Seasonal Living Magazine OCT|NOV 2018

Wander

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

Design

MEXICAN STYLE

Entertain WITH TEQUILA

M AG AZ I NE

SOUTH OF THE BORDER MAGICAL MEXICO

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE discover the charm

INDOOR/ OUTDOOR

stunning style that blends the best of both worlds

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

easy entertaining tips

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FA LLING LE AV E S NOTE FROM THE EDITOR... Autumn is very special to me.

I am inspired by the colors, eager to cook with the bounty of fresh local harvests, and motivated to visit places well-suited for outdoor experiences.

In this, our second issue, we take you to Mexico through travel, food, entertaining, and design. We hope you'll find personalized ideas that will help you and your families celebrate and redefine the art of indoor/outdoor living.

At Seasonal Living, where we design, source and manufacture award-winning boutique indoor/outdoor furniture, lighting, and decorative accents, we’ve always believed in traveling to the source. Sometimes that means jetting off to some far away exotic archipelago. Other times, it's a afternoon flight to the heart of America's furniture makers looking for small factories that combine their artisan skills with 21st century production methods while maintaining a focus on craftsmanship and sustainability.

I am so excited to share this second issue with you and look forward to hearing your feedback.

Email me at editor@seasonaliving.com. I'm listening. See you in San Miguel.

Gary Pettitt

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T R AV E L SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

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LE AR N MO R E INQUIRIES

FOOD DAY OF THE DEAD CUPCAKES AND COCKTAILS

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E N T E R TA I N I N G TEQUILA TASTING PARTY EASY GUACAMOLE RECIPE

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C O N NE CT W IT H U S

DESIGN LYNN YELLEN RACHEL HORN PERPETUAL COLLECTION

©2018 SEASONAL LIVING All rights reserved.

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SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE

O C T | N O V

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DOWN SOUTH not far away is a magical place where old world meets new world. in a matter of hours you can be strolling along cobblestone streets, sampling new tastes and sipping tequila, and soaking in all that mexico has to offer from beaches to charming small villages. you'll be enchanted by traditional craftsmanship and surprised by the new modern mexico.

SEASONAL travel

QUE COLORES! A COLORFUL LOOK AT SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

I

t’s difficult to believe that such a short trip can land you in a place that feels worlds away. San Miguel de Allende, tucked away in the highlands of central Mexico offers just that, but so much more, including top-notch restaurants, beautiful architecture, and plenty of culture and history.

Be prepared for a change of pace as San Miguel is a smaller town with no traffic lights. The vibe is generally calmer than that of the lively beach destinations in Mexico. The thousands of North Americans who visit here each year come to experience the rich culture and art and favorable climate.

Named a national monument in 1926 by the Mexican government, San Miguel is full of picturesque streets and private courtyards, making it perfect for a long stroll. You’ll be swept away by the Colonial architecture and stucco and stone buildings in bright, rich colors. Stumble down the right street and find yourself in the middle of an outdoor market with colorful keepsakes and handcrafted goods made as they have been for generations by San Miguel's skilled artisan families.

C O LO R F UL A ND CAREFREE

Stroll the many pedestrian streets of San Miguel de Allende to find treasured textile keepsakes in vibrant colors.

of galleries and shops.

Food lovers rejoice! San Miguel de Allende has options for any culinary appetite. Apart from local cuisine you will find a variety of other options including Italian, Arabic, vegetarian, Chinese, and German. Arrive early for dinner and spend some time on one of the many rooftop bars.

Finish the evening off with a little music - anything from jazz to salsa - in one of the many clubs or listen to mariachi in El Jardin.

With so much charm and so much color it is easy to see why this gem of a town has increased in popularity and has become home to many North Americans and Europeans.

It has everything for a relaxed indoor/outdoor lifestyle… except a beach. But with so much to do within walking distance, who needs a beach?

San Miguel de Allende

It would be easy to spend at least two days visiting the many galleries and shops in San Miguel. You can shop for everything from handcrafted silver jewelry to kitchenware.

