The Fresh Edit: Volume 3

FRESH EDIT THE

issue three | winter

everyday inspiration for a fresh life and home

After living in Florida for a few years now, we still haven’t grown accustomed to our fall season which typically looks like palm trees and sunshine over the pool‌ basically summer. And winter gives us a few chilled days when we pull hats and sweaters from the closet.

2

So, we head north to find snow. Many times we end up in one of our favorite cities to visit, Chicago, most often in the heart of winter. We find ourselves bundling up in layers and covering every inch of skin to shield from the bitter wind that comes with a windy city stay in February.

We take advantage of the shops and cafes on Michigan Avenue to warm ourselves for a moment before bracing for the cold.

What I’ve found though, is that it doesn’t matter where we reside, or where we travel, the fun and adventure in it all is what you make it! Every city has so many great things to offer, but you’ll never experience the joy in it if you don’t make the choice to enjoy it. The same can be

said for memory-making right in the comfort of your own home. When you decide to see the good, find the fun, embrace the moments, you’ll truly be able to enjoy wherever it is you find yourself.

3 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

A FEW OF OUR RECENT FAVORITE FINDS: Bombo Bar for a fun doughnut creation and Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon.

Need to warm up on a cold day?

Try the S’mores Hotter Chocolate from the little walk-up window at Bombo Bar.

Brayden and I spent an afternoon gliding our way through the ribbon at Maggie Daley park and it was so much fun!

We basically learned to skate at the same place and what a place to do it; surrounded by gorgeous city views.

WINTER

2018 ON THE COVER Tabitha explores the winter wonderland that is Chicago, Illinois.

IN EVERY ISSUE

7

11

Q&A We asked and you answered.

12

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

CONT

food & drinks

34 35

44 45 46 47 48

home & organization

HOMEMADE CROUTONS SOUPS THAT WARM THE HEART AND HOME • CARROT CURRY SOUP • CUBAN STYLE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP • ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP • HOMESTYLE CHILI • ZUPPA TOSCANA SOUP • MUSHROOM BARLEY SOUP • T OMATO AND RED PEPPER SOUP • CREAMY POTATO SOUP

14

ENDING THE FOOD FIGHT Build a better menu with these alternatives.

17

EMBRACING SEASONAL CHANGE Living a life wholeheartedly.

20

HOME IS WHEREVER WE ARE Your home is you and your family.

22

HOME IS A FEELING NOT A PLACE Your home is you and your family.

24

HOME IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT Create the home you want.

64

SEASONAL TABLESCAPES 4 Styling tips for your fall festivities.

74

THE ART OF SHELF STYLING Style your shelves like they do in magazines.

HOT APPLE WASSAIL MULLED WINE PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE COCONUT HOT CHOCOLATE FOR THE LOVE OF PUMPKIN

• PUMPKIN DONUTS • PUMPKIN ALFREDO • PUMPKIN BUTTER • PUMPKIN MACARONI

• PUMPKIN JAR CHEESECAKE • PUMPKIN COOKIES • PUMPKIN WAFFLES • PUMPKIN BUNDT

8

TENTS beauty & health

lifestyle & DIY

18

7 TIPS TO FIGHTING THE HOLIDAY BULGE We all want to indulge. These tips will help you avoid the bulge.

26

COZY WINTER STYLE TIPS Master your winter wardrobe.

27

10 WINTER POUTS Perfect your pout with these colorful looks.

28

4 PARTY PERFECT LOOKS Four fun before and afters.

72

PURIFY YOUR AIR WITH THESE 5 HOUSE PLANTS A natural way to make your home healthier.

58

PUMPKIN IRON-ON DECAL Download our free design and iron it on to anything and everything.

59

FESTIVE FARMHOUSE SIGN A creative way to jazz up any shelf.

60

DIY ADVENT CALENDAR A fun way to celebrate the holidays with your family.

76

9 STEPS TO MAKE ROOM IN YOUR HOME AND YOUR MIND These organization tips can change your life.

79

HAPPY, CLEAN HOME Find your happy; make it home.

80

30 DAY HOME DETOX The best way to start this new season is with a detox.

9 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

CONTRIBUTORS TABITHA BLUE EDITOR & CHIEF, WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER, MODEL, STYLIST

BRIONY SKERJANCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER, STYLIST, WRITER

CHRISTOPHER BLUE BUSINESS MANAGER, AUTHOR, RESEARCHER, SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

DR. RAUL SERRANO HEALTH & FITNESS CONTRIBUTOR

BECKY FOX HEALTH & FITNESS CONTRIBUTOR

CYNDA HARRIS HEALTH & FITNESS CONTRIBUTOR

REBECCA GIANNULIS BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

JOSIE STARKE BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

ANGELINA NAVARRO BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

AUTUMN KINSEY HOME & FAMILY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

AMBER MAMIAN HOME & FAMILY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

BARBARA PROIA HOME & FAMILY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

MARSHA STRICKHOUSER HOME & FAMILY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

AMY BOYLE CONTRIBUTING FOOD WRITER

ASHLEY SOLBERG CONTRIBUTING FOOD WRITER

LISA LESLIE-WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING FOOD WRITER

MAYA HENRY CONTRIBUTING FOOD WRITER

MINDY FEWLESS CONTRIBUTING FOOD WRITER

SARAH HALSTEAD CONTRIBUTING FOOD WRITER

ANNETTE LEGER CONTRIBUTING FOOD WRITER

SUE SKERJANCE COPY & PROOF EDITOR

ANNIE GROVES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER (PGS. 20-21)

NATALIE @FLYTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER (PGS. 22-23)

SARAH JOHNSON REMEMBER THIS STUDIO CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER (PGS. 18-19)

MARCY BUDWICK MODEL (PG.31)

YAMEL BELEN MODEL (PG.29)

ALLISON RICE MODEL (PG.30)

10

ELIZABETH SUTHERLAND MODEL (PG.32)

q&a

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF HOME?

A sacred place where love, joy, communication happens. A place you can watch your family grow, spend time together, enjoy your space!

Home is love.

- Amber Irwin

Home is something I still don't completely understand. I didn't grow up with "home."

Now that I have what I consider to be home in my marriage, my family, my life, I understand that it's where you are accepted. Where you are cherished and loved just as you are. Where your mistakes don't define you, and your successes are celebrated. It's where I finally get my peace.

My happy ending. My "home."

- April Dawn Frase Home is a place that warms your heart. It is a safe haven where some of your best memories are made. It has a scent, a feel that nothing else does... I love my home and everyone that’s in it.

- Tabatha Braden Flanick Home is where you feel loved, appreciated, accepted and safe. Where memories are made.

Where friends can just come over and enjoy themselves.

- Bianca Younglove Wheeler

WHAT DOES HOME MEAN TO YOU? Home is a place where there is love.

Where memories are made. And a name for the space where you feel safe.

- Karey Whitfield

They say that a house is made of wood and stone. But only Love can make a home!

- Ravena Liddell A place of comfort, love, and acceptance.

- Amy Boyle Home is my refuge from the world.

- Alicia Rasmussen Home is a safe place where individuality is encouraged, we are each accepted as we are (even on our bad days), we love each other fully and trust is paramount.

-Stephanie Griffey Andrews

11 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

Home is where your heart is!

- Denise Menendez

LETTER from the EDITOR

Hello!

You’ll notice a theme weaved throughout this magazine. Home. And the thing is, you don’t have to own a home, with your own mortgage and front door, to soak up the wisdom and deliciousness that is shown throughout these pages.

homes. When we read others’ stories, it can help us to see the differences, uniqueness and what makes our own homes and families special. No two homes are alike and when we embrace those things that truly make home what it is for us, we see the beauty in it.

HOM E I S W HAT YOU MAKE I T.

I’m happy to bring you some awesome tips, home hacks, comforting recipes (a whole section of soup recipes to warm your home... and your heart!), and stories from others that are meant to encourage and inspire more of those special moments from within the walls of your home, wherever that may be.

That’s why I’m excited to bring you perspectives from others' on what home is to them. We'll hear from a military wife, who could probably add “professional mover” to her resume, from a family made complete through adoption, from a professional organizer, from a life coach, and from a chiropractor. We’re looking at ways these professionals help others create space for happy, healthy

xo Tabitha

12

RECIPES

for your

HOME MIX IT UP IT’S TIME TO DITCH THE RUBBER GLOVES AND HARMFUL CLEANERS FULL OF TOXINS AND GIVE CLEANING YOUR HOUSE USING THIS SIMPLE AT HOME RECIPE A TRY! ALL NATURAL CLEANING POWER… AND THE VINEGAR SCENT IS GONE AS IT DRIES, LEAVING A FRESH, CINNAMON SPICE SCENT TO ENJOY!

ALL PURPOSE SPRAY RECIPE • 2 CUPS WATER • 2 CUPS WHITE VINEGAR

100% PURE ESSENTIAL OILS

USE COUPON CODE:

FRESHMOMMY 10% OFF EVERY ORDER W W W. S PA R K NAT U R A L S . C O M

• 30 DROPS OF ESSENTIAL OILS (CLOVE BUD, CINNAMON, AND WILD ORANGE) Add all ingredients to a spray bottle. Shake and spray on countertops, sinks, toilets, etc.

With a rag, wipe down surfaces.

ENDING THE

FOOD FIGHT EASY PRACTICAL STEPS TO HEALTHIER KIDS AND HOMES.

by Dr. Serrano

W E B S I T E : D R S E R R A N O. M E • I N S TAG R A M : @ D R R AU L S E R R A N O • E M A I L : D R S E R R A N O @ D R S E R R A N O. M E

H O M E“WE & L I FARE E S T Y NOT LE

GOING FOR PERFECTION, WE ARE LOOKING FOR PROGRESS.”

As parents, we know the importance of your child’s nutrition, but we also know the challenges you face every day. From picky eaters to texture sensitivities, getting them to eat, let alone eat healthy, can be a daily struggle.

But this is where we come in! We are very passionate about families, and we are here to come alongside you and bring hope. We want to empower you to make the best choices and decisions for your family... we want to help you end the food fight!

HEALTHY FOODS ARE “HEALING FOODS.” WE DON’T SAY “CHEAT MEALS” – WE SAY “VACATION FOODS.”

L AT E R A L S H I F T S What is a lateral shift?

These are things your child is already eating, and we just need to shift from a non-healthy option to a heathier option.

EXAMPLE

W O R D S H AV E W E I G H T What we want as parents is to teach our kids that food is awesome, and it is to be fully enjoyed. Here are some examples of the language we use:

Your kids eat Lays potato chips, which are not very healthy – they are filled with preservatives and cooked in rancid oils, etc. We are not going to say don’t eat potato chips. Instead we are going to make a lateral shift to a brand which is healthier – no preservatives and cooked in coconut oil. As you can see, lateral shifts are simple.

We have found lateral shifts for almost every food category.

