BELLA’s 2020 Arts + Culture Issue featuring Tabitha + Choyce Brown

EVERY BOTTLE OF PROSECCO DOC IS AN EXPERIENCE OF ITALIAN EXCELLENCE, BUT ONLY IF IT’S AUTHENTIC.

Drink responsibly WHEN YOU TOAST, BE ORIGINAL! Only authentic Prosecco DOC has the government seal on the neck of the bottle and it’s never sold on tap or cans. Always produced within the nine provinces of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, in Northeast Italy, its unique taste expresses the essence of the Prosecco DOC Dreamland.

the

LETTER from the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Arts & Culture issue

Brainstorming ideas for this issue, it occurred to me that gratitude toward the arts was in order. It has been every form of artistic expression that, for the most part, has gotten us through the very difficult times we are in. Poetry, a good book, a movie, a show, this magazine…all bodies of art created to relieve our souls.

The former teacher in me also realized that most of the people I know have learned about culture in terms of other people. For many, culture is something exotic and foreign.

So it was important that we ended this year looking inside each of us. (Read my essay, “Culture: A Look Within,” on page 88 for more on that.)

As inexplicable as some things have been throughout 2020, resilience is a trait we’ve mastered in this industry.

Our cover talent is a walking example of plot twists. From a live review of a Whole Foods vegan sandwich during her lunch break as an Uber driver, she was thrust into TikTok stardom (with her daughter’s recommendation), becoming one of America’s favorite vegan voices. Now, Choyce and Tabitha Brown are the mother-daughter duo we’ve fallen in love with through our mobile devices. It was such a pleasure to meet them and work on our cover feature for this issue at SUR Restaurant in Los Angeles.

Another amazing feature on page 68 is our “Up Close + Personal” chat with Taylor Dane. “Tell It To My Heart” has been on my playlist since the hit topped music charts.

Photography, artistic + digital creative influencers are also a part of this issue, reminding us once more how the beauty of the arts + our rich culture are handed down to each of us and left to us to interpret in our own way.

While the holiday season may look very different, we, of course, have gifts for everyone on your list. We also have DIY cocktails, boards, and desserts to try at home, where most of us will be safely ringing in the new year (check out pages 98-105).

We receive from the world what we give to the world. Let’s lead with love and compassion, kindness, and good tidings.

With much love as always, the entire BELLA family + I wish you the best possible holiday season and a prosperous and healthy new year!

Vanessa Coppes

Ricardo Mendoza, Graham Nation, Luis Casco, Jennifer DeCillis Tabitha and Choyce Brown, Vanessa Coppes, Gilles Toucas Location: SUR Restaurant & Lounge

“

You receive from the world what you to the world.”

give

- Gary Zukav

Vanessa Coppes Chief Executive Officer, Editor-in-Chief Gina LaGuardia, Editorial Director Jessica Licciardello, Creative Director Janene Mascarella, Beauty Director Alexandra Anastasio, Entertainment Editor Amanda Mactas, Food, Travel & Accessories Editor Mindy Shapiro Gura & Paula Shapiro Orlan, Stylists Jonathan Calixto, Fashion & Lifestyle Correspondent Norah Lawlor, Lifestyle Editor Jennifer Walsh, Mind + Body Correspondent Jessica Cirz, Cover & Features Photographer Vital Agibalow, Features Photographer

Interns

Alice Berardi, Stephanie Brogan, Madison McHugh, Amanda Ringel, Sarah Rundbaken

Jennifer DeCillis Publisher Lynette Barbieri, Business Development Associate Cheryl Devine, Business Consultant Raffaela Pontecorvo, Administrative Assistant Jenna Guarneri, Public Relations

Contributors

Barbara Bellesi Zito, Christian Boss, Dionne Clarke, Kimberlee Ho, Yolanda F. Johnson, Phillip McCreight, Carmelia Ray, Jarrod Thalheimer, Geraldine “Gerry” Viggiani

Medical Advisory Board

Dr. Ronit Gilad, Dr. Katherine Melzer-Ross, Dr. Soriaya Motivala, Dr. B. Aviva Preminger

Real Talk with BELLA, The Podcast Vanessa Coppes, Host

BELLA TV Hosts

Danita Chantel, Jennifer DeCillis, Cheldin Barlatt Rumer Jessica Cirz, Producer Vivian Nacionales, Producer Stephanie Giang, Contributor

BellaMag.co

Vanessa Coppes, CMO & Editor-in-Chief Jennifer DeCillis, Managing Editor Vanessa Jordan, Online Contributing Editor Julie Freeman, Editorial Assistant

Contributing Editors & Writers

Maxine Albert, Alexandra Anastasio, Kelly Bellucci, Jonathan Calixto, Danita Chantel, Tara Ciccone, Dionne Clarke, Brana Dane, Jennifer DeCillis, Ruta Fox, Inna Lapin, Jessica Licciardello, Dr. Robi Ludwig, Amanda Mactas, Janene Mascarella, Elena Murzello, Kristen Robertiello, Tambi Saffran, Roger Sands

BellaLatinaMag.co

Vanessa Coppes, Editor-In-Chief Candy Calderón, Editor-At-Large

Contributors

Jenny Colón, Jennifer Barreto-Leyva, Evan Elkowitz, Paula Lalanne, Melissa Landau, Jorge Soto, Maria Valdez

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BELLA Magazine is a national subscriptionand newsstand-based lifestyle publication offering a curated guide to fashion, beauty, health, travel, philanthropy, arts and culture, cuisine, celebrities, and entertainment.

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contributors

Former founder of beauty brands such as Beauty Bar and Pride & Glory, JENNIFER WALSH gives her in-depth perspective on wellness as a veteran entrepreneur for the past 20 years.

Now, through her Walk with Walsh Media platform, she shines a light on the people and brands that are putting nature first.

MINDY GURA AND PAULA ORLAN, The Style Duo, are BELLA’s fashion stylists. You won’t want to miss their double dose of fashion finesse in “Rock Your Style” (pages 22-23). For more tips and tricks, check out their Instagram: @TheStyleDuo.

ALEXANDRA ANASTASIO, Entertainment Editor for BELLA Magazine, is a lifestyle writer with a knack for sharing stories about people—and pets! Follow her on Instagram @Alexandra_Anastasio or visit AlexandraAnastasio.com.

JESSICA CIRZ is the cover/ feature photographer for BELLA Magazine, capturing fleeting moments in time for what they are and what they may never be again. Follow her on Instagram @JessicaCirzPhotography.

BELLA Beauty Director JANENE MASCARELLA has all the beauty tips and tricks you need to look festive and fabulous all season long.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and she has you covered with “Glam Gifts Galore” (pages 28-31); all the more reasons to stay “Ohm for the Holidays” (pages 36-37), a “Luxe List” that won’t break the bank (pages 60-65); and smart and savvy ways to “Tech the Halls” (pages 46-47).

AMANDA MACTAS is BELLA’s Food, Travel & Accessories Editor. In this issue, she gives us a taste of “The Art of Cooking” (pages 98-101) and showcases some of the winter season’s hottest boots (page 16). Follow more from Amanda on Instagram @ManhattanTwist.

Need some fashion advice?

Then look no further— BELLA’s Fashion and Lifestyle Correspondent JONATHAN CALIXTO has you covered.

He’s on top of the latest trends as seen during NYFW, Miami Swim Week, and all the events in between. Stay tuned to what he is up to next via his Instagram @ThisisJCali.

JENNIFER DECILLIS is the Managing Editor for BellaMag. co, Publisher for BELLA Magazine and a BELLA TV host. She loves working behind the scenes on cover shoots and writing about beauty finds, great restaurants, and women in business, which you can see all of in this issue! Follow along with her on Instagram @MissNYUS2016.

Photography by Jocelyn Cruz

KIMBERLEE HO is a food photographer and baking blogger who loves sharing easy recipes and tips for busy people on her blog Kickassbaker.com.

Follow her on Instagram @Kickassbaker.

YOLANDA F. JOHNSON is the president of YFJ Consulting, LLC, the founder of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy, president of Women In Development (WID), NY, founder of Allies in Action Membership Network, and a classically-trained opera singer and composer.

This issue marks Yolanda’s journey into highlighting the amazing individuals who make giving back so beautiful (pages 78-79).

BARBARA BELLESI ZITO reads. A lot. When she’s not on the hunt for her next favorite book, she’s writing about personal finance and real estate for The Motley Fool and others. Catch her at @BarbTheWriter on Instagram.

Known for the best insights in the industry, pro makeup artist LAUREN VENA has worked for more than 19 years with some of the world’s top beauty brands. Every day, she feels fortunate to have a career that fuels her passion—to make everyone who sits in her chair feel and look irrevocably and effortlessly beautiful. Follow her on Instagram @MakeupArtist_LV. BELLA Editorial Director GINA LAGUARDIA has been in the publishing biz—online and off—for more than two decades.

She spends her days ensuring good grammar and maintaining deadlines while enjoying her daughters, watching movies with her husband, and doing CrossFit with her friends.

Follow her on Twitter @GinaLaGuardia.

GERALDINE “GERRY” VIGGIANI, LCSW, LCADC, PMH-C is a psychotherapist and owner of Lotus Blossom Psychotherapy, LLC in Eatontown, NJ. Her expertise lies in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and perinatal mood disorders and traumatic birth experiences.

As a graduate with dual degrees in art history and fine art, CHRISTIAN BOSS currently resides in New York City, where he works full time as an art consultant for Pop International Galleries. Drawing inspiration from working alongside and selling some of New York’s greatest graffiti artists, Christian began to mix his love for selling and creating artwork. Establishing his contemporary pointillist style, the artist continues to juxtapose graffiti writing with a classical art canon. You can admire his work on our back cover, then follow him for more on Instagram @Hossman33.

CARMELIA RAY is a PHILLIP MCCREIGHT’s celebrity matchmaker whimsical illustrative style and online dating expert has been heavily influenced with more than 28 years

by Ralph Steadman, Felix in the love industry.

Scheinberger, and the As the “2020 Best contributors of Urban Dating Coach” and Sketchers. The artist, over 7,000 matches who illustrated this issue’s made, she’s the go-to Mind+Body opening page, dating expert regularly loves to explore topics spotted in the media. In related to creativity, art, this issue’s “The Love architecture, design, and the Files,” she uncovers environment. Follow him on the importance of Instagram: @PhillipMccreight dating diversity (pages and @MccreightArtandDesign.

82-83). You can follow her on Instagram @CarmeliaRay or CarmeliaRay.com.

JARROD THALHEIMER lives with one rescue dog, three teenage girls, a tennis pro, an 11-year-old boy, a fitness trainer, and an unsurprisingly aloof cat. He knows love is the only thing keeping this motley crew together. Read his new piece, “The Art of Love,” on pages 84-85.

BELLA Creative Director JESSICA LICCIARDELLO brings the pages of BELLA to life with her design. She is also an artist and writer who shares her expertise with readers in her articles both in print and online.

She is featured as a BELLA Boss in this issue (page 43).

You can discover her work at JLDELLO.com, and on Instagram @JLDELLO.

NORAH LAWLOR is the founder of Lawlor Media Group, a PR, marketing, and strategic communications agency in New York City, which is celebrating its 20 year anniversary. She is also an avid traveler and chronicler of the jet-set lifestyle. Follow her on Instagram @LawlorMedia.

All-around beauty boss, JENNIFER CAPELLA is a certified makeup/ lash artist and the founder of GlamLife Lounge. Being all about women’s empowerment, Jennifer is aware that a woman can hold an entire audience captive with the flare of her eyelashes and the right shade of red lipstick. Adding to a long list of achievements, she has also worked on NYFW, Miami SwimSuit Week, various movie sets, photo shoots, and off-Broadway productions, as well as various TV networks and as a radio host. See her work on Instagram @Glamlife_Lounge.

Cover Story

62

CONTENTS STYLE REPORT 13 THE Time to “Watch” It,

The Detail Effect, Boot It The New Girl Power Tribe, The Art of Drag Culture, Rock Your Style

TO FABULOUS 24 5OurSTEPS EIC’s Favorites SCENE 27 BEAUTY The Ultimate Holiday Guide to

Gorgeous, Highly Recommended Camila Coehlo, Ohm for the Holidays

BOSS 38 BELLA 7 Amazing Women We Admire

+ LIFE 46 HOME Tech the Halls Cover Story

62

SPACES 48 SOPHISTICATED Art Trends for 2020, Taste of the Waterfront

GUIDE 56 GIFT BELLA’s Holiday 2020 Luxe List

STORY 62 COVER Tabitha & Choyce Brown CLOSE & PERSONAL 68 UP Taylor Dayne TO KNOW 74 GETTING Esta Crompton

w

e n r u o o t n Liste

T S A C D PO Tune in as BELLA Magazine’s new podcast division shares some sassy, funny, and intelligent conversations with Team BELLA and Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Coppes. It’s all the BELLA content you love, from entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, empowerment, and more.

The BELLAs will dish their opinions on each topic, diving deep beneath the surface of what we see on the glossy cover. Whether it’s fashion and lifestyle tips, celebrity interviews, or exclusive for-BELLA-earsonly news, the ladies will deliver what you want to hear the real way—the only way!

ith w K L A T REAL

A L L E B Z I N E M A G A

Taylor Dayne

68

CONTENTS BEAUTY OF GIVING BACK 78 THE ’Tis the Season!

80 HOROSCOPES A BELLA Future Lies Ahead LOVE FILES 82 THE Dating Diversity, The Art of Loving NOVEL IDEA 86 ATurning the Page on 2020 & CULTURE 88 ARTS A Look Within, Musical Vision Brought to Life

BELLA 97 CHOW The Art of Cooking, Cherry Pie Bars, Toast the Holiday Season with Prosecco DOC

FAB 5 110BELLA’S 5 to Know for a Cool Winter BODY 107 MIND+ 5 Ways Art Can Enhance Wellness,

Bringing the Beauty of Art Into Wellness, Tennis Legend Serves NYC Kids, What’s a Body Positive Gym?, Creating Art Through Plastic Surgery, Holiday 2020 Fit Finds, Executive Director of SIUH Leads Her Community, Healing Collective Trauma Through Art

126 TRAVEL 4 Staycations You’ll Love Sophisticated Spaces

52

TOWN 130AROUND People, Places, Parties

THE LATIN@ VERSION OF

IS COMING

TO MIAMI!

BELLALATINAMAG.CO @BELLALATINAMAG

Handmade with Sand & Natural Elements from your favorite travels #We a r Yo u r Tr a v e l s

dunejewelry.com

BELLA

THE STYLE REPORT TIME TO “WATCH” IT ∙ THE DETAIL EFFECT ∙ BOOT IT THE NEW GIRL POWER TRIBE ∙ THE ART OF DRAG CULTURE ∙ ROCK YOUR STYLE

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the style report | men’s trend Omega Seamaster Professional Men’s Watch $3,199, Phigora.com Fob Paris R100 Cuff Watch $1,487, FarFetch.com

Tom Ford Watches 001 Rectangular 30mm $12,228, FarFetch.com

Braun Watches BN0172 42mm Watch $242, FarFetch.com

TIME to “WATCH” IT

With their long history from way back in the 16th century, watches have evolved into becoming a must-have item. For many gentlemen, the watch is a sign of representation and shares a snippet into their identity. It’s considered an investment piece by many—a work of art even!

Sneak a peek at the amazing textures, sizes, and designs available this holiday season, and then let your watch speak for itself!

By Jonathan Calixto

D1 Milano Polycarbon Dawn Light 40.5mm Watch $173, FarFetch.com

Vivienne Westwood Camden Lock 42mm Watch $411, FarFetch.com

Cartier Tank Francaise 1840 Yellow Gold Watch $9,999, Phigora.com

Rolex Submariner 16613 Men’s Watch $8,999, Phigora.com

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Gucci G-Timeless Bee and Star-Print Leather Watch $1,100, MatchesFashion.com

the style report | women’s obsession Fendi Horizontal Logo Brooch $550, FarFetch.com

Wouters & Hendrix Rebel Safety Pin Brooch $283, FarFetch.com

Anton Heunis Mosaic Crystal Brooch $113, FarFetch.com

Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Embellished Brooch $201, FarFetch.com

the

DETAIL Martini Brooch $58, BananaRepublic.Gap.com

Tiny yet mighty, a brooch can truly make or break an outfit. From its shape, bedazzlement, or size, it is the perfect accessory to add an elegant flare to your wardrobe. While its purpose originated as a clothes fastener, it has undergone several generational evolutions to become fashionable art. Consider it a sense of selfexpression through a timeless piece!

Pinko Crystal-Embellished Flower Brooch $315, FarFetch.com

effect

By Jonathan Calixto

Gas Bijoux Bagues Charm Brooch $202, FarFetch.com

Miu Miu Crystal-Embellished Brooch $360, FarFetch.com

Oscar de la Renta Stone-Drop Coin Brooch $290, FarFetch.com Oscar de la Renta Coral Branch Brooch $338, FarFetch.com

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the style report | winter staples X-Anita Riding Boot $89.99, Lifestride.com

Dr. Liza Bootie Ankara Pink $450.98, DrLizaShoes.com

Blowfish Malibu Berkele $39.99-$59.99, Amazon.com BONUS: $1 from every purchase will be donated to Oceana to help protect the world’s oceans.

Topaz $47.99, Bearpaw.com

BOOT IT The one winter fashion essential we can always count on is a good pair of boots. Bundle up and wiggle your toes into any one of these pairs and you’re sure to feel empowered and ready to take on the year’s chilliest season.

By Amanda Mactas

Tory Burch Miller Lug-Sole Leather Hiking Boots $458, Saks.com

Nicole Boot $69, WhiteMountainShoes.com/SevenDials

Kaylee Ankle Boot $169.99, VionicShoes.com

Codie Ankle Bootie $150, SamEdelman.com

16

Stuart Weitzman Parton Crocodile-Embossed Leather Knee-High Boots $795, Saks.com

the style report | inclusivity for all ages

The New Girl Power Tribe:

Fashion Designers Meet

C

reated by Independent Handbag Designer Awards’ founder, Emily Blumenthal, The Charmsters are a close-knit tribe of animated influencers that are ethnically diverse and represent the next girl-power generation looking to have their voices heard. The DNA of The Charmsters is in the diversity, inclusivity, and girl empowerment for all ages. This realistic and non-stereotypical girl squad fills the void lacking within the media, tech, food, fashion, and toy landscape that is long overdue, especially in the current climate.

ANIMATED INFLUENCERS

By Amanda Ringel

Blogger Bailey,

The Charmsters are STEAMwho lives with her based, each encompassing Russian immigrant skills based in science, grandparents, always technology, engineering, shares her honest the arts, and mathematics. opinion and is on There is a Charmster for the cutting edge of everyone, validating the fact fashion and trends. that representation matters Bailey is dressed in on all levels. Despite their Nicole Miller, a global differences, The Charmsters womenswear brand have one common goal and that designed in New York is to succeed as a team, which is City, emphasizing why they bring joy and smiles wherever they go. These animated graphic prints, luxe fabrics, and innovative characters are the antidote for silhouettes. what 2020 has brought us so far.

Entrepreneur Ella

is always working on a new idea and knows her voice will make a difference, especially now, which is why she is choosing to use it. Ella is also wearing Nicole Miller, who strives to tackle the “elegant yet rebellious” look.

Coder Cora, an African American programmer, can whip up code as big as her spirit.

Cora is wearing responsible women’s fashion brand, Patrick Cupid, made in New York.

Patrick Cupid is designer, luxury, ready-to-wear fashion, with an ethical ethos.

Architect Aaliyah is

always two steps ahead, an organizer and planner at heart, and wears her hijab with pride. Aaliyah is dressed by Vanessa Cañas, an American Latina Muslim woman and designer of Modestly Cupcake.

Innovator Ivy

is an AsianAmerican creative, who thinks of things that nobody else would, and with an imaginative energy. Ivy wears Chloe Dao, a fashion designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. For Chloe, fashion is your greatest tool for success.

Reporter Rita is a Latina

journalist who knows there is a story in every situation. Rita is wearing the designs of Lala Bee, a fashion line created by Melina CortesNmili. Nmili says she envisions her dresses on women who are confident in their own skin.

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M

the style report | drag history

Art The

Culture of

DRAG

By Jonathan Calixto

M

ale actors dressing in female clothing was introduced with the birth of theatre, but in the 1870s, drag culture hit the scene through an exaggerated and burlesque-like twist.

In the 1950s and 60s, even though dressing up as the opposite sex was viewed as a crime, drag performers still traveled throughout the U.S. Since its inception, drag has been a political statement referencing culture and art in different time periods to exaggerate a female or nonbinary persona.

Throughout the years iconic figures have presented the art of drag to the masses, including Julian Eltinge, one of the top-earning entertainers of the 20th century, and Flip Wilson with his character “Geraldine Jones.” In 2009, RuPaul’s Emmy-winning-show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” became the first drag TV competition on air, transforming its culture for years to come. Season 12 finalist, Crystal Methyd, and Marti Gould Allen-Cummings, candidate for the 2021 New York City Council, share how arts and culture like these shows and others have influenced their drag art.

Next Generation Inspiring the

Crystal Methyd, known for being the out-of-the-box queen on season 12 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” is brightening up the world with their colorful and over-accessorized drag looks. “Drag started as a vehicle for me to challenge my conservative mother’s view of queer culture,” Crystal shares. “As I continued to do drag, it evolved into a platform by which I could channel my creativity through gender expression.”

To this day the beauty of how drag culture has evolved allows the expression of gender fluidity through the use of make-up, hair, and fashion. For Crystal, “drag is all about referencing pop culture.

