Her Cincinnai December 2012

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December 2012hercincinnati.com 2

3December 2012hercincinnati.com

The GifT Guide Lovely local finds and pretty presents for everyone on your list

STill My firST Born A mother’s story of gratitude and loss

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Her Cincinnati is a free monthly publication of Her City Magazine, LLC, and is distrib-uted throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. All material published within, including design, editorial, advertisements, art and photography, are all copy-right 2012, Her City Magazine, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The views that appear in Her Cincinnati do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted or used, in whole or in part, modified or altered, in any medium or form of distribution, for any purposes without the express written permis-sion of the publisher. The publication is free; one per reader. Removal of more than one magazine from any distribution point constitutes theft, and violators are subject to prosecution. Editorial submissions are welcome and should be directed to Her Cincin-nati, ATTN: Editor, 811 Race Street, 5th Floor, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Press releases must be received by the first of the month for the following month’s issue. Letters to the editor are welcome at the above address and may be edited for clarity and/or length. Photo submissions are welcome and, unless accompanied by a SASE, will not be returned. All submissions become the property of Her City Magazine, LLC. Paid, first-class subscriptions are available for $48 per year. To contact Her Cincinnati, email [email protected], or visit hercincinnati.com.

HER PUBLISHER l SouthComm Inc.

HER WORDS l Maija Zummo Editor [email protected]

Abby White Executive Editor [email protected]

HER LOOK l Rebecca Sylvester Creative Director [email protected] Julie Hill Senior Designer and Illustrator [email protected]

Jesse Fox Designer and Photographer [email protected] Matt Tout Design Intern

HER CONTRIBUTORS l Steph Barnard Julie Bossert Bethany Cianciolo Jessie Cundiff Emily Lie Elle Morris Amanda Palmer Ilene Ross Leyla Shokoohe Stacy Sims Becca Sontag Patricia Stirnkorb Molly Wellmann

HER SHUTTERBUGS l Al Bell Justin Ivey Joe Vandehatert Gina Weathersby

HER WEB l Neil Kowalewski

HER MARKETING l Kenneth Wright

HER SALES l Chuck Davis Lauren Faulkner Tony Frank Neil White Jessica Wolcott

HER AD TRAffIC l Kane Kitchen [email protected]

HER DISTRIBUTION l Steve Ferguson

Advertising inquiries: [email protected]

SOUTHCOMMChief executive officer | Chris FerrellChief financial officer | Patrick Min

Chief operating officer | Ron JiranekChief Marketing officer | Susan Torregrossa

Chief Technology officer | Matt Locke Business Manager | Eric Norwood

director of digital Sales & Marketing | David Walkerdirector of Accounting | Todd Patton

Creative director | Heather Piercedirector of online Content/development | Patrick Rains

ON THE COvER:Illustration by Julie Hill

4 her WORDS‘Tis the season

27 her KIDSPlaying it safe when toy shopping

5 her CONfESSIONSReaders share their secrets

28 her HOMECraft a festive felt garland

7 her fAvORITESA palette of winter pastels

29 her HOW TOGift a DIY lace doily bowl

8 her BEAUTyBeauty pros help you bare your best

30 her SPIRITThe BRATs celebrate two decades of friendship

10 her HEALTHTravel destinations for body and mind

3 1 her PALATEGather a gourmet Italian-style gift basket

1 1 her BESTFashionable giving

32 her CITyFemale-owned businesses take over Woodburn

13 her fASHIONGrey Gardens meets holiday fête

33 her NIGHT OUTSpend a night in with these nostalgic flicks

26 her BIG DAyAn outdoor wedding on a family farm

34 her HAPPy HOURWarm up with a Brandy Fix

13 19

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you & meHER WORDS

It’s the holiday season, which means it’s time to indulge in delicious food, reconnect with old friends, wrap yourself in fuzzy

sweaters and spend lazy Sundays bundled under your favorite quilt. The combination of the chill outside and the warmth and spirit of our loved ones inside reminds each of us that in a season so focused on commercial giving, we need to remember what’s truly important: giving thanks for the good things in our lives.

And giving thanks involves giving back. Sure, this is a gift issue, and we have plenty of pretty presents in

here for you to buy for yourself and friends and family, but it wouldn’t be a true gift issue unless we told you how to give to others. I know that during the holidays we’re all absorbed in the hustle and bustle of buying, cooking, wrapping and celebrating, but I did a tiny bit of research and found a few easy ways to give back this December.

Helping everyone in the community be warmer, fuller and more comfortable this season can be as simple as picking up a few extra items while you’re at the grocery store. Plenty of nonprofits in town have simple wishlists that include basic food and supply items. For example, Tender Mercies (tendermerciesinc.org), the Women’s Crisis Center (wccky.org) and the Drop Inn Center (dropinn.org) could all use paper towels, powdered laundry detergent, toilet paper, bath towels, washcloths and non-perishable food items. Visit each of their websites to view their missions, full wishlists and drop-off instructions.

You could also join in the mission of the Freestore Foodbank (fsfbmedia.org) as they prepare to feed up to 40,000 individuals this holiday season. Or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s (svdpcincinnati.org) Food From the Heart campaign. The SVDP’s non-perishable food

drive runs through Dec. 31 at all Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Kroger locations.

The Salvation Army (use.salvationarmy.org) is holding their annual Adopt-a-Family/Senior campaign. Apply to sponsor a family or senior citizen by Nov. 30, and then simply purchase and wrap presents for them. Drop the wrapped gifts off at the Salvation Army’s designated distribution center, and they do the rest. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve is also doing Toys for Tots to collect new and unwrapped toys to distribute to less fortunate children in the community. Visit cincinnati-oh.toysfortots.org to find drop-off locations. And the Red Cross (american.redcross.org) has an entire online giving catalog where you can pick a cause and then click to buy. For as little as $25 or $50, you can help vaccinate children around the world, provide emergency shelter for one person or send a military comfort kit.

And if animals are your thing, you can adopt an animal at the Cincinnati Zoo (cincinnatizoo.org) for $30. As a Cincinnati Zoo A.D.O.P.T. parent, your gift helps provide food, toys and enrichment items for the Zoo’s animal family. Or honor a special pet by purchasing a spot on the Save The Animals Foundation (staf.org) Holiday Tree of Love. The no-kill shelter is funded entirely by donation and operated by volunteers. Your gift goes directly to feed and support the animals. The SPCA (spcacincinnati.org) also has a simple product wishlist to help provide for the animals in their care.

And that’s just the very beginning of those who need help this season. Google a cause you care about and find a way to give back that you’re comfortable with — whether that’s donating your time, money or toilet paper.


you & meHER CONFESSIONS

Send us your secrets! hercincinnati.com/submit_confessions

My ambitions to be at the center of the Cincinnatisocial scene are heavily

outweighed by my love of

puppy cuddlingon the couch.

My cat has not used the litter box in over 10 years and, while

I love her very much and will be sad when it happens,I can’t wait for her to die.

Even though I guess I’m like a size 9 now, I still force my

stomach into my old size-5 pants and won’t buy anything bigger. I know I’m not fat, but I’m afraid

if I buy bigger pants that

it’ll be like giving up

and letting myself go.

I still can’t read

analog clocks.

Turning 30is GREAT.

I’ve never liked myself more.

I’m afraid I’ll never find anyone to love me because I have herpes.

I only wash my jeans about

once a month. Normally I just throw them in the dryer for a bit to “freshen up.”

I still flirt with my exes so they don’t forget me.

I am a young professional, as are all of my friends. We’re all pretty successful in our fields and I am doing particularly well. We all scoff at the idea of having kids and women who give up their

careers to be moms and I join them, even though

I secretly wish I could be a mom more than anything.

Sorry, coworkers, your internet is

running slow because

I’m streaminga kitten cam.

I buy boxcake mix or deli side dishes and pass them

off as my own for pretty much every party I attend.


Oakley: 4820 Ridge Ave Cinti, OH 45209 Tuesday - Saturday 11-6 (513) 631-4820

VinTAge COnTempORARy mOdeRn

An Eclectic Mix of Yesterday & TodayCollectables, pottery, glassware, dishes, Furniture, Rugs, electronics/Audio, musical instruments, Clothes/Jeans (designer to Hip Hop), and much more...

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Always Buying and Selling: Estates (whole/partial), Quality Furniture/Collectables, etc...

Holiday Shopping PartySaturday, December 15, 2012, 7–9 p.m.

See the latest trends in Holiday fashion at Macy’s Fountain

Place featuring great looks from Bar III, CK Collection, Michael Kors, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Jessica Simpson, Betsey Johnson and Dooney & Burke and enjoy informal modeling for men and

women, a live DJ, and passed seasonal hors d’oeuvres.

And don’t miss Macy’s DowntownDazzle on Fountain Square!

Santa rappels at 6:30 p.m. with choirs before and Rozzi Fireworks after!

www.DowntownCincinnati.com


you & meHER FAVORITES

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While winter white

may be the go-to

sartorial solution

for adding a pop of

brightness to a dreary

December day, why not

try muted metallics

and neutral pastels

to achieve the same

effect? Refined lines

and clean details

leave these accessories

feeling both icy crisp

and incredibly cozy at

the same time.

