Lake Las Vegas Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 by Deluxe Version Magazine

Images courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue Las Vegas

Shop our favorite styles at Saks Fifth Avenue Las Vegas on page 81.

NEIMAN MARCUS at Fashion Show Mall THE ATRIUM at the Palazzo TESORINI at the Bellagio Lobby Shops RADIANCE at Aria Lobby Shops

EDITORIAL

PUBLISHER: TIM HANCOCK MANAGING EDITOR: JEN CHASE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: STACEY GUALANDI INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: JAMILLETTE GAXIOLA MEDIA DIRECTOR: DANI REEVES FASHION DIRECTOR: KRISTA WHITE CULINARY DIRECTOR: SCOTT COMMINGS ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR: ANDY GIL HEALTH & FITNESS DIRECTOR: GABREAL VELEZ BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: CHRIS JAVIER CONTRIBUTING PUBLICIST: TYRA BELL-HOLLAND MARKETING DIRECTOR: RESHAWNDA JONES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: JEFF RANKIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: KATIE ROSE, TONY CORDASCO, PAUL ZAHN, ALLISON KUGEL, CHELSEA ABATE, HAYLEY CLOVER, SAMANTHA THOMAS, DEREK SANTE, LISA REMILLARD CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS: DEBBI MILES, EDEN SASSOON, KATHRYN MOSELY

PUBLISHING & ADVERTISING CONTACT: MEDIA@DLXVRSN.COM OFFICE: 424.354.3904

COVER CREDITS

COVER MODEL: DANI REEVES STYLED BY SAKS FIFTH AVENUE LAS VEGAS MAKE UP: ELENA OSORIO

LLV PRODUCTION

WILLIAM RAYMUNDO, RAF WILLEMS, JONATHAN PEREZ, RICHARD GACHOVINO

SPECIAL THANKS

PAT PARKER, CODY WINTERTON, JEFF ANDERSEN, ROBYN YATES

25 THIS ISSUE LAKE LAS VEGAS

11 // ERIC DUTT JOINS REFLECTION BAY 12 // LENNAR AT LAKE LAS VEGAS 15 // EVENTS CALENDAR 16 // AN INTERVIEW WITH DIAN HODGE 17 // VITA BELLA TOWN HOMES 19 // ON THE LAKE WITH TONY CORDASCO 77 // FOUR QUESTIONS WITH TYLER JONES

ENTERTAINMENT

23 // SPRING COCKTAILS 25 // PROPERTY BROTHERS’ JONATHAN SCOTT 30 // VIVICA A. FOX: HOTTER THAN EVER 37 // THE LADY GANG 41 // FLIPPING THE MIC 58 // ERIKA JAYNE: (HARDLY A) PRETTY MESS 72 // THE SKY’S THE LIMIT WITH FLYNYON 92 // MIX IN LUXURY

Photography By Caitlin Cronenberg

FINER LIVING

48 // STRIP-WORTHY CUISINE 51 // WEAR IT LIKE BECKHAM 60 // COVER: DESTINATION READY FASHION 81 // STYLE PICKS FOR SPRING-SUMMER

HEALTH & WELLNESS 21 // THE FUTURE OF HYDRATION 34 // CHOOSING THE RIGHT DENTIST 71 // SPIN GURU

SPRING / SUMMER 2018

OVER 25 NEW FLOOR PLANS, INCLUDING 18 SINGLE STORY HOMES

BELLANO

REGATTA POINTE

by Pulte Homes Popular Single Story Homes. Directly Across From The New Sports Club. Approx. 1,579 - 1,920 Sq. Ft. Call: 866-239-1533 From the Low $300,000s

by CalAtlantic Homes One & Two - Story Homes with Rooftop Decks in Select Plans. Approx. 2,153 2,856 Sq. Ft. Call: 866-344-8886 From the Mid $300,000s