If your drag doesn’t represent arts or culture, you’re doing something wrong. I pull inspiration from my mother’s Mexican heritage, movies, video games, and other artists.”

Photography by Adam Ouahmane

Understanding their individuality, Crystal became a frontrunner and fan favorite on “Drag Race” for remaining authentic while switching up their aesthetics. As Crystal points out, “I’ve never felt any pressure to fit into the norms of drag, because they are ever-changing.”

Carrying this confidence in their art, Crystal acknowledges the important platform the TV show has offered the LGBTQ+ community. “I feel proud in the small role I’ve played in inspiring the next generation of performers.” Continuing to share their art with the world, Crystal looks forward to upcoming tours in UK and Australia, as well as staying in touch with fans through YouTube and Twitch.

CrystalMethyd @CrystalMethyd

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the style report | drag history

Queer Voices Must Have a

Seat at the Table

Marti Gould Allen-Cummings is breaking barriers in the political space as the first drag queen to run for New York City Council District 7 in the 2021 election. For Marti, diving into drag art was about exploring gender and art, and combining the two.

As their persona evolved over the years, arts and culture played a pivotal role in their drag art. “We are constantly learning and growing and evolving with the world around us,” Marti explains, “implementing this into who we are as people, so it is no different for drag,” citing influences by drag personas like Peppermint, Sherry Vine, Justin Vivian Bond, and Shequida.

As drag evolves and explores new spaces, Marti is opening doors for drag queens in politics. Their interest began by understanding that the art of drag is political, and working with such organizations as The Ali Forney Center for Homeless LGBTQIA Youth and The Hetrick Marin Institute. This involvement has enabled Marti to see the needs of the queer community firsthand.

In preparation for the 2021 elections, Marti hopes their activism will inspire others.

“I didn’t have role models growing up that were like me, so I hope my running helps young queer people to get involved. We need representation at the table.

There are only eight non-binary elected officials across the country.”

In the meantime, Marti is getting us ready for the holidays with the release of a duet album with their husband, entitled “A Very Marti Holiday,” which is available on all streaming platforms.

MartiGCummings @MartiGCummings

21

the style report | musical inspiration

Kelly CLARKSON

Belleville Top Magenta Jersey $225, TheFoldLondon.com

Your

Style

Beaded Column Dress with Flutter Sleeves $349, AdriannaPapell.com

Fashion has often played a big part in the music industry, and music lovers everywhere are greatly influenced by their favorite artists. Whether the trend of choice is monochromatic neutrals, feminine pinks, perfect purples, neon brights, color blocking, or timeless black gowns, musicians know how to dazzle on the red carpet. And though we all can only wish to sing as well as these superstars, we certainly can emulate their fashion-forward styles. Take a look, and try for yourself!

By Mindy Gura and Paula Orlan

Oseye Mid Calf Boot $62.95, ShoeDazzle.com

Selena GOMEZ

Vintage 90’s Red Wool Knit Skirt by St. John $36, ShopThrilling.com

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Navette Crystal Wing Earrings $65, AmyoJewelry.com

Christina AGUILERA

Evelyn Pink Sweater $195, Wyllis.com

Billie EILISH The Juliet Citron Yellow Lamb Jacket $5,000, Pologeorgis.com

Jennifer LOPEZ Celestina Gown $995, MestizaNewYork.com

Women’s Surfer Neon Canvas Sneakers $49.95, Keds.com

Ibiza 01 Sunglasse $259, EtniaBarcelona.com

Elton JOHN

Oscar Long Double Breasted Blazer $1,550, ColliniMilano.com

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5 steps to fabulous

Inside & Out Choices for Living Beautifully,

By Vanessa Coppes

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I am so happy to share with you some of my favorite things I’ve discovered since our last issue. And these you can covet for the holidays!

1 2 3 4

MOMMY GO BAG AND THE EVACPAK FIELD KIT For busy moms who adventure with their kids and face unexpected challenges, consider the Mommy and Go’s militaryinspired, functional, and fashionable “go bags,” beautifully and efficiently designed to keep everything you need conveniently packaged and organized.

Developed by a mom, traveler, and outdoor enthusiast, Jillian Coburn was caught off-guard by her son’s unpleasant episodes of projectile vomiting. Tackling the problem head on, she created the Mommy Go Bag and the EvacPak Field Kit, keeping busy women warriors looking savvy, acting smart, and staying sane through their travels. Support the Indiegogo campaign here: Indiegogo.com/projects/mommy-go-bag

JURA AUTOMATIC COFFEE MACHINE JURA Automatic Coffee Machines produce the finest highpressure-brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and latte—cup by cup.

Fast and easy to operate, they can grind, tamp, brew, and self-clean in less than 60 seconds. Frothing options make it easy to froth or steam milk to perfection. JURA Automatic Coffee Machines provide more choices in coffee volume and coffee strength than any models. Grinding just before brewing assures the highest yield of flavor and aroma.

Jura_Coffee

LUMA LED LIGHT THERAPY MASK Harness the powerful healing effects of natural light energy right from the comfort of your own home!

This mask uses 150 medical-grade LED diodes that produce specifically tuned wavelengths of light energy. Each wavelength offers unique benefits to rejuvenate skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, boost collagen, and improve overall skin profile and complexion without the use of any harmful chemicals or UV exposure.

Amazon.com/Luma-LED-Skin-Therapy-Mask/ dp/B083VTJ3QC

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH ME? LET’S CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! VANESSACOPPES

5

ESTALA VANITY MIRROR WITH LIGHTS Not only does BELLA brand partner Estala boast a fabulous skincare line, the beauty brand has accessories to help you up-level your glam game right at home. This luxury mirror emits softly diffused LED light that perfectly imitates natural lighting.

No more streaky foundation and makeup malfunctions. I am obsessed with the tabletop version as well as the travel one. Use code BELLA10 to get yours now.

EstalaSkinCare

STYLED BY ANDREA CAPRIO FACE MASKS I think we eventually knew it would come to masks being a part of our daily lives. While we may dread them, they have proven to be a safeguard during this pandemic. What better way to keep yourself and others safe while still looking fab than with custom masks? For Fashion Week, I turned to Andrea Caprio, a former costume designer-turned-stylist, to create the most amazing masks you’ve ever seen. You can get your very own to fit your style.

StyledByAndreaCaprio

SHOP ONLINE • MERCH • ISSUES • & MORE

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EVERY SEASON

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BELLA

BEAUTY SCENE THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GUIDE TO GORGEOUS ∙ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CAMILA COEHLO: “SHE IS LIGHT" ∙ OHM FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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beauty scene | give glam + get glam Algenist Collagen Dreams Limited-Edition Holiday Kit A trio that includes Algenist’s best-selling, fan-favorite products help transform skin and restore bounce, resilience, and suppleness in just 10 days. $115, Sephora.com

Beauty Gifts Galore!

The

Gorgeou� Ultimate

Holiday Guide to

By Janene Mascarella

It’s high time to shine, so here are some of the most beautiful gifts to give (or hopefully receive!) this holiday season. From limited-edition sets, shades, and scents, to sparking treasures, cool tools, and exotic elixirs, these are the “it” gifts that will make every beauty lover’s wishes come true. Twinkle, twinkle…you’re the star!

Stila Double Dip™ Ornament Hang this one-of-the-kind, eye-catching ornament or use it as a stellar stocking stuffer—no wrapping required! $24, StilaCosmetics.com

Celestial Silk Pillowcase Silk is so luxurious—it helps prevent creases and keeps tresses tame and moisturized. It’s truly what dreams are made of… after all, beauty sleep is the gift that keeps on giving!

Starting at $35, CelestialSilk.com 28

Alterna CAVIAR Anti-Aging Volume Shampoo & Conditioner Set Create instant volume and thickness with the help of the unique Marine Plumping Complex specifically formulated for this product line. $49, Sephora

Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Edit Sculpture This limited edition palette features three best-selling and exclusive new shades of blush bronzer, highlighter, and finishing powder for a glowing complexion. It has everything needed to create the perfect light for any occasion. $80, HourglassCosmetics.com

Oribe Beautiful Color Travel Set Even if it’s a staycation or a much-needed weekend whisk-away, this top-notch set will keep your hair looking fab on the fly. $25, Oribe.com

Urban Decay Stoned Vibes Highlighter One universal shade, one serious glow. Brush it on cheekbones, face, and décolletage for an instant hit of good energy and sexy vibes. $36, UrbanDecay.com

The Harmonist Sun Force Inspired by the power and magnificence of the sun and the magical way this celestial body awakens life with light and vitality, this new fragrance combines citrus, exotic woods, and rose. The sustainable bottle is designed by famed tattoo artist Dr. Woo, who etched an intricate pattern to reflect the bold sun and its rays. $336, TheHarmonist.com

INDIGLOW Teeth Whitening Light System Get twinkling teeth with this at-home tooth whitening light system that uses light in the violet/indigo spectrum to remove a broader array of stains. $189.95, ShopIntelliwhite.com

VOLOOM Classic Pump Up The Volume Volumizing Set Big-hair obsessed? This cool toolkit will add some extra va-vavoom to your Zoom sessions. $155.99, Voloom.com JOON Saffron Hair Elixir Persian women have used saffron, pistachio, and rose in beauty rituals for centuries.

Harnessing the power of modern chemistry, these ingredients have been infused into this elixir to help boost bounce and shine. $50, JoonHairCare.com

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beauty scene | give glam + get glam

Murad Bright On Give the gift of a bright future! This skin-correcting set helps minimize the look of dark spots and dark circles for brighter skin. $29, Murad.com

Charlotte’s Bejewelled Chest of Beauty Treasures The gift of 12 full- and travelsized makeup and skincare icons from Charlotte Tilbury will bestow a complete holiday look in one bejeweled treasure trove of beauty marvels. If you’re looking to really wow someone special, this glamourous gift chest is so worth the splurge! $200, CharlotteTilbury.com

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Perfect Marc Jacobs Eau de Parfum A new scent celebrating optimism, self-acceptance, and originality, Perfect is an unconventional combination of fresh floral and calming smooth accords. (Feast your eyes on the fashionable cap!)

LightStim for Wrinkles The FDA-cleared device provides rejuvenating wavelengths of light energy to treat your fine lines and wrinkles, and over time helps recapture that plump youthful appearance. $249, Lightstim.com K by Dolce&Gabbana Eau de Parfum Gift him a luxe scent that embodies the spirit of a man who chooses his destiny with passion and confidence.

Inspired by the earthy, rugged landscape of Tuscany, it’s powerfully magnetic and irresistibly sensual. $90, Macys.com

Clé de Peau Beauté Lipstick Mini Set, Magnificent Elegance This collection of vibrant mini lipsticks embodies the many expressions of the “Dance of the Little Swans.” Comprised of delicate pink, vivid rouge, and stunning coral, the array of colors expresses the myriad characteristics of the swans and is perfect for any holiday special occasion. $98, CledePeauBeate.com

Beautyblender Rocket to Flawless Blend and Cleanse Set This six-piece kit from cult-favorite brand’s “Out of this World Flawless” holiday collection will help you get ready to blast off for the holidays. $49, Sephora

VENN Skincare Advanced MultiPerfecting Red Oil Serum This multi-correctional face oil serum is strategically formulated using 34 root extracts, botanicals, and essential oils to deliver radianceboosting skin benefits. $115, VennSkincare. com

7 Spectacular

Gucci The Alchemist’s Garden Hand Cream Set Created to moisturize and delicately keep hands protected from the cold, these perfumed lotions sets are a perfect vintageinspired gift for the holiday season. $220, Saks

Jerome Alexander MagicMinerals 3-piece AirBrush Foundation Kit Get a flawless, glowing finish every time with an ultra-hydrating airbrush foundation that covers imperfections and fine lines without creasing or streaking. $40, JeromeAlexander.com

Stocking Stuffer Jade Sonic Derma Pulse Wand Behold some practical magic: Sonic vibration helps tone tired skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and undereye circles.

GlamLife - Luxe Lashes $19.99, Marshalls.com Keep your eyes on the prize with these gorgeous, swoon-worthy silk, mink, reusable lashes. Give glam, get glam, and go sultry in seconds! $20, GlamLifeLounge.com Lottie Diamond Bounce Trio Get a lit-from-within, high-impact glow in an instant. Plus, the price is practically a present in itself! $11.95, Ulta.com

Moroccanoil All Star Stocking Stuffer Moroccanoil’s Treatment and Candle are infused with its signature scent, so you can hydrate your hair and light the way to a virtual Mediterranean getaway. $20, Moroccanoil.com

Eminence Organic Skin Care Turmeric Energizing Treatment Formulated with turmeric, citrine gemstones, and zeolite, this spicy golden powder awakens the skin.

As you slowly add water, activate your treatment into a fluffy mousse bursting with energy. $78, EminenceOrganics.com SkinOwl All The Things Essentials Kit All the “fan favorites” reunited in a super-soft organic cotton pouch, this one makes the perfect companion when on the go. $78, SkinOwl.com

2-in-1 Ultrasonic Eye and Face Stimulators Microvibration technology lifts and tightens skin, improves blood circulation, and reduces under eye bags and fine lines in a flash. $14.99, TJMaxx.com

Olfactory NYC - Explorer Box Artisanal, vegan, and cruelty-free fragrances designed by the world’s top perfumers power this set—and you can sample nine of Olfactory NYC’s most popular fragrances. $18 (includes a $18 credit toward a full size bottle), OlfactoryNYC.com

Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara Ornament Achieve maximum lash volume and fullness with full-bodied lashes in jet black. $13, AnastasiaBeverlyHills.com

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beauty scene | tried & true CLEAN SWEEP

Green Compass Calming Milk Cleanser is formulated with natural botanicals that help to gently cleanse the skin and dissolve make-up easily. It’s the perfect addition to anyone’s daily skincare routine! $49.95, JenniferDeCillis.GreenCompassGlobal.com

MANE ATTRACTION

GOOD HYDRATIONS

The Happy Labs Happy Hands Lotion contains a high concentration of CBD (250 mg) to assist in gaining good vibes into your fatigued fingers and drained digits.

Perfect for dry, always-sanitized hands. $25, TheHappyLabs.com

HIGHLY Recommended

SOOTHE OPERATOR

Sexy Hair Calm Dose Soothing Oil Elixir with CBD soothes and hydrates from midlengths to ends while reducing breakage for a soft definition. It leaves my locks soft and shiny. $22.95, Ulta.com

ROYAL FLUSH

Lord Jones Acid Mantle Repair CBD Moisturizer features a 5-ceramide complex and sunflower seed oil to rebalance skin in addition to 250mg of full spectrum hempderived CBD. I use in the morning for all-day dewy. $75, LordJones.com

Color Up LEVEL UP Facial Serum balances and hydrates without clogging pores. Organic hemp CBD evens out all skin types, reduces the signs of aging and calms inflamed skin. I love all the products in this line! $18, ColorUpCo.com

BELLA Beauty Director Janene Mascarella shares her go-to CBD must-haves.

BEAUTY SLEEP SUPERB SIP

No 36° CBD-Infused Tea Blend is organic Armenian white mint tea from Good Company created in partnership with ONEArmenia.

Named after the 36th letter of the Armenian alphabet, 30%of all proceeds will be donated to ONEArmenia’s efforts in supporting transparency and fair trade employment across the nation. $20 per box (5 Sachets), 32 GoodCompanyTea.com

Aethera Sunset Botanical Rejuvenating Serum with CBD is a dreamy night serum that helps destress and gently exfoliate your skin while you sleep. I wake to glowing skin. $65, AetheraBeauty.com

treat yourself

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727-481-4337 33

beauty scene | beauty + brains

“She is Light”

By Janene Mascarella

34

Photography by Justine Szeto

CAMILA COELHO

LAUNCHING THE LINE

“My main goal was to create a mindfully luxurious and clean brand, including everything from the packaging to the formulas. Beauty consumers shop from multiple brands, so I wanted to focus on releasing my must-have items rather than launching with a full line. Elaluz is an on-thego lifestyle brand, driven by the key products I carry with me as a global entrepreneur. Each product is designed to be a partner in the daily hustle, making life a little easier for power and confident people on the go.”

G

lobal fashion and beauty entrepreneur Camila Coelho recently added another feather to her stylish cap: CEO. She recently launched her own new line of mindfully luxurious beauty musthaves, Elaluz.

“Elaluz is all about light; it actually means ‘She is light’ in my native language, Portuguese. It is a lifestyle brand that starts with essential beauty products and will cover different categories of hair, makeup, body, and skincare. The packaging is all recyclable and uses reusable materials whenever possible.

The ingredients are clean and made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, or GMOs. I’m proud to say that Elaluz is cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan.”

Ci

be

l le

Le v

i

FINDING HER LIGHT

After road-testing countless formulas from various brands, Camila was inspired to create the ultimate edit of multitasking, on-the-go beauty and lifestyle products, inclusive to everyone. Exclusive for BELLA, the Brazilian beauty shares the journey in her own words…

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READY TO SHINE

“My main goal with Elaluz is to help people feel beautiful and find their light. Every single person has their own individual light shining inside of them and things happen in our lives that can block it out. I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 9 years old and for years, I blocked out my own light. Once I started to accept myself, I found my light again.

That’s what I want people to feel when they use Elaluz. These products will enhance your natural beauty and help you shine.”

LIVING THE DREAM

“Elaluz has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I became interested in beauty at a really young age because my grandmother was always done up, even if she was staying inside the house. At 6 years old, she gave me red lipstick to wear for my passport photo, and I remember always playing with makeup or overly brushing my hair. After high school, I decided to get a job at a Dior makeup counter, and that’s when I realized how powerful beauty is and how it can empower you in such a strong way. I then became a makeup artist and started making YouTube tutorials in 2010.

Creating my own beauty brand quickly became a life goal of mine, so to see it come to fruition has been a dream come true.”

FIRST TWO PRODUCTS

ENJOYING THE JOURNEY

“I have been trying to go for a natural beauty look as much as possible, especially during quarantine. I wear mascara, concealer, and the Elaluz Lip & Cheek stain to give my face that natural flush. I always have my 24K Lip Therapy in reach in order to keep my lips hydrated at all times. It’s great to also use at night as a lip mask at night.”

“The most exciting part of creating Elaluz has definitely been seeing it come to life. It was a lot of hard work and there were many challenges creating a clean brand, but I am now able to share it with the world. Beauty is where it all started for me, and I’m excited to be on this journey.”

“The 24K Lip Therapy ($28) is a luxurious, intensely hydrating treatment that leaves lips looking and feeling softer, smoother, and healthier the second it melts onto your lips. The Lip & Cheek Stain ($34) is a versatile, multi-tasking stain that can be lightly applied for a sheer lip and cheek tint, or layered for a more impactful look. Infused with coconut water and made from a luscious blend of Brazilian guarana and prickly pear extracts, it glides on to deliver smooth, rich hydration and sheer, buildable coverage.”

TIPS + TRICKS

Elaluz.com

35

beauty scene | beautify + diy

Ohm for the Holidays

By Janene Mascarella

Treat yourself at home with all the posh and pampering of a world-class spa…

SOOTHE AWAY STRESS

Essence of Vali Calm Massage & Bath Oil is the perfect elixir to ease overall stress levels.

Massage well into the skin and all over your body.

Or, apply to tense areas, such as back of neck and shoulders. Use after your bath or shower while skin is still wet to moisturize and scent the skin. $23, EssenceOfVali.com

SET THE MOOD

PureGlow Crystal Himalayan Salt Rock Lamp and Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser

can be used as a salt lamp and aroma diffuser simultaneously or separately. The lamp features five adjustable light levels to customize the brightness to the glow level that fits your mood. $59.99, PureEnrichment.com

36

READY FOR LIFT-OFF

Adonia Organics - Athena 7 Minute Lift is touted

as “Botox in a Jar” by celebrities such as Meghan Markle, Jennifer Aniston, and Eva Longoria. The spa-like treatment emulates the Botox experience and it’s all-natural with live ingredients that help target fine lines and wrinkles for the face, neck, and decollete. $79, 7MinuteLift.com

TROPICAL TREAT

Ligne St. Barth Peeling Cream with Papaya

is the perfect treatment to reveal radiant skin. The gentle exfoliating action of the jojoba pearls is the perfect treatment for the more delicate areas of your face, including your lips. It leaves skin looking smoother, more supple, and brighter. $70, BeautyHabit.com

EASY ON THE EYES

Heaeyes™ uses alternating technology to diminish stress, fatigue, the appearance of dark circles, bags under the eyes, and fine lines. Fatigue and stress weigh heavily on the delicate skin around your eyes, where the first signs of aging are most evident. This super-hero device works wonders to help. $119 (use code BELLAMAG for 20% off), Heaeyes.com

POWER SHOWER

Conair Detangle and Go Shower Massage Brush features silicone and detangling

bristles that work double duty to stimulate the scalp, easily remove pesky knots, and get rid of buildup to leave your scalp and hair looking and feeling renewed. $7.99, CVS

FIRM BELIEVER

Love and Pebble Dermaroller works

the same way professional microneedling does, but at a fraction of the cost. The tool helps with skincare absorption so that the topical treatments you apply get penetrated deeper into your skin. It works for all skin types and is ideal for fine lines, dullness, and acne-scarring concerns. $25, LoveAndPebble.com

HEAT + TREAT

Because it is self-heating, the thermaBliss® thermaFusion® Facial Masque can fully penetrate the skin, maximizing its benefits. The warmth is also incredibly soothing and relaxing! $14.99, Sparevolutions.com

ROLL WITH IT

Rykr Roll myofascial handheld self-massage tools alleviate pain on

the muscles, promoting better oxygen flow and blood circulation to achieve optimal pain and tension relief. It offers you a moment to slow down your thoughts and sink back into your body so you can feel grounded and connected. $24.22, RykrRoll.com

MANI MASTERY

AEVO UV Nail Lamp uses advanced nail-

curing technology that works with many kind of gel polishes. It has four timer modes, including a sensitive skin mode and a double power option to speed up the drying speed. $29.99, Amazon

LIGHT THE WAY

Sunlighten lumiNIR is a hand-held device that

offers professional-strength, near-infrared LED treatment, with blue light, red light, and near infrared and red light combo attachments that target cell renewal, clear skin, anti-aging, and pain relief. $249 for the lumiNIR + wand; $99 for each attachment; $499 for the 4-in-1, Sunlighten.com

HELLO, HAPPY FEET

HoMedics® Shiatsu Bliss Foot Spa with Heat Boost soothes sore feet and

encourages healing and recovery. After a long day, nothing feels better than a calming foot massage with shiatsu and bubble massages combined with heat boost power. $129.99, HoMedics.com

37

BELLA boss

Boss

BELLA

7 BELLA Bosses We Admire

By Janene Mascarella

Running a thriving business takes drive, determination, and a whole lot of hustle!