Galleries showcase the best from local folk arts and crafts to world class photography and collector-quality paintings.

Be sure to visit Fábrica La Aurora, an old cotton mill turned commercial center for wine and tapas, lunch, and a number

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SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE

SEASONAL travel

S AN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

IN DIGITS 170 miles north of Mexico City

There is no shortage of things to do and see in San Miguel. Enjoy strolling through town (don't miss the rooftop dogs) or get a little more adventurous with a horseback trip. Soak up the local culture through music, cooking, or tequila tasting. Plan your visit around one of the many festivals, such as Dia de los Muertos which takes place the first week of every November. Don't miss our party and entertaining ideas on the next two pages!

DO Xotolar Ranch, San Miguel de Allende t: 415.154.6275 Horseback through spectacular countryside and return to a working ranch for an authentic ranch

2008 year added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites

luncheon and plenty of cold cerveza.

61-72 average range of temperaures (ËšF)

TASTE Casa Dragones / San Miguel de Allende e: concierge@casadragones.com Make an appointment for a tequila tasting at Casa

1870 avg. altitude above sea level

Dragones. You'll experience tequila at its finest from one of the world's premier makers.

0 traffic lights 149 number of hotels in the city

LEARN La Cocina Cooking School, San Miguel de Allende t: 888.407.3168 Choose a single class or a 3 day immersion course

72,400 last known population

taught at this top-rated culinary experience. All courses are taught in English.

DOORS

GALORE

!

THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 2000 BRIGHTLY COLORED AND ORNATE DOORS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER OF SAN MIGUEL. SOME OF THESE INTRICATELY CARVED DOORS DATE BACK TO THE 1700'S AND HAVE BEEN WELL-PRESERVED BY THE DRY AIR. WHAT'S BEHIND THEM? AN ESTIMATED 2000 COURTYARDS FILLED WITH CITRUS TREES, BOUGAINVILLEA, TROPICAL PLANTS AND SPLASHING FOUNTAINS.

SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE

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SEASONAL food

CLICK TO WATCH

DIA DE LOS MUERTOSRTY! PA

MUSIC MATTERS Keep the party going with festive music. Click below to listen to a Mexican Cumbia playlist sure to get people moving.

Bring your Day of the Dead to life with a fun and lively cocktail party! Celebrate with Arroz con Leche Cupcakes and Tequila Sunrise Mimosas. Watch the video to see how it's done and get the full recipes on page 12.

BUY ME!

Need table inspiration? Keep it simple with black, organic-shaped plates, plenty of marigolds or other bright flowers in bud vases, and simple cutlery on plain white, linen napkins. Add festive colorful touches like sugar skulls in small quantities.

M A R IGO LD S I N B U D VA SE S Marigolds are a mainstay in Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. Add them to clear, glass bud vases for a sophisticated look.

Here's one of our favorites.

CLICK TO BUY

B LAC K MATTE PLATES The organic shape of these adds an Old World feel while still keeping a modern sensibility.

CLICK TO BUY

S IM PLE C UTLE R Y Keep it simple with streamlined cutlery that is understated yet chic.

CLICK TO BUY

PE R PET UAL P ROVE NCE CONCRET E TA B LE Indoors or outdoors, this lightweight concrete table is the perfect backdrop for your entertaining needs.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

W H ITE LIN EN N A PK IN S Good quality, plain white linen napkins are always in style. Fold them in a narrow strip and place them in the center of the plates.

CLICK TO BUY

TW O GLA ZE SQUARE C UB E TA B LE/ S TOOL Seat your guests on these stunning hand-glazed stools in a variety of color options.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

SEASONAL entertaining

TEQUILA TA S TING Styles of Tequila

There are three styles of tequila that are characterized by their method of production and length of aging. They each have a unique flavor and aroma. A tasting party is a great way to experience them, learn something new, and have fun with your friends.

Tasting Glassware While we often associate tequila with shot glasses, a better choice for a tequila tasting is a stemmed glass with a short bowl that tapers toward the top to better experience the aroma. If you don’t have tequila glasses, white wine glasses are a good substitute.

