Hello
Without a doubt, fall is our favorite part of the year. As Southern girls, we’ve waited for what feels like forever for a break in the heat and humidity; we welcome autumn and its cooler temperatures with open arms…that are covered by a beloved sweater, of course.
Fall is a great time for a lot of things – food, fashion, time with family, and more. The magic of Halloween and the blessings of Thanksgiving are soon to be celebrated. Fall is a cozy season; comfort food, boots and scarves, reading under blankets with a mug of tea close by, and snug evenings at home are some of the most special highlights of the autumn months.
lindsey Creative Director
This issue is rich with thoughtful contributions from writers, photographers, and overall creative ladies. The theme of the issue is “cozy,” and our wish is that as you read, you feel warmth in your heart and anticipation for what this season holds.
lauren Editor
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At Sage Magazine, we believe every woman can live an inspired and beautiful life. Creativity and joy in everyday living surpass the limitations of bank accounts and social status. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
XO
We need . . .… contributors
If you’re creative and love to write, we want you to contribute to Sage Magazine! Our sections include: In the Kitchen, Fashion + Style, How Romantic (Weddings & Engagements), Just for Mamas, and Home Sweet Home. If you would like to contribute, please email your ideas to sagemagazineonline@gmail.com with the subject line “I want to contribute!”
advertisers
We’re looking for companies and individuals who sell beautiful, inspired products. If you’d like more information about advertising, including rates, email sagemagazineonline@gmail.com with information about your business and the subject line “Advertising.”
We can’t wait to hear from you! The December/January issue of Sage Magazine will be out in early December 2012. The deadline for advertisers and contributors is November 15th, 2012.
Sage Photography Sage Photography is located in East Texas and is the in-house photographer for Sage Magazine. If you are in our general area and are interested in a photoshoot, contact us. We offer the following types of photoshoots: -Models: If you’re interested in modeling, we might be able to use you in a future photoshoot for Sage! -Advertising: If you’d like a photoshoot of your products and your business is in our general area, we can build the photoshoot into the cost of your advertising. -Other: We specialize in artistic photography, such as modeling and boudoir. If you’re interested in having your photos taken, contact us for pricing. To see examples of our photos, visit our Facebook page: Sage Photography
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contents In the kitchen
Fashion&Style
How Romantic
Just for Mamas
Home Sweet Home
Let’s Ge
et Cozy 5
In The
kitchen
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Southwestern
blog Laurie Pickei is mildly obsessed with home décor, pretty shoes, tasty Tex-Mex, wine, and travel. She’s a southern newlywed and grammar girl with an appetite for life.
A
s a newlywed with a hungry husband, I’m always looking for easy, delicious recipes that I can save for a rainy day. A while back, a friend of mine shared a recipe for white bean chicken chili and I’ve since created my own version with a little southwestern kick. While chilies usually have a heavier consistency, this chili is light and refreshing with warm colors and flavors. And with the fall and winter months approaching, this recipe is one of my favorites.
Happy Cooking. Enjoy!
WHITE BEAN CHICKEN CHILI
Ingredients
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 3 15 oz. cans of Cannelini beans • 48 oz. chicken broth • 3 cups of water • 3 limes • 1-2 fresh Roma tomatoes, diced • 1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes • 2 orange or red bell peppers, chopped • 2 green bell peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced • Jarred or fresh jalapenos, sliced • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • Fresh cilantro • Tortilla chip strips • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese • ½ tablespoon ground cumin • ½ tablespoon dried oregano • ½ tablespoon chili powder • Cayenne pepper to taste
keep reading --->
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First, bake the chicken breasts and shred. In a large pot, simmer the chicken broth, water, shredded chicken, the juice of two limes, beans and tomatoes. Chop the onion and bell peppers. SautĂŠ in a pan with cooking spray or vegetable oil and chopped garlic. Drop the garlic, vegetables and sliced jalapenos into the pot when ready. Add the spices and let the pot simmer for 15 minutes on medium heat. Ladle the chili into a soup bowl. Top with fresh cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack cheese and avocado slices, as desired. Serve with a lime wedge.
Thirteen Winks
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Carla of Thirteen Winks can turn your treasured family recipe into original art for your home! Makes a great gift for family members and loved ones. Keep memories close for years to come by having your favorite family recipe in your heart and your kitchen. Visit the Thirteen Winks Etsy shop to place your custom order today!
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Andrea Howard resides in Nacogdoches, Texas. She owns her own catering company and writes a food and lifestyle blog, all while chasing her four sweet kiddos.
From the Goddess of Eats
It’s around this time of year that I will tend to go on somewhat of a “pumpkin binge.” I just can’t help myself! One of my favorite things to do in the fall with my kiddos is to have a lazy day making pumpkin-chocolate-chip pancakes...in our pajamas... at 10 a.m. They especially love the “hidden” chocolate chips in the back. We are all about surprises here. We skipped the regular all-purpose flour and went with oat flour instead. I was having a white-flour-free moment...not to be confused with my glutenfree moments or egg-free moments. What can I say? I have a few moments now and then. I am happy with how the pancakes turned out - nice and moist even with the oat flour. I haven’t tried the recipe substituting all-purpose flour, but I am fairly sure it will still turn out just as well.
