Mod City Mag turns one!

Our new limited-‐edition Vice Palette featuring 20 exclusive shades in a gorgeous compact for fall—an insanely gorgeous new palette that’s ALL about eyeshadow. All twenty new shades (yes, twenty!) were created exclusively for the palette—you’ve never seen these colors before because they are BRAND-‐freaking new…and you can’t find them anywhere else. With a range of mattes, shimmers, satins, neutrals and brights, there’s something for everyone. This limited-‐edition palette ($59) is available online at urbandecay.com starting 9/14 for and in stores like Sephora, ULTA and select Macy’s stores starting 9/27 for the holiday season.

Introducing…

Editor’s Letter Oh, my Mod Loves! Can you believe it? We have reached the one year mark and celebrating our birthday. My how time flies! I remember this time last year I was filled with so many emotions. I was about to launch my dream for the world to see. I felt exposed, excited, nervous, full of butterflies, hope, etc. Tonight I sit here and I am full of happiness. As I reflect on this last year I am just simply amazed. So much has happened, we as a magazine have grown so much and I as a person have grown so much because of this experience. Starting Mod City Mag has been the most rewarding experience and I can’t describe how happy it

Makes me that so many enjoy Mod City Mag. When I first envisioned Mod City Mag I wanted a place for the modern woman, a place where she could come to take a mental break to indulge in something fun, but able to get a lot out of. I wanted to create something that women of all backgrounds could come to one place and be able to find something that interests them. I believe the modern woman is multi-faceted. She likes many things and can’t really be forced to fit into one category all the time. To me, the Mod Woman could be a career-driven woman who is vegan, does yoga and has a passion for music. She could be a full-time career woman, full-time mommy who is seeking balance in life as she walks through it in the latest trends. She could be a college grad searching for a ‘real’ job, who loves Hollywood gossip, creating many diy projects on a dime, dreams about conquering the world, but still trying to find herself. Mod City Mag has become my passion and I work hard to keep that original vision going. It’s not hard to do when you have an amazing staff of writers that believe in what Mod City Mag stands for and consistently create content that women love, relate to and can be inspired by. I wouldn’t trade any of my writers or our readers for the world. Each of you inspires and motivates me on a daily basis. I hope you enjoy this very special first birthday edition of Mod City Mag and thank you for joining us as we celebrate our birthday. Be sure to stay tuned to ModCityMag.com because we have so many amazing and big things planned for you that we are working very hard on.

xoxo, Amy Wray

7 … Amy’s Fall Favorites 8 … A Mod Kind of Year 10 … Q&A with Ryan Bingham 11 … Foodies who Blog 15 … Fall Fashion Feature 22 … Let’s Celebrate

Leatherette Blazer, Wet Seal ($20); Ankle zip faux leather leggings, LeggingsQueen ($26); Blue v neck ribbed dress, DorothyPerkins.com ($79); Shea Sugar Scrub, Tree Hut ($8); Revlon Matte Lipstick in Wine Not, drugstores ($8); Steve Madden Kstudd in Gold Glitter, heels.com ($50)

Fall is finally here and as we transition our summer wardrobe into our fall wardrobe there are a few key items you may want to throw in there. Being the fashionista that I am, I am constantly wading through new trends, styles and designers. So it was hard for me to pick only a few of my fall favorites to share with you. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it! I managed to narrow it down to a few trends and tricks that I feel are most important this season. We are seeing lots of leather this fall and a great way to use this trend is by rocking a faux leather blazer or leggings. This gives a chic edge to your overall look. We are also

seeing navy dresses becoming the new little black dress. Our feet will thank us for the latest trend in footwear. Flats are making a fashionable return and this time they’re embellished with sparkles and studs. Lips are making a big statement this fall and it is all about the wine stained lip color. A beauty must-have for this season and every season is a sugar scrub to keep your face and body feeling smooth and give you a glow. With these key trends you can head into fall fashionably without having to invest in a whole new wardrobe!