“IS THIS GOD MADE OR MAN-MADE?” “FAT IS FUEL” (GOOD ONES OF COURSE.) Using this language has helped us have healthy conversations about our food choices and it has been great to see our kids begin to make better choices for themselves. Do they always choose well? No, and that’s okay too. We are not going for perfection, we are looking for progress.

15 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

S T E P 1 - F I X T H E FAT S

The truth is, our body needs fats, more specifically our body needs good fats. This is specifically vital for kids due to the rapidly developing brain and nervous system. These two interconnected systems control all healing and all function in the body. A healthy brain + a healthy nervous system = a healthy child. Healthy fats, like avocados, good oils, and raw dairy help to control hunger and cravings in between, promote a healthy metabolism, and boost vitamin intake.

S T E P 2 - P E R F E C T T H E P R OT E I N

Proteins are essential for kids to eat every day because they are the building blocks for every single cell in the body.

Proteins keep your child’s energy and blood sugar stable and they also maintain a healthy metabolism throughout the day. Proteins also build muscle mass, they support neurological functions throughout the body, and they also help to naturally balance your child’s hormones. And when we are talking about proteins, your child needs the healthiest ones of all. Because just like the fats, there are good proteins and bad proteins. When eating meats, think about what your protein has been eating.

We like to say around our house, “You are what you Eat, Eats!” We do not want to be filling our kid’s bodies with foods that are filled with toxins, hormones, and antibiotics.

“YOU ARE MAKING THIS CHANGE TO BET TER YOUR WHOLE FAMILY.”

STEP 3 - SHAKE THE SUGAR

Sugar. We crave it, our children crave it and guess what...it’s hiding everywhere. It is in your child’s juice, their granola bars, and in almost every processed food and snack.

We are not talking about natural sugar from fruit and honey. We are talking about processed sugar.

The sugar that is harming your child’s body in many ways from tooth decay and hyperactivity to hormone dysregulation and increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

To really shake the sugar, fully commit – you are making this change to better your whole family.

Then realize that you can only control what you can control. What we as parents can control is in the home. We do not have processed sugar in our house, but when we go out to a birthday party, school party, etc., we allow them to have “vacation treats,” and we don’t worry or stress about other places. We don’t cut out sweets for our kids, we definitely have sweet tooths, but we just have healthy lateral shifts instead.

It helps to remove anything that has extra sugars and use natural sweetness like fruit, raw and local honey, dates, stevia, and dark pure maple syrup instead.

YOU CAN DO IT!

In a world that pushes quick fixes and temporary treatments, we have to re-route our brains to know our bodies need more than that; we deserve more than that. We want our children to know how to make the right choices when it comes to nourishing their bodies and that starts with you and that starts in the home. I believe in these lateral shifts and I believe in you.

You can do this! With a little bit of planning, discipline, and consistency, you can end the food fight in your family.

EMBRACING SEASONAL CHANGE L I V I N G A L I F E W H O L E H E A R T E D LY

BY CYNDA HARRIS

As I have gotten older and closer to becoming an empty nester (trust me, it flies by!), I find myself favoring the fall and winter months. When I was younger, the summer season was my absolute favorite. But now my anticipation of fall is welcomed with Pumpkin Spiced “anything,” a creative change in wardrobe style (the life of a Floridian), and a new collection of fall-smelling candles bring on the feeling of a new season approaching!

But, what I have discovered is no matter where you live on this planet, seasons have both physical and spiritual meanings. And, fall and winter play a huge role in the heart of living a life wholeheartedly. Have you ever noticed that outside changes can bring an awareness to your insides?

In these upcoming seasons, allow your home to be a place of safety, sanctuary, and growth. Look at the faces around the table or screaming at the football game, allow them to fill you up (more than the home cooked meals and extra servings of pumpkin pie), and enjoy the moments you are living in now. Brighten up any dark areas of your life.

Allow life to change colors and let go of the things that don’t belong in your future in order to live life more fully - standing in gratefulness with the space we’ve been given.

The change in this season will not only impact your season now, but cultivate a life of legacy for you and generations to come.

In nature, the days are shorter and the trees even recognize a change in the atmosphere before we get a chance to change from sandals to boots. Our souls are the same way.

As the days shorten, we are drawn inside our homes where family is more apt to gather together despite our busy schedules or living distances. Lights are used in the home to add a glow and warmth, and illuminate areas that otherwise would be darkened.

Outside the leaves begin to change into beautiful colors before letting go and floating in a graceful dance to the ground. It reminds me that the new season coming may require some “letting go” in order for the next season to begin. Recognizing that home isn’t just a place or a building, but is the environment that we surround ourselves with has the ability to breathe life into our new seasons and into our souls. It’s the people within it and when we are together, we ARE home.

Certified Life & Leadership Coach for Grow Life, Inc. (Founder) ~ www.growandflourish.com Co-founder of For the Girls International, Inc. ~ www.ftgi.org Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

17

7

TIPS TO FIGHTING THE HOLIDAY BULGE

BY BECKY FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH JOHNSON

The holidays can be a tough time to stay on track with healthy eating, but making better choices doesn’t have to be impossible. Here are a few of my top tips to keep you on track and avoid the typical 5-pound holiday weight gain.

1

Start your day strong with a healthy breakfast.

Skipping meals often leads to overeating and making poor food choices later in the day. By starting your day on the right track, you’re more likely to stick to healthier options and avoid overeating when you’re starving.

So start with a full, balanced breakfast with some protein and fat, and even better if you can squeeze in a veggie. Skip the grab and go granola bar or muffin that will leave you feeling hungry in 30 minutes.

Instead, try making a berry smoothie with protein powder and avocado or cook some eggs and veggies in a muffin tin so you have an easy graband-go breakfast.

2

Slow down. During the holidays you’ll often be rushed and in a hurry, so it’s not uncommon to eat most meals really fast. However, when you eat fast, it’s easy to overeat.

See, it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to recognize that you’re full. When you eat in a hurry, it’s easy to eat a lot of extra calories before you even register that you’ve had enough. And over many meals those extra calories can really add up.

So by slowing down, you’ll naturally eat smaller portion sizes and you’ll even feel more satisfied from your meal.

3

Keep a food diary. Tracking everything you put into your body will hold you more accountable to staying on track while keeping you more mindful of your choices.

Logging will also help you see patterns in how you eat and help you become more aware of those patterns. That’s the first step to making a change for good. You may not even realize exactly how much you were eating or that you tend to grab for a glass of wine every time you’re stressed. Starting to learn these patterns are the first step in making lasting changes.

18 18

Additionally, it allows you to be more mindful of your choices because who really wants to write down that they had 5 glasses of wine or a box of holiday cookies?

4

What you measure you can manage!

Eat your veggies and protein first. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to overeat carbs? Like that big plate of pasta or some fresh baked bread. Well as it turns out, carbs do a lousy job of signaling to our brains that we’ve had enough. So it’s easy to just keep eating and eating.

By starting your meals with veggies and proteins first, instead of say bread or tortilla chips, you’ll feel fuller and will be less likely to indulge in other unhealthy sides.

So start with a salad, soup, or veggies and dip. Eat the chicken or fish with a side of veggies before diving into the rice or potatoes. Make pasta a side dish instead of the main entrée.

And always save the sweets and desserts for last!

This small change can add up to thousands of calories over the course of the holidays and a much happier waistline.

5

the calories in these can add up real fast. Also, try alternating between an alcoholic beverage (if you are drinking) and water (same goes for soda). This cuts 100’s of calories!!!

7

Don’t fall into the all-or-nothing trap. You can still make great progress without being perfect. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking because you can’t eat perfectly you’re just going to do whatever you want until New Years.

You still have lots of opportunities to make better choices while also giving yourself the freedom to let loose and enjoy the holidays without going overboard.

Falling out of habits you are trying to accomplish for a few days, DOES NOT mean your effort is hopeless. Simply acknowledge that you ‘slipped up’ or ate poorly and get back on your plan.

You always have the chance to be a better you and make better choices.

New day, new start!

Follow the one plate rule. If you’re one of those people that really struggle with portion sizes, then here’s a simple trick.

Whether you’re eating dinner at home or at a holiday party, give yourself the rule of only filling up one plate of food and that’s it. No going back for seconds. No picking here and there off the buffet table. One plate and that’s it.

It sounds simple, but it works! This little trick will lead you to pay more attention to what and how much you put on your plate. You’ll be more mindful about your choices and thus will make better choices.

And if that plate is paper or plastic, toss it in the trash right after you’re done eating. If it’s a dish, put it in the sink. The longer you hold on to your plate, the more tempted you’ll be to go back for more.

6

Decide how many drinks you are going to have before the party. I know you were probably expecting me to tell you not to drink at all, but let’s be real here. You’re likely going to have a few holiday drinks here and there.

However, by having a plan, you’re more likely to avoid completely overdoing it. So decide before you go to a party what your limit is. Also, stick with lighter versions that will have less calories such as light beer or clear alcohol over dark. Avoid mixed drinks with sugary syrups and juices as

Becky Fox is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. She is passionate about helping women live a more confident, energetic, and fit lifestyle without giving up foods they love or having to spend hours in the gym. You can learn more about her at www.beckyfoxfitness.com or follow her on Facebook at fb.com/thebeckyfoxfitness

19 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

Home is

WHEREVER WE ARE B Y AU T U M N K I N S E Y | P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N N I E G R O V E S

W

e have a sign in our house that says “Home is Where the Coast Guard Sends Us” with a list of all the places we’ve been stationed since my husband and I were married. While that sign is partially true (and getting pretty long!), our family knows that our definition of home is just slightly

different than most. Even for a military family, our 6 moves in 9 years is on the high end. Thankfully, our three children, ages 7, 4, and almost 2 embrace this life and have actually been begging to move this year, even though it’s not time yet!

Oahu, Mudd Key offshore Key West, beignets in New Orleans, or the trailhead in Clearwater, we always find somewhere to be together and enjoy our new environment.

Throughout our many moves, I’ve become an expert at setting up our house. I have a system that starts with packing all of the kids special items in our luggage and includes setting up our household goods as close to the last house as possible. It’s always a challenge, but it makes settling in and finding things just a little bit easier each time. We do this as quickly as possible and immediately start finding the fun in our new locale. In each place we’ve lived, we have had a “go to” spot. Whether that is the baby tidepools on 20

Home is not a place for us. It's just what we are, together or apart. Sometimes it’s a feeling that may not show up for a couple months because daddy had to deploy before we moved in. Or one that shows up in a hotel room or furnished townhome before we get our household goods. It may just be the feeling we have as we explore in the car before we are settled in a new area. It’s hard to explain, but as much as having a specific geographic place that is home is typical for most people, knowing how to move our family and still be home is exactly what we strive to do.

Sometimes I worry that my children won't have a good answer to the question “where are you from?” or “where do you call home?” Even as an adult, I identify as being an Iowan. What will my kids say when people ask them where their home is?

To be honest, this isn't a question I want to attempt to answer for them. Because I know all three of my kids will have vastly different answers and I can't wait to see how each of them perceives their childhood and this crazy home we’ve made of our life. I'm sure at least one of them will say something that breaks my heart, but I also anticipate that they will have garnered more positive experiences from our home than I could possibly imagine.

