The Four Gift Rule
One Cold and One to Hold
M A G A Z I N E
Victoria Lee
Volume 1 | No. 5 | December 2016
Creating A Winter Wonderland
Interior Design | Event Styling | Accessories
Owner, Anna Kat Napier, holds a degree in interior design from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has been an active designer for 16 years and has previously served as District Co-Chair for the American Society of Interior Designers. Her love for design began as a little girl and has blossomed into a real passion. She considers it her mission to help her customers find the right pieces to reflect their personality and style. Anna Katherine loves blending styles and textures to create a dimensional, classic look that the customer will enjoy for years to come. She wants the home to tell a story with a well thought out design that looks like it has been collected over the years. Anna Katherine has previously been listed as one of the Top Ten Designers in Jacksonville and she is a Home Expert for SheKnows.com. Now serving Chattanooga and North Georgia. E-Design available.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season from our family to yours.
Photo: Getty Images
WELCOME The Season of Wonder
COVER PHOTO: VALERIE KESTENBAUM COOPER
Hello! Welcome to Victoria Lee Magazine. Our goal is to provide you with a beautiful magazine full of unique and interesting stories, helpful tips, and a little bit of fun. Well, hopefully a lot of fun! This holiday season, we wish you lots of joy and happiness. We've put together a few things that we hope will inspire you. We hope you take a small part of us with you and that it makes you smile. If you have anything you would like to see appear in our magazine, please feel free to let us know. Gratefully, AnnaKat Napier
www.victorialeemagazine.com
From the Editor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Editor-in-Chief Anna Kat Napier Director of Advertsing Joseph Napier Contributors Maggie Brereton Penelope Carroll Valerie Kestenbaum Cooper Sayle Milne Sherri Ogg Jennie Treadway - Miller Creative Marketing Director Anna Kat Napier
VICTORIA LEE | 5
SUBSCRIBE
Victoria Lee Magazine is published in Florida. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied without written permission from the publisher. All applicable images are credited within. Additional images are the sole property of Victoria Lee Magazine.
Changing Christmas with the Four Gift Rule 6-8 Supporting Small Business - Shop Small 10-14 Creating A Winter Wonderland 15-20 Foodie Fun 22-31 One Cold and One to Hold 32-33 3 Easy Ways to Update Your Space for the Holidays 34-37 Joy to the World 38
after presents reached double-digits, there was always disappointment over what they didn’t receive. Instead of gift-giving being a blessing to them, I’d done my children a disservice by thinking that the material abundance of Christmas was normal and justified. It was in 2012 that I announced to my then-9 and 6 year olds that we were instituting the Four Gift Rule, a drastic reduction by all accounts. They didn’t protest or complain, but I knew they were disappointed, and it’s only been in the last year that I finally saw the fruits of that labor. Now, at 13 and 10, they no longer ask for ump-teen things on a lengthy Christmas list. In fact, they don’t make Christmas lists at all. I can’t take credit for the Four Gift Rule, and the only credit I know to give is to some precious stranger who pinned the idea to Pinterest. The plan is simple. Each child receives four gifts on Christmas morning, as follows: One thing you want, one thing you need, one thing you wear, and one thing you read. The simplicity and
When I became a mother in 2003, I joined the parade of parents trapped in long check-out lines each weekend leading up to Christmas morning. I’d lock myself away for one full night of sorting and wrapping, only to realize that - yet again - I’d overdone it. Too many gifts, and not just from us. The grandparents, the aunts and uncles, the cousins. So many presents. It wasn’t that I misunderstood the meaning of Christmas. We didn’t even pull the Santa Claus tricks, so the boys knew the gifts were from us. The decision to give them so many presents was a natural-born, maternal desire to give them whatever made them smile, gasp, even cry with joy. Those reactions were a gift right back to me. Their happiness was my happiness. Yet, those little deposits of joy in my own heart soured several years ago when I realized my boys’ holiday expectations were grossly out of whack. Not only was Christmas morning a gluttonous explosion, but gift-giving throughout the season of Advent had become commonplace. Even
Changing Christmas with the Four Gift Rule: How Cutting Back Gave Us More Christmas Cheer
By : Jennie Treadway-Miller
Photo: Jennie Creates
Each week for the past four years, our boys have set the tables - more than 300 place settings - for a community meal in our city. This volunteer opportunity does not stop during the holidays, and it teaches them that giving is more valuable than receiving.
