PASSIONS | by DEBRA PRINZING and ROBIN AVNI

THERE ARE GARDENERS. THERE ARE VEGETABLE GROWERS. And then there are those who just like sittin’ around on their outdoor deck and reading a good book or indulgent fashion magazine.

The backyard has grown from a boring, water-hogging lawn to an inspiring, multi-functional space attempting to achieve everything a woman and her family could ever want or need without her family having to venture any farther than the backyard. That prosaic patch of grass is now a fresh-air room for living, dining and entertaining, containing canopy, pool and stylish shed.

It’s no secret that vegetable growing has become the largest DIY category in gardening. But it’s not only moms who are planting carrots and beans with their school-age kids; twenty-something gals are gravitating to the idea of growing their own. Orchards, herb gardens and veggie patches are being squeezed onto apartment balconies and condominium patios, as well as vertical spaces and rooftops.

The net result is that gardening and cooking will overlap with even great frequency in the coming year. Homemade food from homegrown produce is where it’s at — forget additives.

The culinary explosion isn’t only with vegetables: Fruit, berries and herbs are taking a starring role in landscapes. The new garden is a blend of edibles and ornamentals, feeding a family with nature and nurture alike. It’s not just farm to table, but front lawn to lunch box, too.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc and Debra Prinzing. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.

CONNECTIONS | by ROBIN AVNI

TALK A LITTLE. TWEET A LITTLE. TALK. TWEET. TALK. Talk a lot. Tweet a little more.

The numbers are constantly changing, yet remain astonishing: Women online, Facebook friends, and tweets a day, an hour, a minute.

The explosion of social media and the implosion of traditional media have forever altered the new-media landscape. Goodbye Gourmet, hello Chow.

There are now gadgets galore, many of them actually stylish (finally!). Moms have learned to txt. New photos no longer gather shoebox dust but are more like digital debris cramming the virtual pipes. Younger women, not surprisingly, are the most technically talented, and like lettin’ their geek flag fly. But all ages love the social network.

In 2010, it doesn’t really matter if she is working the apps on an iPhone or setting up shop in the local Starbucks with her designer netbook, because whatever the technology affords, the motivation is simple: connecting. It’s not about the tools, it’s about the “talk”.

With the enhanced ability to communicate with friends, family and, now, companies, the ongoing dialogue is here to stay.

As a result, user-generated content will multiply exponentially and savvy corporations will take note and begin to sort and sift through the various voices — and listen. Since women control about $20 trillion in annual consumer spending, it is well worth the time and resources to find a way to make the connection.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO 

SUSTAINBLE LIVING | by CELESTE TELL and ROBIN AVNI

THE NOTION THAT THE GREAT RECESSION was going to kill the growing green movement was part of a great debate this past year. Many companies expected that cost-conscious consumers would lose interest. What surfaced from the economic haze, instead, was the emergence of a new pragmatism embracing the ideals of restraint and simplicity.

Clean, healthy living focused on reuse and recycling, efficiency and a concern for the world at large. Coincidentally, the same ideas lie at heart of the green movement.

A synergy was born, with a twist of good old American practicality. It turns out that green is thrifty, and thrifty is as American as apple pie. Just like our mothers and grandmothers always told us.

Which is why it’s only natural to see today’s woman poised to lead the charge, embracing a “cradle to cradle” attitude.

After all, home is where it all begins — from organic produce to non-toxic cleaning products. Whatever touches the kitchen, bathroom and garden becomes the first step for evaluation and potential consumer adoption.

In the coming year, this shift from fringe awareness to common knowledge will grow dramatically as the value proposition becomes clearer: More bang for the buck. It’s all about making smart, informed purchasing decisions based on good, relevant information.

Save money. Profect family. Contribute to the community. While she may think global, when it comes to green, she clearly acts local.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc and Celeste Tell. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.

DESIGN | by ROBIN AVNI

NOT SO LONG AGO, THE WORD “CRAFT” MEANT a barely endearing popsicle-stick project from camp. Or maybe that scarf or sweater knit by a maiden aunt in Michigan for a belated (and never worn) birthday gift.

Who knew that as fast as the career-driven women of the ’70s ran away from what homemade meant to them — being tied to the kitchen and chores — that some 30 years later they would turn around and, with their daughters an indie-inspired step ahead of them, eagerly return to the warm embrace of crafting, canning and cake-baking.

