EMMA
if martha were a 20-something
No. 4 MARCH 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE EDITOR
HOME
DIY
35
18
A stay-at-home chef welcomes Emma readers to peek at her 100-year-old digs. Explore the perfect marriage of kid-friendly and chic design.
Simple step-by-step for the novice sewer. Pick out a spring print and your half way to a new maxi or midi skirt.
HOME TOUR
03
PLEASED TO MEET YOU A peek into the life of Emma's editor: a former reality TV personality, new Mama, and dessert addict.
f&
PLAN A PARTY
06
SALAD SERVING SETS A round-up of lovely serving sets for the modern domestic.
MAKE YOUR OWN MAXI
20
12
GIRL’S NIGHT IN Throwing a “favorite things” party: the perfect excuse for a girl’s night at home.
PETER PAN COLLAR A no-sew DIY under $15.
MORE
EVERY ISSUE 04 Contributors 49 Recipe
46 COVER: FRESH SPRING SALADS 2 EMMA
08 EFFORTLESS GLAM
58 AN ADOPTION STORY
73 Behind the Scenes 44 DIY 72 Emma's Playlist 10 Printable
EDITOR'S NOTE
STYLE
50
SPRING FASHION From pleated maxis to denim jackets, March ushers in a new season of fashion trends. Emma’s stylist shows how to incorporate spring staples in your everyday wardrobe.
FOOD
DIY
MEET HER
42
HOMEMADE BERRY TART Whip up for brunch or dessert.
64
FARMER’S MARKET GUIDE Tour the country’s best farmer’s markets.
30
22
Create a cheery modern wreath and dress up your door for spring.
Summer of the “Girls with Glasses” web-show duo dons 50s housewife garb and talks business.
SPRING WREATH
GIRL WITH GLASSES
EDITOR'S NOTE A few months ago, Hudson lay asleep on our bed while I worked on the guest room computer. I could hear him stirring, but with a mountain of email staring back at me, I kept working, hoping he would return to sleep. A loud thud moments later sent my heart into the pit of my stomach. Already wailing by the time I appeared, I scooped up his little body and fighting tears of my own assured him it would be okay. The fall marked a first for both of us. The first time Hudson experienced real pain, and the first time I realized I can’t always protect him. Even though I’m pretty confident he’ll never get cut from the little league team or told no by a girl he’s worked up the courage to ask to the school dance, odds are a two-foot fall from our bed won’t be the last time he feels pain. Especially if he inherits my lack of athletic genes or his dad’s cheesy pick-up lines. A call to 911 and a paramedic visit later, Hudson was back to himself, giggling while grabbing at the medic’s flashlight as he checked for signs of a concussion. Parenthood, like infancy, is a series of firsts. I’m just learning the ropes. Whether you’re taking up sewing (try the maxi skirt tutorial), trying a new recipe (the berry tart with lavender short crust is to die for), or like me, adjusting to a new role, spring is a season for new beginnings, so give it a whirl. And if you fall, hopefully you have someone to run in hysterically screaming and pick you up.
EMMAMAG.COM 3
MARCH
SARAH HUBBELL EDITOR IN CHIEF
SHELLY SAZDANOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
ALEX EVJEN FASHION
JESSICA HELGESON ASSOCIATE EDITOR
SARA NEVELS PHOTOGRAPHER
USUAL SUSPECTS
MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS
4 EMMA
MICHELLE HERRICK PHOTOGRAPHER
JESSICA MANGIERI FOOD
STEPHANIE NIEHEISEL BEAUTY
ALEJANDRA ARMSTRONG
INTERN
CONTRIBUTORS
MARCH ISSUE
CONTRIBUTOR LINEUP
KAREN SCHEFFE PHOTOGRAPHER
NICKY VENDER DIY
WHITNEY NICOSON PHOTOGRAPHER
STEPHANIE FAY PHOTOGRAPHER
BECA ALEXANDER BLOGGER
GINA MEOLA PHOTOGRAPHER
JEANETTE LEBLANC PHOTOGRAPHER
JINA OLBINSKI MAMA
LINDSAY GINN BLOGGER
EMMA TRITHART ILLUSTRATOR
MONICA CASTILLO CHEF
EMMAMAG.COM 5
MARCH
1
2
4
where to BUY
3
6 EMMA
1. MACY’S 2. ETSY 3. CRATE AND BARREL 4. ETSY 5. LEIF SHOP 6. CRATE AND BARREL 7. LEIF SHOP 8. JONATHAN ADLER 9. JONATHAN ADLER 10. FRENCH BULL
5
editor’s LIST
10 SALAD SERVERS
6
8 7
10
9
EMMAMAG.COM 7
FEBRUARY
START WITH A CLEAN SLATE OF FOUNDATION AND BRONZER.
