Dear Friends,
November officially marks the beginning of the holiday season, a time filled with gratitude, love, and connection. This issue of American Lifestyle offers numerous tips to help you prepare for the months ahead with an inspiring look at a fantastical room, a guide to traveling with ease, two deliciously unique desserts, and ways to give thanks through community.
Step inside the breathtaking world of the Introvert's Quarters, a fantasy-inspired room crafted by designer DuVäl Reynolds. Featuring a dramatic wallpaper along with a daybed, telescope, and intricate bookcase, this space may just inspire you to create your own haven for relaxation and inspiration.
If you're making a trip to see loved ones this season, you need these essential tips for a smooth journey. Whether you're traveling by plane, train, or car, the article inside offers surefire ways to take the stress out of the process and enjoy a relaxing visit.
Planning holiday gatherings? Celebrate the season with a delightful twist on classic treats. This issue includes two delectable and unique recipes for a chocolate-hazelnut cake and rich pecan bars that are sure to be a hit with all your guests.
Infuse Thanksgiving with an even deeper meaning this year. Inside, you’ll find inspiring ideas for connecting with your community and giving back to those in need. Start a new tradition of neighborhood involvement, and create lasting memories as you express your gratitude.
Here's to kicking off the holiday season and beyond with a smile! As always, it’s a pleasure to send you this magazine.
Kind Regards,
Anne Hitch
The Edgewater Group of SC, LLC
Interior designer DuVäl Reynolds explains how The Neverending Story, Harry Potter, and Sherlock Holmes inspired a uniquely creative yet highly balanced room.
How did your design journey begin?
I actually went to college for neurology but left school and worked in New York for a bit before moving to the DC area. I got a job at the design firm California Closets, where I discovered that I had much more of a knack and passion for design than I had realized. So I went back to school full-time at night to get my bachelor’s degree in interior design. I opened my own firm in 2017.
How did the Introvert’s Quarters project come about? Are you an introvert?
I worked on this project for House Beautiful magazine, who asked me to design a room in an 11,000-square-foot place for their annual Whole Home project. It was the first real show house I had ever done; between that and the fact that Whole Home is very well-known in my industry, I felt overwhelmed and was buckling a bit. I called the market director to discuss it, and she simply asked, “If this was your house, what would you do with the room?” That provided the mental and creative freedom I needed.
And, yes, I am an introvert. People can’t tell because I don’t come off as one: I seem very social and personable. But I need a lot of recharge time by myself, and I would love a room like the Introvert’s Quarters, where I could disappear and feel like I was somewhere else. But I didn’t want the project to seem time-stamped into an era. I needed it to feel almost fantastical yet also grounded in practicality, so there’s a daybed, a sitting area, a desk, and a reading corner for enjoying books.
What purpose did you design it to serve? Should it be used as a spare room or a study, perhaps?
It could function as either—it could even be a guest room because of its size and features. The room itself is about 18 feet by 18 feet, and the daybed is around 54 inches wide, almost the size of a queen bed. In addition, the space has a walk-in closet, which is made for a man but also has feminine touches such as pink paint, and a dark-blue bathroom covered with moldings and millwork.
The wallpaper is quite eye-catching. Tell us about it:
The wallpaper was the first thing I obsessed over for this project. The one I chose is very dramatic, playful, and imaginative, setting the tone for the space. My goal was to encase the room with this beautifully imaginative aesthetic without it being overwhelming or too much of a focal point. To that end, I only put it on parts of the wall and ceiling while simultaneously adding millwork to the base, which I went heavy with to ensure that it would hold its own. Overall, everything in the room does: the chairs, the sitting area, the closet, and so on.
What drew you to that specific wallpaper?
Unbeknownst to most people, I am very much emo—the type of person who will sit in the rain and cry to myself. I don’t know why, but in my head, I’ve always felt like the kid who has no friends and is an outcast, even though in high school I was voted most popular and was homecoming king. That wallpaper made me feel like Bastian in The Neverending Story, as if, through it, I could escape reality.
What was your inspiration for the unique bookcase?
I’m a huge fan of Harry Potter and of the fantastical world in general. By incorporating millwork and custom metal framing and wiring into the bookcase, I made it almost match the style of the library you see in those movies. I also designed it so there’s a dichotomy of elements playing against each other; its doors show a sense of captivity that grounds you, but the books provide your escape.
You’ve described this room’s overall style as a combination of dark academia and grandmillennial. Would you elaborate?
Certainly. Dark academia is like Harry Potter’s Hogwarts or Sherlock Holmes’s Diogenes Club, a place where he and his brother would honor and respect knowledge by thinking in quiet. I can relate to that, which is why I mixed in details like a bust, telescope, and magnifying glass. Grandmillennial, also called granny chic, is an aesthetic that elicits a sense of nostalgia. By blending the two in this room, I wanted to balance two very different things: the imaginative pursuit of exploration and learning and the grounding comfort of grandma’s house.