We’re spotlighting seven fierce, fabulous, and fearless BELLA bosses who have founded their own companies and proven how a little belief and a big leap of faith can land you a leading role in your own life.

38

SYLVIA

High

San Francisco Bay Area, CA AIMING HIGH INC. FOUNDER/CEO AimingHighInc.com MY BUSINESS: Aiming High Inc. is a

transformational training company that empowers people and organizations to get from where they are to where they want to be.

WHY I LAUNCHED IT: I launched Aiming High

over 20 years ago as answer to an inner calling, greater than myself, that had me on a single-minded mission to use my life and gifts for making a positive difference in the world.

MOST REWARDING: Empowering people to

annihilate limiting beliefs that deny them the greatest and most fulfilling version of themselves.

WHAT INSPIRES ME:

I draw inspiration from my relationship with God, the people I surround myself with, the beauty of nature, and the power of the human spirit.

HOPE FOR 2021: To be a catalyst for world peace

and empower the maximum number of people to achieve their dreams and live their purpose.

39

BELLA boss

MADELINE

Los Angeles, CA FOUNDER AND CEO GEMIST Gemist.co

Fraser

MY BUSINESS: Gemist is the first digital platform

that allows consumers to fully design their own jewelry and try it on at home before they buy. We want to empower anyone to be able to custom-design their own jewelry regardless of budget!

WHY I LAUNCHED IT: When I find a problem, I

have to solve it. With Gemist, I experienced how hard it was to customize jewelry when I was attempting to custom-design my engagement ring. There were no online platforms that did what I needed, I couldn’t see my design before buying, and retail stores felt out of reach and crazy expensive. I ended up having to manually work with a jeweler in person. I realized there must be another way. So I decided to create it myself with Gemist.

MOST REWARDING: Solving problems! Every

day is a new challenge; I’m constantly solving puzzles.

You never know what you may get each day, and I really love that. I’m always learning, always growing.

It’s a never-ending journey; this isn’t a race, it’s a marathon. I’ve fully decided to enjoy the journey because I really love what I do. I’m so passionate about creating something out of nothing, believing in a vision and finding a way to get there. It’s a liberating way to live life. I feel very grateful that I fell into the world of entrepreneurship.

WHAT INSPIRES ME: I’m a super creative person

and have no shortages of ideas. I’m always dreaming and thinking big, and I gain inspiration from experiences. If I hadn’t gone through the process of designing a ring, I never would have started Gemist.

I will say that being creative is fantastic, but it’s also important to learn how to focus your creativity—if you don’t, you won’t maintain growth of one idea. The amazing thing about starting a company is that you can focus on just that company while having millions of ideas on how to grow it, how to brand it, how to connect it with consumers. Growing companies has become my art form.

HOPE FOR 2021: I hope for continued health,

love, and joy in my life and in the lives of my loved ones. I hope for continued growth and success of Gemist as we take the business to the next level. I am hopeful that all will work out and we will come out of this stronger than ever!

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Photography courtesy of Gemist

SARAH JORGE

León

NYC/Dominican Republic ACTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER LIONSDREAM ENTERTAINMENT SarahJorgeLeon.com MY WORK: I am an actor, represented

by the Buchwald Agency in NYC. Apart from acting, LionsDream as a production company seeks projects that are artistically fulfilling and where we envision commercial success—whether we co-write or commission these projects. We produce material like free form mini series, an example [of which is] “Camaleón,” currently in development that is being co-produced with my sister Nina Jorge León’s production company, A Role to Play. We also develop features and documentaries. Our main goal is to find universal stories that inspire, connect, and bring to light the human experience.

MY MOTIVATION: There is no better

way to bring awarness or change the dialogue/ziegiest of the times than through stories. Stories connect us beyond creed, gender, race...they touch the heart, and when the heart is moved, change happens.

We want to tell stories that matter.

MOST REWARDING:

Knowing that somehow, somewhere, we are impacting lives; even if it’s one life—it is worth it.

WHAT INSPIRES ME:

Nature, people, the human condition, connection to others, children, senior citizens…acts of kindness.

HOPE FOR 2021: May we

take the challenges that life brings us an opportunity to grow, reflect, and create the change within ourselves. And may we not forget that we have each other in our journey through life.

41

BELLA boss

JESSICA

Cirz

Toms River, NJ CIRZ PHOTOGRAPHY + JERSEY SHORE STUDIOS OWNER/PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER JessicaCirzPhotography.com + JerseyShoreStudios.com MY BUSINESS: My business is a versatile photography studio,

capturing all varieties of photos from celebrity portraits, real estate photography, real estate drone, maternity, boudoir, weddings, children, newborns, headshots, and more. I am based out of my studio in New Jersey, but can bring my equipment and my team to locations as needed.

WHY I LAUNCHED IT: I launched my photography business

when I was in my teens. I was trained in traditional photography and commercial photography using color and black and white film. I hand-developed my photos and printed them in a darkroom. As I got into my 20s, photography was changing over to digital, and by 2010, I fully transitioned from film to digital equipment and haven’t stopped since. I feel the need to be creative every day. It feeds my soul. I didn’t realize until I was in my forties how important it is to follow your dreams. Doors will open for you because people will see your passion.

MOST REWARDING: People come and go, grow up, move

away, pass on, etc. It means a lot to be able to hold on to those memories, and I think my clients feel that way too. That is what is so rewarding for me. “Pictures speak a thousand words” is not just a saying—they mean so much more to me than just pictures.

They’re a way to hold on to all the moments and people at that time. It documents important parts of people’s lives that they cherish. It’s something that isn’t lost in an endless cell phone gallery of images.

WHAT INSPIRES ME: What inspires

me is how unique every subject is. Everyone has a different smile, expression, family, and story that I get to be a part of, even if just for that session. When the people leave with their photos, the reminder of that day and what I was able to capture for them never goes away. A lot of times they come back for me to capture new ones. This makes me like a spectator, watching my clients grow and change rather than just one encounter at one frame of their lives. It becomes a moving picture and documentation of their lives through my eyes.

HOPE FOR 2021: My momentum from

before the pandemic has definitely slowed, but my hopes for 2021 are to get it all back, reconnect with old clients, and make countless more.

42

JESSICA

Licciardello

New York City JLDELLO ARTWORK & DESIGN CEO + CREATIVE DIRECTOR JLDELLO.com MY BUSINESS: JLDELLO Artwork & Design is a

full-service design and art studio that handles a multitude of creative projects for professional clients. Ranging from international exhibitions and national publications to marketing and branding, we bring creative ideas to life in a tangible form. I am a painter and graphic designer, so I utilize original art and can create highly custom work.

WHY I LAUNCHED IT: I started my business in 2007

when I decided to dedicate my career to my creative work. I was passionate about graphic design as soon as I learned about it, and I launched my company because I was creating projects for friends and starting to get more clients. It was growing, and I realized there was a demand for high-quality, detail-oriented design work. I give my clients personal attention and really listen to their needs, and I have found that is very appreciated and valued by the businesses I work with. bring their ideas and visions to life is extremely rewarding. I know that my work is helping businesses succeed by serving as the face of their brand and the first thing customers see when interacting with them. Visual design is important to us in so many ways; we rely on it for accurate communication of information and also to beautify our world. My motto is, the world is design.

Photography by Jessica Cirz

MOST REWARDING: Being able to help people

WHAT INSPIRES ME: I am

Jessica Licciardello is the Creative Director of BELLA Magazine. Her global healing artwork was featured on the May 2020 cover as part of a collaborative piece that honors frontline workers.

inspired by other creative people and seeing what people put out into the world. It takes courage and talent to push limits or come up with new ideas and make them reality. I also find inspiration in nature and the lesson of taking things slowly. Sometimes we all want things to happen so quickly, and it is a good reminder that some of the best things take time!

HOPE FOR 2021: I hope that

this challenging year is actually a blessing in disguise for us. It has been a time to really reflect on our true needs and wants, and perhaps see ourselves in a different context than what we were accustomed to. My goal is to utilize the lessons I have learned at this time to move forward into my work and life with deeper wisdom and understanding, and to continue to help and inspire as many people as I can along the journey!

43

BELLA boss

JENNA

Taskin

New Jersey/Wall Street CEO/CO-FOUNDER BOLD NYC BeBoldNYC.co

MY BUSINESS: Bold is a full-service web, design, and marketing agency

located on Wall Street. We partner with brands around the globe on web development, graphic design, Google/Facebook/Instagram advertising, social media management, SEO, PR, and more.

WHY I LAUNCHED IT: Bold NYC was born in 2018 out of pure frustration

and rebellion to the idea that “This is just how it is…” when it came to marketing companies. After years of working with apathetic firms, we knew in our hearts there had to be a better way. Experience taught us it was common practice for marketing fimrs to overpromise, overcharge, and underdeliver.

At Bold, we simply do this because we love this, we’re good at it, and we genuinely want to build long-term relationships with like-minded, enthusiastic businesses. We’re always upfront with our clients and let them know exactly what to expect, even when it’s not what they want to hear. We work hand in hand with brands big and small, and are upfront about all costs and expectations from day one so there are no surprises.

OUR MISSION: My co-founder, John Benemerito, and I have experience

working with hundreds of different types of clients all over the world in addition to running more than one of our own businesses. We know firsthand what it takes to start and grow a successful company. We are all on this mission together and are ready to share our expertise, experiences, connections, and knowledge to make our clients’ dreams a reality.

MOST REWARDING: It’s all about the people behind

these brands. When you work with us, we become your marketing partner. This means we’re intimately involved in growing your business. Through the process, we get to know the people behind the businesses; we learn why they do what they do and what their biggest aspirations are. It’s the greatest feeling to help them tell their story, reach the right audience, and hit their ultimate goals.

WHAT INSPIRES ME: Working in a creative field is always

exciting. It means the team is extremely passionate and the clients we work with are equally passionate about their own businesses. Sitting in a creative office, we all draw inspiration from each other, and that inspiration is fueled by our client’s enthusiasm. We also have our own sources of inspiration in our personal lives that led us to where we are. I grew up with a badass “Mompreneur” who always rebelled and did her own thing, so that was a big guide for me, especially once I had kids of my own. I never for a second thought I couldn’t have my dream career and my dream family at the same time because I always saw my mom rock both.

44

DEBORAH

Balardini

North Bergen, NJ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR + PERFORMER, THEATRE DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, AND COACH DeboraBalardini.com MY BUSINESS: Group.BR—New York’s only Brazilian theatre company—

is an organization I co-founded in 2011. We are a multicultural, woman-run and led organization that focuses on the performing arts to include off-off Broadway immersive theatre, signature cultural experiences with live music and performances, and community-focused educational initiatives. Our mission is to share the diverse culture of Brazilian traditions and explore the intersection of feminism, original productions, and art as a platform that supports unheard voices in the arts in both English and Portuguese.

Aside from also being a performer and director, my role at Group.BR as co-founder and executive director is as much creative during all stages of production as it is in ensuring we are compliant as a non-profit.

WHY I LAUNCHED IT: I co-founded Group.BR for a few reasons. By the

time we launched, I had traveled extensively in Argentina, Japan, Chile, France, and other countries as a performing arts educator. One driving force to have a creative company rooted in our human right to express ourselves was inspired by living in my hometown of Curitiba, Brazil at the tail end of the military dictatorship that lasted from 1964 to 1985. The experience of being censored for a play at that time and literally having officials show up to edit our theatre production changed me forever. I struggled long and hard to retrieve my voice.

Also, I embrace my Brazilian, Afro-Brazilian, and Indigenous-Brazilian roots, but I haven’t always understood how to be all of who I am. Art offers me that and creative collaborations that have resulted in lifelong friendships.

Photography by Gilberto Tadday

MOST REWARDING: Having the ability to see all forms of artistic

expressions and points of view taking shape in the real world. I love seeing how the work I do can touch people and make them reflect on their lives.

I think that is why we make art: to reflect shared experiences and bring the unconscious to the conscious realm where we can take ownership or precious moments most people just call growth. It is definitely a form of balance and healing through mental health.

WHAT INSPIRES ME: As a creative, my main inspiration comes from other

historic artists and also those artists around me. But also, a third and essential element is day-to-day life. I believe art is a reflection of the way we live; it is to say that just the act of breathing is inspirational. Being alive and able to— cathartically—put stories and lives in text, music, poetry, and theatre is the pure exercise of artistic expression.

NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC: I hope we all remember that these

tough times are a test of our emotional intelligence as human beings and challenge us to learn from our experiences and be able to retain information on what needs to be changed or improved. Our intelligence as human beings is being fundamentally challenged to the core with this devastating disease, through the shadow pandemic of inequity resulting in global peaceful protests in support of the BLM movement, and also through urgent environmental issues. I wish that all of us, through learning these unforgettable lessons, would leave a better world for our children. I really hope we don’t forget but rather keep on pushing forward to a better future.

home & life

Tech the Halls

From your bedroom to your home boardroom, the game room, kitchen counters, even the kids’ quarters…’tis the season to supercharge any space in your house. Yes, it’s prime time to tech your halls. Here are 10 smart ways to do so.

By Janene Mascarella

KEEP CONNECTED

Know what’s going on at home even if you’re not there with sound, motion, and temperature alerts from Motorola Peekaboo, the perfect baby monitor for tech-savvy parents. Download the Hubble app on your smartphone, tablet, or PC, and use it as your viewing device to stream video in Full HD. The remote pan scan feature allows you to oversee the entire room, and the digital zoom helps you get a close-up view. $79.99, Motorola.com

PURIFY YOUR HOME

Effortlessly purify the air in an individual room with pureAir 500 Room Purifier.

Using advanced technologies that include activated oxygen, ionization, and HEPA carbon filtration, pureAir 500 eliminates bacteria, viruses, odors, smoke, pollen, mold, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and more. These technologies help sanitize everything in the air and on the walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, clothing, countertops, and other exposed surfaces. $179, Greentechenv.com

GO EASY-BREEZY

With a space-saving design that blends beautifully into your home’s décor, Lasko’s Wind Curve® Tower Fan has three quiet speeds and optional widespread oscillation for maximum air delivery and full-room coverage. Set your fan to automatically turn off after up to eight hours of use with the electronic timer option, making it perfect for keeping cool throughout the night, extended home workout sessions, or all that holiday cooking. $79.99, Amazon 46

REACH YOUR BOILING POINT

Care for a spot of tea? The Chefman Electric Kettle+ is perfect for all your hot water needs: Hot or iced tea, instant or pour-over coffee, quick oatmeal, and more. The bonus tea infuser lets you brew your favorite loose-leaf or bagged teas directly in the stain-resistant, borosilicate glass kettle. The kettle lights up with bright LEDs and lifts easily from its base for easy filling at the sink and cord-free serving. $59.99, Amazon

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Take home office productivity to the next level with the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra. The power phone is a multi-tasking computer suite at your fingertips—it’s got beauty, brawn, and hyper-fast data speeds with the performance to match. Turn handwritten notes into text and PowerPoint presentations with a tap. The new S Pen is so smart it automatically transforms scribbled notes into buttoned-up text. Samsung Notes app features auto-saving and syncing capabilities that let you capture, edit, and share your ideas across your phone, tablet, or Windows 10 PC. Price varies with carrier, Samsung.com

NIX THE NOISE

More and more of us are working from home, where we are dependent on good audio tools to stay focused and productive and collaboration solutions to better sync with colleagues. EPOS ADAPT 360 Wireless Headset reduces distracting background noise to help boost concentration and productivity while working. Or, take a break from Zoom, sibling squabbles, or the barking dog, and just jam out to your favorite tunes. $269, EposAudio.com

TURN UP THE MUSIC

Small but mighty, Cleer Audio’s Stage Speaker delivers rich and full sound, and boasts 15 hours of wireless playback. Get answers to questions and control the music with your voice with its built-in Amazon Alexa.

You can also amplify the holiday party by wirelessly connecting two Stage speakers through the Cleer Connect app and really get your family rocking around the Christmas tree. $99.99, CleerAudio.com

RAISE YOUR GAME

Take entertainment beyond the screen with Nanoleaf Screen Mirror. It enables you to transform gaming sessions with dynamic visuals and real-time reactions across the Nanoleaf lighting display, which turns on-screen activities into a 4D experience. The Screen Mirror feature adds another layer of immersion for gamers, bringing what’s on screen to life by mirroring activities within the game or setting the ambiance to match what’s happening.

Starts at $199.99 for 9 Canvas Light Panels, Nanoleaf.me

READY, SET—SANITIZE

This was probably not on your holiday shopping last year, but right now, safe ways to disinfect and keep your home safe are all the rage. Redhawk Medical Products UV Sterilization Light Plus is a portable ultraviolet sterilization lamp that can disinfect a 20 x 20 room in one hour with a 99.9% sterilization rate.

The lamp features a motion sensor to avoid hurting people’s eyes when approaching, a remote control/timer, and a lamp life of more than 5,000 hours. $99.99, RedhawkMedicalProducts.com

COOK WITH THE PROS

With an 8-inch HD screen and stereo sound, the Amazon Echo Show 8 is smart home hub that makes for the ideal kitchen companion. With the “Food Network Kitchen” skill, you’ll have access to step-by-step recipes and live and ondemand classes with beloved Food Network stars. Why just watch the pot? You can also use the device to ask Alexa to show you movie trailers, TV shows, movies, the news, call your mom, or listen to radio stations, podcasts, and audiobooks. $129.99, Amazon.com

sophisticated spaces

ART TRENDS for

2020 Courtesy of Desenio, an online marketplace for fashionable art prints and accessories

Playful with lots of color, this year’s hottest fall decor trends feature an eclectic mix of art styles and colors sure to get us excited for the new season ahead.

Desenio.com Desenio Desenio.Art 48

BROWN ECLECTIC After a decade of cool greys and bright whites, this is the age when we let the warmth back into our homes. Soft yet elegant, the brown shades that are trending this season are an ode to the 70s, translated into a modern aesthetic.

GET THE LOOK: Tone-on-tone layering.

Lighter sandy shades blend well with richer chestnuts and chocolates, or add a bit of spice with ochre! Make this trend your own by layering tone-on-tone, choosing art prints that feature the same colors in different saturations.

Create a home art gallery.

Choose abstract styles in shades of brown and beige and mix in some photo art to make your gallery more personal. Let your art take center stage!

Think about the framing.

We suggest going for natural wooden frames throughout and mixing in our gold frames for a bit of added luxury.

Black frames create contrast and look great with blackand-white photo art. For a softer feel where your art is the focal point, try a natural wooden frame.

MODERN HERITAGE Bring the understated luxury of the English countryside to your home this fall. Be inspired by rich color palettes, rustic details, and moody green fields from a rural idyll where elegance meets practicality.

GET THE LOOK:

Bring nature in.

Deep green forests, rolling hills, and moody skies are all characteristics of the countryside.

This fall we’re launching many art prints that allow you to bring stunning nature views and romantic florals to your walls.

Â

Patterns with history.

One of the best-known wallpaper designers, dating back to the 1850s, was William Morris, whose influence on the industry lasts to this day. If you're not ready to take the leap in covering your home floor-to-ceiling in pattern, try adding an art print to achieve the look.

Make space for color.

A home office or living room are both great spaces to explore this trend, adding elements such as art, fabrics and deeper colors to create the warm and welcoming feeling this trend is all about. Â

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sophisticated spaces

DARK DRAMA GET THE LOOK:

A new spin on minimalism, Dark Drama turns our ideas of what a calm and peaceful home looks like upside down, using whites as accents to complement darker base colors.

Go big!

Opt for a large gallery wall acting as the focal point of the room. A big statement poster is also a good idea, or try placing two larger prints next to each other for an elegant look.

A touch of luxe.

A dark room looks great with gold details, adding a luxurious touch to the space.

Choose gold frames to match your art prints and incorporate gold with other home accessories, too.

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Monochrome art.

When it comes to choosing art for this trend, the answer is simple: go for black and white. Also, don’t miss out on our new abstract styles in darker tints and with gold foil stamping.

ART LIFE Bring the understated luxury of the English countryside to your home this fall. Be inspired by rich color palettes, rustic details, and moody green fields from a rural idyll where elegance meets practicality.

GET THE LOOK:

Colorful art.

This bold color trend is reflected in our fall art drop with prints featuring bright yellows, reds, greens and oranges. A quirky mix of art prints will bring tons of personality to your home!

Explore your style.

This trend is all about letting your personality shine! When choosing your art picks, don’t take it too seriously—just choose the posters that speak to you. Think of your walls like an art exhibition—playful and unique art prints set the tone.

Create a perfect pair.

