Holl & Lane, Issue 3 Preview

H OL L

AND

LA N E

tel ling the stor i e s that make up our liv e s

L I F E I N T HE S E RV ICE

I’ M A MILITARY WIFE

#GIRLBOSS GETTING THE INSIDE SCOOP ON FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR’S WHO ARE RULING THEIR WORLDS

WHAT ARE YOU? STRUGGLING WITH CULTURAL IDENTITY

STYLE

FOUR EASY HOLIDAY TRAVEL OUTFITS

I S S U E T H R E E | O CTO B ER / NO VEMB ER 2 0 1 5

CONTENT EDITOR’S NOTE TEAM OBSESSIONS ENTERTAINMENT STYLE & BEAUTY INTERIORS BUSINESS FOOD & FITNESS DO IT YOURSELF LIFE STORIES FAMILY TRAVEL

24

31

5 6 9 14 27 37 52 69 76 89 103

110

COVER STORIES 18 HOLIDAY TRAVEL OUTFITS

40 #GIRLBOSS

86 CULTURAL IDENTITY

90 I’M A MILITARY WIFE

Arrive to your holiday parties looking chic and unwrinkled with these ideas

What is it like growing up looking different from everyone else? Mia shares her story.

2 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

These five women know what it takes to build their own dream careers. Get inspired.

Life as a military family is tough, this is one woman’s tale of dreading phone calls and finally taking a breath.

40 104

78 ENTERTAINMENT 10 11 12

Book Reviews Top 10 Songs To Break The Ice Top 10 Highly Quotable Movies

STYLE & BEAUTY 15 16 18 22 23 24

Product Review: Nude Palette Make Your Eye Color Pop Stylish Holiday Travel Perfect Fall Lips Product Review: Stitch Fix Repurposed Halloween

INTERIORS

28 Dress Your Home 30 #HollAndLaneRugs 31 Baby Betty’s Nursery

BUSINESS

38 Career Profile: Bridge Engineer 40 #GirlBoss

FOOD & FITNESS 53 54 56 58 60 62 63 66

FEATURES

58

Workout Spotlight: CrossFit Battle of Food Delivery Services Traditions: Stuffed Shells Pecan Bacon Ranch Cheeseball Coconut Curry & Quinoa Soup Barbeque Chicken Pizza Chocolate & Zucchini Cupcakes Apple Crumble Cheesecake Pie

DIY 70 71 72 73 74

Tie Dye Mugs Birch Plywood Wall Hanging Watercolor Pillows Coffee Filter Lantern Not Your Grandmother’s Knitting

LIFE STORIES 77 78 80 83 86 88

The Girl Next Door Your Best Relationship Advice My Life With Crohn’s Disease I Was A Teen Mom Culture Identity: Struggle To Fit In What Are You Thankful For

FAMILY 90 97 101

I’m a Military Wife Diary Of A Mom Postpartum Depression

TRAVEL 104 110

Traveling Well On A Budget Most Instagrammable Places: Brooklyn

IN EACH ISSUE 5 6 116 117 118 119

Editor’s Note Team Obsessions Regular Contributors Issue Contributors In Our Next Issue Before You Go...

HollAndLaneMag.com | 3

H OLL

AND

LANE

I S S U E T H R E E | O C TO B E R / NO V E MB E R 20 15 Editor In Chief SARAH HARTLEY editor@hollandlanemag.com

Assistant Editor KIMIKO MAINPRIZE

Editorial Assistant AIRE PLICHTA REESE

Social Media Coordinators JESS DOWNEY MIA SUTTON

Advertising Executive MEGAN DECKER

If you’re interested in contributing to our next issue, visit www.hollandlanemag.com Interested in advertising with us? Email advertising@hollandlanemag.com for our media kit.

STL 4 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

fall dreams

Fall is my favorite season. As soon as the heat of summer hits my face, I start dreaming of red leaves, cloudy skies, boots and football. It also seems to be the time of year that I dream my biggest dreams and feel in the right position to make them happen.

The women that we have featured in our #GIRLBOSS article are incredibly inspiring to our H&L team. They followed their dreams and are making big waves in their industries.

And we were grateful to get their advice for other women who are looking to follow their dreams.

Though publishing the first issue of Holl & Lane already made my dream come true, I strive for bigger and more, and I’m excited to put more dreams into place. The start of these dreams includes introducing the Holl & Lane Blog which launches October 5th.

We’re so excited to bring you more content, more often and I think that you’ll love what we have in store.

In the months that follow, we have even more big plans and we cannot wait to unveil them to you. We are so pleased with your feedback and excitement that you make it easy to dream big and reach for the stars. I’ll talk to you in December!

xo, Sarah

MY CURRENT OBSESSIONS NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS, $8 After hearing the song S.O.B., I can’t stop tapping my toes to it. The album is equally as good but if you give anything a listen, make it that song.

FAIRFACE WASHCLOTHS, SET OF 2, $14.99 These washcloths have my skin feeling so soft, so clean, so smooth.

Regular washcloths have always been too harsh on my skin but these are made specifically for sensitive skin (though there are other types offered as well). I actually look forward to washing my face.

BRINGING UP BÉBÉ, $8 I found this book on the differences between French and American parenting incredibly fascinating. And I may have picked up a few tips along the way.

INKWELL PRESS JOURNAL, $24 I’ve never been very good at planners although I always have good intentions when I buy them. I need something more free form to allow my ideas to flow from my brain to the pages. Inkwell Press journals are perfect for that and the luxurious pages allow me to use all my favorite pens. Plus, I can’t be the only one that loves graph paper?

HollAndLaneMag.com | 5

H&L Team Obsessions

We admit it, we get obsessed too. Here’s a roundup of our current favorite obsessions.

LITHOGRAPHS, GREAT EXPECTATIONS, $29 Great Expectations is one of my most favorite books and the image on the tote is made up of words directly from the book. Plus, I can carry my collection of books, journals, pens, and other nerdy accessories with me everywhere I go.

- Mia, Social Media Coordinator, Facebook

FLOWER BEAUTY MAKEUP CREME BLUSH, $8 This creme blush comes at a great price, applies easily and lasts through the day. Plus the brand doesn’t use animal testing for their products!

- Megan, Advertising Executive

VANDAM MAPS, $9 I'm obsessed with these Van Dam maps. We recently purchased this StreetSmart Rome map that points out major attractions in the city, for our guests coming to our wedding in Italy. They are so useful when traveling anywhere and they make them for many major cities.

- Kimiko, Assistant Editor

PRODYNE FRUIT INFUSION FLAVOR PITCHER, $20 I drink water. Obsessively.

But sometimes I want a little something extra in my water.

A lot of mixes or waters you buy with flavor are too sugary tasting (I still want water!), so I started adding fruit to my water. It's the perfect blend. And this makes it easy so the fruit doesn't make the water gross.

- Jess, Social Media Coordinator, Twitter

6 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

PRAIRIE CUCUMBER VODKA, $20 I'm currently crushing on cucumber martinis and this is the best vodka for them! It's so smooth and refreshing and has helped me make the perfect Summer drink. Praire vodka is also organic which has me thinking about drinking these into the Fall and Winter!

- Aire, Editorial Assistant

See something you love? Click it to shop!

NETWORK WE LOVE TALKING TO YOU!

STL

HollAndLaneMag.com | 7

CONTRIBUTE WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL. LET US SHARE YOURS.

Click and apply to contribute to our next issue!

8 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

There's no happier person than a truly thankful, content person.

- Joyce Meyer

HollAndLaneMag.com | 9

ON OUR

See something you love? Click it to shop!

THE CLASSIC

BOOKSHELF words by AMY COOK

THE CURRENT

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

This classic tale is told by Scout, the clever tomboy who is daughter to Atticus Finch, the town’s hero and moral compass. Set in a southern town in Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird shares the story of Tom, a colored man who is falsely accused of taking advantage of a white woman and the man who takes his case, Atticus.

Scout seems oblivious to the seriousness of the case her father has taken on because Scout and her brother, Jem, were raised to not see racial boundaries, even in the south when segregation was at its peak. Through the child-like innocence of Scout, Harper Lee shows us how we should all be looking at the world around us and how we should treat the people that make up our communities by embracing the eccentricities and differences we all share.

In this highly anticipated sequel to the beloved, To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee fast-forwards us to Scout at the age of 26 who is returning to visit her father after living in New York. In Go Set A Watchman, Scout is living amongst the Yankees and has been further exposed to the liberalism that the northern states were accustomed to. She still looks at the world with innocence that is free from racial discrimination as she was raised to do by her hero father. When she learns of a town meeting, she attends and discovers her entire childhood was a lie and the ideologies she was raised to adhere to are being challenged by the very man that taught her to treat everyone as equals. This novel fits perfectly with what is taking place in our country and shows us that no matter what we believe we have to be willing to listen and learn to fit the changing times.

OUR RATING: 5/5

OUR RATING: 4/5

THE NON-FICTION

THE CHILDREN’S

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris

In this book, Kondo walks the reader through the basics (and not-so basic) methods of becoming tidy without rebounding into chaos. She believes that people who are clutter free are more happy and productive in their personal and professional lives. She urges readers to tidy a little each day and then they will be keeping things tidy daily.

Kondo is also a big advocate for throwing away items that are unnecessary, and more importantly, unloved. If you don’t love an item, why are you saving it? She also proclaims that storing is just organized clutter and even storage must be tidy. These are just some of the tips for the KonMari (a play on her names) method of living clutter free. If you take time to put the idea between the pages into practice, you may discover The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.

This adorable tale is set in a magical forest with trolls raising orphans, a wayward fairy who has monopolized the tooth business and a queen who hates her daughter, Marigold, and wants to see her married off and out of the kingdom so she can run it into the ground. When Christian, the orphaned boy taken in

by Ed, the troll, falls in love with the princess he uses p-mail (pigeons with notes attached to their legs) to correspond with her and learns that she is lonely and in desperate need of a friend. So Christian sets off on his own to try and get a job in the castle to be closer to her and see if he can win her heart. When he learns of the Queen’s evil plan to get rid of the King and Marigold, it is up to Christian to save the love of his life and the kingdom. (A chapter book for upper elementary-aged children.)

OUR RATING: 3/5

OUR RATING: 4/5

10 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

top ten ICEBREAKER songs

I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I’ve spent a lot of time in bars over the years. In college, my friends loved karaoke and while you couldn’t get me on stage, I was happy to go along and watch. My brother also owned a bar that hosted karaoke now and then. Some participants chose songs to show off their vocal stylings (or their imagined talents in some cases), but the most popular performers were always the ones who chose a song others knew well. Crowd participation always wins points. Here are ten songs that will inspire anyone to belt along. words by MICAH CHAPLIN

“Margaritaville” – Jimmy Buffett Most people even join in on the mid-chorus chant.

“Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond This has become a staple in a lot of sports stadiums, for good reason. It’s timeless … as long as you don’t look too hard into the meaning of this song. Then it just becomes kind of creepy.

“Champagne Supernova” – Oasis This song is kind of depressing, but the words and melody are very simple.

“Piano Man” – Billy Joel I’m pretty sure Billy Joel intended this to be a sing-a-long song.

“Livin’ On a Prayer” – Bon Jovi It’s impossible not to join in on the chorus.

“American Pie” – Don McLean Those who make it to the end of this marathon tune deserve a medal.

“Love Shack” – The B-52s Whenever I watch karaoke, this one is always a crowd pleaser.

“Thriller” – Michael Jackson Not only will people sing along, they will usually attempt the dance from the video as well.

“Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus If you’ve seen “Pitch Perfect,” you’ll understand why I included it. Sure, it’s not popular to like Miley, but this single is catchy, fun, and very easy to join in on.

“It’s Raining Men” – The Weather Girls I dare you not to conjure up the scene from “Magic Mike” whenever you hear this.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 11

THE TOP TEN

MOST QUOTABLE MOVIES You know those movies that everyone seems to know the words to? They’re the movies that bond us in our love of theater. Take a look at our list below of the top ten most quotable movies. words by ERICA MUSYT

MEAN GIRLS Do you need a new word for “awesome?” Gretchen Weiner has you covered and it’s so totally “fetch!” Mean Girls is the epitome of high school for the female kind. It will teach you how to make friends and how to get back at your enemies.

Just remember the important lesson that Karen learned from Gretchen, that “you can’t just ask people why they’re white!”

FORREST GUMP “You can tell a lot about a person by their tennis shoes.” Forrest Gump taught me that. Forrest Gump is an endearing tale of a man who sees the best in everyone and everything. His mamma taught him two very good things ~ “you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on” and that “life is like a box of chocolates.” What do you think you’re gonna get?

THE WIZARD OF OZ Have you ever ended up somewhere and think to yourself, “There’s no place like home.” Dorothy Gale sure did when she ended up in Oz. Dorothy learned a tough lesson when several obstacles were put in her way, but she didn’t let them stop her. With the help from her friends, Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow, Dorothy found her way back to Kansas. All she had to do was “follow the yellow brick road.”

ELF Buddy is a man who grew up thinking he was an elf. One day he learned who his real dad was and he headed to New York to meet him. Buddy’s the happiest person around and he loves Christmas! “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” He’s so right! If you’re ever in a jam and feel a bad word coming out, just switch to Buddy’s go-to, “Son of a NUTcracker!”

TOY STORY A great inspiration quote once heard was, “Reach for the Sky! “ That came from Woody the Cowboy himself. Woody’s friend Buzz Lightyear was always rooting for him and would shout, “To infinity and beyond!” Toy Story is a movie about friendship and what real friends mean to each other, even if they have to struggle a little.

12 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

“YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US!”

THE TERMINATOR “I’ll be back.” The Terminator meant it, too! With five movie in the franchise and two more in the works, this robotic sci-fi action packed movie will take you on adventure after adventure! Don’t worry, he’ll be back. “Hasta la vista, baby!”

A CHRISTMAS STORY One of the greatest Christmas stories ever told is Ralphie’s! All he wanted for Christmas was a Red Ryder BB Gun, but he kept being told “You’ll shoot your eye out!” He tried to get points by helping his dad, but when he yelled out “Fuuuuudge!” (but said a totally different word) he got soap in the mouth! Every kid and parent in America is familiar with Ralphie’s great Christmas story. It’s definitely one for the books!

STAR WARS “May the force be with you.” One of the most famous lines in one of the biggest science fiction/fantasy movie sagas ever heard! It’s just your standard greeting or a way of saying “Good Luck.” If that’s how they wish you luck, can you imagine what other amazing lines are in the Star Wars movies?

CASABLANCA Casablanca is a love story for the ages. A pair of lovers are torn apart by war after spending an amazing time in Paris together. When they are brought back into each other’s lives, after years apart they realize that ‘[They’ll] always have Paris.” It’s quite possibly has the best ending line in any movie, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Humphrey Bogart is amazing and I have no doubt that you’ll fall madly in love with him!

BACK TO THE FUTURE (I, II, III) When the future of humanity is in danger Doctor Emmett Brown illicites the help of Marty McFly. This movie is full of fun and adventure and not to mention some awesome movie quotes. Are you surprised by something? “Great Scott!” is the response you’ll need! Is something serious happening? “This is heavy” is how you can describe it. Marty McFly also gives great advice - “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” Jump in the Delorean and take a ride to the future and back again!

HollAndLaneMag.com | 13

S T Y L E & B E A U T Y

When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.

- Gilbert K. Chesterton 14 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

l’oreal la palette nude 1 words by KARI TATE

If you are a follower of the beauty community you may have noticed that the market is full of endless amounts of products and it seems that every major company is steadily releasing new products. You may have also noticed that there have been certain products trending for the past few years, showing no signs of dying out anytime soon. One of those is the neutral eyeshadow palette.

If you’re looking for one of these neutral palettes that won’t drain your bank account, check out L’Oreal. They recently relased two neutral palettes called La Palette Nude 1, which is full of warm browns and taupes and La Palette Nude 2, which is cool tone taupes and purples.