THE PEAKS

MONTE LUCCA

REGATTA HEIGHTS

by CalAtlantic Homes Single-Story Homes with Desirable Outdoor Living Spaces. Approx. 2,642 - 3,100 Sq. Ft. Call: 866-343-2676 From the Mid $400,000s

LAGO VISTA

by William Lyon Homes Contemporary Architecture with Spectacular Views. Approx. 2,977 - 3,399 Sq. Ft. Call: 866-344-8767 From the Low $500,000s

by Century Communities Sophisticated Single-StoryNeighborhood of Tiered Homesites. Approx. 2,537 - 4,187 Sq. Ft. Call: 866-344-8912 From the High $500,000s

by William Lyon Signature Home Award-Winning, One & Two-Story Designs. Approx. 3,733-5,032 Sq. Ft. Call: 866-348-0037 From the Low $800,000s

ESTATES

LENNAR HOMES

BLUE HERON HOMES

COMING SOON

at Reflection Bay : Custom Lots One-acre waterfront lots within a gated enclave. Double gate-guarded half-acre lots with views of Lake Las Vegas. Call: 866-387-5814

•••••••••••••

2 SIGNATURE JACK NICKLAUS GOLF COURSES • BRAND NEW SPORTS CLUB • NEW GROCERY STORE • LAKE LAS VEGAS WATER SPORTS • 2 HOTEL RESORTS & OVER A DOZEN RESTAURANTS.

•••••••••••••

Visit the Sports Club for more information or LakeLasVegas.com

Rosina, an elegant and luxurious cocktail retreat celebrates the classic cocktail, boasting a menu of beloved originals, crafted with the highest quality ingredients, and served in an environment that embodies seductive glamour.

PAL A Z ZO.COM

Image courtesy of CAESARS PALACE

NEED A STAYCATION? WE DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T HAVE 1 OPTION, WE HAVE 2!

LakeLasVegas.com/hotels

ERIC DUTT JOINS LAKE LAS VEGAS AS DIRECTOR OF GOLF OPERATIONS FOR REFLECTION BAY GOLF CLUB

Lake Las Vegas is thrilled to welcome

Eric Dutt, one of Las Vegas’ most renowned golf figures, as the new General Manager of the Reflection Bay Golf Club. As a lifelong, title-winning, amateur golfer, he is a fixture in the Nevada golf scene, recognized as a master in golf management and a charismatic host of celebrity and charity golf events. Over the last 30+ years, his career has been highlighted by a string of impressive positions, starting with a 10-year stint as Tournament Operations Manager for the PGA, LPGA and PGA Senior tours events in Las Vegas. From there, Mr. Dutt spent the next decade leaving his mark on golf facilities all over the area, serving as General Manager of Badlands Golf Club, becoming Director of Marketing

for Walters Golf, and eventually moving to Harrah’s Entertainment (owner of Caesars Entertainment) where he overhauled operations for several major courses. As Vice President of Golf Operations for Caesars Entertainment, his bold leadership led to substantially increased rounds of golf, a complete profit turnaround, and prestigious recognition for two courses in particular—Rio Secco and Cascata— which are now both listed among the nation’s Top 100 courses in virtually every golf publication. Lake Las Vegas is proud to have Eric Dutt at the helm of the beautiful Reflection Bay Golf Club with its spectacular Jack Nicklaus signature designed course, 32,000-square-foot

clubhouse, full golf shop, great restaurants, and amazing Reflection Bay setting. To learn more about Reflection Bay Golf Club, visit LakeLasVegas.com. For tee time reservations, go to ReflectionBayGolf.com or call 702-740- 4653. – Written By Hayes Martin Associates, Inc.