Wallet, Katie Geiger for Veine, MiCa 12/v, OTR, $124, shopmica.com Black trim handbag, Substance Boutique, OTR, $111, shopsubstance.com Gold Western booties, On The Prowl Vintage, Northside, $60, ontheprowlvintage.com Brass cicada ring, Off the Beaten Path, $15, etsy.com/shop/offthebeatenpath

Leather gloves, Atomic Number Ten, OTR, $16, atomicnumberten.com Black and tan boots, Sloane Boutique, OTR, $275, sloaneboutique.com Patent handbag, Substance Boutique, OTR, $94 shopsubstance.com North American coyote tail with brass lobster claw, Thank You, Kindly by Melissa Rae Lieb,

$25, melissaraelieb.com Lizard belt, Mannequin Boutique, OTR, $25, mannequinboutique.org Ostrich bag, Mannequin Boutique, OTR, $20, mannequinboutique.org Get Lit lighter, Floyd from Ohio, $20, oatw-usa.com White and tan boots, On The Prowl Vintage, Northside, $42, ontheprowlvintage.com

Gold, cedar and coral necklace, Thank You, Kindly by Melissa Rae Lieb, $70, melissaraelieb.com

by Jessie Cundiff • photo by Joe Vandehatert


health & beautyHER BEAUTY

Elle Morris has beauty in her blood. As vice president and managing director of LPK Beauty, both clients and friends know her as a “beauty junkie” with an innate understanding of how the notion of beauty translates from culture to culture.

BRow And LAsH TinTFor those of you who don’t know Simon, she is the proprietress of Jenny Simon FACE in

Hyde Park. For those of us who do know her, we refer to her as the “Eyebrow Expert.”Simon has a gift for waxing your brows into the shape that best complements your eyes and

face. Everyone is different, so she doesn’t necessarily subscribe to trendy shapes such as thick or thin; she does what looks right for you. This is important because I’ve had my brows waxed according to what’s in style before instead of what looks best on my face and, unfortunately, I’ve learned from experience that black, pencil-thin brows are not a good look for me.

Simon arched my brows and left them thicker in some places. She also suggested I tint them because I have really light brows, and then created a custom dye based on my complexion and hair color. The tinting makes a big difference in how my visage comes across.

I also have pale eyelashes. If I don’t wear mascara, my eyes recede. Simon recommended that I tint my lashes with vegetable dye so I don’t have to wear mascara all the time.

Look at the difference the brow work and lash tinting make to my face between my before and after shot. Still no makeup. That’s a pretty visible impact, right?

CUsTom FACiALI have to admit that I have recommended different spas for facials in the past — no one

loves a spa day more than I do. And ordering a facial off a spa menu is fine if you don’t have specific skin concerns to address, or you just want a general, pretty glow from the cleansing and moisturizing. But if you have ongoing concerns such as anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, etc., you are probably better served by getting a custom facial.

Simon offers personalized service and will discuss your skin concerns with you when you come in. She observed that my skin was sensitive, reactive and dry. She also noticed some clogged pores and fine lines, which suggested that I was dehydrated. Who knew you could tell that by looking at my face? Simon applied a chamomile cleanser and gentle, exfoliating beads with a rotary brush, then a 30-percent lactic peel — it’s safe and non-burning (although it did tingle). She explained that the acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, flaky patches, sun damage, uneven skin texture and other signs of aging. Simon then massaged my face to improve circulation, release muscle tension and further remove dead skin cells.

After the peel had worked its magic, Simon applied a mega-rich, intensive, anti-aging cellular moisture mask. It felt cool and wonderfully rich.

She finished my facial with a hydrating serum, anti-redness serum, vitamin C (which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits), SPF 30 and triple action Eye Excellence for dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. She also applied a peptide lip therapy, which rebuilds collagen and maximizes hydration and protection. That was a first for me.

PERsonALizEd mAkEUPSo now I had a glowing complexion — a new canvas to work with. I wanted a

professional makeup look, but I also wanted to experiment with colors outside my normal comfort zone. I trend toward plum palettes because they make my eyes look greener.

Simon introduced me to browns and greens. She applied a peachy brown to my eyelids and an emerald green to my brow bones — I had always steered clear of green because I was told it would make my own green eyes less impactful. Wow, was I wrong. She also used a lovely peachy blush (my normal choice would have been a rose) and finished off with half-red lips and bronze gloss.

She talked me through the process, told me what brands she was using and showed me how to apply it myself. I’ve been sporting my new look all over town.

THE FinisHEd PRodUCTAs you can tell, there’s a huge difference between my first photo and my last one. I can

honestly say that since I got my facial, brow tint and lash tint, I feel more comfortable wearing less makeup. I don’t need to hide behind it because my skin is at its best and my tinted lashes, along with my shaped and tinted brows, make a big impact on how I look without being fully made-up. I’m comfortable throwing on some lipgloss and heading out the door to run errands on a Saturday.

Simon really brought out the best in my skin and helped make my eyes pop without makeup. She also showed me a new way to approach my look when I wear makeup — all in a customized consultation. Treat yourself to one. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did. Book an appointment at jennysimonface.com in time for the holidays. Show up at your next holiday party with your new look or, better yet, take some time for yourself after the holidays and rejuvenate your skin to start the new year off fresh. a

BAREYoUR

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of Libby, Perszyk, Kathman Inc. or any of its affiliates.

visual Proof that Beauty Professionals are exPerts at elevating your lookby Elle Morris • photos by Al Bell

The scary lady without makeup on in the first photo is me before I got into the hands of an amazing beauty professional, Jenny Simon. And while printing a picture of my naked face feels like a bold move on my part, especially since I never leave the house without makeup on (seriously), I thought I needed to show you the difference that personalized beauty

procedures can make to your look. A beauty professional has the skill set and training to customize your appearance needs from determining the optimal shape for your eyebrows to administering the correct facial for your skin type to applying makeup that works with your coloring. Let me take you through everything Simon did to me.

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Envision + Embody + EnlightEnQuintana Roo, mexico • Jan. 4 - 10, 2013Teachers: Meredith Hogan, Katie Silcox$1,498 per person

Yogi Meredith Hogan is partnering with one of Cincinnati’s favorite visiting teachers, ayurvedic firebrand Katie Silcox, on a New Year’s nourishing retreat in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Their Envision + Embody + Enlighten retreat will include daily restorative yoga, gourmet meals, a purification ritual, a healing day of silence, dancing and free time, all at a luxury eco-resort center on Bacalar Lagoon.

“The element of movement as a practice of freeing ourselves from the past will be very much a part of our Mexico retreat as it is the new year,” explains Hogan. “We will be tribal dancing every day.” Get details at parayogini.com.

Flowing thRough gRacE nyEpi yoga REtREatbali, indonesia • march 10 - 16, 2013Teachers: Meredith Hogan, Rachel Roberts$1,950 per person based on double occupancy

Rachel Roberts, owner of the Yoga Bar in Over-the-Rhine, left her home in 2008 to travel the world through yoga. She did part of her teacher training in Bali and now leads retreats there with Meredith Hogan.

“Bali is considered by many to be the heart chakra of the Earth,” says Roberts. “So when I am there I lead retreats on compassion, kindness and self-love.”

This retreat celebrates the Balinese New Year and will feature daily yoga, meditation, spa treatments, purification rituals and a day of silence, known as Nyepi, observed by the entire island. There will also be plenty of additional time to explore the natural wonders of Bali. Get details at theyogabar.net.

spRing clEansing REtREatnatural bridge state park, Ky • april 19 - 21, 2013Teacher: Rachel Roberts$425 per person

For those of you who don’t have the time (or money) to jet set, you can still gain the benefits of a wellness retreat closer to home. Rachel Roberts offers cleansing retreats at Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky several times a year. The retreats, which focus on rejuvenation and renewal, feature a juice cleanse with Hunter Green Grass juices, daily asana, yoga, hiking, detoxifying sauna sessions and relaxation. Get details at theyogabar.net.

comE to youR sEnsEsbali, indonesia • June 23 - 29, 2013Teacher: Stacy Sims$1,395 per person

I’ve spent the last two years traveling to Asia to work with survivors of sex trafficking as part of my True Body Project female empowerment and wellness work. This past year, I added Bali to my itinerary and taught a workshop at a Bali yoga studio about how stress and trauma habituate in the body and did private sessions in True Movement, a proprietary movement system inspired by Pilates, yoga and neuromuscular repatterning.

I had first visited Bali in 2002 and fell in love with far more than just the surfer I met there. A conversation with a Bali retreat organizer led me to create the first of my Come to Your Senses retreats for June in Ubud, the arts and cultural epicenter of Bali. The retreat will feature True Movement practice, herb walks, massage, a Balinese feast and a service component — working on a small project with Balinese orphans — in order to journey toward reawakening your best self. There’s also an optional excursion to meet Ketut and Wayan from Eat, Pray, Love. Get details at cometoyoursenseswithme.blogspot.com.

mEaningFultRavElYoga and movement retreats in exotic locales by Stacy Sims • photos by Jesse Fox and ONEWORLD Retreats

can’t travel out of town?Check out Roberts’ and Hogan’s classes at theyogabar.net, and Sims’ classes and workshops around town at stacysims.net.

health & beautyhER hEalth

W ith limited leisure time and money, more people are rejecting the old-school vacation model of “checking out” on a beach with a paperback novel and a flotilla of margaritas. The new model

is far more tuned in and likely to include yoga, massage and/or healing, healthy fare and cultural rituals in exotic locales — give or take a margarita or two.

Wellness retreats have become one of the biggest trends in travel, and three Cincinnati area yoga and movement teachers (myself included) are leading healthful getaways as close as Kentucky and as far away as Bali. Each wellness retreat focuses on multi-sensory ways to nourish and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit — all while enjoying beautiful, natural surroundings. Most of the retreat prices include accommodations, meals, activities and local airport transfers, but not airfare.


health & beautyHER BEST

“We’re all about giving every penny that we can to charity,” says Moe Rouse, proprietor of the Vine Street shop, Mannequin Boutique.