Nude Palette 1 gets our vote because it’s traditional. Warm tone browns are the most universally flattering on every

skintone and eye color. It comes in ten beautiful shades ranging from light beige to medium tone browns to warm taupes- of both matte and shimmers. Lastly, its soft, buttery, pigmented shadows work together seamlessly.

A few other bonuses: It’s user-friendly: no matter your makeup skill level, it is easy to create a simple, soft eye that looks effortless and well put together. It’s available in drugstores which means that it’s also afforadable, it’s a fraction of the price of higher end brands.

Bottom line: If you’re overwhelmed by the selection of eyeshadows on the shelves, give this palette a try. It’s easy, convenient and provides what is needed to look fresh, polished, and effortless.

Want to give it a shot? Click it to shop!

HollAndLaneMag.com | 15

MAKE YOUR EYE COLOR

POP

We all want our eye color to “pop” and be beautifully noticed. But what colors are best to help us achieve the look? We turned to photographer and makeup artist Anita Buzzy Prentiss to get the low-down on eye color. words & images by ANITA BUZZY PRENTISS

The first thing I'd like to say is that there are no strict rules in applying makeup! If it makes you happy and you love how it looks, I say, go for it! But, if you are looking to enhance your eyes and to learn classic color theory so you can choose the colors of eye shadows that accentuate your eyes, then I am going to explain to you a little about color theory and how colors work together. In art school, I learned how to paint, and I extend this experience to applying makeup. When choosing what paint to use, I learned that when you put opposite colors together, they make each other "pop".

In most cases, you will see in the photos that a light touch is best. You don’t want your eye shadow color to compete with your naturally beautiful eye color! There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to makeup. You may have a plan going in, and then change it when it doesn’t look good. You can always remove your eye shadow and start over if you’re not happy with it. Trust your instincts! When in doubt, hire a professional. It’s fun to play and see what looks best! There are so many different looks depending on your lifestyle. Your every day makeup look will be different than it would for a photo shoot or a wedding, for example. Most of all, have fun with it! ✴

Anita’s Suggestions

BLUE EYES Warm browns, amber, peach, bronze BLUE / GREEN EYES Warm browns, purple, pink 16 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

HAZEL / AMBER EYES Slate, blue

GREEN EYES Purples, burgundy GREEN / HAZEL EYES Purples, slate, blues

BROWN EYES Blues, greens

H&L TIP #1 A sleeveless turtleneck tucked into a stretch pencil skirt is instantly chic.

For a formal holiday gathering you’ll fit right in.

STYLISH HOLIDAY TRAVEL words & images by MISCHAELA ADVANI

18 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

A key theme in my travel outfits is comfy but stylish shoes, stretchy fabrics that breathe, and having interchangeable black staple pieces so I never have to worry about something not matching. Everything can be swapped out and worn together for endless outfit options. The look is easy luxury, and dressy basics so that I’m never under or over dressed no matter where my travels take me.

H&L TIP #2 Black skinnies tucked into black booties will make your legs look a mile long. And a faux fur vest never goes out of style.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 19

H&L TIP #3 A classic quilted bag and a classic tweed jacket look effortless with a standard jeans and tee combo.

20 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

H&L TIP #4 Want to be a little more daring? Try faux leather pants with a printed tee for the Parisian IT girl look at your holiday party.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 21

Dolce & Gabanna, Star 645, $34.50 Givenchy, Grenat Initie, $36

Urban Decay, Blackmail, $22

YOUR PERFECT

Fall Lips

See something you love? Click it to shop!

It’s that time of year where we turn up the vamp with dark lipsticks to match our cozy layers.

Here, six of our favorite lipsticks for fall.

Mac, Rebel, $17

Sephora, Super Hot, $12.50

22 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

Nars, Charlotte, $32

PRODUCT REVIEW

stitch fix words & images by MICAH CHAPLIN

I have been blessed with a few talents, but fashion is not one of them. I do not have a very good eye for putting an outfit together. My style can best be described as comfortable and basic. When I go shopping, I tend to gravitate to a lot of the same things I already have in my closet.

A few years ago, I saw bloggers raving about Stitch Fix, a service that uses a stylist to send you items of clothing to try on. I was very intrigued. You pay $20 and fill out your "style profile," and they send you a box of items handpicked for you. That $20 can be used toward the purchase of one or more of the items. And if you purchase all items in the box, you get a 25% discount. That sounded like a pretty decent deal, so I signed up.

The first Fix was a bit of a miss, but I tweaked my Pinterest style board, and offered feedback when I sent the items back. Since then, my boxes have gotten a lot better. I’ve now been a happy Stitch Fix subscriber for two years.

This is one of my most treasured clothing items. I look for excuses to wear it.

The stylists at Stitch Fix have pushed me outside my usual shopping habits. Some of the pieces have drawn an eyebrow raise when I pull them out of the box, but I always give them a shot, and sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised.

For example, I’ve always been afraid of horizontal stripes, so when I got a black and white dress with this pattern, I thought for sure I’d be sending it back. But I tried it on, and it was super flattering. It ended up being one my favorite things I have in my closet.

I also like the convenience and flexibility of the fixes. I usually have mine arrive on Thursday so I have all weekend to try them on. Since I’m trying clothes on in my own home, I can see what else I have in my closet to complement the piece.

I can also see if I already have a similar item. Living room fashion shows can be fun too.

I look forward to receiving my Stitch Fix, though I must confess I’m not on a monthly schedule. I skip every other month to help keep the expense down.

Stitch Fix offers suggestions on how to style each piece.

I liked the color and style of this dress but the cut just didn’t do it for me.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 23

REPURPOSED

H A LL O W E E N produced by AIRE PLICHTA REESE, images by EMILY FACKLER REESE

FASHIONABLE MUMMY Bodycon Dress Roll of Streamers / Tissue

24 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

ZOMBIE DESCHANEL Fit and Flare Dress Pair of Round Frame Glasses Cute Flats Zombie Makeup I don't know if it's because most of them are so cheaply made with terribly finished seams, but I have a hard time buying the mass-produced costumes out there. So I jump at the chance to re-purpose clothing that I already own every Halloween. Once you have your costume figured out, it usually only takes adding some new makeup and a few accessories

and you're ready to go! Since these are pieces you already have in your closet, chances are they'll be a lot more comfortable and worn-in than something brand-new. Feeling like your closet is not going to produce a worthy costume? Have no fear! Purchasing these items is a lot more wallet friendly since many of these pieces can be worn again.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 25

RUNAWAY BRIDESMAID Bridesmaids Dress Pair of Sneakers Bouquet of Flowers

26 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

I N T E R I O R S

I'm thankful to be breathing, on this side of the grass. Whatever comes, comes.

- Ron Perlman

HollAndLaneMag.com | 27

CB2, $700 CB2, the less expensive but equally fantastic sibling of Crate and Barrel, does modern really well.

There are some gorgeous pieces that will work seamlessly with a whole host of decorating styles. This canopy bed is the ultimate favourite right now. Hello black and brass, you incredibly chic little thing!

SPLURGEWORTHY!

Land of Nod, $79 Soft pink and tufts? Nothing beats it! Poufs provide a great way of creating additional seating without taking up a lot of room real estate.

The price is so good that no one will judge you if you pick up a few!

MerakiBrooklyn, $40 Art has a natural way of grounding your home and providing focus – at the end of the day, it’s all about finding pieces that you love. This graphic New York City print, with the bright pops of pink and green, screams “bring me home!”

See something you love? Click it to shop!

Overstock, $165 The Hans Wegner wishbone chair is famous in modern design and is still an absolute classic today.

Good reproductions are hard to come by, but this beautiful one does a great job. Use them as dining chairs, in the office, or as the perfect accent.

28 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

TOTAL STEAL!

H&M, $18 If you want on-point accessories at great prices H&M home is your jam. Baskets are the perfect way to stash blankets, extra pillows or anything thing else you may be collecting.

The gold finish and clean lines are glorious and are sure to make all those odds and ends feel suddenly special.

Minted, Various Prices Minted is by far one of the best places to get your hand on fantastic art at great prices. Pieces can be purchased in sizes from teeny tiny to posters and Minted allows you to choose from a huge selection of framing options.

This graphic River Board print from artist Shari Margolin is a must have!

CB2, $149 This two-tone marble pillar table lamp is the perfect mix of modern with a little edge. Small enough to fit anywhere, but with enough punch to really make an impact, these lamps will be the perfect way to light up any space.

West Elm, $139 Brass is having its heyday, but this sculptural side table comes in a wide variety of metallic finishes to mix and match with your home décor. The small scale means that it is perfect for tucking in those awkward nooks or between accent chairs.

TOTAL STEAL!

SPLURGEWORTHY!

Dress Your Home

We all need those pieces that make our home feel special. Here we’ve found a few pieces that will make a BIG impact at all price points.

Zara, $169 What’s black and white and chic all over? Only the prettiest rug that you ever did see.

Zara Home has nailed the effortlessly cool aesthetic and hits it out of the park with this graphic rug. I dare you not to love it.

Lulu & Georgia, $53 Lulu & Georgia is hands down on of the best places to find décor and accessories. The soft pink hue of this vase is absolutely stunning, making it the perfect place to display your favourite blooms.

SPLURGEWORTHY!

Leif, $88 Soft merino wool knit and down-feather fill make this oversized throw pillow equal parts pretty and comfortable. Pillows that you love are worth a little investment and these are no different. They deserve to be the focus and will add that much needed pizazz to any room. words by ALEX RUYTER

HollAndLaneMag.com | 29

#HOLLANDLANERUGS

We asked you to share your favorite rugs with us on Instagram and you delivered with bright, beautiful, patterned rugs that made our hearts go BOOM.

@sawissinger

@nikiwhittle

@soalaina

@pittsburghstylist

@ihaveathingforrugs

@embergreyblog

@kimikos

@endlessweekend

30 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

BABY Betty's NURSERY words & images by LEIGH BROWNING

HollAndLaneMag.com | 31

S

ince we closed on our home just five days after Anabelle, my two year old, was born, I had months of nesting that I was not able to satisfy. Even though we actually hardly used the nursery, it was the first room that I finished decorating!

We have an old home in the heart of our town. Upstairs, we had a small room with wood floors in need of a refinishing job, but well preserved from being covered with carpet, it had a chimney in the middle of one of the walls and a closet with a missing door. To me this all screamed character and I just knew, with a little creativity, it would make the perfect nursery. I didn't need a big room for hours of playing, we had that downstairs, I just needed enough room for the essentials plus a little open floor space for use later down the road.

My husband and I want a big family, we just aren't sure how big, but I knew that redecorating the nursery for every child was going to be a waste of money. Even though I knew we were having a girl, I kept things neutral right off the bat. I chose a light grey to keep things bright and almost white, but to add a little coziness to the overall feel. Also, since we bought a house and had a baby within days of each other, we didn't have much money left for decorating. I tried to reuse items whenever I could, and I got pretty good at shop32 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

ping for the perfect subtle pieces that would make just the right statement. One of my favorites are the dresser knobs I found on sale at Anthropologie.

The new furniture that I bought for the room, the dresser and crib, I chose in white. The hand me downs from my Mom's basement, the rocking chair and abacus, were natural wood. But no matter how hard I try to stick to neutrals, I end up picking out the brightest pops of color in the rest of the decor.

I kept things childish and meaningful with the crayon canvas my sister made, a piece of art I made in preschool, and a Raggedy Anne my mom painted for me when I was a little girl. The room has now evolved over the past couple years and is still one of my favorites. We added the most darling animal prints to the wall for Betty's arrival that only seemed appropriate with how much Anabelle loves animal sounds.

And when I found the rug, I knew it would complete the fun vibe of the room!

Anabelle hardly slept in the nursery, and Betty may not be in there yet, but one my favorite times of the day is spent in this cozy little room. After I get Betty dressed in the morning, I sit in the rocking chair to nurse, Anabelle sits on the floor and she flips the pages as I read her a book.

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

HollAndLaneMag.com | 33

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

34 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

ADVERTISE

SHARE YOUR PRODUCTS WITH OUR READERS.

Click and apply to contribute to our next issue!

36 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

B U S I N E S S

Strive to find things to be thankful for, and just look for the good in who you are!

- Bethany Hamilton

HollAndLaneMag.com | 37

CAREER PROFILE:

BRIDGE ENGINEER NAME: Lindsey Renner, P.E., 32 OCCUPATION: Bridge Engineer SO YOU’RE A BRIDGE ENGINEER, WHAT EXACTLY DOES THAT MEAN? Technically it could mean a number of things. Some bridge engineers design bridges, some construct bridges, and some (like me) inspect them and plan for their maintenance. I had done both construction and design and found them to be either too much office work or too much field work, and this is a perfect compromise.The region I work in has an inventory of nearly a thousand bridges and culverts that are required to be inspected every 2 years, or more frequently, depending on their condition.

I am looking for things that would jeopardize the safety of the motoring public on or under these bridges. In addition, I look for ways that we can perform preventative maintenance or contract work to extend the life of the structure. I still get opportunities to be involved with construction and design, so this job plays nicely on some of my past strengths.

WHAT TYPE OF SCHOOLING AND TRAINING DID YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH TO GET TO YOUR CURRENT POSITION? I stumbled into Bridges by accident, so there are probably more direct ways to get to where I am than the path that I followed. I graduated in 2006 with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University after turning a 4 year program into 5 years with the help of a Study Abroad semester in Russia and a 6-month co-op experience. I spent a few years working on construction sites and doing material testing before I found a career in structures. I have a Professional Engineers license, which is very important in Civil Engineering. In order to acquire an engineers license from the Department of Labor, you are required to have a bachelors degree in engineering from an ABET accredited university, you have to pass an 8 hour exam of Fundamental Engineering Concepts, 38 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

work under a licensed professional for 4 years, and then take and pass the 8 hour Professional Engineers exam. After you pass this exam, you have to get letters of recommendation from your mentors that vouch for your knowledge of core concepts, and the quality of your person.

Then finally, you are a Professional Engineer, or PE. To get involved with bridge inspection, as I am, there is a required comprehensive bridge inspection class offered by National Highway Institute and Federal Highway Administration that is required for all bridge inspectors. Your status as a Team Leader or Program Manager for Bridge inspection can be met by a handful of experience, education, and training requirements.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY-TO-DAY LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? There are no typical days at my work!

That is one of my favorite aspects of what I do. I fill many of my days with performing bridge inspections for the 10 counties I serve in Michigan, but I also attend design meetings, respond to emergencies (such as when a truck hits a bridge), respond to damage claims, program bridges for contract work, perform post-construction inspections, collect data for load-rating, perform detailed hands-on inspections, select companies to perform work, and try as often as I can to allow for job shadowing from students.

Some days I wake up and attend meetings in business clothes and then have to turn around and put workboots and waders on as I inspect bridges over waterways. Variety is the spice of life, right?

WHAT IS THE HARDEST / SCARIEST PART OF YOUR JOB? The scariest part of my job, for me, is anything I have to do off of a ladder. I am not afraid of heights, but I am afraid of falling! Oftentimes we have to work from a ladder to evaluate the quality of the concrete on top of a pier. I get through with a lot of reasoning with myself! Recently I had the opportunity to view the Mackinac Bridge from the top of the towers.

We drive across bridges everyday, but it isn’t often that we think about the safety, how they’re constructed, and what goes into maintaining them. Lindsey, a bridge engineer, and one of few women in her field, spends her days making sure that we all stay safe. produced by SARAH HARTLEY

Unbeknownst to me, there would be a fair share of climbing ladders and being forced through holes in steel. I had a lot of trouble (forcing my body through the tiniest holes I had ever seen) going up the tower. So I guess we can add “confined spaces” to my list of feared objects. The hardest part of my job usually comes down to scheduling. We are federally required to perform our inspections the month that they are due, and sometimes our time gets eaten up by other unpredictable challenges. If we have too many tardies in the system, the federal government can choose to withhold funds to us. Our most recent metric report states that for Fiscal Year 2015, we currently have 100% of our inspections on time, so we are weathering the storm just fine!

