Belle September 24 : simplebooklet.com

5September2024Amanda G. BassEditor and ContributionsMelissa RhineManaging Editor864.612.0745melissa@bellemagonline.comAlison StormFeatures Editoralison@alisonstorm.comfrom the editor...Jeslyn LanierCreative Director843.509.7559jeslynlanier@gmail.comEditor and ContributionsWelcome to our September issue, where we’re not just turning a page—we’re turning 20! That’s right, Belle Magazine is celebrating two decades of fun, fashion, food, and all things fabulous. We couldn’t have done it without you, our amazing readers and supporters, who have been with us every step of the way. So, consider this a giant thank you! This month’s cover is all about college gameday glam, courtesy of Vestique, because who says you can’t be the best-dressed fan in the stadium? Inside, we’ve got a corn and pancetta pasta recipe that’ll make you the MVP of any dinner table, along with some “girl talk” with Greenville’s own Allison Roman. If you’re not following her @romanfamilyhome on Instagram yet, what are you even doing?We’re also shining the spotlight on local stars like Pine State Contracting and Emilee Mosso, a realtor who’s making big moves in the Upstate. Speaking of local, our Belle’s Bites feature is all about Isla’s on the Square, Spartanburg’s new oyster bar that’s shucking its way into our hearts (and stomachs). Trust us, it’s a pearl of a place!As if that’s not enough, we’ve rounded up our top 5 Southern resorts perfect for celebrating life’s special moments, because let’s face it, we could all use a getaway. And don’t miss our DIY gin fizz cocktail—perfect for toasting to 20 years of Belle!As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded of how important it is to shop small and support local businesses. They’re the backbone of our community and have been the heart of Belle Magazine since day one. So, whether you’re picking up a new gameday outfit, planning a night out at Isla’s, or simply enjoying the recipes and stories in this issue, know that you’re supporting a legacy of local love.Here’s to the next 20 years of Belle! We couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come—and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride.Check Out Our Website!@bellemag_ocialBelle Magazinebelle, a magazine for the modern southern woman, is published monthly and distributed throughout the Upstate of South Carolina by Romelous & Son Publishing Co., LLC. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or content we deem inappropriate for the publication. Contributions are welcome and can be sent via email, please include name, address, and contact number. You will be contacted if we decide to publish your submission. Content must be received by the 1st for the following month’s publication. Letters to the editor are welcome, however, they may require editing due to space limitations. The design, editorial, and photo content in belle is copyright of Romelous & Son Publish-ing Co., LLC and may not be reproduced without written permission by the publisher.Text ‘ADVERTISE’ to 864.612.0745 or email us at bellemagocial@gmail.com to join Belle today!

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920th!As we turn the page to September, we can’t help but feel a surge of emotion and pride— this month marks the 20th anniversary of Belle Magazine! Twenty years of bringing you stories, insights, and the heartbeat of our beloved community. What a journey it has been!When Belle Magazine first launched, we had a dream to create something special— something that not only celebrated local businesses and events but also uplifted the voices and stories of the women who make our community so vibrant. And here we are, two decades later, still holding fast to that vision, thanks to you.To our small businesses: you are the lifeblood of this community. You’ve been with us every step of the way, from the first issue to today. Your creativity, resilience, and passion for what you do inspire us daily. Whether it’s the cozy corner shop where we grab our morning coee, the boutique where we find the perfect outfit, or the gym that keeps us strong—each of you has played a crucial role in making our community the close-knit family it is. Thank you for trusting us to share your stories, for being our partners, and for helping us build something beautiful together.To our readers: you are the reason we exist. For 20 years, you’ve welcomed us into your homes, shared our pages with friends, and cheered us on as we’ve grown. Your loyalty and support have been the backbone of our success. Every issue we create is for you, with love and gratitude.Twenty years in business is no small feat, especially as a female-owned and run publication. We are incredibly proud to stand as a testament to what women can accomplish when we lift each other up and work together. Our team is made up of mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends who believe in the power of community and the importance of telling women’s stories. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and celebrated together—always with you by our side.As we look forward to the future, we are excited to continue growing, evolving, and bringing you the content that matters most. Here’s to the next 20 years of community, connection, and celebrating all the incredible things that make the upstate the place we’re proud to call home.THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THE BELLE MAGAZINE FAMILY. WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!