Our life ultimately revolves around our home and while it's a bit different than most, it's perfect for us.

Autumn Kinsey is a stay at home mom of 3, a proud Coast Gaurd wife, a passionate budget guru, and an MVP Contributor to Parental Guidance.

You can follow her and her crazy life on Instagram at @autumnmkinsey

21 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

Home is a

FEELING NOT A PLACE B Y A M B E R M A M I A N | P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y N ATA L I E I N S A N D I E G O F O R @ F LY T O G R A P H E R

E

ight years ago I boarded a plane headed to Addis Ababa Ethiopia to meet my 4 year old son for the very first time. The goal was to bring him home. When I think about it I was ignorant in my understanding of what the meaning of home really should be.

I will never forget the feeling walking through the rain into a dark, cold, cement-lined room in the orphanage (the power had gone out due to the rain) and laying my eyes on the most beautiful chocolate skinned little boy. He looked smaller and darker than his photo but his gorgeous eyes and infectious smile assured me I was looking at the right kid.

by attending to my children’s needs as infants, they learned to trust me and the world around them. Adopted children don’t always have that luxury. Growing up in an orphanage teaches them that resources are scarce and people (especially parents/caregivers) can’t be trusted.

Thankfully, children are resilient. Though the odds were against him, my son worked incredibly hard to be able to let down his guard and learn to love (and trust) again. It is why in our home being considered part of someone’s family is an earned honor. It requires a commitment, unwavering support and unconditional love. And, it is not something we just talk about, it is something we show through our actions on a daily basis.

Forming a relationship with a child whom you have never met and whom has just undergone extreme trauma is no walk in the park. However, what he has taught me about unconditional love the past 8 years has changed me forever.

As a mother of three biological children, I took for granted the bonds we shared. I hadn’t realized that 22

My son has also taught me that home is more of a feeling than a place. One of the biggest struggles for my son when he came home was feeling out of place. Growing up in Ethiopia life was very different than in the states. He had grown accustomed to different scenes, tastes and sounds. Trying to manage his way in a brand new culture was extremely difficult and it certainly didn’t feel like home.

We’ve had quite a few discussions about his experience and I remember one very vividly. We had returned to Ethiopia to visit some of his relatives and on the car ride back to our hotel, he broke down in tears. I asked him what was the matter and he said he felt like he belonged in two different places. Home was Ethiopia but, now that he had lived with us for years, home was also in California.

Kids seem to have such incredible insight. My son taught me to see home differently. I see it in the smiles of my kids and the laughter we share. I see it in the traditions we have and the favorite recipes we create together. When I look up from the dinner table and see all of their beautiful faces staring back at me, I know I am home.

To connect with Amber Mamian and hear more about her story, you can visit her site WWW.GLOBALMUNCHKINS.COM or https://globalmunchkins.com/adoption/our-first-adoptionstory-grab-some-tissues/ and be sure to follow her on Instagram at @global_munchkins

23 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

Home is

WHAT YOU MAKE IT B Y TA B I T H A B L U E | P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y B R I O N Y S K E R J A N C E

“It’ll be an adventure,” I promised. It was a move that transformed the shape of our home, literally.

Just a month after the birth of my fourth, we moved into our downtown loft. It was a space that we’d converted for our studio... a space where we could shoot and film recipes I’d create with the brands I was working with. It was a place to host workshops and events. It was a space for brand styling and photo shoots... and now? It was becoming a space my family of SIX would live until we found our home.

We’d been house-hunting for months. Maybe it was the hormones from pregnancy or just the desire to plant some deeper roots, but I was craving a place to settle into, a place to call home (and that little desire became the tag-line on our renovation series on YouTube, called House to Home).

What I didn’t realize, the path to our home was taking quite a turn and with this move into our loft, I’d see “home” through a whole different lens.

In the previous homes we rented, we had room to spread out a little, and even rented out a room or two at times to others that needed it. So, after putting in a kitchen to the loft for filming (when there wasn’t one previously) and updating the bathroom of our studio to a working space, there wasn’t much else needed when the time came for us to move in.

In a turn of events, the home we had put an offer on fell through and we needed a place to go.

24

The small extra room in the back (that was supposed to be for storage) became a shared kids room and the loft upstairs held a crib next to our bed for the master bedroom. We built clothing racks because there weren’t any closets, a much different terrain than we’d grown used to with extra bedrooms.

Something that year taught me, is that home truly is what you make it. We grew close as a family. There wasn’t a yard to send the kids out to play or bedrooms to retreat to, because for the most part, it was a wide-open living space. But, there was a library across the street and shops on Main Street that we’d load up the stroller and walk to, together. There was no garage, but we did add hooks on the walls to hang our kayak and bicycles (a definite

downtown-loft type of decor!). There was plenty of furniture rearranging to make it feel cozy, a Christmas spent there and lots of memories and stories we laugh about now.

After moving from rental to rental (four moves in just five years), during the first few years of my kids' lives, I can definitely attest to the fact that home is what you make it.

Through it all, we’ve learned that we can live in just about any landscape, and sometimes what may seem the most terrifying can actually deliver some of the most beautiful bonding moments.

25 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

Winter our cozy

style tips

1 2

STOCKPILE YOUR SCARVES When it comes to winter accessories, scarves have the ability to really up your outfit game and have the added bonus of keeping you warm. This is where I choose to have fun with colors, patterns and prints. Invest in scarves that suit your style, but will also add a bit of pop.

3

DON'T FEAR THE HEAD GEAR When it comes to winter fashion, one accessory that comes into play with both function and style will be those items you choose to put on your noggin to keep your ears warm (hats, ear muffs). Now if you are a curly haired girl like myself, you may need to spend a little more time locating the perfect hat for your full bodied locks, or you can try ear muffs.

LAYER UP My favorite thing about getting into the cooler months is diving into the art of layering. The best way to approach this is to start from the bottom layer and work your way to the top. Keep in mind that you want each layer to be comfortable and appropriate for where you are going. So if you do get warm, you can shed an item and still look your best.

10 Winter POUTS

Browns

1. LOREAL - INFALLIBLE PRO MATTE LIQUID LES CHOCOLATS 854 IN BITTERSWEET 5. SMASHBOX - ALWAYS ON LIQUID LIP IN DEEP THOUGHTS

2. KAT VON D - STUDDED KISS CREME IN SANCTUARY 3. NYX - SOFT MATTE LIP CREME IN BUDAPEST

Purples 4. OFRA LIQUID LIP - KATHLEEN LIGHTS IN HAVANA NIGHTS

9. DOSE OF COLORS - VEGAN LIQUID LIP IN CORSET

5. SMASHBOX - ALWAYS ON LIQUID LIP IN RED

Reds

6. STILA - STAY ALL DAY LIQUID LIP IN BEST

7. MAYBELLINE - COLOR SENSATIONAL IN 966 COPPER ROSE METALIC

8. COLOR POP - CREME LIP IN FOOLISH 27 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

party

PERFECT

looks

HAIR DONE BY: JOSIE STARKE & ANGELINA NAVARRO FROM SHEAR JOY SALON INSTAGRAM @SHEARJOYEXPERIENCE | @JOSILYN3 | @AESTHICARTIST_ANGELINA FACEBOOK: SHEAR JOY SALON | JOSIE STARKE | AESTHETICARTISTANGELINA

MAKEUP DONE BY: REBECCA GIANNULIS INSTAGRAM @CAPTUREBEAUTIFUL819 CAPTUREBEAUTIFUL.COM

get the look FOR THE FACE: This look was all about the bright pink lip.

We used the NYX lip liner, Pink Lust all over the lip and topped it with the NYX Butter Gloss Funnel Delight. We used Morphe's light pink on the lid and a darker purple on the outer corner and carried the darker purple underneath her waterline. This is a monochromatic look which is very “In� right now.

FOR THE HAIR: We separated her natural hair using fingers so that it didn't frizz up. Then we went in with a pic and pulled up at the roots to give volume but didn't pull through the ends.

"For the longest time I would shy away from a bold lip. It was just recently that I started experimenting with reds and more vibrant colors. But when the makeup artist showed me this color, my jaw just dropped. It's not a shade I would have picked out for myself, but I am so glad she did. This pink gives me all types of amazing pretty in pink vibes to the max."

Yamel Belen kurlycrown.co RN & Owner of onelovedoula.com

BOLD &

bright

33 | THE FRESH EDIT summer 2018

get the look FOR THE FACE: We did a smokey eye with Morphe's cool tone gray and silver eyeshadows and highlighted the corner of her eyes with Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner, in shade Midnight Cowboy. For the lips we wanted to keep things a little more muted and chose to go with a nice nude to keep the attention on her smokey eyes.

FOR THE HAIR: We sectioned off a rectangle on the top of her head and used the Sam Villa texture tool on her roots in that area (after spraying Redken Iron shape 11 for heat protection and hold)... this creates a zigzag texture that makes the hair feel full. We also used Powder Grip which gives the hair a dry thicker feel and Quick Tease which is a great teasing spray. We then started a braid from the front all the way to where the ponytail would start and tied it off with an elastic band. Then we pulled everything else up to that and tied it with another elastic band. You can take a small piece from under the pony tail and wrap it around the elastic band to cover the band and place a bobby pin to hold it in place underneath the pony tail. We finished with Redken Control Addict 28 for a strong hold.

"I love wearing my hair in a ponytail, so this was such a fun new way to style it! I also can’t wait to do this makeup for holiday parties, it’s fun and festive! Overall, I felt fresh and modern with these looks!"

Allison Rice Facebook: Allison Rice Instagram: @AllisonMRice

wearable WORKING

30

get the look FOR THE FACE: We used Ciate GlitterFlip in the color Forbidden on her lips. With such a dark lip, we didn't want to go to heavy on the eyes so we opted for a few lighter brown shades. This complimented her brown eyes and kept all the attention on this glittery purple-pink lip color.

FOR THE HAIR: We set the hair using Iron Shape and a 1.5 inch curling iron, clipped it in place to set where we wanted to see the curves and then finished it off with Control Addict 28.

"This look was old Hollywood glamour and a perfect addition to any holiday soirée. The makeup was super classic and chic, but with dramatic touches. I felt totally ready to recreate this look at home because, despite it all, I did not feel like the make-up or hair was too much for an “everyday” look!"

Marcy Budwick www.kaiyadesigns.com Instagram: @kaiyadesigns

OLD

hollywood 35 | THE FRESH EDIT summer 2018

get the look FOR THE FACE: We used MAC Glitter Glue with their Copper Glitter for the eyes, with Midnight Cowboy under her waterline. Since her skin tone is fair, we didn’t use too much contour. Her lip color is NYX Liquid Suede in Kitten Heels. Normally, we say pick either a bright lip or heavier eye look and let the other be more natural, but since it is for a party, we opted for both.