YOU’RE IN A MALE DOMINATED FIELD, WHAT HAS THAT BEEN LIKE? DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR OTHER WOMEN LOOKING TO ENTER YOUR FIELD? Honestly, it’s just beginning to get easier. My co-op and first year as an engineer was a very valuable experience for me. I was placed on a construction site and told to make decisions about the acceptance of concrete, aggregate, and asphalt for the project. I heard “Little girl, I’ve been doing this job longer than you’ve been alive” way more than I needed to. Somewhere along the way I developed a backbone and learned to stand up for myself. You have to. I have worked for the company that drastically underpaid its female engineers (and subsequently watched many of these females leave and become powerhouses in their areas of expertise).

Unfortunately, sometimes you have to go through it and “do your time” with the knowledge that eventually it gets easier. You learn so much every day, and every scrap you pick up is something you can build on. I’ve worked for the state now for nearly 3 years, and find employment here to be wonderful for a female. You are compensated by

position, not by gender. I do feel that effort gets rewarded, and of the females I have seen in engineering, we are not short on effort. I believe it’s a great experience to provide for learning, so every year I take a co-op to assist me with my bridge inspections. This year, I selected an ambitious female. Her perception of females in engineering is that there are many more than there were when I was in school; it seems that some of the stereotypes of engineering being a “mans job” are sloughing off, and female enrollment is up. A challenge I hear often from students considering engineering is an inability/ lack of desire to perform complex math and calculus all day. I promise you that in the almost 10 years I’ve been an engineer I have rarely used these skills.

They are just building blocks to teach concepts upon. If you are considering civil engineering and have a hang up about the coursework, look at the core classes and see if you have an interest in working in fields similar to those. If the answer is yes, do everything you can to get through the tough classes with a passing grade. And when your friends graduate with electrical and mechanical engineering degrees and make $30k more than you do, try and remember that your salary will basically double in ten years time, and be a very interesting and rewarding career.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE? I was asked this question in an interview the other day. I want to stay with bridges. I enjoy what I do right now, and don’t intend to deviate much in the subject of my day-to-day dealings. I feel like I’m at the point in my career where I have something to offer people who are up and coming. Maybe fill in the gaps in areas that I struggled in. I still haven’t decided if I want to be in charge of workers, or in charge of work, and that’s something I will have to decide before my next opportunity. ✴

HollAndLaneMag.com | 39

40 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

#GirlBoss produced by SARAH HARTLEY & KIMIKO MAINPRIZE

“YOU CREATE THE WORLD, BLINK BY BLINK. IT IS ENTIRELY YOURS TO DISCOVER AND YOURS TO CREATE.” - SOPHIA AMORUSO, #GIRLBOSS

AROUND HERE WE LOVE WOMEN WHO HAVE GONE OUT, FOLLOWED THEIR PASSION, AND KICKED MAJOR ENTREPRENEURIAL ASS. THESE WOMEN INSPIRE US, DRIVE US TO FOLLOW OUR OWN DREAMS, AND SHOW US HOW TO FIND SUCCESS ON OUR TERMS. AT HOLL & LANE, WE CELEBRATE THESE WOMEN AND WE’RE THRILLED TO GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO THE FIVE INSPIRING WOMEN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 41

SAFFRON AVENUE Name: Angela Mondloch Location: Madison, WI Business Name: Saffron Avenue Industry: Branding and Design www.saffronavenue.com

GIVE US YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH FOR YOUR BUSINESS. Saffron Avenue is a boutique design studio specializing in complete logo, brand, and website design. Beyond crafting unique brands for small businesses I am a sucker for beautiful lettering and calligraphy. From handwriting, watercolor, brush pen, and custom illustrations, I simply love creating them all. I believe in the use of perfect color pairings, pretty patterns, big blooms, chai tea, and of course lovely clients with big hearts and big dreams.

country without a job or any friends or family was a pretty big success, considering it taught me a lot in that time and lead me to where I am today. Not only that but this year I have also booked three very big clients and projects that I never thought I would have the opportunity to work with and get to meet.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODEL/INFLUENCER? To be honest I'm not sure if I have one specific role model, I actually look up to a ton of ladies I follow on instagram. For example, Lara Casey, Emily Ley, Jenna Kutcher, Salted Ink, Adrienne Bosh, and more. So many of them are amazing as entrepreneurs, mothers, female business owners, etc. They also do such a great job inspiring others while being true to themselves. I completely admire that!

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I started out wanting to be a wedding planner! At age 13 I started saving up money for a one-way ticket to move to the coast after graduating, to start my own wedding planning career. Sure enough “New projects tend to WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR about a year or so after graduating college I fire me up, so having the YOUNGER SELF JUST STARTING OUT? moved to North Carolina. I found a bedroom to rent on craigslist, packed up my old Honopportunity to take on There are times I wouldn't tell myself anything, I'm so thankful for where I am today. da, and drove 2,000 miles to a state where I new and exciting pro- because But, at the same time I would want to tell my didn't have any friends or family. I had enough jects definitely keep me 20-something self to just plain slow down. money saved up to allow me to stay for two While I lived in NC I worked, and worked a months in hopes I would find a job in that time. going.� lot. I had two jobs each averaging about 25 Luckily I found a job at a local bakery where hours a week, as well as trying to build my I helped design wedding cakes and dessert side business. In essence I was working another part-time job. bars. I started teaching myself graphic design in order to make I averaged about four hours of sleep at times and worked every money on the side through my blog and Etsy, as well as landing weekend. I unfortunately turned down days at the beach, nights a part time position at a marketing firm. Over time the more I with friends on the water, and just didn't spend enough time learned, the more I loved design. My blog started growing, and enjoying where I was. so did the need for logos and small business branding. Now, four years later, I work full time with amazing clients, helping WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR ASPIRING FEMALE them design their business from the ground up!

ENTREPRENEURS? (1) Be yourself: Create your own brand and style, try to set WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP GOING, ESPECIALLY WHEN yourself apart from others in the industry (2) Put in the time: I THINGS GET HARD? get asked a lot how I learned to do what I do, and to be honest New projects tend to fire me up, so having the opportunity to I spent endless hours googling and youtubing how to it. From take on new and exciting projects definitely keep me going. Not creating an invoice, learning web development, doing calligraonly that but constantly challenging myself to learn something phy, etc. I didn't take classes, I simply did a lot of research. (3) new, from calligraphy, watercolor, web development, etc. Any Make Friends: I don't view other designers as competition, but chance I get to step away from the computer can be a breath of as colleagues in the industry. Becoming friends with them is so fresh air, to rejuvenate me. And yes, coffee helps too! great, they are a sounding board, a coach, a mentor, a referral, and someone that can push you to be better.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST SUCCESS STORY IN YOUR CAREER? I would say the fact that I took a risk and moved across the 42 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED? I think the most beneficial lesson I learned was creating boundaries with clients. I used to email my clients back within minutes at 1 a.m., as well as take calls and emails on weekends. Once I was more established and comfortable I began establishing boundaries with emails and work times. I try to only communicate and respond between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays. I still do a lot of design after those hours and on weekends, but try to only do it while my husband is working out or playing softball. And we agreed that Sunday evening can be my design time.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU? HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’VE ACHIEVED IT? This is a tough one! Some people see it in a monetary way, for example when you reach a certain income amount, how big your home is, or where your next vacation is. But I think I see it more within my career goals. Being able to have the freedom to do the things you love, but at the same time have the ability to work with your ideal clients. In other words, I'll know I've hit some level of success when I'm able to comfortably go and take a long weekend somewhere without worry about work/money/time. But more importantly having the opportunity to work with a limited number of clients, the ones that are truly passionate about their business and looking for a long-term relationship to take their brand to the next level.

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE? WHY? This might not be a valid answer, but I would actually love to have dinner with my husband- in Santorini, Greece! I wouldn't be able to choose one role-model of mine to have dinner with, but the opportunity to just 'be' with my husband in a beautiful city would be amazing. As newlyweds we never booked a honeymoon and rarely get the opportunity to go out on dates (as we are new homeowners too), so to get a night out would be my first choice! ✴

HollAndLaneMag.com | 43

ROX + ROYALTY Name: Annie Weirauch Location: Los Angeles, California Business Name: Rox + Royalty Industry: Custom & Couture Fashion www.roxandroyalty.com

GIVE US YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH FOR YOUR BUSINESS. Los Angeles based fashion label, Rox + Royalty, unites music + style by mixing edge with elegance. It’s rock + roll meets old Hollywood glam. West Coast meets East Coast.

Classic themes with a modern twist. Inspired by artists. Created for fans.

ance. The support for my work has given me the confidence to believe that someday it will happen. From invitations to show in New York, Paris, Hollywood, Miami, and fashion shows around the world, to casting producers requesting my auditions for reality shows including Project Runway, I was assured my work was worth pursuing. My costume couture work won nationally recognized HighBall Halloween and was approved by Ariana Grande for the AMA’s, although timing didn’t allow for completion.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I was a street team rep for several of my favorite musicians.

Their music moved me. I wanted to spread the word to WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODEL/INFLUENCER? everyone I knew and then some. I passed out demo CD’s Hands down, Gwen Stefani. Her music and style turned her at other concerts, called and emailed hundreds of radio stainto an icon and fashion business mogul. I may have been tions to request their new single, posted flyers around cama fan of Gavin Rossdale’s since high school, but Gwen stole pus, lined up at tour buses for an autograph, made my own my heart after college. The news of their divorce was my fan t-shirts to wear to a show. When I ended up at an after own Tragic Kingdom, a thread I hoped would never unravel. party where I was hanging out with my favorite artist, Howie Day, I suddenly felt like a crazy fan, too embarrassed to ask WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF for an autograph. The energy of being a fan soon shifted JUST STARTING OUT? to designing my own brand of graphic tees, inspired by my Let other people help guide you. Rely on their expertise, favorite music, for which I would trade for guest list tickets. even if you think you can do everything T-Shirts evolved into jewelry and later on your own. I want to do everything a full collection and costume couture “Don’t be afraid of change. but I spread myself too thin. Over the pieces. past year I have been searching for the Don’t be afraid of changing right collaboration. Teamwork can build WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP GOING, too much. An entrepreneur a more successful business model.

ESPECIALLY WHEN THINGS GET You need a partner who shares similar HARD? is always looking for the goals but can provide an entirely differSometimes I’m driving 150 miles per next best thing.” ent set of skills. That’s also the key to hour but eventually I run out of gas. I’ve a successful marriage, as my husband encountered many roadblocks, most and I have been together for 17 years. often financial or time constraints. I usually take a few months off to recover, reevaluate, and reWHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR ASPIRING FEcoup my creative being. Then I’m on to the next adventure.

MALE ENTREPRENEURS? Learn. Learn. Learn. Don’t ever believe you are better than WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST SUCCESS STORY IN YOUR anyone else. Don’t let jealousy keep you from learning.

CAREER? Learn about what makes you jealous, then add that to your Professionally I’ve had a very successful 12 year design set of skills. Don’t be afraid of change. Don’t be afraid of career in the corporate retail and manufacturing world. It’s changing too much. An entrepreneur is always looking for earned me a great living but often left me with the desire to the next best thing. Never give up. Maybe you start over, build my own dreams, not support everyone else’s. Rox + but never give up.

Royalty has always been a part-time creative outlet for me.

Of course I would love to see it become wildly successful.

There is also the type of success that comes as self-assur44 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED? Don’t burn bridges. Creative people are often passionate and not always level headed. I may be an easy person to get along with most of the time, but passion is fire. Sometimes those bridges catch on fire and you struggle to keep them standing.

Don’t hold grudges. Maybe you don’t care if you ever get to the other side of that bridge, but it’s a long way around.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU? HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’VE ACHIEVED IT? Success is being able to do what you love. Money and power don’t always come with success. I’d like to think that success would bring fulfillment, but I also don’t ever want to feel like I have no more goals left to achieve.

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE? WHY? When we moved to LA we didn’t have any friends to go to dinner with. I was invited to join a secret Facebook group of LA girls, now so powerful it’s mentioned in Forbes as a Secret Internet Girl Cult. I’ve attended many happy hours and coffee shop meetings, looking for the right social and professional network. As a business owner you have to get out there and open doors. I’ve made several great friends in the past year.

Last week alone I made a dozen new friends. I keep hoping one of them is BFF’s with Gwen Stefani. ✴

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

HollAndLaneMag.com | 45

REVIVE MARKETING Name: Eileen French Jordan Location: Pittsburgh, PA Business Name: Revive Marketing Group Industry: Advertising www.revivemarketinggroup.com

GIVE US YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. Revive Marketing Group is a boutique advertising agency based in Pittsburgh, PA specializing in branding, public relations, social media, marketing strategy, digital, and events.

Revive's approach is one of community and connectivity, creating unparalleled client experiences, lasting impressions, and collaborative partnership opportunities.

ical AND creative and not have to choose. I also credit my husband, Patrick Jordan, and my best friend and partner in Revive, Jack Bellas, as influencers- they are both extremely hard working, creative, and supportive people. I have to pinch myself pretty often because I can't believe how lucky I am to have been surrounded and encouraged by some of the most talented people I have ever met.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? Six years ago, my business partner (and best friend), Jack Bellas and I had a handful of clients from our media days who expressed interest in working with us regardless of what company we represented. At that time, we knew it was right to take the leap to go off on our own and create Revive.

It was extremely humbling to have that kind of professional support at a pretty young age so we did, and continue to do, our very best and show our gratitude to clients who believe in our work.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF JUST STARTING OUT? Trust your instincts. Every time I override my "gut feeling", particularly where people are concerned, I end up wishing I would have just trusted myself from the start.

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP GOING, ESPECIALLY WHEN THINGS GET HARD? Laughter! No matter how busy and grueling things get, Jack and I and our amazing team can always find the positive and ALWAYS find the humor in nearly every situation.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST SUCCESS STORY IN YOUR CAREER? I feel like every satisfied client is a success story. I am really proud of every single project we do/ have done. I am really excited about the work we are doing with the Urban Redevelopment Authority, the Mayor's Office, and NextPittsburgh on a project that launches in early October called the Next 3 Days. It's a project that spotlights Pittsburgh communities and the inaugural neighborhood is an amazing place in Pittsburgh, Troy Hill. It's so inspiring and rewarding to be able to apply our marketing strategy and event skill sets to a project that will positively impact our community.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODEL/INFLUENCER? My professional mentor, Mary Beth Beggy, who is no longer with us, has always been my inspiration and a driving force in my personal and professional life. I miss her every single day and she is the person that showed me that I could create my own reality professionally. That I could be analyt46 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 TIPS FOR ASPIRING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS? 1- Work/ life balance is the biggest challenge- I still struggle with it and probably always will. Try your best and listen to your friends and family when they tell you to take a break!

2- It's inevitable that you will encounter some serious sexism. People will not take you seriously because you happen to be wearing lipstick (men and even some women). Stick to your guns and continue to be assertive, professional, knowledgeable, and courteous.

3- Don't let the "b" word and the "e" words get you down. As women, we get stifled as being "emotional" when we are being passionate. We get "bitch" or "bossy" when being assertive. Just do you! You wouldn't be able to have a business if you weren't assertive or passionate.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED? To listen more, and talk less. I am a talker! But I have learned over the years, that listening is the more valuable of the two in business. You cannot truly help a client, or be effective, if you don't truly listen to their wants, desires, and needs. Same goes for the people that work with you and for you- listen to them, process, and value what they are saying- even if you do not agree with it. I promise you, you will find ways to improve yourself and your business by absorbing feedback from others. I work on this daily!

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE

WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU? HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN YOU'VE ACHIEVED IT? Success, to me, is a happy and satisfying work life and home life. Top that off with financial security and the means to have some travel and fun and I think that's all I ever really want or need in life!

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE? WHY? I would have dinner with Andy Cohen. He built an empire on Bravo and he always looks like he is having the time of his life. I want to know all of the scoop about the network and how he built it to what it is today. Plus, it would just be a blast! ✴

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF “You cannot truly help a client, SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS! or be effective, if you don't truly listen to their wants, desires, and needs.”