Being red and green, the furniture also stands out. Is that a nod to the holidays?
One hundred percent. Those colors remind me of Christmas, which I love—in fact, my wife and I keep our tree up for months after the holidays. So even though the room is dark, there’s a certain touch of Christmas festivity and happiness. The holidays still evoke that for me, and I wanted it to be reflected in this project.
For more info, visit duvalreynolds.com
The holidays are a time for enjoying special moments with family and friends, which for many people means traveling to another city or state. In fact, AAA projects each year that over 50 million people will travel at least fifty miles for Thanksgiving, with more than 110 million doing the same for the year-end holidays.
Such a journey can be exciting, but the logistics can also bring stress thanks to all the factors you have to plan for and all the challenges that may arise. Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or train, these tips may help make the process a little easier, safer, and more budget friendly.
From long security lines to complicated baggage rules, there are seemingly endless hoops you have to jump through to make your flight. That’s why one of the most important things you can do when traveling by plane is give yourself plenty of time to navigate the process. TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international ones, though that number can vary from airport to airport. This should help ensure that you don’t have to rush, allowing you to easily get through any check-in and security lines before boarding your flight.
As for luggage, you can avoid expensive baggage fees by packing only a carry-on bag and a personal item. If your trip is less than a week, consider bringing just a handful of items you can rewear or wash rather than an outfit for each day. But be sure not to pack any liquids larger than 3.4 ounces to avoid hiccups going through security. In addition, include snacks and an empty refillable water bottle in your bags so you don’t have to buy food or drinks at the airport, which can save you from having to both spend extra money and wait in another long line.
Though valuable for any excursion, it may be especially important to consider purchasing travel insurance when flying. The holiday season can often be unpredictable with illnesses that keep you grounded and inclement weather that leads to flight cancellations, making it potentially worth the extra investment to protect your trip. Many airlines offer insurance at the time of booking, but you can buy additional coverage through a third party like a travel agency; your credit card company may also provide free coverage as long as you book your flight with your card.
Road trips are a staple of the holiday season, but such long drives can put a strain on your vehicle, so you’ll want to have it serviced before you go. Check the tire pressure, brakes, fluids, wipers, and lights, repairing or replacing elements as necessary. Even if everything seems in tip-top shape, make sure your car has a spare tire or tire-inflation kit as well as jumper cables, a flashlight, and a basic tool kit in case of an unexpected incident.
When gathering your trip essentials, take care to avoid overpacking since you could end up overloading your vehicle. This can put extra strain on the engine, make it harder to maintain control and brake, and lead to increased fuel consumption. And if you’re bringing presents for your loved ones, keep them out of sight throughout your journey, such as by putting them in your trunk or placing blankets or bags over them. This is especially important if you’re traveling a long distance and will be making frequent stops; such potentially valuable items may be tempting to opportunistic thieves.
Before leaving, check the weather forecast and carefully plan your route, including rest stops and fuel stations. An app like Waze or Google Maps can help you find the fastest routes and avoid traffic, while one like GasBuddy can show you the cheapest fuel along the way. Just remember that anything can happen the day of, so always be prepared to adjust course when necessary.
The holidays are a whirlwind of activity, and navigating crowded airports and busy highways can quickly drain the festive spirit. With its less chaotic stations and delightful window scenery, train travel offers a unique opportunity to unwind and embrace the journey. However, there are still a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure that the ride goes as smoothly as possible.
To start, aim to arrive at the train station at least forty-five minutes before your departure; there’s no security line to worry about, but with increased traffic during the holidays, you’ll want to leave ample time to find your platform and check any bags. Make sure to verify, though, that the latter is an option for your station or train and see if there’s a specific check-in time.
Amtrak has a more generous baggage allowance than airplanes, typically allowing each passenger to check up to four bags (two of which are free) and bring one personal item and two carry-ons with them on the train. This means there’s no need to stress about packing economically. Even more, you can bring your own food and drinks on the train, allowing you to avoid paying for an onboard dining experience.
Although most trains have Wi-Fi onboard, it isn’t always the most reliable. So before your trip, download any movies, audiobooks, or podcasts to your phone, tablet, or laptop for some offline entertainment—you’ll definitely want something to pass the time, especially if you’re traveling a longer distance or overnight. In addition, you may want to bring a neck pillow or lightweight blanket to make your journey even more comfortable.
However you’re traveling this season, preparation is key to preventing any major snafus. By following these strategies, you can focus more on the joy of the holidays and less on the challenges, helping to ensure a memorable and stress-free experience with those closest to you.
The holidays are a time for indulging your sweet tooth with a delightful array of homemade treats that evoke warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re craving a decadent dessert or need a shareable treat, these recipes from the Sweet Little Cakes from Mrs. Zabar’s Bakeshop cookbook promise to elevate your festive experiences to new heights.