FOR THE HAIR: We curled and set the hair. Then we used Iron Shape 11 texture tool at her base and pulled the top section of hair to her left side and braided with a traditional braid from the forehead back, using Redken Fashion Work 12 to help it hold as we went. Then we went into a fishtail braid behind the ear and tied it and pinched the sides at each side all the way up the fishtail braid to pull it loose and give it a wider more undone look.

We then recurled the ends below the pony tail and sprayed with Control Addict 28 and wrapped a pink pewter band around the pony tail.

"Getting pampered like this was such a gift. I've never put on any sort of red lipstick, but after this photo shoot, I feel confident in wearing red lips for any occasion."

Elizabeth Sutherland www.noordinaryliz.com Socials: @NoOrdinaryLiz Book: No Ordinary Liz

GLITTER

glam 36

5HOLIDAY FLAIR H of our fave ways to add

BY MATTY GREEN

In the spirit of gatherings and home, our family thinks of our favorite holiday...

Hanukkah. We are a little non-traditional. We have added our own flair to the holiday and we include our friends and neighbors in the celebration.

1. INVITE YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

Some of our Hanukkah traditions include eating latkes (symbolizing the oil that lasted), playing spin the dreidel, and lighting the Menorah. Breaking a bit from tradition, I hold a BIG party and cook for 25-40 people instead of just family, where we have fun with a White Elephant gift exchange.

2. DECORATE YOUR OWN HANUKKAH BUSH

Tradition calls for lighting the menorah each night and placing it in a window. Last year, in addition to our normal traditions, we created a Hanukkah Bush that has blue, silver, and white as well as many Judaic ornaments on it.

3. TAKE TIME TO GIVE BACK

Our tradition, when the girls were little, was to have the kids select a name off a charity tree at a store of their choosing, and they would use their money to buy a gift for an underprivileged child their age.

4. INTRODUCE YOUR KIDS TO HANUKKAH HARRY

In the spirit of Santa watching to see if the kids are good or bad, and bringing gifts, we would tell the kids that Hanukkah Harry is watching everything they do and only brings gifts to those who behave.

5. HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT

Some of our favorite Hanukkah movies are 8 Crazy Nights, Little Fockers and An American Tail.

Madeline “Matty” Green, REALTOR(R) 727-224-1240 • Matty@YourRealtyQueen.com • www.YourRealtyQueen.com

SERVING HOME BUYERS & SELLERS IN TAMPA BAY (FL) & NATIONWIDE!

Condos to Castles...

I'll treat you like ROYALTY

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate/Residential Brokerage/United, REALTORS® are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company.

CROUTONS CROUTONS CROUTONS CROUTONS CROUTONS BUSY MOM TIP:Â

Chop up Everything bagels into crouton sized chunks. Add the diced bagels to a sheet pan and toss with olive oil.

Toss until bread is well coated. bake for 7 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. a perfect topper for any soup or salad!

34

S S S s p u SSo S W T A TH

H E H T ARM

EART

35 | | THE THEFRESH FRESHEDIT EDITsummer winter 2018 39 2018

A

E M O ND H

TAB'S MUST HAVES

RECIPE

F O R : CARROT CURRY SOUP F R O M T H E K I T C H E N O F : AMY

• • • • • •

2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER 1 CUP CHOPPED ONION 1 TEASPOON CURRY POWDER 1/4 TEASPOON GINGER POWDER COARSE SALT AND GROUND PEPPER 26 OZ REDUCED-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH (ABOUT 3 1/2 CUPS) • 2 POUNDS CARROTS, PEELED AND CUT INTO 1-INCH CHUNKS • 2 TABLESPOONS COARSELY CHOPPED FRESH CROUTONS OR GREEN ONION AND SOUR CREAM FOR GARNISH

BOYLE

S E R V E S : FOUR TO P R E P T I M E : min

HEAT BUTTER IN A DUTCH OVEN OR LARGE (4- TO 5-QUART) MEDIUM HEAT. ADD ONION, CURRY POWDER, GINGER POWD AND 1/4 TEASPOON PEPPER. COOK, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY ABOUT 5 MINUTES. (AT THIS POINT, IF YOUR CARROTS DON ADD A TEASPOON OF SUGAR). ADD BROTH, CARROTS, AND 3 A BOIL. REDUCE HEAT; COVER, AND SIMMER UNTIL CARROT 20 MINUTES. IN A BLENDER, PUREE SOUP IN BATCHES UNTI TO A CLEAN SAUCEPAN. ADD MORE WATER TO THIN TO DES REHEAT, IF NECESSARY. SERVE GARNISHED WITH GREEN ON IF DESIRED.

Fall is approaching and for our family that means a weekly soup. One of our family favorites is Carrot Curry. We've made it for years and it's always a crowd pleaser and heart warmer.

The addition of ginger adds a subtle heat and delicious flavor that is comforting as the days get cooler and nights get longer in Chicago.

W W W. A M Y B O Y L E P H O T O. C O M SOCIALS: @amyboylephoto

36 24

10

SIX COOK TIME:

25min

) SAUCEPAN OVER DER, 2 TEASPOONS SALT, Y, UNTIL ONION IS SOFT, N'T TASTE SWEET ENOUGH, CUPS WATER; BRING TO TS ARE TENDER, ABOUT IL SMOOTH; TRANSFER SIRED CONSISTENCY. NION AND SOUR CREAM,

RECIPE • • • • • • • • • • • •

F O R : CUBAN STYLE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP F R O M T H E K I T C H E N O F : MINDY FEWLESS

8 CHICKEN THIGHS (WITH BONE AND SKIN ON) 2 CANS OF PLAIN TOMATO SAUCE (8 OUNCE CANS) 1 PACKET SAZON GOYA 1 TBSP SALT 1/2 ONION FINELY CHOPPED 3 LARGE CARROTS (CHOPPED) 1 LARGE POTATO (CUT INTO 1" SQUARES) 5 CUPS CHICKEN BROTH 5 CUPS WATER 1 AND 1/2 TSP DRIED OREGANO JUICE FROM 1/2 LARGE LEMON (ABOUT 2 TBSP) 8 OUNCES DRIED SPAGHETTI NOODLES (HALF A BOX)

S E R V E S : EIGHT P R E P T I M E : min C O O K T I M E :

5

55min

IN A LARGE POT, ADD YOUR CHICKEN, ONION, POTATO, CARROTS, TOMATO SAUCE, SALT, AND SAZON PACKET, CHICKEN BROTH, AND WATER.STIR EVERYTHING TOGETHER, COVER YOUR POT, AND BRING TO A HEAVY BOIL.AFTER YOU GET TO A FULL BOIL, REDUCE THE HEAT TO MEDIUM LOW AND SIMMER FOR 45 MINUTES (COVERED). AFTER THE 45 MINUTES, USE TONGS AND REMOVE THE CHICKEN FROM THE POT. THROW AWAY THE SKIN (I CAN'T THINK OF ANY GOOD USE FOR IT...SORRY!) AND USING 2 FORKS, PULL ALL THE MEAT OFF OF THE BONES AND ADD THE MEAT BACK TO THE POT. SQUEEZE IN YOUR LEMON JUICE AND ADD IN THE OREGANO. BREAK THE SPAGHETTI INTO SMALL PIECES AND ADD TO THE POT. BRING EVERYTHING BACK TO A BOIL (MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT) AND COOK FOR ANOTHER 10 MINUTES OR UNTIL THE SPAGHETTI IS TENDER.GARNISH WITH CILANTRO AND SERVE WITH AN EXTRA LEMON WEDGE FOR A LITTLE EXTRA FLAVOR...NOT THAT IT NEEDS ANY MORE!! :)

37 | | THE THEFRESH FRESHEDIT EDITsummer winter 2018 41 2018

This is a favorite recipe I recently made that represents the changes we've made as a family to be more intentional with our time and investing in our health from all angles.

ASHLEY SOLBERG BLOG Instagram / Facebook Pinterest / Twitter

RECIPE SOUP • 1 BUTTERNUT SQUASH • 4 CUPS VEGETABLE STOCK • 2 GARLIC CLOVES • 3 CARROTS, PEELED • 1/3 YELLOW ONION • 1/4 TBSP NUTMEG • 1/2 TBSP GROUND GINGER • 2 PINCHES SALT • 1 PINCH GROUND PEPPER • 3 TBSP OLIVE OIL • 2 STALKS CHOPPED CELERY

F O R : ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP F R O M T H E K I T C H E N O F : ASHLEY SOLBERG TOPPINGS • 1/4 CUP COCONUT MILK • 1/2 CUP SHREDDED COCONUT • 1/4 CUP PINE NUTS • 1/4 CUP PUMPKIN SEEDS

(OR BUTTERNUT SQUASH SEEDS) • OPTIONAL: 1/4-1/2 LOAF TOASTED FRESH BREAD CROUTONS OF CHOICE

S E R V E S : FOUR TO SIX P R E P T I M E : min C O O K T I M E :

20

2Hrs

PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 375 F. CUT BUTTERNUT SQUASH IN HALF, PLACE FACE UP ON PAN, COAT WITH OLIVE OIL, THEN COOK FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES. WHILE BUTTERNUT SQUASH IS COOKING, PLACE VEGETABLE BROTH IN MEDIUM SIZED POT ON HIGH WITH CHOPPED CELERY, NUTMEG, GINGER, SALT AND PEPPER. BRING TO BOIL, THEN REDUCE TO SIMMER THROUGH REMAINDER OF COOK TIME. THEN TO PAN WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH, ADD PEELED CARROTS, ALONG WITH PEELED WHOLE GARLIC CLOVES AND YELLOW ONION CUT IN WEDGES TO ROAST FOR AN ADDITIONAL 15-30 MINUTES REMOVE FROM OVEN, ON A NEW PAN ADD PINE NUTS, PUMPKIN SEEDS AND SHREDDED COCONUT TO ROAST FOR APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MINUTES OR UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN, THEN REMOVE. WATCH COCONUT CLOSELY AS IT CAN BURN QUICKLY. BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH. PLACE SOUP INTO BOWLS AND DRIZZLE TOP WITH COCONUT MILK, SHREDDED COCONUT, PINE NUTS AND PUMPKIN SEEDS. ADD OPTIONAL FRESH BREAD CROUTONS OF CHOICE. I LIKE TO ROAST MINE FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES WITH OLIVE OIL AND COARSE SALT ATOP.