HollAndLaneMag.com | 47

RIA MEDIA Name: Ria Pacheco Location: Calgary, Alberta Business Name: Ria Media Industry: Marketing & Advertising www.ria-media.com

GIVE US YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH FOR YOUR BUSINESS. RIA Media provides technical marketing and advertising services for small, mid-size, and big business decision-makers, who seek large-scale results on a small-scale timeline, and who prefer my solution over other alternatives because I provide a completely outsourced marketing department in a single person charged at an hourly consultancy rate. This gives my clients peace of mind because they’re not being guided by a marketing person who doesn’t understand their corporate and technical niche, all services are provided by one person, and we get to work together 24 hours a day.

In the energy sector a lot of bids, proposals, and sales opportunities are given with little notice to the company so it’s my job to help them find the right data, shape it effectively, and present something like a 200 page document that wins million dollar service bills in something like 10 days.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I actually started in University majoring in Sociology with a minor in Business. Half way through I picked up a camera and realized I was pretty good at taking photos and marketing myself as a photographer. Business really picked up, I fell in love with visual media, and dropped out of University.

I still took random introductory night classes for media-related skill sets and developed a variety of skills from Print Design, to SEO (Search Engine Optimization), to Public Relations, and to Illustrator… but something still wasn’t right. I was going to media events as a digital marketing specialist but I just felt like I didn’t fit in. Everyone in these circles are super ‘cool’ and have an edge that’s defined by charisma and a love of trend. There I was, working gigs and going to events and wishing I was home because I much preferred finishing my work day instead of going out for drinks after awkwardly. I realized that my skill was in marketing but my passion was in good old technical nerdy business.

I developed a love affair for the energy sector and created data-driven marketing pieces to win service companies work and give executives a better understanding of their competitive edge. I developed a proprietary service that really could only be delivered by me: the data deposition. Essentially I sit with executive teams, and based on their specific needs, rip through their existing data and ask them questions they’ve never thought of before. This creates a discussion to contin48 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

ue discovering their marketing messaging and my personal perspective infuses the conversation to heights that provide second-to-none insight. This data later is shaped into the material they need and finished off with my many hard skill sets. At the end of the day, I’m selling ‘me’ in the nerdiest way possible. I love it.

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP GOING, ESPECIALLY WHEN THINGS GET HARD? As an entrepreneur, things get hard a lot. A lot harder than you’d think. Not only do you experience financial struggle but entrepreneurship tends to play a lot of mind games with you. You start to question yourself. Am I doing the right thing? What are other people doing at my age? Is it ever going to be less exhausting? I believe that what separates a good entrepreneur and a bad one is self awareness. I know it’s not your typical answer like ‘perseverance’ or ‘trying to prove people wrong’, but all of that is rooted in self awareness. If you’re able to know yourself, be okay with yourself, love yourself, there is absolutely nothing you can’t do.

It’s funny because I’ve only had a pretty decent amount of self-awareness in the last few months but I always knew this was important and luckily I started really taking inventory early on because of a mentor of mine.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST SUCCESS STORY IN YOUR CAREER? My career success story is a personal one. I got through a very intense breakup and a month later my sales tripled and I knew myself more than I ever had. The reason why I classify this under my career success isn’t because it’s a big ‘good riddance’ to my ex! He’s great and I’ll always love the guy.

The reason why this is a success for my career is because without this, I would never have discovered the depths of who I am and in turn what I’m truly capable of. Anyone who “Love yourself first. Make is obsessed with a five year plan. End the the business model, five year plan with a goal getting money, and trying to be the hardthat is not characterized ass CEO they see by money.” on TV will never truly understand success.

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE

They’re probably really good managers but they will never be really good leaders. In order to lead a business you have to lead an idea and an ‘idea’ comes from the mind, body, and soul! A sound mind guides your business structure into the big picture scaling up. Your body must be dedicated to being the hardest working person you know with an air of appeal that people can’t deny. And your soul… your soul has to take you through until the day you die.

sense. Keep learning as much as you can but don’t be discouraged when you feel like you don’t fit in. The pieces will fit eventually.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODEL/INFLUENCER? My biggest influence would be my mentor Wayne Stewart.

He was a senior manager for business development, PR, and a whole plethora of other stuff at Shell for 25 years and then, because of his kind heart, took the nonprofit world by storm. He was the CEO of the Homeless Foundation and even ran for Calgary Mayor in 2010 before dropping out to support the current mayor, Naheed Nenshi. I met him at a research presentation and he gave me his card to meet. My whole life changed. I walked into his office thinking it was going to be a business discussion and he ended up ripping my brain apart. I was of course really not self aware at the time and had quite a struggle trying to figure myself out.

For four years we met regularly. I don’t ask for anything and he doesn’t expect anything from me. We literally sit down because he is an amazing person that wants to help people and I am so appreciative of who he is. One really simple piece of advice that I’ll never forget that he had was “… Ok, it’s time to think bigger.”

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED? You’re always smarter and tougher than you think you are.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR ASPIRING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS? Love yourself first. Make a 5 year plan. End the five year plan with a goal that is not characterized by money.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU? HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’VE ACHIEVED IT? Success is a very personal thing. The metrics are dependant on your perspective. My idea of success is based on influence. To be honest, I’m not really sure what my success will look like. If I had to say anything, I would say that I succeeded when I can hear from a substantial list of people who are making a change in the world, that I’ve made a very major change in theirs.

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF JUST STARTING OUT? Things are going to get messy but it will eventually all make

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE? WHY? When I was in high school I had a boyfriend who meant a lot to me that passed away. He loved me unconditionally and was a good man from a good family. A lot of those hard entrepreneur moments I’ve prayed to him and am very thankful in knowing he’s there. If I could, I would love to still have dinner with him… to ask him how he’s doing and to thank him for a very difficult part of my life that made me into who I am today. ✴ HollAndLaneMag.com | 49

PRETTY LIVING PR Name: Charissa Livingston Location: Pittsburgh, PA Business Name: Pretty Living PR Industry: Public Relations www.prettylivingpr.com

GIVE US YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. Pretty Living PR is designed to publicize, promote and grow businesses, talent and events using niche fashionable marketing, innovative magazine placements, personalized public relations strategies and creative branding to create experiences for our clients.

a business, I managed to put myself on my own salary, move into a new home and find the love of my life in just two years’ time and wonder why I doubted my capabilities. Entrepreneurship in and of itself has been a success story for me and while it’s a rough journey – it’s worth it!

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODEL/INFLUENCER? My valued relationships in my life influence my work and efforts HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? every day. God. My mother. My grandfather. My boyfriend. I’ve While working in journalism and event planning during my late been so blessed to have so many influencers in my lifetime, teens and early twenties I developed a passion for Public Relaeach providing me with an example of living. From God I retions and Communications. Though I majored in Legal Studies ceive my virtue, direction and ultimate purpose in living each and Political Science, my experiences in the industry have been day. My mother is the epitome of strength and resilience, heart acquired over a long period of time. Dabbling in show coordinaand soul. She’s shown me generosity for others and how to tion, PR and journalism, I was privileged to meet and befriend continue living with heart in spite of trials and hurts. She’s passionate business owners, artists and designers and develshown me how to push forward letting love lead your life. My op a reputation as a connector. I saw a tremendous growth grandfather has directed my passion and zest for adventure in entrepreneurship within the fashion and beauty industries in and life. An adventurer/pilot/artist himself, Pittsburgh but we lacked the proper positionfrom him I was taught to continue learning ing. Ultimately, I love building people up and and grasping everything life has to offer. My recognizing their successes and wanted to “Don’t try to tackle the boyfriend has provided me with an amazing make a living doing just this. Unfortunately, a career in Style PR wasn’t a path that existed world so early on. Rome example of trust, morals, forgiveness, loyalty love when I’ve nearly given up on people in Pittsburgh quite yet; the idea of Pretty Livwasn’t built in a day. Re- and in general. ing PR was born.

lax and enjoy the pro-

ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP GOING, ESPEcess knowing that it will WHAT YOUNGER SELF JUST STARTING OUT? CIALLY WHEN THINGS GET HARD? all come together in the Don’t try to tackle the world so early on. Rome Having a thorough understanding and grasp wasn’t built in a day. Relax and enjoy the proof my life purpose keeps me going. When end.” cess knowing that it will all come together in complexities arise, as they will, I stay true the end. to myself and my mission which has always been to instill confidence, provide example, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 TIPS FOR ASPIRING FEMALE ENhope, inspiration and excitement for others. It brings me joy to TREPRENEURS? really highlight the good in people and build them up and that’s The most important investment you can ever make is in yourexactly what a Publicist does. It wasn’t until I achieved clarity self. Get to know yourself before building your business and in my life that I really began to find enjoyment in my work and learn to develop undeniable confidence, not cockiness. Believlifestyle. ing in yourself will get you furthest.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST SUCCESS STORY IN YOUR CAWHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED? REER? To slow down and be present, to surrender control.

I think the entire journey has been a success story. I’ve made a terrible habit of doubting myself and my capabilities in the WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU? HOW WILL YOU KNOW past and have always second guessed what I could handle WHEN YOU'VE ACHIEVED IT? and achieve. When I started building my own confidence in my I’ve never measured success with money, status or power. This career and changed my thought pattern I learned that there is is something I’ve learned to steer away from. To me, success little that I can’t accomplish in my field. For one, dropping out of is continuous growth and contentment and making sure I’m doschool, quitting my 9-5 job in law, moving out of my apartment ing what I’m meant to do with my work. Success is being able and back in with my parents to start a business at age 22 was to provide a noble living for myself doing something that I am a whirlwind that I never saw an outcome to, but it proved to be passionate for but also something that serves others. Success my ideal position. I was terrified to embark in sole ownership of is making a difference in my community and making dreams Pretty Living PR and had no idea how I would manage all that come true. ✴ entails in a business, but it turned out to be the best decision of my career. Now that I’ve overcome the many stages of starting 50 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

HollAndLaneMag.com | 51

F O O D & F I T N E S S

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.

- Oprah Winfrey 52 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

C RO S SF I T

We know it’s hard, we know it will whip us into shape, but we wanted to know more about what exactly CrossFit entails. So we talked with Dr. Jennifer Brady-Murzyn, co-owner of CrossFit Athletics in Southside Pittsburgh to get the skinny. produced by KIMIKO MAINPRIZE, photo via CROSSFIT ATHLETICS

YOU'RE THE CO-OWNER OF A CROSSFIT GYM- CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT WHAT CROSSFIT IS? CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program which utilizes a variety of exercises in order to maximize strength and endurance. It is scale-able to all levels of fitness. CrossFit focuses on all domains of fitness such as strength, endurance, flexibility, power, speed and agility.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH CROSSFIT? WHY? I had heard about it from a mentor in California before it became popular and gave it a try on my own. At the time I was a competitive triathlete and thought that I was in good shape. I got crushed on my first workout and have been hooked ever since. I realized that I needed more strength training in my routine. Even though I could run a 22 min 5k; I was not able to do a pull up or lift that much weight. I ended up being able to improve my 5k time to 20:47 with CrossFit training.

WHY DO YOU THINK CROSSFIT IS SUCH A GREAT WORKOUT? We use a variety of training modalities which translate into functional movements in everyday life. The workouts never get easy. You are always trying to improve from the last session by either moving faster, adding more weight, or performing a more advanced movement.

FOR THOSE OF US WHO HAVE NEVER TRIED IT, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM OUR FIRST FEW SESSIONS? Expect some of the movements to take some time to learn.

Be prepared for some challenges but also the great feeling of accomplishment and support from working out in a group setting.

WHAT IS THE TOUGHEST THING ABOUT CROSSFIT? THE BEST PART? The toughest thing about CrossFit is realizing that it may take time to achieve some of your fitness goals. For example, if you cannot perform a pull-up, it could take several months to build up the strength to do one without assistance. We do have exercises that people can substitute to get there. The best thing about CrossFit is how rewarding it is to achieve those goals that you did not think were possible. We also have a very encouraging community which draws a lot of people to CrossFit. The camaraderie and social aspect is a unique part of the CrossFit culture.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE? Nutrition is a key component! You cannot out train a poor diet! An exercise program that includes both strength, endurance, and mobility. Sleep, proper hydration, stress control and flexibility are also very important. ✴ HollAndLaneMag.com | 53

Rice and beef stuffed poblano peppers, Blue Apron

BLUE APRON VS. HELLO FRESH THE BATTLE OF THE FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE

words & images by SKYLAR BLACKWELL

54 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

Soba noodle salad, Blue Apron

Thai Beef with Carrot Noodles and Siracha Sauce, Hello Fresh

What’s for dinner? Grocery delivery services like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, Plated and Home Chef aim to answer this age old question. By taking the guess work out of meal time services like this have gained popularity in recent months.

The recipes offered by Blue Apron are a little more complex in terms of variety of ingredients. These options may appeal to foodies who like to try recipes from different regions. Our menu for one week included: Vietnamese Chicken Wings with Lemongrass Brown Rice, Rice Every week these companies make & Beef Stuffed Poblano Peppers, meal preparation easy by creatand Summer Soba Salad with Corn ing several meal options for you to and Soy-Mirin Dressing. These recchoose from, including vegetarian ipe boxes included a variety of fresh selections. Fresh ingredients and herbs and spices to kick up the flastep by step recipes are shipped vor. Like the meals offered by Hello to your door in refrigerated boxes.

Fresh they all take about a half hour Recipes contain seasonal ingreto prepare. Blue Apron boasts that dients and are easy to prepare. they do not repeat meals at all withFor one month we put the cuisine in a one year period. Their Chefs offered from Hello Fresh and Blue are consistently working on new Apron to the test. recipes to delight your palate. Blue Apron meals are also healthy, with Hello Fresh allows you to custommeals averaging 500-700 calories ize your box based on a family size per serving.

Charred Shrimp Skewers, of two or four people. For $69 you Hello Fresh receive three meals per week for It is worth noting when we tested two people. Pricing is slightly lower Blue Apron there were some chalfor vegetarian meals. For little more lenges with delivery to rural Norththan the cost of a fast food meal or a pizza you will be able east Ohio. Out of the four weeks we tested their service to prepare a healthy meal for your family! Our menu for one the meals arrived only once on time. Two times the boxes week included: Charred Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple-Avarrived one day late and one time not at all due to problems ocado Salsa and Cilantro Rice, Quick Marinated Steak with with their distribution provider. We did receive very friendly Balsamic Glazed Summer Vegetables, and a Thai Pork and prompt service from their customer service department, Burger with Cucumber Mint Salad. All of the meals were including a free week of meals for the inconvenience. easy to prepare and offered sizable portions. Between the two services Hello Fresh offers superior packaging, the inBoth services cut down on waste by providing only the ingredients for each meal come individually boxed. This extra gredients you need for a recipe, like two stalks of celery step to separate the ingredients offers an additional coninstead of purchasing a whole head of celery. Hello Fresh venience factor for storage, as well as time saving when states that Americans throw away an astonishing 40% of the it comes to preparing the meals. Hello Fresh boasts farm food they buy. They also site that we spend ninety minutes fresh ingredients, with specific information on their suppliers per week grocery shopping. Think of what you could do with listed on their website. During one of the weeks we tested that extra hour and a half a week! Grocery delivery services this service, Hello Fresh substituted ingredients based on like these may be slightly more expensive than what you what was in season and ready to harvest with their farm would spend shopping for your meals, but you are paying partners. a little more for convenience. This is definitely a favorable option for families who want healthy meals with fresh ingreThe cost of Blue Apron is $59 for three meals for two people. dients. Our winner based on taste: Blue Apron. ✴ HollAndLaneMag.com | 55

56 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

TRADITIONS: SPINACH & RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS words & images by STEPH HARRIS

Sometimes you need to whip up a dish that will just knock the socks off your company. This is that dish. I love that this meal is the ultimate in comfort food, it makes enough that you can eat it as a family, or with guests and still have left overs.