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Get ready to meet one of the Upstate’s most dynamic realtors, Emilee Mosso! With a heart full of passion and a drive to make a difference, Emilee has become a go-to expert in the local real estate scene. Her approach to helping clients find their perfect homes is as genuine as it gets, and her dedication to her craft is nothing short of inspiring. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned property owner, Emilee’s expertise and friendly demeanor make her someone you’ll want on your side. Want to know more about this rising star in the real estate world? You’re in the right place- let’s chat with Emilee!How did you first get started in real estate, and what inspired you to pursue this career?My family and I are originally from Latrobe Pennsylvania, home of Arnold Palmer and the banana split. Growing up my father worked for the railroad and that brought our family many different relocations. At the young age of ten, we were relocating again. When I overheard what my parents were seeking in a home for us, the real estate fire was ignited inside me. This was before I had a cell phone, however, so I discovered Zillow on my moms iPad. I created a free email account and I would email my parents properties I felt fit our criteria. Once I knew what they liked, I would contact the realtors on behalf of our family to schedule the appointments. Since elementary school, I have had a passion for helping people buy and sell properties. There is so much to a real estate transaction, that being on top of the game and paying attention to detail is very important as an agent. Part of me got my real estate license to help that one family that is moving here from out of state and the parents want to know what a great school district is, where to sign up their kids for little league, and I want to be that book of knowledge for my clients.What do you love most about helping people find their dream homes here in the upstate?I love the feeling of when someone walks through the door of the house they want to purchase and they feel at peace. All the time spent looking at other properties, and the stress of timelines, it all makes sense and the client is finally happy and at peace with their decision. That is what makes my job so rewarding.With the market constantly changing, what trends are you currently seeing in the local real estate scene, and how do you stay ahead of them?This business is forever changing and one thing I believe is that knowledge is power. You really can learn something new everyday! I work for Century 21 Blackwell, which has been in the upstate for a many years. At Century 21 Black-well, we pride ourselves on the level of training we receive. We are constantly learning and growing as agents and professionals. I started at Century 21 when I was only 19 years old and was welcomed with open arms by everyone. So many amazing mentors took me under their wing right away- including our owner, Peggy Blackwell and our broker in charge, Debbie Kellar. Both ladies have been in the business for over 30 years and both provide different levels of expertise to all of us agents!How do you help first-time homebuyers navigate the often overwhelming process of purchasing their first home?I love helping first time homebuyers with their first ever real estate transaction. I find out what is important to them and help guide them in that process. The best advice I can give is that whatever home you buy doesn’t have to be your forever home. Once you purchase that first home, no matter what condition, you then have a trading card, something to improve, fix up, rent out, and then you’re able to trade it up for your next property some day! Everyone starts some-where and where you start doesn’t mean that’s where you will finish. Its an exciting time to invest in your first home!Can you share your contact information or how potential clients can get in touch with you for their r eal estate needs?I service both Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, I am always taking new clients and happy to help anyone with any transaction. Big or small, I’ll help sell it all. As a quality service award winner, providing the best experience possible to my clients, is what I strive for! My information is (864)909-4462, email: Emilee.Mosso@century21blackwell.com When you’re not busy helping clients, how do you like to spend your time in our community?I spend my time loving Spartanburg county and everything it has to offer! I am a board member of Kiwanis Club of Spartanburg and enjoy all of the things we do to help and be involved in the community we love! I am also a founding board member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, Upstate SC chapter. We are a network of Realtors advancing women as business leaders in the industry and in the communities we serve. I also en-joy taking my golden doodle Buster to explore new places!As a businesswoman, what are your goals for the future, both personally and for your real estate career?My goals for the future are to continue to advance as a Real estate agent and as a businesswoman. I hope to continue to help people buy and sell properties for the next 40 years!

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12At Tehila, Hebrew for glory and praise, our mission is to combine the art of aesthetic medicine with our passion for enhancing your authentic beauty from within. Formed by faith and backed by experience, Tehila Aesthetics is dedicated to aligning our expertise to your goals. Whether you’re new to anti-aging or a seasoned pro, our expert team is here to create a personalized skincare journey to keep you looking natural and youthful. At Tehila, our highly-trained professionals provide the best aesthetic medicine has to offer in a safe and collaborative setting. We look forward to meeting you soon!• BOTOX & FILLERS• LASER SKIN RESURFACING: BBL, HALO• HAIR REMOVAL & SKIN REJUVENATION• HAIR RESTORATION• SCULPTRA, BELLAFILL & PRP/PRF• CRYOSURGERY & PLASMA PEN• VI PEEL & DIAMOND GLOW• KYBELLA & PDO THREADS• B12 & LIPO-MICC INJECTIONS• FACIALS & SKINCAREOUR TOP-NOTCH SERVICES:107 Parris Bridge Rd, Boiling Springs, SC 29316SKIN EXPERTS, WITH PURPOSE!864-274-3006tehilaaesthetics.comSchedule a Consultation Today!