APPLY BRONZER ON LID, SOFT LINER AND MASCARA.
NUDE YOUR NATURAL LIP SHADE WITH CONCEALER.
FILL ENTIRE LIP WITH LIP PENCIL. TOP WITH LIPSTICK.
8 EMMA
TUTORIAL BY STEPHANIE NIEHEISEL. PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE HERRICK.
HOW-TO: effortless GLAM
EMMAMAG.COM 9
FEBRUARY
GO TO EMMAMAG.COM FOR WINE TAG PRINTABLES!
ILLUSTRATIONS BY EMMA TRITHART.
10 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
EMMAMAG.COM 11
FEBRUARY
FAVORITE
party
THINGS
Photographs by Stephanie Fay. Flowers by Fiori Floral Design. Styled by Sarah Hubbell and Shelly Sazdanoff. 12 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
Host a girl’s night in and throw a favorite things party! Each guest brings multiples of one of their favorite things (a new lip gloss or fun washi tape roll, for instance) and every girl leaves with a goody bag of thoughtful treats. You just take care of sips and nibbles!
EMMAMAG.COM 13
MARCH
FROM GRAPHIC PRINTS TO MONOGRAMMED MUGS, EACH GUEST LEAVES WITH A TOTE FULL OF FAVORITES
14 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
METALLIC BUNTING: Simple and modern, this metallic bunting is made from using a circle cutter on gold contact paper. Leave the backing in tact to hang, or remove for wall application. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE SHOOTERS: Layer shotglasses with crushed graham cracker, white cake, and strawberries.
EMMAMAG.COM 15
FEBRUARY
A converted picture frame sets the backdrop for this cocktail bar. A sheet of glittery paper (wrapping paper works too!) fills the frame, leaving a blank canvas. Cocktail recipes can be written in dry erase marker or left on recipe cards for guests to pour their beverage of choice.
16 EMMA
ENTERTAIN
Americano 1 part bitters 2 parts vermouth Soda water 1 Lemon twist Mix Campari and vermouth in a glass and fill with soda water.
DI
Y
LA GS
Garnish with a lemon twist.
HO
L E-
PUNCH
NK D RI
F
EMMAMAG.COM 17
HANDMADE MAXI SKIRT By Shelly Sazdanoff Hair by Zack Glielmi. Makeup by Debbie Verver. Photographs by Jeanette Leblanc. Striped shirt by H&M. 18 EMMA
MAXI OR MIDI DIY MATERIALS
sewing machine needle and thread 2 yards fabric 1 yard elastic band safety pin Start by measuring the elastic to your waist and trimming excess. Next, lay the elastic at the top of the fabric and fold the fabric down over it. Allow enough room for the elastic to fit inside plus a smidge extra. Pin fabric together creating a pocket around the elastic band. Sew beneath the elastic. The fabric pocket will be longer than the elastic band by about 13-15 inches. You may trim off any extra or leave it to create more of a cinched look at the waist. This will be your waistband. Once sewn, determine the desired length of your skirt (maxi and midi are both very on trend!) and sew a simple hem along the bottom. Next, take the safety pin and attach it to the end of the elastic. Feed the safety pin and elastic through the waist of the skirt. Since there is extra fabric, it should bunch once it is fed all the way through. Fold the fabric ends together so that the elastic sides meet and the print is on the inside. Pin together and sew. Trim off any extra fabric and turn your new skirt right side out. Fabric Suggestion: Look for a jersey knit fabric. It handles movement well and doesn’t wrinkle! EMMAMAG.COM 19
FEBRUARY
FOLD FELT IN HALF AND TRACE COLLAR. CUT OUT.
PIN HOLE THROUGH EITHER END. BUY TACKY GLUE: ILOVETOCREATE
20 EMMA
FASTEN CHAIN INTO PIN HOLE.
USING ALEENE’S TACKY GLUE, ADHERE BEADS TO FELT.
BEAUTY
Tutorial by Shelly Sazdanoff. Hair by Zack Glielmi. Makeup by Debbie Verver. Photographs by Jeanette Leblanc.
HOW-TO: peter pan COLLAR
EMMAMAG.COM 21
MARCH
22 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
MEET SUMMER
BELLESSA MAMA. WIFE. MODEL. EDITOR. WEB SHOW HOST.