I often find myself preparing two pans, serving one, and putting the other in the freezer for those days when life is busy and dinner needs to be made quickly. My Nonni has taught me a lot of things in life, and one of the best things she passed on to me is her love of food. She always cooks with such joy and delights in sharing her knowledge and recipes. This recipe is a recipe we’ve enjoyed as a family for as long as I can remember. I don’t know if it originated from her, but when I prepare this dish it reminds me of the warmth and joy in her kitchen.

PREP TIME: 30 minutes COOK TIME: 20 minutes INGREDIENTS: • 1 Box of large pasta shells • 2 300g containers of ricotta cheese • 1 cup of freshly grated Romano cheese • 1.5 cups of grated mozzarella, divided • 1 package of frozen chopped spinach (thawed) • 2 room temperature eggs • 2 cups of prepared spaghetti sauce, divided

• • • • • •

1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano pinch of salt pinch of ground pepper 1 tablespoon of olive oil 2 casserole dishes, 9x9 or 1 9x13 dish

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Fill a large pot with water, a pinch of salt, and add the olive oil. Bring the water to a boil and add the pasta shells. Cook the shells about half way through; it’s important not to cook the shells all the way through because they’ll continue to cook in the oven after.

3. Once the shells are Al Dente, take them off the heat, strain them and place them in a sink (or bowl) of cold water, to stop the cooking process.

4. Place the thawed spinach in a cheesecloth, and push as much of the water out as possible, remove it from the cheesecloth and place it in a medium mixing bowl.

5. Add to the bowl the grated Romano cheese, half cup of mozzarella, eggs, ricotta cheese, and spices. Mix the spinach mixture until it has a smooth consistency.

6. Lightly cover the bottom of the casserole dish with the prepared spaghetti sauce, place aside.

7. Fill the shells with the cheese mixture. You can do this one of two ways: a) fill a pastry bag, without a tip, add the mixture and fill the shells or b) use a spoon, scoop out some mixture, make a ball of it with your hands and fill the shells.

As you’re filling your shells, line them up tightly in the casserole dish.

8. When all the shells are filled and in the dish, spoon the remainder of the spaghetti sauce atop the shells. Once the shells are covered in sauce, top them with the remainder of the mozzarella.

9. Cover your dish, and place in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or when your cheese is melted and bubbling.

10. When bubbling, set your oven to broil, remove the cover from the casserole dish, and let it broil for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.

11. Remove dish, let it rest, and then serve to your guests who are now surely waiting with delighted anticipation.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 57

PECAN BACON RANCH CHEESEBALL words & images by JENNI EAVES

PREP TIME: 15 minutes COOK TIME: 30 minutes MAKES: 1 cheeseball INGREDIENTS: • 2 blocks of cream cheese, 8 oz. each softened • 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese • 1 package of Hidden Valley ranch dip mix * • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled • 3-4 green onions, sliced thinly • 2 oz. pecan chips (or crushed pecans) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Fry bacon until crispy, then lay on papertowel to drain grease. Crumble the bacon, then set aside.

2. Beat cream cheese in a stand mixer or with a handmixer in a large mixing bowl until smooth.

3. Add shredded cheese and the ranch mix, and mix until completely combined.

4. Add the crumbled bacon and green onions, mix until completely combined.

5. Scoop mixture into the center of a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap into a ball shape. You can also line a small bowl with a large piece of plastic wrap, then scoop mixture into the bowl - wrapping the ends up at the top. Place in the freezer long enough to firm up.

6. Pour pecan chips into a large bowl. After mixture is firm, remove the plastic wrap and begin pressing the pecans onto the surface of the cheeseball. Do this over the bowl, so any pieces fall back into the bowl.

7. Serve with crackers! *NOTE: It is recommend to use half the package of the ranch dip mix, giving a taste from the bowl and then deciding if you want to add the rest. The cheeseball can be on the salty side if you use the whole package since there are also bacon and pecans in the recipe.

58 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

HollAndLaneMag.com | 59

COCONUT CURRY & QUINOA SOUP words & images by KELLY AGNEW

PREP TIME: 10 minutes COOK TIME: 35 minutes MAKES: 6 portions INGREDIENTS: • 1 Tbsp ginger, grated • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 Tbsp coconut oil • 2 Tbsp red curry paste • 1L vegetable broth, no salt added • 1 can coconut milk (398 mL)

• • • • •

2 sweet potatoes 2 medium sized carrots 3 tomatoes (to blanch, as directed below) 1 cup uncooked red lentils 2 cups cooked quinoa

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Blanch the tomatoes: cut X’s in the bottom of each tomato and submerge into boiling water. Wait 30 seconds – 1 minute until the skin starts separating at the “X”. Remove tomatoes from the pot and run under cool water.

Peel back the skins and discard them. Chop the rest of the tomatoes, keeping the juices.

2. Peel and chop sweet potatoes and carrots into medium-sized chunks.

3. In a large soup pot, add coconut oil, grated ginger and minced garlic. Set to medium heat. Fry for one minute.

4. Add curry paste and stir to mix. Fry for one minute.

5. Add coconut milk and vegetable broth; stir to combine.

Bring mixture to a boil.

6. Add chopped carrots, chopped sweet potatoes, red lentils and chopped tomatoes. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until carrots and sweet potatoes are cooked through.

7. Add ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.

8. Add cooked quinoa to the blended soup, stir to combine.

9. Add salt to taste. Enjoy!

60 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

HollAndLaneMag.com | 61

62 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA

words & images by KIMIKO MAINPRIZE

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes COOK TIME: 10 Minutes MAKES: 2 Single Serving Pizzas INGREDIENTS: • 2 Naan Bread Rounds or Flatbreads • 1/2 cup of shredded marbled cheese • 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce • 1/4 cup of ketchup • 1/2 sweet onion, sliced • 1 uncooked chicken breast, diced • 1 tbsp of olive oil • 1 tbsp butter • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1 handfull of cilantro, for topping • Salt and pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat your oven to 400*F. Place Nann bread onto a baking sheet.

2. In a skillet, brown diced chicken until cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep heated on low.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and BBQ sauce.

Spread about 1/3 of the sauce on each piece of Naan bread.

With the remaining 1/3 of sauce, cover the cooked chicken and heat until the vinegar is cooked off, about 3 minutes.

4. In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until tender and beginning to brown. Add in balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.

5. On the Naan bread, divide onions evenly. Cover in shredded cheese. Divide cooked chicken between both pizzas and spread out.

6. Place baking sheet in oven and cook for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Top with cilantro and enjoy!

NOTE: You can speed up this process by using rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or leftover chicken breast. Just heat with the sauce mixture before putting on top of pizza.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 63

CHOCOLATE & ZUCCHINI CUPCAKES words & images by SARAH WISSINGER

PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOK TIME: 15-20 minutes MAKES: 24-26 cupcakes INGREDIENTS: (Vegan substitutes in parentheses): • 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa • 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder • 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. salt • 2/3 cup vegetable oil • 2 cup sugar • 3 eggs (or 3/4 cup applesauce) • 2 tsp. vanilla extract • 2 heaping cups shredded zucchini • 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk) • Powdered sugar for topping INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pans with paper liners.

2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

3. In another large bowl, beat together oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla with hand mixer. Stir in shredded zucchini.

4. Alternately stir in dry ingredients and milk. Once fully combined, pour into cupcake pan, filling cups about 3/4 full.

5. Bake 15-20 minutes and let cool in pan 15 minutes.

Once cooled, sprinkle with a little powdered sugar and enjoy!

64 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

HollAndLaneMag.com | 65

APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE PIE words & images by CHRISTINE CONTANT-SIMARD

PREP TIME: 45 minutes COOK TIME: 60 minutes, and 3 hours to refrigerate.

MAKES: 8 servings YOU WILL NEED: Greased 9-inch springform pan, wrap the exterior of the pan in tinfoil CRUST INGREDIENTS: • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature • 1/3 cup sugar • 1/4 tsp. vanilla • 1 cup flour FILLING INGREDIENTS: • 250 g of Greek yogurt cream cheese (or regular cream cheese), • 75 g cream cheese • 1/4 cup sugar • 1/2 tsp. almond oil • 1 large egg

APPLE TOPPING INGREDIENTS: • 1/3 cup sugar • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon • 2 cup peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 large apples) CRUMBLE INGREDIENTS: • 1/8 cup room temperature butter • 1 tbsp. brown sugar • 1 tbsp. of flour • 1/4 cup quick oats

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F 2. For the crust: In a medium size bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and flour and mix until all is combined. Press the dough on the bottom of the greased 9-inch springform pan and 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan. Set aside.

3. For the filling: In a medium size bowl, blend the Greek yogurt cream cheese, cream cheese, and sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed. Beat in the vanilla and egg until smooth and combined. Pour the mixture into your crust and spread evenly.

4. For the apple topping: Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl big enough for the apples. Toss the apples in the mixture coating them on both sides. Layer the apples over the filling starting from the edges placing them slightly over top the previous layer. If there’s a little bit of space left in the middle that’s okay because the crumble will cover it.

5. Bake the cheesecake for 15 minutes at 425°F then reduce the heat to 375°F for 25 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, for the crumble: In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, and brown sugar. Add the butter and stir to combine. Set aside.

7. Take the pie out of the oven to sprinkle the crumble in the middle and put it back in the oven for another 20 minutes.

8. Let it cool in the pan on a rack. Run a knife around the edges before opening the springform pan. Refrigerate for three hours before serving.

66 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

HollAndLaneMag.com | 67

HOLL & LANE THE BLOG

COMING 1 0 / 5/ 2 0 1 5

68 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

D I Y

Keep your eyes open to your mercies.

The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life.

- Robert Louis Stevenson

HollAndLaneMag.com | 69

(DIY) TIE DYE MUGS

These Tie Dye Mugs have the recipe for a perfect DIY - they’re easy to make, inexpensive, and of course, beautiful! Unique, colorful, and customizable, these would make the perfect gift for friends or family (just don’t forget to make some for yourself too!) words & images by SARAH WISSINGER

YOU WILL NEED: • Plain mugs • Alcohol Inks • Rubbing alcohol • Dishwasher-Safe Mod Podge • Paintbrush

70 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Set up a craft-safe surface. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wipe down your mug.

2. With your mug right-side up, start dripping the alcohol inks from top to bottom, leaving about 3/4-1" at top. (Alcohol inks and Mod Podge are not food-safe so leaving a gap at the top will keep these mugs safe for use.)

3. Continue dripping your inks until desired blending is reached. Allow mugs to dry completely.

4. Using a paintbrush, carefully apply a coat of dishwasher-safe Mod Podge to the inked portions of the mug (colors may bleed slightly, so apply this coat lightly.) Be sure to again go from top to bottom to ensure that ink and Mod Podge does not reach the top 3/4-1" of the mug. Allow to dry completely.

5. Apply a second coat of Mod Podge. Allow to dry completely and cure for 28 days, per Mod Podge instructions.

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE (DIY) WALL HANGING FULL ISSUE

We all have a favorite saying. Why not display it in your home with a simple, inexpensive birch plywood DIY that will customize your corner nook or office space in a jiffy?! words & images by COLLEEN PASTOOR

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

YOU WILL NEED: • 1 sheet 1/8″ thick birch plywood • Printed Template of your design • Pencil • Watercolour Paint & Brush • Jigsaw or Scroll Saw • Power Drill with Drill Bit sized to Grommets • Leather Cord • Metal Grommets (these are made for fabric) • Multi Purpose Glue

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Transfer your design to the birch plywood. Flip the printed template over and heavily trace over the letters. Then, flip it back over and tape it in place on the plywood. To transfer a light trace of the design, use the back of a paintbrush (the back of your pencil would work great too) to press firmly along the letters. When you peel it back, you should have a faint but distinct transfer on your wood.

2. Take your watercolour paint and paint over your design.

3. When your painting is completely dry, cut your piece of plywood to size. Use a ruler to mark where you’ll be cutting. A jigsaw or a scroll saw would work well. The key is to get a really slow, clean blade to avoid too much splintering. When you’ve cut your plywood to size, go ahead and sand the edges until they’re smooth with a fine grit sandpaper.

4. Drill your holes for your metal grommets. Again, go really slow to avoid too much splintering. Use multi purpose glue to glue your grommets in place. They are meant to crimp around fabric, but since the plywood is too thick, gluing works perfectly.

Make sure to let the glue cure for the recommended time! Tie your leather cord on and you’re good to go!

HollAndLaneMag.com | 71

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE (DIY)FULL WATERCOLOR PILLOWS ISSUE

A fun weekend craft perfect for children and adults alike! These watercolor pillows are pretty, easy to make, and will brighten up any living room sofa. words & images by SARAH WISSINGER

YOU WILL NEED: • White pillowcases • Watercolor set • Paintbrush • Fabric medium • Iron

72 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Set up a craft-safe surface. Wet your pillowcases entirely and wring out well.

2. Fill up a cup with water. Using your paintbrush and watercolor set, paint your pillowcase as you would a canvas. Once the pillowcase is painted as desired, allow to air dry completely.

3. Fill a cup with 1 part water to 2 parts fabric medium. Paint the entire surface of your dried pillowcase with water/fabric medium mix. Allow to air dry completely for 48 hours.

4. Use an iron to heat-set your watercolors. Iron the surface of the pillowcase in 30 second increments.

5. Wash your pillowcase inside-out in cold water and tumble dry low. Stuff with a pillow insert or filling.

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE (DIY) COFFEE FILTER LANTERNS FULL ISSUE Who doesn’t love statement décor that’s easy on the budget? This tutorial turns any $1 lantern into statement room, party or outdoor décor! words & images by TABITHA KEESE

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

YOU WILL NEED: • 100-150 Coffee Filters • Hot Glue Gun (and glue) • Unsharpened pencil • Paper lantern* • String or ribbon of your choice

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Take a single coffee filter and fold the center over the pencil 2. Place a dab of hot glue on the filter area that falls on the pencil 3. Use the pencil to gently press the glued portion onto the lantern and hold for 5 seconds 4. Repeat until the lantern is covered 5. Use string (or fishing wire) to hang.

* Note: a lighted lantern, purchased from the Dollar Tree, was used for this tutorial

HollAndLaneMag.com | 73

not your grandmother’s knitting words & images by JOY SCHWARZKOPF

We’ve all seen the movies of little old ladies sitting around with a few balls of yarn, some knitting needles and a cat on their laps, making ugly sweaters that no one will want to wear. Those days are gone. Knitting is making a huge comeback and is now popular with all age groups and genders. People make themselves sweaters or other apparel and wear it proudly! The biggest problem is we are not all creative and becoming an expert knitter takes time, patience and dedication. Luckily, there is loom knitting.

Loom knitting has also been around for centuries but in recent years has become popular once again because of its simplicity. I know a six year old who made himself a hat and I showed my 98 year old father how to loom knit and he has made more hats, scarves and shawls than I can count!

The desire to create is in all of us no matter what form it takes. My father was sitting around doing crosswords and once I showed him how to use the looms, within two hours he had made his first hat! He gives what he creates away as gifts or we donate them to different charities. Even those who have had to give up knitting due to arthritis or carpal tunnel are able to loom knit as the movements are different than knitting and there are no small needles to hold.

A great thing about making knitted items is there are many wonderful charities you can donate your items to. If you'd

Get Started With These Products:

Loom Set, $15 Comes with everything you need to make various size hats, slippers, scarves, afghans and more 74 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

like to make hats or blankets for preemies or children who are in the hospital, you can donate to Project Linus. Warm Up America accepts items to distribute to those in need.

They ask people to make 7x9 knitted or crocheted squares then once a year, normallly in January, you can find a "joining party" at your local Michael's craft store. Here, volunteers take these squares and join them to make warm afghans.

Another place always accepting knitted hats and scarves are branches of the military. These get sent to our men and women serving our country overseas. You can also check with your local hospitals because many accept hats and blankets to give to people going through chemotherapy treatments.

If you're ready to have some fun creating, other than these looms, it's handy to have a good pair of scissors, a measuring tape or ruler, and a stitch/ row counter. And then there is the yarn to choose from! Such a bounty of beautiful colors and textures! You can get acrylic yarns made by companies like Red Heart that are found at any craft store. These are cheaper but still make lovely projects. Or find a local yarn shop and get yourself yummy cashmere or alpaca yarns. Take my word for it, it is highly addictive! And one more thing you'll be needing once you get hooked on loom knitting: a spare room to store your yarn stash! ✴

See something you love? Click it to shop!