RECIPE • • •

2 POUNDS GROUND BEEF 1/2 POUND BACON 2 (15 OZ) CANS KIDNEY BEANS,

DRAINED • •

F O R : HOMESTYLE CHILI F R O M T H E K I T C H E N O F : TABITHA

1 (15 OZ) CAN PINTO BEANS, DRAINED 2 (28 OZ) CANS DICED TOMATOES

WITH GREEN CHILIES • 2 (16 OZ) CANS TOMATO SAUCE • 1 LARGE YELLOW ONION CHOPPED • 1 RED BELL PEPPER SEEDED AND CHOPPED • 1 CUP BEEF STOCK • 2 TABLESPOONS FLOUR

• • • •

2 TABLESPOONS CHILI POWDER 2 TEASPOONS GROUND CUMIN 1 TABLESPOON DRIED OREGANO 1 TEASPOON GROUND BLACK PEPPER

• 1 TEASPOON PAPRIKA • 1 TEASPOON SALT • 1 TEASPOON DRIED BASIL • 1 TEASPOON SUGAR • 1/2 TSP CRUSHED RED PEPPER • 1 TABLESPOON MINCED GARLIC • 1 TABLESPOON

WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE

BLUE

S E R V E S : SIX TO EIGHT P R E P T I M E : min C O O K T I M E :

10

2Hrs

HEAT A LARGE STOCK POT OVER MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT. CRUMBLE THE GROUND BEEF INTO THE HOT PAN, AND COOK UNTIL EVENLY BROWNED. DRAIN OFF EXCESS GREASE. IN A DIFFERENT PAN, COOK THE BACON UNTIL CRISPY. LET DRAIN ONTO A PAPER TOWEL, BEFORE CHOPPING AND ADD TO STOCK POT. COOK THE CHOPPED ONION AND RED PEPPER IN THE BACON DRIPPINGS FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. ADD TO THE STOCK POT. TO THE STOCK POT, ADD IN THE DRAINED BEANS, TOMATOES, TOMATO SAUCE, AND BEEF STOCK. SEASON WITH CHILI POWDER, WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE, GARLIC, OREGANO, CUMIN, BASIL, SALT, PEPPER, AND PAPRIKA. STIR TO BLEND, THEN COVER AND SIMMER OVER LOW HEAT FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY. SERVE AND ENJOY. TOP WITH CHEESE, ONIONS, SOUR CREAM OR GREEK YOGURT, OR YOUR FAVORITE CHILI TOPPINGS! AFTER 2 HOURS, TASTE, AND ADJUST SALT, PEPPER, AND CHILI POWDER IF NECESSARY. THE LONGER THE CHILI SIMMERS, THE BETTER IT WILL TASTE.

Recipe by Tabitha Blue | Photography by Briony Skerjance

FOOD & DRINKS

This Zuppa Toscana soup recipe came from a dear friend. Unfortunately the Coast Guard took them to a new place, but every time I make it I think of her and all the good times we had. You never know, maybe the Coast Guard will bring them back this way one day.

W W W. S A R A H H A L S T E A D. C O M

RECIPE • • • • • • • • • • • •

F O R : ZUPPA TOSCANA SOUP F R O M T H E K I T C H E N O F : SARAH

1 ONION CHOPPED FINELY 6-8 CLOVES OF GARLIC CHOPPED FINELY 1/2 TSP+ CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKE 2 TBSP BUTTER 2 TBSP OLIVE OIL 5-6 MEDIUM POTATOES SLICED THINLY 32 OZ. CHICKEN STOCK 4 CUPS WATER 2-3 SLICES OF BACON COOKED AND CHOPPED 1 LB. ITALIAN SAUSAGE 1/2 BUNCH OF KALE RIBBED AND SHREDDED 1 CUP HEAVY CREAM

HALSTEAD

S E R V E S : FOUR TO SIX P R E P T I M E : min C O O K T I M E :

10

20min

HEAT BUTTER AND OLIVE OIL IN LARGE SOUP POT. SAUTE ONION, GARLIC, CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKE OVER MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL ONIONS ARE TRANSLUCENT.ADD CHICKEN STOCK, WATER, BACON AND POTATOES. BRING TO BOIL AND COOK UNTIL POTATOES ARE TENDER.BROWN SAUSAGE WHILE THE POTATOES ARE COOKING. DRAIN THE FAT BEFORE ADDING TO SOUP. DURING THE LAST TEN MINUTES OF COOKING, ADD THE KALE AND COOK UNTIL WILTED BUT STILL BRIGHT GREEN. REMOVE SOUP FROM HEAT AND STIR IN THE HEAVY CREAM JUST BEFORE SERVING.

40

So, my grandma found this recipe in a magazine and shared it with my mom and me. We don't remember what magazine it was from but we have adapted it over time. My grandma passed away 3 years ago but I loved to know when she was alive that we would all be making it at the same time in different parts of the country. I love this soup because it is incredibly easy and comes together quickly but has lots of flavor and my whole family will eat it. photo credit is by Laura Petrilla HTTPS://MAYAHENRY.COM

RECIPE • • • •

F O R : MUSHROOM BARLEY SOUP F R O M T H E K I T C H E N O F : MAYA HENRY

1/2 LB. ITALIAN SAUSAGE (OPTIONAL) 1 YELLOW ONION, CHOPPED 2 CARROTS, CHOPPED 8-10 OZ SLICED MUSHROOMS (CREMINI OR BABY BELLA) • 1 ROMA TOMATO, CHOPPED • 6 CUPS VEGETABLE BROTH • 3/4 CUPS BARLEY (SOAKED) • 1 PACKAGE FROZEN CHOPPED SPINACH • SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

S E R V E S : SIX P R E P T I M E : min C O O K T I M E :

8

REMOVE SAUSAGE FROM CASINGS AND BROWN IN A 6-8 QT STOCK POT, CRUMBLING WITH A WOODEN SPOON. POUR OFF SOME OIL IF DESIRED. ADD ONIONS TO SAME PAN AND SAUTE 3-5 MINUTES UNTIL SOFTENED. THEN ADD CARROT AND SAUTE 3 MINUTES MORE. ADD MUSHROOMS, TOMATO, BROTH AND TURN UP HEAT TO HIGH. DRAIN BARLEY AND ADD TO POT. COOK 30 MINUTES UNTIL BARLEY IS COOKED. STIR IN SPINACH AND SIMMER UNTIL SPINACH IS HEATED THROUGH. SEASON WITH SALT AND PEPPER.

Recipe by Tabitha Blue | Photography by Briony Skerjance

45 2018 41 | | THE THEFRESH FRESHEDIT EDITsummer winter 2018

30min

RECIPE • • • • • • • • • • •

F O R : TOMATO AND RED FROM THE KITCHEN OF:

2-3 POUNDS OF ROMA OR VINE-RIPENED TOMATOES 3 RED PEPPERS 4 CLOVES GARLIC 1 CUPS UNSWEETENED ALMOND MILK 1 TBSP OLIVE OIL 1/2 TSP SEA SALT ( TO TASTE) 2 TBSP COCONUT SUGAR (OR FAVORITE SUGAR) 1/8 TSP CAYENNE PEPPER 1 FISTFUL EACH FRESH THYME & OREGANO 2 BAY LEAVES BASIL LEAVES TO GARNISH

PEPPER SOUP LISA LESLIE-WILLIAMS

10

2Hrs 10min

PREHEAT OVEN TO 325 DEGREES F. PLACE QUARTERED TOMATOES ON A ROASTING SHEET WITH PEPPERS AND FRESH HERBS. LEAVE GARLIC IN SKINS AND PLACE ON THE SAME ROASTING SHEET. DRIZZLE WITH OLIVE OIL AND TOSS WELL. BAKE FOR TWO HOURS. RESIST THE URGE TO TURN THE TOMATOES OR PEPPERS UNLESS BURNING. AFTER 2 HOURS, REMOVE FROM TRAY AND ADD TO BLENDER. REMOVE SKINS FROM GARLIC AND ADD TO BLENDER AS WELL. ADD MILK AND BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH. POUR INTO STOCK POT AND SEASON WITH SALT, CAYENNE PEPPER, BAY LEAF AND SUGAR. SIMMER FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES ON LOW HEAT TO ALLOW FLAVORS TO COME TOGETHER. REMOVE BAY LEAF BEFORE SERVING. GARNISH WITH FRESH BASIL.

On a cold January afternoon, I was craving a tasty comfort soup. This was right after the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Like many years before, I had over done it with turkey, ham and all the festive trimmings. I wanted to make things right again by preparing a guilt-free comfort soup that didn't lack flavor.

Lisa Leslie-Williams, PharmD theDomesticLifeStylist.com

Recipe by Tabitha Blue Photography by Briony Skerjance

S E R V E S : FOUR TO SIX P R E P T I M E : min COOK TIME:

42

RECIPE • • • • • • • • • • • • •

F O R : CREAMY POTATO SOUP F R O M T H E K I T C H E N O F : TABITHA

2 CUPS MILK (PLUS MORE AS DESIRED) 2 CUPS VEGETABLE (OR CHICKEN) BROTH 3-5 POTATOES 1-2 HEADS OF GARLIC 1 CUP LOW FAT CHEDDAR CHEESE, SHREDDED 1 YELLOW ONION, CHOPPED 1/2 TEASPOON DRIED DILL WEED 1/2 TEASPOON DRIED ROSEMARY 1/2 TEASPOON THYME 1/2 TEASPOON SALT PEPPER TO TASTE 3 SLICES BACON, COOKED, CRUMBLED 2-3 EVERYTHING BAGELS

BLUE

S E R V E S : FOUR TO SIX P R E P T I M E : min C O O K T I M E :

10

1Hr

PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 375 DEGREES. WASH, PEEL AND CUT POTATOES. PLACE ON A BAKING SHEET. WITH A SHARP KNIFE, SLICE OFF THE TOP LAYER OF THE GARLIC HEAD TO EXPOSE MOST OF THE CLOVES AND PEEL AWAY MOST OF THE OUTER LAYERS. DRIZZLE CLOVES AND POTATOES WITH OLIVE OIL, SALT AND PEPPER. WRAP THE GARLIC IN ALUMINUM FOIL AND PLACE ON THE BAKING SHEET. ROAST POTATOES AND GARLIC IN THE OVEN FOR 40 MINUTES UNTIL THE GARLIC IS FRAGRANT. MEANWHILE PREPARE TO MAKE THE CROUTONS

BY CHOPPING UP EVERYTHING BAGELS INTO CROUTON SIZED CHUNKS. ADD THE DICED BAGELS ONTO SHEET PAN AND TOSS WITH OLIVE OIL. TOSS UNTIL BREAD IS WELL COATED AND BAKE FOR 7 MINUTES, OR UNTIL CRISPY AND GOLDEN BROWN. WORKING IN BATCHES CAREFULLY TRANSFER INGREDIENTS TO A BLENDER AND BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH, FOR THE SECOND BATCH, BLEND FOR LESS TIME OR UNTIL CHOPPED TO HAVE SOME CHUNKIER CONSISTENCY TO THE SOUP. ADDING MORE BROTH OR MILK AS DESIRED. STIR BATCHES OF BLENDED SOUP TOGETHER AND SERVE WITH YOUR CROUTONS, SOUR CREAM (OR GREEK YOGURT) AND CHEESE!

Recipe by Tabitha Blue | Photography by Briony Skerjance

43 | | THE THEFRESH FRESHEDIT EDITsummer winter 2018 47 2018

Hot Apple WASSAIL

BY ANNETTE LEGER •2 qts apple cider •2 cups orange juice •1 cup pineapple juice •3/4 cup lemon juice •4 cinnamon sticks •1 tsp whole cloves

48 44

Combine all in crock pot and simmer at least an hour before serving. The longer it simmers the yummier it is! Delicious with ginger or molasses cookies. Adding a dabble of rum to your warm wassail is also delicious!