Photographs by Michelle Herrick. Q&A by Alejandra Armstrong. Styled by Mallory Jarvis. Hair by Amber Tillinghast. Makeup by Stephanie Neiheisel. Clothing by Fashion by Robert Black and Summer’s personal closet . EMMAMAG.COM 23
MARCH
It’s been years since Summer modeled professionally, but the girl knows how to work a camera. Modeling 1950s inspired fashions, she may look the part of fulltime house-wife, but this working mama’s ambitions don’t end there. Summer, one of half of the web variety show, “Girls with Glasses,” sat down with Emma to chat about girls, business and motherhood. EMMA: How did you start Girls with Glasses? SUMMER BELLESSA: Brooke [White] and I actually met on Myspace. I had a clothing line at the time. She liked one of my dresses, and I liked her music. We always knew we wanted to
24 EMMA
work together, and she called me one day and said, ‘Let’s figure out something to do together.’ We went to IHOP for some waffles, and we both were wearing our glasses. I was moving and had my contacts packed away. She had an eye infection, and so it was fate. We were the girls with glasses, sitting in IHOP, eating waffles. EM: Women are notorius for being pretty cutthroat and competitive, but you’re very supportive of others’ endeavors. Any thoughts on spreading the mentality? SB: I think just being aware, as women, that no one moves ahead when you’re catty, or jealous or not wishing people well. I think
there’s room for everyone to be successful and everyone to find things that make them happy and accomplish their dreams. Helping others gives you more strength and happiness, and that only helps you in your personal and professional life. EM: As a model, you lived in different fashion capitols around the world. Do you have a favorite? SB: I’ve liked almost everywhere I’ve lived for different reasons. I think there’s something magical about Paris. I would have lunch underneath the Eiffel Tower, eating baguettes and cheese, but there’s an energy to New York that you cannot feel anywhere else. I also loved Tokyo. Tokyo
CONTRIBUTORS
EMMAMAG.COM 25
FEBRUARY
26 EMMA
is like another planet. There’s no where else like it. Those are probably my three favorites. EM: Favorite piece in your closet? SB: Well I don’t like anything in my closet right now, because I’m not back down to my normal size. I would have to say like a scarf or something, because it actually fits! Everything else I hate. I’m mad at everything else in my wardrobe. EM: Who is your fashion icon? SB: It’s forever Audrey Hepburn, however Grace Coddington right now. I love her for so many reasons. I’m reading her book and she’s much more of a creator. Audrey created as an actress, but Grace creates these worlds, and
I think there’s something magical about that and awe-inspiring. EM: How do you balance work and motherhood? Any advice for working mamas? SB: I think having a really supportive team around you that you can delegate to. Cutting out things that don’t matter and focusing on things that do. There’s things you do before you have kids that you think, “Oh I’m doing it for free,” or “Oh, it doesn’t help out that much,” but you do it anyway. The moment you have kids, you really have to think, “Okay I’m cutting out anything that isn’t helping in some way, either helping my family, helping me as an individual or helping a friend.”
If it’s not something worthwhile, you have to cut it out of your life and not do it. EM: You have a knack for throwing big parties. Alt Summit comes to mind. Tips for the aspiring hostess? SB: My advice would be: Think big! What would be fun to see? What makes you happy? EM: Where do you picture yourself in five years? SB: I would like to be a great mom, doing creative things that inspire people and fulfill me. In fact, the Girls with Glasses show, we both started, because we were looking for a creative outlet where we could be moms but also do fun things. Kind of the best of both worlds.
EMMAMAG.COM 27
FEBRUARY
28 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
EMMAMAG.COM 29
SPRING
moss WREATH BY NICKY VENDER PHOTOS BY GINA MEOLA
30 EMMA
HOME
SPRING WREATH DIY MATERIALS straw wreath form burlap ribbon burlap felt sheets moss sheet roll glue gun
FELT FLOWERS
Cut felt or burlap into two-inch wide strips.
EMMAMAG.COM 31
MARCH
Fold strip in half along the length and glue the edges together.
Start rolling up the strip, dotting with glue to hold it together as you go.
32 EMMA
Snip little notches along the folded edge, only going halfway through.
To make your flower larger, add another notched strip where you left off and keep rolling!
HOME
Glue the moss strips to the wreath form by wrapping them around. Dot with glue as you go to keep moss secure.
Cut moss into 4 inch strips along the length.
ASSEMBLE
Attach your felt flowers with glue and hang with a pretty ribbon!
EMMAMAG.COM 33
MARCH
34 EMMA
HOME
phoenix Photographs by Karen Scheffe. Makeup by Mariana Walters. By Sarah Hubbell and Alejandra Armstrong.
