Letter from
The Publisher BodyScape Magazine Issue 7 By BodyScape Publisher Sarah Lyons Glabman of PictureGroove Photography www.PictureGroove.com LIFE BEYOND COVID-19 As cliche as this may sound, I feel compelled to talk about it. You know…the thing that brought our entire world to a screeching halt, unemployed over 40 million Americans and basically shut the entire world down? Yeah, THAT thing. Covid-19. At first, the take-off of it felt a bit delayed. It was nearly tolerable, and then in the middle of March it hit like a ton of bricks. BOOM. Lockdowns, mandatory masks, no toilet paper, (WHAT? No toilet paper?) Things got real weird, real quick, and we have all been affected. In this time of a kind of “panic”, I was wondering what the future of BodyScape Magazine would look and feel like. I knew it would go on, but when? And how? Being blessed with high speed internet service is a real privilege. But for some members of my staff, it has been a struggle trying to get anything done at all. Imagine what it was like in 1993, when the internet was first available to us. Yep- DIAL-UP! I still remember the “you’ve got mail” recording to this day. One of my staff members has been kicked off the internet during our design process more times than we can count, and it’s taken me back to that kind of dial-up era. Times like that really make you aware of how great we all have it today. However, the sheer drive, passion and LOVE for creating this magazine is what got us through the delays, the lockdowns, the internet kick-off’s the frustration and more. So, we designed an issue that is a bit more simplified. More like a photo album. We are playing around with design to see what works best for us. And, for this Special Edition “Exotic Beauties”, I think we hit the nail on the head. I feel this is a clean, fresh start in to summer time, where we get a new beginning. A re-birth. Just like our world today. BodyScape Magazine always thinks of our reader, and what you want to see. And we want to know! What would you like more of in this magazine? Stories? Articles? More rock-solid images? You can email our editor-in-chief Mike Lyons at mike.C.Lyons@Hotmail.com and let us know. ( Be kind please, he IS my father!) Getting back on the train of life will take awhile for everyone. Just know that BodyScape Magazine will always be here to provide you with beautiful images, awesome recipes, and some pretty cool advertisers that we love and support. Thanks again for supporting our Magazine. Sending love around the world to you all! Warm regards, Sarah Lyons Glabman BodyScape Magazine creator and publisher
BodyScapeMag.com
Publisher: SARAH LYONS
Editor-in-Chief: MIKE LYONS
Art director & Creative Solutions: Rajpoot Talib
Associate Editor: Anil Madhwani
Contributing writers Issue 4:
Susan Hoff
Monica Brant
@BodyScapeMagazine /BodyScapeMagazine www.BodyScapeMag.com
Letter from
The Editor
So, let’s get one thing straight: If you don’t know Monica Brant or who she is, you’ll soon find out. First of all, Monica Brant graces the cover of this issue of BodyScape Magazine. She is a world champion fitness competitor, model and track star. She’s also a well-known lifestyle advocate for her clients. Her practice includes fitness and also health, nutrition and a host of other wellness pathways for those who come to see her. Most importantly, Monica is a genuine, confident, warm-hearted and beautiful human being. I am blessed to count her as a friend. Right now, she and Sarah, my daughter, PictureGroove photographer and publisher of BodyScape magazine, have teamed up to produce Epic Destination Shoots, of which probably most of you have heard. www.epicdestinationshoots.com is a site they’ve been working on. Monica has been in the Phoenix area recently working with Sarah on Epic Scottsdale. I met Monica last July to help she and Sarah produce Epic San Antonio, where Monica lives with horse-trainer husband Brad and their two dogs. I tagged along mainly to hold the reflector and schlep the lighting equipment from here to there. For starters, Monica introduced me to some dietary supplements about which I was totally ignorant. At age 74, I’ve come to realize that anything that promotes health and wellness is at least worth a try. So, I’ve become a fan of powdered beets, for example. Put a scoop in a shaker bottle or your morning smoothie and you’ll automatically boost your intake of nitrous oxide for more energy. That’s just one of her recommendations. If you haven’t met Monica and want to know know more about her, go to www.monicabrant.com or head to her Instagram @monicabrant. It’ve been toying with the idea of using this page to publish Letters to the Editor where readers can comment on subjects addressed in BodyScape or other topics devoted to health and fitness. So, I’d like you, dear Readers, to share your personal stories about Monica, how you met her and your experiences with her. How did she impact you? Just send your offering to me at mike.c.lyons@hotmail.com. I’ll devote this Letters to the Editor page to you.