Before you could say Martha or macramé, the crafting business has grown up and become a 30-billion-dollar+ industry with no let-up in sight. Don’t be misled by those who say it’s based only on recessionary need.

As anyone who crafts already knows, it’s not about saving money. It’s about the community, sharing tips and secrets, strutting your stuff — and dishing with the girls. It doesn’t matter if they are quilting, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, beading or baking.

This next year the appreciation continues and the worlds of craft, art and manufacturing intersect more than they ever have in the past. The handmade touch is influencing design in furniture, food, fashion, even makeup, and creating a mainstream appreciation for these types of products.

Those women who have always done — and known — are just smiling and trying hard not to say: I told you so.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.

CURATING | by ROBIN AVNI

THE CONNOISSEUR IS BACK: that discriminating girlfriend with the exquisite taste who has a great knack for collecting the well-designed, unique objects that all admire, covet and strive to find.

The difference this time around? The number. Recent years had been all about the many. Or rather, how many, how much and what the heck, why not? Last year, as we all know, that came to a screeching halt and everyone recalibrated.

Moving forward, self-control is the guiding principle for the next couple of years. And as the consumer dips her toe back into the marketplace, it’s all about the power of one. Single item. Signature piece. Object of desire.

One woman’s discerning taste in antique collectibles is another’s found object at the swap meet. Or, one’s trash is another’s treasure. But all are discovered with the educated, ever-scrutinizing eye of the beholder.

This isn’t to say the high-end is out. Actually, far from it. Once again, the rich really are different.

Take, for example, the 1795 U.S. reed-edged, million-dollar penny. To be exact, it was $1.3 million for a single cent. Also fetching a high price at the fall auctions was Andy Warhol’s “200 One Dollar Bills”, for $43.7 million — that’s $218,500 for each buck.

Then back to reality, where at the opposite end sit the dollar stores, everything costing one dollar but usually worth much less.

The point? The new connoisseur is everywoman. At every price point.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.

STORYTELLING | by SHERRY STRIPLING and ROBIN AVNI

IF STORYTELLING HAS A BEGINNING, MIDDLE AND END, we are back at the beginning — threading narration through every aspect of our lives. From blogs to self-published books, we find ways that allow us to record our lives 24/7 and successfully put storytelling into the hands of millions.

Women are telling personal, compelling stories that tie together their individual values, ever-evolving sense of self-worth, and the “tribal connections” of a new patchwork quilt of families and friends. What was once under lock and key in diaries is now sent out with a blessing and shared in a very public arena for all to see, read, hear or watch. While some seek notoriety, most simply long to be heard.

In the coming year, the trend to savor experiences instead of acquiring possessions will continue to accelerate: the family reunion or once-in-a-lifetime trip, the personal journey or latest passion, a granddaughter’s first step, the last vacation with an aging parent. How best to appreciate the experience? By sharing and boasting through storytelling, of course.

It’s not just the individual; corporations have stories to tell, too. Or, in some cases, a lot of explaining to do. Now is the time for smart companies to tell their stories about their origins and artisans. To tell how (and why) they’re in it for the long haul.

Once upon a time, companies asked consumers for testimonials. Now it’s essential they provide multi-channel venues so their constituencies can get the feel-good bounce of connecting with each other about their experiences, purchases and lives.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc and Sherry Stripling. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.

 SUSTAINABLE LIVING | by CELESTE TELL

REGARDLESS OF WHAT HOLIDAY(S) YOU CELEBRATE this time of year — and we celebrate several in our house — light is always a factor, adding warmth and brightness to the short days and dark nights. And, oh, by the way, the lights use a bit of electricity. So what could be better than solar holiday lighting?

SOURCE: AMAZON.COM

While solar-powered landscape lighting has been around for a while, the idea of decorative or indoor solar lighting is just beginning to take off commercially. IKEA has a new solar-powered desk lamp. But the most exciting thing is solar-powered string lights. They work just like traditional outdoor string lights, except instead of the power end having to snake around the house to an electrical outlet, there is a stake with a little solar panel on the end. Just stab it into the ground where it can get some sun (or, here in Seattle, some gray light) and it will store enough power to juice the lights for 6 to 8 hours at night. No electricity, no extension cords. Pretty sweet.