EMMAMAG.COM 35
MARCH
GEOMETRIC RUG: IKEA
36 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
Nestled in the heart of Phoenix’s historic “Roosevelt district,” Christine and Eddie’s two-story home effortlessly blends old and new while mastering the art of kid-friendly-chic. A small collection of plastic swords in an entryway basket looks like a thoughtful design choice rather than the setting of a threeyear-old’s morning sword-fight. Vintage crates, galvanized tin buckets and oversized woven baskets strategically placed throughout the home offer grown-up storage for not-sogrown-up play things. Not every mess can be so cleverly disguised, but Christine, a stayat-home chef, seems just fine with that. Nothing is too perfect, which is why you can’t help but feel right at home the moment you walk up her 100-year-old steps.
EMMAMAG.COM 37
FEBRUARY
38 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
CHIC KIDFRIENDLY STORAGE: VINTAGE LOCKERS
EMMAMAG.COM 39
MARCH
SHORT ON DRAWER SPACE? DISPLAY SILVERWARE IN MASON JARS.
COAT RACK: HANDMADE RIOT 40 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
A tumbleweed takes the place of a traditional chandelier, and provides a conversation piece.
EMMAMAG.COM 41
MARCH
EMMA: How would you describe your design style? CM: I would say a mix of vintage and modern. I like an eclectic mix. I really like mixing old with new, pops of color with white backgrounds, and things that tell a story. EM: When did you discover your love for cooking? CHRISTINE MCHALE: I don’t know if it was really a discovery so much as I grew up loving it being in a big family. After college, I realized I wanted to go to culinary school and do something with it. So it was like a rediscovery, I guess, of sorts. EM: Any specialty dishes? CM: Breakfast is my favorite meal, so I love doing scones, and tarts and quiche, a lot of breakfast items. EM: What are some of your favorite ingredients? CM: My favorite ingredient would probably be salt. It sounds weird. I just think it’s essential. Fresh fruits and fresh vegetables too. I would say those are my top ingredients. And good cheese! EM: What are your favorite meals to prepare for your three kiddos? Are they picky eaters? CM: They’re not too bad. They’re pretty good eaters. I love making pancakes and waffles in the morning. Dinner-wise, I try to get them to like different things, and experiment with not making them only eat kid-friendly foods. 42 EMMA
EM: Are there any dishes you’re excited to make now that spring is coming? CM: It’s always exciting to do things with citrus, and the fruits that are coming in season. My kids always get excited about that and making different pastries and muffins. EM: What do you love most about your kitchen? CM: Probably my kitchen island with my kids. They love chopping and stirring things and getting involved. It can be a messy process, but it’s nice to cook and talk as a family. It’s where we spend a lot of our time I would say. We’ll do projects in there, like play-doh.
BERRY TART WITH LAVENDER SHORT CRUST PASTRY CREAM
6 egg yolks heaping 1/2 c. sugar 1/4 c. flour 500 ml. milk 1 vanilla bean zest of one lemon (optional) Combine egg yolks and half of the sugar in a bowl. Whisk well until light in color; incorporate flour and whisk to combine. Heat milk in saucepan with remaining sugar and vanilla bean. Just as it comes to a boil, pour a small amount into egg
mixture and whisk well; continue doing so in small amounts until all is combined. Return mixture to pan on medium heat, whisking constantly so no burns occur on bottom of pan. Once thickened, remove from heat and immediately pour into cool bowl on ice bath. Add lemon zest and stir to combine. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally. Can be made a day ahead.
LAVENDER SHORT CRUST 1 c. salted butter, room temp./ softened 1/2 t. salt 2 c. flour 3/4 c. confectioners sugar 1 T. dried lavender flowers Preheat oven to 350. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine butter and salt on medium speed. Add sugar to butter on medium speed; mix until well incorporated. Combine remaining ingredients in separate bowl and whisk together. Add dry ingredients to butter and sugar mixture. Mix until a nice soft dough forms. Spray tart pan and fill tart with dough, pressing into sides. Spray dough and line with parchment and pie weights. Bake until slightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool. Fill with pastry cream and top with fresh berries. Dust with confectioners sugar.
FOOD
TART RECIPE OPPOSITE PAGE!
EMMAMAG.COM 43
FEBRUARY
CUT SILK FLOWERS LEAVING AN INCH OR SO OF STEM.
SECURE FLOWERS TO HEADBAND WITH WIRE.
CONTINUE ADDING FLOWERS UNTIL FULL.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT VISIBLE WIRES UNDERNEATH.