BLANCO

Bottled immediately after distillation. The aromas are well-defined and can include notes of citrus, pear, mint, pineapple or pepper.

The Tasting •

Serve at room temperature.

•

Serve ½ ounce for each tasting.

•

Note the color of the tequila by holding it in the light.

Blanco should be clear, reposado should be a light golden color, and añejo should be dark golden to amber.

•

Swirl the tequila in the glass to release the aromas. Take in a good sniff with the glass held about ½ inch from your nose. Make note of the aromas.

Take a small sip. Hold it in your mouth briefly, allowing it to coat your tongue. Swallow the tequila and exhale through your mouth to reduce some of the burn. Make note of the flavors, which should be similar to the aromas you noted.

Make note of the texture and finish which could be smooth, mellow, full-bodied or light. Do the flavors dissipate quickly or do they linger for a long finish?

Use a clean glass for tasting each variety.

•

• •

REPOSADO

Aged in wooden vats or pipones from 2-12 months. Slightly darker in color with more mellow aromas and notes of vanilla, honey, butterscotch, or almond.

ANEJO

Aged at least one year and has a much richer color.

The flavor is oaky with notes of caramel, almond, toffee, chocolate, or spice.

LOVE GUACAMOLE? FIND OUR FAVORITE RECIPE ON PAGE 12.

SEASONAL design

MODERN MEXICAN D ES I GN E R F I LES

LY NN YELLE N B

ecoming a designer of luxury homes in Mexico was never really part of the plan for Lynn Yellen, but growing up in the furniture business led her to it naturally. While her father owned a furniture company, Lynn started her professional journey in her mother’s landscaping business. Later her brothers opened LADCO, a Houston-based wholesale furniture company, where Lynn would soon find her new home.

What started as a request to design a home in Cabo for a friend, resulted in referrals and a connection with a home builder in Mexico. Now Lynn leads a team of designers for Resort Design Group, a division of LADCO. Working strictly on referrals, Lynn has designed numerous projects in developments in and around Cabo San Lucas including Villas Del Mar, Chileano Bay, and Caleta Palmilla. Because these clients are generally looking for turnkey projects, Lynn has the ability to develop full luxury interior design concepts.

New construction allows her to be involved in every aspect of the design, collaborating with architects to ensure that functional considerations are worked into the design as well as the aesthetics.

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IN DO O R /O UTDO O R Stunning design marries the best of traditional and modern while blending the interior space with the great outdoors.

Creating these show-stopping homes in Mexico comes with a unique set of challenges. While she includes the work of local artisans throughout her projects, there is still a large number of goods which must be shipped from the US. Arranging transport by 18-wheeler is required as well as working with a team of local installers after the goods make their journey. In addition, Lynn travels with another team of installers from the United States specifically for window treatments, which are a major consideration in her projects. Drapery hardware must be worked into the architecture in order to maximize the beautiful natural sunlight as well as function properly. Weather and climate are top considerations as most of her projects include indoor/outdoor living spaces and furnishings and fabrics must be able to stand up to the elements and corrosive salt air. Choosing the right product lines, such as Seasonal Living, gives Lynn the confidence that her clients will be satisfied for years to come.

LYNN'S RECOMMENDATIONS Jan Barboglio for home decor.

Flora Farms for food, workshops, and fun.

Galeria Pez Gordo for art.

SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE

A QUIET NOOK FOR CONVERSATION AROUND A COZY FIRE, COURTESY OF SEASONAL LIVING'S ZANZIBAR COFFEE TABLE (TOP). PERFECT PATIO WITH AN INFINITY POOL OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN. NATURAL COLORS PUNCTUATED WITH BRIGHT ORANGES AND TURQUOISE, LIKE SEASONAL LIVING'S ANCARIS RING TABLE (BOTTOM).

GET THE LOOK! CLICK THE CUTOUT TO SEE MORE COLORS OF OUR ANCARIS RING TABLE! SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE

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SEASONAL design

REFINED

COM F OR T

D E S I G N E R FILES

GR A N D EN TR A N C E

RAC HE L H O R N B

ehind the handcrafted doors of this stately entrance lies the beauty of Casa Barranca.