LENNAR AT LAKE LAS VEGAS THE OUTLOOK ON REFLECTION BAY

oming soon to Lake Las Vegas are beautiful family homes built by Lennar home builders. Lennar kicked off their move to Lake Las Vegas with a Holiday cookie decorating party that featured Freed’s Bakery from the hit TV show Vegas Cakes. After all the cookies were eaten, Lennar got hard to work building what is now known as The Outlook, a gated community located in Lake Las Vegas. These single-story family homes feature all the amazing amenities Lake Las Vegas has to offer plus Lennar amenities you won’t find anywhere else. They will include Lennar’s signature “Every-thing’s Included” package with further upgrades available (including kitchen upgrades). The Outlook homes are being built in a modern desert archi-

tecture and will feature gorgeous views of Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and the surrounding mountains. Since 1954, Lennar has been building quality family homes in America’s most desirable neighborhoods. Lennar is known for their commitment to quality, integrity, and value, which is shown in every home they build. Lake Las Vegas is excited to welcome Lennar, and the families they serve, to our community in this desert oasis. Come find your ultimate dream home at The Outlook on Reflection Bay.

The Outlook by Lennar The Outlook will be an all single-story community situated on the golf course, with gorgeous lake and mountain views. Homes will feature Lennar’s Everything’s Included® package and a Next Gen®--The Home Within a Home® floorplan option.

MORE INFORMATION TO PURCHASE VISIT: LakeLasVegas.com or come in to Sports Club (Information Center) at Lake Las Vegas. Prices shown are estimated base prices, do not include lot premiums or options and are subject to change without notice. Lot premiums may apply. Please see a sales representative for details. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Photography and illustrations are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, neighborhood, or any completed improvements being offered. Offers and availability subject to change or withdrawal without notice. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. All rights reserved. 1/8/2017

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Seasons Grocery in MonteLago Village

Seasons Grocery is open in MonteLago Village and is stocked with everything from fresh fruit to gourmet snacks and fine wine. Homeowners and visitors alike will be thrilled to have this neighborhood-style grocery store. • Waterfront Coffee Café & Wine Tasting • Meats & Seafood • Fresh Fruit and Vegetables • Pastries • Imported Cheese • Red Button Vintage Ice Cream

Seasons Grocery will have seasonal hours. Hours are 7am to 9pm.

www.LakeLasVegas.com

Events Calendar LAKE LAS VEGAS

JUNE 6TH Neon Paddle with Lake Las Vegas Watersports JUNE 8TH Movie on the Grass in the Village JUNE 15TH Neon Paddle with Lake Las Vegas Watersports JUNE 17TH Father’s Day Celebration JUNE 27TH Neon Paddle with Lake Las Vegas Watersports JULY 7TH Annual Fourth of July Celebration Fireworks Paddle with Lake Las Vegas Watersports JULY 10TH-14TH Westin’s Pulse Dance Experience JULY 18TH Neon Paddle with Lake Las Vegas Watersports JULY 20TH Movie on the Grass in the Village EVERY MONDAY Bingo Night at Proof Tavern in the Village EVERY TUESDAY Taco Tuesday at Sonrisa Grill in the Village EVERY THURSDAY Trivia nights at Proof Tavern in the Village EVERY FRIDAY Dinner in the Dining Room at the Sports Club Fish Fry at Bayside Grill in Reflection Bay FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS Lakeside Music Evening Concerts in the Village EVERY SATURDAY Live Acoustic at the Pub in the Village EVERY SUNDAY Sunday Brunches at the Sports Club

IT’S TIME TO #VISITLIVELOVE LAKE LAS VEGAS. Deluxe Version Magazine | 15

AN INTERVIEW WITH

DIAN HODGE

A TRUE LV LAKER (LLV RESIDENT.) Katie Rose (Lake Las Vegas): How long have you lived in Lake Las Vegas and what have you seen? Dian Hodge: I’ve lived out here for 18 years. We’ve seen a lot happen since then. We’ve seen it at its prime and seen it when everything went down, and now its on the upswing. The new additions to the community have been great. The new buildings, new homes, the sports club, and Season’s. I am at the Sports Club every day (they have wonderful classes), and I really enjoy Season’s Grocery. It is such a benefit to our community. KR: Tell us more about you and your background? DH: I am a fragrance cosmetic designer, and I used to make all the fragrances for the hotels on the strip in the 1990’s. I also have my own fragrance, which sold on QBC. I sold my company and started helping friends with interior design, and also started running the Ciao Bella luncheon club about 15 years ago.