VICTORIA LEE | 7
inclusivity is a stroke of genius. The Four Gift Rule says “I love you” and “I’m practical” and “I love to make you happy” and “I value your whole person.” In addition to the Four Gift Rule, my husband and I decided to incorporate a family gift of experience, whether that be NFL game tickets or season passes to a theme park. One year we bought a game system, which covered something on everyone’s wish list. With these family experiences we teach our boys that time spent together is valuable and worthwhile, that even though these moments won’t last forever, the investment in our family will. Finally, to balance the act of receiving, we offer ample opportunity for our boys to give of their time, their resources, and their belongings. We clean out and donate
Jennie Treadway-Miller is a writer and photographer living in the foothills of East Tennessee. She blogs at jenniecreates.com
unused toys, and they set aside money they earn to give as offerings. We also volunteer each week at our church’s community meal, which feeds more than 300 displaced people in our city who are hungry for both a hot meal and companionship. Without the emphasis on giving, our efforts to pull back on the receiving wouldn’t be enough to make a dent in their hearts and minds. The act of giving gifts is synonymous with Christmas, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, when we overextend ourselves, financially and otherwise, we create a holiday that’s all about want and very little about need. As a mother, I want my boys to have the world, but by reining back on gifts, I’ve given them something they need even more: a grateful heart.
www.salvationarmyusa.org
VICTORIA LEE | 9
Supporting Small Business By: Anna Kat Napier
A small business is defined as a company with 500 or fewer employees. Small businesses make up over 99% of American employers. Yes, that's 99%. After coming through a terrible recession, this is a very positive number. 50% of these companies plan to hire more employees this year. That is substantial growth after a period in America when almost 5 million people lost their jobs in 2009 alone. Small businesses now pay 44% of the U.S. payroll. Imagine the economic ramifications of eliminating these small businesses. Only 50% of small businesses will likely survive longer than five years. Some of the businesses are fads but most suffer because of lack of community support. In the days of huge companies like Amazon putting access to virtually everything at your fingertips, the small businesses are suffering. Steve Jobs once said, "You need a lot of passion for what you're doing because it's so hard. Without passion, any rational person would give up." Because it is very difficult to get a small business loan for a brand new company, most people are self-financing. This means, unless they can cash in a prior investment like a 401k, business entrepreneurs are kick-starting their businesses with their own personal credit cards. If their businesses don't survive, many are left in financial ruin. For what?
Pursuing the American Dream? Isn't that what we all want? Sure, we say we do, but then we drive over to Wal-Mart or click through Amazon to get the things we need, leaving the local businesses struggling to survive. We are all guilty of it. We live in an age where convenience and speed outshine the artistry and skill of an entrepreneur. Local businesses are jumping online to sell their products through their website, online shops, or even through Amazon just to compete. The big online retailers aren't going away so what do we do? Try making a commitment to yourself to shop locally and encourage others to do the same to support your local community. Instead of shopping at a store you know sends jobs overseas, select at least one local business to support each year. These small businesses will grow and create more local jobs, attracting more people to your town, and boosting the economy. This in turn, gives local consumers more diverse businesses and price points to choose from. The money stays in the community and is redistributed locally. How do you find these businesses? Check out the "shop small" pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Your local Chamber of Commerce can also direct you to good, reputable businesses to support. Grow your community: Buy Local.