Positioned on a cliff in Punta de Mita, this home has stunning views of the property below.

Working with the client’s existing art collection, designer Rachel Horn transformed this classic Mexican contemporary home into a wellcurated ensemble of modern furnishings, local artisan works, and pops of glorious color. It is an exquisite collection, but not in the museum sense. Rather, it is like a museum where you can take your shoes off and really live, surrounded by vibrant color and unique objects that reflect the best of local artisinal craftsmanship.

Finding the right objects and craftsmen comes naturally for Rachel. Texas-born, Rachel moved to San Miguel de Allende when she was just 3 weeks old. She lived there, where to speak Spanish fluently, with her bohemian parents (a writer and a dancer) until she was eleven. Her love for interior design got a jump start when her parents hired her to design their home at the age of 14. This ultimately led to opening a retail store in Los Angeles and later her own design firm in 1999.

Inspired by the history of a place, Rachel

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Exquisite handcrafted doors draw the eye inward to see what lies beyond the threshold.

considers the client’s lifestyle and how to best incorporate the right materials and color to suit it. Her connection to the history of the area draws her to projects with ancient architecture that has stories still left to tell. As an example, she recently renovated the home of the founders of Casa Dragones tequila (see the small tasting bar in the travel section). The home was built in 1680 and was formerly the stables for the Guard of the Queen of Spain. See more of this jewel on Rachel’s website.

Rachel’s affinity for San Miguel has remained constant. She spends a great deal of time there and has a retail shop, Rachel Horn Home, very near Fábrica La Aurora. Growing up and being woven into the fabric of the city has allowed Rachel to cultivate relationships with artisans who have been creating quality, authentic goods for generations. This puts Rachel in the unique position to source as much product from San Miguel and the surrounding areas as possible for her projects.

RACHEL’S RECOMMENDATIONS Ole Ole for best hole-in-the-wall fajitas.

La Calaca Art Festival for Day of the Dead Instituto Allende for art workshops

SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE

A COLLECTION OF ANTIQUES AND LOCAL ARTISAN-MADE FURNISHINGS COMES TOGETHER SEAMLESSLY IN THIS LIGHT-FILLED BEDROOM (TOP LEFT). USING THE CLIENT'S ARTWORK, RACHEL PULLS POPS OF COLOR INTO THE CENTER OF THE ROOM THROUGH TEXTILES (TOP RIGHT). A WELL-APPOINTED LIVING SPACE COMBINING MODERN FURNITURE WITH COLLECTED TREASURES AND PLENTY OF VIBRANT COLOR

GET THE LOOK! CLICK THE CUTOUT TO BUY THIS WHITE FEATHER AND CHROME PENDANT LAMP! SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE

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SEASONAL decor

PERPE TUAL MOTION

PERPETUAL COLLECTION Turning your outdoor space into one with as much style as your indoor space can be challenging. Finding unique pieces that fit your style in a sea of ordinary choices compounds the problem.

The PERPETUAL COLLECTION from Seasonal Living was designed with style in mind, giving you chic options to fit your lifestyle. In fact, it's durable enough to be left outdoors, but so stylish that it is equally comfortable inside.

Lightweight concrete and reclaimed teak are the foundation for a stunning array of pieces for living and dining areas. The collection is rounded out with many clever storage options and convertible pieces.

Anchor your seating arrangement with one of our lightweight concrete coffee tables.

WAV E AC C E N T TA B L E Stylish form in handmade lightweight concrete.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

PROV ENCE D INING TA B LE Handmade lightweight concrete in a variety of colors and sizes.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

KO C H I B E N C H Handmade lighweight concrete top with solid reclaimed teak base. Also available in ivory white.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

MILLEN IA DIN IN G C H AIR Solid recliamed teak with stainless steel back supports.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

LIMA C O FF E E TA B L E Lightweight concrete top and base in slate gray or ivory white.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

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SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE

SEASONAL extras

SHELF IMPROVEMENT Add a couple of books inspired by this issue to your bookshelf this month.