Mulled Wine •1 bottle of dry red wine •1 orange, sliced into rounds •8 whole cloves •2 cinnamon sticks •2 star anise •2-4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste (or your desired sweetener) Combine all ingredients and heat to barely a simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 3 or 4 hours, so that all of those delicious flavors can come together. Then strain out the spices, and serve warm!

49 31 ||| THE THEFRESH FRESHEDIT EDITsummer winter 2018 2017 2018 45 THE FRESH EDIT winter

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE •1 C milk of choice (almond, coconut, soy, whole, heavy cream) •1/4 C pumpkin puree •1 Tbsp maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice, add as desired) •1/2 Tsp pumpkin pie spice •1/4 Tsp vanilla extract •1/2 C brewed coffee or espresso Combine the milk, pumpkin, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice in a small pan over medium heat. Whisk vigorously to get the milk to foam (about 30 seconds). Pour coffee into a large mug and add the vanilla and milk mixture, or place it all in a blender to combine and foam. Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle and/or pumpkin pie spice and serve.

46

Coconut hot Chocolate •1 (13.5-ounce) can of full fat coconut milk ¾ cup heavy cream •½ cup milk •⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk •6-ounces dark chocolate, chopped •1 teaspoon vanilla extract •¼ teaspoon salt •1 cup shaved coconut, toasted Combine the coconut milk, heavy cream, regular milk, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, vanilla and salt together in a large saucepan and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and the mixture has heated. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top it with whipped cream and sprinkle shaved coconut over top. Serve immediately.

47 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

for the love of

Pumpkin

48

Pumpkin Donuts

INGREDIENTS 1 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour 1 3/4 tsp baking powder 1 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground ginger 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup canola oil 3 large eggs 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree 1 tsp vanilla extract // Glaze // 1 cup powdered sugar 2 Tbsp milk 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter 18 doughnut wells (3 6-hole pans. I only have 2 so I had to bake the 3rd batch after the first two finished). In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger for 20 seconds, set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined (break up clumps of brown sugar with fingertips as necessary. You don't want any clumps). Add canola oil, eggs, pumpkin puree and vanilla extract and using an electric hand mixer, blend until mixture is well blended. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix with electric mixer until well combined.

Spoon or pipe batter into doughnut wells, filling each about 3/4 full (a scant 1/4 cup in each). Bake in preheated oven until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 13 - 16 minutes. Cool doughnuts slightly. Meanwhile in a bowl, mix together ingredients for the glaze. Dip each donut into the glaze to coat the top and place on wire rack to solidify.

Pumpkin Alfredo INGREDIENTS 1 package fettuccine pasta 2 tbsp organic butter 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin) 2½ cups organic heavy whipping cream Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Chopped parsley (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS Cook the fettuccine according to package directions and set aside.

Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid in case you want to thin out your sauce.

Heat the butter over medium heat.

Add the garlic; saute until soft and fragrant. Add the pumpkin and heavy whipping cream. Simmer until slightly thickened. Add the cheese and stir to combine.

Coat cooked pasta in the sauce and thin as needed using the reserved cooking liquid. Top with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley and season to taste (at least one teaspoon coarse sea salt and fresh cracked pepper). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pumpkin Butter INGREDIENTS 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree 1/4 cup honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch salt

INSTRUCTIONS Using an electric mixer, beat the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the cinnamon and very gradually, add the pumpkin puree, until completely incorporated. Add the honey and vanilla and beat until thick and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter.

Serve or store in the fridge in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before using.

55 2018 51 | | THE THEFRESH FRESHEDIT EDITsummer winter 2018

Pumpkin Macaroni INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS 2 Boxes Organic White Cheddar Shells and Cheese 3 Cups of whole milk 2 Tbsp butter 8 strips of bacon 1 Cup pureed pumpkin Salt and Pepper to taste 1 Tbsp melted butter 1/3 Cup panko breadcrumbs 1/3 Cup grated parmesan cheese 1/4 Cup freshly chopped chives

52

Cook bacon in a large (oven proof) skillet over medium/high heat. Remove and set aside. Add butter to pan and whisk in the milk, one cup at a time, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer.

Quickly add the macaroni, salt and pepper, stirring constantly while cooking, about 6 minutes, or until al dente. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan while you cook. Turn off the heat and carefully stir in the cheese mixes from the boxes and pumpkin. Mix in chopped bacon. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs, and parmesan. Pour the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese and broil for 2 minutes or until golden and toasted. Top with the chives and serve hot. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Jar Cheesecake INGREDIENTS 8 oz Package Cream Cheese, Softened 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree 1 Tub (3 cups) Whipped Topping, Divided 1/4 Cup Sugar 1/4 Cup Honey ½ Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice 1 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs 2 Tablespoons Butter, Melted

INSTRUCTIONS

Cream together softened cream cheese, sugar and honey in a medium bowl. Add in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until thoroughly combined. Fold 2½ cups whipped topping into pumpkin cream cheese mixture and refrigerate. When ready to serve, stir together graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.

Layer pumpkin cheesecake and graham cracker crumbs and top with remaining whipped topping.

53 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

Pumpkin Cookies INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS // For the Cookies // 2½ Cups All-Purpose Flour 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon 1 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice ½ Teaspoon Salt ½ Cup Butter, Softened 1½ Cups White Sugar 1 Cup Canned Pumpkin Puree 1 Egg 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract // For the Frosting // ½ Cup (1 stick) Softened Butter ½ Cup Softened Cream Cheese 2-3 Cups Powdered Sugar 1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract (or vanilla bean paste if you’re fancy)

// For the Cookies // Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.

In a medium bowl, cream together the ½ cup of butter and sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until well combined. Slowly mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly with floured fingers (dough will be sticky.)

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the edges are set and just turning golden. // For the Frosting // Cream butter and cream cheese together. Slowly add powdered sugar and mix with an electric mixer until thick and creamy. Add vanilla and mix on high. When cookies are cooled – spread frosting on top with an offset spatula.

54

Pumpkin Waffles INGREDIENTS 2 Cups All Purpose Flour 1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder 2 Teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice 1/2 Teaspoon Salt 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree 2 Eggs 1/2 Cup Milk 1/4 Cup Room Temperature Butter // Glaze // 1 1/4 Cups Confectioners Sugar 2 Tablespoons Espresso

55 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

INSTRUCTIONS Doughnut Waffles: Turn on waffle maker to heat and spray with cooking spray. Stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, milk and butter.

Beat on low speed, or stir, until the batter is thick and a little sticky. Using a small scoop or spoon, cook about 1/4 cup of batter in the waffler maker at a time. Immediately transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly.

Doughnut Glaze: Mix together confectioners sugar and espresso until you have a smooth but slightly thick frosting. Add a little milk if you'd like a thinner consistency. When the donuts are cool but still warm, pour over top of waffles, coating well and let set on wire rack to let frosting set. Serve and enjoy!

Pumpkin Bund t INGREDIENTS

// For the Bundt Cake // 1 19oz package Baking Co. Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread Mix 2 large eggs 1 cup canned pumpkin 1/3 cup water 1/2 cup vegetable oil // For the Frosting // 1 cup powdered sugar 3 tsp milk

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix ingredients for bread mixture according to box directions.

Pour into a 6 mini bundt pan and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

When toothpick inserted comes out clean, remove from oven and let cool.

Mix ingredients for glaze while the loaves are cooling.

Once cool to the touch, dip the top of each loaf into the glaze, return to upright position and let set.

Enjoy!

ju

st

30

$

WHAT’S BETTER THAN A GREAT LIMITED EDITION TEE?

A GREAT TEE THAT GIVES BACK!

With every limited edition monthly tee that you purchase, FRESH MOMMY BLOG will help a family in need.

For many families living near or below the poverty line in the United States, putting nutritious food on the table can be a huge struggle.

That’s where you can help. Funds from your purchase help provide meals, blankets, and toiletries for families struggling, and many that are homeless. Visit the FreshMommy Blog Shop to get yours today!

pumpkin IRON ON DECAL

I C A N’ T T HINK OF A MOR E FUN , PR ACT IC A L A ND U SEFUL GIF T F OR A N Y WOM A N IN YOUR L IF E T H A N A G R E AT CU S TOMIZE D TO T E .

DIRECTIONS • PICK A TOTE • DOWNLOAD OUR DESIGN • PRINT ONTO IRON ON PAPER • FIND THE PERFECT PLACEMENT • IRON ONTO TOTE

58

DOWNLOAD HERE

festive FARMHOUSE SIGN DIRECTIONS

MATERIALS • 1/2” PLYWOOD (BIRCH) CUT DOWN TO 12”X 12” • 1 1/4” INCH BRAD NAILS • 1×2 FURRING STRIP • FINISH NAIL GUN • CHOP SAW • WOOD GLUE • SCISSORS/EXACTO KNIFE • VINYL STICKER • TRANSFER SHEETS • PAINT (2 COLORS) • FOAM BRUSHES

• CUT (2) 1 X 2 FURRING STRIPS TO 12” • CUT (2) 1×2 FURRING STRIPS TO 13 1/2” • DRY FIT FRAME AROUND 12”X12” PLYWOOD. • APPLY WOOD GLUE TO JOINTS, USE FINISH NAILS TO ATTACH FRAME TOGETHER AT THE CORNERS. • CHECK THE FIT OF THE PLYWOOD IN THE FINISHED FRAME. • REMOVE PLYWOOD AND ALLOW FRAME TO REST 24 HOURS TO ENSURE GOOD HOLD ON JOINTS. • APPLY LIGHT COAT OF PAINT TO PLYWOOD. WE'RE PAINTING IN A REVERSE METHOD, THE COLOR YOU

PAINT THE BOARD FIRST, WILL BE THE COLOR OF THE DESIGN YOU CUT OUT. ALLOW 10-15 MINUTES TO DRY. • PLACE THE CUT OUT IMAGE THAT WE DESIGNED ONTO THE PAINTED BOARD WITH TRANSFER TAPE. MAKE SURE IT’S PRESSED DOWN FIRMLY AND PAINT ENTIRE BOARD WITH YOUR SECOND COLOR • APPLY LIGHT LAYERS OF PAINT, ALLOW 10-15 MINUTES TO DRY BETWEEN EACH COAT. • REMOVE CUT OUT IMAGE. • PLACE PLYWOOD INTO FINISHED FRAME AND USE FINISH NAIL TO HOLD IF DESIRED. • PROUDLY DISPLAY IN YOUR HOME!

DOWNLOAD HERE

DIY Advent Calendar

60

It’s our tradition and a way to really bring us into the moment and excitement of the holidays… our annual DIY Advent Calendar. We make a different one every year, sometimes simple, sometimes more complex; but one thing is certain, our family loves it! We love a good countdown and a way to bring the excitement of the season into each day in December. This year, we decided to go a little simple and rustic and I love the finished result!