Make a statement with this trend by choosing two art prints you love and pairing them together. Your perfect pair will look great above a sideboard or in a hallway, creating a focal point in the room. Try choosing prints that are tone-on-tone or alternatively, contrast colors. If you’re looking to add a lot of color, try creating a rainbow effect with the art prints you choose.

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sophisticated spaces | delectable designs

A Taste of the WATERFRONT THE YACHT CLUB Epitomizes Dining With a View

By Jennifer DeCillis

With panoramic views of the iconic New York City skyline, The Yacht Club in Edgewater, New Jersey’s waterside dining room and patio is a culinary hidden gem.

The haven opened its doors in August of 2020, braving the unfavorable conditions and restrictions of COVID-19 to improve upon the monotony of the makeshift outdoor dining we had recently become accustomed to. Its contemporary and sleek dĂŠcor, accentuated with splashes of marble and gold, gives a luxe feel to this sprawling brasserie overlooking the Hudson.

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sophisticated spaces | delectable designs

The Concept

You don’t have to be a member to be a regular at The Yacht Club, which is located on the Pier of the Edgewater Commons Shopping Center.

The lighthouse-shaped facade guides diners to this new waterfront, seafood-dining destination.

The bar has a dedicated area for oyster shucking, which is perfectly complemented by an array of seasonal summer spritzes and frozen drinks. Surf and turf delights are on the menu, with tented outdoor seating, to make The Yacht Club your home away from home every season of the year.

The Chef

Executive Chef Gregory Zapantis' name can be found in the heart of every upscale establishment that elevated Greek cuisine into gastronomical art, including Molos in Weehawken, NJ, where he also helms the kitchen. A long line of distinctions and awards attest to his many accomplishments, but the distinction held closest to his heart took place in 2011, with his induction by the Hellenic Chef 's Club, the only club founded on Greek soil, with the single purpose to support Hellenic cuisine around the globe. Gregory Zapantis was also the first culinary ambassador to Greece in North America—a true honor coming from the leading chefs of his home country. His newest endeavor: Bringing the delicacies of the sea to The Yacht Club.

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The Owner:

Hudson River Hospitality Group

The Design

Arcon Design was tapped to reimagine this spacious 13,000-square-foot restaurant overlooking the Hudson River. An expansive marble bar greets guests with seating for 20 complemented by a sexy and relaxed lounge area for 30 overlooking the water. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining room overlook a deck with plenty of room to take in the water views from all sides.

Inside, olive green walls and gold accented furniture can be found throughout.

Furniture imported from Greece gives the restaurant a vacation feel.

The Food

The restaurant offers an array of popular American seafood dishes like Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls, Maryland crab cakes, a lobster claw BLT, and popcorn shrimp, in addition to oysters and made-to-order, hand-rolled sushi—coming soon.

The Drinks

The outside bar, overlooking the Hudson River and the Upper West Side of Manhattan, serves an array of frozen cocktails and specialty drinks. The Yacht Club also offers wine by the glass and bottle in addition to beer, cider, mocktails, and smoothies.

The Yacht Club, located at 541 River Road, Edgewater, NJ 07020, is open 12pm - 11pm, seven days a week. Outdoor dining is available, rain or shine, for up to 60 guests. The main dining room inside The Yacht Club is able to seat 100, which is at the current 25% capacity (as of press time). Additionally, the venue boasts a private dining room in addition to lounge and bar in the front of the restaurant.

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luxe gift guide

BELLA’s

Luxe

2020 Holiday

List

Once again we rounded up the mostwished-for, mostwanted luxury gifts for the season. Here are some out-of-this world ideas at downto-earth prices.

By Janene Mascarella

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Heavenly

Scented

Up in the winter sky twinkles something uniquely heavenly…diptyque’s Scented Star is created in the finest white crepe paper and infused with the limited-edition scent of Moonlit Fir. Whether mounted atop a glittering fir tree or used as a decoration elsewhere in the home, this star as delicate as a large snowflake is as wonderful to contemplate as it is to smell. $85, Diptyque.com

Kick up your feet, snuggle into a cozy blanket, and deeply inhale the soothing scents of these Home of Chiji Energy Candles.

Scents range from being reminiscent of the deep woods to capturing the fresh scent of the seaside. Each candle contains crystal fragments along with a larger crystal to meditate with; simply remove the larger stone as the candle burns. $39.99, HomeofChiji.com

Light the way to a festive season with

Chandler Candle’s Balsam Fir 3-Wick Candle. The warm and

inviting holiday scent fills your home with the slightly sweet and woodsy smell of a freshly cut fir Christmas tree. The scented candles are hand-poured in small batches and make the perfect host/hostess gift. $30, ChandlerCandle.com 57

luxe gift guide

Bliss

Domestic

So worth the splurge for a special pet owner (or yourself!), Hoover’s

SmartWash PET Complete Automatic Carpet Cleaner is the

ultimate cleaning machine. It’s as easy to use as a vacuum: Simply push forward to wash and pull back to dry, and the cleaning solution is already premixed. It simplifies life for everyone—especially pet owners— by effortlessly removing deep dirt, stains, and pet messes. $299, Hoover.com

If you’re looking for an impressive gift for your main squeeze, HUROM’s HZ Slow Juicer is a chic, sleek healthy kitchen companion that features various capabilities to create everything from juices to nuts, milks, and more. Company coming? Make your own spiced cranberry sauce and so much more! $599, Hurom.com

Photography by Photo Pink

Sugar Rush Looking for an impressive sweet gesture? Candy art sensation by robynblair has teamed up with the creative minds behind NYC bakery Mini Melanie to bring the by robynblair

x Mini Melanie Candy Cookie Box to life. Let’s just say it’s a batch made in heaven. Edible works of art—times two! $68, ByRobynBlair.com

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Lumineux Chocolate creates premium European-style chocolate from cocoa beans from Africa and Asia, and its

Complete Chocolate Collection makes for an exquisite,

elegant, and delectable gift for just about anyone on your list. It includes six of our varieties of chocolate in large tablets, all wrapped up in a beautiful white ribbon. $55, LumineuxChocolate.com

Packaged in a handcarved wooden holiday keepsake box (2 gifts in 1!), Hilliards

Almond Toffee Crunch

It’s time to officially ditch the fruit cake, folks, because The Maui Cookie Lady, a gourmet online bakery, makes luxurious indulgence (and totally affordable) cookies that offer a taste of Hawaii! Our taste-tested recommendation: Rumchata Egg Nog—an egg nog cookie stuffed with scratch-made Rumchata fudge, white chocolate chunks, ground spiced nutmeg, and Hawaiian sea salt. You’re welcome! $6.75/cookie, TheMauiCookieLady.com

(also known as “buttercrunch”) is a longtime bestseller with a large and loyal following. An irresistible—some may say addictive treat—this popular confection is made with crunchy, tender toffee covered with rich dark chocolate and topped with fresh crushed almonds. $29.95, HilliardsCandy.com

Movers &

Shakers

Enjoy a full body relaxation with this portable handheld AEVO Muscle Massage Gun that comes with six massage heads and six speed levels to target different sore muscle groups. It also uses high-frequency percussive therapy to relax even the deepest muscles, reducing friction between tissues. $119.99, Amazon.com

The world’s first eco-friendly, pod-based blender, Vejo is comprised of organic fruits and vegetables and doctor-formulated nutrients to deliver nourishing supplements and vitamins to our bodies. The blends include stress support, immunity boost, greens proteins, and more.

Starts at $130, Vejo.com

Boasting all the craftsmanship of a high-end timepiece, the Galaxy Watch3 Titanium is built with premium materials and a stunning signature rotating bezel.

It’s fit for any setting—whether you’re running through the backwoods or meeting in the boardroom.

Starting at $599.99, Samsung.com

Bring the Some like it hot so the

TRUFF HOT SAUCE VARIETY PACK

is the perfect way to spike up your gift-giving prowess. There’s an upscale, truffleinfused sauce for any occasion. It’s the ultimate condiment for the sophisticated palette. $69.99, TruffHotSauce.com

Heat

A warm welcome for your party hostess, Hot

Logic Casserole Carrier+ uses

low-slow conduction heat to bring foods to the ideal temperature and can hold it there for hours without overcooking or drying the food out. $79.95, HotLogicMini.com 59

luxe gift guide

Raise the

Bar

Crafted by Hayden Wilson, who hand-blows each decanter with intentionally seeded bubbles for a decorative effect, the Winston Decanter is an excellent gift that makes for a beautiful addition to any bar cabinet. $169, RoomandBoard.com

Many red wines need to “breathe” before they can be enjoyed at their best Aervana Original Electric Wine Aerator dispenses and aerates your wine under pressure, providing more effective aeration all within an innovative “wine tap” format.

All it takes is one finger and the push of a button for instant aeration. $99.95, Aervana.com

Up

Cozy

Get your scroll on with the Bed Bath & Beyond

UGG® Classic Sherpa Poof Tablet Pillow in Snow, which helps prop up electronics

so you can view them from any angle. This handy plush accent boasts iconic UGG styling and has a 5” x 6” phone pocket for keeping your mobile devices within easy reach. $19.99, BedBathandBeyond.com

On a cold winter’s night, who doesn’t like to snuggle up? Made with 100% organic cotton, the Boll &

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We spend one-third of our lives sleeping and SILKEN PURE Sleep Mask is a great way to let it go interrupted. Created with pure silk that has 18 amino acids and tightly woven fibers to allow for less friction around delicate eye areas, this mask bestows the gift of a luxurious sleep experience. $42, SilkenPure.com

Branch Flannel Duvet Set makes for

a chic holiday season refresh that’s both cozy and breathable.

The super-soft solids and yarn-dyed plaids resist pilling for maximum snuggle durability.

Starting at $230, Bollandbranch.com

Roederer Estate L’Ermitage 2013

Roederer Estate is a California winery that produces fine sparkling wines from Mendocino County’s cool, fog-shrouded Anderson Valley.

The estate’s special Tête de Cuvée is a sparkling wine made only in exceptional years from pre-selected, estategrown grapes. Aromatics of hazelnut, brioche, and flint create a mysterious and layered first contact.

Mouthfeel is inviting quince jelly aromas and bright acidity with layered texture. $55, RoedererEstate.com

Fine

WinesFestive Spirits

Diplomatico Single Vintage Rum

After 12 years of aging in bourbon and malt whisky casks, this rum is placed in Oloroso sherry barrels to provide the perfect finish. Its rich aromatic profile includes notes of vanilla, spices, and almonds. It is silky and incredibly flavorsome on the palate with a taste of tobacco, oak, and caramel. $119, Drizly.com

Broken Shed Vodka

Based out in New Zealand, this brand uses locally sourced ingredients when crafting their vodka. Distilled from pure whey and blended with local spring water, the result is smooth and wellbalanced, free of GMO’s, additives, chemicals, gluten or added sugars.

The taste is clean and crisp, with a warm finish. $24.99, BrokenShed.com

Germain-Robin California Alambic Brandy

1800 Cristalino

Cristalino is a smooth, deep tasting sipping spirit for tequila lovers who appreciate complex añejos. It starts with 1800 Añejo’s 200-yearold recipe that is first aged for 16 months in both new American and French oak barrels. The liquid is then married together and uniquely finished in port wine casks for an additional six months. Finally, the liquid is transformed into a smoother, crystal clear, and more complex añejo tequila, with primary aromatic notes of balanced roasted wood, as well as tasting notes of caramel, honey, vanilla, and porto wood. Enjoy neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. $65, ReserveBar.com

Distilled exclusively in Charentais Pot Stills aged in Limousin Oak Barrels, GermainRobin highlights the flavors that make California Brandy one one of the most soughtafter aged spirits. The fruit-forward notes of apple and pear are lightly accented with honeysuckle and cherry blossom, giving way to a rich apricot and peach flavor. Well-integrated toasted oak gives light accents of cinnamon and brown sugar. $75, Klwines.com Pruhlo and

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cover story

Dresses: Dalia MacPhee 62

Tabitha& Choyce Brown AMERICA’S FAVORITE MOTHER/DAUGHTER DUO

By Alexandra Anastasio

Photographer: Gilles Toucas Assistant Photographer: Ricardo Mendoza Hair: Graham Nation Makeup: Luis Casco Styling: The Style Duo Location: SUR Restaurant & Lounge

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I cover story

na time of uncertainty, one thing is for sure, the world needs more of Tabitha and Choyce Brown. At first glance, these two beautiful women look more like sisters than they do mother and daughter. Tabitha, with her Southern accent and calm and soothing words, is an actress and vegan enthusiast who has taken social media by storm, especially since joining TikTok this past March at her daughter’s insistence.

“She kept trying to get me to go on and I was like, ‘Girl, I’m not getting on with those kids,’” says Tabitha. “She was persistent, so I said, let me see what this thing is all about.”

Thankfully, Choyce, who is a model and stars alongside her mom in their YouTube show, “Very Good Mondays” was able to convince Tabitha to give it a shot. Her first video, a recipe she shared in the 59 seconds the platform allows, went viral within the first day.

Since then, life for the mother of three (which includes her “bonus daughter”) hasn’t been the same.

Dubbed “America’s Mom,” Tabitha’s signature catchphrases and soft and soulful, “Hello there” greeting, which starts off almost all of her videos, leaves followers wanting simply more “Tab!” Fortunately for all of us, we’re about to get our wish. This past year has been groundbreaking for the duo and 2021 is set to be even bigger.

BELLA sat down with Tabitha and Choyce to dish about how it all began, their high-profile projects, and where this life-changing year is taking them next.

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TB - Originally from the south, you moved to California with dreams of becoming an actor.

I used to watch “The Cosby Show” as a kid, and I would tell my mom I wanted to be Rudy’s friend on the show. I didn’t know I was trying to say I wanted to be an actor, but that’s what I was trying to tell her. In old video footage my dad would say, “What do you want to be when you grow up,” and I would always say, an actress.

CB - Did you envision a career in front of the camera like your mom?

When I was younger I wanted to be a singer like Beyoncé. Now I’m kind of in that lane and doing what I had envisioned.

TB - A mysterious illness put your dream on hold for some time. Now, having found success, do you believe things worked out the way in which they were supposed to? And what would you tell a young Tab? I definitely think I am where I’m supposed to be. I would tell my younger self that when things feel like they’re not going to happen, or you feel hopeless and want to give up, keep going, keep believing. Everything happened the way it was supposed to, I truly believe that.

TB - Twenty-two years later you’ve become internet famous, thanks in part to Choyce, along with your faith in God, which led you down a path of healing.

I was sick for a year and seven months before going vegan. I wasn’t able to audition, I couldn’t work, and went on disability. I was depressed, suffering from major anxiety attacks, and I lost my faith because I was sick with no answers.

Then I had what I call was my “coming to Jesus” moment in my bathroom. I was looking into my soul for answers from God, and being sick for so long, I felt like He wasn’t hearing me anymore as I was praying. This was my last call to Him. I told Him, ‘God, I am begging you, if you heal me, you can have me. I will simply do whatever you ask of me,’ and I meant it.

Two weeks later I had a dream, and in it I saw myself on a show. But the difference was in the dream I had a little short afro, I spoke with my accent, which for years I had covered because I was told to, and here I was—completely free. When I woke up I asked God, ‘What was that?’ and I heard a voice say, ‘Start doing videos.’ And that didn’t make sense…why would I do videos? But I was reminded of what I had said, ‘If you heal me you can have me,’ so I had to live a life of obedience.

Dress: Dalia MacPhee

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cover story TB - What were your initial thoughts when Choyce told you about the documentary, “What the Health?”

When my daughter came home and told me she saw the documentary, we watched it, and it was instantly for me a light bulb moment. People die young in my family, they get sick early, and meat was the common denominator that I could think of, so I told my husband ‘Let’s do a 30-day vegan challenge and see what happens.’ I didn’t have anything to lose at that point; I’d taken every drug the doctors had given me and nothing helped, if anything it made me worse. In the first 10 days the headaches I had for a year and seven months disappeared, and I knew I was onto something.

CB - Do you think it was divine intervention that put you in the right place to help your mom heal?

I think everything happens for a reason. I went to school that day so I could watch the documentary and share it with her.

TB - Together you host a YouTube series called, “Very Good Mondays.” Do you plan the content in advance, or press record and wing it?

Nothing is planned, we press record and it goes down! When Choyce graduated from high school, she didn’t want to go to college; she wanted to pursue entertainment. I already had a platform, so I told her, ‘Every Monday we’re going to start doing these videos, and it’s going to be our show. People will know your name, your face, and that will help build your platform and your brand,’ and it worked.

TB - Along with Choyce and her brother Queston, you’re also “bonus mom” to Ty-Leah. What does the role mean to you?

Ty-Leah has an amazing mom who I respect, and I make sure I don’t cross that line, like I’m her mom, but I get to be her friend. It’s fun being able to have that relationship as a woman with another young lady who considers me a mom if she needs me, but mostly as her friend who can help with life as it goes.

CB - How would you describe having an older sister?

It’s like having a friend for life. We always talk, and sometimes we go a little while without seeing each other. She has family on her mom’s side as well, but when we do see each other, we never miss a beat. I love her.

TB - All of your videos are infused with your signature catchphrases, which fans obsess over. But for you, they’re just second nature.

Catchphrases are how I live my life. Growing up as a little girl, I spent a lot of time with my granddaddy and my greatgranddaddy, and if you ever spent time in the country you know we’re natural storytellers. And my daddy and I are best friends. I talk to him every day and he always has a line for me.

How I end my shows, “Have a good day but if you can’t, don’t go messing up nobody else’s…” that is what he always told me and still does.

When I first started cooking live I never watched myself back and I would wonder why, in the comments, people kept putting in parenthesis, “Because it’s my business.” I watched the videos and realized I said that a lot, but it’s just how I talk.

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TB - Where do you come up with the recipes you share?

I cook from the spirit, so if I have a taste for something, I try and figure out how to make it my way. Sometimes people send a recipe and ask me to “veganize it” and then I figure out substitutions to make it fun.

TB - You have a new show coming to the Ellen Digital Network, “All Love.” What can fans expect?

It says it in the name—it’s all things love…it’s parenting advice, family, food, and inspiration—everything that surrounds love because that’s what I’m all about. I’m all about leading with love and finding love in everything we do, and also about having fun. My kids or my husband might pop up; maybe I’ll do some cooking, some Q&A…it’s going to be a lot of fun.

TB - The end of this year is a busy one for you. What projects are happening?

I’m in a new movie, “Princess of the Row.” Morgan Freeman is the executive producer and it will be on iTunes and Amazon the day after Thanksgiving. I have a completely different role in this film and I’m super excited. A lot of people know me from my older work but they haven’t seen my acting as I am now, so I can’t wait to share that.

I’m also writing two books—an inspirational book and a cookbook—I’m developing a scripted sitcom, and I’m continuing to do a ton of partnerships and brand content with my daughter and on my own. And I’ve been working on a hair growth kit, which will be out before the end of the year. A lot is happening!

CB - In addition to collaborating with your mom, you also have some projects in the works, including your own skincare line, “Skinbychoyce.”

I’m doing a lot more modeling and working on campaigns for different clothing brands. I’m also in the process of working on the skincare line, making sure everything I want and what my supporters are looking for are in it. Hopefully you will see my face a lot more!

CB - How has working alongside your mom inspired you?

She’s taught me a lot about perseverance, to keep going, and to chase your dreams.

TB - How has Choyce inspired you?

One of the greatest joys is becoming more of her friend now.

I’ve always been a mom first, but it’s inspiring to see something that came out of me grow up and become this amazing, independent woman. She keeps me young and on my toes, and she teaches me a lot about the younger generation. I’m so open to listening to her—listening to her changed my life two times. It saved my life watching that documentary, and it changed my life when I joined TikTok. I get to work with my best friend every day.

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}

Dress: Mestiza New York

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T up close & personal

Talking Straight From the Heart

By Alexandra Anastasio

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Photography by Peter Baratti

aylor Dayne

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up close & personal

A

Very early on you knew you not only wanted to sing, but were going to be famous doing what you loved. From that moment, was there ever a time you questioned your path?

musical powerhouse with a voice that is strong, yet soulful, Taylor Dayne is a force to be reckoned with. Her career has spanned the past 30 years, and with 75 million records sold worldwide, she is one of the world’s best-selling music artists. She has not slowed down since.

Taylor’s rise to fame in 1987 with the hit song, “Tell It to My Heart” won over fans as well as the legendary Clive Davis, who signed her to Arista Records. From that point on, life as she knew it would never be the same.

“Life completely changed,” says Taylor, “like at the speed of sound!”

And while it might have felt like the musical superstar achieved overnight success, it was, in fact, just the opposite. Performing tirelessly for years in various nightclubs throughout NYC, Taylor focused on her own music when the sun came up. She was committed to making her dream a reality.

Despite a tough childhood, both mentally and physically, Taylor’s resilience, determination, and a strong will to succeed led the mother of two where she is today.

In your book, “Tell It to My Heart–How I Lost My S#*T, Conquered My Fear, and Found My “Voice,” you go into greater detail about the difficulties you faced as a child. If you hadn’t gone through all you did, do you think you’d still be where you are today?

“

I would never be able to sit here today, and I wouldn’t have the resilience to do anything I have achieved.

Everyone has his or her own mental strength—I came out of it a much stronger person. It broke me, but it didn’t kill me. It led me on the journey I took, and I am definitely a more beautiful, loving mother and stronger human because of my childhood.

Life completely changed,” says Taylor, “like at the speed of sound!”

“You can take three people and put them through the same experience and they’re not all going to come out the same way,” she explains.

Major surgery at just 5 years old and months spent in the hospital changed her in more ways than one. It was there she discovered her voice and the power it held; fixated on her vision to become a “rock star,” a young Taylor never looked back.