The Ciao Bella Luncheon is a Lake Las Vegas community ladies lunch, and all new people are welcome to join us for lunch once a month. We now have it at the sports club, on the second Monday of every month. We invite new residents and people, we like to have speakers, and have a new hostess of the month every month. We average about 40-60 ladies and all new residents anywhere in Lake Las Vegas are invited. KR: That is wonderful! What else do you do to support the community? DH: Besides the running luncheons, I am also on the board of Safe House in Henderson, and it is supported by the Lake Las Vegas community. The Lake Las Vegas ladies donate household goods and clothes to help women and children who are victims of domestic violence. We host a fund-raiser every year in May at the Reflection Bay Golf Club, with a silent auction and all proceeds going to Safe House in Henderson.

BRIAN KRUEGER ON VITA BELLA TOWN HOMES – By Andy Gil Andy Gil (Lake Las Vegas): Tell us about Edward Homes coming to Lake Las Vegas. Brian Krueger: Edward Homes is a local home builder established here back in 1998 and has built more than 400 homes throughout Southern Nevada. AG: I can feel the excitement at Lake Las Vegas about the additions to Vita Bella. You must be excited as well? BK: We are excited because this community, Vita Bella at Lake Las Vegas, is kind of a re-introduction of a community that was built nearly twelve years ago. 24 new town-homes that will range in size from 1,700 to 2,100 square feet. The location within Lake Las Vegas is prime because we’re surrounded by Reflection Bay Golf Course. You’ve got the Sports Clubhouse and the cove, and then we have the Westin Resort, so we’ve got a really dynamic location. To learn more about Vita Bella and what we are going to be offering you, go to VitaBellaLakeLasVegas.com or visit the master plan website at LakeLasVegas.com for more information and to explore opportunities for home ownership at Vita Bella.

NOW OPEN AT REFLECTION BAY GOLF & BEACH CLUB

(702) 600 - 9860 LakeLasVegaswatersports.com

LAKE LAS VEGAS ROWING CLUB

www.LLVRC.org To develop highly skilled and competitive rowers and educate and train individuals, particularly the youth, in the art of rowing, and to position them for future success, developing confidence, leadership skills, team unity, and lasting friendships.

The Lake Las Vegas Rowing Club was formed and incorporated on June 15, 2016 by a nine-member Board of Directors, all from the Greater Las Vegas Area. Six have past rowing and coaching experience and the other three are community leaders with a passion for the sport and vast experience. The LLVRC is extremely honored to be working with, and would not exist, without the support of the Lake Las Vegas Master Association, the Lake Las Vegas Marina and Nevada State College.

ON THE LAKE WITH TONY CORDASCO

his month, Tony spoke with University of Washington Women’s Rowing Head Coach Yasmin Farooq. Farooq’s NCAA Division 1 team recently competed in the second annual Lake Las Vegas Collegiate Invitational, hosted by Lake Las Vegas and the Lake Las Vegas Rowing Club. Tony Cordasco (Lake Las Vegas): Three teams were at the grand finale last year, right? It’s just amazing that you can bring these three powerhouse teams together here in Lake Las Vegas. Yasmin Farooq: It’s a beautiful lake and the location is really fantastic regardless of where you live in the United States because there is a direct flight to Vegas from nearly anywhere. So, I know the Big Ten really like it. They’re trying to find a location for a Big Ten Pac 12 race in the middle of the season, so from a location stand point, Lake Las Vegas is perfect.

YF: Oh yeah! It’s a huge sport that’s on the rise and NCAA sponsored, so we have scholarships for college. TC: How many do you have? YF: We have twenty and that’s the maximum. Because rowing has so many scholarships, it’s an opportunity for a lot of great athletes in high school. Often, they come from other sports, but the parents see the opportunity with rowing.