Straight Loom, $9 Perfect for making scarves or afghans

I Can’t Believe I’m Loom Knitting, $11

Learn To Knit On Long Looms, $9

L I F E S T O R I E S

'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot.

Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.

- Alice Walker

76 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

THE GIRL NEXT DOOR produced by SARAH HARTLEY

NAME AND AGE: Kayla Hollatz, 22 OCCUPATION: Public Relations Professional WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? The first thing I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a mermaid. When reality set in, my next choice was to be the first woman President of the U.S. Clearly I’ve never been one for realistic aspirations.

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE? It’s so difficult to choose one, but if I had to choose, I’d go to Italy. Venice to be more specific. I dream of gondola rides, roaming through museums, swimming in the sea, and speaking with the locals. Oh, and eating lots of pizza and pasta.

WHAT IS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE LIKE? Let’s just say I’m not a morning person.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES? Absolutely! My most treasured passion is short-form poetry, but I also love to hike, sing, explore new cities, read, take photos, and (wildly) root for my Minnesota Vikings.

ARE YOU A CAT OR DOG PERSON? Definitely a dog person. Puppies are the definition of unconditional love.

IF YOU COULD ONLY EAT ONE FOOD FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Any kind of Mexican food. A world without queso is not a world I want to live in.

IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON AN ISLAND, WHAT THREE ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? I’m assuming one of my items can’t be a boat or plane, so I would say a journal, my laptop, and hot chocolate.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE? Singing on the stage of Carnegie Hall. I sang where The Beatles and Elvis once sang. It was a really incredible experience.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 77

78 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

YOUR BEST RELATIONSHIP ADVICE We’ve all gotten the well meaning relationship advice from others. So we asked you to tell us which pieces of advice actually stuck and lead to a happier life together. produced by KIMIKO MAINPRIZE ---------------------------

•

Never stop laughing together - Sarah

•

Don’t fall for someone who doesn’t make your happiness their number one priority - Kelly

•

Never go to bed angry with each other - Jac

•

Never stop holding hands - Lisa

•

You don’t have to agree with all of their decisions, but respect where they’re coming from, and hear them out - Stephanie

•

Always say “I love you” every morning. No matter what happens, that one sentence gives me comfort each day - Mia

•

Each day tell yourself you’re going to love the other person, no matter what happens that day. - Rebecca

•

You were given two ears and one mouth, speak half as much as you listen. - Amy

•

Make each other your number one priority, no matter what - Kimiko

•

There are going to be days when you hate each other- don’t make any big decisions on those days! - Katie

•

The morning you wake up and aren’t worried that your partner did not make it home to bed and you slept unfazed through the night is the morning you should leave. - Heidi

•

Money can’t buy love but I would rather be in love in a house than a cardboard box. - Jaclyn

•

Marriage isn’t about finding the right partner. It’s about being the right partner. - Allison

•

Love, relationships, and marriage are work but it’s the kind that is worth the bad and the ugly because you want to be in a relationship where you both put your all in. Of course there will be times when you don’t always like each other but you can still love each other when you don’t like each other. When you stop loving each other and the dislike becomes hate, is when you know you weren’t giving your all - Beki

•

If you can’t imagine kissing them, don’t waste time! - Claire

•

Love is like a fart...if you have to force it, it’s probably shit - Roz

•

Just keep having fun - Sarah

•

Be with someone who gives you the same feeling as when you see your food coming at a restaurant - Stacey

•

Both give 100% and never go to bed angry - Wendy

•

The wife is ALWAYS right - Kathryn

•

Don’t talk in the morning - Kathy

•

Everyone always does the best they can for where they’re at in life...if we believe this, we can never be upset - Laurie HollAndLaneMag.com | 79

my life with CROHN’S DISEASE Kimiko Mainprize has been living with Crohn’s disease since the age of 19. Since learning to adapt, she has discovered a lot about her relationship with her body. words by KIMIKO MAINPRIZE

80 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

“

N

Not all diseases or illnesses are obvious. There are so many people who suffer, chronically, without anyone ever knowing. Just by looking at me, you wouldn’t even know, but I am one of those people.

I have had stomach issues for most of my life. As a teenager, I would be out with friends for lunch or dinner and urgently need to use the restroom after eating. I was embarrassed about it, often trying to downplay it by saying my parents needed me home. At first I found ways to cope, like taking lactose pills or watching what I ate, but it didn’t always solve the painful cramps or urgency for a bathroom. When I got to university, I found my symptoms escalated, especially when stress was high. Things would get so bad that I wouldn’t eat for most of the day before an evening exam, and would take Imodium like it was my savior.

After months of this, I finally made it in to see a Gastroenterologist, a doctor that specializes in intestinal and liver diseases. We scheduled a colonoscopy and endoscopy, a procedure in which they pass a tiny camera through your intestines and down your esophagus (separately, of course), to determine what the cause of your issue may be.

At the age of 19, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, a form of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). Crohn’s Disease is the inflammation of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract including intestines, colon, and bowels. Mine specifically affects one section of my large intestine moderately, but the disease does

I have a completely new awareness of my body that I didn’t before. I am much more in tune with how I am feeling, knowing when I need to stay home and rest, or when I need to push myself to go out and enjoy the sunshine.

range from Mild to Severe. The thing about Crohn’s disease is that while it is treatable, there is no cure. When a person has Active Crohn’s, also known as a flare up, wherever their disease is located, is inflamed and irritated.

This inflammation causes food to be passed through your body very quickly as if it is the enemy (AKA diarrhea), and does not allow your body to absorb the nutrients it needs. It can also be very painful, with mild to severe cramping, cause narrowing of your intestines, ulcers on your intestinal walls, not mention a host of other unpleasant symptoms which in turn leave you exhausted and drained of energy.

After seven years of living with Crohn’s, I have a completely new awareness of my body that I didn’t before. I am much more in tune with how I am feeling, knowing when I need to stay home and rest, or when I need to push myself to go out and enjoy the sunshine.

While this is a very physical disease, the anxiety and mentality of it can be really debilitating.

When someone with IBD is feeling good, their disease is considered in remission. In most cases, medication is required to maintain and keep your symptoms in remission so that you can live your life as normally as possible.

Maintaining a healthy and well balanced diet is also key to keep your disease in check. I take vitamins to help with my energy and to ensure my body is absorbing nutrients, maintain some form of daily exercise to keep myself strong (I walk EVERYWHERE), and I make sure to keep up my sense of humor.

“

I have never had a severe flare up, but have experienced periods where I felt “off” for months and my anxiety about leaving the house was high. My previous hour long commute to work was stressful as I always needed to know where a bathroom was. That is probably one thing you can count on though - anyone with IBD should be able to tell you where the closest washroom is for any event or place they are going!

I am lucky that my symptoms are manageable and that I can live my life fairly normally. I can travel and enjoy meals out with friends and family, even though there are periods of my life where this is more difficult. I am also lucky to have a very supportive husband, who understands what I am going through and provides laughter and comfort along the way. Not all IBD sufferers are so fortunate.

While this disease isn’t proven to be genetic, my brother also suffers from it to a more severe degree than myself.

We are both experiencing new medication together and it is so comforting to be able to talk to someone who understands. Our family is incredibly sympathetic, which makes all of this a lot easier on us.

Being embarrassed about something you suffer from is hard, but every day I try to open up and share my journey with others in the hopes that they realize they are not alone. With over 1.6 million Americans currently diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Disease, Crohn’s is really not as uncommon as you might think. ✴ HollAndLaneMag.com | 81

I WAS A

TEEN MOM When Amy was just 15, she became pregnant with her first child. After being thrown out of her house and looked down on by others in her community, she gave birth to a baby boy. But that was just the start of the complications she had to deal with after discovering her infant son had epilepsy. words & images by AMY COOK

I became pregnant halfway through my sophomore year at the ripe age of 15. This was before MTV had glamorized teen pregnancy so instead of being given my own television show, I was shunned and labeled a whore by my “friends” at school. I hid the pregnancy for five months and on the last day of school I broke the news to my mother. It was our running joke that I would say to her, “Mom, we need to talk.”

She would reply with, “Are you pregnant?” and we would laugh and laugh. On this day, I said we needed to talk, she responded, and when she laughed and I didn’t she got up and ran to the bathroom to get sick. We estimated how far along I was and I set up an appointment for a visit with an OBGYN (my first).

In 1996, doctors were less than kind about the miracle of a baby when in relation to a 15 year old patient. Besides the fact that I was super young, I looked like I was 12. I went into the doctor’s office, the nurses were cold and brisk and the doctor was very matter-of-fact and not remotely congratulatory. My mom drove me, but she refused to come inside. I came out to the parking lot an hour later with a due date of October 12, 1996, a prescription for prenatal vitamins, and an ultrasound showing a boy waving for the camera. She cried some more, but I was elated.

Y

ou count them out. Ten fingers, ten toes. You are told your child has a high apgar score and you know what this means because in preparation you read all the right books. You look into the face of a beautiful baby boy and your heart soars. (This could also be the feeling of your heart dropping into your shoes, because “holy crap” you’re a mom now.)

The maternity ward is a happy place where everyone is calm and cheerful and cooing happy little sentiments to mom and baby alike. It is a magical land where life is brought into the world and you have the happiest, most gorgeous of babies and he is completely flawless. Except for two things: his mom is only 16 and he has a rare neurological disorder yet to be diagnosed.

Being a teen mom was not in my plans, but being a mom at some point in my life was. I was made for this. While my mother and step-father tried to convince me to give him up for adoption, I read, researched, and started planning for all the changes that would come along. My mom threw me out after my final refusal to meet with a couple offering me money and college tuition for a healthy white baby. I moved in with my aunt and uncle and began my junior year of high school eight months pregnant at a new school. Wayne Memorial High School was much larger than Pinckney High School and I wasn’t the first girl they had seen get herself into a situation like this. People were more friendly and accepting, although teachers still gave me the stink eye whenever I passed by their rooms.

On the morning of October 12, 1996, while all of the other students from Wayne Memorial High School were preparing for the Homecoming dance, my water broke at 5:00 a.m. on the dot and I was timing contractions.

I woke my aunt up and she assured me it would be hours HollAndLaneMag.com | 83

before I needed to go to the hospital and so I went back to bed and had my first official panic attack. Around noon, we arrived at Botsford Hospital and after almost 12 hours of labor I gave birth to a baby boy at 4:44 p.m. Steven Michael had blue eyes and dark hair. He was 8 lbs, 1 oz and was 20 inches long. He was perfect. I was completely in love.

Fast forward to April of 1997. I had a six month old little boy. I was living with my dad and attending Adrian High School. My “elective” class was a parenting class that I almost thought was the counselor being rude. It was right before spring break that we were told we could bring babies to class (cousins, siblings, neighbors, or our own) to study them for an hour and see the different stages of development. I was the only student who had their own baby and I was happy to have a chance to show off my perfect son and show everyone that I could have a 4.0, work, and be a mom at the age of 16. As we went around the room from the youngest baby to mine I began to get nervous. I started thinking about all the things I had read and the developmental timeline and I knew that my son was falling short on some of these deadlines. When the teacher got to me and asked me how old he was and I said 6 months other students began asking if he was sitting up on his own yet. I responded no but he could roll from his back to his belly and hold his head up. The teacher came over and gently asked if he could roll from his belly to his back and I said he could not. She held him and cooed and said all the right things but after class she asked to speak with me.

She told me she thought I may want to get him into his pediatrician and see what they said about his growth and development. I took it in stride, said I would and went on about my day.

the amount of activity taking place in the brain. Tons of electrodes are placed on the head of the person, or in this case infant, and they are left there for approximately an hour or so until the test has completed itself. In Steven’s case some of these tests were left on for longer periods of time so they could see what happened when he had the jerking movements I had described. They also video recorded his EEGs and other behaviors so they could see exactly what I was describing in my intake questions.

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

After several EEGs and a MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) we were given a diagnosis. Steven had infantile spasms. Infantile spasms is a rare form of epilepsy that is brought on by an epilepsy syndrome known as West Syndrome and is characterized by the child having infantile spasms, developmental regression, and chaotic brain waves or activity. We knew something was off because he was not reaching the milestones described to me in the baby books or my parenting textbooks, but we were not clear on the cause. Now we had an answer. The treatment for this was corticosteroids. In Steven’s case they gave him AZHT, the same steroid they give to AIDS patients to help them build up their strength.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE “In 1996, doctors were less than kind about the miracle of a baby when in relation to a 15 year old patient.”

Spring break came and I went to visit my mom, step-dad, and siblings. After Steven had a bottle he began jerking his little body in a violent motion. His whole body would jerk up, knees pulled in, fists closed tight, but his eyes were wide open staring into space. I called my mom over and told her to watch him. I (incorrectly) assumed these were moro reflexes (also known as startle reflexes) that all newborns have. She informed me that those stop around one to two months and this was something completely different. She immediately got on the phone with University of Michigan hospital and told the people at pediatric neurology about his symptoms. They got us an appointment for that week.

This is where it becomes problematic to be a teen mom. You can be physically ready and you can psych yourself into believing that you are mentally ready but when you are not legally old enough to get your ears pierced without your parents’ permission, but you have to make life-altering decisions for another human being. They told me that with the seizures, Steven could be developmentally delayed, that he may never crawl or walk, or that he could have problems that would make learning in regular school difficult. The steroids themselves could present their own problems including infection at the injection site, gout, sensitivity to sunlight, and possible blindness from the AZHT. After consulting with my parents and the team of doctors at U of M hospital, we decided to go ahead with the treatment. I had to learn how to take his blood pressure because I would have to do that twice a day.

I had to learn how to give him the injections of steroids. I drew a grid of nine dots on each of his chubby upper thighs and alternate which leg got the shot each day. Despite my 4.0 GPA, I was not a doctor and they always sent a trendy med student down to my room to dumb things down for me so I could understand what was taking place each day.

University of Michigan is one of the best hospitals in the country, especially being a teaching and research hospital. Faye Silverstein, the head of pediatric neurology met with us immediately after we filled out our intake questions and explained Steven’s symptoms. She told us what her assumptions were and had him undergo an EEG. An electroencephalogram is a test that measures and records

Steven was in the hospital for seven days. At U of M pediatric ward, they place infants in rooms with older teens so that two infants won’t wake each other up and the teens can handle the idea of a baby being in the room with them without trying to touch it the way a younger child might try and help. Steven was placed in the room with two boys; one had a heart murmur and the other had been stabbed in the

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

84 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE

leg. As a parent, I was allowed to stay in the room with my child, but the parents of the other two boys in the room were furious because there would be a teenaged girl sleeping in the room with their sons overnight for the better part of a week. What was I supposed to do? Leave my six month old child alone in the hospital because they were worried about my obviously promiscuous self trying to make a love connection at the hospital. This is just another hurdle I had to overcome in order to be taken seriously as a parent and not just a child with a kid of her own.

After three months of steroid shots, Steve’s seizures stopped. He was seizure free for four years and then developed partial-complex seizures for which more trips to University of Michigan hospital were necessary. He was given Topamax© and later Depakote© to help with these seizures. After five years, at the age of ten, we stopped all medications and he has been seizure free for almost nine years. He did develop learning disabilities and was placed in a classroom for emotionally impaired students.

Being young and sitting in an IEP meeting (Individualized Education Plan) with educators, social workers, counselors, and principals staring at you explaining what is wrong with your child, what they need from you as a parent, and how to proceed to make the best of their school years is intimidating when you are a 21 year old mother. You still feel like you are in the principal’s office being scolded for something you did wrong. While the doctors have assured me this form of epilepsy was a genetic thing and could not have been prevented, I always wonder if it is my fault for not getting the proper prenatal care and hiding my pregnancy from everyone for so long.

made me want to become a liaison between the parents and the technical jargon the teachers use. I decided to go back to school to become a special education teacher in the field of Emotional Impairment. I think it is important to the parents to know they are not alone and the person in the classroom with their child is sympathetic to their needs and willing to answer their questions and work with them to make sure their child is getting the most from their educational experience. More importantly, it is a testimony to other teen moms that they can do it. They can have a child before they are ready and it is not a death sentence, but it is hard.

