calls Cameron’s creamy blonde “a true classic that never really goes out of style.” Start with a balayage to brighten mid-lengths and ends, then follow with foil highlights for lift and dimension.
The Makeup
Celebrity makeup artist Stephanie G-M in Austin calls this look “timeless for a reason.” Diaz’s shimmery brown shadow enhances blue eyes, with a deeper tone near the lash line for definition. Keep the warmth and glow of the rose blush, but update to a cream formula instead of the powdery 2000s version.
The lip color is a classic—achieved with a nude liner topped with balm or gloss. But skip the thin brows; Stephanie says, “Brushing and softly filling them in brings the look modern.”
A modern holiday classic that never loses its charm. (The Holiday now available on Digital from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
Amanda’s Capsule Wardrobe
A timeless mix of cozy neutrals, polished basics, and subtle sparkle—pieces that feel just as effortlessly chic now as they did in 2006.
The Finishing Touches
Clutch this during your next “esophogeal spasm”: CZ Poppy Lariat Necklace, Made by Mary, $130
For a cozy “kick to the curb”: EverFoams slippers, $19.99, Amazon
Perfect for schlepping your stuff along icy winter roads: Michael Kors Quinn Large Tote, Amazon, $258
When your charming, English cottage is positively freezing: Bearpaw Winter Women’s Boot , Amazon, $75.99
When your date looks like Jude Law, you bring the bling: Velvet Rhinestone Belt , Amazon, $14.75
We spent hours looking for the best match. This is it: Cashmere cap, $29.99, Amazon
Organic cotton stretch pants, Jockey, $38, Amazon
Snuggle Sac cardigan in soft pink, $49.99, Amazon
Blooming Jelly V-neck, $16.99, Amazon
White pencil skirt, $22.09, Amazon
Samia top, $70.55, Marcella New York
The exact style coat is on ebay! $149.99
Lagshian A-line mini dress with spaghetti straps, $31.99, Amazon
Five Essential Pieces
If you’re adding only a few new things to your wardrobe this winter, make them count. To help narrow the list, we turned to Detroitbased stylist Dianne Boyer of DianneInStyle.com.
1.
1. 1.
The Knee Boot
Boyer says the knee boot is back in a big way—and it’s as practical as it is chic. For a casual day look, she recommends a low-heel riding style with jeans or a midi dress. When you want something more polished, try a structured block heel version with skirts, wideleg trousers, or long coats. Keeping the shape sleek, she notes, ensures the look stays refined rather than bulky.
The Modern Denim
We all have denim in our closets, but this winter’s essential update is a dark wash flare or bootcut. Dianne says both silhouettes are trending and universally flattering: “They elongate the legs and work for almost every body type.” She suggests dressing them up with a metallic top and heels for an elevated evening look, or down with a blazer and boots for day.
Dr. Scholls Women’s Brilliance Boots, $69.99, Amazon
Gap High Rise Flare Jeans, $46.43, Amazon
3.
The Cashmere Sweater
“Nothing feels as timeless as cashmere,” Boyer says, and it’s a staple that earns its keep every year. She suggests expanding beyond basic neutrals and trying rich tones like chocolate brown, soft pistachio, or a deep purple for a quietly current look. A cashmere sweater, she notes, pairs effortlessly with everything from jeans to sequin pants for the holidays.
4.
The Statement Coat
According to Boyer, your coat “speaks before you do”—and this winter, it’s worth letting it make a statement. The classic wool coat is the forever piece “you don’t know you need until you do,” she says. For a timeless look, stick with camel, ivory, or charcoal, or try a color like burgundy or powder blue for an instant update.
5.
The Suede Bag
Finally, Boyer points to a soft suede bag as the finishing touch every winter wardrobe needs. The texture adds quiet sophistication, she says, especially in rich neutrals like taupe, chocolate, or cognac. Dianne suggests an oversized hobo or slouchy tote if your style leans casual, or a more structured satchel or slim tote for a tailored, everyday option. ❧
Emma Top Coat , $420, Janet Howard
Style Republic 100% Cashmere Sweater, $99, Amazon
The Sak Huntley Hobo Bag, $111.20, Amazon
THE ICON: AUDREY HEPBURN
UNFORGETTABLE THEN. IRREPLACEABLE NOW. HER BEAUTY DEFINED AN ERA.
Elegance expressed in a single glance. That was Audrey Hepburn. The luminous eyes, the bold brows, the quiet power of restraint—she was, quite simply, exquisite. One of a kind.
A Different Kind of Star
With her slender frame and strikingly unusual face, Hepburn stood apart from the Hollywood starlets of the 1950s. At a time when curves and bombshell glamour reigned supreme, she offered a completely different vision of femininity.
“With her thin body and unusual face, Hepburn represented differences from the norm for viewers at midcentury in ways that no other actress of the moment did,” says Dr. Steven Cohan, Dean’s Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Syracuse University and author of On Audrey Hepburn: An Opinionated Guide. “She was an alternative to the big-breasted young stars and starlets of the era, someone women could admire and emulate. She also radiated an impression of transparency and authenticity in her acting
“There is not a woman alive who does not dream of looking like Audrey Hepburn.”
and screen presence. Finally, her background as a European aristocrat [her mother was a baroness] who had endured hardship during the war suited the Cinderella narratives of her films.”
Fashion’s Perfect Muse
Hepburn wasn’t just a movie star—she was a style-maker. Her close friendship and collaboration with fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy helped cement her as fashion’s perfect muse. Givenchy designed the iconic looks now associated with Hepburn, including the ballgown she wore in Sabrina and the little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's. And while we've grown accustomed to movie stars in perfume ads, Hepburn was the one who started it all: she was the face of Givenchy's first fragrance, L'Interdit, which Hepburn inspired.
Her screen presence and sense of style were unmatched, but it was Hepburn’s own look that truly set her apart.
Perfectly Imperfect
“Hepburn’s beauty was never cookie-cutter,” explains Dr. Cohan. “Her features were unusual— wide hazel eyes shaped
like almonds, bushy brows, a dazzling smile, and a long, swanlike neck. But that unusual face was also like that of the stars of the 1930s and ’40s—Stanwyck, Crawford, Davis, Colbert— who were not cookie-cutter either.”
Like those earlier actresses, Hepburn’s distinctive features caught the light beautifully, especially in the black-and-white films that defined the first half of her career.
Still, Hepburn confessed to her own insecurities. “Oh, I’d like not to be so flat-chested. I’d like not to have such angular shoulders, such big feet, such a big nose.” Yet she quickly added, “Actually, I’m very grateful for what God’s given me. I’ve done pretty well.”
She resisted the idea of altering her looks. Late in
life, when a photo of her doing UNICEF work was set to run in a magazine, Hepburn reportedly told the photographer not to allow any retouching: “Tell them not to mess with my face. I’ve earned every one of these wrinkles.”
Her only acknowledged “Hollywood fix” was dental: capping two crooked front teeth that cast shadows on camera. Otherwise, what audiences saw was simply Audrey herself.