For two years, Mannequin Boutique, which sells donated high-end designer items from the likes of Prada and Chanel to contemporary pieces from J. Crew and Ann Taylor to one-of-a-kind vintage items from the 1900s, has been giving back from its current OTR location, but Rouse herself has been giving back for years longer than that.

With the help of one employee and six volunteers, Rouse gives 100 percent of the store’s proceeds to seven nonprofit organizations in Cincinnati: Tender Mercies, the Freestore Foodbank, First Step Home, One Way Farm, Lighthouse Youth Services, Wesley Chapel Mission Center and Caracole.

Rouse has been a long-time supporter of these charities because she feels they are smartly run, likes that they support Over-the-Rhine and is familiar with who they help, so she wanted to publicly identify the seven nonprofits as the set list of charities to which Mannequin Boutique would donate.

“I think it’s unique because it is a women’s boutique that gives all of its profits to charity,” Rouse says. “Even when we do things for ourselves, we try to do them for others.”

Because the boutique’s merchandise is gently used, customers can snag great buys for the same high-quality items they might find in another boutique or department store.

“Most places buy from contemporary wholesalers, so you’re getting contemporary, wholesale stuff, which is fabulous. There’s nothing wrong with that at all,” Rouse says. “But for people who can’t afford a $700 outfit, they can come here and get one that’s slightly used that was maybe $1,400 for $200.”

After shopping at Designer Dress Days in the 1990s, a yearly sale inside the old convention center put together by the National Council of Jewish Women — a national organization that works to provide support for women, children and families who need it — Rouse saw the sale losing its impact. She decided to take it over in 2001 and renamed it Designer Donations for Cincinnati Charities. Rouse ran two yearly sales out of a space behind the old Blue Wisp, but when the building had to be torn down, she moved to her current location on Vine Street and opened Mannequin Boutique.

“I was at an antique flea market in Lawrenceburg and I saw this vintage, turn-of-the-century mannequin, and I loved it,” Rouse says. “It was just great. And I thought — well, I have to do this, and I guess I have to call the shop Mannequin.”

Mannequin Boutique provides more than just handbags, jewelry, shoes and clothes — the history behind the vintage items allows customers to walk away with exquisite pieces, each with their own story to tell.

“We have tails from the turn of the century. We have bathing suits that are wool from 1910,” Rouse says. “We have tuxedos — beautiful tuxedos — that men have grown out of, but they bought at the finest places in the world.”

A former electronic media professor at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and current trial consultant, Rouse stays busy, but never fails to indulge herself in the world of fashion. She attends vintage shows, travels to New York every month and continues to make frequent trips to Paris, Los Angeles and Denver to stay up-to-date and in-the-know of fashion’s ever-changing market.

“If there’s a show on Chanel, I’ve seen it. If there’s a show on Yves Saint Laurent, I’ve seen it,” Rouse says. “You can pretty much show me anything and if I know what the label is, I can generally pick the decade.”

For Rouse, that’s what makes fashion’s vintage market so exciting — figuring out an item’s value and history. But she admits it doubles for a hefty amount of work.

“I think it’s probably more work than a regular store,” she says. “It would seem to me that you go to fashion shows, you go to the markets where you buy things, you have certain labels that you like and that you carry, and you choose it and they ship it to you and you know the prices. All of this [deciding on the worth of a vintage item] is kind of shooting from the hip.”

Despite her frustration of not having time to do more with the store, Rouse is committed to not using the proceeds to hire additional help — she wants to continue to give everything she makes to charity.

“I think the stuff we have is really special. I mean, everyone says that, and for everyone who owns a place, that’s correct,” she says. “We have things, though, that are really hard to find.”

And being able to combine her obsession with fashion with her love for giving back to the community means more to Rouse than the clothes on any mannequin.

Mannequin Boutique hosts private evening events for those who want to reserve the boutique for shopping, wine and appetizers. Shoppers can pick a charity they want the proceeds from the evening to go to, and representatives from the chosen organizations often come to give a speech. To learn more about Rouse or Mannequin Boutique, visit mannequinboutique.org.

Mannequin Boutique serves the coMMunity and Fashionistasby Bethany Cianciolo • photo by Jesse Fox

A New Shopping Experience in Mt Adams

Jewelry, Handbags, Art and Art Glass

1120 St. Gregory, Mt Adams(513) 421-1120uppereden.com • facebook.com/uppereden



fashion

Stylist: Christina PfefferPhotographer: Jesse Fox

Models: Ashley, Brodie, Erica, Madeline, Levi the dog

Layers of luxe — like lace, velvet, leather and fur — create textural interest and depth when bundling up for colder weather. Add some sequins and gold accents

to take a winter wardrobe from warm to festive and party-ready… even if you never leave the house.

Left to right On Ashley: Black felt hat with gold ribbon, Tori Kadish, $48, etsy.com/shop/torishop; Black sheer collared shirt, Sloane Boutique, $340, sloaneboutique.com; Black and gold sweater, Alice + Olivia, Soho Boutique, $340, shopsohoboutique.com; Black organza layered maxi skirt, NVISION, $100, nvisionshop.com; Cocktail ring, Kismet, $88, 513-871-7879. On Madeline: Black velvet cape, NVISION, $100; Black rosette mini-dress, Pangaea, $58, 513-751-3330; Black bow pumps, The Mustard Seed Boutique, $24, mustardseedboutique.com. On Brodie: Black three-piece suit, NVISION, $100; Blue oxford, model’s own (American Apparel); Red ascot, NVISION, store’s own; Black shoes, model’s own (Aldo). On Erica: Leather moto jacket, Soho Boutique, $785; Black lace duster, NVISION, $35; Black velvet strapless maxi

dress, The Mustard Seed Boutique, $14; Black oxford wedges, Morrison & Me, $79, morrisonandme.com. On Levi: Red bow tie, NVISION, store’s own.

fashion



fashion

Left to right On Ashley: Fur tie, Tori Kadish, $35; Cream blouse, Kismet, $34; Gold lace tank, Dries Van Noten, The Mustard Seed Boutique, $99; White flower necklace, Sloane Boutique, $80; Brocade jacket, The Mustard Seed Boutique, $36; Burgundy riding pants, Kismet, $52.50; Black boots, model’s own. On Erica: White fur hat, NVISION, $60; Striped wrap sweater, Pangaea, $74.50; Grey knit sequin shawl, Pangaea, $62; Champagne brocade shift dress, NVISION, $40; Gold-studded cream clutch, Kismet, $38; Black boots, stylist’s own. On Madeline: Fuchsia studded-collar blouse, Pangaea, $44; Green and cream houndstooth sweater, The Mustard Seed Boutique, $98; Red horse/puppy print silk midi-skirt, The Mustard Seed Boutique, $18; Blue feather-adorned pumps, Betsey Johnson, The Mustard Seed Boutique, $65.

On Brodie: Brown faux fur cape, NVISION, $50; Red polka dot ascot, NVISION, store’s own; Plaid cummerbund, NVISION, $20.

fashion


Clockwise from left On Ashley: Black felt hat, Kismet, $44; Fur collar, Tori Kadish, $20; Red and gold skater dress, Pangaea, $46.50; Black boots, model’s own.

On Madeline: Pewter velvet duster, The Mustard Seed Boutique, $42; Faux-sheepskin wrap sweater, Pangaea, $90; Silver and black sequin shift dress, Kismet, $52; Studded loafers, Kismet, $38.5. On Erica: Tweed and faux-leather moto jacket, Pangaea, $64.5; Cream blouse, Kismet, $34; Belt, Kismet, $12; Black maxi skirt,

NVISION, $30; Brown felt hat, Kismet, $36.


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feature

GIFTS FOR THE

GIFTS In THE

Clockwise from right Dog Sweater: Strasse Dog, $12.35, 859-431-PETS; Fur Purse: Cha Cha’s, $129, 513-533-9111; Ring: Atomic Number Ten, $9, atomicnumberten.com; “Tree in a Can” Candle: Tantrum, $18, 513-542-4183; Père Noël: The Listing Loon, 513-542-5666; Wish Book: Nest Gifts, $12.95, nestgifts.com; Mittens: Sloane Boutique, $60, sloaneboutique.com; Nativity Ornament: Ten Thousand Villages, $14, tenthousandvillages.com; Glass Ornament: Indigenous, $26, indigenouscraft.com; Owl Ornaments: Linden Noll Gift Haus, $10.5-$12.95, 859-581-7633.

Clockwise from right OYO Vodka: Middle West Spirits, $29.99, middlewestspirits.com; Record Player: Shake It Records, price upon request, shakeitrecords.com; Record Bowl: Toko Baru, $8.50, 513-751-3338; Wintertime Ale: The Listing Loon, 513-542-5666; Lady Gaga Paper Doll: The Contemporary Arts Center, $9.95, contemporaryartscenter.org; Sequined Clutches: Nest Gifts, $145, nestgifts.com; Spike Ring: Couture Couture, $15, 513-421-8900; Bite Me Bottle Opener: Toko Baru, $13, 513-751-3338; Embellished Denim Vest: Couture Couture, $96, 513-421-8900; Anne Taintor Flask: Toko Baru, $20, 513-751-3338; Necklace:

Couture Couture, $25, 513-421-8900; Beer Making Kit: Park + Vine, $50,

parkandvine.com.


Drink local.