@BodyScapeMagazine
/BodyScapeMagazine
www.BodyScapeMag.com
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Table of Contents Page 12: The Haitian Beauty Marie Blanchard Page 20: Canadian stunner and Mrs. Canada Globe Holly Legge Page 28: Native Texan and super- trainer Sherri Braxton Page 34: The beautiful and exotic Sophy Leung Page 44: Native American goddess Laura Chao Page 50: Gigi Gambal proves that “fitness is haute� Page 62: Cover model feature with the stunning Anneliese Szatkowski Page 70: Home made food- An incredible homemade spinach-artichoke dip recipe from Issue 6 cover girl Monica Brant
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Marie Blanchard
ENERGY AND PERSISTENCE CONQUER ALL THINGS @HaitianBeauty25 @MarieBlanchard Youtube.com/MarieBFit
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Holly Legge DO SOMETHING TODAY YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU FOR! @Holly_Legge HollyLegge Hollylegge.com Photography by Sarah Lyons www.picturegroove.com
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Sherri Braxt on YOUR ONLY LIMIT IS YOUR MIND @SherriFitness SherriFitness SherriFitness.com Photography by Sarah Lyons www.picturegroove.com
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Sophy Leung PASSION IS ENERGY. FEEL THE POWER THAT COMES FROM FOCUSING ON WHAT EXCITES YOU. BodyscapeMagazine Bodyscapemagazine Bodyscapemag.com Photography by Sarah Lyons www.picturegroove.com
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www.BodyscapeMag.com BodyScape Magazine is for everyone who is in to a “health conscious lifestyle.” Founded by Sarah Lyons of PictureGroove Photography, the magazine showcases her work, and her extremely flexible style of shooting. In each issue we feature everything from how to monetize your brand in the fitness and other industries, to beauty tips from the pros. Our issues are geared towards everyone who wants to better themselves and live their best life, showcasing it all through Sarah’s lens.
Ordering copies - If you would like to order either a high end print copy, or a digital downloadable version of BodyScape Magazine, you may do so at www.BodyScapeMag.com Being published in BodyScape Magazine - Sarah is currently building her shoot schedule for 2020 for BodyScape Magazine. Please email PictureGrovePhotography@Gmail.com if you are interested in setting up a shoot, and possibly being featured in BodyScape Magazine. Editorial Features - If you are a business owner and wish to promote something, we would love to feature it in an article or advertisement in BodyScape Magazine. Please email us at Info@BodyScapeMag.com on how to get started. FaceBook and Instagram Ads - We will promote your business online at our BodyScape Magazine FaceBook and Instagram pages to all of our fans. Splash pages - A full size ad on BodyScapeMag.com to advertise your business. Email blasts - Send your ads out to our readers with a growing list of subscribers
In loving memory of Jojo Jodie Jones.
It’s time we enjoy chocolate
KICK YOUR CRAVINGS AT JOJOSCHOCOLATE.COM SHOP JOJO’s
ORDER ONLINE
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WHEN YOU LEARN, TEACH. WHEN YOU GET, GIVE @LauraChao Laura Chao DesertDreamer.org
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Gigi Gambal WINNERS NEVER QUIT @GigiGambal GigiGambal Photography by Sarah Lyons www.picturegroove.com
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BODYSCAPE MAGAZINE COVER MODEL INTERVIEW: Anneliese Szatkowski BodyScape Magazine: Anneliese, where are you originally from, and where do you reside now? A.S. Hi! I am originally from Oak Park, Illinois, a near west suburb outside of Chicago. I now reside in Memphis, TN. BodyScape Magazine: What is your ethnic background? A. S. My family is Brazilian. However, after doing the geneaology test “23 and me” a couple of years ago, I discovered there is some Native American, Irish, German, French, African, and Hawaiian ancestry as well! But that’s not surprising given that most people in Brazil have a multiethnic background. BodyScape Magazine: How did you get in to modeling? How long have you been at it? A.S. I got into modeling around the age of 14 when scout approached my mother and I at an outdoor concert and asked if I’d ever considered modeling. I mostly did local jobs until I turned 18, finished high school, and begin working in New York. I was simultaneously taking college classes while modeling and obtained my BS in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. My parents always stressed the importance of education and to always have a plan B. BodyScape Magazine: You’ve walked the runway in Miami for Fashion week, what is the best part of Fashion week to you? A.S. Yes I have! Miami Fashion week is a blast! It is much more relaxed than New York or Paris Fashion week, those can be pretty intense. The best parts about Miami Fashion Week are the awesome parties and events on the beach and the people. Everyone is very open, friendly, and ready to have a good time. You also get to see aesthetically gifted girls and guys walking around in bathing suits the entire time! It’s a great balance between the high energy fashion week and the laid back beach vibe all rolled into one event. If you ever have the opportunity to go I highly recommend it.