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pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 2 cups oat flour
Preheat a skillet or griddle to 400 degrees. Combine eggs, buttermilk, butter, pumpkin, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl - when it comes to pancakes, I usually skip my big kitchen-aid mixer and do everything in a large bowl with a whisk...it’s an old habit and as we all know, those die hard. Whisk ingredients together
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. allspice mini chocolate chips
until combined. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice. Mix the dry into the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth. Pour the batter onto the griddle to form 5-inch circles. After the batter begins to bubble, sprinkle on the chocolate chips...
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Favorite Fall Beer Beer: Southern Tier’s Pumking Ale Description: Pumpkin and spices with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel.
Pair it with: Something sweet,
Name: Dani Twitter: @danielayvonne
like coffee cake or pie. It’s also the perfect pairing for your Thanksgiving meal.
Beer: Shiner’s Oktoberfest Description: A deep amber
beer with a slightly toasted flavor. See also: delicious.
Pair it with: Barbecued sausage,
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo, and anything pumpkin-flavored.
Name: Jana Twitter: @ohheyitsj
Beer: Saint Arnold’s Oktoberfest Description: Full-bodied, malty, and slightly sweet.
Pair it with: A juicy
cheeseburger and some college football!
Name: Tabaitha Twitter: @tabbykaye
Beer: Blue Moon’s Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale
Description: Cinnamon and
nutmeg. This beer tastes like fall.
Pair it with:
Name: Kallie Twitter: @kalliejoy
A hearty beef stew like the Pioneer Woman’s. She calls for beer in the recipe, so I add the Pumpkin Ale!
Beer: Shock Top’s Pumpkin Wheat Description: A rich pumpkin beer full of spices and flavor.
Pair it with: Roasted chicken
with vegetables, a hearty stew, or enjoyed anytime.
Name: April Twitter: @aprilbapryll
Beer: Samuel Adams’ Octoberfest Description: Rich, nutty flavors. Pair it with: Gumbo, a hearty beef
stew, or homemade pizza
Name: Heather Twitter: @yesthatgirl
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I
sn’t it crazy that, when you are having an exceptionally bad day, there is almost always a dish that will instantly make you feel better? That is the best part of comfort food. Food can transport you to a happier place or even to a particular memory. One memory I want to relive over and over is my recent trip to France.
blog Miemo Khamvongsa lives in Northern Virginia, on the outskirts of our nation’s capitol. She is a graphic designer, wanderlust, and food enthusiast.
How can I even begin to choose my favorite French comfort food? Slates of charcuteries, flaky croissants, or perhaps a pot of mussels and French fries could be my sensory time machine. No croissant in America can do justice to the ones in France (a bold statement, I know!). Baguettes are a French staple. Parisians walk the streets with baguettes peeking out of their grocery bags. Some even break off pieces of bread and enjoy it as they walk to their destinations. The city smells of butter. There are patisseries everywhere and baguettes cost less than a euro! I can honestly tell you that I had baguette every day I was there. It was usually paired with charcuterie, cheese, butter, and of course, wine! Charcuterie is preserved meat. Popular items are: slices of sausages, ham, bacon, terrines, confit, and pate. They are typically served with cheese (my favorites are brie and camembert), and of course, bread and butter. In every cafĂŠ, there is a limitless supply of bread, so I felt free to indulge. Is it just me, or does everything TASTE better in France? The butter is smooth, creamy, and tastes sinfully good. I have no remorse. I like to take a chunk of bread, and butter it. Then add two different pieces of the meats. Spread some pate over that, and finish it off with a chunk of cheese. Of course, I attempt to shove the whole thing in my mouth and then take a gulp of amazing French wine to top it off. I taste everything all at once, and then proceed to savor each of the different items alone.
Another dish that will always remind me of lying on the beach in the south of France is moule-frites, or in English, mussels and fries. Served in a steaming pot, the mussels are cooked with cream, lemon, and Provençal herbs. On the side is served crisp hot fries, and some fresh mayo for dipping. And of course, bread to dip into the mussel
pot to soak up the juices. The pot is so full that you can’t finish it alone; believe me, I tried! Since dining al fresco is a must at the beach, you can feel the sea breeze and smell the salt in the air. If only I could eat this in America and actually get transported to Nice, but for now, I’ll be happy with reliving the memory!