Enduring Legacy
More than sixty years after Roman Holiday, Hepburn’s image still feels modern. Her wardrobe staples remain classics: the little black dress, the ballet flat, the cigarette pant. Her features—once considered unconventional–now define timeless elegance. ❧
Learning to Love My Curly Hair
by Jody Evans
“Your curly hair is you–wild and free, one of a kind.”
The stinging words still echo in my mind. Words that made my heart sink and reminded me of the bane of my existence— my naturally curly hair.
“Why don’t you stop getting perms?” my middle school nemesis had asked.
These curls weren’t the result of chemicals—they were simply mine. And for most of my life, I saw them as a puffy, frizzy, coiled mess I never would have chosen.
No matter how much I straightened, no matter how many products I applied, one drop of water, a bit of perspiration, or even the faintest trace of humidity meant that my sleek style would instantly puff into a football helmet of frizz.
Professional stylists weren’t much more encouraging. “I get a serious arm workout when you come in,” one stylist joked after hours of pulling and straightening my curls into submission. Shortly following those hours in the stylist’s chair, people would tell me, “Your hair looks great...so… different.” Without my curls, sometimes people didn’t even recognize me. “I thought you were a new employee,” one coworker said. Another admitted, “I always found you in a crowd by your hair.”
For years I battled the contradiction. “I like your hair straight,” someone would say, only to quickly add, “But I like your curly hair better.” I felt trapped—too different with curls, too unrecognizable without them.
It’s not a perm. It’s original. Just like me.
Growing up, beauty ads and pop culture didn’t help. Straight hair was everywhere—shiny, sleek, and celebrated. Even celebrities like Taylor Swift and Nicole Kidman, who began their careers with curls, eventually smoothed them away as their star power grew. It was hard not to wonder: if even famous women abandoned their curls, what chance did mine have of ever being beautiful?
Even fairytales seemed against me. Rapunzel’s magical hair was, of course, perfectly straight— long, flowing, and strong enough to pull someone up a tower. Was it coincidence that, the villainess in the Disney version had curly hair? Or was it confirmation that curly hair was undesirable?
In my tween years, it seemed that every popular girl–including my nemesis–had perfect bangs. So the night before the first day of seventh grade, I grabbed scissors and cut my own. A tragic mistake. Instead of soft fringe, I ended up with tiny coiled knots plastered to my forehead, curling ever more tightly with each passing hour. I cried and cried, but no flat iron or gel could tame them. By the end of the day, I looked less like a budding teenager and more like Sally Brown from Peanuts, a tuft of rebellious curls sprouting proudly in defiance.
Then one day, a friend surprised me. “Your curly hair is you,” she said. “Wild and free, one of a kind. It makes you stand out. So many people wish they had it.”
I was stunned. All this time I’d been fighting the very thing that made me original. My curls weren’t a curse. They were my signature. My power. My me.
That doesn’t mean I never straighten my hair. Sometimes I like the sleekness, the softness under my fingers. I think of it as my Clark Kent disguise. But the moment one raindrop falls, the curls come springing back, reclaiming their space with joyful rebellion.
Recently, leaving the salon with my hair perfectly straightened, I noticed dark clouds rolling in. A clap of thunder made me laugh. Rain—my kryptonite. But as I glanced in the mirror, I didn’t dread the inevitable. I knew what was coming: my true self, springing back to life, curls and all.
And if someone were to ask me that same rude question again—“Why don’t you stop getting perms?”—I’d finally have the perfect answer.
“It’s not a perm. It’s original. Just like me.” ❧
PRETTY PICKS
Before beauty tutorials filled social feeds, Carmindy was already showing women how to love what they see in the mirror. Now the What Not to Wear alum and founder of Carmindy Beauty continues to spread her joyful, no-stress philosophy — confidence first, makeup second.
“It’s all about confidence and taking care of your skin.”
So what earns a spot in her own beauty bag?
A mix of her own creations and tried-and-true favorites that keep her glowing wherever she goes.
Carmindy’s
Lit From Within Daily Skin Prep – Carmindy Beauty
“This is my secret weapon — primer, moisturizer, and illuminator in one. I call it my glow glue because it grips makeup while keeping skin dewy.”
Celebrate the Skin You’re In Foundation – Carmindy Beauty
“I wanted a foundation that looked like real skin. It’s waterproof, sweat-proof, and never settles into fine lines.”
5-Minute Face Bundle –Carmindy Beauty
“If you see me looking polished at the airport, this is why. Five products, five minutes — that’s it.”
Bliss Drench & Quench Moisturizer
“My daily go-to because it’s super lightweight and makeup goes right on top of it.”
Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50
“It’s my sunscreen and serum in one. Smooth texture, no white cast — perfect under makeup.”
Rose Ingleton MD Brightening Booster
“This toner gives me that fresh, just-washed glow without dryness. It’s gentle but powerful — my skin feels alive afterward.”
Bliss Bright Idea Serum
“Tripeptides and vitamin C help with elasticity and brightening. It’s my morning radiance boost.”
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye
“It’s like a balm, so it lasts forever. I warm it between my fingers and press it in — instant smooth.”
Bliss Fab Girl Firm Body Lotion
“It doesn’t have that gross smell other firming creams do. It’s fresh and silky.”
Nivea Crème
“The big blue tin! When I need hardcore moisture, this is it. I carry it everywhere.”
Carmindy’s Actual Bag ↑
Glow Guide
Flamingo Dermaplane Razor
“It gets rid of peach fuzz and exfoliates. And that old wives’ tale about hair growing back thicker? Totally false.”
Smile Actives Pro Whitening Gel + Hello Toothpaste
“That’s the one thing that ages us the most — dingy teeth. This combo keeps my smile bright.”
Ouai Super Dry Shampoo
“I’m a dryshampoo girl. It gives me instant lift and keeps my style going between washes.”
Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrant Water
“It just smells like the beach. Instant California mood.”
Furiden Hair Straightener & Curler 2 in 1
“My ride-or-die tool. Compact, strong, and dual-purpose — I never travel without it.” ❧
The celebrity makeup artist’s tried-andtrue tricks | by Celeste McCauley
Carmindy’s Quick Tips
Don’t waste toner. “I never use cotton balls — they soak up product. Use exfoliating rounds with a textured side so your skin actually gets the benefits.”
Borrow from the boys. “I use Just for Men Mustache & Beard Dye to color my brows. Takes ten minutes and lasts two months!”
Hands need love. “My nightly ritual includes putting retinol on the backs of my hands — they show age first.”
Photography: Wade Payne
Styling: Payton Dale
Hair: Emily Bochette
Prop Styling: Heather Scharfenberg
Interview: Ginger Stewart
WHEN YOU MEET PRESLEY & TAYLOR,
TWO THINGS BECOME OBVIOUS RIGHT AWAY: THEIR DEEP SISTERLY BOND AND THEIR EXCITEMENT ABOUT THE MUSICAL JOURNEY THEY’RE ON TOGETHER.
The Connecticut-born singing duo, now based in Nashville, are carving out their place in country music — but for this season, they’re also reflecting on the holidays, family traditions, and the milestones that made 2025 unforgettable.
Sisters in Harmony
“This is our very first magazine cover,” Taylor says gleefully. “It’s so cool — I’m definitely keeping a copy on my coffee table forever.” Presley laughs: “We’re both
really excited. It feels like such a milestone.”