44 EMMA
BEAUTY
POLKA DOT PEPLUM: URBAN OUTFITTERS
floral CROWN
Tutorial by Shelly Sazdanoff. Hair by Zack Glielmi. Makeup by Debbie Verver. Photographs by Jeanette Leblanc.
HOW-TO: A
EMMAMAG.COM 45
MARCH
CAPRESE PANZANELLA
46 EMMA
FOOD
s
ORZO SALAD
NS
G g R n E i E r p
Photographs by Michelle Herrick. Salads by Jessica Helgeson and Jessica Mangieri. EMMAMAG.COM 47
MARCH
MICROGREENS
48 EMMA
FOOD
CAPRESE PANZANELLA SALAD Serves 4-6
6 cups cubed baguette 3 cups cherry tomatoes cut length-wise (pre-season with sea salt and pepper) 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced 1 8oz package of fresh mozzarella balls halved 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 large english cucumber, quartered lengthwise, cut into 1� pieces 1/2 cup chopped basil Reduced balsamic * Heat oven to 400 F. Arrange bread cubes in a single-layer on pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Toast in oven 10 to 12 minutes, tossing once, until evenly browned. Meanwhile, put tomatoes, onion, olive oil, garlic, sea salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Let stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes or until tomatoes release their juices. Toss occasionally.
Add cucumber, fresh mozzarella, and basil to the tomatoes. Let stand at least 15 minutes for flavors to blend. Just before serving, add bread cubes; toss to blend thoroughly. Drizzle reduced balsamic over the top.
2 tsp honey 1/4 olive oil
Cook orzo according to package directions and drain. Heat 1/2 cup water and add dried cranberries to rehydrate. For dressing: Combine lemon *Reduced Balsamic juice, salt, pepper and honey. Add vinegar to a small saucepan Slowly whisk in oil. and bring to a boil. Reduce to a In a large bowl combine orzo, very low simmer and cook for 10- dressing, cranberries, and 15 minutes, until liquid reduces by remaining four ingredients. Finish about half and is slightly syrupy. with extra squeeze of lemon and Remove from heat, pour vinegar salt and pepper to taste. in a bowl to cool. Ingredient Tip: Bakeries SPRING MICROGREEN practically give away day-old bread, which works perfectly in a SALAD Serves 4-6 panzanella salad.
ORZO SALAD Serves 4-6
3/4 cups orzo 1/3 cups dried cranberries 1/3 cups toasted pinenuts 1 bag spinach 1/4 cups crumbled feta 1 cup fresh basil leaves Dressing: 1/3 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Micro greens (Trader Joes) Baby greens or spring mix Pea sprouts ( Trader Joes) Baby carrots sliced Frozen peas Dressing: 2 Meyer lemons - don’t fret; regular lemons can work too 1 tsp salt 1/8 cup sugar (1/4 cup if you use regular lemons) 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1/4 cup olive oil Whisk together and enjoy! EMMAMAG.COM 49
FEBRUARY
50 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
threads
SPRING . Photographs by Jeanette Leblanc. Styled by Alexandra Evjen. Makeup by Debbie Verver.
March brings a welcome change of season and a slew of fresh trends along with it. From pastels and florals to rompers and bralettes, stylist, Alexandra Evjen, shows how to style spring threads. EMMAMAG.COM 51
MARCH
52 EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
DENIM JACKET FOREVER 21 BRALETTE URBAN OUTFITTERS BLUSH MAXI FOREVER 21 BALLET FLATS J.CREW EMMAMAG.COM 53
MARCH
54 EMMA
FASHION
(THIS PAGE) FLORAL TOP URBAN OUTFITTERS CUTOFFS MADEWELL (OPPOSITE PAGE) NAVY/PURPLE ROMPER URBAN OUTFITTERS INFINITY SCARF SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
EMMAMAG.COM 55
MARCH
56 EMMA
FASHION
SEQUIN TANK NORDSTROM PLEATED MIDI SKIRT CHIC WISH BALLET FLATS J.CREW WOVEN BELT TARGET
EMMAMAG.COM 57
MARCH
MEETING
ELI OUR ADOPTIONBy Jina STORY. Olbinski.