TC: One of the best sites you can imagine out here at Lake Las Vegas and in rowing is the comraderie. Not only with your own team, but I have seen them mingling with each other and it looks like there is a lot of support in rowing. YF: Absolutely! There is no super star on the boat, it takes nine people. The Lake Las Vegas Rowing Club is a non-profit organization that offers rowing programs for students and adults year-round. For more information, visit www.llvrc.org.

TC: Tell us about the Pac-12 conference, how are you faring there and on the national scene and when is your next big challenge coming up? YF: Last year, the Pac-12 was the most competitive conference going into the NCAA and I suspect that will be true as well. TC: Coach, rowing not only in Washington but around the country, how is it faring as far as a woman’s sport? Is it growing?

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Luxe News Live Host Dani Reeves, with idrink Beverages President, Mariah Fineman.

WITH ITS NANO-NUTRIENT WATER,

IDRINK ISTHE FUTURE OF HYDRATION – By Samantha Thomas

ype the word “water” in any search bar and the list of its benefits are endless. We all know that staying hydrated is essential to performing our best, but knowing which brand and beverage to choose, and which to discard, can be just as important…especially in the Las Vegas heat. After meeting Mariah Fineman, president of GreenOne Holdings—creators of Las Vegas’ own idrink beverages—the task seems more manageable. “Water is not just water,” says Fineman. “It’s what’s inside that counts.” idrink beverages filtered onto the scene 3 years ago with its unique message of “Hydration You Can Feel,” and while this water is living up to its trademark, Fineman is just as refreshing as the brand she represents. Since the age of 6, Fineman has called Las Vegas her home. Having relocated from bomb shelters in Lebanon, and learned English as her third language (…from a Texas Instruments’ Speak and Spell toy), Fineman gained an impressive work ethic from appreciating her new life; and the result has been a remarkable sense of giving back. At 5-foot-1, this wife, mother and entrepreneur stands out as much as her brand does in the beverage industry. A first of its kind, idrink is a true nutrient water that hydrates through the power of nanotechnology. While other beverages use massive marketing dollars to counter the fact that their contents provide no actual benefits (other than taste), idrink spent its money attacking the issue. Fineman explains: “In

Europe, they say that it is illegal to state that water ‘hydrates.’ That’s because the water molecule is too big to fit into your cells. Now: A cold water can cool you down on a hot day, but it can’t hydrate your cells.” The challenge has always been to try to get nutrients to absorb quickly by bypassing the lengthy digestion process. idrink seems to have solved the problem. idrink scientists found that by taking essential nutrients and minerals and shrinking (…to 1/1000 the size of a red blood cell), they absorbed not only rapidly, but efficiently. The result is a great-tasting beverage that consumers can apparently feel the effects of. Through its website and social media outlets, people are stating that their headaches, hangovers, pain, and symptoms of various maladies were either eliminated or reduced from drinking idrink. Consumers are even saying that after drinking idrink for a week, they feel less thirsty and more vibrant…impressive results for a product that many viewed as “just another water.” Those statements alone add to the refreshing, and unique qualities of idrink; but coupled with Fineman’s driven, vibrant personality, idrink is now in a growing number of stores across Southern Nevada and Southern California. (Fineman even convinced the likes of Mark Walters at Terrible Herbst and Ken Wrathall and his team at Nevada Beverage to embrace idrink’s benefits for the Southern Nevada community.) Fineman has also impressed her investors by expanding idrink to John Lenore & Co. in San Diego, and Haralambos Beverage