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No, it was always full speed ahead. This was what I knew, and in my heart there was this quiet determination. My parents were doing their thing, having their own quiet and big storms, and I said to myself, I have this voice and I’m going to go in my room, sing with the radio, and I’m going to do this.

What inspired you to write a book and open yourself up so publicly?

It started with a TED talk years earlier with my ghostwriter, Linda Sivertsen. It was my 30-year anniversary, and I went to a writing retreat. I was ready to do something, and these are the moments when you look into yourself and say, as an artist, what are you ready to challenge yourself on? You have to challenge yourself otherwise you’re not growing, and if you’re not growing, then what are you doing? Are you really an artist?

With a career that has spanned three decades, and includes 17 Top 20 singles and multiple number one hits, Taylor continues making music.

This past summer she released another hit single, “Please.” “I feel like my time is here again,” she exclaims.

I reached out to Sivertsen online, said I would love to meet and work together, and from there we went on this magical journey together. She said to me, ‘Honey, I don’t know what you know about writing books,’ and I said, ‘Barely anything,’ and she says, ‘Well, it’s a year-long process.’

Taylor’s journey from aspiring singer to global star is not only fascinating, it is extremely inspiring. In a candid conversation, the singer-songwriter opened up to BELLA about the struggles she’s faced and gave us a look into her life, both on and off the stage.

I went into this journey with her and she told me I was going to do a TED Talk first; it was as frightening as it could be, but it was the impetus for the book. I wasn’t sure where the book was going but it grew into what it was. Did I know I was going to go there? I can honestly say no, but once there, I went!

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up close & personal

but in May, I looked around and thought, I’m not going back out there, am I? It was Mother’s Day and I needed to go to the beach, I needed to hide away for a bit and embrace this shit for a while.

Early on you battled with agoraphobia, which is an extreme fear of open or crowded spaces, along with anxiety and panic attacks. How were you able to work past the fears instead of allowing them to take over?

It’s been a really transforming year.

Those months were beautiful on one level. I was trying to keep it together, trying to figure out my way, and it was great having the fans there. My Sundays were always family day and this gave me a place to be grounded and certain, and then it became uncertain and I needed to ground myself.

I got through them years ago and never looked back.

I talk about agoraphobia and the anxiety in the book.

It took me two years; it was incapacitating. It was to the point where you could have kept me in my own home. I didn’t know or understand the anxiety, the panic; it became so bad it kept me from college. I said, if I truly want to be a star, I’d have to be able to travel and be alone. So I went as far as sleeping in a separate bed from my boyfriend; we took separate cars when we went out. I had to learn the basics of how to be, and I worked on it. I was in therapy. You have to go slow and learn how to wean yourself off and how to feel safe. And you must understand it is only a learned response; you’re not going to die from the anxiety. I don’t know how I did it, but I did.

You became a mom to twins through surrogacy, another personal topic you talk candidly about in your book. And you have raised them as a single parent.

Living apart from family, who has been a part of your tribe?

It’s been mostly friends and nannies.

There’s been no family out here for me, and it’s everything I created. This is the beauty of what my parents taught me— to create family around you, [to] grow them. It has been a miraculous journey.

What do your kids think of Taylor Dayne circa 1987? Have they seen and listened to all of your work?

They’re 18 now, but secretly they’ve looked at all my work.

Would you say now you are at a place of peacefulness?

You just reminded me of how scared, lonely, and beaten I felt because I was so alone and terrified of everybody around. I am no longer terrified, and I’m at my own peace now. I wonder what it is with high anxiety…I don’t know if it’s because the anxiety lives in the home or lives within ourselves. I don’t know who gives themselves the most pressure. I know for me it was my household that was filled with anxiety.

This past year has been difficult for everyone, and from March to May you hosted “At Home” Sunday concerts to bring people together through your music. While you were bringing joy to your fans, what did the experience bring to you?

I loved it! It was difficult for me to stop connecting; I was not used to that after 30 years; to stop and pump the brakes felt weird and I needed to continue. It was wonderful to continue that process,

What’s up next for you?

Can fans expect more music?

“

I am no longer terrified, and I’m at my own

peace now.

I’ve been working on new music and another single should hopefully be out in November.

There’s stuff going on all the time. Keep your eyes open!

{

TheRealTaylorDayne Taylor Dayne

}

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getting to know

EMBODYING

Resilient

Beauty MEET THE CEO BEHIND ESTALA SKINCARE

C

By Jennifer DeCillis

hoosing a skincare line can be challenging, considering the overabundance of different brands on the market and the endless varieties of creams, serums, and toners galore. Choosing results and testimonials over name brands or price tags is essential, and the Estala Skincare line has been a skin-saving discovery, with a backstory that is nothing short of inspirational.

Esta Crompton, the CEO, founder, and mind behind Estala Skincare, spent her life envying and appreciating the beauty industry but didn’t realize how important a role it would play in her life until her world was changed forever. On March 6, 1987, Esta fell victim to a devastating, and almost fatal, drunk driving accident, which left her face unrecognizable and seemingly irreparable. For more than two decades Esta spent her days in and out of surgery, to no avail, until finally meeting one plastic surgeon, Dr. Diana Elias, who changed her life, mended the damages done to her face, and introduced her to the world of reparative and restorative skincare.

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Today, Estala Skincare is formulated with some of the market’s most effective, gentle, and advantageous ingredients—and with proven results, as Esta herself is the spokesmodel for the miraculous effects. BELLA chatted with Esta about her heartening journey into the beauty industry, the entire Estala Skincare line, and the many other products she offers.

getting to know Your story is so moving; thank you for sharing it with us. Tell us what that moment was like when you finally found someone who could help give you your life back and the moment you decided you would pursue skincare to help serve others the way you were helped.

Dr. Diana Elias gave me my life back, which ultimately gave me closure. After years of surgery with another doctor who stopped doing this type of work, I found her and had my final two surgeries. After that, I was able to take pictures with my family and friends again without having to explain my accident each time.

Although my plastic surgery had been completed, I still was left with facial scarring. I set out on a journey to feel confident in my own skin again. I worked with dozens of doctors and tried countless products. Eventually, I came to the realization that I had to do this myself with the help of Dr Elias. I worked with a pharmacist to develop skincare formulas that actually worked.

As I used these products, my skin finally began to heal properly.

When people started to comment on how youthful I looked for 60 years old, I knew I was onto something.

I wanted others to be able to experience the benefits of these wonderful products; that is why I founded Estala Skin Care.

My accident made me who and what I am today. I love life and people. You can say that my accident saved my life. I wouldn’t be here telling my story, where my life was going from growing up with not much money, my abused childhood from my stepfather, and choosing wrong lifetime partners.

Another product that I am particularly excited about is our new Age Defying Retinol Mask, which works to replenish, tighten, and rejuvenate mature or damaged skin. It contains both green tea and Coenzyme Q, which are potent antioxidants that also support collagen production for healthy, fresh-feeling skin.

In addition to skincare, Estala also offers everyday beauty products (which also make for amazing gifts). Tell us about those…

After formulating the skincare lines, I decided to dive into a wider variety of products and introduce beauty and bath accessories to my brand. It is my mission to make every woman feel beautiful no matter what and bring a sense of ease to everyone’s makeup routine.

One of my bestsellers is the Hollywood Vanity Mirror, which provides the perfect lighting for makeup application.

No more struggling with streaky foundation and makeup malfunctions due to bad lighting.

Another bestseller is the Bamboo Bathtub Tray. I wanted anyone to be able to treat themselves and their loved ones to this elegant bathroom tray, crafted with designated spaces and holders for bath books, tablets, phones, cups, glass, candles, and other bath accessories—whatever your heart desires.

The holiday season is upon us and you are offering special perks for BELLA readers, as well as holiday gift bundles. Share what those are and where people can buy.

Yes! I am offering a storewide 10% off coupon for all BELLA readers with the code “BELLA10.” We have created some special holiday bundles to make special gifts for your loved ones. We are offering the Makeup Mirror Bundle, which includes our fullWalk us through the Estala Skincare line and the different sized Hollywood Vanity Mirror (12” x 16”) and our Portable skincare products you offer. Do you have a favorite or most Makeup Mirror (9.5” x 7.5”). This gift set is a must-have for any popular product?

Our skincare line includes both an acne and anti-aging line. makeup enthusiast.

The anti-aging line is the one I personally use and that healed my scarring. I use the whole line, but I love the texture of the Our next gift set is the Relaxation Bundle, which includes our Cell Repair Serum, which pairs with our derma roller perfectly Bamboo Bathtub Tray, Vanilla & Lavender Mineral Bath Salts, to tighten pores and smooth out my skin. The CoQ10 Cream and an exfoliating bath brush. This combination of bath products makes my skin glow, and the Toning Cleanser is a personal is the perfect gift for relaxation. favorite as it works as a 2-in-1 toner and cleanser eliminating that extra product and leaving my skin feeling refreshed. The Revitalizing Eye Cream is popular as it helps with dark circles and under eye bags, which I know many people deal with!

Could you share the benefits of your ingredients and why they are so effective?

All my products are cruelty free, with high-quality, natural ingredients. Our Acne Stop System has some key ingredients, such as Niacinamide (also known as Vitamin B3), which has antiinflammatory properties, helps to shrink pores, and evens out skin tone. We also use salicylic acid, which works to slow down sebum and relieves clogged pores and blackheads.

Our Revitalizing Eye Cream is formulated with our special Eyebright extract. Eyebright contains flavonoids and tannins that have antioxidant benefits and protect skin from premature fine lines and wrinkles. Eyebright can also help decrease the appearance of dark circles and inflammation.

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EstalaSkincare.com

EstalaSkincare

the beauty of giving back

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR

Giving Back

By Yolanda F. Johnson

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T

“

It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

he paraphrase of this line—“It is better to give than to receive”—is actually one of the most famous lines attributed to Jesus, which we hear often in our mainstream modernday culture. In fact, an article in U.S. News and World Report even stated that physiologically, this is a scientific fact! It really is better for our health and well-being to be generous.

Isn’t that the beauty of it all—to embrace the ways we can help others? It doesn’t have to be a big or grand gesture. I mean sure, if you can help save part of the rainforest, by all means, do so!

But if you can also help facilitate donations to a local shelter or food bank, you’re also making an impact.

This column is going to shine a light on some of the many wonderful people out there using their gifts, talents, and resources for the greater good. There is a lot of good work to do, and I am so grateful that I have been allowed a unique opportunity to bring together those who believe in the power of giving back simply because it’s a beautiful thing to do.

My give-back journey all began as president of Women In Development (WID), NY, the New York City metro area’s 40-yearold premier professional organization for women in fundraising and philanthropic work. I then founded Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC, pronounced “woke”), to celebrate, champion, and support women of color in these sectors and to provide them with personal and professional development resources.

As the community-building work of WOC has been underway for awhile, it did not take long for our membership to grow to nearly 700 individuals nationwide and internationally. From my experiences and expertise in both fundraising strategy and philanthropic counsel, I recognized the importance of bringing everyone together to maximize our impact. As a result, WOC offers a robust programming schedule, which includes the newly launched WOC Votes 2020 Voter Activation Campaign, in partnership with the League of Women Voters, and PowHer the Vote. We are also planning WOC’s first-ever daylong virtual Symposium on November 17. WOC is accomplishing all of

YFL-Consulting.com

woc-fp.com

this in addition to providing professional assessments for fundraisers, philanthropists, advisors, and so much more.

It’s important for me to build community by tackling issues that are both universal, yet deeply personal, as I have found that most people around us are already fundraisers or philanthropists in some general form, even if it is not their direct profession. Still, many people out there don’t even recognize all of the good they’re doing. Sometimes, we think it is necessary to have a name like Rockefeller, Carnegie, or Gates to make a real difference.

But that’s not true! One of the most important goals I have in my work is to dispel that sense of “Impostor Syndrome,” where we feel we don’t belong.

Another component of maximizing the impact of good work is understanding the role of allyship. Given the current racial equity movement, I have received a great deal of feedback from non-people of color, asking “What can I do to help?” For this reason, I established the Allies in Action Membership Network (AiA). While its work began before then, AiA was officially launched with a global gathering in July, and is based upon four pillars: Education, Legislation, Inclusion, and Action. We have since delivered a transformative antiracism seminar and continue to move our programming forward.

One of the AiA values about which I am most excited is the “Action” pillar, which includes a philanthropic component of year-end giving.

Allies Give 2020 will consist of each ally making a gift of a size that is meaningful to him or her toward causes that champion women and girls of color and racial equity. With this effort, we are truly and directly going to help people in a major way!

As we look ahead to the end of the year and the holidays before us, I urge you to take a moment and ask yourself what gift, resource, or talent might you be able to use to help others. It may be more obvious than usual. Or you may need to think about it a bit. It doesn’t have to be the norm; feel free to be creative. Just remember, it only needs to be sincere.

widny.org

YolandaFJohnson.com

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horoscopes

A

BELLA

Future LIES AHEAD…

By Vanessa Coppes

Astrology is a part of some cultures around the world—cultures where the celestial bodies are believed to have an influence over and are correlated with earthly events.

However, astrology is perceived and understood differently in different parts of the world. For some, astrology is used to foresee future events; for others, it’s an ancient tradition that studies the influence of the stars, the planets, and the universe on humans and life.

Regardless of where your passion for astrology comes from and what your beliefs are, we will have a few words of wisdom based on your sign in each issue. We’ve sourced from CultureAstrology.com for this one, and zoned in on Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn.

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SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21

Scorpio is the eighth and the most hypnotizing sign of the zodiac. Ruled by planet Pluto and symbolized by the Scorpion, this water sign is passionate and intense.

People born under the Scorpio horoscope sign care deeply, but they can hurt deeply as well. They are the detectives of the zodiac, always willing to explore the mysteries of the world. Scorpios are intense and have magnetic personalities, but they’re also very jealous individuals with a desire to control everything.

Scorpio is known to be the most powerful and hypnotizing sign of the zodiac.

People born under this sun sign are passionate and usually have very intense and dramatic personal relationships. These individuals possess intelligence beyond the average, so they often know all the answers. They are extremely sensitive and emotional, but very secretive–they know how to hide their real emotions from people. Once they find true love, they will be the most faithful and dedicated partners in the world. However, they can be resentful and unforgiving, so they will never forget or forgive if you hurt them. Their jealousy usually comes out of the fear of getting hurt, which makes them one of the softest signs of the zodiac.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21

Ruled by the planet of growth and opportunity, Jupiter, Sagittarius is a sign that is full of energy and a desire to travel and explore new places. People born under this sign are very optimistic, positive, and independent. People are drawn to Sagittarians for their friendly, carefree, and outgoing personalities. There’s never a dull moment with a Sagittarius–they’re the life of the party. However, these individuals can be careless and may hurt others accidentally with their thoughtless acts or their blunt honesty.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19

Capricorn is an Earth sign ruled by Saturn and represented by the goat. Those born under this sun sign are calm, cool, and collected individuals, determined to push ahead until they reach the top. They are caring and loving, even though the way they show affection is more forceful than the other signs. They are driven by the need to succeed and provide for the people they care about.

Capricorn people can be reserved and conservative, and their tenacity makes them excellent leaders and generous providers. They are loyal friends and sincere lovers who will always protect their loved ones. However, they can be very hardworking and driven to succeed, so they may end up neglecting friends and family. They need to try to be more flexible and appreciate what they have.

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the love files | dating diversity

Are

Cultural Biases Preventing Us From

Finding Love?

By Carmelia Ray

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As a celebrity matchmaker and online dating expert, I've personally interviewed more than 65,000+ singles over almost 30 years in the matchmaking business.

I've observed how discriminatory people can be when it comes to choosing partners based on race.

Statistics have shown there is a notable downside to online dating when singles apply strict dating filters. In the process of finding their "perfect partner," singles can be judgmental and idealistic often without knowing it. Research conducted by online dating site OKCupid.com shows that Asian men, Black men/women are often overlooked. Many singles view dating people outside of similar cultural background as less desirable, which limits their dating pool.

There are many key life values to consider when choosing a life partner. According to "The Love Doctor" Dr. Terri Orbuch author of “Finding Love Again: 6 Simple Steps to a New and Happy Relationship,” there are five "Key Life Values" that impact overall relationship satisfaction and happiness:

3

1

BELIEFS ABOUT MONEY AND FINANCES

BELIEFS ABOUT THE ROLE OF FAITH/RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY

4

2

BELIEFS ABOUT FAMILY AND CHILDREN

BELIEFS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF A JOB OR CAREER

5

BELIEFS ABOUT HEALTH AND FITNESS

One might that argue dating someone from the same race will result in higher relationship satisfaction and success. But dating someone of similar race isn't an automatic predictor of long-term relationship satisfaction. Meeting someone with a different perspective on life is a valuable thing. You can learn so much from one another and appreciate your differences.

I reached out to some of my peers to get their take on the limitations of not being open to cultural differences. I interviewed cross-cultural couples that married partners outside of their race to get their views on the limitations of not dating racially open…

DAMONA HOFFMAN is a bi-racial certified dating coach and the host of the “Dates & Mates” podcast: "In my professional experience, when people are required to state a racial preference on a dating app, they reject messages from people outside of their desired race. On apps with photo-based matching however, people often swipe based on physical attraction without as much regard for racial preference. I encourage my clients to date race open as it expands their dating pool and also their world view at the same time."

One of my team members,

LEE-ANNE GALLOWAY, is a successful love coach and digital dating expert based in Toronto.

She works closely with my VIP clients supporting their digital searches: “When people narrow their preferences with rigid restrictions around race, age, and height, they miss out on strong potential matches. These restrictions tend to be based on preconceived notions or beliefs that are inaccurate, and do not define people.”

EVAN MARC KATZ is a successful dating coach who met his wife at a party when he was a single, Jewish, 34-year-old bachelor. His wife at the time was Catholic, older, and someone he would have never met online while they were both on the same dating site. Had it not been for fate leading them to a real-life meeting, they would have overlooked one another on Match.com based on both of their dating parameters: “When people have a fixed idea of who they’re supposed to date, which is the opposite sex version of themselves, it rules out everybody else. And a good number of those people are amazing life partner candidates that we don’t even consider. We don’t even see them on the menu.”

THOMAS EDWARDS, LIFE COACH “Some cultural biases can go back as far as our childhood. While they are nuanced, the moment you associate a certain pattern, characteristic, behavior, aesthetic, or belief to a culture, it doesn’t matter if it’s true or not. It becomes your truth, which runs in the background of your life all day, every day. If I held on to other’s biases that I took on as my own, I wouldn’t be with my wife today."

In my opinion there is only one race—the human race—and we all share the planet earth. Across all cultures and races you can find similarities and a place to bond. If you're going to date people outside of your culture, the key to success is to practice kindness, empathy, and find common ground. When you focus on the five key life values over culture, you've got a strong foundation to thrive in your relationship.

the love files | deeper love

THE ART OF

LOVING

By Jarrod Thalheimer

“

Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.”

Erich Fromm 84

What if everything you thought you knew about love

was wrong?

What if it wasn’t some arbitrary, magical sensation that you might someday “fall into” (or subsequently “out of ”), but was instead a specific, quantifiable skill that could be learned and practiced by all?

What if love was actually an art?

In 1956, social philosopher Erich Fromm published a slim but striking book called “The Art of Loving.” In it, Fromm explained his understanding that love was not merely some random explosion of good luck enjoyed by the fortunate, but instead a very specific skill to be studied, appreciated, and hopefully learned. Fromm contended that any individual wanting to live a life of love was obligated to “develop his total personality” and learn to love mankind as a whole. He contended that love is not merely two individuals choosing to focus entirely on each other (and to the detriment of the larger society around them), it is something far more deep, significant, and consequential.

To say that Fromm’s insights were unfamiliar would be an understatement. And while I would recommend reading Fromm’s work in its entirety (really, it’s only 130 pages or so), there are a few tidbits so fascinating and thoughtful that they might just pique your interest enough to consider love for the beautiful and transcendent art it very truly is.

We spend so much energy trying to achieve success, money, power, fame, and more, but so little toward something as significant as love. Fromm makes it clear: Real, true love is available to all but will only ever be enjoyed by a precious few. Here’s hoping the few includes you.

ERICH FROMM...

on Patience:

“Patience is necessary if you want to achieve anything.”

on Objectivity

“...objectivity is the faculty to see people and things as they are [instead of one] formed by one’s desires and fears.”

Anyone who has ever tried to master an art understands that patience is integral. The world around us pushes us so hard in the To develop real, true love requires the opposite direction: more gratification with less waiting, faster, faster. It’s so hard to breath absence of narcissism and the development of true humility. Humility and objectivity in a world where even the movies don’t waste your time with credits (thanks, Netflix), and yet are as indivisible as love is. If you cannot see the difference between your picture of a you’re supposed to be patient in learning love?

Well, yes. Patience is a crucial component in person and their actual behavior, or the other person’s reality as it exists for them, you are the study of anything worthwhile, and what not objective or even truly reasonable. To could be more worthwhile than love? have acquired the capacity for objectivity and reason is half the road to achieving the art of loving, but it must be practiced in regard to everyone you meet—not just the person you believe to be “that special someone.”

on Discipline:

“The practice of art requires discipline.”

Not the word you were expecting when it comes to a discussion of love, but necessary all the same. The practice of any art requires discipline.

Whether it’s the piano, painting, or even small appliance repair, you can’t get good at something if you only do it when you are “in the mood.”

Hobbies might work that way, but real, sincere love cannot. Most of us apply discipline to our work and maybe to our sports, but rarely to the very thing that actually makes the world go round. So make the change and discipline your efforts. Love is not for the lazy.

on Faith

“The practice of the art of loving requires the practice of faith.”