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns. Twelve years ago when my husband and I started talking about having kids, I would never have imagined that my family would now include a beautiful brown-skinned baby boy. And yet it does, and the miracle of him has altered my life. But I don’t want to get ahead of myself. A bit of a backstory may be helpful. I am a long-standing member of the Club of the Infertile. We don’t have meetings, and I was never officially diagnosed, but typecast all the same in this inescapable role. It’s a constant companion. Every month you get a reminder of your status, and you contemplate why seemingly everybody else has figured out the equation, while you continue to wait and hope and envision your future in the shadow of a 58 EMMA
looming question mark. What if it never happens? What are our options? Which of those are we willing to consider? And seriously, why isn’t it just happening? Answers eventually come, and sometimes from where you least anticipated. Five years ago, we traveled through the adventure of fertility treatments - Intrauterine Insemination and In Vitro Fertilization. Time and money and needles and pills, not to mention hormones galore. It’s a lonely road with the undisclosed side effect of dizzying isolation. But after 16 months, we were told our gamble had paid off, and we were pregnant. Our little girl Lyla is our definition of lucky fortune. The next three years, we continued to try on our own, but
still no babies came. People often pass on platitudes like, “Once you stop trying, it will happen”… or “Once your body learns how to do it, pregnancy will come”. Well intentioned as the givers are, those reassurances are the equivalent of nails on a chalk board for us in the club. So, we looked at our alternatives once again and chose to adopt. It wasn’t an easy to decision. It’s long. It’s expensive. And its obstacles are daunting and complex. There are risks to factor, not to mention countless decisions to make. All this after proving your parental worthiness. As someone who had tried to conceive for so many years, the added pressure of “proving” my worth was at times heartbreaking. Not to mention, having our fate resting in the hands of a stranger was unnerving.
ADOPTION
“As someone who had tried to conceive for so many years, the added pressure of ‘proving’ my worth was at times heart-breaking.”
EMMAMAG.COM 59
MARCH
60 EMMA
ADOPTION
But there is something about the idea of providing a devoted and deeply-rooted home to a child who came into the world in the midst of uncertain circumstances. There’s something beautiful in the selfless act of a birth mom’s decision to carry a life to term, even though she knows she can’t carry it beyond. It feels important and necessary to honor that decision with what we can. So I knew. Deep down, I knew this was our road. I knew our baby was out there, waiting for me to someday hold their hand, tickle their feet, kiss their cheeks. And so we tried. We went through the lengthy certification process, and we began to wait for a birth family to choose us. Six months into the waiting process, my husband and I found ourselves pregnant for the first time without the help of modern medicine, in 10+ years. (The miracle of that sentence still takes my breath away.) We jumped up and down with the simplicity of what a plastic stick could tell us but had stubbornly
FROM OUR MATCH LETTER: “When we tied the
knot 13 years ago at the spry age of 23, we definitely had a plan of how our lives were going to go. The intent was to wait five years and then try to have kids. That way we could spend time getting to know each other better, enjoy being just the two of us, and grow our marriage into something strong and solid that would weather any adjustments, including the addition of children. That was the plan. When we did start trying, the plan started to unravel. At first it was a few months with no success, then half a year, then a year, then many years. But after five unsuccessful years, we met with a doctor and started fertility treatments. A year later, after several failed attempts, we decided to try one final option. And finally, after 10 years of marriage, we had a baby girl. Our dream was always to have atleast two kids. Yet once again, here we are, three years later, with no positive pregnancy test. As you can see, life hasn't really gone as planned for us, which just might be the same situation for you right now. In wanting to place your child for adoption, we understand the pain, the struggle and the courage you possess to even come this far. We believe God is in control, and we know His plan has brought us here to you today. We are so excited to be expanding our family through the gift of adoption and thank you for taking the time to get to know us better!”
EMMAMAG.COM 61
MARCH
WISH YOU
WERE HERE
WANT TO SEE YOUR AD IN EMMA?
EMAIL ADVERTISE@EMMAMAG.COM 62 EMMA
ADOPTION
never copped to before. The inconceivable had happened. And yet, fickle is an apt word to describe our journey to build our family. Shortly after our divine day of joy, we met a new despair, in the heartbreak that is a miscarriage. Through our grieving, we basically gave up the fight. Maybe our adorable daughter was all that was intended for us. Maybe we were being greedy thinking that our family picture was not already complete. If our circumstances themselves didn’t leave us with whiplash, then it was certain our emotions would. Just as I let resignation sink in, my husband inexplicably changed his mind back to adoption. He felt it wasn’t time to let go.
roller coaster? Were our hearts strong enough? I knew mine was not. But I also knew that I was placed in this moment and was being asked to take a step of faith towards the unknown, the scary, but potentially perfect. So I trusted. And with our hands interlocked, we stepped cautiously. There was much to do. Lawyers to retain. Baby gear to ready. Money to find. Because of the quick nature of the potential placement, we didn’t have time to put together the necessary funds, like we would have with our adoption agency. Plus we had put everything on hold those last couple of months. We knew this opportunity was ours, but we didn’t know the way. We decided to humbly ask for others to help fill the $9,000 gap.