Featuring a fusion of rich flavors and textures, this delectable cocoa creation will leave your guests reaching for more.
Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible allure of these nutty bars, where each bite unveils a symphony of sticky sweetness and rich, chocolatey goodness.
Excerpted from Sweet Little Cakes from Mrs. Zabar’s Bakeshop: Perfect Desserts for Sharing. © 2023 Tracey Zabar. Photography by Ellen Silverman. Used with permission of Rizzoli New York.
This simple, spongy cake is made in a tart pan and marbled with an Italian favorite, gianduia—chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Makes one 4 by 13-inch cake (serves 6)
Is this a cake? Or a pie? Or some form of cookie? Is it a cousin of the brookie (part brownie, part cookie)? It doesn’t matter because these yummy squares are sweet and gooey. They are a favorite of my pecan pie–loving son Michael.
Makes ten 1½ by 4-inch bars or four 4-inch squares (serves 4 to 5)
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, yes, delicious meals. But beyond the customary turkey and stuffing, this holiday also presents a wonderful opportunity to develop a spirit of gratitude and bonding. Go beyond the table this year by embracing what this season is truly about: building and supporting community.
The holidays often offer a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those less fortunate. Assist in ending this struggle by opting to spend some time out of your kitchen and with organizations looking to make a difference. Here are a few ideas of where you can lend a helping hand.
Food-focused nonprofits
Many organizations nationwide work hard to provide vital meals to those in need, and they are often stretched thin during the holidays. They could always use volunteers to organize donations, prepare food, or serve meals. Click here for an online directory of food banks and pantries and soup kitchens you could connect with.
Shelters
With over 650,000 people in the United States experiencing homelessness, volunteering at a homeless shelter could be a way to lend your support, especially since these places are oftentimes heavily occupied during colder months. Opportunities may include meal preparation, clothing organization, or administrative tasks.
Senior centers
Many elders spend the holidays alone, leading to potential feelings of isolation. Consider reaching out to a local senior center to see about providing socialization for those without family. Whether you engage in activities, play games, or simply have conversations, such engagement can work wonders for their physical and mental health.
Animal shelters
Shelters are the backbone of animal welfare in our communities—they provide a haven for lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals, offering them food, medical care, and a chance at finding a loving forever home. Helping out at one is a fantastic way to give back since they often rely heavily on volunteers to manage the day-to-day tasks that keep the facility running smoothly. And, as a bonus, you get to spend time with some precious animals!
If you need ideas on where to start when it comes to volunteering, there are countless organizations that could make use of your skills or time, such as Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, or a local nonprofit. Peruse VolunteerMatch’s website for opportunities near you.
The old expression we were taught as kids still rings true today: sharing is caring. Did you bake a phenomenal pumpkin pie or whip up a scrumptious cranberry sauce this year? Drop off a plate with your next-door neighbors! It’s a small act of kindness that will strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community. For some additional ways to connect with your neighbors, consider these options.
Organize a potluck
If you’re staying put this Thanksgiving, reach out to others not traveling or hosting to put together a potluck-style dinner on the big day. Everyone can bring a dish to help create a diverse and delicious feast, where they can relax and enjoy one another’s company.
Host a game night
Rather than gathering for a big meal, consider instead inviting your neighbors over for a casual game night, either on Thanksgiving or during the following weekend. Encourage them to bring their family favorites as well as their children, instilling a new tradition that can carry on through the years.
Help a neighbor in need
Have you noticed someone spending time alone or struggling with physical activities like yard work? Take a small burden off their shoulders by offering your assistance. You never know what someone may be going through during the holiday season, and your kindness in lending a hand may be just the support they need.
Though a longtime community staple, the popularity of turkey trots has been recently soaring; in 2023, Thanksgiving saw a remarkable turnout of almost a million participants in 833 races nationwide, raising over $1.9 million for charities. These festive races offer a fun way to burn off some calories before the big feast while also giving back to the community, further amplifying the spirit of giving. And don’t let the word “run” be a deterrent—whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual walker, turkey trots have options to participate at all fitness levels.
Once Thanksgiving has passed, Black Friday is usually at the forefront of everyone’s mind. But rather than rush out to the big-box stores, consider saving your spending for Small Business Saturday, a nationwide initiative on the Saturday after Thanksgiving that encourages patronizing local businesses. In doing so, you can discover one-of-a-kind gifts, support small artisans, and keep money circulating within your community. Many participating stores, cafés, restaurants, and specialty shops may even offer special promotions.
Engaging with your community is not just about helping others—it’s also a fun experience that enables you to relate to strangers and gain new friends. So this year and every year, keep in mind the power of our shared humanity and embrace the generous spirit of the season by giving back.