Rather than being a specific religious description, faith is instead a character trait pervading the whole personality rather than a particular belief. For example, we require faith in our self—the trust that our identity is strong enough to contain our fears and imperfections so that we don’t become dependent on other people for their approval or disapproval. And only when you have faith in your self can you fully place your faith in another. Faith is a huge part of our ability to make a promise to someone. If you can make a promise and know you can keep it, you have learned faith in the love that you produce. Then, you can take that love and have faith in its ability to produce love in others, which is the essence of being able to have faith in all of humanity.

on Courage

“To be loved, and to love, need courage.”

The ability to take a risk, and the readiness to accept pain or disappointment in pursuit of that which our heart desires most requires courage. Consider the pains of your life and which wounds cut the deepest or left the most lasting scars.

Rarely are they physical. The opening of one’s heart to love invites the most profound of pains, which is why personal courage is so important and necessary.

No one said real love was easy.

on Self-Love:

“Selfishness and selflove, far from being identical, are actually opposites.”

According to Fromm, loving oneself is quite different from arrogance or conceit. To love oneself means to care about oneself; to take responsibility for getting to know who you are; to care what happens to you.

It matters that you spend time appreciating and respecting who you are and who you hope to someday become. Take stock of your personal strengths and weaknesses and acknowledge them truthfully. Remember, it’s impossible to fully love another if you cannot truly love yourself, warts and all.85

A NOVEL IDEA

Turning the Page If there’s one thing we can make easier for you this year, it’s your holiday gift shopping. Here are some of our favorite picks for the book lovers on your list.

2020

on

By Barbara Bellesi Zito

SPICY, CAJUN, WITH LOVE: FOR SOUTHERN LOUISIANA FOOD; QUICK AND EASY RECIPES WRITTEN BY A SPICY CAJUN SOUTH OF I-10

BY JILLIAN COBURN Bye Jillian, LLC

Jillian Coburn is many things: wife, mother, entrepreneur, inventor, and now cookbook author. Though she now calls Texas home, she is fiercely loyal to her Louisiana roots, as her cooking can attest. We’re not just talking about any cooking—it’s Cajun cooking. And she has broken down her favorite recipes so you can easily whip up seafood gumbo and much more with your own family.

Variety is the spice of life, and if you’re going to be cooking Cajun, it will help to have a bunch of spices on hand. “That’s why those Cajuns are so damn happy,” Jillian says. “They’re full of spices.”

Unlike other cookbooks that say a dash of this or “to taste” with that, Jillian measured out her ingredients with far more precision. The result? Your kitchen has a very good chance of smelling just like hers. “[I want readers] to fall in love with Cajun food,” Jillian says. “Once you take a bite of something, you’ll realize it’s literally an orgasm in your mouth.”

We’ll have what she’s having!

THE FATE OF A FLAPPER

BY SUSANNA CALKIN Minotaur Books

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Not loving how the ’20s are going in this century?

Head back to that roaring decade in the 20th century. Gina Ricci, a cigarette girl working at a moonshine parlor in Chicago during Prohibition, seeks answers for the death—or is it murder?—of one of the patrons.

WHOLE-ASS: STOP LIVING A HALF-ASSED LIFE AND ENJOY AN EXTRAORDINARY EXISTENCE

BY MAHARANI

That Guy’s House

Are you diving fully into your life, or are you just wading in up to your knees? Let Maharani, an Ishaya monk, guide you from half-assing the limited number of days we spend on this earth to embracing your existence and start living a life you love.

100 POSTERS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

BY COLIN SALTER Rizzoli Books

Did you know that posters date back to the 18th century, when paper was first made affordable for printing? This book of 100 images showcases some of the most beautiful and iconic images over the last three centuries.

From movies and plays to sporting events and political rallies, this book is a feast for the eyes—no thumbtacks or tape needed!

Gift

Guide While the readers on your list will always appreciate a gift card to their favorite bookstore, here are some other bookish gifts you may want to consider:

PAGE ANCHOR

For the reader who would never dare crack a book spine, this gift will please. Comes in four colors (we’re partial to the rose gold). $49.99, Page-Anchor.com

KATE SPADE BOOK TOTE

JANE AUSTEN T-SHIRT No persuasion necessary here. This top will suit any Austenphile to a T. $28, BoredWalkTees.com

Can you ever have enough bags?

The answer is no, especially when there’s this beautiful one to carry. $28, Amazon.com

LITERARY SCARF

Chillier days call for a wrap. We love this one that features Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise.” $48, Storiarts.com

“GOLDEN GIRLS” BOOK SLEEVE

Thank them for being a friend with this book sleeve; other sizes and choices available. $17, Etsy.com/shop/RockPaperWords

BOOK MASK

BOOKISH WINE GLASS CHARMS

Your book club friend who always reads the book deserves something fun to dangle on her wine glass. $16.95, Etsy.com/shop/LifeBaubles

Here’s one way to make the best of the situation we’re in. There’s lots of other designs, too—buy a bunch and snag a discount. $9.99+, RedBubble.com

WIFE OF BATH/ LADY MACBETH SOAPS OK, so these are a bit of a knee slapper for those who love ye olde English literature—but at least they’ll have clean hands. $4.55, TheLiteraryGiftCompany.com

WRITER PLAYING CARDS

Play cards with Zadie Smith and Margaret Atwood…sort of. $10, UncommonGoods.com

BOOK RING

For the rare instance they don’t have a book in their hand, now they can have a book on their hand. In sterling silver. $40, Etsy.com/shop/JewelBeCharmed

87

arts & culture | our heritage

Culture 88

A LOOK

within

By Vanessa Coppes

89

A

arts & culture | our heritage

As I was brainstorming ideas for this issue, the former teacher in me realized that most of the people I know have learned about culture in terms of other people. For many, culture is something exotic and foreign. Over the span of my 18 years teaching, I remembered asking my students during specific holidays to showcase dances, costumes, and foods that represented who we were as a nation.

After moving to the US, and specifically, after having children, I thought more and more about how I could foster in them a love of Dominican culture, which would shape them as individuals and us as a multicultural family unit.

Conversations about culture happen often in my home. We have the blessing of embracing two completely different ways of life. We have different holidays, celebrate them in different ways, eat different foods, and more. I knew I had to give my children clarity so they could understand that Dominican culture was as much a part of them as it was of me.

The polarizing and painful cultural divisiveness we are experiencing in this country, I believe, is deeply rooted in a lack of understanding of who we are. I am talking about a deeper sense of self.

Our perceptions become a part of who we are regardless of if we are aware of them or not. They affect how we think, how we respond, and how we act. They create our belief systems, our cultural mores, our philosophies, and our habits. We also carry suggestions over from our genetic heritage, from our parents and other family members, from friends and foes, and from what we have read, seen, and experienced.

We carry suggestions from our environment and from all of the various institutions to which we are connected both directly and indirectly. Many of us tend to overlook the importance of tapping into a deeper level of self.

People within one culture are not all the same; they each have a unique sense of cultural identity.

This country and our world are multicultural. Not only do we all come from a range of backgrounds, each of us belongs to a range of cultural contexts, from our neighborhoods and families, schools, churches, and peer groups.

Many of us may just be waking up to or struggling to make sense of the diversity in our world. While we interpret cultural phenomena and meet cultural challenges, the more you avoid facing who we are, the more we avoid reaching our full potential as a whole.

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Life Laid Out In Luxury Holly Volpe Interior Design www.hollyvolpeinteriordesign.com @hvinteriordesign (732) 252 – 9900 facebook.com/hollyvolpeinteriordesign

arts & culture | collaboration

A Musical Vision Brought To Life:

AARON PAUL

&

LUCIANA PAMPALONE

P

op star Aaron Paul began his career at an early age, when he was handpicked by Simon Cowell to be the lead singer of a boy band called Worlds Apart in his hometown of London, UK. He later came to New York, where he quickly made a name for himself, emerging as a critically acclaimed solo artist, host, and author.

When he released his hit “I Don’t Care,” which became the “unofficial gay anthem” of 2014, his popularity grew, and soon enough Aaron was working on collaborations with notable celebrity icons. The music videos he creates promote LGBT rights and cross gender lines.

His #IAMPOPART is an artistically visual music and film collaboration featuring Vanity Fair columnist and celebrity, George Wayne, fusing fashion, art, and culture, directed by socialite Luciana Pampalone, who has worked with Aaron on several of his other projects.

AaronPaulMusic

T

hroughout the career of Luciana Pampalone, her vision as a photographer, art director, and concept artist has been invaluable to a wide array of global companies from GoldenEye Spa & Resort, Bridal Guide magazine, Hearst Publishing, Macys.com, HSN, and Oil of Olay. On assignment throughout the world, Luciana has been trusted with securing branding images for advertising agencies, travel agencies, bridal companies, and cosmetic companies.

On her recent endeavor with Aaron Paul: “From a random meeting in a nightclub, to forming an amazing creative bond and friendship, to photograph Aaron in fashion, art, and music is like breathing to me. We both live our own art, so when we come together to create, it’s purely a natural dynamic.”

LucianaPampalone 92

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team BELLA

Who Is Your Favorite

Artist?

SADE ADU English singer, songwriter, and actress Sade Adu has been credited as one of the most successful British female artists in history. I know her as the voice that soothed my mother’s heartbreak after her divorce from my father. It created a bond so strong that the love for her music has trickled through all the women in my family for three generations. The Brobón women have been connected by the tunes of “Smooth Operator,” “Love Is Stronger Than Pride,” “Is a It Crime,” and more—forever. I never thought I would have the opportunity to see her live in concert, and when I did, it was as if my soul was home. In October, Sade released “This Far,” a vinyl set featuring remastered versions of all of the band’s studio albums to date: “Diamond Life” (1984), “Promise” (1985), “Stronger Than Pride” (1988), “Love Deluxe” (1992), “Lovers Rock” (2000) and “Soldier Of Love” (2010). From lost love, enduring relationships, and self-love, there’s a Sade song for everyone.

Vanessa Coppes

CEO & Editor-In-Chief

KIMBERLY MASCARELLA My 16-year old daughter, Kimberly, is by far one of the most creative and talented artists I have ever known. Just a simple drawing of flowers in her notebook on her bed is a stunning work of art. She paints, sketches, draws, embroiders, sews...you name it, she’s mastered it—completely self-taught. Her artwork displays such raw talent, heart, imagination, wisdom, and an uncommon magic that truly exceeds her years.

Janene Mascarella

Beauty Director

ALEX GREY The artist Alex Grey has inspired me for many years. He describes himself as a “Visionary Artist” and I have approached my artwork with his influence as a part of my artistic foundation. His work really opened my mind to what artwork can be, and demonstrates that artwork can allow for immense freedom of expression and spiritual insight.

Jessica Licciardello

Creative Director

HENRY BURGOS One of my favorite artists is a fraternity brother and true model for someone who is constantly evolving—Henry Burgos. Through his captivating artwork of painting to sculpting and fashion, Henry takes his experience of the world around him and his roots to influence his work. As a Latino man growing up in Yonkers, NY, he makes it a point for his art to share his goals for a greater human-to-human and human-to-nature unification worldwide, to build for a more prosperous and influential generation to come. Check him out on @TearDrop_Creates.

Jonathan Calixto

Fashion Correspondent 94

ANDREA BOCELLI I have so many favorites, but what has constantly been my top performer from a young age is the Italian opera singer, songwriter, tenor, Andrea Bocelli. The angelic sounds of his voice and music have always warmed my heart and soul. In 2018, I was fortunate enough to see him in concert around Christmas time in NYC, and I cried when he sang “Time to Say Goodbye.” During COVID-19, his voice sent an awe-inspiring Easter Sunday message in “Music of Hope” on YouTube. I had chills when he sang “Amazing Grace” a cappella. I will forever be a fan.

Ilsy J. Hoo

Love Files Contributor

KARA WALKER I fell in love with art from the second I picked up a pencil and put it to paper. It has and will always be my passion, which leads me to present day—studying illustration at school. As an art major, I learn about many different artists. One of my all-time favorites is Kara Walker, painter, silhouettist, filmmaker, and installation artist. Her work represents the reality of sexuality, gender, and race through her silhouetted figures. Her work is inspiring, simple to the eye yet complicated to the mind, raw, emotional, and beautiful. Her style alone is one that has inspired me to create many similar projects of my own, being able to release emotion and create a story through silhouettes.

Amanda Ringel

Intern

JORDAN PEELE This is constantly changing, but right now, I’d have to say Jordan Peele. I’ve long been a fan of the horror genre, and since the debut of “Get Out,” he’s shown the world not only his tremendous writing and directing skills, but also his innate ability to weave in important commentaries on the modern day social and political climate. He has developed a new genre of horror that is both entertaining and thoughtprovoking. What could be better?

Amanda Mactas

Food, Travel & Accessories Editor

SYLVIA PLATH I have always been fascinated by the work of author and poet Sylvia Plath. Ever since I read “The Bell Jar” in high school, I’ve tried to consume as much of her writing as possible.

It’s interesting to me how I get something different out of her work depending on my season of life. Plath so eloquently captured the confusion and uncertainty of young adulthood, women and work, self-image, marriage, motherhood, and more—all notions that are timeless to this day, and a testament to her talent.

Gina LaGuardia

Editorial Director

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BELLA

CHOW BELLA THE ART OF COOKING ∙ CHERRY PIE BARS ∙ TOAST THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH PROSECCO DOC

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chow BELLA | holiday harvest

THE ART OF

COOKING

By Amanda Mactas

TOAST THE FRICKEN’ NEW YEAR

PICK UP A BOOK

Books are the best way to learn, so we suggest picking up one of these fun ones to get your imagination running.

hy by Ren

Fuller

Very Merry Cocktails: 50+ Festive Drinks for the Holiday Season Jessica Strand ($19.95)

Photograp

Art comes in many forms, whether it’s dance, painting, photography, or writing. Food is also an art form—every dash of salt and every knead of dough combine to make something not only beautiful to look at, but equally beautiful to enjoy. Food and drink have become an edible art, and there’s no better time of year to celebrate.

Naturally, Delicious Desserts: 100 Sweet But Not Sinful Treats Danny Seo ($28)

Friends: The Official Cookbook Amanda Yee ($29.99)

Every Day Is Saturday: Recipes + Strategies for Easy Cooking, Every Day of the Week Sarah Copeland ($29.95)

Heimat New York creates delicious fruit liqueurs using local, seasonal ingredients without any additives, colors, or preservatives. The result is a unique, new must-have for your home bar cart.

Oh Tannenbaum

2 oz. Heimat New York Cranberry 1 oz. white rum 6 oz. eggnog Add liqueur and rum into a clear mug or glass. Slowly add the eggnog, and stir if desired.

Check out their other flavors and recipes at HeimatNY.com.

Fan Fare: Game Day Recipes for Delicious Finger Foods, Drinks and More Kate McMillan ($19.99) 99

chow BELLA | holiday harvest

BUILD A BOARD It’s not just about cheese and charcuterie boards anymore— from curated candy boards to breakfast aplenty, people are getting creative with their grazing boards—and we’re loving it! Alaura Berry of Berry & The Boards tells us, “they create a fun and beautiful way to enjoy your favorite foods.” Yunnie Kim Morena of KIM.CHI.AVOCADO expands, telling us that communal-style food installations are growing in popularity, largely because there can be something for every food palette.

Berry gives additional advice: “Place items that pair well together near or beside each other; this makes it easier for people to grab and not think too much.” And, she reminds us, “nothing is permanent—if you don’t like where you placed something, move it! There is no wrong way and don’t judge yourself.”

Get more inspo @kimchi.avocado and @berryandtheboards.

Photography courtesy of @BerryandtheBoards

Her tips on making your own: “Use it as an opportunity to clean out the fruit and veggie bin in your fridge and clean out the pantry with whatever crackers, nuts, and snacks you have on hand. Find some small bowls to put on your board to create dimension. Fill in negative space so the surface area is covered.”

PERFECT YOUR PIZZAMAKING

A worthy splurge this holiday season? The Ooni Pizza Oven. Whether for yourself or for a loved one, this easy-to-use, portable outdoor pizza oven is the greatest thing you’ll add to your cooking repertoire all year.

Choose from either gas or wood-fired options, and prepare to be blown away by mouth-watering Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked to perfection in just 60-90 seconds.

That’s right—this sleek, simple oven won’t make you wait in line for a slice, and you’ll get your creative juices flowing with inventive topping ideas! (Oh, and did we mention you can also cook your steaks, veggies, and desserts in there, too?)

Ooni.com

LEAVE IT TO A PRO

Don’t have time to create your own art? We understand.

There’s no harm in leaving the heavy lifting to the professionals. Wolferman’s Bakery offers curated gift baskets and tasty treats that need no assembly. Whether you want to enjoy the holidays with a Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake or something more over the top like their Grand Holiday Gift Basket, serving joy in the kitchen is as easy as clicking “add to cart.”

Wolfermans.com 101

chow BELLA | yum

Cherry Pie Bars

By Kimberlee Ho of kickassbaker.com

Loaded with a buttery crust on the bottom with some more sprinkled on top and jam-packed with an easy cherry pie filling, these Cherry Pie Bars are your new go-to, easy-as-pie recipe! Make these in place of your usual Thanksgiving or holiday pie recipe for a super easy, delicious treat for your friends and family.

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Yield: 24 bars Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS: For the Crust & Topping: • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1½ cups granulated sugar • ½ teaspoon kosher salt • 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into cubes For the Filling: • 2 cups granulated sugar • ¾ cup all-purpose flour • Pinch of kosher salt • 4 large eggs, room temperature • 1 cup full-fat sour cream • 1½-2 pounds fresh cherries, pits removed and quartered or two 16-ounce packages frozen cherries, thawed, and drained

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, allowing the ends of the paper to hang over two opposite edges of the pan. Set aside.

2. Make the Crust and Topping: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, and salt and mix on low speed until well blended. With the mixer running on low, add the cubed butter a little at a time, beating until the mixture looks dry and crumbly, like wet sand. Set aside 1½ cups of the mixture for the topping; refrigerate it while the crust is baking. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at least 10 minutes before adding the filling.

3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Add the eggs and sour cream and whisk until smooth. Gently fold in the cherries, mixing with as few strokes as possible. Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly on top of the filling.

4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Remove the bars from the oven and allow to cool for at least an hour before cutting into squares. Alternatively, scoop them out with a spoon while they are warm and serve with vanilla ice cream.

NOTE: Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For more recipes, visit kickassbaker.com or @kickassbaker on Instagram and Pinterest.

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chow BELLA | made in italy

Toast this Holiday Season with

PROSECCO DOC

By Jennifer DeCillis

F

rom twinkling lights to glitzy fashion, the holiday season is all about the sparkles, especially when it comes to the bubbles in your glass. The famous Italian sparkler’s fresh and elegant personality, its versatility, and the ability to elevate your everyday lifestyle–the “Made In Italy lifestyle”—are just some of the many reasons you should be toasting during the holiday season with Prosecco DOC. WHAT IS PROSECCO DOC? While Prosecco is Italy’s most famous sparkling wine, not just any Italian sparkling can call itself Prosecco DOC. The wine enjoys a protected geographic designation label of DOC, short for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, or “controlled designation of origin.”

Named after the former village of Prosecco, Prosecco DOC is exclusively produced in a limited area of northeastern Italy. According to E.U. law, Prosecco can come from just nine provinces in two Italian regions, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The Prosecco-producing area is defined by its setting between the blue Adriatic Sea and the soaring Dolomite mountains.

WHY TOAST WITH PROSECCO DOC? Versatility. Prosecco has a fresh and lively structure, which allows it to be the perfect pairing to any cuisine or on its own for a celebratory toast.

Everyday drinking. It’s fresh,

light, and approachable, making Prosecco the ultimate choice for a holiday season full of celebrations and get-togethers.

Italian “lifestyle.” Made in Italy

The flavor profile in Prosecco DOC is extremely aromatic and fruit-driven, often with rich notes of fresh apples, peaches, pears, and melon, as well as jasmine flowers, orange or acacia blossoms, nuts, and fresh-baked bread.

All Prosecco must be made with at least 85% Glera grapes.

It is Glera that creates the delicate aromas of jasmine and orange blossom, as well as the notes of green apples, pears, citrus, and exotic fruit, and it is Glera that is responsible for the light, elegant body. While some Prosecco producers do make 100% Glera wines, the remaining 15% can include the familiar varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Nero, or the more obscure local grapes such as Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, or Glera Lunga.

ProseccoDOC_USA

Prosecco is produced using the Charmat method (also known as “Charmat-Martinotti”), a process first developed in 1895 by Italy’s Federico Martinotti and improved a decade later by the Frenchman Eugène Charmat. Instead of producing the bubbles with the second fermentation in the bottle, a process sometimes used to produce the semi-sparkling version, the more modern method involves re-fermenting the wine in stainless steel tanks, where the bubbles are naturally created by the yeasts eating the sugar and creating CO2 and alcohol. Afterward the yeast is filtered out, and the sparkling wine is bottled.

is a symbol of a high-quality product, elevated lifestyle, and an emotional connection to the land and culture from which it originates. Toasting with a glass of Prosecco DOC can instantly transport you to Italy.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU’RE DRINKING THE REAL PROSECCO DOC It is pretty easy to spot authentic Prosecco, as Italian law mandates a state sticker guaranteeing DOC status on the bottle opening itself to prevent it from possibly being reused. More importantly, real Prosecco is never sold in cans or on draft. With its E.U. quality-assurance standard, all Prosecco DOC must be produced and sold exclusively in glass bottles. Legally, the back of the bottle must also state the two phrases: “Prosecco DOC” and “Product of Italy.”