Asked about their sister dynamic, the pair don’t hesitate. “Taylor is the organized, steady one,” Presley explains. “I’m more the firecracker, but we balance each other out.”
Taylor agrees: “We’re very similar, but I definitely lead the way a little more while Presley goes with the flow.”
They also confess to what they call their “sister telepathy.” “In any situation, we can look at each other and know exactly what the other is thinking,” Presley says.
“We have the same sense of humor — pretty goofy! We think we’re hilarious, though I’m not sure anyone else does.”
Their bond stretches back to the beginning. “Presley would always try to crawl into my crib when we were babies,” Taylor recalls with a laugh. “We’ve been close from the start.” Even their names carry a musical legacy. “My mom was a huge Tanya Tucker fan,” Presley explains. “Tanya named her daughter Presley after Elvis, and my mom thought it was such a great girl’s name. That’s how I got mine.” Taylor adds, “And mine came from my dad’s love for James Taylor.”
A Connecticut Christmas
Growing up in New England means Christmas has always been wrapped in snow, lights, and family.
“A white Christmas is quintessential,” Taylor says. “One of our traditions was
piling into the car, turning on the Christmas station, and driving around to see the lights.”
Family gatherings remain central. “Every year we get together with our cousins and spend Christmas morning as a family,” Presley shares. “That tradition started when we were little with our grandfather, and it’s still so special.”
Holiday movies are another highlight. “Mine’s Home Alone,” Taylor says instantly. Presley grins. “Four Christmases for me.” And the soundtrack? “Martina McBride’s Christmas album,” Presley recalls. “It’s been on repeat in our house every year since it came out. My favorite song is 'Away in a Manger.'” Taylor chimes in: “I love 'Silver Bells.'”
Not every memory is pictureperfect. “Our grandmother wasn’t the best cook, but she always tried to make Christmas dinner special,”
“Inside and out, PRESLEY is the definition of the word ‘pretty,’” Taylor says. “She has a heart of gold.”
“TAYLOR constantly makes sure everyone’s cup is filled,” says Presley.
“She’s
young and beautiful, but wise beyond her years.”
Taylor says warmly. “Her effort made it unforgettable.”
What Makes a Person Pretty
When asked what they find “pretty” about one another, the compliments come without hesitation. “Presley is the definition of pretty,” Taylor says. “She’s the most beautiful person I know inside and out — she has a heart of gold and she’s caring and selfless. As her sister, I’m in awe of her every day.”
Presley is equally quick to respond. “Taylor is stunning, but it’s her heart that makes her beautiful. She constantly makes sure everyone’s cup is filled, and the way she loves people is inspiring. She’s hardworking, wise beyond her years, and the sweetest person you’ll ever meet.”
Their icons range from family — “our mom and grandmother, both stunning women inside and out,” Presley notes — to stars like Carrie Underwood. “Carrie shines from her faith,” Presley explains. “She’s gorgeous on the outside, but her light also comes from within. That’s why she’s so successful.” Taylor agrees and adds, “I’d say Miley Cyrus, too. I’ve admired her since Hannah Montana days.”
When do they feel their prettiest? For Taylor, it’s the
HOLIDAY LIGHTNING ROUND!
WE ASKED PRESLEY & TAYLOR THE BURNING QUESTIONS OF CHRISTMASTIME. HERE ARE THEIR ANSWERS.
Wrapped boxes or gift bags?
Presley: “I love wrapping presents, and I do it for the whole family!”
Taylor: “I’d have to say gift bags since I’m more on the go these days!”
Best gift you’ve ever received?
Presley: “My fiancé proposed this past June, and my engagement ring is the most stunning thing I own. It’s everything to me.”
Taylor: “I feel like if I don’t say the same thing, my fiancé will be a little disappointed! Obviously, my engagement ring, but as far as a Christmas gift, it would have to be this bracelet he got me that I wear every day. I like jewelry that sparkles, and I love diamonds, and it has all that going on, so I love it. I’m just a girl, really!”
Best gift you’ve ever given?
Presley: “I love giving gifts and I’m really good at it! When my fiancé and I were first dating, I did this kind of DIY gift: a medicine jar filled with color-coded notes that you can open when you’re sad or happy, and he loved that. That’s probably the best gift I’ve given.”
Taylor: “One of the best was when Presley and I finished a tour, and we got matching bracelets with our initials. We also got one for our mom.”
extremes: “On stage living my purpose — or at home in a cute loungewear set with my dog and fiancé. Traveling, though, I look like a gremlin!” Presley smiles: “When you’re comfortable, you feel beautiful. After a day on the beach, fresh tanned and going out to dinner — that’s my elite moment.”
Music, Memories & Momentum
While holiday traditions take center stage this season, Presley & Taylor are also in the midst of an exciting career chapter. Their single “The Kind of Girl” released in August, produced by Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll, Koe Wetzel, Bailey Zimmerman). The song addressed the question they’ve heard often: How did you land in country music growing up in Connecticut?
“It was our way of honoring our northern roots and showing how much common ground we’ve found with southern traditions,” Presley explains. “Even if brunettes from New England don’t usually show up in country lyrics, that’s who we are.”
Looking back, Presley remembers opening for Martina McBride as one of their most surreal moments. “We grew up loving her, so to share a stage was priceless,” she says. Taylor adds, “For me, it was holding our first
vinyl album. So much work went into it, and seeing it in my hands was incredible.”
A Season of Celebration
At the time of our interview and cover shoot, both sisters were engaged, with Taylor’s wedding just days away. Now, they are sisters, singers, and brides — a reminder that life’s most meaningful chapters often unfold side by side.
It feels especially fitting for the holiday season: a time of anticipation, joy, and new beginnings. "It's such a
special season for us, both personally and professionally,” Presley reflects.
As they close out 2025 with family celebrations and a new album on the horizon, Presley & Taylor remain grounded in what matters most. “Family is everything, and I hope people look at us and want that kind of relationship,” Presley says. Taylor adds, “And I hope our music becomes part of people’s lives — songs they’ll play years later and feel the same emotions they did the first time.” ❧
Presley and Taylor's song "Everybody Sees It" had 1 million global streams. (Photo:
Krista Johnson)
Glowtime Television
QDirections on shampoo bottles used to always say, “Lather, Rinse, Repeat,” but I’ve noticed they don’t anymore. Should I shampoo twice?
A“For most people, the classic ‘lather, rinse, repeat’ isn’t necessary every time you shampoo. The ‘repeat’ step was originally created for marketing purposes when styling products were heavier and shampoos were gentler.
Today’s formulas are much more effective, so one thorough wash is usually enough unless your hair is very oily, you’ve used a lot of styling products, or you’re clarifying. In those cases, a second shampoo can help ensure the scalp and hair are fully clean. For normal day-to-day washing, once is plenty.”
–Ada Buliga, Licensed Hair Specialist at Irresistible Me, New York City
For a quick makeup application, I love Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen 30 Face Sheer Tint. It does what it says…blends seamlessly into skin while staying lightweight and nongreasy. –Ann, grandmother
(Amazon, $13.97 for 1.7 oz)
In a world of influencer kickbacks and sponsored content, whom can you believe about which products actually deliver? That’s why we asked...