To start the project, create a simple frame. The great thing is that you can customize and make it whatever size you want. We had some leftover 1”x2” strips of wood from our DIY Farmhouse Sign to make a 24”x18” frame. Using wood glue and finish nails, create the rectangle that will be your frame.

Using card stock, cut into 2”x4” rectangles. This will become a pocket or envelope that can be used to hold a small note or coin, or before it’s folded, it’s the perfect place to write a special daily message. Fold the papers in half and staple each side to create a square. Squares should end up approximately 2”x2”.

The next step is to staple four rows of twine to the frame. After each envelope is numbered and ready, use mini clothespins to hang on each line of twine.

It’s really a quick and easy way to create something special for the family and makes a big impact in your space too! Just turn on a Christmas movie, whip up a mug of hot chocolate and you’ve got a quiet project for yourself as you near the holiday.

61 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

Family Activites FOR YOUR ADVENT C ALENDAR

• MAKE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS • STAY UP & HAVE HOT CHOCOLATE • SING & DANCE TO CHRISTMAS SONGS • HAVE A RED & GREEN DINNER • DO A PUZZLE WITH POPCORN & CHRISTMAS MUSIC • GO SEE A SEASONAL MOVIE TOGETHER • BUY A NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK • DECORATE CHRISTMAS COOKIES • MAKE A HAND PRINT CHRISTMAS CRAFT • DELIVER A TREAT TO THE NEIGHBORS • HAVE ICE CREAM & WAFFLES FOR DINNER • MAKE A PINECONE BIRDFEEDER • VISIT SANTA • PERFORM A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS • MAKE A GIFT FOR YOUR TEACHER • GO FOR A FOREST WALK • ACT OUT THE NATIVITY • HAVE A CANDLELIT DINNER • MAKE CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SOLDIERS • BUILD A SNOWMAN (MARSHMALLOW OR REAL SNOW)

• GAME NIGHT IN FRONT OF THE TREE • GO ICE SKATING • ATTEND A CHRISTMAS CONCERT OR SHOW • DECORATE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE • CALL A FAMILY MEMBER & SING A CHRISTMAS CAROL • READ CHRISTMAS BOOKS IN A BLANKET FORT • CUT PAPER SNOWFLAKES & DECORATE THE WINDOWS • CLEAN OUT TOYS TO DONATE TO CHARITY • CHRISTMAS MOVIE & POPCORN NIGHT • GO LOOK AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS • MAKE HOMEMADE BREAD • HANG LIGHTS ON THE HOUSE • MAKE REINDEER FOOD • HANG CANDY CANES AROUND THE HOUSE • HELP WRAP A PRESENT • HAVE A SNOWBALL FIGHT (INDOOR OR OUTDOOR) • MAKE COOKIES FOR SANTA • READ T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS • WEAR NEW CHRISTMAS PJS TO BED • OPEN ONE GIFT • READ THE NATIVITY STORY

NO TIME to LOSE?

LET TRIM TEA MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR JOURNEY TO STAY HEALTHY

THE HEALTH BENEFITS • HELPS CURB APPETITE • PROMOTES HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT • HELPS PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS • SUPPORTS METABOLIC BALANCE & WELLNESS

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FRESHFITTEA.COM

29 | THE FRESH28 EDIT summer 2018

seasonal Tablescapes DESIGNS BY PLATE GIRL, MARSHA STRICKHOUSER 64

STYLING TIP #1 Use craft paper as the basis of your tablescape. You can keep it plain or layer it with different runners. We used sheer tulle, macrame and linen for three different styles.

You can also use it by itself and add crayons or pens for the kids to show their creativity, or encourage them to write out what they are thankful for.

THE PERFECT WELCOME To me, nothing helps decorate for the holiday more than a dining room table set with china, candles, flowers and decorations for the season.

It’s a great way to welcome guests and also makes for a wonderful way to have them stay around the table and enjoy each other’s company.

With busy schedules, we don’t always remember to do this or think we have the time, but it’s not as difficult as you might imagine.

I really like to build a centerpiece for the table instead of keeping it plain. It’s not that difficult when you use items you find around the house.

65 | THE FRESH62EDIT winter 2018

STYLING TIP #2 Use tall candlesticks, lanterns or even pieces of driftwood to serve as centerpieces. You don’t always have to take a trip to the florist or grocery store to find your centerpiece options. Use vegetables or fruit in baskets or bowls that you have on hand.

72

67 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

STYLING TIP #3 Grab a bag and some shears and head out to your backyard, neighbor's yard (with permission!) or the park. I love to grab my burlap bag and head out to collect pinecones, pine boughs, vines, holly and other branches in lush parks in my neighborhood.

You can also use these to perk up the center of the plate by tying a simple ribbon or twine around the branch.

68

STYLING TIP #4 I like to set a small item at each person's place setting, such as a pumpkin or leaf or ornament with their name written on it in gold pen, so that they can take it home as a remembrance of the day.

To me, the place where people make mistakes is too little or too much. It doesn’t have to be too fussy, and remember to use what you have and have fun.

CONNECT WITH MARSHA @ WWW.PLATEGIRL.COM FB: PLATEGIRLFLA • TWITTER: PLATEGIRL19 • INSTAGRAM: PLATE_GIRL

69 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

5 HEALING

winter essential oil recipes to

DIFFUSE SINUS REFRESHER This blend is a great way to help open the sinuses (peppermint), stop the runny nose (lavender), and brings gentle relief while stimulating your breathing.

3 parts Peppermint + 1 part Wild Orange + 1 Part Lavender + 1 Part Eucalyptus

IMMUNE BOOSTER Kick the germs to the side by boosting the immune systems of all those in your home with this diffuser blend. Use during cold and flu season to help with prevention.

2 parts Clove Bud + 2 parts Lemon + 1 part Cinnamon Bark + 1 part Eucalyptus + 1 part Rosemary

22

SWEET SLEEP When you just need REST to overcome feeling under the weather, diffuse this blend to help with sweet sleep.

Equal parts Lavender + Sandalwood + Cedarwood

NO ONE GETS SICK To keep clear breathing and healthy immune response in cold and flu ridden winter months, keep this blend handy.

Dilute with fractionated coconut oil and apply to the bottom of your feet and back of the neck if you begin to feel any symptoms.

5 drops Eucalyptus + 5 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil) + 6 drops Wild Orange

FLU BOMB If the cold or flu raids your home, this is a blend that will help you get through it a little faster and bring some relief. Besides diffusing, this is another blend that performs well when you dilute with fractionated coconut oil and apply to the bottom of your feet and back of the neck.

(It’s NOT my favorite of scents, but it works!)

4 drops Lemon + 2 drops Oregano + 2 drops Melaleuca + 2 drops Shield (or Clove Bud and Eucalyptus) + 2 drops Frankincense

100% PURE ESSENTIAL OILS

USE COUPON CODE:

FRESHMOMMY 10% OFF EVERY ORDER W W W. S PA R K NAT U R A L S . C O M

PURIFY YOUR AIR WITH TH HOUSEPLANTS ARE A GREAT WAY TO ADD A NATURAL DECOR ELEMENT TO YOUR HOME. THEY MAKE A SPACE FEEL WARM AND INVITING. BUT ON TOP OF THAT, THEY ALSO OFFER A PURIFYING ASPECT AS THEY FILTER THE AIR, PREVENT COLD AND FLU VIRUSES AND PROVIDE YOU WITH YOUR OWN NATURAL FIRST AID KIT… AND EVEN HELP TO REDUCE STRESS!

WE’VE ROUNDED UP A FEW OF THE TOP AIR PURIFYING PLANTS THAT ARE ALSO LOW MAINTENANCE, WHICH IS WHAT I NEED IN MY HOME!

JADE

SNAKE

SPIDER

A JADE PLANT HAS THE BEAUTIFUL LOOK OF A SUCCULENT PLANT AND IS VERY EASY TO CARE FOR, THOUGH IT THRIVES IN BRIGHT SUNNY AREAS. ANOTHER PLUS IS THAT YOU’LL NEVER HAVE TO PURCHASE A SECOND ONE, AS A BRANCH CAN BE CUT TO START A NEW PLANT.

ADDING A LOW MAINTENANCE PLANT LIKE THIS ONE IS GREAT BECAUSE IT ALSO ABSORBS A HIGH LEVEL OF CARBON DIOXIDE TO CLEAN THE AIR. PLUS, IT’S A POPULAR OPTION BECAUSE IT’S BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND BASICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO KILL — A GREAT CHOICE FOR BUSY FAMILIES OR IF YOU TRAVEL OFTEN.

THE SPIDER PLANT IS RATED BY NASA’S CLEAN AIR STUDY AS A TOP 3 PLANT FOR REMOVING FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER TOXINS. IT GROWS VERY QUICKLY AND FLOURISHES IN A WELL LIT LIVING ROOM OR KITCHEN.

72

HESE FIVE HOUSE PLANTS BROMELIAD PLANTS MAY GIVE OFF THE IMPRESSION THEY’RE HARD TO CARE FOR SINCE THEY ADD AN EXOTIC TOUCH TO THE HOME. BUT THEY’RE A FAIRLY EASY PLANT TO MAINTAIN BY WATERING THE INSIDE “CUP” OF THE PLANT WHEN THE SOIL FEELS DRY, NO MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK.

DRACAENA THE DRACAENA IS A TOUGH PLANT, WHICH MEANS IT CAN PUT UP WITH A LOT OF NEGLECT. IT’S ALSO ONE OF THE BEST PLANTS AT REMOVING TRICHLOROETHYLENE. SO IF YOU USE ANY HEAVY-DUTY CLEANING PRODUCTS, CONSIDER ADDING THIS ONE TO FILTER THE AIR.

BROMELIAD WHILE MOST PLANTS PROVIDE YOU WITH BENEFITS DURING THE DAY, THE BROMELIAD PLANT DOES ITS WORK AT NIGHT WHICH MAKES IT A GREAT ONE TO ADD TO THE BEDROOM. THIS FLOWERING PLANT WILL RID THE AIR OF HARMFUL TOXINS AND EMIT PURE OXYGEN TO HELP YOU BREATHE FRESHER, HEALTHIER AIR OVERNIGHT WHICH CAN LEAD TO A DEEPER AND MORE RESTFUL SLEEP.

73 | THE FRESH70EDIT winter 2018

THE ART OF SHELF STYLING

1. START WITH EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

4. ADD A STATEMENT PIECE OR ART

While the majority of us love the look of open shelves in magazines, it isn't always an easy look to achieve at home because you have to actually put the bowls and items you use on your shelves. When we decided to do open shelves, I started being even more selective with the kitchen items I purchased.

One of the ways to pull together your kitchen shelves is to treat them the same way you would a book shelf. Don't be afraid to mix in your favorite vase or prints, and feel free to throw in a stack of cook books and a figurine.

5. BRING IN NATURAL ELEMENTS

2. THINK ABOUT YOUR COLOR PALLET

Lastly, just like every other area of the home, your kitchen shelves will benefit from a little green. Be sure to find a few succulents or plants to scatter among your plates and other items.