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14From the moment we walked in, Isla’s captured us with its beautiful decor and lively vibe. The warm lighting, coastal- inspired artwork, and chic design created an inviting atmosphere that made us feel right at home. Whether you’re planning a casual night out with friends or a special date night, Isla’s strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.Our evening started with a round of oysters, and let me just say, they were some of the best I’ve ever had. Isla’s boasts an absolutely amazing selection of oysters that you won’t find anywhere else in the Upstate. They take pride in sourcing only the finest oysters, with many flown in daily from places like Canada, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The variety is impressive, offering a taste of different coasts all in one place. Whether you prefer them raw, grilled, or served up in one of their creative specials, Isla’s delivers with quality and freshness that’s second to none.Every visit offers something new, as they’re always rotating their oyster selection and offering different specials based on the freshest catch of the day. For oyster lovers, this place is a dream come true.The service was attentive and friendly, with staff eager to share recommendations and make sure we were well taken care of. For my main course, I opted for the Artichoke Grilled Swordfish, which came with basil risotto and grilled asparagus. The swordfish was cooked to perfection, with a light char that paired beautifully with the creamy risotto and tender asparagus. It was one of those dishes where every bite felt like a little piece of culinary heaven.My friends also had some standout dishes. The Grilled Salmon with asparagus and caper risotto, finished with a creamy dill sauce, was a hit, with its rich, balanced flavors. The Shrimp and Grits brought a classic Southern comfort with a twist, while the Cognac Pork Tenderloin with roasted broccoli and rosemary potatoes was tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.Isla’s also shines in the cocktail department. I couldn’t resist trying the Yellowtooth Tiger—a vibrant mix of gin, passionfruit, lime, orange juice, and ginger. It was as delicious as it was refreshing, the perfect complement to my meal. And while I didn’t get to try the Dracarys cocktail with the small dragon on the rim, it was the talk of the table, with my friends raving about its unique presentation and flavor!If you’re ready to experience Isla’s for yourself, you can find them on Instagram at @islasonthesquare for a sneak peek at their mouthwatering dishes and chic decor. Their hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00pm to 10:00pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open a bit later until 11:00pm. And while they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays, it just gives you something to look forward to during the week!Whether you’re a seafood lover, a cocktail enthusiast, or just looking for a new spot to enjoy a great meal with friends, Isla’s on the Square is a must-visit. With its stellar food, excellent service, and inviting atmosphere, it’s sure to become a favorite in Spartanburg!BELLE’S BITESI recently had the pleasure of dining at the newly opened Isla’s on the Square, a Coastal Kitchen, Craft Cocktail, and Oyster Bar that has quickly become the talk of downtown Spartanburg. If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant spot to enjoy seafood and more, this is the place to be.A COASTAL GEM IN DOWNTOWN SPARTANBURG

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Ingredients1 pound dried pasta8 ounces pound chopped pancetta (or bacon)4 ears of fresh corn, shucked and kernels cut from cob (about 1 1/2 cups)Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste2–3 scallions, thinly sliced2/3 cup ﬁnely grated parmesanFresh basil and chives, chopped (to taste)InstructionsMake the Pasta: Make the pasta per the package instructions, reserving a cup of the pasta water.Sautée The Pancetta: While the pasta is cooking, sauté the pancetta over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Cook while stirring often until the pancetta is evenly brown and crisp (but not burned). Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate covered with a paper towel.Cook The Corn: Add the corn kernels to the pan with the leftover rendering of the crispy meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the corn is just cooked crisp-tender (not mushy), about 2-3 minutes.Add the cooked pasta, pancetta, water, scallions & cheese: Once the corn is cooked, add the cooked pasta back to the pan. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water, scallions, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until pasta and ingredients are combined, about 1-2 minutes, adding more of the pasta water if needed. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.Serve: Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl or individual dishes and top with fresh herbs. Serve with additional cheese if desired. Enjoy!As we bid farewell to summer and welcome September, our plates are still bursting with the vibrant flavors of the season. This Corn and Pancetta Pasta brings together sweet, juicy corn and savory pancetta in a delightful dance of textures and tastes. Perfect for those transitional evenings when you want a dish that feels both comforting and fresh, this recipe captures the essence of late summer with every bite. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy this comforting, seasonal treat as you savor the last tastes of the season!Cn & Pancta PastaBELLE’S RECIPES