Ashley Bellamy Urban Mom A few months ago my father brought me some old report cards from back when I was in elementary school. Mixed in with all of those B's and C's was my senior memory book. I had forgotten all about that thing! While browsing through it I found the spot where we wrote what we wanted to go to college for or what we wanted to be when we ‘grew up.’ There in that very spot I had wrote that I wanted to be a writer. It was at that moment that I remembered my dreams for myself when I was younger. Since I had my daughter when I was young I put my professional life on hold and focused on raising and providing for her. Ten years later, my dream of writing came true. It’s funny how things have a way of working themselves out and happening when you least expect it. When Amy first started talking to me about starting Mod City Mag, I offered to write a mom-type article if she wanted. She said yes and we were both thrilled. I must say that it is one of the greatest things to happen to me. I have learned a lot in the last year. Not only about myself, but also about the kind of mother I am. I've slowed down and taken more time to do more activities with my kids and I've started making me time when I sit down to write once a week. My kids are my constant inspiration so I am never short of ideas, which is definitely very helpful. I really look forward to watching Mod City Mag grow even more in the years to come. It’s been such an exciting ride already, and I know it will only get better!

A Mod Kind Of Year

Amy Wray Editor in Chief In a way it is hard to believe it has been a year already. What a year it has been, too! When I look back at where we were a year ago and where we are today, I can’t help but smile. We have grown so much and each time becoming better and better. We’ve come a long way in just one year! Mod City Mag has been the best decision I have made thus far in my life. It has challenged me, rewarded me and taught me so much both professionally and personally. Most of all it has been there for me. A few months ago I lost my grandmother, one of the closest people to me. She was such a big supporter and believer in Mod City Mag. When she died I poured myself into Mod City Mag even more and it has helped me cope. I dedicate this very special birthday issue in memory of my grandmother, Louise. I know she would be tickled pink and proud of both me and of what Mod City Mag has become.

Betsy Wray Healthy Living It is hard to believe it's already been a year! The past year has been full of lots of good food, lots of research, a little bit of writers block + brain farts, some missed deadlines + frustration, but nothing compares to how cool it is that me simply writing about food has inspired people to get in their kitchens and make the recipes I wrote about. People from all over the world have read about my crazy love for food and that is just BONKERS! Writing for Mod City Mag has taken me out of my comfort zone, I mean I would have never even imagined writing about food for everyone to see, but that has just forced me to grow and explore food in whole new way. I want to thank Amy for making me go out of my comfort zone and join her in this crazy Mod City Mag adventure. And all you other food lovers out there who read my articles, THANK YOU! I like knowing I'm not so crazy for loving all things food - thanks for sharing my love of food. This past year has been a whirlwind, but I have absolutely loved being apart of something that is sure to take the world by storm!

Stephanie Noel Music I still remember signing the writing agreement to write for Mod City Mag with editor Amy Wray in Nashville last October. I was nervous since I had minimal writing experience on a publication level, but was excited to put my passion for music on paper (sort of speak). Now a year later I can’t imagine what the past year would have been like without it. In May I made the decision to leave my job at major record label in Nashville. It was a hard thing to do but I knew it was the best decision for my life at the time. As cliché as it may sound, Mod City Mag was really there for me during this transition. When I left Nashville, I feared I was leaving my life’s passion. I was afraid I would not have the opportunities I once had. I couldn’t imagine waking up in the morning and not working with music. However, since devoting more time to my music column with Mod City, it’s opened numerous doors and has provided me with endless opportunities to grow my industry knowledge and contacts. I am blessed to be able to work with artists from major labels to those releasing their own music and I love every minute of it. My favorite part of writing for Mod City is connecting with the artists on a personal level. Whether it is through interviews or simple Twitter interactions, I love getting to know people in a deeper way. I can’t thank Amy Wray and the rest of the Mod City Mag staff enough for their love and support over the past few months. Thank you all for reading and supporting the publication as well! We couldn’t have made it through the first year without your support as well! Happy 1st Birthday Mod City Mag! Cheers!

Charissa Livingston Fashion & Lifestyle I started writing for Mod City Magazine in early August, I wanted to expand my experience and write for an inspirational and empowering magazine. Mod City Magazine is first and foremost, dedicated to the Urban Woman. Women have varied interests. Whether you're a mom, a cook, a music buff, or fashionista (like myself) MCM provides the latest in all facets of your lives. I'm really excited to be a part of the growth, we have such an amazing staff! I love the direction of MCM, we're crafty and stylish and truly meet all interests in the urban women's life! It's not just about fashion, style, and celebrity gossip, MCM is about enjoying life!