The rewards come, but you do not always recognize them until you look back and see all the successes despite the hardships. Steven and I grew up together and I could not be more proud of how far we have come. ✴

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

This spring, Steven graduated from Jackson High School. I could not have been more proud to be there watching my son, who had overcome so many struggles throughout his school years, receive his diploma, hug the principal and superintendent and be seated with his graduating class of 2015. Being his mom also HollAndLaneMag.com | 85

CULTURAL IDENTITY

the struggle to fit in

Growing up, Mia had trouble finding where she fit within her world. But as she got older she realized who she is has nothing to do with her cultural background and everything to do with who she is inside. words & images by MIA SUTTON

“What are you?”

In a country that prides itself on being a melting pot, where 99% of the citizens have descendants from other countries, you would think there would be more acceptance of cultural diversity. However, I was often accosted with accusatory questions, such as:

But if I'm being honest with myself, it's a question that I've asked myself as well. As a person with a mixed cultural background of Thai and Italian, any time I've had to fill out an application for school or work, I always hesitate. Which box do I check? Am I being disloyal to one culture or the other if I only pick one?

“You’re Italian? No way. Do you even speak Italian?”

It's a question that I've been asked many times. The question is usually asked with polite curiosity. But sometimes, it is accompanied by a scowl, as if to say, how dare you not fit into a neat little category.

Growing up, I always felt like an outcast. When people can’t put a label on you easily, you quickly become an ‘other.’

Especially when you grow up in a town where (at the time) there was little ethnic diversity. I could always see the look on their faces, that asked, ‘Who is this girl who looks Latina, but doesn’t speak Spanish?’

But the part that bothered me the most was the feeling that I wouldn’t be accepted anywhere, no matter where I went.

86 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

“Where are you from in Mexico? Puerto Rico? Stop pretending, I know you speak Spanish.”

“Look at all that curly hair. There’s no way you’re Asian.

What are you, really?”

When I was 16, I went to Thailand with my mom and stepdad to visit family. Before that, the last time I had gone was when I was 6 or 7, maybe. It was an amazing trip and I got to experience so much and I think I was able to appreciate it more since I was older. But I remember very vividly that when we would go out to public places, the Thai locals would all stop and stare at me. Some would even come over to my mom and whisper to her asking about me and if I was

“

“

I think wanting to be like everyone else is something you experience in your youth, and as I’ve matured, I realize that whatever it is that makes you stand out from the crowd is the very thing that makes you special.

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

Thai and if I could speak Thai - all while I was within earshot, of course. And when she told them yes on both counts, they would just smile at me, and talk to me really slowly and loudly as if I was a child. It made me feel even more like an alien when I couldn’t even be accepted in a country that is part of my heritage. Why are we so quick to notice and point out each other’s differences?

them the confidence to be who they are. At the ages of 6 and 4, they are still a little young to be pondering their place in the world. But as they get a little older and become more self-aware, I want them to embrace their identities and know that they truly belong wherever it is that they want to belong.

I also want them to know that their racial identity is only a small part of who they are. Their experiences, instincts, personality, knowledge, quirks, and passions - these are the things that will help them navigate their way through life.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE

When I was a sophomore in college, there was a student in my I.T. class who would study with me sometimes and occasionally we’d grab lunch or hang out. He was from Bolivia and he would always tease me by speaking Spanish to me and saying, “I know you know what I said. Stop pretending. You’re totally Hispanic. Why are you trying to hide?”

And then he would laugh when I would get irritated, as if I couldn’t possibly know who I am or where I come from.

Memories like those still get to me, at the ripe old age of 32.

I’ve always thought that who you are as a person is more important than what country you or your parents are from, but it seemed that everyone I met was so focused on it and I couldn’t escape it. I became very uncomfortable when meeting new people, always inwardly cringing and waiting for the questions or comments to begin. I eventually learned to get some of my own digs in and when someone would rudely ask me where I was from, I would just answer, with a great big smile, “Virginia.”

And if there’s any message that I can pass on to others, it’s this: we’re all human. No one likes feeling as if they are a specimen under a microscope. Be open. Be welcoming. The next time you meet someone, instead of asking, “Where are you from?” or worse yet, “What are you?” - try asking them, “Who are you? What makes you unique?” I think you’d be pleasantly surprised by the answers you receive.

As for me, I’m a woman who is finally comfortable in her own skin. A wife, a mother, a friend. I’m a avid reader, an aspiring writer, a lover of cheesy movies. And if you must know, I’m from Virginia. ✴

Funny enough, it was an article in a teenybopper magazine that I read that provided a huge revelation. It was an interview with the actress Kristin Kreuk (from Smallville, if you remember that show) in which she talked about her Chinese and Dutch heritage and described herself as Eurasian. When I read that word, it blew me away. ‘That’s ME!’, I thought. As I did more research, I began to find articles and photos of people who looked just like me. (Side note, did you know Mark-Paul Gosselaar is Eurasian?) Finding a community of people who made me feel included, let me know that there are other people in the world who understand my struggle with racial identity.

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

As I’ve gotten older, I have finally become comfortable in my own skin. I focus less on that feeling of not fitting in, and more on embracing my uniqueness. I think wanting to be like everyone else is something you experience in your youth, and as I’ve matured, I realize that whatever it is that makes you stand out from the crowd is the very thing that makes you special.

Now that I’m a mom of 2 Eurasian children, I want to teach

HollAndLaneMag.com | 87

what are you most THANKFUL for this year?

I am so grateful for all my friends and family and our health and happiness- that goes without saying. But I am also thankful for the network of women in my daily life. Whether it be other moms from my daughter’s dance class or preschool, friends from afar on Facebook, or my lifelong best friends. It’s amazing the connections with like minded women whose support and love get me through each crazy day of this amazing and blessed life.

- Felicia F.H. I am thankful for the love of reading I have that has been passed down to my kids. Nothing is better than snuggling with them to read a new book.

- Amy C. I am so thankful for my husband. I've been dealing with some health issues and he's so patient and giving.

-Nahtanha K. The wonderful family I've been given-both by birth and by choice.

-Tom M. My family. I don't know where I would be without all the love and support I have daily!

-Margaux L.M. I am thankful for my mother. I am thankful that God gave me a selfless, creative, loving, and compassionate woman for me to model. She inspires me everyday to be a better human being.

-Jennifer D. My family and a wonderful husband who loves me -Kimberly J.H-C. I'm thankful for a healthy and growing family, another healthy pregnancy, and the opportunity to enjoy life daily.

-Heather E. I'm most thankful for a home filled with giggles, crumbs from home cooked meals, and memories that make my heart smile.

-Tabitha K. I'm so thankful for traditions. I look forward to things my husband and I do every year as traditions we started since becoming our own little "family". Oh....and wine.

Nicole M. I am most thankful that my grandparents are still alive.

The last two years have been hard with them and last year we almost lost my grandma a few times and this year we almost lost my grandpa. They are sure fighters!

-Natasha O. 88 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

F A M I L Y

My advice: Take a second out of the day today and be thankful for your family.

- Jenna Morasca

HollAndLaneMag.com | 89

90 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

LIFE IN THE SERVICE

I’M A MILITARY WIFE

W

hen men and women head off to war, we pray, we think good thoughts, we convince ourselves that they’ll be safe. But what about the families that they leave behind? The time that their loved one is away is heartbreaking and unbearable. Here, Jennifer tells her story of falling in love with a boy, who had fallen in love with the military. words by JENNIFER, images by ANNIE CLARK

HollAndLaneMag.com | 91

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE

ALL I DID WAS FALL IN LOVE WITH A BOY It was 1998, and I was 18 years old and about to go on a blind date with a gorgeous National Guardsmen. I had no idea that 18 years, nine deployments, one 1850 Victorian rehab, three beautiful children, and temporarily moving to four different states, that I would be a military wife.

I fell head over heels in love with this 19-year-old boy on my front porch. He was from a little town an hour away, he was funny, smart, and had the most beautiful blue eyes.

He had recently completed basic training and tech school through the Air Force, which at the time really didn’t mean that much to me. He was enrolled in college and worked at the Air National Guard base one weekend a month, but was basically like any other college student. Again, the whole military part really didn’t affect me.

was willing to take on this life, this commitment, and become his military wife.

By the grace of God, we made it to our wedding day at the ripe old ages of 23 and 25. We were able to go on an amazing honeymoon. After which we returned to the house we had purchased a couple months before the wedding, in his hometown an hour away from my family and friends, which had been built in 1850. It was a complete rehab, more appropriately a gut job. But that is a story for another article. We began to settle in as a married couple when about four weeks later we received the call we had been dreading for over a year. “You are deploying in two weeks.” He left home at 4:00 a.m. on a Monday in August. And I learned the true meaning of fear and worry. Now this was not the deployments of today, with cell phones, established bases, and Facetime. This was the beginning of the second Iraq war, with tents, limited dial up Internet, and once a week calls from a satellite phone that lasted between six and ten minutes at a time. And the danger, worry, and fear every time I turned on the news. I was scared all the time, scared that he would call and I would miss it, scared that he wouldn’t call and something had happened to him, and also scared because I had never lived on my own, especially in a torn apart home with no ceilings and bats everywhere. Again, another article all together.

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

Then September 11th, 2001 happened. We had been dating for almost three years, we were engaged and planning a traditional wedding in May of 2003. Everything changed that day. This whole aspect of this person that I loved came in to focus. He was in the military, his life belonged to the United States of America, and they could send him wherever they want, whenever they wanted and this was something he was proud of. It was an awakening for me; did I really know what I was getting into? Did I really understand the gravity of the commitment I was making not only to this man but also to my country? Did I want to live a life with this level of uncertainty?

But I was in love with this boy, now a man. And yes, yes I 92 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

It was nine days before I got the static filled phone call from 8000 miles away. And it wasn’t as romantic as you

“

“

You don’t realize that you have actually been holding your breath since his plane left the ground.

This surge of emotion takes over your body and you feel a release like you have never felt.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 93

so lonely in our home that all I wanted to do was move back in with my parents. But mostly we argued. We were both new to the home ownership rules and we are both very stubborn, so we both felt like we knew what was best. So many times we would be discussing something and before we could settle anything his time would run out. Leaving us with so many things unsaid, and nothing really figured out. The next 70 something days went on like this and it felt like 300. Until I got THE phone call- the one all military wives know. An automated voice comes on the line and says, “Your loved one has safely left the hazardous duty zone and will be coming home soon!”

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE

You breathe. You don’t realize that you have actually been holding your breath since his plane left the ground. This surge of emotion takes over your body and you feel a release like you have never felt. Like when you get the wind knocked out of you and you are struggling for a minute and finally, finally, you take that breath and fill your lungs with air. That was a moment I will never forget. I fell to my knees, wrapped my arms around myself and sobbed. Only this time the tears were joyous, and excited. Excited to wrap my arms around him and look into those beautiful blue eyes and tell him how much I missed him, how very much I loved him, and how PROUD I was to be his wife.

would think. The entire call was a description of what his surroundings were like (not comforting for a wife at all) and then on to which bills needed to be paid, how much I should pay for a window air conditioner and how I shouldn’t pay someone to install it, and then the worst part - we are in the middle of a conversation about the electric bill (I had never seen or paid one before) and the call dropped. I knew he would not be calling back because he had just waited in line for over an hour just to make the first call and there was a long line of soldiers behind him doing the same thing. So I lay down on our bed, pressed my face into his pillow, which still smelled like him, and cried. I am not sure how long I cried I just know that when I finally got it together I had nothing left I was completely drained. I never knew I could miss a person so much. But I pulled up my big girl panties and pressed on.

It took him a week to travel home, and I was waiting for him with his parents at the Base for them to arrive. It had taken me two hours to get ready, putting on my new lingerie from Victoria’s Secret, changing my clothes at least a thousand times, and making sure my hair was perfect. I was nervous like it was our first date again. I could barely contain my excitement and waiting for them was torture.

Then the plane touched down, the cargo door opened, and thirty men and women filed out, and then I saw him, across the ramp. I would know that stride and posture anywhere.

He was home and he was safe. But what came next I could never have predicted.

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

I went to work everyday, which turned out to be a wonderful thing for me. I took care of the house, cut the grass, raked the leaves, took out the trash, paid the bills, and at night I cried and prayed that I wouldn’t be attacked by another bat. He would call about once a week, and we tried , really tried, we tried to talk like normal, like he wasn’t that far away, that I wasn’t screwing up the bills, and that I wasn’t 94 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

He walked straight for us, his face lit up with his huge, dopey grin; his mother and I started to cry. He hugged me and kissed me first and then his mom, then his dad stuck out his hand to extend a handshake filled with pure pride and a “job well done son”. He slid his hand into mine like we had done a million times before, but it was different. It felt different. The warmness that we had always had between us, that jovial side that I loved so much seemed to be missing.

He kept looking in my eyes, I think feeling the same things I was. Like “huh, I didn’t expect this”. His parents dropped us off at our house and we went inside, and we stood there and I don’t think either one of us knew what to do. He began looking around the house, taking note of the changes that I made, and things that still needed to be done. I followed

him around like a lost puppy, waiting for him to take the lead, to take me in his arms and kiss me…you know that Movie style kiss that I had built up in my mind. But he didn’t, the kisses we had were forced on my part (feeling a little like kissing a stranger) and desperate full of longing on his part.

We went to bed that night and he held me so close. We fell asleep in each other’s arms just talking. Many nights and days followed like that. It took us about a month to get back into our groove, to find the rhythm that had always come so naturally. But with a lot of patience and tons of love we did find our way back there.

family during this year, the first of our three children were born right after we moved home. As a family of five we have weathered the ups and downs of military life. Our first son learned to walk three days after his dad left, our second son would not go to his daddy after he had been away on another tour, and all three of them learned how to Facetime at the same time other kids were learning to talk. Our marriage has suffered and strengthened both equally through all of it.

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

Life never works out the way you plan it. About two months after he returned from the desert he headed back for another 120 days, this time starting the second of nine deployments in ten years. Within this time frame we went through pilot training which was twelve months where we got to actually live together in another state under the same roof and finally, I always say “Start” our marriage. We had been married three years by this time. We also started our

We are a family that values the little things. Having daddy home to help with bath time, or walking to get ice cream and being able to hold his hand. We hug a little tighter and love a little harder because living with the knowledge that he could deploy is always in our hearts. I am a military wife, I love my husband, and I am grateful every single day for our life together and for the country that he serves. I recently saw a quote on a sign that said “Live Like He Deploys Tomorrow”. And we do, we really do. And all of this is because I fell in love with a boy. ✴

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

HollAndLaneMag.com | 95

Our days often start like this. Alexander and I are the first ones up and he is always anxious to "help" me in some way. We always seem to keep ourselves busy in the kitchen.

DIARY OF A MOM words & images by LAURIE FIUMARA

Being a mother is one of life’s greatest privileges. While I’ve never taken this opportunity for granted, the desire to become a mother was not immediate for me. I had put a great deal of time and effort into building a successful career and I worked hard to sustain that for the first five years of our marriage.

And then suddenly, it all changed. I remember waking up one day just knowing that I was ready to make the transition to motherhood. From that point on, being a mother has become the very center of my life. Today, I have three beautiful children: Andrew (7), Julia (5) and Alexander (17 months).

In addition to caring for our children, I work out of our home on a part-time basis. Despite the flexibility that part-time employment affords me, I still find it challenging to balance the

demands of motherhood as well as those of a career.