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20When it comes to transforming spaces, few do it with as much precision and creativity as Paul Pankratov of Pine State Contract-ing. Known for tackling unique challenges and delivering stunning results, Paul has turned his passion for remodeling into a thriving business. In this interview, he opens up about the projects that have left a lasting impression, shares how he keeps his team motivated, and offers advice for anyone looking to embark on a home renovation. If you’re curious about what it takes to bring a vision to life, you won’t want to miss what he has to say!Pine State Contracting has been involved in some impressive projects. Can you share a favorite or memorable project that showcases what your team can do?So many projects have been exciting for many reasons, but one of my favorites will always be a custom bathroom remodel we did in Portland, OR for a client who was the movie set designer in several Hollywood movies. You can imagine his expectations! He wanted a one-of-a-kind bathroom remodel that included Slate tile, Mexican Glass Mosaic, Obsidian & random pebbles cut out and scattered into the tile. Gemstones were brought in from Tulum, Mexico & very specifically placed within 1/8” tolerance from where the client speciﬁcally requested. It was a very meticulous job, very specific and one of a kind. Hard to forget that one!Construction is often seen as a “tough” industry. How does Pine State keep things light and fun on the job site? Any team tradi-tions or inside jokes?Definitely always keep a positive attitude and lots of jokes amongst the team. Some days are really stressful so I pull the guys and take them out for lunch to lighten the mood. Laughter is a good medicine and we love to laugh a lot!In today’s world, sustainability is key. How does Pine State incorporate eco-friendly practices into your projects?Recycle and re-use whatever we can from other projects to keep waste down. We also like working with water based solutions instead of oil based. My favorite flooring is from Core-tec who make their backing out of cork instead of rubber to be more eco-friendly. What inspired the founding of Pine State Contracting? Was there a speciﬁc project or passion that kickstarted the company’s journey?I was raised amongst contractors and kept running from construction but after trying welding, auto body work, and structural engineering, I realized that I love remodeling and seeing before and afters more than anything. So, in 2016 Pine State Contracting was born. I love pine trees and how they smell specifically and knew I wanted a pine tree in my logo, so that’s how the name came about. Home renovations can be stressful for clients. What advice would you give to someone planning a major renovation to keep the process smooth and enjoyable?The more prepared you are, the more enjoyable it will be. Don’t just jump in blindly, set a REALISTIC budget for your project. Get a designer involved. Get referrals and research the contractor you hire- by now everyone should have a Google or Facebook page- its 2024! Or simply hire us and I promise you won’t be disappointed!We know every day in contracting is dierent, but what does a typical day look like for you and your team?In the morning, my guys show up to the job site, setup a safe workspace, and begin work on the tasks for the day. Meanwhile, my project manager or I will drive around and visit each job site to make sure things are running smoothly, answer phone calls, schedule, payment, order material, setup deliveries - all that boring stuff you don’t think about when planning a renovation!What’s the most rewarding part of transforming a space from concept to completion?Seeing an old & tired kitchen, bathroom or home project come to life. To restore the spaces to their max potential and greatness that the customer envisioned for that space. The Before & After hots are what it’s all about- especially with an extremely satisfied customer behind it!How can someone interested in working with Pine State Contracting get in touch? What’s the best way to reach out for a consultation or quote?Best way to reach us is to give us a call at 360-606-7633. If that’s not your thing, shoot us an email at pinestateinc@gmail.com.Can you tell us about your online presence? Where can people ﬁnd more information about your services, view past projects, or connect with you on social media? We have a vast online presence and you can find us on Google, Instagram (@ pine_state_inc), Facebook (Pine State Contracting, Inc) and our website – pinestateinc.com. We’d love for you to give us a follow and see what we’re all about!For those dreaming of a home makeover, what’s one trend you’re loving right now and think will stand the test of time?Light and Airy, Black and White with neutral colors. The Most classic tile is subway tile. It’s stood the test of time for decades. Even though it’s sometimes overdone and overused in my opinion, people still love it and want it. Bold selections and colors are fun and I prefer them because its something different and unique, but your audience shrinks exponentially when you go bold and that can make it much harder to sell that home.LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