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD TIM FEDERLE The world's bestselling cocktail book for the literary obsessed.

CLICK TO BUY

ARROZ CON LECHE CUPCAKES prep time: 20 min, cook time 25 min

9.

Prepare caramel frosting by adding caramel sauce to buttercream. Mix until fully combined.

Ingredients:

10. Core the center of each cupcake and fill with rice pudding. Smooth the top with back of spoon.

•

½ cup medium grain rice

•

2 cups water

•

2½ cups evaporated milk

•

¼ cup cornstarch

•

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

•

1 cinnamon stick

•

3¾ cup all purpose flour

2 servings

•

1¼ cup sugar

prep time: 5 min

•

¾ teaspoon salt

Ingredients:

•

1 tablespoon baking powder

•

blood orange wedges from 1 blood orange

•

1 cup milk

•

sugar for dipping

•

½ cup vegetable oil

•

3 oz. tequila

•

½ cup unsalted butter

•

champagne

•

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

•

orange juice

•

2 eggs

•

Few splashes grenadine

•

4 cups vanilla buttercream

Instructions:

•

6 tablespoons caramel sauce

1.

Coat each glass rim with orange juice, then dip in sugar.

2.

Add 1.5 ounces tequila to each glass, then fill

1.

An American journalist is swept up in the dramatic story of his own Mexican ancestry.

CLICK TO BUY

Fill each cupcake liner 3/4 of the way. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cupcakes pass clean toothpick test. Cool completely.

24 servings

Instructions:

MEXICO JAMES A. MICHENER

8.

Bring rice and water to boil in saucepan over high heat. Reduce to medium and simmer until soft, about 30 minutes.

11. Use a piping bag to add frosting to top of each cupcake.

TEQUILA SUNRISE MIMOSAS

glass halfway with champagne.

3.

Fill remainder with orange juice and a splash of grenadine.

Garnish with an orange wedge.

2.

Add 2 cups evaporated milk and ¼ cup sugar. Raise heat to high. While the mixture comes to a boil, mix 1¼ cups milk with ¼ cup cornstarch.

4.

3.

Add the cornstarch mixture and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract at boiling point. Stir well to combine. Remove from heat. Spread rice mixture in large flat container, cover with cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour.

4 servings

Preheat oven to 350˚. Prepare cupcake tins.

•

¼ cup red onion, minced

•

2 serrano chiles, minced

•

2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped

•

1 medium tomato, diced

•

2 avocados

•

½ teaspoon salt

•

1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice

•

ground black pepper to taste

•

tortilla chips for serving

4.

5.

6.

7.

Sift together flour, baking powder, remaining sugar, and salt. Add to a mixing bowl with softened butter. Mix on medium speed to fine sand consistency.

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, yogurt, oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup of rice pudding.

With mixer on low, add wet ingredients to dry ingredients in a slow stream just until no dry ingredients are visible.

EASY GUACAMOLE prep time: 10 min

Ingredients:

Instructions: 1.

Mince onion. Mince chiles after removing stems and seeds. Chop cilantro, and dice tomato without center pulp or seeds. Set aside.

2.

Cut avocados and remove flesh. Chop the flesh roughly and add to a mixing bowl.

3.

Mash avocado with a fork, leaving some small chunks intact. Toss with lime juice and salt.

4.

Add remaining ingredients and toss to fully combine. Serve with tortilla chips.

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LOOKING AHEAD

GET FIRED UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS! COOLER TEMPERATURES, FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS, GIFT GIVING, AND TIME AWAY FOR A LITTLE TRAVEL. IT'S ALL COMING UP IN ISSUE THREE, OUT DECEMBER 1ST. WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US BELOW.

FIRE PEDESTALS | INGOT COLLECTION FROM OUR NEW COLLECTION OF HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAIL AND ACCENT TABLES, FIRE PITS, AND PEDESTALS IN COPPER AND BRASS. Click to see new products.

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