What is your favorite part about touring? A big part of it for me is not really knowing what’s going to happen when you get there. I mean you kind of have an idea but anything is possible. You never know what kind of characters you’re going to meet out there or what kind of situations you might get into. It’s a weird mix of being vulnerable and guarded at the same time. Keeps you on your toes. You seem to really use social media especially Twitter what ways do you feel social media has helped build your career? It’s definitely been a great way of getting to know the fans, and I guess for them to get to know me a little better as well. Sometimes the songs can be very personal and I think it helps when people have at least a little bit of an understanding of who I am and why I might be writing some of these songs. At the end of the day I can only go out on the road and play if the fans come out to the shows and want to hear it. Social media is great way of strengthening the connection with fans. Many artists now a day are creating lyric videos for their songs and posting them on Youtube...you made one for your single "Heart of Rhythm" but did something a little more creative. What inspired the paint idea? I recorded the record in a friend’s house out here in Los Angeles. It was a big empty room and I wanted to hang some artwork on the wall to help inspire some of the songs. One day I just started painting out the lyrics and hanging them on the walls everywhere. When the idea of the Lyric video came up my wife suggested that I paint out the lyrics like I did in the studio. What are you hoping to achieve over the next year in your career? I don’t know if I’m really out to achieve anything. I just want to sustain and keep moving forward. I’m kind of ready for whatever wants to come my way. I feel like success and happiness are two separate things. I’m more concerned about being happy. For more information head to his BinghamMusic.com or follow him on Twitter at @ryanbingham.

It’s been two years in the making and this week Ryan Bingham has released his fourth full-length album Tomorrowland. In celebration of both our 1st birthday and Bingham’s album, he was kind enough to take some time to answer a few questions about the album, the upcoming tour and life.

By Stephanie Noel

with Ryan Bingham

Mod City Mag: It's been two years since you released Junky Star and this week you released Tomorrowland. What's the process been like creating and releasing this album? Ryan Bingham: Well I took some time off this past year and it was a nice thing. I had a lot of time to reflect and think about what I wanted to do with this record. It’s a lot more focused in an electric kind of way, which was a great experiment, and a welcome change of scenery for me. I’m releasing this record on my own label as well so things have a definitely evolved into a new direction. Do you feel this record differs in sound at all from your others? Yeah, I think it does. I pretty much played all the guitars on the album so it definitely has a more personal feel to me. It’s definitely a bigger and louder record than Junky Star. Is there an overall theme or message throughout Tomorrowland? For me it’s more of an observation than it is a theme. It’s kind of a “This is where I’ve been, and Here is where I want to go” type of thing. When writing new music, where does most of your inspiration stem from? Mostly from living. The places I go, the people I meet. A little bit of the past and a lot of the present. More or less I think the songs are about how the world and everything in it makes me feel. You are about to hit the road for a fall tour throughout the US and overseas, any cities you are really looking forward to going to? You know I’m actually looking forward to all them. Even the smaller towns in between that we pass through. Every city seems to have its own unique twist and I enjoy the adventure of trying to find out what it is.

Food blogs have become huge. There is one for anything and I love that! I could spend hours going through them. I love finding different flavor combinations, seeing what people are eating and finding new recipes to try. If you’re in a food rut or just looking for some inspiration, spend some time food blog hopping. But first, take a moment to check out a few of my favorites!

By Betsy Wray

What is your favorite guilty pleasure snack/meal that you're most embarrassed of enjoying? Sometimes I like to put ketchup on my salad. I know. I know. It's weird. But it kinda tastes like Thousand Island dressing without the mayo. I do not like mayo. Do you have any tips or advice for someone who is new to being in the kitchen? Have fun! It's OK to make mistakes. Flops happen all the time. Don't let them intimidate you. Learn from your mistakes and pay attention to what went wrong. Rome wasn't built in a day!! It’s just food. Who or what inspires you when it comes to food/recipes? I get a lot of inspiration when I go out to eat. I'm always trying to figure out flavor profiles. Sometimes when I want to kill time on the internet, I read menus from restaurants I've never been to to see what kinds of things they have to offer. I also get a lot of inspiration from magazines like Bon Appetit, Everyday Food, as well as Food & Wine. It also helps that my closest friend, Joy of Joy the Baker is also way into food. We text food ideas back and forth to each other. Sometimes we podcast about it! It’s ridiculously inspiring.

Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Shutterbean has been one of my favorite blogs for quite some time. I love the variety you will find on her blog from yummy desserts to kale salads to fresh juices to alcoholic drinks - there is a little something for everyone. And anyone who openly admits they will laugh when someone falls, considers going to Target as a hobby, and orders a kale salad with a plate of fries is someone I can instantly relate to. If you're looking for a new meal to try, some organizing tips or a new podcast to make you laugh, Tracy is your girl to turn to!

What is your all time favorite, must have kitchen tool? My Wustof Santoku 7 inch knife. A good/sharp knife is key. I actually travel with it. Since it is our birthday issue, what is your favorite birthday cake you've had or your favorite birthday food traditions? Oooh! Carrot cake. Hands down. That cream cheese frosting Gets. Me.Every.Time. Plus, it's kinda healthy riiight? Carrots? Anyone?

My Favorites of Tracy Tuscan Kale Salad with Pecorino Banana Nut Waffles Corn Zucchini Lime Pizza Kale Salad with Coconut and Sesame Oil

foodies who blog

11

Jessica Merchant of HowSweetItIs.com

I came across How Sweet It Is only a few months ago from a recipe found on Pinterest. After stumbling upon the site, I ended up spending a good hour or so going through the rest of her site finding recipe after recipe that made my mouth water. It is now a blog I read multiple times a week and one I will automatically go to when i need some new food inspiration. I love Jessica's balance of healthy and indulgent - it's the best of both worlds. What is your favorite guilty pleasure snack/meal that you're most embarrassed of enjoying? Do it yourself s'mores bowls! I fix a makeshift graham crust in a bowl with butter and graham cracker crumbs, add some marshmallow fluff and mini chocolate chips. Embarrassingly delicious. What is your absolute favorite thing about food? How it brings people together. That's by far the best part. What is your favorite recipe you've featured on your blog & why? This is like asking me to pick my favorite song or movie or snack food. It's just impossible. I love these homemade Snickers bars, though. What is your favorite memory involving food? All spur-of-the-moment get togethers with my family. We have them randomly and often. Why did you want to blog about food? I didn't - my blog was initially supposed to be more lifestyle based. But when I began, I was stuck in a dead end job, my husband worked until fairly late, and I just didn't have much of a life to blog about. I always cooked though, so blogging about food came about naturally. It was the only interesting thing in my life. Guess that worked out pretty well.

My Favorites of Jessica

BBQ Cheddar Chickpea Burgers Brown Butter Garden Vegetable Pasta White Peach Cardamom Crumble Caramelized Pineapple Quesadilla

Megan DeKok of TakeAMegaBite.com I was first drawn to Take A Megabite by her photos. Always so artfully put together, which is no surprise after finding out she is an Art Director. As a fellow redhead who also loves to spend most of my time in the kitchen, I almost immediately felt like I could relate. When I feel like baking, Megan's blog is the place I turn. So many yummy recipes to get me inspired. What is your absolute favorite thing about food? I love everything! I love how a few simple ingredients can be so magical and how some foods are good at being both sweet and savory. I love how creative you can be with it. Each meal and snack is fun!

What is your biggest kitchen/recipe disaster? Last fall, I attempted to make pumpkin pie pops, and added WAY too much evaporated milk. It was very liquid-y… I then tried to bake them into mini muffin-size pies and they never firmed up. Doing dishes after a kitchen disaster and homemade piecrust sure isn't fun. But now I know to make sure I double-check my measurements! Do you have any tips or advice for someone who is new to being in the kitchen? Make what you really really want. If it's something you know you'll love you won't mind spending the time on it. What is your favorite memory involving food? When I was little, my mom would occasionally make strawberry shortcake for dinner for a special treat. It was my favorite! Who or what inspires you when it comes to food or recipes? My mom! Childhood favorites definitely inspire me. I like to adapt them to what I like now, while keeping their integrity. I'm also inspired by Matt Bites, and others who've made a career out of the food photography/styling business. Since it is our birthday issue, what is your favorite birthday cake you've had or your favorite birthday food traditions? I loved having checkerboard cake as a kid. Once, my mom made mini french silk pies for my friends and I instead of a birthday cake. It was my favorite!