I love Kenra Platinum Dry Texture Spray for my thin hair. I spray after curling to add body. I’d be lost without it! –Kay, salon and spa manager (Amazon, $25 for 5.3 oz)
TEN TRUSTWORTHY WOMEN
what really works for them.
Since beginning perimenopause, my skin has been so dry. The only thing that helps? Adding Kitsch 100% Pure Organic Cold-Pressed Castor Oil to my face cream. It's made my skin extremely hydrated and soft. –Alexa, homemaker (Kitsch.com, $9 for 2 fl oz)
Beekman 1802’s Milk Shake
Hyaluronic Acid & Squalane
Facial Toner Mist is a huge favorite of mine. It’s great for oily and acne-prone skin, and I feel like it has genuinely reduced the size of my pores. It gives me a more even complexion and a kind of glow. –Eliza, mom of an infant and a toddler
(Amazon, $38 for 8.1 oz)
Mary Kay Timewise Cleanser exfoliates as it cleans. I’ve been using Mary Kay products since college, and they’ve never let me down. –Cauline, healthcare coordinator
(MaryKay.com, $26 for 4.5 oz)
My hair is fine and gets oily easily, so I love that I can extend my blow dry a few days with Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo (Dark Tones), It smells great, soaks up any oil at my roots, and adds volume back to my hair. –Heather, professional hairstylist
(Amazon, $30 for 4.5 oz)
JVN Complete Air Dry Cream adds some texture to my hair without stiffness and smells amazing. I put it in right out of the shower. –Joleigh, college senior
(Amazon, $28 for 5 oz)
Now that I’m in my mid-thirties, I decided to start investing in my skin, so I started using ZO Skincare Growth Factor Serum. It’s been a game changer; it makes my skin literally glow. One of my kindergarteners asked me recently, Why is your head so shiny? –Mary, kindergarten teacher (ZOSkinhealth.com, $180 for 1 oz)
Back in 2015, the makeup artist at my sister’s wedding used Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser on me, and I have loved it ever since. With three children, my sleep is limited, and I’m on the go all the time, but this product eliminates the dark circles under my eyes. –Johanna, mom of two toddlers and one preteen (Amazon, $9.09 for 0.2 oz)
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy. It wears well under makeup, so I can use it morning and/or night. I feel like my skin is plumper and more hydrated after use. Plus, it’s inexpensive! –Aynsley, mom of a teen and a young adult
(Amazon, $5.97 for 1 oz)
Photography: Patrick Jacks
When a tornado ravaged Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in April 2011, one family was just weeks away from moving into their new home. Their belongings, packed and ready in storage, had been shifted to a larger facility just a mile away. That stroke of timing likely saved everything they owned — the original storage facility was blown away in the storm. By December of that same year, they finally moved into their completed home overlooking Lake Tuscaloosa, a house that has become both a sanctuary and a showcase of collected treasures.
A Vision Realized
The home was designed by Montgomery architect Jim Barganier, chosen precisely because he hadn’t yet built in Tuscaloosa. “I wanted something different,” the homeowner recalls, “and we hit it off perfectly.” Barganier’s vision combined graceful proportions with timeless materials. The house took three years to complete, including a full year spent just on the foundation, a testament to both patience and craftsmanship.
Barganier also became a trusted guide in sourcing furnishings. He whisked
the homeowners off to New Orleans, where they found many of the pieces that now define the home — a 1790s armoire in the library, the buffet in the dining room, and two spectacular chandeliers that preside over dinner parties.
The Dining Room
If asked to choose a favorite room, the homeowner points
without hesitation to the dining room. Located at the front of the house, it sets the tone for the home’s elegance. Bronze silk curtains frame the windows, and twin chandeliers — never electrified — glow softly by candlelight. “They were festival chandeliers, and I decided to leave them as is,” she explains. The result is a space that feels both dramatic and intimate.
At the front of the home, twin festival chandeliers cast a romantic glow over the dining table, paired with bronze silk drapes.
“When I look out over the lake, I think
The Library
While the dining room is her jewel box, the library is her husband’s retreat. Anchored by the armoire purchased in New Orleans, the space is lined with built-in shelves filled with antique books, many in languages the family doesn’t read but loves to admire.
Above: A 1790s armoire from New Orleans anchors the library, lending centuries-old character to the room’s calm symmetry. Left: Layers of old books, bronze stauary, and antique helmets reflect an eclectic style.
The Great Room
The home’s great room is breathtaking in scale, with 24-foot ceilings, reclaimed beams from a Pittsburgh warehouse, and stone flooring imported from Israel — Jerusalem stone aged 500 to 700 years. Antique French doors separate the space from adjoining rooms, though they are generally left open so the home flows easily for gatherings. On the cocktail table near the
windows' sweeping lake views sits one of the home’s most surprising objects: a wasps’ nest. Discovered in the family’s barbecue grill, it became an unlikely centerpiece. “I thought, no man could make something like that. It was too amazing to throw away,” the homeowner recalls.
Seasonal Touches
Though the house itself is grand, the family’s approach
to holiday decorating is playful and personal. A decorator helps dress the mantels and tree for gatherings like Bible study or what the couple affectionately calls their “Crazy Supper Club.” With ceilings soaring to 24 feet in the great room, even a large Christmas tree looks small — so the family places the tree atop the cocktail table (wasps’ nest temporarily relocated).
Above: Jerusalem stone floors, timbered ceilings, and antique French doors frame a gathering space filled with history and personality.
Left: Amid the grandeur, a humble wasps’ nest in a wooden bowl serves as a quiet reminder of nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship.
Unexpected Details
Every room offers a discovery. A piggy bank tucked into the ribbon fireplace was a gift from a niece, a playful nod to the homeowner’s husband’s pastime of hunting feral hogs at the family farm. Throughout, books, art, and objects are arranged with a collector’s eye — grouped by theme or color, balanced in scale, but never too fussy.
Left: The golden piggy bank, a gift from the owner’s niece, holds pride of place; its solo display gives the sentimental piece gallery-level presence.
Below: Serene and sunlit, the primary bedroom pairs architectural grace with quiet comfort — a space that mirrors the home’s spirit of beauty and resilience.
From the serene primary bedroom, where a canopy bed sits parallel to floorto-ceiling windows, to the light-filled sitting rooms that seem to float over the water, the home balances old-world detail with modern comfort.
Yet the most remarkable part of this house may not be its architecture, antiques, or chandeliers, but its story
of resilience. Built in the shadow of a devastating storm, it has become a place of beauty, gratitude, and daily reflection. “When I look out over the lake,” the homeowner says, “I think of how God creates everything beautiful.” ❧
“...adorably sweet and laughout-loud funny...” – Kirkus
“...bursts with color and magnificence” –NY Times
HANNAH E. HARRISON
“...perfect for storytime or one-on-one sharing.” – School Library Journal
“...a wonderfully engaging tale...” – School Library Journal “...beautifully presents the Gospel of Jesus...” – Reader Review
“Hannah E. Harrison[‘s] writing and illustrations are a gift to us all.” – eMissourian.com
Phillip Ashley Rix has never been afraid to dream big. Born and raised in Memphis, he grew up surrounded by creativity—from a grandmother who taught him to experiment in the kitchen, to a family that encouraged artistry, storytelling, and flavor. He blended those lessons with inspiration from fictional Willy Wonka, transforming his love of chocolate into a calling.