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BodyScape Magazine: How do you juggle being a supermodel and Mom at the same time? A.S. That’s a good question! It was very difficult in the beginning and I cut out the majority of of modeling because it was too difficult to travel or be available at a moments notice. Fortunately, I have help from my amazing mom, fantastic husband, mother-inlaw and sitters. It’s also important not to neglect yourself as a mom so, self care, working out and eating a healthy diet is also super important. BodyScape Magazine: How do you stay in shape? A.S. I try to stay in decent shape all year round, so I eat a diet of lean protein (fish, chicken, turkey and lean beef), I add protein shakes, and lots of fresh fruits, veggies and whole grains. I tend to stay away from anything processed or fast foods. My diet is mostly keto-based, with exception of oatmeal in some mornings and occasional cheat meals of pasta and pizza. (My weakness) I tried the whole vegetarian thing, but it wasn’t for me. I lost a lot of weight and always felt tired and dizzy. The week I reintroduced meat into my diet those symptoms subsided and I felt normal again. Luckily, for me I’ve never had much of a sweet tooth so I don’t struggle much with sugar cravings. I also like to change my work out routine to keep my body from plateauing. Last year I began working out with an awesome trainer based here in Memphis, Tennessee IFBB Pro Kristy Fenster-Avery. She’s well accomplished in the fitness world and has shown me some amazing exercises and great tips. For instance, I never used to specifically work out my shoulders, but she taught me how important they are for posture and help taper your body making your midsection look smaller. She and her husband also do online training sessions. You should definitely check her out! BodyScape Magazine: What was your shoot experience like in Memphis for the cover of BodyScape? What was your favorite part? A.S. I had the most amazing time working with Sarah and her team for BodyScape Magazine! Sarah was so professional and easy to work with. She is such a gifted photographer and made me feel so comfortable all while creating stunning photos! My favorite part was all of it! I’m looking forward to the next shoot! Thank you so much Sarah Lyons and BodyScape Magazine for the opportunity. I’m beyond grateful! Stay safe and healthy. @AnnelieseSzatkowski1
Annelieseszatkowski
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Home Made Food The Best Spinach/Artichoke Dip Ever By FITNESS ICON MONICA BRANT
Imagine bringing the BEST appetizer dish to the party. The ONE dish that gets devoured first and everyone wishes there was more. Or the ONE dish everyone complains about filling up on first, before the main course! Or the ONE dish that everyone always wants the recipe for but rarely gets because it’s too fun to be THE ONE that brings it! Well, look no further, this recipe is THE ONE and you are receiving it only because I love Sarah and her BodyScape Magazine viewers – YOU! Even my husband’s side of the family tries to get this recipe, but I won’t share it because I don’t want to show up to a function and they have already made it, plus, I am REALLY picky about how it’s made! I use the BEST ingredients and find ORGANIC options. And yes, you can taste the difference when it’s made with cheaper ingredients versus organic. Post party, this dish is also very tasty cold on top of a fresh salad (no dressing is ever needed with this on top) and is excellent to reheat and enjoy alongside some lean protein. To be even healthier and less carb dominant you can enjoy it with all kinds of vegetables instead of eating with chips. My preference when serving this as an appetizer, is to grab some nonGMO and organic chips because not everyone likes veggies. As you can read, this dish has a variety of uses and is always the ‘belle of the ball’! These are estimates because I use more of each for a larger group or if I want more left overs. You almost can’t go wrong or use too much of one item.
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Ingredients: 2-3 Bags of frozen chopped spinach 2 cans of Artichokes 2 cartons of Philadelphia Cream Cheese 1 large container and 1 small or medium container sour cream Parmesan Cheese 1 full bag or medium block (will need to slice before adding if you buy a block) ½ stick butter (my favorite is unsalted KerryGold butter)
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Directions: On the stovetop warm a large pot with butter, low-medium heat based off your stove temp. Remember too hot will burn the butter. Defrost spinach and chop up artichokes in very small chunks/bites. I prefer to squeeze as much moisture out of the spinach and artichokes as possible. This will keep your dip from being too liquidy -(is that even a word)? If you like more liquidy textures, then leave some moisture from the artichokes. This is just something you will have to determine after you have made it a few times. Sauté both spinach and artichokes in the large pot for 10 mins or so. Gradually add room temperature cream cheese one carton at a time and mix well. Then add the sour cream in, gradually mixing in and stirring well. You are free to add seasonings as you might like. I will use Celtic salt (mostly because of the great nutrient content) as well organic onion and garlic powder. Leave on low heat for maybe 20-25 mins stirring occasionally and take a taste test once mixed well. At that point add more salt or seasonings and then you can start mixing in Parmesan cheese to your liking. The more cheese you add the gooier it gets. So start with a little and go from there till you like the consistency/taste. You might like to save a little of the Parmesan cheese for a decorative ‘topping’ layer. Once you are happy with it, remove from heat and pour into a nice glass serving container- I use one with a lid so an keep it covered. If you travel with it and need to reheat, you could leave it in the bowl you cooked it in and reheat on the stove once you arrive then transfer to the nice serving dish. I do not like to use the ‘microwave food killer’ to reheat my beautiful dip, it ruins it in my humble opinion. It is really that simple- use better quality products to produce the best flavor and nutrition. Choose some veggies and healthier option chips to offer with it. You and your loved ones will enjoy time and time again, and you will always be the one that everyone can’t wait for to arrive, since YOU will be bringing the BEST dish!
Enjoy! Xo Monica Brant
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