VICTORIA LEE | 11
SHOP SMALL
Follow your arrow scented soy wax candle! Part of our new collection. Please choose a scent from the drop down on the right hand. Approx. 11.5oz Glass cube candle. Please be aware that slight variations may occur, as this is a handmade product. Fall Scents: Christmas at the Cabin, Apple Picking, Pumpkin Souffle, Gingerbread House www.etsy.com/shop/JarmendJai
with screen print in black ink. It has a heather white body with vintage black sleeves. This raglan is SO soft! It's lightweight material makes it great to wear for all occasions. Could be paired with a pair of jeans and converse or used as a workout tee. The design is to empower each individual to know that with God on our side, there is nothing to fear. www.etsy.com/shop/stjamesapparel
"Fearless Thru Him" T-Shirt. Made using a Next Level Ragland 3/4 Sleeve Tee that is a tri-blend mix (50% Polyester/ 25% Cotton/ 25% Rayon)
VICTORIA LEE | 13
These pedestals feature rounded, beveled edges on the solid raw marble top and a pale, matte finish of sheesham wood on the base. They are gorgeous alone or used on the table with our Marble + Wood Cheese Boards. The small is the perfect size for a few cupcakes, while the large can hold a large cake. All are perfect for serving charcuterie and anything else you can dream up. www.shoppeach.com
Hot line bling.. geo & diamond ornaments.. looks rad solo or grouped together. www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsByTamaraLee
These tropical handmade ceramic PALM TREE ornaments by High Tide Gallery artist Debra Steiner are ready to hang and measure 4 x 4 inches (before the jute string). Thank you for supporting a St. Augustine, FL artisan! FREE SHIPPING USPS in the USA. www.thehightidegallery.com
Sweet Locks scented hairbrushes encourage girls to brush their own hair by leaving a fruit scent behind after brushing. Delish! www.mountaintoptoys.com
VICTORIA LEE | 15
Creating A Winter Wonderland By : Valerie Kestenbaum Cooper
W
these little birds at Target, I just knew they had to come home with me. I mean, have you ever seen such cuteness? And that's how it started. The little birds led to the polar bears, the bears led
. hen I saw
VICTORIA LEE | 17
to the deer, the deer led to the organic wreaths and the rest is history. So began my mission to turn our dining room into a Winter Wonderland. I shared my plans with my husband, Ryan. Decorating our dining room involved deviating from our traditional red and white decor and he was more than on board. Now, you guys think it's trouble when I go shopping at Target, well when Ryan gets in on the action and we go shopping together, watch out world! We had so much fun shopping for this project, it was a series of day dates at Target, Marshalls and TJ Maxx followed by quick lunches and then back home to watch it all start to come together. Perfect. So, how do you go about decorating an entire room in a few days? Well, I thought about the way I usually decorate a room and the steps I follow and came up with a quick simple guide to help you get started. Of course, this post is centered around Christmas decor, but you can follow these steps any time of year!
VICTORIA LEE | 19
Hopefully, you'll be inspired after reading this post but if you're not, then go out window shopping. Try not to buy anything, just go out for inspiration! Another option, of course, is to look online. I personally like Instagram and Houzz to find inspiration. There are so many talented people out there, you don't need to reinvent the wheel! People put their stuff out there so you can be inspired and either imitate or come up with your own ideas after seeing theirs. As my husband always says, "You need to steal like an artist!" So if you love my Winter Wonderland theme, feel free to steal it, and go make it your own!
Find Inspiration
Valerie is a wife and mother to five children. After growing up in Honduras, she now calls Texas home. She says, "I am lucky enough to be a housewife and a stay-at-home mom and do what I love everyday." Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/onehappyhousewife
Read the full story on Valerie's Winter Wonderland at www.onehappyhousewife.com
VICTORIA LEE | 21
256-714-7740 Management@chopandrollhsv.com www.chopandrollhsv.com Huntsville, Alabama
Whether you're an existing food truck or caterer or considering diving into this booming industry, Chop & Roll can help make your concept the talk of the town. From state-of-the-art prep facilities to services, such as marketing assistance and event-booking, we can help design the perfect platform for your concept! Contact us today for more information!