ProseccoDOCUSA

CasaProsecco.com

WINES TO TRY OR GIFT

This Season

Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC SRP: $29.99

Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco DOC SRP: $15

Val D’oca Prosecco DOC SRP: $12.99

Valdo "Marca Oro" Prosecco DOC SRP: $13

Perlage "Sgajo" Prosecco DOC Treviso (organic, vegan wine) SRP: $16.99

MIX IT UP WITH THESE FUN

Holiday Cocktails The Bellini INGREDIENTS

2 oz. fresh peach purée, 4 oz Prosecco, white peaches PREPARATION

Pour peach puree into chilled flute, add Prosecco. Stir gently.

Aperol Spritz INGREDIENTS

Prosecco with a shot of Aperol, or another bitter liqueur, soda water PREPARATION

Pour 1 oz. of the bitter liqueur over ice, pour Prosecco to fill, and add a splash of soda water.

Garnish with orange peel.

Negroni Sbagliato

INGREDIENTS 1 oz. Campari, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, 1 oz. Prosecco

(or more to taste), ice, orange peel PREPARATION

Pour the Campari and sweet vermouth into an ice-filled glass and stir. Top with Prosecco, garnish with orange peel, and serve.

105

BELLA's fab 5

5 Cool Winter to

Know for a

By Norah Lawlor The days are getting shorter and the weather cooler, which means winter is coming. However, that will not stop New Yorkers from enjoying The Big Apple. From can’t miss charity events and sweet treats, to meeting the virtual planner and a famed sports broadcaster, we look forward to New York City being back in full swing.

THE TREAT: MARIEBELLE CHOCOLATES Delicious chocolates can be enjoyed and delivered right to your home from luxury global chocolate company, MarieBelle New York. All their delectable products are available at the MarieBelle website, including MarieBelle Chocolates’ signature artisanal ganache, lavish truffles, tantalizing chocolate bars and hot chocolate, and their New York City-themed gift box. You can also stop by their flagship Soho Store or Park Avenue location at the Kitano Hotel to shop MarieBelle’s exquisite collection of treats, just in time for the holiday season.

MarieBelle.com

THE EVENT: TASTE OF HOPE Save the date! You may not be able to enjoy delicious tastings in person from New York City’s gems like world-famous gnocchi from The Smith or the best Po-Boy in Louisiana from NOLA's own, Parkway Bakery, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate 15 years of hope in style—from home!

Taste of Hope is making its return this November 2020 with a stellar virtual event. All donations will support the mission of the American Cancer Society as they save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

The American Cancer Society is the largest private funder of cancer research in the United States, with more than $3.9 billion invested in the search for new cures.

TasteofHopeNYC.org

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THE EVENT PLANNER: ROBIN LATHROP OF BYROBIN During these unprecedented times, you may well have participated in or discussed the joy of a virtual event with your phone or computer screen divided up into boxes with a cacophony of noise. With the recent boom in virtual event planning, ByRobin brings professional broadcast skills and technology to the game to create strongly produced and delectable events. Founder Robin Lathrop fuses her passion for art and couture fashion with project management expertise to deliver the ideal day.

ByRobin.com

THE SPORTS COMMENTATOR: ANN LIGUORI Ann Liguori is a radio and television golf commentating phenomenon, president of Ann Liguori Productions, and owner of Sports Innerview Radio & Television, an archive collection of interviews Ann conducted with sports legends and entertainment stars. She is also the author of “A Passion for Golf: Celebrity Musings About the Game,” available on Amazon.com. In addition, Ann is a champion of charitable activity through her Ann Liguori Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for not-for-profits that work in the field of cancer research, prevention, and cancer care.

You can catch Ann as she covers The Masters in Augusta, Georgia, for WFAN and CBS Sports Radio Network from November 12-15, 2020.

AnnLiguori.com THE ENTERTAINER: DJ PHRESH Anthony Scott, professionally known as DJ PHRESH, is more than just a DJ for A-list celebrity venues, he is also one of the top record producers and remixers in the music industry. Phresh first gained notoriety during nightlife's golden era circa the mid2000s by holding concurrent DJ residencies at venues like 1OAK, Butter, TenJune, Marquee, and nightlife-legend-turnedHollywood-film producer/director, Danny “Danny A” Abeckaser’s invite-only night club, Upstairs NY. PHRESH also founded the record label PHRESHBRANDS in 2006 and his own radio shows and podcasts, “Electrofied” in 2011, and "Poolside" in 2016. He was awarded DJ City's Remixer of the Year in 2016. He has since been commissioned for major and independent label remix releases while also releasing his own debut single, “Gone in a Day,” featuring Chris Severe aka “Ghost Wars.” PHRESH has also ventured off into creating a new brand of private event experiences that replace the rigid with explosive, classic, NYCstyle nightclub/disco energy.

DJPHRESH.com

BELLA

MIND & BODY

5 WAYS ART CAN ENHANCE WELLNESS ∙ BRINGING THE BEAUTY OF ART INTO WELLNESS ∙ TENNIS LEGEND SERVES NYC KIDS WHAT’S A BODY POSITIVE GYM? ∙ CREATING ART THROUGH PLASTIC SURGERY ∙ HOLIDAY 2020 FIT FINDS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SIUH LEADS HER COMMUNITY ∙ HEALING COLLECTIVE TRAUMA THROUGH ART

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mind & body | well-being

1

JUST START CREATING

You don’t need to be an artist to get the health benefits of doing something creative. Taking an art or photography class or simply grabbing a paint brush for the sheer joy of it can lower blood pressure and decrease depression.

Participating in group art activities like woodwork, jewelry making, writing, knitting, and more can even boost the immune system. There is no better time to get creative and receive a giant helping of endorphins to boost your health.

2

3 ART FIVE WAYS

CHECK OUT A LOCAL MUSEUM

We know that museums are set up with new COVID-19 guidelines, but it doesn’t have to stop you from exploring the museums in your town.

Did you know that the act of viewing beautiful art has a positive effect on the mental state? Psychologist Shilagh Mirgain, Ph.D. explains: “Awe has many important implications for our well-being.

Experiencing awe can give us a sense of hope and provide a feeling of fulfillment.”

5

CAN ENHANCE

WELLNESS

By Jennifer Walsh

According to the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, participating in an art program can help lower stress. Indeed, art has a way to heal, no matter which outlet you choose. There are so many ways to experience art in our everyday lives—from dancing, painting, sculpting, photography, graphic design, music, and more. So, why not try your hand at something new or something you’ve always had a passion for? Your body will thank you for it.

PICK UP A COLORING BOOK

Adult coloring book sales have been on the rise over the past five years and even more so in 2020 due to stress of the pandemic. They have even been compared to a meditative exercise as they help relax anxiety and aid in stress reduction. Coloring doesn’t require a lot of time, but it’s an ideal way for your brain to flow more freely and allow the artist in you to just relax and create what you want.

MAKE YOUR HOTEL VISIT COUNT

Many wellness hotels understand the key health benefits of incorporating nature not only throughout the space but also on property grounds. Some are even offering art tours as part of their wellness offerings. Hotels like the Carrillon Wellness Resort in Miami takes visitors on a group outing to Wynwood Walls, an outdoor local art installation. Further north, the Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club in Sloatsburg, NY, not only boasts beautiful art around the property, it also offers local art tours to engage and see the beauty of art mixed with the local natural landscape that changes throughout the seasons.

CarillonHotel.com, ValleyRockInn.com

4

START EARLY

When involved in music, dance, or art, children tend to adapt better at group activities as they age. The creativity to move and listen allows them to feel confident and secure in their own creativity. That also applies to adults! The more we are involved in such artful activities, the more we will want to continue to do and learn more.

mind & body | the art of wellness

Bringing the Beauty of

Art into Wellness

By Jennifer Walsh

Wellness is now a $4.5 trillion industry, and it continues to pick up steam year after year, according to the Global Wellness Institute. Creators, innovators, and investors are all eyeing how to make their mark in this growing space, but most importantly how to do it beautifully and authentically.

Wellness and art often go hand in hand due to the interconnectedness of beauty to well-being—how we view the world and the things in it and how that ultimately affects the way we feel in our own skin.

Lucky for us, more and more brands understand that good health is what people are seeking.

Here are a few of our favorite products that merge the beauty of art with wellness.

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DISCOVER PILLOW

is no ordinary pillow. This luxurious memory foam goodie is encased in a gorgeous black TriSilk pillowcase, making it a statement piece for your bed. It is the ultimate in helping you get a beautiful, restful sleep—one of the key components to better health. Also on their lineup: Shine By Night, a luxurious vegan beauty pillow that supports clear skin and healthy hair while providing a comfortable, sweat-free sleep experience. $75-$150, DiscoverNight.com

REEBOK CLASSIC LEATHER LEGACY

In conjunction with the collection launch earlier this year, the company recently partnered with the Great Khalid Foundation in a contest to offer aspiring singers/songwriters the chance to be mentored by Khalid. He explains the “Write Your Legacy” initiative FLOWER BY best: “The voices of young people need DREW BARRYMORE to be heard and amplified.” The winner BLUE LIGHT GLASSES received two 60-minute virtual singing/ are designed to protect your eyes from harsh songwriting workshops with Khalid and his blue lights. The filters in their lenses block and/ two producers. Also harmonious—the or absorb 40% of blue light rays, which are factors awesome update on the retro shoe design from our time in front of screens and can be from the ‘70s and 80s, which is available detrimental to our sleep. These helpful specs— in both men and women’s sizing and yep, from actress Drew Barrymore—also help to multiple color options. reduce fatigue and block ultra-violet rays. $65-80, Reebok.com $19.94, Walmart.com

BALA BANGLES

are a sleek way to add resistance to any workout. The bangles can be used on your wrists or ankles, and are perfect to add weight to any workout such as walking, running, yoga, and core training. They are easy to secure and remove, and don’t slip while using. $40 and up/pair, BalaBangles.com

MOLLY JONES

are small-batch, handcrafted CBD gummies created by founder Shaina Kerrigan. Not only are they delicious, they are also beautifully packaged in an artisanal box.

Local San Francisco Bay artist, Dana Spaeth, who is a photographer and painter, created one of the most recent boxes. $15-$65, MollyJones.com 111

mind & body | sporting change

TENNIS LEGEND JOHN MCENROE’S FOUNDATION SERVES NEW YORK CITY KIDS

By Roger Sands

Photos courtesy of John McEnroe Tennis Academy

Q

ueens native John McEnroe, who was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999, brought a sublime artistry to the sport that had not been previously seen. His fiery on-court competitive spirit garnered worldwide publicity and produced tabloid headlines in an era well before social media. If McEnroe played today, his name would be trending daily.

After his illustrious career ended in 1994, he transitioned into broadcasting and quickly became the sport’s most astute commentator, earning a Sports Emmy nomination. He recently took on a highly unlikely project as the narrator for the Netfilx comedy, “Never Have I Ever,” a Mindy Kaling show about the trials and tribulations of teenage girls.

What prompted you to open the tennis academy?

I tried for years to open an academy, and Claude Okin, CEO of SPORTIME, was in tune with my mission. We both have a similar vision of becoming the number one tennis academy in the country. We currently feature 20 courts: 10 Deco-Turf hard tennis courts and 10 Har-Tru clay tennis courts, five indoor hard courts year-round, five hard courts and 10 clay courts housed in three air structures during the indoor season and are available for play during the outdoor season. Plans are underway to add 10 more courts.

Why the Johnny Mac Tennis Project?

In many respects tennis still has a country club stigma attached to it, and we are trying to make it more accessible for everyone. We are focusing on people who can’t afford to play, and it can sometimes be an uphill battle.

It’s important because kids can change because of sports. It gives them an opportunity to blow off steam, but there are many young kids who are not given the same opportunity as others. Let’s make things fair for everyone!

However, it’s his commitment to the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at SPORTIME Randall’s Island and the Johnny Mac Tennis Project that have required much of his attention over the last decade. Nestled on an island oasis in the middle of the New York City boroughs, the academy is a stunning complex that boasts 20 courts.

How important are your fundraising efforts?

Fundraising is extremely important and vital to the Project’s success. New York is an expensive place to be, thus the need to fundraise on a continual basis.

The Johnny Mac Tennis Project changes young lives by removing the racial, economic, and social barriers to success through tennis.

The nonprofit organization introduces tennis to thousands of under-resourced New York City area children, particularly those living in East Harlem and the South Bronx, two communities immediately adjacent to the facility.

To date, the Project has reached almost 6,000 students through community projects, and has awarded $6.5 million in scholarships and community programs.

BELLA recently spoke with McEnroe at his academy…

JMTPNY.org

You traveled the world at a young age.

What was that like?

I loved the travel experience and getting to see all these major cities at such a young age was awesome. Paris was the first European city I visited. Every building was incredible and it’s where I developed a love of art. Also, the cultural options in London were fantastic. I first met Bjorn Borg in Stockholm, which is a great city. I felt very much at home playing in Italy. The people there were more aligned to my emotions.

Which is your favorite city?

New York. It has such energy. @JMTPNY

JMTPNY

JUSTINE

SANTANIELLO

ERALDO MAGLARA

A fast-paced, interactive, and upbeat lifestyle program designed to inform educate and engage audiences. Through extensive Smart TV syndication, Lifestyle Today with Justine and Eraldo will be viewable on all of the top networks around the world!

Saturdays at 3:30pm

WLNY is a part of the CBS Television Family

lifestyletodayshow.com

mind & body | transform

WHAT’S A BODY POSITIVE GYM?

G

The ideals and concepts behind the gym of the future

By Jennifer Walsh

yms have certainly evolved over the past 25 years. From large, packed gyms with machines and equipment galore to indoor stadium-styled classes and small boutique spaces for specialty fitness like Pilates, Barre, and more, it’s easy to miss what may have been overlooked—the actual space in which that gym resides. Have you ever considered the actual gym environment and what it gives us while we are there?

Since COVID-19 hit, this is something many are beginning to seriously consider, specifically when it comes to cleanliness, air purification, and the sheer physicality of what an environment has to offer.

That’s where Matt Finn, the founder of Cognitive Design, comes in. ”We are an architecture firm that utilizes psychologists, researchers, and designers to create places where people thrive. While we recognize different aesthetics appeal to different people and tailor that aspect of our designs to our clients, the core of our designs focus on innate human commonalities with a compassionate and empathetic sensitivity to personal history and circumstance.”

As Matt explains, if there’s one thing all people have in common, it’s that we’re all unique, yet it’s his team’s designs that endeavor to bring people together and highlight their shared goals and experiences.

Matt and his team were recently able to flex their muscles in that area as they signed on to help the Decatur, Georgia-based Clarity Fitness create something new. The concept focus that founder Abbey Griffith wished to achieve: A holistic gym that helps its members look and feel their best.

Photography by Aaron Schorch

Here are some highlights of how the Cognitive Design team approached the transformational design: SYMBOLISM

Matt and his team took antiquated bathroom scales and smashed, torched, and then proudly hung them on the wall in a taxidermy display cabinet. This is a way to show that continuously checking your weight is not a body positive way to move forward. Seeing an exhibit of smashed scales reminds people that their weight is not their worth and challenges them to find a powerful, personal “why,” explains Matt.

PLACEMENT

The team also made it a point to move most of the equipment closer to the windows to be as close to nature as possible. It’s also way to encourage people to look outdoors rather than stare at themselves in a mirror, says Matt.

OUT WITH THE OLD

The fitness industry’s conventional body messaging depicted super fit individuals, a message that is extremely flawed, explains Abbey. “We’re bombarded with images on social media about what we’re ‘supposed’ to look like, yet every single one of us is built differently. “My core mission for Clarity Fitness is, to help people appreciate themselves a little more, find a few more friends to add to their sphere, and bring the fun back to their wellness routine.”

FOUNDER’S INSPIRATION Abbey explains that she kicked off their new concept gym in January 2020 to rave reviews.

After the pandemic forced her to shut her doors, however, she eventually found a way to rebound.

She says that it was Clarity Fitness’s holistic approach to the gym experience that ultimately inspired her new clientele to return—and more so than even before.

Abbey’s personal story behind the creation of her body positive gym is punctuated by her own health scare suffering from eating disorders and bulimia. “When I learned about body positivity in my eating disorder recovery, my life changed.

I started to work out to take care of and respect my body, not to force it to change or punish it for what I had eaten. In a world that celebrates achievement largely brought on by a perceived sense of control, everything about body positive practices felt absolutely terrifying, but so, so good!”

mind & body | medical advisory board

CREATING

P

ART THROUGH

lastic surgery is a surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body in some form. In order for a surgeon to help create whatever vision their client is looking to achieve, one must be a master at their craft—a skilled artist. The word plastic is derived from the Latin word plasticus and the Greek word plastikos, meaning “capable of being shaped or molded.”

PLASTIC

SURGERY

“Plastic surgery requires an artistic element to achieve an aesthetically pleasing look,” Dr. Preminger explains. “We must listen to the patient and understand what it is he or she wants to achieve.”

While there are many different procedures in which a plastic surgeon’s artistic vision come into play, one of the most popular

By Alexandra Anastasio requests involve the breasts. When it comes to this part of the body, patients seek out Dr. Preminger for procedures such as augmentations and reductions, and oftentimes to help Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, them in correcting something called breast asymmetry. typically in a visual form. In comparison, plastic surgery is, in and of itself, a form of art; in order to achieve great results, one must possess an artistic BELLA sat down with Dr. Preminger to learn more about vision as well as expert knowledge and a meticulous technique.

It’s one of the reasons Dr. B. Aviva Preminger, a top plastic surgeon on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, loves the specialty.

breast asymmetry and how, through the art of plastic surgery, she is helping women look and feel their most beautiful self.

What exactly is breast asymmetry?

Asymmetry means a difference between two sides. When we talk about breast asymmetry in particular, I like to tell patients that their breasts are “sisters, not twins.” The two breasts are not exactly the same, but for some people that difference is extremely significant, so much so that they feel extremely self-conscious in clothing or can’t fit into a bra without using a pad on one side.

Is this one of the reasons patients come in for a breast augmentation?

Patients come to see me for subtle or significant differences between the two breasts. Many will point out that one side is larger or smaller than the other and ask whether anything can be done to compensate for it when I do surgery. I think in these situations, particularly with breast asymmetry, this is where it’s important to draw upon our artistic vision.

In what way would you say art and plastic surgery merge?

Is this common amongst women?

This is one of the areas where the art of the field really comes into play, along with listening to what the patient is really trying to achieve.

If you have two different breasts, which do you prefer—the larger or the smaller?

Yes. Most women have some degree of asymmetry, and many don’t notice it because the difference is so subtle.

It is something that I see and will point out during an examination.

Women don’t look as closely at their breasts before surgery as they do after surgery, so I like to point out asymmetry beforehand so they know where we are starting.

It’s also about trying to get a sense of what look the patient actually wants, and how I can best correct the difference. Sometimes that means putting a little more in one breast or taking a little bit out of another, and that really does require a lot of thoughtfulness and an artistic eye. It’s one of the reasons I love the specialty because there is no one answer to the problem. In essence, plastic surgeons are true problem-solvers.

Some of these asymmetries can either become more prominent or first appear from changes that happen to the breast. For example, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can affect breast development, and so it can become more exaggerated or more noticeable to women later in life as well.

“

In what ways can you correct a patient’s breast asymmetry?

We have many tools at our disposal now to help correct asymmetry, such as implants, reductions, lifts, even fat grafting. All of these techniques allow me to do such things such as put an implant in one side to add volume and lift and reduce the other side to match. With fat grafting I’m able to liposuction one area of the body and use the patient’s own fat to correct the asymmetry. Often it’s a combination of an implant and fat grafting for a natural lift.

In what way would you say that’s true?

In order for a

When a patient comes to see me with a problem, like a real breast asymmetry that is making her feel self-conscious, it’s tremendously powerful to be able to help her and to invoke the art of the specialty to achieve it. Some of the cases I see are challenging, but they’re also fulfilling.

surgeon

to help create whatever

vision looking to achieve,

their client is

Challenging in what way?

It can be technically challenging to make two things that are very different look similar, and I like that challenge. It’s particularly fulfilling when I’m able to figure out what needs to be done to make my patient happy.

one must be a

master at their craft—

Should women with substantial breast asymmetry be concerned?

a

skilled artist.”

Generally, there isn’t a medical concern. In most cases, if the So much of what plastic surgeons -Dr. B Aviva Preminger do is help to improve our patients’ asymmetry is substantial, it can self-confidence so they can feel good about themselves and not feel so selfbe congenital, meaning it’s something the patient is born with. What conscious about the way in which they look in and out of clothing. That is a we want to look out for is a new asymmetry, which could signify an big part of what I enjoy most—being able to make people happy. It’s why I do underlying mass or problem. what I do.

PremingerMD

Preminger Plastic Surgery

PremingerMD.com 117

BREASTS

ENHANCE, LIFT AND SHAPE RESTORE FULLNESS

AFTER

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

INCREASE YOUR SIZE

BREAST AUGMENTATION

By Dr. Aviva Preminger

BREAST REDUCTION & LIFT

By Dr. Aviva Preminger

“Enhancing your breasts can provide balance to your figure and greatly boost your self-confidence.” - Dr. Preminger Do you think your breasts are…Too small? Too large? Asymmetric?

Do your breasts droop? Have you lost fullness?

Some women have never been happy with the appearance of their breasts, while others have experienced significant changes over time.

Whatever your concern, there is a solution.

If you want to increase breast size and fullness, a breast augmentation may be the procedure for you. Three dimensional imaging can even help you visualize your result and find the breast size you desire.