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22SPARTANBURG ATHLETIC CLUBCOME PLAY WITH US!FALL JUNIOR TENNIS PEWEESTue/Thur 4-4:45PMFor Ages 8 and under Red ball clinics help beginnertennis players learn skills andbecome successful withbeginning point play andlearning stages of tennis. Jenn Keiner513-680-2994JR ACESTue/Thur 5-6PM For Ages 12 and under Orange and green ball clinicshelp advance players intohigher skills and match play.Green ball bridges players intofull court and yellow ball play. ELITE MATCHPLAYFITNESS LESSONSMon/Wed 4:30-6PM Fridays 4-5:30PMMon/Wed 3:30-4:15pm By AppointmentAges 12 and up or by invitationIn this level yellow ball playersfocus on strategy, stroketechnique and competitivepoint play that preparesplayers for tournaments andhigh school tennis.By invitation Offers competitive matches tohelp players develop playingstrategies with feedback fromcoaches so that they cancontinue to effectively improvetheir overall tennis game.For Ages 8 and upWork on speed, agility, andstrength training that is ageappropriate. Not just for tennistraining, but can help childrenimprove for all sports andoverall health. For Ages 5 and upWork on technique and skillsin an individual setting to bringyour game to a new level.Lessons are imperative totennis development andgrowth.

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26In the heart of the Lowcountry, The Inn at Palmetto Blu is a dreamy escape where Southern charm meets modern luxury. Think private cottages surrounded by moss-draped oaks, sunset river cruises, and spa treatments that melt your stress away. It’s the perfect spot for an intimate celebration, where you can sip sweet tea on the porch and toast to life’s special moments in style.If your idea of a perfect celebration includes farm-to-table feasts, cozy cabins, and breathtaking mountain views, Blackberry Farm is calling your name. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, this luxury resort oers bespoke experiences like private dinners, wine tastings, and outdoor adventures. It’s the ultimate retreat for foodies and nature lovers looking to celebrate in the most delicious way possible.For those who dream of a beachside celebration with a touch of Southern sophistication, The Cloister at Sea Island is the place to be. With its stunning Mediterranean-style architecture, pristine beaches, and Forbes Five-Star Spa, this resort is a top pick for milestone celebrations. Whether it’s a private beachfront dinner or a sunset sail, The Cloister promises an unforgettable experience by the sea.Tucked away in the charming town of Highlands, Old Edwards Inn and Spa is a haven of luxury and tranquility. With its European-style elegance, award-winning spa, and scenic mountain views, it’s the perfect backdrop for a girls’ getaway or a romantic anniversary escape. Spend your days exploring waterfalls, relaxing by the heated pools, or indulging in a personalized spa day—whatever makes your heart sing.If you’re drawn to the ocean’s call, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is the perfect place to celebrate. Just a short drive from Charleston, this luxurious resort oers stunning ocean views, ﬁve-star dining, and endless activities. Whether it’s a spa day, a round of golf, or a gourmet dinner overlooking the waves, this oceanfront oasis is the ideal spot for marking your special occasion.As Belle turns 20, we’re thrilled to share these top Southern resorts that embody the charm, elegance, and joy we’ve celebrated over the years. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash or an anniversary escape, these resorts of-fer everything you need for a truly memorable celebration. Here’s to making more memories—cheers to you!Swt Tea & SenityThe Inn at Palmetto Blu, Auberge Resorts CollectionBluffton, South CarolinaMountain MagicBlackberry FarmWalland, TennesseeCoastal EleganceThe Cloister at Sea IslandSea Island, GeorgiaMountain BliOld Edwards Inn & SpaHighlands, North CarolinaOceanont OasisThe Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf ResortKiawah Island, South CarolinaBELLE’S TOP 5 RESORTS FOR CELEBRATING SPECIAL MOMENTSThis month, as we celebrate Belle Magazine’s 20th anniversary, we’re taking a moment to share our favorite Southern resorts, perfect for celebrating life’s sweetest milestones. Whether it’s a birthday bash with your besties or an anniversary escape with your loved one, these handpicked spots offer all the charm, luxury, and unforgettable experiences you deserve. Here are our top five picks for a celebration to remember.onethrfotwofive