FOODIE FUN
Sausage Stuffed Turkey
VICTORIA LEE | 23
What You Will Need Ingredients: 14-16 lb. fresh or frozen For the stuffing: 2 onions, chopped 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped 1 tbsp dried thyme 1/2 lb. fresh sausage meat 1/4 lb. black forest ham, chopped 1 cup dried bread crumbs 2 eggs Directions: If the turkey is frozen, allow to thaw completely in the fridge. To make the stuffing, sautée chopped onion in butter until softened. Add the garlic and the sage. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. Stuff turkeys with prepared stuffing. Place stuffed bird in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Place in the oven and redice the heat to 350 degrees. Cook 25 minutes per pound; basting frequently. Remove the foil during the final hour so the turkey can brown. Let turkey stand for 20 minutes before carving. Optional stuffing additions: 1/4 cup chopped apple 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
Charred Brussel Sprouts What you need: 1 pound brussel sprouts 3-4 slices thick cut bacon 3/4 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper balsamic glaze for drizzling Directions: Dice bacon and begin searing in greased pan (I use cast iron skillet) Cut off brown ends of sprouts and pull off any yellowed outer layers. Cut sprouts into quarters. Place sprouts into skillet with bacon , season with salt and pepper, and sear. Once seared, scoop sprouts and bacon into serving dish and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Photo: Anna Kat Napier
Cornbread Dressing
VICTORIA LEE | 25
Ingredients: Cornbread (made prior) 7 slices dried white bread 1 sleeve saltine crackers 1 cup celery, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 7 cups chicken stock Salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon sage (dried) 1 teaspoon thyme (dried) 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning 5 eggs, beaten 1 cup finely shredded chicken
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place celery and onion in blender and blend until smooth. In a large bowl, break up cornbread, bread slices, and saltines. Pour the vegetable mixture over bread mixture. Add the stock, mix well, add salt and pepper, and dried herbs. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Lastly, add shredded chicken and mix well throughout. Pour mixture into greased pan and cook until dressing is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Garnish with fresh sage.
Sweet Potato Casserole
By : Valerie Kestenbaum Cooper
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Mix all ingredients together and place in a baking dish. Bake 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Optional: Let casserole cool for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, cover the top of the casserole with marshmallows and then add cherries throughout. Turn oven to broil, on low. Place baking dish back in the oven and broil for approximately 3-5 minutes. Don't stop watching it at this point to avoid burning the marshmallows. Once browned, take it out of the oven and enjoy!
VICTORIA LEE | 27
Servings: Feeds 6-8 Time: 45-60 minutes Ingredients: 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes 2 cups brown sugar 5 tbsp melted butter 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ginger 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground allspice 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
What You Will Need Ingredients: 1 bag of kettle corn popcorn 1 cup of chocolate chips 1/2 cup red candy coated chocolates (like m&m's) 1/2 cup roken pretzel twists 1/4 cup candy eyes
By Maggie Brereton One of my favorite things to do with my family over the holidays is to snuggle everyone up for a fun family read aloud or movie night. It's even better when both of those worlds collide with all the adorable Christmas movies and books that are out right now. One of our favorites just happens to be Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. We wait with excitement every year to watch this cute movie and every year I like to make a big night of it by reading a Rudolph themed book and making a Rudolph themed snack... it just feels right!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Popcorn Mix
VICTORIA LEE | 29
Directions: First, place your popcorn on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Next, you will need to melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for about 1 minute. Stir until the chocolate is nice and creamy and then generously drizzle the chocolate all over the popcorn. Then, have all your little helpers decorate the popcorn "Rudolph Style" by sprinkling the red candy coated chocolate pieces (Rudolph's red nose!), broken pretzels (his reindeer antlers!), and the candy eyes all over the popcorn. Let the popcorn mix chill in your refrigerator for 10 minutes so the chocolate can harden.
Maggie Brereton is a Chicago based chiropractor with a love of DIY, crafts, sewing, and recipes. She is a momma to 4 and loves creating with her children. Follow along: www.instagram.com/smashedpeasandcarrots www.facebook.com/smashedpeasandcarrots www.smashedpeasandcarrots.com
Break up the popcorn mix into chunks and serve it up during your read aloud or movie. It's such a fun way to experience a book or movie and a great way to make sweet memories with your children!