My Favorites of Megan

Zucchini Quesadilla Sweet Pretzels S'more Pop Tarts Almond Mini Donuts with Cherry Glaze

Lindsay Landis of LoveAndOliveOil.com I first heard about Love and Olive Oil last summer when I went to an event in Nashville with Curtis Stone. Lindsay was one of the panelist so when I got home I checked out her blog. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the recipes. There is a little bit of everything on her blog and lots of flavor combinations that I wouldn't think of but just find so delicious! Also, if you are a cookie dough lover, she just released a cookbook for you! I just have to mention how much I adore this little notepads? I love making my grocery lists on them... so cute! What is your biggest kitchen/recipe disaster? Piecrust. My biggest kitchen disasters always seem to involve piecrust… go figure. What is your favorite recipe you've featured on your blog & why? I have to say the Cookie Dough Truffles.. they are still to this day the most popular post, and the inspiration for my recently published cookbook, The Cookie Dough Lover's Cookbook. That recipe really started it all. Why did you want to blog about food? Initially it was just to record our meals and share our recipes with family and friends. But it has grown into so much more.

Who or what inspires you when it comes to food/recipes? Cravings, typically. I'll have a spark of inspiration or random craving and will have no choice but to act on it and bake something. Since it is our birthday issue, what is your favorite birthday cake you've had or your favorite birthday food traditions? I made a cake for my husband's birthday last year, a dark chocolate cake with red wine, layered with blackberry preserves and a whipped vanilla butter cream. It was pretty fantastic; he still talks about it to this day.

My Favorites of Lindsay Fruit & Herb Lemonade Summer Peach and Balsamic Pizza Roasted Broccoli and Asparagus Salad Quinoa Cakes with Lemon, Olive and Parsley

Hello autumn! I don't know about you, but fall is my favorite time of year! The air is crisp and clean, a feeling of excitement lingers, the temperature is perfect, and oh the clothes are to-die-for! This month, Mod City Mag's very own fashionista (this girl) will be taking you on a festive journey. Before New York Fashion Week tells us what we need to wear next spring, we should probably figure out what to wear now! This season's fall trends: anything goes! Leather, lace, preppy, polka dots and of course the 60s are making a huge comeback! Allow me to introduce my must-wear brands of the season, Iris v. Arnim, Isabel Lu, John & Jen, and A+RO! Whether you're looking for chic and comfy, the perfect work wardrobe or something to rock at your next event, Mod City Mag has you covered!

With their latest collection from the designers of LINE Knitwear, designer duo John Muscat and Jennifer Wells are back at it again! Debuting their first ever Fall Collection, John & Jenn introduce fun and flirty knitwear! Showcasing two very distinct looks, the designs give you a downtown girl feel focusing on faux furs trim, leopard, sequins, sexy color blocking combinations and clean cut lines for all silhouettes. Contrasting the city feel, John & Jenn also offer a warm cozy country feel with their recent collection with cable and thermal knits, novelty sweater coats, combined with neon hues for accent giving a sporty chic ski feel. Mod loves the moody rich palette of merlot and deep berry tones, shades of denim inspired blues, khaki, warm taupe and champagne colours along with surprise accents of royal purple, hunter orange, and cobalt blue. Sequined cropped crews and oversized tunics deliver a daytime glamour. And the best part is, nothing is retailed more then $150! The John & Jen Fall 2012 collection can be purchased at Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew, and over 300 fine specialty retailers across the North America.

By Charissa Livingston


Isabel Lu's essence is immersed in the concept of classic silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and an innovative edge to each garment. Designer Sophia Kim was born with an inherent style and love of fashion. From day one her love affair with design was inspired from her personal desire for individuality and creativity. In 1996, Sophia honed in on her design skills and became creative director of a young contemporary line based in Los Angeles. There she perfected her knowledge of the business with a "hands on" approach. After years of accolades on multiple levels designing for other brands, Sophia Kim found it time to branch out on her own and present to the fashion world her very own vision. This month's highlighted collection is, of course, the latest FW wear! The Isabel Lu FW collection is a perfect combination of innocence and edge making the designs appropriate for work, a night out, or afternoon function! Mod Fashionistas of course love the comfort and luxurious feel of the fabrics and rank the collection a must-have, must-wear for fall!

KEEP CALM AND

LOVE IT

Find out what it’s all about at loveit.com!