From Flavor to Fine Art
After leaving behind a corporate career in sales and marketing, Phillip followed that spark into the world of chocolate artistry. His confections pull from Southern roots and global influences alike, with flavors as bold and unexpected as sweet potato pie or barbecue-spiced truffles.
In his Memphis kitchen, each piece begins as a sketch—colors, shapes, and layers pre-planned. He approaches chocolate the way a designer approaches couture: with imagination, precision, and respect for the craft. “I think about the emotion a flavor can create,” he explains. “Chocolate has always been about joy, nostalgia, and imagination.”
Each confection tells a story— some inspired by childhood memories, others by places he’s traveled or people he loves. His famous Savoy truffle was born from a Beatles lyric. His lavender-infused bonbon recalls the scent of his grandmother’s garden. To Phillip, a recipe is less a formula
than a conversation between memory and art. Each piece captures a moment, a recollection, and a touch of wonder.
Chocolate with Meaning
What sets Phillip apart is the heart behind his art. He sees chocolate not just as dessert, but as a canvas—an edible language for creativity, celebration, and connection. His work invites us to see chocolate with fresh eyes: as edible art, as story, as gift.
He sees chocolate not just as dessert, but as a CANVAS –an edible language for creativity, celebration, and connection.
Every piece feels intentional. He chooses colors the way a painter might select pigments, balancing vibrancy with restraint. Even the box becomes part of the experience—a small gallery of wonder tied with ribbon and meaning. His goal, he says, is simple: “I want people to feel something before they ever take a bite.”
Sharing the Joy
Phillip and his publisher (Harper Celebrate) have generously shared with us a pair of recipes from his
cookbook—but don't worry: these treats are intended for the at-home baker to master easily. You’ll find them in the next few pages, along with tips from Phillip himself on how to temper chocolate and pair ingredients like a chocolatier. Both recipes would make wonderful Christmas or Valentine’s Day gifts.
Of course, if you’d rather let the master artist do the work, you can shop Phillip's exquisite confections online or at his shop in Memphis. Each chocolate is tiny work of art—an invitation to slow down, savor, and taste the beauty of craftsmanship. ❧
For more of Phillip’s irresistible creations, order his cookbook For the Love of Chocolate (Harper Celebrate, 2025).
PRETTY PLACES
The morning we left for the British Virgin Islands began long before turquoise horizons. By evening, after three connecting flights and washed marina where palm trees swayed above white hulls. A burger
Beauty, Grace, and a Few Whitecaps
before sunrise — 3 a.m.— with sleepy faces, overstuffed duffels, and the promise of and one mercifully smooth landing on Tortola, we arrived at Nanny Cay, a sunburger at Peg Leg’s and a salt-air breeze later, we were officially sailors...
Photography: Lauryn Semanchik
Thecatamaran Unsupervised would be home for nine days, my husband at the helm, our son as first mate, and the sapphire and turquoise channels of the British Virgin Islands ahead.
Joining our crew were my in-laws, both experienced travelers with stories of their own at sea. My husband's brother captained the second boat, Hoyla, carrying his family of five, as well as their sister, her husband, and their three. Together, our little family flotilla would trace the islands beneath the same wide Caribbean sky.
Day Two: A Lesson in Blue
Morning light poured through the cabin windows in colors seemingly created for postcards. The sea was calm, at least for a while. Before long, I found myself becoming closely acquainted with the stern and the waves below it. My mother-in-law came to the rescue with Bonine, which helped me find my sea legs.
That afternoon, anchored above the wreck of the HMS Rhone, we snorkeled through history. Sunlight rippled across the sea floor, illuminating the great ship resting beneath us. Jellyfish like living glass drifted in silence, their translucent bells pulsing with faint purple blooms. I’d been told they didn’t sting, but I learned otherwise (thankfully, without consequence) after getting close enough for a stunning view.
Days Three and Four: Stone, Sea, and Silver Linings
From the legendary boulders of The Baths on Virgin Gorda to dinner by fairy-light at Coco Maya , the islands revealed their beauty one anchorage at a time. The Baths, empty that morning of cruise-ship crowds, felt like our own secret garden of granite and sea.
Later, at the Bitter End Yacht Club, we found a place that seemed half dream, half photograph—a swing set in the shallows,
laughter over icy drinks, and the shimmer of sailboats drifting across the bay—a scene that captured both the serenity and the pulse of island life.
What began as a setback became a quiet lesson in teamwork, trust, and the way family rallies when it matters most.
But paradise, like the sea itself, can change in a moment. When we set sail again, the wind picked up, the lines tightened, and a sudden slip of rope left our captain with a painful hand injury. His right hand, the one we all relied on, would be out of commission for days. The mood shifted from ease to resolve. I took to the bow, scanning for mooring balls and feeding line to our son as he tied us off, while my oldest nephew came over from the other boat to help. What had begun as a setback became a quiet lesson in teamwork, trust, and the way family rallies when it matters most.
Left: Our catamaran, Unsupervised — our floating home for the next nine days — moored near Virgin Gorda.
Middle: Inside The Baths, sunlight poured through the stone — soft, golden, and otherworldly.
Right: A swingset in the shallows — laughter and salt spray mingling under the island sun.
Days Five and Six: Quiet Shores
The next morning, we sailed two hours to Anegada , a long, low island that felt almost deserted after the bustle of Tortola. All fifteen of us rattled over narrow roads in an open-air rental truck. The landscape was flat and wide, the heat shimmering off the sand, thick as breath. We spotted the occasional wandering cow and, in the distance, a few flamingos wading in the shallows, pale pink against an otherwise muted horizon.
At Cow Wreck Beach, we quickly understood why it was empty. The British Virgin Islands experience a sargassum season, typically from April through August, when ocean currents push huge drifts of brown seaweed ashore. That year, an especially heavy sargassum season had blanketed the beaches in tangled, rust-colored, sulfurous mounds. Cow Wreck’s little beach bar stood silent, its stools empty, its music long since carried out to sea. For a moment it felt like we’d wandered into a tropical ghost town — the wind and the waves rolling in with only us as witnesses.
Later, we found refuge at the Anegada Beach Club, where the air was clear and the water glowed turquoise. We ended the day with
An otherworldly landscape built entirely of conch shells. Inset: Conch ceviche made fresh on the boat by our local guide.
dinner at the Lobster Trap, another restaurant right on the beach, where even those of us not particularly partial to lobster ordered it anyway. When in Rome, as they say.
A reprieve from the heat arrived the following day as two small motorboats carried us out to the reef and then to Conch Island , which is not really an island but a gleaming mountain range of discarded conch shells. Some of those mounds, our guide told us, had been growing for more than three hundred years—a shimmering testament to generations of divers. We snorkeled in the shallows, the kids surfacing triumphantly with their own conchs, and the guides made conch ceviche on the boat, its flavors vivid with citrus and sea.