Googling will bring up a variety of options to order online or purchase locally. And there are all different designs, materials and sizes. From high end to low end there is something for everyone.

PASSIONS | by MOLLY MARTIN

FEW THINGS WARM A COLD WINTER DAY or a holiday potluck like a big pot of glögg. The Nordic spiced drink fills the air with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, clove and orange, then soothes the body with its heat, alcohol and tradition.

Glögg SYRUP, SATURNUS OF SWEDEN

Basic glögg (sounds like “glug”) starts with a full-bodied wine and spices, but recipes vary by household: Often brandy, vodka, port, Madeira and/or sherry are added. A dark-berry juice (traditionally black currant) can replace all the alcohol for a driver-friendly version — or the glögg can be boiled to evaporate the spirits, but what’s the point of that? You can take a shortcut by simply adding wine (or juice) to readymade glögg syrup. And some recipes call for lighting the glögg on fire to caramelize sugar cubes before adding to the mix.

If you prefer a less volatile approach:

Glögg
Makes 1 quart
7 whole cloves
5 whole allspice berries
4 cardamom pods
2 sticks cinnamon
1 vanilla bean, split
1 3-inch-by-1-inch piece orange zest
1750-ml. bottle burgundy or cabernet sauvignon wine
1 cup water
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup blanched almonds
3/4 cup golden raisins

Tie the cloves, allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla and orange zest in cheesecloth and place in a pot with the wine, water, juice and sugar over medium heat. Warm until just before it comes to a boil. Add the almonds and raisins, cover, and reduce heat to low for at least 15 minutes before serving, making sure it doesn’t boil.

Ladle the glögg into cups, spoon a few almonds and raisins into each, and Skol!

CELEBRATIONS | by JANNA LUFKIN

WINTER SOLSTICE, HANUKKAH, CHRISTMAS, KWANZAA ―  to all it’s the season of light: That special time of year when we gather with family and friends to celebrate each other and our individual traditions.

© JANNA LUFKIN

It’s also the season of giving, and no matter your chosen traditions, a gift of light is always welcome.

Candles, rolled in simple parchment paper, topped with a lovely box of matches and tied together with a pretty ribbon, make a thoughtful and useful gift.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Select unscented candles in white or ivory ― these will go with any décor. Twelve-inch candles or longer work best. Buy a box or two, according to your needs.
• Purchase parchment paper in individual sheets. Restaurant -supply stores have good selections.
• Purchase matches. Many gift shops have a variety of boxed matches in pretty designs.
• Purchase a roll of pretty ribbon or twine to have on hand.

To make the gift:

• Roll two candles in parchment paper and secure with double-sided tape or a decorative sticker.
• Top candle bundle with a match box.
• Tie ribbon around matches and candles to secure.
• Add a gift tag and a handwritten sentiment.

This is such an easy do-ahead gift, one that is simple and appreciated by all.

Happy Holidays.

CELEBRATIONS | by SHERRY STRIPLING

ON CHRISTMAS DAY, WE RUN FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE, opening presents with family. We eat too much. We drive too much. And we miss most of what’s happening because we’re lost in the frenzy of being late.

© iSTOCKPHOTO.COM

Nature tripped up our annual ordeal last year. In the process, it changed my perspective on what it means to “be present” on holidays, giving me the courage to say “No” to being spread so thin.

In December 2008, ice froze on top of ice in Seattle ― adding perilous roads to our usual, exhausting dash. Our first two stops were close to home. But brunch was with my sister and dad in Seattle, followed by dinner with my aunt’s family across the treacherous city.

“We’re going for it,” I told my sister by phone halfway through the day, taking on the 60-mile journey to join her and my dad for what we both knew might be my dad’s last Christmas because of lung disease.

We arrived late. Snow started up again. My dad put a log on the fire.  And I let go.

I let go of the worry of letting down my aunt in favor of spending unhurried time with my father, who was delighted to see his grandson.  I handed my dad his fiddle and picked up his guitar as Alex, 20, set up the keyboard he’d gotten for Xmas so we could jam, a rare, wonderful event. Then we luxuriated over presents.

Life comes at a pace that seems designed for distractions. We were forced by snow to focus on the here and now, which gave us treasured, last Christmas memories with my dad.

This year our attention will be on my aunt as we deliberately slow, making choices to gain unhurried hours. I hope you can do the same.