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fashion &
style
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Sadie Top: $36.50 • Ada Vest: $42 • Bitsy Pants: $28
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Suri Cardigan: $26.75 • Sada Pants: $45.50 Adalee Necklace: $20.75
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Monroe Dress/Tunic: $42 • Brody Necklace: $14
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Quinn Top • Heba Shorts: $36
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Miriam Top: $49 • Malena Shorts: $34 • Cricket Necklace: $24
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Laney Top: $52 • Hadley Pants: $42.50
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plum
Crazy
Every year, when fall rolls around (which is later rather than sooner for those of us in Texas!), I am always looking forward to warm clothes, warm beverages, and warm colors. I love the deep oranges, golds, and browns. I love the cinnamons, burgundy, and deep greens. I also love the color plum. When it comes to beauty, a plum look is an easy way to capture the season without being too overwhelmingly “fall.” A plum look, when done correctly, is neutral and will pair beautifully with fall fashion. Not sure how to capture the perfect neutral plum look? It’s very simple! I’m featuring eye, cheek, and lip products that are all budgetfriendly. I truly believe that a woman can look great on any budget! The thought behind the look is to have a pretty, smoky, and dramatic eye, a warm cheek, and a neutral lip.
For my face makeup, I used a little liquid foundation with a small amount of concealer to even out my skin tone. Then, I followed up with a matte bronzer to warm up my face. I applied it around my temples, in the hollows of my cheeks, on either side of my nose, and around the jaw line. For my eyes, I used the Petal Pusher palette from Wet ‘n Wild. Naturally, as a makeup snob, it’s easy to turn your nose up at anything “Wet ‘n Wild,” but let me tell you, they have totally changed their brand. Their eye colors are beautifully pigmented, creamy, and go on like a dream. I have a few of these palettes and I have yet to find a dud. The best part is that you get eight shadows for five dollars!
This palette certainly is “purple-y” but there are some great plum pigments here. I began by applying the top left highlight color all over my lid and under my brow bone. Next, I blended the “eyelid” color on the right of the second row all over my lid. I followed with the “crease” color on the third row on the right. I smudged a brown eyeliner on my top and bottom lash line, and then pushed a little more of that “eyelid” color around over the liner. My goal was to create a smoky line look, rather than a harsh line. Finally, I curled my lashes and applied mascara. For my cheeks, I applied L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Blush in Spiced Plum. This product is very finely milled, creamy, and easy to apply. In the past, drugstore blushes have been off-putting to me because I had never been able to find one that I love. Needless to say, I really love this blush! You get a lot of product for your money, and I like that the color is formulated to work with my skin tone. I applied this blush to the apples of my cheeks and made sure to blend. To complete the look, I dabbed my lips with Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss in Cafe au Lait. I like this gloss because it’s shiny, nourishing, and longwearing. I chose a neutral gloss because I didn’t want it to clash or take away from the rest of the look; really, any neutral gloss will work. Every time I do a dramatic feature on my face, I tone it down everywhere else. You could easily reverse this look by doing a neutral eye with a deep, burgundy lip. Have I inspired you to do the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”? Perhaps you’re breaking out your spiced plum candles? I adore this beauty look and I know it will be a staple in my routine this season.
blog Meg Owen is a cupcake-obsessed beautyloving high school theatre teacher/director. She lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, baby girl Kennedy, and a cat named Dexter.
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Fall Fashion
With Heather Alsum Heather Alsum is working mom living in Chicago with her handsome husband, two precious little ones, Henry and Kiera, and a Boston Terrier named Leroy.
Fashion Blog
Lifestyle Blog
Note from the editor: Heather is one of my favorite reads and Internet friends. With gorgeous style, an adorable family, and a refreshing viewpoint on life, you’ll be hard pressed not to fall in love with her too! I asked her to show Sage readers some looks for fall that were wearable, affordable, and on-trend for this season. Here’s what she put together! I know we’re all thinking the same thing: Can I hire her to shop for and style me this fall?!
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Faux leather leggings. INC from Macy’s Stripped top: Nordstrom Rack Sweater vest: Filene’s Basement Necklace: Ann Taylor Sandals: Nine West Other faux leather leggings: Nordstrom Stripped tunic: Nordstrom
Dress: Ann Taylor Loft Shoes: Naturalizer Polka dot tights: Nordstrom Rack Other cute dresses from The Limited and Ann Taylor Loft, Nordstrom
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Faux leather circle skirt: Urban Outfitters White and Black spotted blouse: Ann Taylor Clutch: Zappos Other faux leather skirts from The Limited. Blouse: Free People
Red jeans: Old Navy T-shirt: New Crew Blazer: H&M Necklace: Ann Taylor Booties: Zappos
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Gray printed blouse: H&M Polka dot jeans: Nordstrom Rack Necklace: Ann Taylor Booties: Nine West Printed jeans available at H&M, Target, Madewell and Anthropologie. Blouse: Nordstrom, H&M, Zara
Independent Stylist Michelle Briley • 936.675.0506 www.stelladot.com/MichelleBriley
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howRomantic 43
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hen picking out your wedding gown, remember that you not only want to look amazing but you also want to be comfortable. Your dress should not weigh you down. One of my favorite styles of the momemt are slip style wedding gowns. They are much lighter and the underlay is a very soft silk slip. You will be amazed by the detail of these simple yet beautiful gowns. Just a hint: Allure Bridals makes absolutely stunning gowns at a very reasonable cost. Planning a fall wedding is all about the romantics in each and every detail. My favorite part of a bride’s attire is her statement piece. A standout hairpiece or an amazing piece of jewelry will give the bride a one-of-a-kind look. Loose soft hair is an absolutely gorgeous touch to a bride’s style. She will look comfortable, natural, and effortlessly lovely. Fall wedding colors do not have to be the typical oranges, golds, and reds. Keep it warm with neutral colors, but explore different autumn color palettes with greens, taupes, browns, and even grays. Sophie Lorraine is a 25-year-old lover of life and all that is beautiful. Named after her grandmother, Sophie is newlyengaged, a small business owner, and mama of two naughty pups. Read her blog for more on her creations and inspirations!