That evening, as the sun slipped low and the water turned to glass, our boats bobbed quietly in the bay. We ate, we laughed, we watched the light fade from the horizon, enjoying the kind of easy, golden peace that follows only after days of grit, salt, and small adventure.
Days Seven and Eight: Rough Seas, Dolphins, and a Storm
We hiked to the Bubbly Pool on Jost Van Dyke beneath the same unyielding sun, cooled off
with virgin piña coladas, and that night danced beneath strings of lights at Foxy’s. Good music. Good company. Island joy.
Some of those mounds have been growing for more than three hundred years – a shimmering testament to generations of divers.
The next morning, we set sail for Norman Island . Strong winds whipped up a short, choppy sea, waves crashing over the bow; we could raise only a portion of the jib to help with stability. The Hoyla crew decided to moor at The Indians for snorkeling, while we kept going. It was a decision we would greatly regret, as it meant missing out on a once-ina-lifetime moment: swimming with dolphins. Two came to play, and though my brotherin-law caught it all on camera and video, we so wished we had gotten to experience it with them.
The next morning, part of the group went for a hike on the island, where the animal life
The Hoyla's dolphin friends were eager to play. Click for video.
A Generational Journey
Long before these turquoise waters shimmered in our family’s dreams, a man in landlocked Greensboro, Alabama, started a Sea Scouts chapter in the 1950s and taught a handful of local boys to sail. One of them was my father-in-law. His love for the wind and water has shaped three generations now — a thread of salt and memory that carried us here, to this stretch of Caribbean blue, still tracing his steady wake.
was decidedly less charming than dolphins. They reported seeing lizards, hermit crabs, and rats. (This wildlife adventure I did not regret missing out on!) We snorkeled at The Caves, drifting through ribbons of light and clouds of color as fish scattered around us . Afterward, we headed for our last anchorage: White Bay on Peter Island .
The heavens opened in mercy, stars spilling across the sky like a benediction.
There, my nieces and nephews were playing on the beach, their laughter swallowed by the wind, when a storm began to brew. As lightning cracked, everyone scrambled to the dinghies, and within minutes, the sky unleashed itself.
When the rain finally eased, we reassembled for dinner on the Hoyla. As we were cooking and chatting, my brother-in-law—the captain—climbed into their dinghy to pull the plug and drain the rainwater. Suddenly, all talking ceased when the straps on one side of the dinghy broke, plunging him into the deep. Just as my son and nephews were about to dive in to rescue him, he surfaced, bruised and cut but largely unscathed.
After dinner, he led us in a Sunday night devotional under the stars, where we gave thanks for everyone’s safety and paused to ponder how easily the sea humbles even the most seasoned hands. As fifteen voices lifted in song across the dark water, the heavens opened in a different way — not in fury, but in mercy, stars spilling across the sky like a benediction.
Day 9: The Long Sail Home
On our final morning, the sails filled once more, carrying us past Deadman’s Chest , the island said to have inspired “Fifteen men on
a dead man’s chest, yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum.” The wind had shifted, the sea calmed, and it felt as though the peace of the night before had drifted into the day, steadying us for the journey home.
Voyages don’t always go smoothly. There are rough currents, accidents, sleepless nights, and seas that sometimes test our balance. But somewhere between the spinning moorings, the hush of the sea, and the late-night stars, we found what the islands offer best—the reminder that peace often comes from adjusting our sails and yielding to the wind. ❧
Until next time...
A VeryVera Holiday
Grace, Generosity, and the Joy of Doing Things in Good Taste
When Vera Stewart sets her Christmas table, it isn’t just dinner—it’s legacy on linen. The beloved host of The VeryVera Show, now in its fourteenth season and syndicated on more than 71 markets nationwide, brings the same grace and polish to her home that she teaches on-screen.
Long before she became a household name, Stewart gained national attention when she beat celebrity chef Bobby Flay in a carrot-cake showdown—and she’s been inspiring home cooks to elevate their presentation ever since.
As she tells it, creating beauty at the table isn’t about fussiness. It’s about gratitude, creativity, and honoring the people who came before you.
And when it comes to entertaining with warmth and style, Stewart has plenty of wisdom to share. Here, she offers her favorite ways to make any holiday table—and every guest—feel special.
1. Go All Out
At Stewart’s home, Christmas dinner is a celebration of tradition: embroidered napkins placed in festive rings sit atop a pressed linen tablecloth. Christmas-patterned china gleams beside vintage Luminarc tumblers. Votive candles flicker among Santa figurines.
“My grandchildren know you’re not coming to Granny V’s at Christmas without a beautifully set table—the linens, the place cards, all of it,” she laughs. “There are plenty of other occasions that call for paper plates, but the holidays are meant to feel special.”
The lesson, she says, comes from her grandmother Vera, whose Limoges casserole dish still graces the table. Using the family heirlooms and thoughtful touches, she believes, is how we show respect for the generations who taught us— and how we pass that appreciation on to the next.
2. Mix and Match
Stewart’s signature style marries Waterford crystal with everyday glasses, heirloom silver with playful new finds. “We go over the top with every end-of-show presentation,” she says of The VeryVera Show, “but we’re never afraid to mix things up—the old with the new.”
That mingling of eras tells its own story. On her table, family silverware once buried in a Georgia creek during Sherman’s March to the Sea now gleams beside modern Christmas glassware.
And her second cookbook, VeryVera: Occasions (Story Farm), closes with a photo spread of her own silver collection—pieces that, for her, symbolize celebration itself. “When I was growing up, I knew something special was about to happen when my mother started polishing the silver,” she recalls. “That’s why the book’s theme became ‘It all started with polishing the silver.’”
3. Choose the Vessel First
As a former caterer — her team still handles events during the Masters Golf Tournament— Stewart often lets her serving pieces dictate what’s on the menu. “Sometimes the serving
dish is chosen before you write the menu,” she says. “If I want to use my beehive cake stand, then I decide to make the burnt-sugar caramel cake to go on that.”
The same goes for her sterling mint-julep cups, a collection her husband received one per year from his mother. “Some items are so beautiful and special that you build the menu around them,” she says. The silver cups, for example, might contain chilled eggnog or a peppermintcream mocktail topped with whipped cream.
“The decorating decides the menu,” she adds, “And you can change it up, just like the same black dress can go to a funeral or a cocktail party.”
4. Keep Proportion in Mind
When it comes to food, Stewart believes balance is everything. “Our Little Rosemary and Honey Biscuits in Occasions are made in a mini muffin pan,” she explains. “If your entrée is remarkable—say ham with several sides such as mac and cheese and vegetables—then the bread shouldn’t be a big deal. But if you’re serving something less wow-factor, such as fried chicken, give your guests an amazing biscuit and let it be the star of the meal.”
In Stewart’s kitchen, every element knows its place on the stage.
5. Let the Table Give a Little Gift
At Vera’s gatherings, beauty and generosity go hand in hand. “Why don’t grownups get favors anymore?” she asks. “They love a party mix or a little takeaway.”