With the preppy school girl look being a huge hit this fall, upcoming brand A+RO have just the pieces to rock it with their latest FW collection! A+RO is a contemporary knit line that combines chic comfort with superior quality, at an affordable price point. Each design is made from select luxe yarn blends with an amazing hand-feel. The next it label combines luxurious knits with a casually chic vibe to create a collection of understated must-have pieces. Simplicity meets elegance! Featuring classic long draped, crew neck, and pull over sweaters that are instantly updated with the addition of slashes, netting, and artwork patterns; ranging in hues from fuchsia, peach, navy and lemon. But Mod Fashionistas aren't the only ones with our eyes on A + RO! Recently spotted wearing the Adele Sweater in New York City was Gossip Girl's own Leighton Meester. Can you say must-have?


September is the perfect time to shop your autumn wardrobe. Fall is the season when clothes become all about comfort. The days are a bit shorter, evenings are longer and the most joy from life comes from sitting by a fire or enjoying a fall festival all bundled up. Although more clothing is necessary this time of year, who says your layers can't be worn fashionably and comfortably? Brand of the season: Iris v. Arnim does just this. Made from the finest cashmere's, Iris v. Arnim is about creating your own way, instead of going with the flow. The brand perfects what is already perfect! In Iris von Arnim’s words: ‘You don’t wear cashmere, you feel it.’ Iris von Arnmin discusses her ideas when first opening today's fabric IT brand, “I didn’t want my pullovers to look self-knitted anymore. They were supposed to look like self-bought”. During her opening in 1978, she was one of ten creative heads who drew attention to fashion ‘made in Germany’, giving it a whole new and unique image. Today, 30 years later, Iris von Arnim is the only label whose founder still works as the head designer and leads her company independently. Iris von Arnim set the trend in the 70s with a rainbow pullover made of finest angora. She realized that quality and rebellion are not mutually exclusive. She introduced new processing techniques, and to this very day she is only satisfied when the new collection forms an intrinsic whole, down to the last detail. The next generation is now taking on the responsibility for the label. Together with his mother, Valentin von Arnim is taking the 25 employees successfully into the future. Iris von Arnim has a mono brand store on the North German island of Sylt and several shop-in-shops and can also be purchased online at www.irisvonarnim.com.



Throwing your baby's first birthday holds many emotions… happiness, joy, excitement, fear and anxiety. It's such an exciting time when your baby turns one, but it is also sad. Your baby is no longer a baby but moving forward into toddlerhood. It can feel as if this change happens overnight. Watching children grow is amazing. Every day is different and every day you are one day closer to your baby being grown. I myself have thrown three first birthday parties for my babies. I wouldn't call myself a professional party planner but I am pretty darn good at it. First thing is first, a budget. Like most things, birthday parties cost money and if you don't set a budget for yourself you can find yourself getting out of control and spending way more money than you thought you would. There is no right or wrong answer here. Do what is most comfortable for you. After you have decided on a budget you will want to decide on a venue. If you have the room, I always recommend doing them at home or a family member's house if they are willing. Parks can be a good idea too, but when doing something outside you will have to worry about Mother Nature. If you are looking for someplace more fun and have the money to spare, there are a variety of places that do parties for kids. In my area there are places like Run, Jump & Play or Pump it Up. Dance studios and places that do gymnastics sometimes offer party packages as well. Now, its time to pick a theme. This is probably one of my most favorite parts of throwing a party! This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. Party City offers a wide variety of themes. They have both boys and girls first birthday themes that are super adorable. If you don't want a first birthday theme they have about any character theme that you can think of. If you don't want a character theme they also offer plain colored or patterned party supplies. Now decide when you are going to hold the party, timing is everything and the time of your party says a lot. If you are wanting to serve a meal for your party guests I recommend 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. for a lunch party and 5 p.m. -7 p. m. for dinner. If you are not wanting to serve a meal, then I would go with the in-between time slot of 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Little kids do tend to get overwhelmed easily so keeping parties at 2 hours maximum is always a good idea. It's also a good idea to pick the time around your baby's nap schedule. A well rested baby is a happy baby!