If you don't have a green thumb, invest in some nicely made faux greenery.

One of the easiest ways to get that pulled together organized look that you see on all the blogs and pinterest is to look at your items and decide on one or two colors. I personally like to stick to grey, white and black with bits of wood and gold.

3. USE WHITES OR NEUTRALS TO GROUND THE LOOK

Using a base color brings balance and gives your shelf a clean and consistent look.

74

5.

3.

2.

1.

4.

75 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

9

STEPS TO MAKE ROOM IN YOUR HOME & YOUR MIND B Y BA R BA R A PROIA

76

Most of us agree that we own too much stuff, right?

Picture your home. Closets and drawers are stuffed beyond use. Kitchen tables aren't for meals anymore.

They’re piled with papers, crafts and books. The garage is full, so the car is parked in the driveway. We own so many things that we don't have the space or time to deal with them properly. This stuff - the paper, purchases, clothing and toys - becomes the clutter that surrounds us in our homes. The clutter takes a toll on us and our families.

So, your home isn’t overstuffed, but you still struggle with clutter? How do those piles appear? It’s simple and it happens to all of us. Clutter is the result of an unfinished task - repeated daily. I think of my family coming home at the end of a busy day. We drop the mail, school papers and work on the counter and move on to dinner prep. We’re too rushed to deal with paper right now. Then, I’m too tired. I think, “I’ll do it later.”

The task is unfinished, day after day. The result? A new task...going through the piles. One more thing I don’t have time for.

Disorganization and clutter costs us and our family in so many ways. Taking steps to control the clutter and organize your home can make a significant difference in the time we have available for the important things and how we feel. Even the smallest steps can make a difference in these areas: Time. When your home is clutter free, you can spend time on what matters most, not looking for lost socks and papers. Eliminating clutter can reduce housework time by up to 40%. I’m up for that, are you?

Money. No more repurchasing “lost” items only to find it a few days later buried under a pile of clothes. Dare I mention the money spent on storage units full of items we rarely use? Time is money too, when it comes to your business. Time spent looking for papers, files and information costs us productive time on the job.

Stress. A mess leads to stress. Can you feel your anxiety rising when you walk into a cluttered, disorganized space? The mind sees the piles, clutter and chaos. Even if we think it doesn’t affect us, it does. Our mind is subconsciously telling us that the work is never done, overwhelming us and creating unnecessary stress.

Eliminating clutter and taking steps to make organization a way of life helps to make room in our homes and in our minds for the things that matter most. Here are some simple steps to help you get started:

77 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

1

2

3

4 7

5 8

6 9

START SMALL, BUT START

Once you have cleared the clutter out of a closet or drawer, your sense of accomplishment will energize you to take on the next small project. Set small goals and work for an hour at a time. The clutter didn’t appear overnight, and it won’t go away in a couple hours.

ENGAGE FAMILY MEMBERS

Including family members in the clutter busting and organizing process will foster buy-in. Plus, its important to create systems and storage that compliments the way you “live” in your home.

PICK UP & PUT AWAY

Pick up & put away daily. Set aside a few minutes every day to put things back where they belong. Get the kids involved, too.

Give them each a bin to collect their own items. Set a timer and play music to make clean up a fun time and establish good habits early.

BE REALISTIC

Pinterest and magazines are filled with gorgeous photos. That’s not real life.

Creating systems that work for your family with the containers and bins you already have at home is the best place to start.

FIND A HOME

Give everything a home. When everything has a home, it's easy to return it to the proper place.

CONTINUALLY EDIT

Getting organized and clearing away clutter is a work in progress. It’s OK if the pantry bins need to be rearranged three times before you find the best fit. It’s all about developing systems that work for your family.

PURGE FIRST

The goal is to clear away the excess, then organize what is left. Pretty bins and snazzy containers won't help if you are still living with too much stuff.

LABEL EVERYTHING

Label containers. Labels ensure that all family members know where everything goes and helps to keep your space organized.

CELEBRATE YOUR PROGRESS

One small step at a time, you are establishing habits to make organization a way of life, rather than an event.

K E E P T H I S G U I D E C LO S E B Y S O YO U CAN IMPLEMENT THESE TIPS.

78

HAPPY, CLEAN HOME B Y TA B I T H A B L U E

In my opinion, there are two types of people, those that can thrive in chaos and those that need a clear view in front of them in order to allow clear thoughts to flow freely.

Now, with four kids and a number of businesses, we definitely have our fair share of chaos… but organization is what has helped us wade our way through it, and even thrive in spite of it.

A beautiful kind of chaos is how I usually refer to it.

Want to know a little secret about me? When I’m too stressed to think clearly or have too much on my plate and I’m not sure where to start, I’ll usually end up vacuuming.

Does this help me accomplish anything on my to-do list.

Well, the long and short of it is both yes and no.

No, vacuuming doesn’t usually directly affect my to-do list. But on the other hand, it’s usually where I start to clear

my head. It’s a way to take control of something that may seem out of control. I can see a messy floor and take direct action to fix it. Then, as that task is accomplished, I can usually move on to another task and face it head-on.

So, if you haven’t been able to tell... I’m the second type of person, the one that typically needs order to thrive.

How does this translate to a home full of littles? I don’t want to be so focused on a clean home that I miss life with my family. But on the flip side, when everything has a place and we’re able to keep our space relatively put together, I notice all of us are more at ease.

Whether you’re in the first category or the second, we’ve put together a 30 Day Home Detox that will make any home-space a cleaner, fresher, more put-together place that anyone in the family can enjoy. With just a few minutes each day, we’ll tackle all of the spaces that may need a little extra TLC and won’t steal time from your family, but instead improve the way you all feel in the home.

79 | THE FRESH EDIT winter 2018

DAY 1

THIRTY DAY DAY 2

DAY 3

CLEAN FRIDGE AND FREEZER. REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM THE FRIDGE AND FREEZER THAT HAVE EXPIRED OR THAT YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT USE. COMBINE ITEMS AND MINIMIZE PACKAGING WHENEVER POSSIBLE TO SAVE SPACE. WIPE UP SPILLS.

TOSS AND REPLACE KITCHEN SPONGES.

CLEAN OUT B DRAWERS.

DAY 6

DAY 7

DAY 8

CLEAN YOUR HAIRBRUSHES BY RUNNING UNDER HOT WATER AND CLEANING WITH ESSENTIAL OILS OR SHAMPOO.

DECLUTTER AND REDUCE MAKE-UP/ NAIL POLISH. TOSS EXPIRED ITEMS.

WASH CURTA DRAPES.

DAY 11

DAY 12

DAY 13

DAY 16

DAY 17

DAY 18

VACUUM COUCHES AND CHAIRS (CLEANING OUT UNDER CUSHIONS) AND/OR MATTRESSES. THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO WASH BEDDING.

EMPTY A JUNK DRAWER. GET RID OF EVERYTHING THAT’S NOT NEEDED OR USED. IF YOU HAVE TIME, USE INEXPENSIVE CONTAINERS OR SMALL BOXES TO SORT REMAINING ITEMS.

CLEAN OUT CO CLOSET.

DAY 21

DAY 22

DAY 23

DAY 26 CHECK AND REPLACE AIR FILTERS, CLEAN VENTS AS YOU GO.

DAY 27

DAY 28

GO THROUGH ALL OF YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES AND GET RID OF ANY PRODUCTS THAT YOU DON’T USE. USE MULTIPURPOSE CLEANERS. COMBINE PARTIALLY FILLED BOTTLES OF THE SAME PRODUCT INTO ONE BOTTLE. PLACE OLD BOTTLES IN FRONT TO USE UP BEFORE PURCHASING NEW SUPPLIES.

DUST LIGHT FIXTURES AND FANS.

CLEAN OVEN AND MICROWAVE.

CLEAR OFF AND CLEAN KITCHEN COUNTERS. DECLUTTER… AND FIND A PLACE FOR EVERY ITEM.

ADD ANOTHER HOUSEPLANT. NASA RECOMMENDS 14-16 HOUSEPLANTS PER HOUSEHOLD.

CLEAN WINDO MIRRORS.

DECLUTTER MEDIA; B MAGAZINES, MOVIES GAMES, ETC.

GET AN ALOE PLANT, IT WIL AND BENZENE OUT OF YOUR

HOME DETOX

BATHROOM

AINS AND

OWS AND

OAT

BOOKS, S, MUSIC,

LL FILTER FORMALDEHYDE R HOME’S AIR.

DAY 4

DAY 5

CLEAN OUT YOUR SHOWER. ONLY KEEP THE NECESSITIES AND REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF CONTAINERS

BY COMBINING. THEN DEEP CLEAN SHOWERS/BATHTUBS.

ORGANIZE YOUR LINEN CLOSET. DONATE ANY LINENS THAT YOU NO LONGER USE THAT ARE STILL IN GOOD CONDITION. OFTEN, ANIMAL SHELTERS ARE PLACES THAT NEED LINENS AND WILL TAKE YOUR OLD ONES.

DAY 9

DAY 10 DECLUTTER THE CLOTHES IN YOUR CLOSETS TODAY. ALL CLOSETS!

DONATE UNUSED TOYS, GET RID OF BROKEN TOYS/PIECES; WHETHER FROM KIDS, PETS OR ADULTS!

DAY 14

DAY 15

GET YOUR DROP ZONE IN ORDER… WHEREVER YOU DROP THINGS WHEN YOU WALK IN THE DOOR.

SPRAY ALL DOORKNOBS WITH A DISINFECTANT SPRAY. WE HAVE A NATURAL, ESSENTIAL OIL RECIPE ON FRESHMOMMYBLOG.COM

DAY 19

DAY 20

CLEAR OFF YOUR NIGHTSTAND. CLEAN THE TABLETOP AND SORT THROUGH DRAWERS, KEEPING ONLY WHAT YOU WOULD NEED BEFORE BED OR DURING THE NIGHT

NO NEED FOR MISMATCHING TUPPERWARE! USE TUPPERWARE WITHOUT LIDS TO ORGANIZE DRAWERS OR TOSS.

DAY 24

DAY 25

USE A LOOFAH? RUN IT THROUGH THE DISINFECTANT SETTING ON YOUR DISHWASHER. (ADD IN A FEW BABY TEETHING TOYS WHILE YOU’RE AT IT.)

ORGANIZE PAPERWORK (GO PAPERLESS WHERE YOU CAN!) FILE AND SORT.

DAY 29

DAY 30

TACKLE THE LAUNDRY ROOM. SORT THROUGH CUPBOARDS FOR ANY LAUNDRY PRODUCTS THAT ARE OLD OR NOT USED. TOSS ANY UNPAIRED SOCKS THAT ARE HANGING AROUND.

CHECK DATES IN YOUR MEDICINE CABINET. TOSS OUTDATED, SPILLED CONTAINERS AND RETURN EXPIRED PRESCRIPTIONS TO YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY FOR PROPER DISPOSAL. GET RID OF ANY ITEMS YOU DON’T NEED.