Cheers!

feature the gift guide

Book your appointment onlineor call us at 859.581.0501to schedule

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GIFTSFORTHE

GIFTS FOR THE

Clockwise from right Macarons: The BonBonerie, bonbonerie.com; Apron: Atomic Number Ten, $10, atomicnumberten.com; Voluspa Candle: Joseph Williams Home, $19.99, josephwilliamshome.com; Candle Holders: Indigenous, $24, indigenouscraft.com; Corkcicle: Joseph Williams Home, $24.99, josephwilliamshome.com; Bromwell Flour Sifter: Park + Vine, $25, parkandvine.com; Whirlybird Granola: Park + Vine, $7, parkandvine.com; 25-piece Vintage Dish Set: Julie’s Inspiration, $85, juliesinspiration.com; Double Chocolate Cookies: Le Bon Vivant, lebonvivant.us.com; Kenyan Animal Wine Stoppers: Ten Thousand

Villages, $10 each, tenthousandvillages.com; Wine: Dutch’s Larder, 513-871-1446.

Clockwise from right Parenting Flashcards: Tantrum, $10.50, 513-542-4183; Panda & Horse Erasers: Toko Kidz, $1 each, 513-751-1500; Acrylic Paint Set: Plaza Artist Supply, $39.99, plazaart.com; Rock Soap: Nest Gifts, $12 each, nestgifts.com; Kitty Paint-By-Number Set: Shake It Records, $19.95, shakeitrecords.com; Blue Manatee: The Blue Manatee, $19.99, bluemanateebooks.com; Sushi Playset: Toko Kidz, $13, 513-751-1500; EIO Kids Cup: Park + Vine, $13.75, parkandvine.com; Floral Piggy Bank: Toko Kidz, $12.50, 513-751-1500; The de Cavel Family SIDS “A Year of Chefs” Calendar: 513{eats}, $45, proceeds go to the de Cavel SIDS Foundation, 513eats.com; Ballet Flats:

Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply, $125-$135, smarterthanagoldfish.com.


Give some vintage flair!

Made by hand in OTR.

feature

GIFTS FOR THE

GIFTS FOR THEGIFTS FOR THE

Clockwise from rightMomiji Hello There Figure: Shake It Records, $17.99, shakeitrecords.com; Owl Pitcher: The Contemporary Arts Center, $18, contemporaryartscenter.org; Dog Moustache: Strasse Dog, $12.45, 859-431-PETS; Cat Mugs: Confetti Cats, $15, confetticats.com; Vintage Pins: Atomic Number Ten, $4-$10, atomicnumberten.com; Dog Charms: by Elvie Zell, Indigenous, $25, indigenouscraft.com; Good Luck Pigs: Ten Thousand Villages, $5, tenthousandvillages.com; Dog Notebooks: Poeme, $6, poeme-online.com; Dog Bowl: Tantrum, $16, 513-542-4183; Edie Harper Cat Cards: The Contemporary Arts Center, $15.95, contemporaryartscenter.org; Cat Mankin: Plaza Artist Materials, $17.99, plazaart.com; Cat Mouse: Ten Thousand Villages, $6, tenthousandvillages.com.

Clockwise from right Space Pod: Tantrum, $20, 513-542-4183; Tree Bookend: MiCa 12/v, $58, shopmica.com; Evil Eye Keychain: Little Mahatma, $16, littlemahatma.com; Wool Vicanu: Ten Thousand Villages, $16-$24, tenthousandvillages.com; Travel Journal Set: Plaza Artist Materials, $9.95, plazaart.com; Jugs: The Contemporary Arts Center, $18.50-$24, contemporaryartscenter.org; Butterfly Mobile: Ten Thousand Villages, $44, tenthousandvillages.com; Vintage Postcards: Atomic Number Ten, $2-$7 for the large, atomicnumberten.com; Log Pillow: The Contemporary Arts Center, $18, contemporaryartscenter.org; Shark Clump-o-Lump: Tantrum, $25, 513-542-4183; Ganesh Figurine: Little Mahatma, $9, littlemahatma.com; Handmade Soap: Blink Makeup Studio, The Northside International Airport, $5, [email protected]; Nesting Doll: Linden Noll Gift Haus, $19.95, 859-581-7633; Gold Bracelet: Lisa Robin Jewelry, Upper Eden, price upon request, uppereden.com; Elephant Garland: The Little Mahatma, $24, littlemahatma.com; Cardboard Elephant Trophy: Poeme, $58, poeme-online.com

Sleep like a log.

Cat ladiesDog people



feature

GIFTSFOR THE

GIFTS FOR

GIFTS FOR THE

Clockwise from right Cards: Poeme, $15, poeme-online.com; Moby Dick Tote: Joseph-Beth Booksellers, $16, josephbeth.com; Sweater: Sloane Boutique, $115, sloaneboutique.com; Beautiful Flowers and Fruits: Iris Bookcafe, $25, irisbookcafe.com; Mug: MiCa 12/v, $20, shopmica.com; McSweeney’s Postcards: Shake It Records, $19.99, shakeitrecords.com; Image Machine: Andy Warhol and Photography: The Contemporary Arts Center, $55, contemporaryartscenter.org; Bicycle Matchbox: Joseph Williams Home, $2.99, josephwilliamshome.com;

Smith Corona Typewriter: Julie’s Inspiration, $120, juliesinspiration.com; Beechstreet Candleworks Candle: Park + Vine, $14, parkandvine.com

From right MLB Game Bat Bottle Opener: Nest Gifts, $80, nestgifts.com; Stainless Steel Flask: MiCa 12/v, $26, shopmica.com; Flash Tattoo Onesie: Tantrum, $25, 513-542-4183; Dinosaur Jr. Poster: Southpaw Prints, $20, southpawprints.com; Bacon Candle: Tantrum, $8, 513-542-4183; Headphone Cufflinks: MiCa 12/v, $68, shopmica.com; Shaving Kit: Orange Fuzz, Fabricate, $55, fabnorthside.com; Bowtie: “The Blade” by Artfully Disheveled, $85, artfullydisheveled.com.

Clockwise from right Made in Ohio Onesie: Park + Vine, $20, parkandvine.com; Embroidered Ohio Pillow: Camargo Trading Company, $170, camargotrading.com; Cincinnati Building Footprint Poster: VisuaLingual, MiCa 12/v, $125 framed, shopmica.com; OATW T-Shirt: Original Thought Required, $30, otrfresh.com; Ohio Throwback Fleece: Ohio Bandits, MiCa 12/v, $50, ohiobandits.com; Cutting Board: Eric Dustman, MiCa 12/v, $75, shopmica.com; Old St. George Tile: Sarah Wilisch Horn, Indigenous $48, indigenouscraft.com; Cincinnati Notebook: Steam Whistle Press, Smartfish

Studio & Sustainable Supply, $4.50, smarterthanagoldfish.com; Cincinnati Tea Towel: MiCa 12/v, $22, shopmica.com

Curl up with a book and this cozy sweater.

Drink up, fellas!

Show your Cincinnati pride!

Bookworm



feature

esting comfortably in bed, I felt a funny flutter in my lower belly. Giggles bubbled out of me after I realized I was feeling my baby move for the first time — and on Mother’s Day, no less. With no morning sickness and a passed glucose test, I was having the sort of

beautiful pregnancy I’d been dreaming about for a very long time.

After an ultrasound confirmed what I was convinced of, that my baby was a boy, my husband and I bought a book of names and took it to a coffee shop to figure out what to call this wee laddy of ours. We were on our way.

I wanted this baby so badly. I had spent years watching marathon episodes of pregnancy and baby shows. I had studied my reflection with a pillow stuffed up my shirt trying to imagine what I would look like all swollen with fecundity. There was no one who knew more about current safety ratings for car seats and pediatrician-recommended sleeping practices. I was in love with this little guy from the very beginning. I even had his first Halloween costume picked out; he was going to be a lobster.

Everything was coming together so nicely. My husband had a job — with health insurance — and was finishing up his Ph.D. We had found our dream home — I’d wanted a Sears Roebuck kit house since forever — and the renovations were coming along swimmingly. My own little world was filled to the brim with beauty, exuberance for the future and a somewhat smug self-confidence that I was doing everything right — from the vitamins, to the house, to the yoga, to the midwife. I even had a minivan.

Looking back, I can see that it was a difficult year for a good portion of the globe. The Pacific coastlines were just ravaged by an epic tsunami, Pope John Paul had died, Hurricane Katrina had devastated the Gulf Coast and Hurricane Rita was on the way.

I sent in my obligatory Red Cross donations and looked on with sadness. I pitied those poor, poor people and all that they had lost and suffered. How tragic for them. But I didn’t know. I didn’t have a clue what true loss felt like.

Frankly, at the front of my mind were the thank-you cards I needed to get in the mail from my perfect baby shower, and the blue fingerling potatoes I needed to buy for the red, white and blue potato salad I was bringing to a party the next day.

After scouring the city, I found the potatoes, which would just be one less thing to worry about that busy weekend. So my husband and my cumbersome, pregnant self settled in that Friday with nothing more than an evening of TV on the agenda. I was officially 37 weeks along. I had made it to full term.

The next morning, my baby boy wasn’t moving as much as usual. I looked it up online and was reassured that the slowing of movements meant the baby was engaging in the pelvis and labor was approaching. So I made the potato salad, we went to the party and talked about the baby and came home and went to bed. The next day brought more unease, but just enough movement from my son to put the scary thoughts out of my mind.

S u n d a y night was d i f f e r e n t , though. I had a dream that my son had died. In the dream, I went to the m i d w i f e ’s office and they informed me that they couldn’t find the heartbeat. My eyes shot open at 7:30 a.m. Monday. I threw on some clothes, grabbed my keys and went straight to the medical center, telling my husband that I was p r o b a b l y w o r r y i n g over nothing but needed reassurance that everything was OK. I got to the medical center and they examined me.