Now for the menu, what is a party without food? If you are doing a meal I recommend getting something that's already prepared such as chicken, pizza or burgers from your favorite place. Getting something that is already prepared can take some of the stress out of what is going to be an already hectic day. If you want to cook yourself, I would stick to simple things like hamburgers, hot dogs or even something like a taco bar where everyone can fix what they want. If you aren't doing a meal you can choose to stick with just cake and ice cream or you can add some snacks in there as well like chips and salsa and a fruit or veggie tray. You may also want to make your own cake (this is what I always do). This is certainly the cheaper option, but it is also more time-consuming. Remember... only do what you feel you have time for. You don't want to spread yourself too thin so you can enjoy this moment with your family and friends.

First Birthday Must-Haves - Have your camera ready with extra batteries - A mini cake or cupcake for your baby to chow down on. This makes for some great photo opportunities. - A cute backup birthday outfit. With kids, you really just never know what is going to happen. - Remember to have fun! Throwing a birthday party can get hectic and stressful, so make sure you slow down and enjoy your baby turning one, it only happens once!

Baby’s first Birthday! By Ashley Bellamy

One of the most exciting things of planning a birthday party, or any party for that matter, is choosing a theme. Whether a child or adult, we all love it. Okay, so maybe that isn't true, but I do love it even when it's just helping my kids choose theirs! The truth is, the sky really is the limit when it comes to ideas for party themes. As I discovered ideas for this article, I found myself mentally planning not only my kids' birthday parties over the next few years, but also parties for my husband and myself, too. Pinterest only feeds into the party planning frenzy. There are ideas upon ideas most of which you can recreate yourself. Check out these great themes!

Pick a theme, any theme! By Ashley Bellamy

Kid Themes Mickey or Minnie Mouse Super Heroes Princess Circus Pirates

Adult Themes Old Hollywood Decade Party Sports Team Country Western Age Themed Party

Bring the Beats!

“I Cry” - Flo Rida “You’ve Changed” - Sia “1Nite” - Cobra Starship

“Dance Again: - Jennifer Lopez Feat. Pitbull “Heads Will Roll”- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

“Day ’N’ Nite”- The CDM Chartbreakers “Turn This Club Around”- R.I.O

“Turn Up The Music”- Chris Brown “Cameo Lover”- Kimbra “Electric Feel” - MGMT

“My Life Is A Party”- ItaloBrothers “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”- Skillex

“Miss Independent”- Ne-Yo “Anything Could Happen”- Ellie Goulding

“Bass Get Smooth”- The Mobb

By Stephanie Noel

Know your guests. Are your guests’ huge chocolate fans? Do some hate cake or dislike fruit? Is anyone gluten-free or vegan? You can spend lots of time planning and preparing the most impressive of desserts, but if your guests don't like certain foods or follow specific diets, your desserts will not be appreciated how you hoped. A big way to make sure you desserts are a huge hit is to make sure you know your guests likes and dislikes and specific diet needs. What will the atmosphere be? Will it be a sit down event or will you need finger food desserts? No one wants to have to juggle plates and utensils, a drink, and napkins all while standing and chatting. Know how the desserts will be served so your guests can easily enjoy them. Is there a dessert theme? Will you be having an ice cream bar, a DIY cookie-decorating bar, a s’mores party, chocolate fountain, etc? If you're having the dessert revolve around one type of dessert, add variety. Multiply different types of flavors, toppings, syrups, etc. That way there is something for everyone and it is easily customizable. Don't overwhelm yourself. If you're intimidated by being in the kitchen, keep things simple. Don't try to make the most elaborate desserts. Sometimes the simpler, the better. If you're making more than one dessert, plan some that you can make a day or 2 before the party so you only have one or two to make day of. Always free feel to enlist the help of others. Have them help bake or decorate.

Desserts are always a big part of throwing a party, but how do you decide what to make? A cake out of a box may not seem special enough, maybe you've made cake pops for your past three parties and want something new, or maybe you just simply want to impress your guests. No matter what the reason, the dessert menu can be a little intimidating. If you're planning a party, there are a couple things to keep in mind when planning your dessert menu. If you really want to impress, keep these tips in mind.

By Betsy Wray

Sweet Treats

All the ladies here at Mod City Mag want to say thank you to each and every one of you. Without your support, love and interest we wouldn’t be who we are or what we have become. Are goal at Mod City Mag is to provide you with an enjoyable space on the internet that you can come to again and again for information, empowerment and inspiration. We hope you continue with us on this journey, we have some incredible things planned that we just know you’re going to love!

Love, Amy, Ashley, Betsy, Charissa and Stephanie

Mod City Mag turns one!

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