Often, the treat itself enhances the tablescape— a prettily decorated sugar cookie at each place setting, or a small container of snack mix tied with a charming tag that complements the décor. It’s not an afterthought but a finishing touch, something that makes the table more special and offers guests a sweet surprise to carry home. “It’s just another way to extend the joy,” Stewart says.
A Legacy in Every Place Setting
Today, Stewart sees her traditions as a form of education—one she passes down both to her grandchildren and through her soldout summer camps, where children learn everything from folding fitted sheets to writing thank-you notes.
“I’ve met highly educated adults, even from the South, who don’t know how to set a table,” she says. “These are intelligent, capable people, but these skills aren’t taught anymore— especially now that schools no longer offer Home Economics. It’s a big confidence booster for anyone to know basic hospitality in social situations, such as which fork to use and how to offer to help clear the table. When you know these things, you can feel comfortable in any setting.
“These skills are for everyone, even people who stay especially busy and on-the-go,” she adds. “Even my grandsons who play travel soccer— they’re all in when I ask if they want to help set the holiday table. That’s what I love most: seeing them embrace it. Because those moments stick with you—they shape how you move through the world.”
In the VeryVera world, polishing the silver isn’t just about shine. It’s about passing on grace, gratitude, and the joy of doing things in good taste. ❧
Above: Vera Stewart channels the holiday spirit—proof that good taste can be playful, too.
Left: Stewart’s second cookbook, The VeryVera Cookbook: Occasions , celebrates classic Southern entertaining with modern flair.
Cozy Up With Your Kids and a Good Book
Winter Book List
SNOW STEPS
Lakshmi just moved from rural, sunny Guyana to a city in icy, frigid Minnesota. Her family is trying hard to adjust to a new country, but for Lakshmi, the hardest part is the cold, slushy, white stuff everywhere.
THE BRONTES OF HAWORTH MOOR
Escape to the Yorkshire moors and the world of the talented Bronte siblings This fascinating biography explores their often overlooked childhood creativity and how it shaped them into the brilliant authors they would become
AT 1 DECEMBER
BEAR IS AWAKE!
“A sunny seasonal story to brighten a cold winter's day." —Horn Book Suddenly "awake" in the middle of winter, a "big bear" explores a " cozy cabin,” but the cabin isn't empty----a little girl lives there. So begins this beautifully illustrated ABC book about an unlikely friendship .
THE WOLFMORE: ON THIN ICE
It’ s winter at the Woofmore and the hotel is down to one guest—famous figure skater Furya LaBone. Ms. Coco wants her visit to be pawfect. The Woofmore needs more guests to stay open, and a good review from a VIP like Furya could save the hotel But when the local ice rink closes and Furya is left with nowhere to practice for her big competition, it looks like the hotel may be on thin ice
Pearls & Lavender
Standing in the garage, purging shelves with the door thrown wide, I’m surprised by a 1970s photograph tucked in a box of old paperbacks. Colors have faded, but I know the image. My grandmother’s arm is draped around my shoulders like a stole, her cheek pressed against mine. Longing swells in my chest. I can almost feel the softness of her hands, hear the lilt of her voice.
I am now nearly the age Mamo was when the photo was taken.
Mamo had come of age in the 1940s, a rightside-of-the-tracks girl from Missouri who eloped with a gentle, hardworking farm boy. She became a beautician and, even in her eighties, still wore her hair thick and auburn (threaded silver by then) and painted her lips and nails Hollywood red. She was a beauty— confident, charismatic, round in the right places.
I did not inherit these traits. I took after my Dutch father—wiry, freckled, pale. Nothing like Mamo. My younger sister, however, with her red ringlets and button nose, carried the resemblance. Yet fragile from birth, she struggled through her childhood. Her hardships paved a strange path for me. She was the orchid in the terrarium. I was the pansy in July.
Mamo saw this—and she reached for me.
The day of that photograph, she had driven her big blue Oldsmobile across the Mississippi River to fetch 10-year-old me for a visit. At her red-brick house, she served egg salad on triangle toast and sweet tea in cutglass tumblers clinking with cubes. As we removed our aprons after washing dishes,
she whispered, “Now, Shawnie-Girl, I have a surprise.”
Her lavender bedroom felt like stepping into lilacs: lavender walls, lavender quilt, lavender curtains. She placed a jewelry chest on the bed and told me I could wear anything inside. Beads and brooches gleamed on top. Beneath a hidden tray lay her treasures: two rings and a strand of pearls.
She clasped the pearls around my neck, cupped my face, and whispered, “Beautiful.” Then she brushed my limp hair, rocking with the rhythm of the strokes. “Jesus loves you. Your Mama and Daddy love you. Papo and I love you.” With bobby pins, she smoothed my hair into a French twist. In the mirror, I saw a girl braver than before—her cheeks flushed, her chin lifted.
“It wasn’t the pearls or the French twist. It was Mamo— and the way she made me feel.”
We spent the afternoon lost in clip-ons and clasps. At one point, Mamo pulled a pillbox hat from her closet and placed it on my head. “Try this, Madame,” she said with a faux-English lilt. Without hesitation I replied, “Thank you. I don’t mind if I do.” Something in my spirit was breaking free—guilt, worry, self-consciousness? I didn’t know. But Mamo saw it.
“Next time, a lipstick,” she promised. “A pearly pink. Like the inside of a seashell.”
When Papo came home, the late sun spilling across the lavender bed, Mamo asked him to
capture us together. She tilted her head just so, lashes curled. I looked straight into the lens, chin set, green eyes shining with hope.
And it wasn’t the French twist. Or the brooch pinned to my T-shirt. Or even the pearls. It was Mamo—and the way she made me feel.
Now, forty years later, I sit on the garage step and run my fingers through my fine blonde hair. I still don’t resemble her. But I hope I’ve
carried her legacy: to love with my whole heart, to encourage, to see deeply, and to heal with kindness.
Because this kind of beauty makes a difference. And this side of heaven, I cannot imagine anything more beautiful. ❧
Shawnelle Eliasen writes from Iowa, where she lives with her husband, Lonnie; the youngest of their five boys, Isaiah; and their dog, Hazel.
The Inside Scoop
Beauty Must-Have: Anastasia eyebrow kit. That triangular pencil is a game changer.”
At Home: “I love our backyard. It’s where we laugh, play, and just be together.”
Life Hack: Lemon, ginger, and honey in hot water—“My mom’s cure for everything.”
Most Challenging Moment: “Natural childbirth with our first son—twelve long hours, and lots of hip rolls on a bouncy ball!”
Fave Family Meal: “Crockpot greens— mustard, collard, and turnip—with pork or turkey, depending how healthy I’m feeling.”
Fun Fact: “We’re a silly bunch and love to travel. This Christmas we’re all heading to Florida with my family.”
Most Admired: “My husband, Myron.”
Favorite Book: Wonder Women of Science (she’s the coauthor!)
SHE CONTAINS MULTITUDES
Tiera Fletcher
San Antonio, TX
The Mom
Mom to three boys, ages seven, five, and three, she says they keep her “busy and energized.” The oldest dreams of being an astronaut, the middle one wants to be a pilot, and the youngest, she laughs, “is still deciding.”