The nurse couldn’t find my baby’s heartbeat.I lay on my side dumbstruck as the nurse tried to offer

hope that maybe he was just turned funny. They took me into the ultrasound room where, when I was there last, I saw my little baby wave.

This time was different. I saw his silent heart. The world

was falling away. I couldn’t breathe and tears started to stream down my face before she told me what I already knew: My son was dead.

There I was on the table with my still baby in my womb, a place where I thought I could keep him safe, and I had failed. I had failed as a mom, as a woman, as a wife. It felt like my heart had been freeze-dried in liquid nitrogen; it was crumbling away. I think I started to howl.

Before I knew what was happening, my husband, breaking all legal speed limits, was at my side, rocking me in his arms as I soaked both our shirts with the beginnings of what would be a months-long deluge of tears.

In a haze of horror and soul-shredding anguish, plans were made to induce delivery at the hospital the following day. My husband drove me home where my mom and mother-in-law showed up, instantly flanking me with hugs and tears of their own. They took me to bed where I sobbed myself to sleep, and before I awoke, the flowers had already started to arrive.

I had so many questions. What would they do with his body? Do we still get to name him? He has a name. Do we have a funeral? I have milk in the fridge I bought when he was alive that hasn’t even expired yet. Why did he die? Why is this happening to me? I want my baby boy.

My husband made all of the calls to our family. I am eternally grateful to him for that kindness — I wouldn’t have intelligibly made it through call number one. My father-in-law stuffed his still-wet laundry into his suitcase and flew straight up from Florida, and the family started to gather.

My husband and I — both of us coming from families who valued the “look it up” ethos — researched what to do when you deliver a stillborn baby. You take pictures, snip a lock of hair and collect whatever mementos you can because you only get one chance.

When we went to check in at the maternity desk that Tuesday, we were greeted with smiles by the staff. Clutching the two pillows I had brought from home, my face crumbled yet again into a broken mess of mucous and tears. It was then they knew just who I was and ushered us into the quiet room away from the nursery — the room with the purple leaf placard attached to the door. I remembered that from the hospital tour from a couple of weeks earlier. That was how the rooms of the bereaved moms were designated, and now I was one of them.

The following day, at 4:14 p.m., I delivered my son. Our families and friends had gathered in the waiting room earlier in the day and drifted in and out of our room to cry with us and talk and offer whatever support they could.

The sun was streaming in through the western window

A Mother’s story ofGrAtitude And Lossby Becca Sontag

“Before I knew what was

happening, my husband, breaking

all legal speed limits, was at my side, rocking me

in his arms as I soaked both our

shirts with the beginnings of

what would be a months-long

deluge of tears.”


feature story

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on the left wall when my son was brought into the world. His, physically, was an easy delivery, and the midwife held him up in a stream of sunlight and quickly placed him on my chest. He was so beautiful. My heart exploded with a new capacity for love, which I had not previously experienced. It was matched only by my newfound capacity for loss. At that moment, it was as if my very being was woven and bound with ribbons of absolute joy and absolute sorrow, forged from every color of the spectrum.

We had some time together, just the three of us, before our family came in to hold him, weep and comment on his obvious good looks. He had his mommy’s auburn hair — and lots of it. His little body was warm and it was impossible not to think there had been some kind of mistake and that he would open his eyes and start to cry. But it was a very quiet room.

We took pictures and had a little mold of his hand taken. We clipped locks of hair and named him. With the help of family and friends, we chose a beautiful cemetery for his burial where they have a baby section. We felt he’d be less lonely there.

The morning of his service, I slipped on my black maternity dress and pulled a brush haphazardly through my hair. At his funeral, I sat by his tiny casket, carefully placed at the front of a little stone chapel at the cemetery. The smell of lilies hung heavily in the air and, combined with my tears that just wouldn’t stop, made it difficult to breathe.

I turned to go back to my seat in the front row where I was greeted by a small army of distraught faces reflecting my own grief. There were hugs and condolences, more tears and tissues, followed by a beautiful oration by a kind man who had recently endured the death of his young adult son. How he survived his loss, I can only guess.

After watching my son being born into the earth, we went to the after-funeral gathering where I continued to leak both more tears and breast milk. My body didn’t know there was no baby to feed. In fact, my head was having a difficult time wrapping itself around the notion as well.

Had the previous eight months really happened? I had all the doctor’s visits, the baby shower, the outfits, the toys, the books, the co-sleeper, the breast pump, the strollers, the maternity clothes, the onesies, the dreams, the hopes, the imaginings of the future — but there I was without my baby.

I had the irrational certainty that I could somehow go back in time and save him — he had been alive just a week earlier. Yet, with every passing moment he was slipping further and further away. I know that sounds crazy, but that’s how I felt, that I could somehow stretch my arm back far enough in time to snatch him from that fate, saving us both.

As the weeks passed, more flowers were delivered to our door. The delivery person stopped ringing the bell early on and quietly deposited them on the porch. Food came in a steady stream. Sympathy cards piled up on the dining room table. I was amazed and humbled by the outpouring of concern and love from everyone in our lives, some of whom I didn’t even personally know.

It’s seven years later and I still cry. I love my son so much; and I’m so thankful I now have a young daughter who asks her mommy why we can’t take a hot air balloon to go bring her baby brother home — although, as a parent, it would be so much easier to tell her where babies come from than to explain where they go when they die.

I never did get those thank-you cards sent out. So this is my attempt at thanks. Thank you to my friends, family and my husband. Without their support and love there is no way I could have survived. a


26

home & familyHER BIG DAY

December 2012hercincinnati.com

An outdoor wedding on A fAmily fArmby Bethany Cianciolo • photos by Jesse Fox

tips And trends for buying the perfect engAgement ringby Kyle Duberville • photos by Justin Ivey

For any nature-loving adventurer, an outdoor wedding wouldn’t take even five minutes to consider. And for rock climbing junkie Theresa Hughes, it took very little to realize her then-fiancé’s family farm would make the perfect wedding venue.

Now Theresa Seitz, the Dayton-native was tired of seeing so many restrictions tied to some of her possible wedding locations: closing times, required caterers, expenses and more. So on Aug. 25, she married Donald Seitz at his parents’ 50-acre Kentucky farm. “He was partial to the farm just because of all the nostalgia,” Theresa says. “He had always grown up going down there.”

But getting married on the farm isn’t the only way the couple feeds their cravings for the outdoor world. Now residing in Cincinnati, Donald and Theresa, frequently go hiking, camping, backpacking and rock climbing, which made Caldwell Nature Preserve the perfect location for their April 2011 engagement. “He really wanted to propose outdoors because that’s kind of who we are,” says Theresa.

A designer at Interbrand, Theresa was adamant about using her own skills to get creative and start planning her wedding, even though it meant a hefty amount of work. She developed a mood board and went Pinterest-crazy to discover what type of feel she wanted to emulate. She designed her own invitations — printed with the texture of tree bark and their initials (T + D) carved in a heart — as a way to reference the oak tree they planted on Donald’s farm to symbolize their love, and she made her own lantern and grape vine table arrangements. She had a photo booth at the reception, which acted as a party favor for the guests. When it was dark enough, they lit purple and green “wish lanterns” and released them into the sky. With the help of her husband, family and friends, she built the altar they got married on, furnished the barn and built a fence to keep the horses

from roaming during the ceremony. “Between family and friends, they’re the whole reason everything worked out,” she says. “They took the extra time to help us set up everything.”

And instead of having her guests drive to a hotel for the night, they camped out under the stars at the farm.

Theresa’s V-neck wedding dress had sheer straps, lace appliqué, crystals and a scalloped bottom. “I’ve always wanted a lace dress,” she says.

But Theresa didn’t buy her dress at a bridal shop. “I went down to Reading and I was trying on all these dresses. I always heard that when you found the right dress, you would just start crying. And I wasn’t getting that,” she says. So she turned to the internet.

“I went to the vintage section and I saw this dress and I just absolutely fell in love with it,” she says. “I was definitely nervous, [but] I have this attitude about everything: If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

Theresa’s bridesmaids wore green dresses and carried white and purple bouquets. Her four-

layered, white and chocolate-flavored cake was decorated with ivory icing, leaves, flowers and purple ribbon. Along the aisle, flowers overflowed mason jars, but other than that, Theresa says there weren’t many decorations. “I just thought the farm was beautiful on its own and I really didn’t think we needed to add a whole lot to it,” she says.

Looking back on her special day, Theresa says everything was surreal. “It was almost like I was in a dream,” she says. “Everything was just going by so fast.”

Her favorite part of the day? Walking down the aisle with her parents. “Both of my parents were a huge part of my life and I wanted them both to walk me down the aisle,” she says. “You can see everyone’s faces when you’re walking down the aisle and you can just tell that you’re loved.” a

theresA hughes & donAld seitz


home & familyHER KIDS

BABIES AND TODDLERSUnless you plan on giving a cardboard box, age matters

when it comes to toys.Children under 18 months are most likely going to put

whatever you give them right into their mouths.“Aspiration or choking is the most severe and most

common injury we see with babies,” says Dr. Mike Gittelman, emergency room physician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

If you’re not sure about a toy’s size, Gittelman suggests testing it by trying to fit it through a toilet paper roll. If it goes through, it’s too small for a baby. And, Gittelman adds, even if you don’t have children, or yours are past the put-everything-in-my-mouth stage, you need to prep your home for tiny holiday visitors. Separate the toys made for older children into a different room, and keep other small items out of reach.

Toy materials need to be considered as well when shopping. Instead of plastic, try natural wood for blocks, teething rings, rattles, playing surfaces and figurines.