Another turn was still ahead. Our whiplash was painful, but our ride With the thought that we might wasn’t complete. secure a couple hundred dollars over the remaining weeks until Less than two months after the baby’s due date, we shared our miscarriage, we were told our journey and our dream. We of a young couple looking to let down the walls that we had place their soon-to-be baby so expertly built that said that for adoption within a couple of we had it all under control. We weeks. But we were still broken. let people in. The exposure We were apprehensive. We were was hard and conflicting, but unprepared. We sweated. We ultimately divinely orchestrated. cried. We talked through all the scenarios. What if they backed We posted our plea on my out of the adoption, deciding husband’s website. After to raise their child themselves? nervously hitting publish, we Could we handle more of the anxiously waited. We hoped
people would hear our hearts and not a pitch. It didn’t take long. A friend shared our story on Facebook and then another friend and another. Within minutes, the funds started mounting. Our phones alerted us each time someone donated, and every few moments, we heard a “ding” telling us someone else resonated with our tale. They shared their own versions. They shared their wallets. They shared our prayers. In less than 13 hours, we raised $10,000. More than enough to bring our baby home. Our village had responded. People had given, and we were amazed. I still don’t have the words. In a season of economic struggle, people gave. Miracles can still happen. Just ten short days after our deluge of abundance, he was born. Our Eli. But he wasn’t just ours. He belonged to a fellowship who loved him before they met him, who cherished his life before he breathed his first breath, who took him into their hearts in a tangible way that continues to be repeated. The magnitude of others’ sacrifice is still with us daily. When I glance into Eli’s dark brown eyes, I see the gift bestowed upon us. I see the beauty of possibility. I see a journey worth traveling. I see my family picture, now complete.
EMMAMAG.COM 63
Spring marks the return of the ideal weekend date: perusing open-air farmers markets. Emma editor, Sarah Hubbell, took a stroll around her favorite Phoenix market, Camelback Market, along with Monica, a local chef (the Friends reference is not lost on us), to get the scoop on picking ripe produce.
FARMERS
MARKET ROUND-UP Photos by Whitney Nicoson. Makeup by Lillian Fogel.
64 EMMA
FOOD
The votes are in. Emma’s top ten U.S. farmers markets are here! 1. University District Farmers Market NE 50th St/University Way NE Seattle, WA, 98105 Every Saturday, farmers from all over the state of Washington set up shop at Seattle’s oldest and largest food-only market. Fresher than fresh produce and delicious seafood such as Alaskan spot prawns are enjoyed here.
2. Portland Farmers Market SW Park Ave at SW Montgomery St Portland State University Portland, OR, 97201 The Portland Famers Market at PSU comes to life on Saturday mornings with over 100 vendors selling local and regional produce. You can even pick up yak, bison and buffalo meat from the Pine Mountain Buffalo Ranch vendor.
3. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market 1 The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA, 94105 Spend a day overlooking the bay at this farmer’s market. A nice addition to the market: the Veggie Valet service. You drop off your purchases, hop in your car and drive by for curbside pickup.
4. The Original Farmers Market 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 The market began in 1934 and today is a tourist destination and local tradition. Stop by for lunch or to shop in the market and continue to the Grove shopping mall next door.
5. St Paul Farmers Market 290 E Fifth St St Paul, MN, 55101
Since 1853, the downtown area of St. Paul has hosted a famers market to promote local growers. Today, the market has 167 openair stalls with vendors offering a variety of seasonal fruits, veggies and other foods.
6. Austin Farmers Market Downtown 400 W Guadalupe, Republic Square Park Austin, Texas Every Saturday people come to downtown to buy locally grown produce and meat, along with sweet, homemade lemonade and iced tea.
7. Minneapolis Farmers Market North Lyndale Market 312 East Lyndale Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55405 The Minneapolis Famers Market has the largest selection of products of any market in the Upper Midwest. The Lyndale Market is open seven days a week from mid-April until midNovember, but Saturdays and Sundays have the best selection and best atmosphere.
8. Green City Market 1790 N Clark South end of Lincoln Park between Clark & Stockton Dr. Chicago, IL, 60614 This market not only promotes delicious food but also sustainability. Green City Market has been called the best sustainable market in the United States; all growers who sell here take good care of their animals and focus on preserving the land, water and wildlife habitat which they farm on or nearby.
9. Crescent City Farmers Market 200 Broadway St, Ste 107 New Orleans, LA, 70118 The Crescent City Farmers’ Market travels to uptown on Tuesdays, midtown on Thursdays
and downtown on Saturdays. Go for the Green Plate Special on Tuesdays where a local chef demonstrates affordable and easy meals to cook with produce bought at the market. The Saturday market has some of the best seafood and live music.
