The art of being a woman.
A few years back, during my last semester of college, I discovered a women's magazine that didn't adhere to what modern society deems the "norm." On the front cover, instead of a scantily clad supermodel, was a girl who looked like me—wearing a sundress and riding a bicycle, with a giant smile on her face. Within its pages, instead of "Ten Sex Tips to Please Your Man" or "Lose Five Pounds with This Fat Blasting Workout," I found uplifting stories and insightful articles written by both men and women whose mission was clear: to inspire women to be the best versions of themselves. Verily Magazine was unique in its celebration of real, un-photoshopped women, as well as in its motto: "less of who you should be, more of who you are."
Which is why, only a few months later, when I learned that Verily was no longer being printed, I was crestfallen. If this relatable and empowering publication couldn't survive, was there any hope for a different type of women's magazine to thrive?
Two years later, I (finally) stumbled upon the website of Darling Magazine, a quarterly publication that was first printed in 2012 and whose mission statement closely resembles that of Verily's. Out of curiosity and excitement, I ordered their Winter 2015 issue.
I received the 174-page ad-free magazine in the mail on Wednesday, and nearly squealed as I ran my fingers along the fancily-embossed logo. It was even better than I expected. Besides being just plain beautiful, the book itself is a collection of art in its many forms: mesmerizing photography, meaningful pieces of journalism, and a clean, minimalist design combined with snippets of poetry and scattered illustrations, divided into sections by persona: the dreamer, the intellectual, the achiever, the confidant, the stylist, the beautician, the explorer, and the hostess. The timeless and utterly feminine aesthetic sent my heart aflutter. If Audrey Hepburn started a magazine, says the creators, it would be Darling.
And if you're anything like me (a sucker for all things lovely), you'll want Darling on your coffee table this holiday season. It would also make a thoughtful Christmas gift for a best friend or sister! Click here to subscribe or browse their shop.
I have yet to sit down and indulge in a few uninterrupted hours of reading, but I'm carrying the magazine with me wherever I go, just in case life offers me a little bit of down time. I guess you could say I'm a little obsessed.
Inspiration for your December.
Out of all the months in the year, I find December to be the most inspiring. There's something about the holiday season that makes me want to do more. I dream of spending these winter days baking cookies, decorating the apartment, photographing every little outing, reading stacks of magazines, writing blog posts, shopping for gifts, attempting new hairstyles, volunteering, and hosting extravagant dinner parties. But if I've learned anything from these last few years of living in the "real world," it's that there are not nearly enough hours in the day. So... I do what I can, when I can. And the rest? Well, let's just say I'm slowly discovering how to let go: life is meant to be spent in the moment, after all, and not worrying about the details of the future.
But that doesn't mean I can't admire from afar those who have got this hectic-holiday-productivity thing down. The internet is chock-full of creative ideas for the colder months, and I personally get so much satisfaction from browsing through the best of them. In fact, since I'm feeling so inspired, I thought I'd share some of my favorite links this week, just in case you're in need of a little December inspiration yourself. :-)
Happy reading!
Eggnog + hot chocolate = Eggnog Hot Chocolate. Yes, please!
I've never made gingerbread cookies from scratch before, but after seeing this fun tutorial, I definitely want to start...
Scott and I are obsessed with anything s'more-flavored. Which is why I'm obsessed with this mouthwatering Christmas-themed s'more.
I just bought this awesome sweater in red, and I can't wait to wear it to my family's Tacky Christmas Sweater party this year!
Speaking of sweaters, these look so darn cozy—and fabulously chic.
I recently stumbled across this tutorial for "Mermaid Curls," and I am in LOVE. Thinking of attempting the super curly 'do for Christmas Day or New Year's Eve.
What a smokin' dress, you guys. I'm all about the sequins on holidays (and berry shades are my fave).
What a smokin' dress, you guys. I'm all about the sequins on holidays (and berry shades are my fave).
Don't enjoy wrapping gifts? Make it fun by hosting a Ladies' Wrap Party with your girlfriends. Cocktails and pajamas included.
I'd love to decorate our dining room table like this for dinner with friends. So simple and pretty.
A party is incomplete without the perfect playlist, and Zoella's Ultimate Christmas Playlist is on point.
A minimalist Christmas tree display for tiny-apartment dwellers.
Holiday traditions are what make this time of year so much fun, and this sweet family of six has a few great ones.
"Wherever you are, be all there." This article encompasses how many of us (including me!) can't help but feel during the beautiful-but-busy month of December. Let it be a reminder to slow down and simply enjoy what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.
Photo by Annie Spratt.
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