Local moms Elizabeth Reamsnider, Bonnie Shingleton and Abbigail Robinson started their own toy-making business, Mama Bird’s Place, when they couldn’t find the natural items they wanted in stores.

“We sell things that we would actually want for our children,” Reamsnider says. “Organic maple teethers with cotton or wool, nursing necklaces made of all-natural materials, crochet dolls and toys, Waldorf-inspired toys, cotton totes and custom clothes.”

Mama Bird’s Place has most of their items on Etsy.com (etsy.com/shop/mamabirdsplace), but they don’t just sell to sell.

“Our toys and teethers get tested on our children, and what doesn’t pass the test at home doesn’t get offered in the shop,” Reamsnider says.

If the tots you’re buying for are very young, just stick to clothing items such as the handmade crocheted hats and baby booties by Zinny Jane (etsy.com/shop/zinnyjane). Owner and designer Molly Lucas can also create one-of-a-kind onesies and wool soakers for custom orders to make your gift extra special.

CHILDRENIf the child you’re shopping for is a bit older, they might

be interested in something more interactive. The Toys “R” Us “2012 Holiday Hot Toy List” has several electronic items this year, including learning tablets, a radio-controlled shark and a kid version of Angry Birds.

If you’re leaning toward one of these hot items, pull out your safety checklist first.

“People do not always think about sharp edges, loud noises, cord strings, projectiles and electric parts,” Gittelman says.

Part of the shopping experience should include listening to a toy, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Some toys, such as those with horns or sirens, talking dolls and walkie talkies can emit sounds up to 90 decibels, a level which requires construction and factory workers to wear hearing protection. If the noise a toy makes seems too loud, it probably is.

Another important detail regarding toy composition is something called bisphenol A or BPA. Before you make any judgments, understand that the jury is still out on the potential risks of the plastic-making ingredient, but many

people believe the chemical can cause negative health effects, especially in children. According the Mayo Clinic’s Katherine Zeratsky, “The National Toxicology Program at the Department of Health and Human Services says it has ‘some concern’ about the possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.”

“I don’t think anyone knows what amount or in what context [BPA is dangerous],” Gittelman says. “If it was really dangerous, it would be taken off the market.”

To play it safe, go with what you know: natural materials. Cincinnati dad Don Clark and his family use maple and

other woods rubbed with linseed oil to make robots, three-ring circuses, play trees, animals, and even clocks and cutting boards for us older folk.

His shop, the Happy Bungalow (etsy.com/shop/happybungalow), is also offering a holiday special where if you purchase a wooden hippopotamus ornament for $10, $2 will go to Heifer International and $2 will go to Cincinnati’s Neediest Kids of All.

Park + Vine on Main Street in Over-the-Rhine also carries several lines of safe toys including natural rubber teethers by Vulli (the creators or Sophie the Giraffe), Prince Lionheart wheely toys and Green Toys’ dishware, which is BPA-free.

If you get stuck in a toy store aisle debating with yourself or are sitting at home wondering if you’ve made a solid purchase, check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at cpsc.gov for recalls and warnings. Like sleuthing and researching? Check out healthystuff.org, too. And heck, get something for yourself while you’re at it. You’re never too old to play. a

PLAyINg IT SAfETake your inner-child gifT shopping wiTh your grown-up insighTby Amanda Palmer • photos provided by respective Etsy store owners

W ith so many new toys hitting the market — and our ever-aging separation from our own childhood — it’s difficult to really know what kids want this holiday season, especially if you’re not a parent. Most likely, the children you’re shopping for have a wishlist, but beware:

Just because a toy is on the list doesn’t mean it’s necessarily parent-approved. So before you venture out, arm yourself with a holiday list of your own: a toy safety checklist.

Blue Manatee Bookstore Oakley

The Blue Marble Ft. Thomas

Cincinnati family Enrichment Center Northside

King Arthur’s Court Toys Oakley

The Magic Meadow Store Cincinnati Waldorf School campus

The Spotted goose Oakley

Ted’s Toy Store Madeira

Toko Kidz Clifton

LOCAL TOy STORES & BOuTIquES

under six months: Crocheted hats, booties, organic cotton onesies, natural wood teethers

12-24 months: Wooden teethers, natural wood blocks (large pieces), cotton/wool dolls or animals, BPA-free stacking toys, rolling balls

2-3 years: Wooden playhouses, wagons, puzzles (large pieces), play kitchens, wooden tool benches (large pieces)

4-6 years: Books, learning tablets, dress-up clothing (be wary of fake jewelry pieces), wheely toys

7-10 years: Words with Friends game board, dolls or doll clothing, safe science-based activities

TOy SuggESTIONS By AgE

Maple Robot Happy Bungalow etsy.com/

shop/happybungalow

Crotcheted Booties Zinny Jane etsy.com/shop/

zinnyjane

Maple Teether Mama Bird’s Place etsy.com/

shop/mamabirdsplace

Keep those little feet toasty!

28

FestiveFelt GarlandCreate Colorful, Customized holiday party deCorationsphotos and instructions by Julie Bossert of Sewn Studio

Trace a cup or other circular object onto the felt with a pen. Cut the felt into a circle with a pair of serrated scissors just inside the pen line to avoid visible markings on the finished product. Repeat this process until you have enough circles. You can also find pre-cut felt circles in some craft stores.

Cut a piece of Perle cotton thread to the desired garland length. For example, a thread length of 60 inches will accommodate about 25 felt circles.

Tie a knot about 3 inches from one end of the string. Increase the size of the knot by putting the end of the string through the knot loop several times before pulling the end to tighten the knot.

Thread the needle by placing the opposite end of the string through the eye of the needle.

Choose your first felt circle and push the needle though it several times creating several stitches on the needle before pulling it through.

Pull the needle and string through the felt until the circle is near the end knot.

Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the additional circles. Leave 2 or 3 inches between each circle. Tie a knot similar to the knot tied in step 3 after the last circle. Leave 3 or 4 inches of string beyond the knot.

Hang your completed garland by the ends of the string.

MaterIalS:

• Multiple pieces of felt in a variety of colors

• Hand-sewing needle with a large eye

• Perle cotton thread • Pen• Scissors with a serrated blade

InStrUCtIOnS:

Tie a knot at the end of the last

circle!

Choose colors that coordinate with your occasion’s theme.

home & familyHer HOMe

For one-stop shopping, 60-inch garland kits are available at Sewn Studio in Oakley for $5.99. Sewnstudio.com.

December 2012hercincinnati.com


Make

Wrap the entire outside of your bowl, including the bottom, with the clear plastic wrap.

Tape down the plastic wrap on the inside of the bowl to ensure that it stays in place.

Pour liquid starch into the extra bowl, about halfway full.

Completely submerge the doily into the bowl of starch.

Let the doily soak for about 1 minute in the starch, then ring out the excess starch into the same bowl (you can reuse this starch to make multiple doily bowls). The more starch you ring out of the doily, the quicker it will dry but the less stiff it will be. The less starch you ring out, the more remains in the doily resulting in a longer drying time but a stiffer bowl.

Place the starched doily over the plastic-covered bowl, carefully lining up the bottom of the doily with the center of the bowl. Gently push down and around the doily to mold it to the form of the bowl.

Allow it to dry completely. The drying time depends on the amount of starch still in the doily, the size, the humidity level and the temperature. It’s a good idea to allow at least 24 hours to dry completely, but sometimes more time is necessary.

When the doily is completely dry and stiff to touch, hold the bowl with the inside facing up and remove the tape that held down the clear plastic wrap. Lift the plastic and doily from the bowl and carefully separate the two.

INSTRUCTIONS:

MATERIALS:

• Glass or ceramic bowl roughly the same size of the doily bowl you want to make• Clear plastic wrap • Masking tape• Doily of your choice — the larger the doily, the larger your bowl will be• Liquid starch• An additional bowl to hold the starch

Gently mold the doily to the bowl.

Submerge your doily completely.

A LACE DOILy BOwLCreate a ChiC, feminine storage gift for the girl who has everythingphotos and instructions by Emily Lie

Thrift stores and your grandmother’s basement are good places to look for doilies. you can also find them at craft and fabric stores.

home & familyHER HOw-TO


It was an unlikely group of women that sat around the campfire one cool October evening — a clerk, a traveling saleslady, two secretaries, two stay-at-home moms, a nurse and a pastor’s wife — and with seemingly nothing in common, they formed a bond that night which has endured for 21 years.

Long ago I heard it said that if you can count the number of real friends you have on one hand, then you are truly blessed. If that's correct, I am blessed beyond measure because I am one of that group of eight women, and I am a BRAT.

Like any good sisterhood, my friends decided we needed a name. We have had several acronyms for BRAT, but for about 17 or 18 years we have been the Beautiful Radiant Angel Team.

We began our friendship simply as an escape from the day-to-day pressures of work, family, church and the countless obligations that pulled us in multiple directions. It was the height of the early ‘90s “supermom” culture: We did it all and crammed more into our schedules than we could possibly complete. We needed a break, a get-away, a retreat.

Initially we planned our “meetings” around our families' schedules: just before the holidays in early November, right after the holidays in late January, just before school was out in early May and right after school began in mid-August. By year number two, we made the decision to meet up monthly.

In hindsight, it would be difficult to say what kept us together those first years. Perhaps it was the fact that our spiritual lives intersected at the same church. Perhaps it was those initial hours at our second campout when we played “Show and Tell.” It was a talking game we invented to get to know one another. I can still remember the details of each life as we poured out our stories until the wee morning hours. Who would have imagined that somehow we needed one another’s friendship to become who we are today?