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Photography by: Morgan Lynn Photography
by Laurie Pickei
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t was the summer of 2002 in Texas. I was a teenager heading to the same camp I’d spent my summers at every year since I was eight. I already knew it was destined to be another great, fun-filled summer. It was the first few days of camp and I remember sitting on the floor across the room when a cute, tall boy walked in with his scruffy goatee and baseball cap. I didn’t know his name or where he was from… Little did I know at the time, I had just laid eyes on my future husband. What began as a young crush transformed into a great friendship and occasional summer romance over the years. Fast-forward to March 2011 when he took me on a picnic in the park, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The man was charming and full of smiles. The sun was shining. It was more than I could’ve ever imagined and the most perfect moment any girl could wish for. And on May 27, 2012—10 years after the summer when we first met—I wore a white dress, walked down the aisle and wed the love of my life. Little girls dream that their wedding day will be something out of a fairy tale. And I have to say that mine was. From the flowers and the décor to being surrounded by our dearest family and friends, our wedding day was simply magical. But the best part of all was saying “I do,” sealing it with a kiss, dancing our first dance and celebrating till dawn. I feel like the luckiest lady to have won the heart of the most incredible man. Cheers to forever and ever! I guess fairytales really do come true.
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Cheers to forever and ever
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Wedding Planning on a Budget Congratulations! The question has been popped, and now you’re planning for one of the happiest days of your life. For many women, this can create a problem, because you might not be sitting on thirty grand to throw at a wedding. You want to have a beautiful wedding without spending an outrageous amount of money but don’t want to compromise on quality. How do you do that? Since fall is right around the corner, here are some tips for planning a gorgeous autumn wedding on a budget that is affordable for your lifestyle!
pricing, and I asked if we could drop one of the entrée options for a more affordable price. My venue was more than happy to work with me. Some places won’t budge, but if you don’t ask, you’ll never know!
Find Alternatives
The best way to maximize your money when planning with a small budget is to pick one or two things that are the most important to you. For example, I wanted to make sure my wedding reception wasn’t in a dingy hall. So I set that aside as something on which I was willing to spend a little more. Other items could be adjusted to accommodate.
This is huge when planning a wedding on a budget. There are no hard and fast rules about the wedding industry these days. Figure out the function of what you’re looking for, and think about other things that will accomplish that. Is the ceremony location you want not available? Stop looking at an exact location, and start thinking about beautiful spaces that will serve your purpose. Does your florist want to charge you through the roof? Think about other things that your bridesmaids can carry down the aisle, such as autumn-colored pinwheels or large pheasant-colored feathers. Don’t feel like paying for expensive, wedding shoes? I went to Payless and found beautiful, comfortable shoes for $20.
Negotiate and Ask
Bridesmaids Dresses
Prioritize
I moved my reception up an hour, which gave me lunch If David’s Bridal doesn’t have quite the style
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you want for your bridesmaids, or they are missing that perfect shade of espresso for your fall-themed wedding, check out prom dress stores. You obviously want to stay away from dresses that send you back to high school, but if you look closely, there are many dresses that will look great for your fall wedding that will be inexpensive and you will have plenty of variety. (We got ours at Group USA for less than $60 each!) Another option is to look at places like Macys, Target, H&M, or Forever 21. They have classic dresses that will be even cheaper than prom stores, and your bridesmaids will rock them!
Flowers
Instead of going to a florist, I went to my local grocery store’s floral counter. Find a bouquet you like and work with the expert behind the counter to create an affordable alternative. If you don’t want to spend money on full bouquets, find a beautiful, large flower that your bridesmaids can carry, or that you can put in a vase paired with votives for a simple table decoration.
Invitations
An easy way to save money is to make your own invitations. If you don’t trust yourself with creating a design, look to Etsy. You can purchase invitations, or buy a digital design to print yourself. Invest in good card stock, then buy some ice cream and create an assembly party with your friends.
Ceremony and Reception Venue
Your venue just called. They’re not available for the weekend you planned. What now? Figure out some criteria and ask your friends for ideas. Also, consider different types of venues. My wedding took place at a small nautical museum on Belle Isle in Detroit. I’ve had friends get married on farms, in the butterfly house at the zoo, and in historical villages. The reason these alternative spots are awesome is because they are unique to you, often cheaper, and offer the guests something to do while they are waiting for the festivities to begin.
blog Deanna Ogle is a writer from Metro Detroit who is married to the love of her life. She manages websites by day and is an associate editor by night. She loves poetry, carnations, and cinnamon
Boutonnières
I didn’t want to spend $20 a pop for corsages and boutonnières, so I found someone on Etsy who makes feather arrangements (called feather pads) for headbands, and ordered those instead for the groomsmen. You could also use small feathers or ribbons that match your fall colors for a great but inexpensive alternative.