I feel strongly that it took my third baby for me to really “get” motherhood. I was too nervous with my first baby. Then I felt too overwhelmed when I had two children just 22 months apart. But now, a few years later, I see it all differently. I now realize that it’s all so fleeting. The days become months, turned to years. Memories are made daily, yet they are so hard to retain. It was this realization that prompted me to capture and document our children on a more regular basis. Their growth and development occurs at an incredible pace. Once you begin looking, you will see this growth in just about everything a child does. And for this, I delight in the precious documentation of the everyday.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 97

Shortly after breakfast, my big kids often find their way back to the master bedroom. No matter how late we may be running, it's hard to pass up extra snuggles!

Daily sink baths are a favorite at our house! Julia was barely four when her baby brother was born. She has taken her job as "big sister" seriously from the start. Her maternal instinct truly amazes me and the baby absolutely adores her.

We fill our days at home with many activities to keep the kids busy. This is especially important when unexpected work issues arise. Arts and crafts typically keep everyone entertained long enough for me to respond to an email or take a quick phone call.

Nap time has become one of the most treasured periods of our days. While I will often take the opportunity to prepare dinner or tend to other household chores, I've truly come to rely upon this time of peaceful reflection. I've enjoyed taking daily photos of Alexander in this same spot, by the window, and I marvel over his growth month to month.

98 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

On this particular day, the kids rushed to the window to see the trash truck. This is obviously a novelty for the baby which makes trash day more entertaining than ever for Andrew and Julia. It’s funny how a young child’s excitement can be so contagious!

Andrew turned seven this summer and we’ve noticed a change in him. While he still engages with his younger siblings, we’ve seen him off on his own a lot more recently. Riding his bike, remote control cars and Legos are some of his favorite activities. And you will find him outside every chance he gets!

These moments are precious. Julia has enjoyed resting beside the baby since the very start and I hope these days never end.

All we need to do is mention Daddy and he runs to the front door in waiting!

HollAndLaneMag.com | 99

We make an effort to end each day outside.

This time spent in the warm, golden light can make the most mundane of days feel like magic. ✴

100 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

Postpartum Depression After childbirth, up to 16% of women suffer through postpartum depression, though often they suffer quietly.

Here, Megan bravely opens up to share what postpartum depression looked like for her in the hopes that more women will seek help. words by MEGAN MCLEMORE, images by WHITNEY MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY, MEGAN LOGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

F

inding out you’re having a baby, is one of the most joyous times of your life. Spending nine months preparing for your little bundle of joy, as your body makes all these miraculous changes growing another human being inside of you, gives you a glow everyone will notice. When you deliver that perfect little one, as if by magic, your life suddenly feels complete. It’s absolutely incredible.

That’s how postpartum depression affected me. When I woke up, my husband asked me if I was ok; This was all so unlike me compared to how things went with our first baby, surely there had to be something wrong. And there was. I could NOT stop crying. I cried when he confronted me. I cried when I made an appointment with the doctor, and I cried sitting in the office trying to explain the guilt I felt from constantly crying.

Until it’s not. And you’re sitting alone on the bed while your sweet, perfect baby boy is sleeping in his swing. And you’re crying to yourself. But you don’t know why you’re crying, you just know something isn’t right. You love this little being, but you’re so tired that you can barely keep your eyes open.

Then he starts to fuss, but you’re so consumed with your own wave of emotions you can’t even force yourself to get out of bed. Your eyelids are so heavy. He cries. You cry. And finally your significant other enters and lifts that sweet boy from his swing and you feel a rush of relief as you drift off to sleep.

Just as quickly as it came on, my postpartum depression was gone, along with the tears, exhaustion and guilt, thanks largely in part to an anti depressant prescribed by my OB. I rested up, I had a solid support system, but most importantly, I put my pride aside and I sought help when I needed it.

Fast forward a few years. I was in a new relationship, my oldest was 8, my youngest had just turned six, and my pregnancy test was positive. It was everything we had wanted, and yet... I was terrified. Sure, there were the normal fears like not being sure I could love another baby like I loved my other two, but this was deeper. I was afraid of the fourth HollAndLaneMag.com | 101

trimester and what kind emotional roller coaster it could bring.

Being proactive, I talked to my obgyn about my history and my concerns, and started seeing my therapist again. Knowing that stress can induce depression, I attempted to balance my life to reduce the stress as much as possible. And yet, I still felt the familiar darkness begin to creep in.

ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS PREVIEW?

I struggled during my entire pregnancy with a depression that only got worse the closer I got to my due date. I was so angry, and tired, and sore, and quite honestly, secretly afraid that I would never connect with this baby. There was nothing about the pregnancy that I enjoyed, and I had grown a resentment towards the one thing that had caused all of of my pain. So much so, that I had told the nurses not to lay him on my chest after he was born.

After a little encouragement during delivery however, I relented, and my sweet little boy was placed just above my heart.

He was slimy, squirming, and crying, but he was all mine. He opened his eyes and calmed right down as I offered him my finger to grasp. I felt my heart soften as he wrapped his tiny little hand around my own. It was absolute love.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL ISSUE

I wish I could tell you that was the end of my story. That my depression faded away as my love for him grew more and more everyday, but unfortunately that isn’t the case. A year later I still take an anti depressant (approved for breastfeeding moms). I see a therapist weekly. And I struggle daily. The best medicine for me, though, has been to keep my babe close.

As much as the snuggling, on demand nursing, and babywearing has been for the baby’s benefit, the comfort it’s brought me has helped immensely to keep my depression and anxiety in check. And while some days it’s still hard to get out of bed in the morning, I have three beautiful reasons who remind me why I do.

WE OFFER PRINT ISSUES, DIGITAL ISSUES, AND PLENTY OF SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS!

Every story is different; this one is mine. If you yourself feel like you may be experiencing postpartum depression, I urge you to reach out to your own doctor or a mental health professional. Just like each experience may vary, so will every treatment plan. The first step, however, is always the same. Ask for help. ✴

102 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

T R A V E L

I work very hard, and I play very hard. I'm grateful for life. And I live it - I believe life loves the liver of it. I live it.

- Maya Angelou

HollAndLaneMag.com | 103

104 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

On A Budget words & images by MOLLY WANTLAND

HollAndLaneMag.com | 105

Traveling is the best, isn’t it? Visiting a new city for the first time, learning about a culture different than your own, and most importantly, making memories you’ll never forget. Here are a few tips to help you have a fabulous excursion, both in the U.S. and abroad!

Consider staying at a B&B. Surprisingly, these cozy homes tend to be less expensive than a standard hotel, and you’ll also receive a delicious, home-cooked breakfast! It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet and make friends from all over the country.

Ask locals for must-sees. If you’d rather not stay on the beaten path, talk to locals – your waiter, your B&B owner, etc. - about what you need to do while in town. Chances are, the places they share will probably be much more interesting (and less pricey) than a tourist attraction.

Don’t plan a minute-by-minute itinerary. Of course, it’s smart to have some ideas of what you’d like to do each day, but giving yourself the opportunity to fall into unexpected plans is so exciting! You never know who you’ll encounter or what you’ll discover in a new city, so allow a little leeway for surprises.

Public transit. If you are, let’s say, in NYC for the first time, you have to take a taxi at least once to get that great NYC ‘feel’…you just have to! But, that can also be a quick way to dwindle your trip budget. Take those stairs down to the subway to experience a whole new side of the city, for a much better cost!

Consider train and bus travel, too.

106 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

HollAndLaneMag.com | 107

Dive into the culture. Walk around the town to explore. Eat that food with the unusual name. Chat up those around you. Sit in the city hub and observe those around you. LEARN about where you are! You may never visit this location again, so let yourself get lost in the magic of an unfamiliar place.

Take a picnic to the park. Picking up a few items from the local farmer’s market and lazily enjoying them while sitting on a sunny blanket? Heaven, especially in a new city! This is a fun way to save a few pennies while still embracing the local cuisine.

Practice patience. There might be delays. You may get lost. Rude people could cross your path. Guaranteed, something may put a damper on your trip for a short amount of time. But why waste your precious vacation being frustrated? Take a deep breath and let it go!

Travel off-season. We’ve all heard this one before, but it’s a tried and true tip! You’d be surprised how well things are priced when it’s not peak travel time.

Look for airline deals (hello, Southwest!) and specials run by your B&B or hotel of choice. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for a discount if you are a student, a senior, or in the military.

Go ahead and splurge on that one big thing, such as something that is so ‘that city’. Think: surfing lessons in California. A gondola ride in Venice. A Cubs game in Chicago. Running with the bulls…ok, maybe not that one, but you get the gist! Traveling is all about experiences you gain and making memories.

Spend your money on what you’re going to remember for years to come.

Live in the moment. Give yourself time to take pictures and Instagram them, but also be mindful of enjoying the sights, sounds, and feel of exactly where you are. It’s so easy to get focused on sharing your experience online; you may miss your chance to actually live it! ✴ 108 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

Brooklyn!

The Most Instagrammable Places in

words & images by ANA SCHECTER

ART - BROOKLYN BELIEVES IN ART. Not only that, it seems like Brooklyn believes that art should be public.

There’s no shortage of innovative creatives making things that are meant to be displayed, in the light of day, where it can be seen and interacted with by anyone walking by!

110 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

BROWNSTONE-LINED STREETS THAT LOOK LIKE A MOVIE SET. They are quiet, breezy and filled with the wonder of pre-war buildings that may be crumbling inside or may be recently renovated to the tune of millions of dollars. You'll have to peek in a large window to see which! Or just hang on the stoop for a while.

HollAndLaneMag.com | 111

NEW TYPES OF CREATORS-THE MAKERS Brooklyn is the self-proclaimed king of Maker culture. The maker movement started becoming prominent around Brooklyn in 2011 and it's a thriving community of artists and creatives producing a huge variety of handmade goods. Made, naturally, by hand. It includes bakers, fine artists, clothing designers, florists, distillers, and more. This clothing shop called Wolves Within in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Greenpoint even etched their creation year into the floor of their shop!

NATHAN'S FAMOUS HOT DOGS originated in Coney Island and their dogs are now franchised around the world. They really are flavorful and juicy, and uniquely so at their original store in southwestern Brooklyn (maybe that's the nostalgia ingredient?) even with mustard (which I normally gasp at!) You don't have to have an actual childhood memory of this place to feel like GENERATIONS OF FAMILY BUSINESSES - Brooklyn is still home to people you're visiting a wonderful memory. who have been making the same things here for generations. There are butchers like Staubitz and Italian bakeries like F. Monteleone still being owned and operated by the same families that started them three generations ago. Many of these storefronts can be found in the Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

WE EAT WELL HERE We brunch. We snack.

We day drink. We take photos of our food. Get used to it! Frankie's Sputino is where I had my first date with my boyfriend, and we still think it's the best fresh ricotta in the borough.

ANTLERS, ETC - The aesthetic that spawned a thousand re-claimed wood replicates! Antlers, old-timey knick-knacks and wood-wood-wood everywhere, that's the "hipster" aesthetic that began and still thrives in Brooklyn! Shelter BK is a charming and skylight-filled example.

BURGERS - The Legendary Peter Luger! Since 1887 people have been raving about this beloved Brooklyn institution. My favorite is a burger, medium, with swiss cheese and fries please, and don't try to talk to me until it's gone. (I only need about 4 minutes to accomplish that...)

HollAndLaneMag.com | 113

FARMS ON ROOFS - Because, I mean, wow! How?! Brooklyn Grange is a gigantic rooftop urban farm that grows over 50,000 pounds of organically-cultivated produce per year, not to mention eggs, bees for honey and a consulting team that helps others create similar spaces worldwide.

CAFE CULTURE - Working from home in Brooklyn can look like you're in the South of France. This tiny northern-European-style place called Bakeri on an unassuming street in Greenpoint simply captivates you when you walk through the door. The atmosphere, the matcha green tea scone with white chocolate shavings I had yesterday, EVERYTHING!

SHELSKY'S IN COBBLE HILL is a new place that feels old, and is absolutely authentic in their fish offerings. Nothing is more New York than a bagel with lox!

114 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

MANHATTAN-PEEPING - If you really want to see Manhattan at its finest... you have to do it from Brooklyn!

HollAndLaneMag.com | 115

Regular Contributors

Amy Cook, Books Wife and mother by day, nerdy bookworm by night. Her superpower is substitute teaching middle schoolers. Lover of wine, literature, pie, and all things Gone With The Wind.

Erica Musyt, Movies Erica is a 30-something Virginia native who is passionate about family, friends, and the movies! She buys books faster than she reads them, loves ladybugs and all things purple. A movie star at heart, Erica is delighted to be a contributor to the Holl and Lane movie section!

Micah Chaplin, Music By day, Micah works in the insurance industry, but she’s also a parttime librarian and bartender. She is an author and blogger with a passion for baseball, music, and craft beer. A native Iowan, she goes to more concerts than movies and occasionally serves as merch girl for musicians passing through her city.

Sarah Wissinger, DIY Sarah is a project assistant by day and blogger by night. She co-authors The Surznick Common Room blog with her boyfriend, Nick, where they share DIY projects, delicious recipes, home decor, budget-friendly fashion, favorite books, and more!

You can most often find her singing and dancing at a concert, enjoying a drink with friends, binge-watching a Netflix show, or creating something fun for her blog (and Holl & Lane) readers!

Kelly Agnew, Recipes Millennial, yoga enthusiast, flexitarian, healthy eater and exercise addict. Kelly is a marketer by day and a lifestyle blogger by night. She is passionate about inspiring women to take control of their lives by balancing nutrition, exercise and general well-being. She shares her stories in hopes to inspire others to live holistically and fully.

Christine Contant-Simard, Recipes

116 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

Christine is currently studying to be a Pastry Chef at San Francisco Cooking School. Once she graduates, she hopes to work somewhere in Europe. Last year, Christine and her husband moved from Ottawa, Canada to San Francisco, California.

issue contributors Click on any name below to find our wonderful contributors around the web.

Kari Tate, Product Spotlight Anita Buzzy Prentiss, Make Your Eye Colors Pop Mischaela Advani, Holiday Travel Style Aire Plichta Reese, Halloween Repurposed Alex Ruyter, Dress Your Home Leigh Browning, Baby Betty’s Nursery Lindsey Renner, Career Profile Kimiko Mainprize, My Life With Crohn’s

Skylar Blackwell, Hello Fresh vs. Blue Apron Steph Harris, Traditions: Stuffed Shells Jenni Eaves, Recipe: Cheeseball Colleen Pastoor, DIY Wall Hanging Tabitha Keese, DIY Coffee Filter Lantern Joy Schwarzkopf, Not Your Grandmother’s Knitting Kayla Hollatz, Girl Next Door Mia Sutton, Cultural Identity

Angela Mondloch, #GirlBoss

Jennifer D., Military Family

Annie Weihrauch, #GirlBoss

Laurie Fiumara, Being a Mom

Charissa Livingston, #GirlBoss Eileen French, #GirlBoss Ria Pacheco, #GirlBoss

Megan McLemore, PostPartum Depression Molly Wantland, Traveling Well On a Budget Ana Schecter, Most Instagrammable Places

Dr. Jennifer Brady-Murzyn, CrossFit HollAndLaneMag.com | 117

HOLL

AND

LANE

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE COMING DECEMBER 1, 2015

• UNDER $10 BEAUTY STOCKING STUFFERS • BOOZY APPLE CIDER • DIY GOLD PLACE MARKERS • HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD • HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMILY HOLIDAY .... AND SO MUCH MORE!

118 | Holl & Lane, Issue 3

See something you love? Click it to shop!

befor e you g o. . . d i d you s ee these great p r od u ct s f r om ou r ad ver ti s e r s ?

Little Pine Outfitters

Two Tickets Pg. 17 for coupon!

Hay Creek Road Boutique

MeshCloud

Wee Rascals Pg. 75 for coupon!

Paper K Studios Pg. 75 for coupon!

Junghwa

Honey Honey Handmade

Chaotic & Collected Stationery Pg. 96 for coupon!

Want to share your product with our readers? Email us for more information on advertising!

Advertising@ HollAndLaneMag.com

Solstice Cosmetics

Artful Library HollAndLaneMag.com | 119

READ OUR PREVIOUS ISSUES HTTP://WWW.HOLLANDLANEMAG.COM/READ

STL