At one particularly trying time in my life, the BRATs surrounded me with their love and protection. My sister had just escaped from a bad relationship and her psychotic ex began stalking her. She and her two elementary-aged children moved in with my family for safety. At the same time, my husband started traveling for work and only my 14-year-old son was home with us. The harassment began with my sister, but quickly spilled over to our whole family.

The ex had our phone bills redirected to his address, and he called every member of our family in every state. We would receive up to 100 threatening phone calls a day, but the police weren't able to apprehend him. We made so many 911 calls that they started answering the phone with, “An officer is on his way.”

After a brief stay in the county jail on an unrelated incident, the police visited us to say my sister's ex had put a “hit” out on us with some of the other inmates. So my sister and I took a shooting course, determined to do whatever was necessary to protect our families. When my husband was out of town, the BRATs took turns sitting outside our house to alert us if the stalker made an appearance. After seven months, he was arrested again and put in jail for two years. We could finally breathe.

Shortly after that incident, the BRATs decided our group was complete — no one in, no one out. We now had a history together. An outsider would never be part of the “inner circle.”

One of the BRATs has moved around the country as the wife of a pastor. From Cincinnati, we gave them a send-off to Kansas City, then Albuquerque, then back to the Midwest in Richmond, Ind., now off to Gravette, Ark. But she has always been back for at least a couple of BRAT events each year.

As our lives have changed, so have our relationships. We have vacationed together, picnicked together as families and watched our kids grow up, marry and have children. We're grandmothers now. How did this happen to us? Or more accurately, when did this happen to us?

Many of us have buried parents and some siblings and we were all there to support each other in our losses. Our

children’s lives have not always been idyllic, and we have seen marriages come to an end. As for us, all of the BRATs' marriages are intact. And this marriage of sorts, which we have with one another, remains strong.

As I write this article, I am packing my bags for our annual November retreat. This year we're going to Gatlinburg. Last year we celebrated our 20th anniversary in New York City.

A weekend together is filled with laughter, shopping, a BRAT craft, memories of other weekends and eating. We often play cards until late at night, or spend hours talking about what is happening in our lives.

We have learned to love the idiosyncrasies of one another: the paranoid who is afraid of the dark, the BRAT who is always late, the control freak, the leader, the Chaplin, the care-giver, the loud one. The differences make us who we are; the craziness only makes us love each other more.

When I turned 50 (now 10 years ago), the girls decided I needed a makeover. At 10:30 p.m. we went to the store to find the right dye for my hair to hide the gray. Then the scissors came out and clip, clip, clip — I had a new style. Was there a hair stylist in our midst? No, but my head was in their hands. It all worked out and I haven’t stopped coloring my hair since.

And when I redecorated my living room a couple of years ago, one of the BRATs made the comment that it was “about damn time.” How can we tell each other what we really feel and still stay friends? The better question is how can we not?

We share the same philosophy in life. We believe in having fun and loving our husbands, our lives, our kids, our grandkids and our religion. We talk about our feelings, our challenges and our ups and downs. We have endured the soccer years, the teenage years, the college struggles and now the reward of being grandparents. When one of us hurts, we all bleed. When one of us struggles, the others come to our defense. We often laugh and say if one of us needed a kidney there would be seven in line to be tested for compatibility. And it’s very true.

In looking back at our lives, we all realize the value of this friendship. There have been books written about us, pages of albums filled with photographs and more crazy crafts than any of us can count. We have enjoyed laughter, stories, fears and financial difficulties. We have changed jobs, changed houses, changed cars and changed churches. But the one thing that's been consistent in our lives is this wonderful, crazy thing called friendship. a

Celebrating the gift of friendship through ups, downs and more than two deCades by Patricia Stirnkorb

"How can we tell each other what we really

feel and still stay friends?

The better question is how

can we not?"

home & familyHER SPIRIT


food & drinkHER PALATE

Ilene Ross has lived all over the world educating people on cooking and eating well. Besides food, Ilene’s other obsession is fashion, especially shoes. She lives in Amberley Village with her husband Marc and son Carter. Their daughter Cameron lives in Chicago.

W hen it comes to giving gifts, it should come as no surprise that I tend to lean toward food.

The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year, and although it can be tempting to just cop out and grab a box of chocolates or a bottle of vino, I try to put together a gift that's a tad more creative and speaks to the receiver’s tastes.

Gift baskets of gourmet and locally sourced foods are my go-tos, especially as hostess gifts for holiday parties. The items take very little time to accumulate — I gather them while I’m doing my own marketing — and I adore sharing the luxury food items my friends and family wouldn’t necessarily purchase for themselves.

The first thing I do when putting together a gift basket is come up with a theme. Since I’m a visual learner, I find that if I start off with an idea for what I’d like the general motif to be, I can picture the finished gift basket in my head. Then I start building from there.

A lot of the creativity and personalization in a “basket” gift comes from the actual container itself. Instead of heading to one of those chain craft stores,

scour flea markets and antique stores. Old wooden boxes and wire baskets have far more character than those cheap, rattan imports do, and they show that you’ve put a lot of thought into your gift. Besides, once the contents of the gift have been consumed, the recipient has a constant reminder of your thoughtfulness. Keep your eyes open throughout the year for such gifting vehicles.

As a chef/cooking teacher, I also love to share the gift of knowledge. This Italian basket of delights with homemade pasta sauce is one of my favorites — I always tuck in a recipe or two with the food items and tools.

So, from the bottom up, let's build a gift sure to emit a, “Mama mia!” from the fortunate beneficiary.

For this basket, a colander makes the ideal base; it’s inexpensive, practical and if you’re lucky enough to have scored one at a vintage store, visually appealing as well. Line the colander with a brightly colored new or vintage cloth napkin.

Dried pasta in various shapes makes for a fun filler. This isn’t the time to cheap out and hit the grocery

store for inexpensive house brands — look for fancy shapes that are Italian and, if possible, die cut. Better yet, head down to Findlay Market for some fresh pasta from Bouchard's. Just remember, fresh pasta needs to be refrigerated, so you’ll have to assemble your gift basket right before you head out the door.

While at Findlay, give Linda VanSpronsen at Claddagh Farms a visit for her homemade, jarred tomatoes. They’re exactly the thing you’ll need to create the delicious tomato sauce below. The only ingredients VanSpronsen uses are her homegrown tomatoes, basil and salt. If VanSpronsen is sold out, pick up canned San Marzano Italian tomatoes at Madison’s along with an onion, a couple of heads of garlic and some fresh basil.

Finally, grab a chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese at Silverglade’s or Krause’s. Then head over to Market Wines to find the perfect bottle of Italian red to slip into the lucky recipient’s basket and enjoy a wine tasting for yourself (on the weekends, Market Wines offers four tastes for $5). a

Gift Baskets

iNstRUCtiONs:Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, oregano, garlic and salt and cook, stirring often, until the onions are soft and translucent — about 10 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and basil, and stir constantly until the sauce begins to boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring every 5 minutes or so to prevent the sauce on the bottom of the pot from burning. Taste and season with additional salt, if desired.

iNGRedieNts:•¼ cup olive oil•1 onion, finely diced•1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or ½ tsp. dried•2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped•2 tsp. salt or to taste•2 Tbsp. tomato paste•2 28 oz. cans chopped San Marzano

tomatoes, with their liquid•1 handful of fresh basil

ClassiC tOmatO saUCe

Give some homemade holiday cheerby Ilene Ross • photos by Gina Weathersby


food & drinkHER CITY

Something interesting is happening in East Walnut Hills. And it’s not just that this once-rundown neighborhood — often forgotten when discussing ‘hood “hipness” in favor of communities such as OTR, Hyde Park or Northside — is experiencing its own urban revival. It’s that the growing business district of Woodburn Avenue is almost entirely powered by women.

Women have been ruling the East Walnut Hills business scene for years with their salons, art galleries, boutiques, fitness studios and more. And since last fall alone, at least five new female-owned Woodburn storefronts have opened, with more in the offing.

“I believe in energies,” says Annie Bolling, who opened the PAC Gallery on Woodburn in 2009 and yoga/Pilates studio, Clear, next door in 2011. “When I would drive down Woodburn, I felt like this place was on the verge. The potential was there. I could see the storefronts filled and people walking up and down the street.”

Officially incorporated in 1866, East Walnut Hills became a destination neighborhood post-Civil War for wealthy urbanites who had easier uptown access thanks to newly built streetcar lines. However, as with many urban neighborhoods in the late 20th century, decay and crime slowly crept in as the suburbs boomed and longtime small businesses closed up shop. These days, however, a combination of factors — including the recession — has inspired creative, entrepreneurial Cincinnati women to step up to the plate and make this charming, historic neighborhood their own.

For example, Bolling opened PAC to address her desire to bring contemporary art to the Cincy masses; Clear followed as an extension of her side job doing private fitness training. Catherine Meguire wanted to feel more connected to her half-French side while living stateside, so in 2011 she opened Le Bon Vivant, a local source for all things French. An opportunity created by the closing of MoCa cafe opened the door for Sandy Vierling to debut Cafe DeSales in early 2012. High online sales traffic from Cincinnati to North Carolina clothing boutique Oomph inspired Arien Agurs to launch a second location here. And finding a modern space that could combine the practicality of a salon with the aesthetics of a creative space attracted Parlour owner Jessie Hoffman to her Woodburn storefront.

East Walnut Hills’ mix of affordable rentals and stately old homes appeals to a diverse group of residents, from young singles and couples to seniors and everyone in between. As the younger generation continues to buck old trends — staying in the city instead of fleeing to the ‘burbs, and holding off on new home and car purchases — creating and maintaining opportunities for neighborhoods like East Walnut Hills to thrive becomes even more vital.