Enjoy Creating Your Wedding
The best thing about planning weddings in 2012 is that Talk with your bakery about ways to bring down the there are no hard and fast rules. Create a wedding that price, or ask your network if they have friends who make will best express your love for each other. Use your wedding cakes. If you attempt to make a cake yourself, imagination, find alternatives, and have fun building a be sure to make one (or a few) ahead of time for practice. day of celebration that you and your loved ones will Also try places like Costco and Sam’s Club for delicious remember for years to come. cakes with affordable prices, or serve cupcakes and ice All photos by Sean Proctor and Leah Sefton. cream sandwiches!
Desserts
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just for mamas
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Fall Traditions
Jeans and boots, sweaters and scarves, pumpkin spice lattes and crockpot chili. Fall has always been my favorite time of year. There is something about the sun shining down on a cool, crisp day that heightens my mood and puts an extra skip in my step. Before kids, fall was all about fashion. Weekends were spent finding that perfect fall outfit that made me “look effortless” even though I spent hours of thought putting it together. Weekends were also meant for Burnt Orange and Longhorn Football. If I wasn’t spending my time cheering the football team on from the stands, I could always be found with my Hook ‘em Horns up with one hand and a frosty, cold beverage in the other. Now that I’ve become a mom, weekends are still a little bit about football and fashion (you will always find my girls in their Burnt Orange on game day), but they are also about creating memories and establishing traditions with my two daughters: Madison, 3, and Hannah, 15 months. Here are a few of our favorite fall family activities:
blog Joanna Osborne is the author of a family blog that has become her digital love letter to her family. She balances a full-time job, a toddler, a preschooler, a doting husband, and two crazy dogs. She’s never met a glass of wine she couldn’t get along with.
1. The Pumpkin Patch: Every year I look forward to taking the girls to the Pumpkin Patch. We have a local one that has a corn maze, amazing photo-ops, hayrides, kettle corn, and hot apple cider. This year I’m most excited that Madison is finally old enough to pick out a pumpkin and participate in decorating it when we get home.
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2. The Fall Festival: We live in a great little suburb of Fort Worth, Texas and each year our town throws a festival by the local library. Admission is two canned goods that they use to make soup for everyone there. There is face painting, a petting zoo, games for the kids, and cookie decorating. I love getting out and meeting people in our town.
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3. Halloween: I LOVE this holiday! I dare you not to get a little twinkle in your eye when you see an adorable child ring a doorbell and say “Trick or Treat.” Plus, the costumes! This year Hannah will be old enough to walk with us and participate, and I can’t wait to see my two girls trick-or-treating together.
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4. Football: Did you really think I would leave it out? All kidding aside, football is a HUGE part of our fall traditions. I proudly bleed burnt orange. My
husband is a do or die Dallas Cowboys fan and my parents raised my sisters and I to wear NY Giants Red and Blue. Our girls are going to have a tough time in life if they don’t enjoy football so we make sure to watch it together and enjoy it as a family (and keep the rivalry bickering to a minimum).
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5. Being Outside: Texas summers are brutal. By the time fall weather rolls around, we are absolutely stir-crazy. I love getting the girls outdoors and doing anything from arts and crafts in the driveway to bike rides and long walks to the neighborhood park.
In the end, no matter what we do, fall always feels like the perfect time to slow-down, start looking forward to the holidays, and spend quality time making memories with our family. Joanna Osborne is the author of Growing Up in OZ, a family blog that has become her digital love letter to her family. When she isn’t balancing a full time job, a toddler, a preschooler, a doting husband and 2 crazy dogs, she can be found connecting with the world on Twitter,
Pinterest and Facebook.
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Escape to
Wonde Costumes by
erland Photography by
photography 61
Alice
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The White Queen
tweedledee& tweedledum 65
The Mad
Hatter
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The Mad H
Hatter
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The Queen of
Hearts
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Cheshire Cat
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White Rabbit 75
Stuff My Kid Says I hate this stupid show!! Can you turn it up? Austin, 6
Mommy, why do we need a clock? So we can know what time it is. Why do we need to know what time it is? Why can’t we just go with the flow?
Hudson, 4
Leaving the bathroom I wouldn’t go in there. Crazy things happened in there. Do what you want, I’m just saying it’s a bad idea.
Daniel, 8
Talk About a Deal! Of course Santa is real! Our parents are too broke to buy all this stuff!