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29SHOP115 S Alabama Ave, Chesnee | (864) 612-6459MENTIONTHIS ADFOR 15%OFF!RoundBottomFarm.comMisses and Plus Sizesnow!60 minute treatments, Always one-on-oneIn office Mobile Telehealth Empowering yourjourney withpersonalized physicaltherapyContact us today!864-501-4456stephanie@fortisgreenville.comfortisptandpelvichealth.comWe work with adults 18+to reduce pain, leakage,prolapse, ab separation,and more to return themto the activities they lovemost. 430 Woodruff Rd, STE 325,Greernville, SC 29607Spartanburg’sTrusted Provider$179 New Patient ExamComplete oral health examOral cancer examDigital x-raysA full cleaning (in theabsence of gum disease)Personal consultationJas Bhattal, DDS,specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry.864-582-44411605 Drayton RoadSpartanburghillcrestfamilydentistry.comAt Hillcrest Family Dentistry, Dr. Bhattal offers a wide range ofservices, including crowns andbridges, tooth extractions, dentures,root canals, teeth cleaning, teethwhitening, and comprehensiveexams. Dr. Bhattal is also a certifiedInvisalign® provider.$89 Special! Take-Home TeethWhitening TraysTake-home teethwhitening trays allowyou to brighten yourteeth on your own time. 864-402-8445To Book Today:

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34BELLE’S BOOKSHELFWHEN THEWORLDTIPS OVERBY JANDY NELSONThe Fall siblings live in hot Northern California wine country, where the sun pours out of the sky, and the devil winds blow so hard they whip the sense right out of your head.Years ago, the Fall kids’ father mysteriously disappeared, cracking the family into pieces. Now Dizzy Fall, age twelve, bakes cakes, sees spirits, and wishes she were a heroine of a romance novel. Miles Fall, seventeen, brainiac, athlete, and dog-whisperer, is a raving beauty, but also lost, and desperate to meet the kind of guy he dreams of. And Wynton Fall, nineteen, who raises the temperature of a room just by entering it, is a virtuoso violinist set on a crash course for fame . . . or self-destruction.Then an enigmatic rainbow-haired girl shows up, tipping the Falls’ world over. She might be an angel. Or a saint. Or an ordinary girl. Somehow, she is vital to each of them. But before anyone can ﬁgure out who she is, catastrophe strikes, leaving the Falls more broken than ever. And more desperate to be whole.With road trips, rivalries, family curses, love stories within love stories within love stories, and sorrows and joys passed from generation to generation, this is the intricate, luminous tale of a family’s complicated past and present. And only in telling their stories can they hope to rewrite their futures.ABOUT THE AUTHOR //I have a BA from Cornell, an MFA in poetry from Brown and another MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. I mightgo back to school again sometime, to study art history and religion. I like to teach as well.I love rivers, really hot weather, poetry, art, Franz Marc and Marc Chagall, going to many movies in a row, going out to dinner, to France, to the symphony, orange and magenta, a couple wretched reality shows, Pierre Bonnard’s windows, tulips, night-blooming trees and people, myth, magic, music, solitude, sunlight on water, museums, gusto, geekiness, giants, absolutely all finger foods, so very many movies, GIRAFFES, dinner parties with my friends, redwood forests, late nights and early mornings, clunkyheelsand jewelry, being ridiculously in love.I adoreNorthern California, havelived in San Francisco for over twenty-seven years. I’ve recently painted my apartment walls orange like Lennie and Bailey do in The Sky Is Everywhere.I’m superstitious.Spiders profoundly freak me out.I daydream a lot.As spiritual beliefs go, I’m with Jude in I’ll Give You the Sun, who, after much travail, aspiresto be “a wobbly people pole that tries to bring joy into the world, not one that takes joyfrom it.” -Jandy