Some women have enough volume, but it’s all sitting in the lower part of the breasts causing sagging and drooping. This is particularly common after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss. A breast lift may be the key to restoring fullness in all the right places.

Breasts that are too large, however, can cause back and shoulder pain and interfere with exercise and weight loss. If that’s your issue, a breast reduction may be the solution.

At your consultation, we will discover what you like and dislike about your breasts and create a customized surgical plan that will address all of your breast concerns, leaving you looking and feeling your best - a more confident, beautiful you!

FIND YOUR IDEAL SHAPE

Call for your Personal Consultation

212.706.1900

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

B. Aviva Preminger, M.D., F.A.C.S. 969 Park Avenue, #1E New York, New York 10028

ELIMINATE SAGGING

mind & body | fit list

Holiday 2020

Wellness Wants

By Gina LaGuardia

‘Tis the season for giving—of course—but after the year we’ve just had, we think it’s OK to put together a list of what you may love. Here are a few of our fitness-related favorites that’ll add some finesse to your fa-la-la-la season.

Between work from home, school from home, and everything in between—from home—the only surefire alone time you’ll get (hopefully) is in the shower. Reinvent your relaxation time with essential oils infused directly into your waterflow with the Moen IN208C2 Aromatherapy Combination Handshower and Rainshower with INLY Shower Capsules. It’s the ultimate sensory

shower experience thanks to the aromatic of Zen Time, Tropical Day, and Sweet Morning, and water settings that include relaxing massage, downpour, intensify, rinse, and more. $129-$209, Moen.com/aromatherapy/inly

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You may not be able to enjoy Hawaii anytime soon, but you can capture the essence of the island from inside your gym bag’s skincare stash. Get a healthy getaway-like glow after your next workout with UA Body Skincare, an all-natural vegan line that replenishes, hydrates, and protects your skin. Each clean, additive-free formula is handcrafted in small batches in the company’s Hawaii workshop. So it’s no surprise that one of our faves, Ekolu Body Butter, combines the benefits of organic Hawaiian oils of coconut and macadamia kukui nuts to calm inflamed skin and treat dry skin, acne, stretch marks, and more.

3.4oz: $24, UABody.com

If there’s anything we’ve learned this past year, it’s that we need to find our own inspiration, especially during challenging times. For many of us, motivation can be revealed in those simple morning moments of getting geared up to move. If that’s you, we suggest adding The Cool Ppl art-inspired athletic wear to your wish list. The body-positive, wearable artwork vibe delivers comfort, performance, beauty, and self-empowerment through each collection’s cohesive art theme, whether it’s Classic Painters, Elements on Earth, or Pop Culture. Even better—The Cool Ppl boasts inclusive sixing (XS-3XL) and sustainability in production. $60-$110, TheCoolPpl.com

We’ve spent so much time sitting this past year, it’s high time we kept it moving—even while seated. It’s possible with the Onthemuv miniTREAD. Small enough to fit under your home desk, or in front of the couch (we know—Netflix!), this motorized device can help improve circulation, strength, and cardio fitness. And even though the motorized miniTREAD is compact—it’s 80% smaller than the size of a typical treadmill—it works some of the key muscle groups, including your calves, hamstrings, quads, and core. $599, OntheMUV.com If you catch yourself missing chocolate (or find you’re indulging a bit too often), you must-mustmust request a box of Red Chocolates from Santa.

Made with cocoa hailing from the Ivory Coast of Africa, there are no added sugars, 50% fewer calories, and 30-40% less fat than usual chocolate brands. These taste so fabulous—as in, we had to check and recheck the label a few times! Choose your favorite: Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts and Macadamia, Dark Chocolate with Orange and Almonds, Dark Chocolate, or 60% Extra Dark Chocolate.

Red Variety Pack (5 bars): $13.99, Red-Chocolate.com

Stocking Stuffers to

Strengthen Your Body

Help ease those tired muscles and (bonus!) relieve congestion with SMPLSTC CBD’s Hemp Treatment with Menthol. And don’t stop there—other SMPLSTC products perfect for your favorite fitness buff: Full-spectrum Hemp Oil, Camphor Oil to relieve chest congestion, and Eucalyptus Oil, which acts as an anti-inflammatory to clear the sinuses.

500mg roll-on: $39.99, Smplstcbd.com

Tired of the same-old, same-old cardboard-inspired protein bars (sorry, we call it like it is)? Then hurry up and add IQBARs to your holiday wish list. Available in a variety of delicious flavors like Peanut Butter Chip, Lemon Blueberry, Almond Butter Chip, and Chocolate Sea Salt, each bar contains six nutrients that boast science-backed brain compounds, 12g plant protein, 3g net carbs, and less than 1g of sugar. The bars are compatible for keto, paleo, and vegan diets, and are free from GMOs, gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar alcohols. If that’s not amazing enough for you, IQBARs ensure no afternoon crash thanks to a super low glycemic impact, and with 6-8g of fiber, they can do wonders for your gut health!

7-Bar sample: $14.99, EatIQBar.com CBD gummies that help you relax and are tasty? Check! CBDistillery 30mg Broad Spectrum CBD Anytime Gummies are derived from non-GMO industrial hemp grown with natural farming practices and are lightly sugar-coated in a tropical fruit flavor. Find relief and relaxation anytime of the day. $60, TheCBDistillery.com When it comes to maintaining our fitness and weight, as well as ensuring our health and immunity, it’s so important to stay well hydrated. Adding SOS Hydration’s Electrolyte Drink Mix to your next water bottle can hydrate you three times faster than drinking water alone. And yes, even with deliciously subtle flavors like berry, watermelon, mango, and citrus, they’re free from artificial ingredients and unnecessary sugar, calories, fillers, and preservatives.

SOS Active 10-Stick Packets: $9.99, SOSHydration.com

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mind & body | passion for healthcare

Deputy Executive Director at Staten Island University Hospital

DINA WONG Is Leading Her Community Through the Pandemic

T

By Jennifer DeCillis

he COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm this year, and our hospitals and healthcare workers have played an instrumental part in keeping the human race safe and healthy. Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH), beloved by its community, has been battling the pandemic on the frontlines with their world-class facilities, essential healthcare workers, and exceptional leadership at the management level.

A central part of this leadership is the deputy executive director of the hospital, Dina Wong.

Dina’s focus has been providing guidance and reassurance through such an unprecedented time in our nation’s history, as well as the hospital’s. Providing the best possible care and accommodations for not only Staten Island University Hospital’s patients, but also its staff, is what drives Dina and her passion for healthcare each day.

BELLA had the honor of sitting down with Dina to learn a little more about her role at the hospital…

What does your role entail at Staten Island University Hospital as the deputy executive director?

I am responsible for providing leadership and direction in SIUH’s efforts to enhance experience, quality, and strategic growth of services using a patient-centered approach across the continuum of care.

You have an extensive background in leadership and have been with SIUH for 20 years. To what would you attribute your success and your longevity with the hospital?

My passion to improve the health of our community and keep Staten Islanders on Staten Island has driven me to be successful in this industry.

SIUH provides the sense of a community hospital, yet growing in its services, capacity, and scope. Over the past 20 years, I have been able to not only improve the operational outcomes and growth of the organization, but also build relationships and partnerships with the community organizations for better outcomes.

Being on the frontlines, how have your responsibilities changed since the COVID-19 pandemic began?

The safety of our employees, patients, families, and the community has always been our top priority, but it has greatly evolved with COVID-19. We have restructured many of our operations to respond accordingly. For example, creating a non-COVID environment at the South campus, opening a 122

COVID testing location for all surgical and procedural patients, testing 100% of all our admissions, screening our employees daily, and ongoing education about the proper use of PPE. Our goal is to make sure everyone knows the hospital is safe to receive proper care and safe for our employees to work.

Working with healthcare workers each day, how has the hospital pivoted or transformed to better serve its staff and patients?

There have been different changes in services since COVID-19. It is too early to tell if they are better services for our employees and patients. Some examples include restrictive visitation, telehealth, and work-from-home for back-office functions. However, one thing we know is that this community and our hospital come together incredibly strong during and post any crisis.

In all you’ve seen and persevered over the past few months, why do you feel the community trusts and values Staten Island University Hospital as much as they do?

o earn trust, you must be innovative and focused on growth and improvement.

Being the provider of choice and the largest employer on the Island is a responsibility we take very seriously. The community trusts and values this hospital because we provide the highest standard of care, even during the hardest pandemics. Our committed teams, which include our physicians, nurses, and entire staff, make up our community with over 80% who reside on Staten Island. Our leadership is committed to providing all tertiary level services for this community. We continue to be innovative in our quality outcomes, service, capital investments, and the care we provide. The first Mitral Clips procedure was conducted on Staten Island just two months ago. We are building our new Mother and Baby Hospital, and recently broke ground on our Cancer Center. We continue to evolve our services by working closely and listening to the needs of our community.

Any final messages of hope for the future?

As we continue to manage our COVID environment, we are focused on the future and the advancements of care and service to our community, both in the hospital and in our ambulatory network that is growing, with our newest expansion of a primary care and specialty office at 101 Tyrellan Avenue. Planning for future expansions are underway to give this community the accessibility of getting their care at Northwell Health – Staten Island University Hospital.

Delivering unmatched cardiac care close to home.

A mission that’s close to our heart.

At Northwell, our heart team is the most experienced in the state.

And that dedication to hearts shines across our entire network of care, from our local doctor’s offices to our nationally recognized heart centers—like Staten Island University Hospital. Recognized as a high performing hospital in heart failure and heart bypass surgery by U.S. News & World Report, it’s the premiere destination for cardiac care in the area. By ensuring every Staten Islander—and New Yorker— has access to top heart care, we can truly thrive, together.

Northwell.edu/HeartOfStatenIsland

mind & body | hope & healing

HEALING COLLECTIVE TRAUMA Through the

CREATIVE EXPRESSION OF ART

By Geraldine “Gerry” Viggiani, LCSW, LCADC, PMH-C

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R

acism, supremacy, war, and pandemics are just a few of the plagues that are impacting our current individual and cultural experiences. The sad fact is that many of these afflictions have existed for generations, impacting entire cultures, even nations. At these expansive levels, the trauma felt is collective. It taints our mind, bodies, and spirit, impacting us individually but also communally.

Recently, many artistic representations of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Eric Gardner, to name a few, have graced buildings, fences, magazines, and other media. We hear about them in music, see them in dance or a dramatic representation, read about their plights in poetry.

Eric Yahnker, who made his own rendition of Floyd’s portrait, notes: “As a Jew indoctrinated since birth to the scores of my own ancestry massacred by the hands of evil forces, I know full well that silence itself can be a painfully violent and oppressive act.” Yahnker states that he knows a single piece of art cannot create real change. “But I am a firm believer in the power of the collective. If we all put a drop in the bucket, it can turn into a tidal wave.”

According to Dr. Judith Herman, author of “Trauma and Recovery,” a history of prolonged periods of experiencing terror can lead to pervasive mental health problems. She details that healing from trauma requires passing through three stages: establishing safety and trust, remembrance and mourning, and reconnecting with the self and others. She also postulates that traumatic material is felt through visual images and physical sensations. Since it is stored in the lower parts of the brain, traumatic material is instinctual and can activate the “fight and flight” response.

Higher parts of the brain are responsible for emotions, verbal expression, and complex thinking.

When we are impacted by trauma, it becomes impossible to access these higher levels of functioning because the trauma memories are so loud and activate those baser responses to run and flee. Healing from trauma allows us to soothe that response.

Healing should be multifaceted. Because trauma disempowers and disconnects us from others, the way to manage that is by bringing in empowerment and connection. Engaging in artistic expression is a transformative way to heal from trauma.

Many people who experience collective trauma suffer from the figurative loss of their voice because it is too dangerous to speak or because verbal expression of trauma can often be too painful.

According to Dr. Herman’s stages of healing, the first stage is safety and trust. This can be accomplished through the use creative art to express things that they do not feel safe saying out loud.

In addition, artistic expression allows individuals to safely release the physical response to trauma held in their bodies. They feel they can immerse themselves in art, giving the body moments to rest and release. Energies shift through vibrations in music and dance. The swipe of a paintbrush or marker can provide a sense of flow. People feel masterful and productive— both free and empowered by art.

Most importantly, art brings people together. It provides a safe way to mourn and grieve and to feel less isolated in their pain. There are many studies that show participation in cultural activities involving the arts brings communities together. Painting, sculpting, storytelling, and dance are some of the many ways we can tap into the cultural connectivity on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Bringing people together in cultural art expression dilutes the impact of the trauma, creating a feeling of being together in an experience even if they have differing opinions.

Art can also create deeper conversations, inspire, cross boundaries, and help us to understand social connections. Californians for the Arts shares on its webpage: “Arts and culture practices are among the most impactful ways to effect social change, explore racial and ethnic representations, reflect a community’s history and identity, and provide an opportunity to engage diverse audiences in transformational learning.”

Current and historic systemic oppression of race, women’s rights, sexual orientation, religion, and political tyranny impacts large swaths of our world’s population. Art provides an opportunity to heal and can ultimately bring attention to and mobilize wide, sweeping changes that need to happen so we can heal and resolve collective trauma.

We invite you to listen, see, participate, and create…allow art to heal your individual soul and your community.

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travel | adventures around town

4STAYCATIONS You’ll LOVE

While international travel may still be restricted, there are a plethora of beautiful cities to visit in the continental United States. With the holiday travel season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to pick the ideal destination for your next vacation. Here are four places to consider adding to you travel itinerary this holiday season and beyond.

By Norah Lawlor

Napa

WHERE TO ENJOY LUNCH

Brix Napa Valley is thrilled to welcome guests for indoor and outdoor dining as conditions allow. Brix also offers a robust menu of take-out dishes and a wide selection of wines from the vast cellar. Owned by the Kelleher family, the restaurant’s name reflects the measurement of sugar levels at which the grapes for the Kelleher Family Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon are harvested. More than two acres of gardens and orchards provide ingredients for the seasonal menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Northern California.

Brix.com

WHERE TO ENJOY DINNER

Yountville’s claim to fame is that it is the smallest town with the largest number of Michelin Stars in North America. Chef Thomas Keller’s three Michelin starred restaurant and first Napa Valley venture, The French Laundry—now in its 26th year—features an iconic chef ’s tasting menu and a tasting of vegetables inspired by their verdant culinary garden located across the street.

ThomasKeller.com/tfl

WHERE TO STAY

In the food and wine capital of North America, Four Seasons welcomes you to a one-of-a-kind California wine country resort set within a world-class vineyard with the all-new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, opening late 2020. Your experience is perfectly paired with innovative dining, decadent spa treatments, and thoughtfully personalized Four Seasons service. Stay in the Palisades Room and enjoy a sense of seclusion in wine country with nothing in your view but vineyards and the Palisades Mountains.

FourSeasons.com/NapaValley/

WHERE TO STAY

New York City

Moxy NYC East Village is located in the heart of New York City’s East Village, the Lower Manhattan neighborhood where rock ‘n roll, outsider art, LGBTQ+ activism, and generations of immigrants all merged to give birth to American counterculture. For the modern traveler who wants it all, this lifestyle hotel on East 11th Street near Gramercy Park packs in all the bells and whistles with none of the price tag. The in-house restaurant, Cathédrale, is an exciting French-Mediterranean restaurant by Tao Group Hospitality. Building on the fame of Tao, Lavo, and Avra, Cathédrale brings elemental cooking and a poised FrenchMediterranean sense of hospitality to its striking setting.

MoxyEastVillage.com

WHERE TO ENJOY LUNCH

Ian Duke, owner of Hamptons hotspots Southampton Social Club, Union Burger Bar, and the new Union Sushi & Steak, as well as Prohibition and Lucky’s Famous Burgers in New York City, has brought the partnerships together to open an exciting culinary adventure. The world’s smallest aircraft carrier, The Baylander (also referred to by its naval reference—The Steel Beach), is now open as a riverfront bar and restaurant. Docked on the West Side of Manhattan at the West Harlem Piers, the unique locale is crewed and operated by Ian’s partner Michael Trenk and the entire Prohibition team. Open mid-afternoon to evening, The Baylander offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy food and cocktails at the waterfront.

Baylander.nyc

WHERE TO ENJOY DINNER

Located in the Theater District, Russian Samovar boasts a 19th-century feel, complete with picturesque green and red shades and Russian folk prints. The elegant establishment is famous for its 26 flavored vodkas prepared in-house, alongside its many Russian delicacies. Owned by Roman Kaplan and managed by his daughter Vlada Von Shats and her two sons, Michael and Nicholas, Russian Samovar offers some of the finest Russian cuisine in New York.

Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar is unique in its long-standing ties to the arts community, and has become a home for many famous Russian emigre poets and writers who keep coming back for the exceptional dining experience.

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travel | adventures

Santa Fe WHERE TO ENJOY LUNCH

Fresh seasonal ingredients and local Pueblo and Northern New Mexican culinary traditions make Amaya at Hotel Santa Fe one of downtown Santa Fe’s favorite restaurants. Their chefs source the best possible ingredients and blend them together to create contemporary menus with nods to the region’s rich Native American history.

Amaya’s casual, inviting atmosphere encourages guests to linger on the restaurant’s glass-enclosed patio, which opens to outdoor gardens during warmer months.

HotelSantaFe.com/Amaya

WHERE TO STAY

An elegant retreat with timeless appeal in the cultural heart of New Mexico awaits. Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi combines the service of the Rosewood Group with the charm of a hotel containing a library and art collection focused on the Southwest. Enjoy a relaxing stay then stroll downtown and shop some of the 250 art galleries, arts and crafts stores, and markets rated #1 in America by readers of 10Best.com.

RosewoodHotels.com/en/Inn-of-theAnasazi-Santa-Fe

WHERE TO ENJOY DINNER

Santacafé is where old-world elegance meets contemporary cuisine. Boasting one of the best outdoor patio dining experiences the “City Different” has to offer, Santacafé combines the traditions of modern American cooking with exquisite, locally-sourced ingredients. Nestled in the charm and elegance of one of Santa Fe’s most beloved historical homes, Santacafé has been a restaurant icon for more than 40 years.

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Miami

WHERE TO ENJOY LUNCH

Founded by restaurateur Myles Chefetz and located in the historic Browns Hotel, Prime 112 is a chef-driven boutique steakhouse that offers an innovative menu in a high-energy environment. From the excellent quality, dry-aged beef to elevated sides or appetizers, including the Truffled Lobster Mac and Cheese and Kobe Beef Sliders, Prime 112 only offers premium product selections.

The atmosphere is lively with the hustle and bustle of the room creating a collective dining atmosphere that is second to none.

MylesRestaurantGroup.com

WHERE TO STAY

Set within a restored art deco landmark, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach returns after a complete transformation to once again welcome travelers to one of the country’s most alluring cities. The luxury hotel experience includes a classic cocktail lounge that celebrates the intriguing stories of the city’s past, an elevated pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and a full-service spa that serves as a retreat for rejuvenation amid the excitement of Miami. The oceanfront resort offers rooms and suites overlooking the ocean, pool, or South Beach. Enjoy alfresco dining at the oceanfront DiLido Beach Club, or the hotel’s signature restaurant, Fuego y Mar, which serves Latin American cuisine with a dining room and terrace that overlooks the pool.

RitzCarlton.com/en/hotels/miami/south-beach

WHERE TO ENJOY DINNER

Situated in the ground floor courtyard of Soho Beach House, Cecconi’s Miami Beach is a modern-day classic Italian restaurant currently serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week with a weekend brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday. Cecconi’s has become a critically acclaimed dining destination, featuring simply prepared Venetian-inspired food. Cecconi’s offers an elegant and relaxed dining experience to enjoy the cuisine of celebrated executive Chef Sergio Sigala.

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around town

PEOPLE, PLACES, PARTIES BELLA MAGAZINE HOSTS

THE FALL FASHION ISSUE COVER PARTY BELLA celebrated its Fall Fashion Issue Cover Party at the beautiful, waterfront venue, The Yacht Club, in Edgewater, NJ. Guests sipped on Prosecco DOC, Maison Marcel, and 1907 Water, while enjoying swag bags courtesy of Luxury Dentistry NYC filled with products from Dr. Aviva Preminger, Dune Jewelry, Estala Skincare, Nacionales Nails, Dr. Steven Davidowitz, Brows

by Amna, and more.

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around town

PEOPLE, PLACES, PARTIES

NYFW

NICOLE MILLER

As many designers showed their collections in virtual presentations, designer Nicole Miller put her creative spin on pivoting the pandemic. BELLA was behind the scenes in the designer’s showroom as she shot her Spring/Summer 2021 collection for a virtual lookbook in lieu of the traditional NYFW runway show.

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BELLA at TIMES SQUARE FASHION WEEK One of the few runway shows this year, Times Square Fashion Week took place on the famous red stairs in Father Duffy Square, including socially distanced photoshoots, a limited guest list, and a runway show through the heart of Times Square. BELLA took to the red carpet, interviewing the designers and founder of the show, Dee Rivera, of DCG Public Relations.

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around town

PEOPLE, PLACES, PARTIES The 16th Annual Hamptons Happening went virtual this year with a concert featuring performances by some of today’s favorite artists. The event benefitted the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) and its cutting-edge research. ©SWCRF

Bradley, Maria and Kenneth Fishel

William T. Sullivan and Nicola Heryet Jean Shafiroff

Celebrity event planner Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events co-sponsored Northwell Health’s Summer Hamptons Evening (SHE) at Home virtual event that benefitted Northwell’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health. ©Lindsay Sutliff/ Northwell Health

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Iris and Saul Katz and Dayle and Michael Katz

Larry Scott and Victoria Moran-Furman

Dan and Heather Knopf, Natalie and Samantha O’Brien

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