Mommy, your hiney jiggles like jello! Noah, 7
Sarah, 6
Have a funny quote from your child? Email it to sagemagazineonline@gmail.com with the subject line “Submission to Stuff My Kid Says”
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step 1 Gather your scissors, glue, felt, and headband. You can use our template (below) for the cat ears or create your own. Cut out the template so you can easily trace the shapes. Trace and cut out four black parts and two purple parts. Again, feel free to design your own ears if you’d like them bigger or smaller. We played around with a few sizes and liked this one! Glue the purple triangles to the center of the black ears.
step 2 Now you’ll need to glue the black parts together. Use one plain black piece of felt and one piece with the purple triangle already attached. ONLY glue the triangle portions together. Leave the bottom tabs unglued. To attach the ears to the headband, you’ll need to warp the black tabs around the headband and glue it into place. This will ensure that your ears will stand up straight! Good? Now just attach the other ear and you have an adorable set of cat ears!
Find these supplies at the Hair Bow Company • Cat ears template • Tutu Dress • Legwarmers • Hard headband blog
supplies needed:
Black And Purple Tutu Dress • Black Wrapped Grosgrain Hard Headband Black And Purple Legwarmers • Black Felt • Purple Felt • Scissors Glue • Extra Thick Chenille Stick
step 3 Now it’s time for the tail. You’ll need your tutu dress and your extra thick chenille stick. We found our chenille stick at our craft store. If you’re unable to find an extra thick one, you can get a regular one and wrap it with marabou. Cut your tail to size. You may want to hold it up to your daughter so you can see what works best for her. I think ours turned out to be about 18” long. Loop the end of the tail through the crochet top. You’ll want to select a hole that is in the back, bottom portion of the bodice. Select another hole and pull it through an inch or two. Twist it around itself like a twist tie.
Now just shape your tail into a cute kitty design and you’re all set!
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Home Sweet home
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Create a cozy living space on a budget
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hen I first moved into my apartment with my then-fiancé, nowhusband, I looked at the bare white walls and sparse furniture and nearly cried. Decorating an apartment as a young adult is one of the most overwhelming tasks. While we have an endless numbers of ideas from magazines, Pinterest, and HGTV, most of us don’t exactly have an overflowing bank account. It also doesn’t help that most apartments can’t be changed significantly (even though our landlord has bizarre tastes in cabinets and flooring). What’s a girl to do? Luckily, there are plenty of methods for sprucing up your humble abode and turning it into a cozy yet functional space, regardless of how many times you plan to renew your lease.
without taking up any floor space. It can be found in a variety of lengths and widths, and can be arranged to hold books, picture frames, knick-knacks and fun decor pieces that really liven up a room. Plus, shelves are easily redecorated with the changing of the seasons. Our shelving gives us ample room to display knick-knacks and gifts without making the room feel cluttered. It’s also the perfect place to highlight seasonal decor. During the winter, we use the
Shopping for artwork is intensely personal, so look for artwork with colors or themes that are unique but flow well with the room. This keeps everything coordinated while you discover new pieces to add to your collection. Sometimes you don’t even need to purchase pieces. We have a lovely photograph hanging in our entranceway that my husband photographed, printed, and framed. If you’re just starting out, considering purchasing a larger
shelving to hold our Christmas stockings since we don’t have a fireplace!
piece to cover a blank wall. White wall space can overwhelm a lone small picture, so a larger piece will attract the eye and can stand on its own.
Statement Pieces
It’s always fun to have a few statement pieces around your home. Larger furniture typically comes in shades of brown, which can get monotonous. Smaller pieces like a decorative end table or a pretty upholstered chair can be just what the doctor ordered. These items can be significantly cheaper than larger furniture items, and are easier to replace or paint over if you decide in the future that they no longer jive with your decorating style. Our end table is simple, yet bright and creative. It also has a drawer and cabinet, which makes it perfect for a bit of extra storage!
Shelving
Wall shelving has the awesome ability of working like a bookshelf
Artwork
Artwork does not have to be expensive! Besides the usual suspects like Target and HomeGoods, you can discover great works through Etsy, 20x200. com, local arts & crafts fairs, or even Amazon! Buy ready-tohang artwork, or frame it yourself (though that can get a little pricey).
Double-duty furniture:
Double-duty furniture is a brilliant way to bring in some additional pieces of much-needed furniture without overwhelming your space or your budget. If you’re in a small studio, double-duty furniture might be just the thing you need to
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make the most of your space. Our favorite double-duty furniture includes small bookshelves and storage footstools. Small bookshelves: Our bookshelves allow me to store books (obviously), as well as small fabric bins for storing papers. Unlike tall bookshelves, there’s room for artwork above. They’re also more diverse than a bookcase since I can section off each unit to suit my needs. The tops of the bookshelves offer an opportunity to decorate with bowls, plates, candles, or frames. Storage footstools: Our coffee tabletop is full of books, coasters, and a decorative plate, so there’s not really space for propping up tired feet after a long day. We use these footstools (also from Target) to rest our legs, but we also keep magazines and games inside. Another hiding place for extra storage!
Rugs
Rugs are a great way to liven up ugly carpet or boring hardwood floors, especially if the floors are damaged or scuffed. Solid rugs, color-blocked rugs, or printed rugs will add a cozy element to a bland apartment. However, I don’t recommend buying rugs online. All rugs are not created equal, and you want to make sure to find something comfortable and well made. In this case, the feel is just as important as the look!