VICTORIA LEE | 31
By : Sayle Milne
Sayle is the founder of Wine Savvy NYC. She teaches classes tailored both to the novice and to the seasoned oenophile. Sayle is a graduate of Kevin Zraly’s WINDOWS ON THE WORLD WINE
And the final rule, and what I am asked SO often, is whether the "gift bottle" has to be opened at that very party. The answer is simply, "no". The host is under no obligation to open that gift bottle. In fact, it would be a relief to the host if you (the guest) would say, "And this is a special bottle for you to enjoy at another time." Believe me, it sounds so simple but makes all the difference at the beginning of an eveneing. Aside from that? Eat, drink, and be merry. And don't forget water. Try to squeeze in a glass between each drink. That party will hold much better memories without a hangover the next day!
t is hard to believe we are in the final months of 2016. 'Tis time to pull out the decorations and prepare
VICTORIA LEE | 33
I
to host and attend holiday parties. In the spirit of "keeping things simple", I'd like to address two main topics: What wine to bring to a party, and what wines to open at your party. My general rule for guests is to ring the doorbell with your elbow (as in, both hands are full ). You should come equipped with two bottles: one that is cold, and one that your host/hostess can hold. In other words: a bottle to contribute to the party and one for another time. Take the opportunity to contribute to the festivities with something that delivers vino diversity. And do bring that bottle very cold (most especially if it is bubbles). When you are short on time, just pop it in the freezer for thirty minutes. If you are bringing a red wine, a slight chill is a good thing, as it will warm up quickly in a house full of people. As for the gift (the bottle for your host to hold), choose a bottle you know your host enjoys and put it into a silver bag or decorative sleeve; most wine stores will give you a bag and tie it up with a bow or ribbon - just ask. Not only is this a nice presentation, but also helps the host to easily identify what bottles to open and what bottles to set aside.
SCHOOL and is is a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Advanced Level Certificate holder and Wine Educator. Sayle's mission is to combine her love of wine and her knack for teaching, bringing wine to the masses. www.winesavvynyc.com
3 Easy Ways to Update Your Space for the Holidays
By : Sherri Ogg
VICTORIA LEE | 35
Chalk paint was chosen to paint this piece because it works very well for many surfaces. It is odorless, can be used indoors, and is very durable.
#1 PAINT
A quick DIY to update any room is with paint! Just look at the before photo of this cabinet.
The only prep work was to clean the surface with soapy water, and tape off the parts not being painted. Then it was painted using Annie Sloan's Pure White in a day, and dried over night. The next day was buffed with Annie Sloan's clear wax! And that's it! This piece went from outdated to current in a weekend!
Accent chairs are also an easy way to update a space and create extra seating for house guests. They can refresh a dining room table, living space or guest room! This pair from wayfair.com shipped for free and arrived in just two days.
#2 FUN ACCENT CHAIRS
Sherri Ogg is a wife, mother and grandmother who loves decorating, renovating and DIY projects. Follow her at www.instagram.com/graceindesign
#3 SEASONAL ACCENTS
VICTORIA LEE | 37
Lastly, decking the halls with some holiday cheer is an easy way to change the feel of any space and make your guests feel welcomed. Adding a few pillows and a throw creates a fun and festive look!
Photo: Penelope Carroll Perceptions
Joy To The World By: Penelope Carroll Resolutions do not interest me this year. What I could do. What I might do. What I should do. No. This year instead of looking ahead, I'm going to glance back and then focus on the now. This very moment in time of the swirling accomplishments 2015 begrudgingly gave me, settling into me finally. I was sober all of 2015. I can't recall a year that gift was granted me. I became an artist. And when I say became, I am aware that it was always a part of me. But this year I allowed it to surface. I coaxed it out with self assurance and it stayed with people believing I have talent. I loved. I love. And you'd think this one would be easy. But it was by far my most well earned achievement. I said it out loud so that the entire universe heard it to each person I felt it for. I showed it through actions. A dinner cooked, a hug taken, my word kept. Prior to 2015 I thought telling a person I loved them sounded hollow. What did my love weigh? Always floating away. But my love gained some mass and meaning. And it became too heavy to remain on lips. What did you accomplish this year? What minute details became the lifelong resolutions? What revelations were worth putting pen to paper? Whatever they were, no matter how small they seemed...they are expanding right this very moment. And you are a joy to the world.
VICTORIA LEE | 39
P H O T O G R A P H Y
Penelope Carroll Perceptions
Learn more: liznapier.norwex.biz
DJ HAMMER ENTERTAINMENT DJ and KJ Services Weddings Special Events EmCee Services Parties Sound Systems 423-488-7884
As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same. Donald Westlake