“I’m a city mouse,” Meguire says. “I love the idea of seeing these marvelous old neighborhoods being brought back to life.”

That life is most evident once every six weeks when Woodburn lights up on a Friday evening for the Walk on Woodburn. Organized and promoted by Manifest Gallery and Shawna Guip of Hi-Bred vintage, the walk combines art, food and shopping for a more laid-back alternative to downtown’s Final Friday scene.

“The collaborative mentality is in right now, and it has proven to be successful,” Bolling says. “We are including our community, not excluding them. There’s stuff for everybody here — high end and low end.”

Women own almost one third of U.S. small businesses, and most of those have 10 or fewer employees, according to research by American Express OPEN. With such a high concentration of these small businesses on Woodburn — and with many offering similar products, such as clothing, salon services or art -— you’d think things could get catty quickly. But the women of Woodburn easily defy that tired stereotype; rather than competing, the businesses complement each other, making the street a true shopping destination.

“I think women are survivors, and that sort of attitude lends well to starting your own business,” Bolling says. “We all understand that united we stand, divided we fall. When you put your sweat equity into it, there’s no room to butt heads. What’s good for one store is good for all the stores.”

“Women have courage,” Meguire adds. “We do what we feel we need to do.” a

THE WomEn of WoodbuRnFemale-owned businesses revitalize the east walnut hills shopping districtby Steph Barnard • photos by Jesse Fox and Chelsea Gilbertson

Cafe deSales 2835 Woodburn Ave.

Clear 2542 Woodburn Ave.

Hi-bred 2548 Woodburn Ave.

Le bon Vivant 2801 Woodburn Ave.

one more Stitch 1609 Madison Road

oomph boutique 2803 Woodburn Ave.

PAC Gallery 2540 Woodburn Ave.

Palette Studios 2501 Woodburn Ave.

Parlour 2600 Woodburn Ave.

Salon deSales 2839 Woodburn Ave.

Sole Atelier 2544 Woodburn Ave.

StrebelArt 2723 Woodburn Ave.

“I think women are

survivors, and that

sort of attitude

lends well to starting your own

business.”

WomEn-oWnEd SHoPS In EAST WALnuT HILLS

oomph boutique

Parlour

Le bon Vivant

Woodburn Avenue


food & drinkHER NIGHT OUT

Leyla Shokoohe is an unabashed optimist. In her second life, apart from working as Cincinnati Ballet’s Marketing Assistant, she writes a lot, focusing on music and culture. Shokoohe regularly partakes in people-watching at Coffee Emporium when she should really be cleaning her apartment. She enjoys laughing, dancing poorly, spontaneous urban adventures with friends, pinning examples of typeface on Pinterest and is thankful for just about everything.

Favorite Holiday Movie of All Time:

Home AloneNo other Christmas movie gets

me as excited as this cinematic masterpiece. Snarky, brave, sweet

little misfit Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is the youngest in a jumbled family that accidentally forgets him at home in the melee of leaving to spend Christmas in Paris. Forced to fend for himself, you think he’s going to do just fine making well-balanced microwave dinners and buying toothbrushes by himself, but the Wet Bandits, busy burglarizing empty homes in his neighborhood over the holidays, have other plans. Watch Kevin outwit the nitwits, defend his home and learn some valuable lessons on self-preservation (see: shaving scene). The bustling family dynamic is effortless, and writer John Hughes recognized how the world looks through the eyes of children and adults alike, bringing both perspectives together in a way that feels honest and relevant even 22 years later. The score, composed by John Williams — especially Williams' rendition of "Carol of the Bells" — is amazing. And I wish I could rent the made-for-the-movie gangster film Kevin watches, Angels with Filthy Souls. But I can't. So I'll just have to rent Home Alone. Keep the change, you filthy animal.

Most Tear Jerking:

The SnowmanI vividly remember the first time I

saw this wonderful, dialogue-free 1982 animated film, introduced by David Bowie. I was in the third

grade, and completely entranced by the gorgeous score and simple story. A boy awakens to a huge snowfall and makes a snowman that comes to life that night. The pair become fast friends, and the snowman takes the boy on a magical journey, including a night-flight over London. The ending is the definition of bittersweet, perhaps the best allegory for childhood. My best friend reminded me of this movie; it’s funny what holiday films perfectly align with your friends’ and family members’ personalities and values. Hug your loved ones after watching The Snowman — it reminds you to cherish the fleeting time we spend together, another allegory exemplified during the crushingly busy holidays.

Best Stop-Motion Animation:

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed ReindeerThis is my mom’s favorite

holiday movie, and I have been indoctrinated in the clever (and vaguely creepy) world of stop-motion animation since childhood. Rudolph is born to reindeer Donner and his wife and is ostracized by most of the residents of the North Pole due to his seemingly defective glowing red nose (all of the reindeer laughed and called him names). Rudolph decides to run away with Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and stumbles upon the Island of Misfit Toys. The tale culminates with Rudolph’s nose saving Christmas. The music is great and the animation, while not Pixar-quality, has a more authentic feel. A whole slew of these great stop-motion films exist, and this particular uplifting story about finding acceptance is the longest-running Christmas TV special.

Best Example of Perseverance Paying Off:

A Christmas StoryWhere do I even begin? Is it the

yearly 24-hour TBS marathon of this 1983 classic? Or Ralphie Parker’s (Peter Billingsley) borderline-delusional attempts at securing a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas? So many hilarious vignettes, one-liners and subplots abound in this movie, it’s hard to pick the best (my favorite is anything involving Randy, the hilarious little brother). Basically, Ralphie really wants a BB gun for Christmas, but everyone tells him how dangerous it is. He's not allowed to have it because the adults claim he'll shoot his eye out — and he almost does. We observe Ralphie’s daily life in post-World War II Indiana (cue awesome costumes) as he doggedly pursues his Red Ryder, only to be foiled in various ways by various foes. The unsung hero of this movie is Ralphie’s cursing, leg-lamp-winning dad. But I think it was the narrator I fell in love with the first time I saw A Christmas Story, who I later learned was author Jean Shepherd, upon whose short stories the movie is based. I notice something new and amusing with every subsequent viewing of this film, but the ache for a simpler time always remains.

Most Inspirational:

It’s A Wonderful LifeGeorge Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) is

the American dream personified. He makes hard decisions from a selfless

place, and is equally rewarded and rejected. A sad turn of events leads travel-minded dreamer George to assume leadership of the family's Bailey Building and Loan, setting him up for a far different (albeit happy) life with wife Mary and their four kids. The pressure of the small-town setbacks he repeatedly experiences reaches a breaking point when vital funds go missing from the business. George encounters his guardian angel, Clarence, at this low point, and wishes he’d never been born — and we all know how that goes. George is shown the lives of his loved ones as they struggle without his existence, and learns the impact he has had in his time. Uncle Billy, Clarence and Violet, the secondary characters, are my favorites because of their realism and humor — watch Clarence order a drink. The ripple effect in this movie has always been the most striking element for me, and the sentiment and tangibility of George’s desperation feels especially timely these days. I adore Stewart, and cry (sob) every single time I watch this movie. It stands the test of time with its accurate portrayal of the foibles we as humans encounter and overcome.

Who needs to go out When you can stay in and Watch these gems?by Leyla Shokoohe • images courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox, Channel 4, Rankin/Bass Productions, MGM and Liberty Films

Watching corny holiday movies on basic cable throughout the month of December is a national nostalgic pastime and a rite of passage for pretty much every American. Instead of a night out, spend a night or two in with friends and family and this list of classic holiday movies.

Honorable MentionsMiracle on 34th Street: “Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to.” Still doesn’t clear up for me whether Santa exists or not.

Die Hard: A friend told me this is his favorite Christmas movie, and I like Bruce Willis.

Babes in Toyland: Little Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves sing about Cincinnati during an adventure in Toyland. Yes, please.

Elf: Modern-day classic. Will Ferrell is ridiculously amusing as a man-child elf in New York City.


food & drinkHER HAPPY HOUR

Molly Wellmann is an award-winning mixologist and an owner of Japp’s in Over-the-Rhine and the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar in Covington.

INSTRUCTIONS:Build ingredients in an Old Fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

INgRedIeNTS:2 oz. brandy½ oz. lemon juice½ oz. cherry brandy or Cherry Heering2 bar spoons (about 2 tsp.) triple sec

B randy, one of the world’s first distilled spirits, has been around since Roman

times. With a name taken from the Dutch word “brandewijn,” meaning “burnt wine,” brandy was originally developed as a way to preserve and store wine for long ship journeys. To lighten the liquid and lessen the shipping tax, which was calculated by volume, the wine was distilled, concentrated and then put into wooden casks for transport.

Once the distilled wine reached its destination, water would be added back in to reconstitute the drink. But people found the spirit, which had been unintentionally aged in the wooden shipping casks during the journey, was better than the original.

For some reason, brandy is often overlooked in favor of vodka or whiskey when making cocktails — unless you live in Wisconsin, where a brandy Old Fashioned is the unofficial state drink. But brandy

makes a great cocktail base, and will warm you right up on a cold winter night.

The Brandy Fix was a popular drink in the 1860s. A “fix” is a type of drink made on the rocks with a spirit, lemon juice and fruit juice or liqueur. Jerry Thomas was the first to write down this recipe in his Bon-Vivant’s Companion, published in 1862. This is one of my favorite drinks to have during the holidays and is very easy to make. a

A wArming After-dinner (or pre-dinner) drinkby Molly Wellman • photo by Jesse Fox

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Her Cincinnai December 2012