10. Union Square Greenmarket 15th St to 17th St at Park South East of Broadway New York, NY, 10003 If you’re in the Big Apple, stop by the Union Square Greenmarket for seasonal produce, fresh seafood and meat, delectable baked goods and beautiful flowers. Famous chefs from nearby five-star restaurants shop here for ingredients.
RIPE PRODUCE
GUIDE Should smell sweet, and feel dense without any dark spots. All about the bright red color! Avoid green, white, or dark red. Peek under the stem’s button. If it’s green, it’s good! Look for tough skin and a heavy (at least 2-pound) squash that sounds hollow when you knock on it. Smell is a great indicator on citrus. Also look for lemons that are firm but not too hard. No scent means underripe, a fermented smell means overripe. Look for a yellow body.
EMMAMAG.COM 65
MARCH
NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE BAKERY FOR EMMA’S NEXT TOP TEN LIST!
ON LOCATION: CAMELBACK MARKET 66 EMMA
FOOD
Bell Peppers: Look for firm peppers that are heavy for their size. If the seeds are rattling inside, pass.
EMMAMAG.COM 67
MARCH
Fashion blogger, Lindsay Ginn of Broke and Beautiful, shares her top ten spring picks.
2 1
3
where to BUY
4
68 EMMA
1. ZAPPOS 2. J.CREW FACTORY 3. CHARLOTTE RUSSE 4. DILLARD’S 5. CHARLOTTE RUSSE 6. POTTERY BARN 7. SHOP BOP 8. 6 PM 9. ULTA 10. AMERICAN EAGLE
5
broke & BEAUTIFUL
10 SPRING PICKS
6
8 7
10
9
EMMAMAG.COM 69
MARCH
Fashion blogger, Beca Alexander of Fashion Indie, shares her top ten spring picks.
1 2
4
where to BUY
3
70 EMMA
1. CYNTHIA ROWLEY 2. NET A PORTER 3. BCBG 4. LULU FROST 5. HERVE LEGER 6. COACH 7. STYLE BOP 8. NET A PORTER 9. UNITED NUDE 10. SHOP BOP
5
fashion INDIE
10 SPRING PICKS
6
8
7
10
9
EMMAMAG.COM 71
FEBRUARY
SPRING
PLAYLIST An upbeat mix perfect for spring cleaning or a morning jog.
1. "SUNSHINE AND CLOUDS" CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YES 2. "I BOX UP ALL THE BUTTERFLIES" THE BOY LEAST LIKELY TO 3. "COLD SPRING" CYMBALS EAT GUITARS 4. "BREAKERS" LOCAL NATIVES 5. "RAINWATER CASSETTE EXCHANGE" DEERHUNTER 6. "BEAUTIFUL MORNING LIGHT" FRUIT BATS 7. "LEMONWORLD" THE NATIONAL 8. "KING OF CARROT FLOWERS PT.1" NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL 9. “KING OF CARROT FLOWERS PTS.2 AND 3” NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL 10. "FLOWERS IN YOUR HAIR" THE LUMINEERS
COMPILED BY RYAN HUBBELL
EMMA
CONTRIBUTORS
PUBLISHER Sarah Hubbell
EDITORIAL STAFF Sarah Hubbell (Chief Editor) Shelly Sazdanoff (Editor) Alex Evjen (Editor) Jessica Helgeson (Editor/PR) Jessica Mangieri (Food) Alejandra Armstrong (Intern) Ralston PR House (Layout)
EDITOR’S OFFICE Phone: +1 323 743 3309 www.emmamag.com hello@emmamag.com
FARMERS MARKET PARTY Chef Monica of Windsor and Emma editor Sarah contemplate an early morning glass of bubbly while strolling through a Phoenix farmers market.
SUBSCRIPTION http://eepurl.com/qlTHH
PRINT Hard copies available on demand.
ADVERTISING advertise@emmamag.com
MISC CREDITS
Meeting Eli photos taken by Mike Olbinski and Session Nine Photography.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION Emma welcomes your submissions of: home projects, interior design, DIY tutorials, entertaining and parties, wearable hair and fashion, staged shoots, and printables. Please send your previously unpublished stories along with professional quality photos to submissions@emmamag.com.
MAMA AND MODEL It wouldn’t be an Emma shoot without a few babies in the wings. Model, Nitty, sits in hair and makeup while her sweet baby hangs out nearby.
Cover Image by Michelle Herrick
EMMAMAG.COM 73