The Wife
Married to her best friend Myron for eight years, she says their relationship is grounded in shared faith and growth. “He has such passion for others,” she says. “He lifts people up and leads them closer to Christ. That’s what I love most about him.”
The Scientist
A rocket scientist by trade, she’s worked on everything from NASA’s Space Launch System to defense aircraft. “Seeing how all the parts come together— from design and analysis to testing—is incredible,” she says.
Isn’t It Pretty to Think So?
Whatsoever things are lovely...think on these things. (Phil.4:8, KJV)
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” –Audrey Hepburn
Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
–Mary
Jean Irion
Your head is a living forest full of songbirds.
–ee cummings
Being willing to do what you are not qualified to do is sometimes what qualifies you.
–Bill Johnson
Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires and a touch that never hurts.
–Charles Dickens
The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience. –Emily Dickinson
There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart .
–Jane Austen
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
–Edgar Allan Poe
When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do. And one thing it takes to accomplish something is courage.
–Walt Disney
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. –Marilyn Vos Savant
If you can make a woman laugh, you’re seeing the most beautiful thing on God’s Earth. –Keanu Reeves
Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
–Nathaniel
Hawthorne
The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.
–Doug Larson
Photos:
Holiday Gift Guide Winter 2025
From the impossible-to-shop-for uncle to the friend who swears they “don’t need a thing,” we’ve gathered gifts that surprise, delight, and wrap the season in joy. Think of it as your shortcut to that just-right present—and maybe even a few you-shouldn’t-have-but-I’m-glad-you-did moments.
Photo: Anastasiia Chepinska/Unsplash
For the Girls...
This hoodie’s flattering deep V and roomy fit makes layering a breeze: $65., Limmifit.
Sparkle with a touch of green: Josette Green Crystal Bracelet, $119, Bonheuer Jewelry.
Dear Editor-in-Chief’s husband: this (and the body butter, please): Lavender Relax & Restore Gift Box, $45, Whispering Willow.
Skip the mess and the waste with a sampler set of solid shampoos and conditioners: Pack-Light Minis , $18.20, Kitsch
It’s a sweatshirt! It’s a dress! It’s your new winter uniform: Alani Sweatshirt Dress , $115.20, Marcella New York.
Show her some “love”: Tennis charm, $38. Made by Mary.
Because sometimes the prettiest art isn’t framed — it’s zipped: Quilted zipper pouch, $60, Evelyn & Kate.
In the pink: This Michael Kors bag is a steal at only $119. Gaby’s Bags.
Treasure chest: Vlando 5-tier jewelry box,
Stuff her stocking with hydration and a hint of color: Jelly Balm, $8.99, Laura Geller
Just trust us:
$40.77, Amazon.
Tyler Glamorous Wash (Diva), $27.99 for 32 oz, Amazon.
Best smeller: Capri Blue Volcano Candle, $28, Amazon
Perfect for sore traps: Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heat, $69.99, DN.
For the Boys...
This settles it–it’s a Christmas movie: Die Hard Advent Calendar, $7.99, Amazon.
For the guy who loves anything with moving parts: Elemental Calendar Version Wristwatch, $219.99, Tsar Bomba.
Bright idea: Men do love a good work light! DeWalt Task Light, $129.99, Amazon.
Make his childhood –and let’s be honest, this week’s–dreams come true: Murphy Door DIY Hidden Door Hinge Hardware, $149, Amazon.
Scientific research shows that 99.99% of men would find this hilarious–and awesome: ICUP Christmas Vacation moose mugs , $28.99, Amazon.
If he’s loyal to his brand, don’t argue — just restock: Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls , $54.99, Amazon.
If Chuck Norris owns a suede jacket, it’s probably this one: Sheriff Brown Suede Jacket, $316.00, The Jacket Maker.
When he’s crazy hard to fit, sizes from 29x38,
Photo: Stefan Steinbauer/Unsplash
Wrangler jeans , $59.99, Amazon.
How adorbs would your teen niece look in these?
Denim overalls , $55.99, Good American.
For the Kids...
All the arcade joy, none of the heartbreak: Cossy Toys Claw Machine, $35.98, Amazon.
Sit. Lounge. Snooze. Repeat: GentleSnug Kid
For the beauty buff, eyeshadow kits based on her eye color: Shown here, BlueEyed & Bold, $48, Julep.
and delicious:
A sensory splash for curious little hands:
A sweet way to build toddlers’ imagination and social skills: Learning Resources New Sprouts Waffle Time!
Amazon.
Chair/Sofa, $75.99, Tiny Land.
Pretty sweet: Fruit Tart iPad Pro Folio, $37, Wildflower Cases.
For the impossibly cosmopolitan client who has it all–even her own croquembouche: Fresh French Profiteroles , $34.99, AndyAnand.
When you miss her: Ornament, $7.96, Amazon.
When you can’t find the words for a loved one navigating chemo, a little warmth, comfort, and care say it best: Comforting Pair, $55, CaraKit.
When your college bestie loves a salon mani, but she majored in liberal arts (and so did you): Dashing Diva Glaze Starter Kit, $15, Amazon.
For your sustainably chic sis who believes even note-taking should look good: A4 Folio, $48, Cerqular.
For the woman who taught you everything that really matters: Quotable tea towel, $20, The VeryVera Shop.
For the aunt who sends holiday cards signed, “Love, Baxter”: Canada Air-dried dog food, $129.99 for 5 lbs, Zeal Pet.
For the techy who has it all–and needs somewhere to hold it: Lap Desk Pillow, $59.99, TabCouchCaddy.
For the gal pal who loves quirky statement jewelry (and, allegedly, great car insurance deals): Sterling Silver Koa Wood Gecko Pendant, $129.99, Larson Jewelers.
For the one who prioritizes inner beauty: Cosmetics with scriptural reminders, EverBeYou.com
When you worry about your out-of-state bachelor brother: Customizable prepared meal plans at $12.99 per serving, Marley Spoon.
Girl, you know it’s true–and so do they: Our Family Is So Weird game, $15.99, Amazon.
Thank
you all for the
JOY
Is it Christmastime already? It feels impossible—and yet it also feels like just yesterday that this little idea called Pretty first began to flutter to life. In truth, it was only this past summer that I decided to leap into something wonderfully wild and new.
For years I’ve written for magazines, but launching one of my own meant learning an entirely different language—of websites and pop-up forms and marketing emails, and yes, of InDesign (which brought me both to tears and to a few decidedly unpretty words). But creating Pretty has also brought delight, surprise, and more than anything, joy.
And the fact that you’re here—reading this very first issue— means more to me than you know.
I also want to thank the women who helped bring these pages to life. Special Projects Editor Celeste McCauley, with her sharp editorial instincts and unwavering attention to detail, has been a gift. And I’m endlessly grateful for Contributing Writers Jody Evans, whose wit and quirky charm light up every paragraph, and Shawnelle Eliasen , who writes with a warmth and lyricism that settles over readers like a cozy blanket. Creating something new is always better with friends.
Thank you for welcoming Pretty into your holiday season. My hope is that these pages brought you a spark of beauty, a touch of delight, and a reminder that joy is worth seeking—and celebrating. Wishing you the merriest of Christmases and a wonderfully Pretty New Year.