Lamps
Many older apartments don’t have overhead lighting, and even if they do, it can be a bit abrasive for every day use. Lamps are something I have had to embrace over the years, and I now have a small collection. The best thing about lamps is that you can mix and match. If you like the base of
a lamp, but not the shade, switch it up! Many stores sell these pieces separately, so you can find the right combination for your taste. My favorite thing about lamps is that they can be quite neutral in color, but a little texture goes a long way.
Curtains
Curtains are like practical artwork. Find the right pattern, and you’ll have something that’s beautiful and functional! In the living room, you have the flexibility to use more sheer types of fabric, since you most likely don’t need to worry about blocking out the morning sun. Find your curtain length by measuring from the rod to the floor, and remember: it’s better to be a little long than a little short! Don’t worry about being too matchy-matchy – simply use similar or complementary colors as the rest of your furniture and artwork.
Favorite affordable stores: Target HomeGoods IKEA Pier 1 Imports Amazon Etsy 20x200 …plus Pottery Barn and Anthropologie sales!
blog Allison Nimlos is a newly-married twenty-something living in the suburbs of New York City with her geologist husband, Erik, and their pretty Russian Blue cat, Natasha.
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Heather of 2 Little Yellow Birds creates beautiful and original art for your home and special events. Choose from wall art; shower, wedding, and graduation advice cards; creative guestbook pages, and more! Visit the 2 Little Yellow Birds shop to place your custom order today!
blog Julia Pawlik Fincher is a super busy gal: mother, wife, bill-payer, gym-goer, friend. She lives with her (very patient) husband and her (already opinionated) three-yearold daughter outside of Atlanta
Cozy is a state of mind. Cozy is more than comfy sweat pants, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and snuggling by the fireplace. (Although, don’t get me wrong, those are very cozy things!) When I was leaving for college, I was a mess. I was terrified to go, to leave my friends, my boyfriend, my parents, and my sisters. I was homesick before I even left. All of my friends spent their final days at home in frenzied excitement, packing suitcases and enjoying going away parties. I, on the other hand, alternated between moping and crying. I was scared, and I did not want to be so far away from everyone I loved – and from the places where I felt most cozy, safe, and loved.
At my going away party, my mom’s best friend gave me a hat rack. A hat rack?! I politely thanked her (what else could I do?) and moved on to the next gift. As she was leaving the party, she pulled me aside, and explained the significance of the hat rack. Life is full of choices, she explained, and I had a few to make. I could be miserable and depressed and always look back at what I was missing, or I could embrace my new life, and fill it with new friends and experiences. One choice she had always made was to be happy wherever she “hung her hat,” and she challenged me to do the same. She reminded me that just because I was leaving home, I wasn’t leaving all the
love and support behind. I could take those things and use them to make my new home warm and special – I could make it cozy. Then, and today, I take her advice to heart. A happy home is one that is cozy and loving. A home is cozy because of the people and their attitudes inside the four walls. My home, while not as big as I would like, and not as close to my family as I would choose, is cozy. Friends are always welcome – we keep our hearts as well as our doors open. It’s cozy because of all the birthdays celebrated here, cozy because of our annual Christmas Cookie Party, and cozy because it is the only home my daughter has ever known.
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Getting Tonight in Nebraska, we’re having our first real fall evening. The wind is howling outside. The temperature is dropping. For the first time in months, we feel chilly without an air conditioner running. It’s perfect weather for curling up with a book and a blanket. Fall for those of us in Nebraska is a very short season, a brief stop between 100-degree temperatures and -20 degree temperatures. This makes for a love/hate relationship. We love to pull out our high heel boots and skinny jeans, but we hate realizing that soon we will be unable to wear our high heel boots due to ice and probably will want baggier jeans to cover up our wool tights or long johns. We try to enjoy every bit of the coziness of fall while we can, and one of the best ways to do that is by savoring a good book. For those of you who haven’t read a traditional “classic” novel since English class, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is the ideal read. Wrap up in your coziest blanket and make sure to have plenty of hot tea on hand. It is one of the easiest “classics” I have ever read. While you may stumble over a word here or there that is no longer commonly used, the narrative flows seamlessly. It’s the story of a young girl – a plain, almost ugly one. The story follows her life from about the age of 8. She lives a difficult childhood, and is sent off to boarding school, where
Cozy with Jane Eyre her challenges continue. Fastforward 10 years, and she becomes a teacher. Jane finds herself restless, and wanting a new adventure. This leads her to accept a position as a governess for a young French girl. Then the fun really begins. Jane Eyre is written with such intense emotion that it’s hard to put it down. There are points where characters lapse into third person monologues that feel a little awkward, but the emotional depth makes it impossible to close the book and walk away. Jane Eyre is a love story, a coming of age story, and a Gothic mystery story that will keep you turning pages. Some of Brontë’s other characters break the class taboo that much of Britain operated under at that time. There are traditional fairy tale elements to the story as well. The ending and fates of the characters remind me of some of the Grimm Brothers tales. If you finish this book and don’t want to leave Jane Eyre behind, you can pick up The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James. Charlotte Brontë was one of three sisters who wrote some of the more enduring classics of today; her sister Emily wrote Wuthering Heights. The Brontës lived rich and imaginative lives. As children, they experienced many of the events that ended up in their novels. The parallels between