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36ALLISON ROMANINTERIOR DESIGNER AND CONTENT CREATORWhen Allison Roman turned her formal dining room into three smaller rooms (a mudroom, laundry room, and butler’s pantry) she nearly broke the internet, garnering 8.6 million views on her Instagram Reel. “It’s as if people are already thinking they want to get rid of their formal dining room, but need to see someone else do it ﬁrst,” explains Allison, a 38-year-old teach-er-turned-designer. “I think people like seeing something a little less conventional.” Her journey into interior design was unconventional, too. She spent a decade teaching elementary school before returning not only to her hometown, but also to her childhood neighborhood, taking on a massive renovation project and reigniting a love for design.When did you discover your passion for design? Looking back, I think it had always been in me. I was the kid who was constantly rearranging the furniture in my bedroom, manipulating my mom into letting me repaint my room on a random Saturday. After my husband and I got married, our ﬁrst two homes were cookie cutter builds. We would make our builder grade selections and then spend the next two years adding wallpaper, paint, and light ﬁxtures to snazzy the whole thing up. I LOVED that process, and from there started getting invitations to help my friends and family with their renovations and upgrades. How do you transition your home from summer to fall? I am a minimalist at heart and really despise clutter. Because of that, I try hard to limit my seasonal home decor. Saves me time and money too! When I’m transitioning from summer to fall, I usually just focus on these few things:Candles. I love seasonal scents and will change out the candles in our kitchen and bathrooms to match the season.Blankets. I do love a good pop of burnt orange or deep green in the fall! I’ll usually pull one of my cream or yellow blankets and replace it with a cozy orange one.Closets! I know this has nothing to do with home decor, but I’ll rearrange things so that the seasonal items are easier to reach and locate. This is especially helpful in the mudroom. I will move all the pool towels and sunscreen back upstairs and replace them with hats, book bags, and light sweaters.Do you prefer when clients are friends or strangers? Both scenarios have really great pros! One thing I love about working with friends is that I already have a really strong sense of their style and their risk tolerance. Plus, the trust is already there, and I ﬁnd that the project moves more quickly in the beginning. The con to working with friends is something called “scope creep.” Often, the project will begin to grow or we will discuss extra details on evenings and weekends and it’s a lot harder for me to charge appropriately for my time with close friends. After going through a major home renovation, would you do it again? Absolutely! In fact, I’m already getting the itch again. While we have no plans to move because this is our “forever” home at least until our girls graduate high school, I would really love to invest in a new project. I would love to purchase another rental property as a ﬁxer upper and do another full renovation.You seem to have a love for storage and organization tips. What’s been your most popular hack? I do! I think if everything has a place, then clean-up is a breeze! In general, the best hack is baskets. Baskets allow you to be organized without spending a ton of time folding and stacking and lining up. One of my most popular hacks is to give gifts in a basket instead of a gift bag. As a former elementary educator, where do your teacher vibes come through in your home? I taught at a private school that valued social emotional learning, and I’ll often use those techniques at home for conﬂict resolution between our kids and even adults. Also, one of my favorite things to do as a teacher was read aloud to my students. So, reading aloud to my kids at night is super fun. I love doing the voices and getting really into the story. I want it to come alive for them!National Day of Encouragement is celebrated in September. How do you like to encourage loved ones? I love that there is a National Day of Encouragement! What a wonderful reminder for all of us. One thing I’ve been conscious about doing lately is if someone crosses my mind for any reason, I go ahead and send them a text in that moment. Something as simple as “Just thought of you and wanted you to know!” For bigger things like surgeries or birthdays, I’ve realized that putting dates and events in my calendar helps to remember to check on my friends when that day comes. As adults we must be intentional in our friendships because it’s so easy to get busy and forget the small life moments.

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BELLE’S DIYWHAT YOU NEED2 oz gin2 oz pear puree Sparkling waterFresh thyme, for garnishPEAR PUREE:1 medium pear, peeled, cored and diced1 tbsp lemon juice1 tbsp honey2 tbsp waterThis September, as the cooler days of fall settle in, there's no better way to embrace the season than with a cocktail that captures the essence of autumn. This Pear & Thyme Gin Fizz is a refreshing blend of crisp gin and sweet pear puree, topped off with a splash of bubbly and a hint of fresh thyme. Whether you're toasting to the start of fall or simply savoring the flavors of the season, this cocktail is sure to be a favorite. Follow this simple DIY guide to mix up this delightful drink and welcome the fall in style!WHAT TO DOPEAR PUREE:Heat all ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer until pears are softened, about 10 minutes. Add more water if needed to prevent the pears from sticking.Remove from heat and let cool. Blend in a blender or food pro-cessor. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.This recipe makes enough for 2-3 cocktails, so feel free to double the recipe if needed.COCKTAIL:Place gin and pear puree in a shaker with ice cubes and shake to combine.Strain into a highball glass ﬁlled with ice.Top with soda or sparkling water and garnish with 1-2 fresh thyme sprigs.PEAR & THYME GIN FIZZ

Belle September 24

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