Jane Eyre and her author intrigued me. The Secret Diaries is a novel, but one that was meticulously researched. The narrative is told through diary entries written by Charlotte about her life. It follows her return to her home from her governess position, and her relationships with her two sisters and brother. It is the back-story to the writing of Jane Eyre. It also covers in great detail both the tragedy and joy of Charlotte’s later life. Charlotte died young, at thirty-eight. This book allows you a glimpse into the passion of Charlotte. You will find yourself hanging onto The Secret Diaries, even if you know the basics of the Brontë sisters’ history. James
does a brilliant job of breathing life into the historical details, not only for Charlotte, but for Emily and Anne as well. I read Jane Eyre a few years ago, before James’ book came out. When I recently reread Jane Eyre, I found it an even richer experience having read The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë. I wish you the joy of discovery while reading, and for many cozy evenings this fall, curled up with these books. Other recommendations… If you like mystery books, read In the Woods by Tana French. For Young Adult, try Matched by Ally Condie. If you’re in the mood for something spooky for Halloween, read Bag of Bones by
Kimberly Campbell Moore has spent the last 30 years devouring books and is always on the hunt for a book that will end up devouring her. She believes in wearing t-shirts sporting literary quotes, as well as this quote from C.S. Lewis: “We read to know we are not alone.” blog
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Get Cozy with a tranquil camping trip for two Summer has bidden its farewell and fall is quietly arriving, bringing with it an abundance of beautiful and natural treasures that are ours to enjoy. The season of shopping, large family gatherings, and extreme weather will soon be upon us; now is the perfect time of year to slow down, relax, and take in all that autumn has to offer. And what better way to do that than with a tranquil camping trip for two? Treat you and a loved one to a magical outdoor escape by incorporating a few special touches that you may normally reserve for dinner parties. If fall camping with the comfort and coziness of home appeals to you, here are a few tips to get you started: -A simple pup tent frame can be put together using twine and wooden poles or narrow pieces of lumber. Sheets, quilts, or waterproofed canvas drop cloths secured to the sides will create a comfortable and inviting shelter for two. -If you have a feather mattress, add it to the top of an air mattress along with an ample amount of pillows and blankets for a great night’s rest.
blog Kim is a creative mama living with her husband and kiddos in a little tumble down house known as The Twice Remembered Cottage. She wholeheartedly believes that what you lack in money, you can make up for in creativity and patience.
-Incorporate mood lighting by putting safe, battery-operated LED flickering wax candles in candleholders and placing around the tent. Or, attach a candle-filled glass jar under a lampshade to hang from the tent ceiling. Nothing says snug like a small, glowing tent at night! -Even if your campsite provides a large picnic table, you may opt to create a smaller, more intimate table setting. A little table can be brought from home and even a folding card table can be transformed into a romantic dining area for two. -Leave behind the vinyl table tablecloths and plastic utensils and instead set the stage for a memorable experience by using your favorite pieces. Beautiful coverings such as a crocheted tablecloth provide a great foundation to layer on other visually appealing elements. Cloth napkins, silver, and glassware will make the table setting truly special. -Nature will provide eye-catching centerpieces and can include pinecones, acorns, greenery, fruits, vegetables, blossoms, or non-poisonous berries for a pop of color.
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-Stylish yet natural-looking candle holders can be made beforehand by wrapping small drinking glasses with pieces of linen, lace, burlap, or other textural components such as twigs or cinnamon sticks. -If there are low overhead branches above the dining table, hang one or two candle shades. You can create your own custom hanging shades by removing the fabric from old shades and replacing it with burlap, linen, or other fabrics that will allow light to shine through. (Be sure to use the battery-operated candles. They are very realistic and last for 72 hours.) -When it comes to the food you serve, again, bring the comforts of home with you. Soups are wonderful fall comfort foods and can be made ahead of time. Just heat and serve with warm bread and wine and enjoy! -If you would like to literally be a little closer to the earth, a large heavy picnic blanket can serve as a casual seating area on the ground. Consider this area your living room! -Have coffee and dessert without worrying about spillage by turning a small wooden pallet into a tabletop. You can spruce it up with a little wood stain and it will become a great canvas for another fall inspired centerpiece. -Glass cloches not only provide a touch of sparkle to your table, but they also serve to keep flies and other insects off the food. -Let plush pillows and soft throws replace chairs and let books, music, and games replace the laptop and television. -A camping adventure isn’t the same without a nice, toasty fire, but make sure it’s a safe distance from your tent, blankets, and pillows. Remember, you don’t have to go far to appreciate this glorious season. Even your backyard can be a cozy, relaxing fall retreat with a few charming, inexpensive touches that are nods both to home’s comfort and nature’s beauty.
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