Company in Los Angeles and Orange County. You can now find idrink in seven counties between Santa Barbara and San Diego. The idrink team at GreenOne Holdings seems to embrace Fineman’s energy and sense of giving back. When hurricanes hit Texas and Florida last year, idrink’s team sent care packages of pallets to the families in need, and noted on the packages that they were from Las Vegas, “with love.” And in the wake of last year’s mass shooting at the Rt. 91 Harvest Festival concert here in the Valley, the company stopped operations for three days and used company trucks to deliver both food and idrink to the workers and rescue units. In a growingly disconnected world, this group definitely stands out. While shopping around town, you’ll probably notice how idrink stands out on the shelves, as well. When asked about its bold green packaging, Fineman says, “We created a bold, limegreen bottle, because everything on the shelves was blue, and we needed something that stood out…something that was so disruptive that it represented the dramatic effects of the beverage.” Fineman and the team at idrink Beverage seem to be in tune with the current consumer. They’re also passionate about a mission of pouring out positivity, one drink at a time.

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FASHION SHOW MALL

3200 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

S P R I N G C O C KTA I L S A HANDCRAFTED SELECTION OF OUR FAVORITE SPRING INSPIRED CASAMIGOS COCKTAILS

CASA SPRING FLING

KIWIRITA

2 oz. Casamigos Blanco .5 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice .5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice .5 oz. Orgeat Syrup .5 oz. Simple Syrup Top off w/ 6–8 dashes of Peychauds Bitters Garnish: 3 Edible flowers in center

2 oz. Casamigos Blanco 1 oz. Kiwi Puree 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice .5 oz. Simple Syrup 8–10 Mint Leaves Garnish: Kiwi slice through skewer and mint sprig

Combine all ingredients into tin shaker, except Peychauds Bitters. Add ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into Collins glass. Add fresh ice. Top off with 6–8 dashes of Peychauds Bitters. Garnish.

Combine all ingredients into tin shaker. Muddle herbs. Add ice. Shake vigorously. Fine strain into Collins glass. Add fresh ice. Garnish.

LEMONCELLO

CASA LAVENDER

1.5 oz. Casamigos Blanco 1 oz. Limoncello .75 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice .5 oz. Simple Syrup Garnish: Dried thyme sprig

1.5 oz. Casamigos Blanco .75 oz. Crème de Violette .75 oz. Pineapple Juice .5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice .5 oz. Simple Syrup 2 Dashes Lavender Bitters Garnish: 2 Dried lavenders sprig

Combine all ingredients into tin shaker. Add ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into coupe glass. Garnish.

REPO FRESCO

CASA BELLINI

2 oz. Casamigos Reposado 1.5 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice .5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice .5 oz. Agave Nectar 3 Cucumber Slices 8–10 Mint Leaves Top with Soda Water Garnish: Mint sprig through cucumber slice

1 oz. Casamigos Blanco 1 oz. Peach Puree 2 Red Raspberries Top off w/ chilled Prosecco or Champagne Garnish: 1 Raspberry through skewer

Combine all ingredients into tin shaker, except soda water. Muddle fruit/herbs. Add ice. Shake vigorously. Fine strain into Collins glass. Add fresh ice. Top off with soda water. Garnish.

Combine all ingredients into tin shaker, except prosecco. Muddle fruit. Add ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into champagne flute. Top off with chilled Prosecco. Garnish.

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STAR FEATURE

Images by Caitlin Cronenberg

Jonathan Scott

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‘THE HANDY ONE’: MEET PROPERTY BROTHERS’

JONATHAN SCOTT – By Dani Reeves

f you’re not familiar with Jonathan Scott, you may not be from Earth; and if that is the case… welcome, friend: You’re about to meet one-half of North America’s favorite brotherly duo.

having so much fun there!” says Scott, who describes Brother vs. Brother as a “fierce show because we go head-to-head, and as twins we are very competitive.”

Scott is known by the rest of us here on the planet thanks to the popular HGTV show, Property Brothers, where he and his identical twin, Drew, help families find, buy and transform their dream home into a reality.

With seven successful seasons under their (tool) belts, the brothers’ fans span a huge range of ages…including children.”We have 5 year olds come up to us on the streets and say, ‘You’re The Property Brothers!’

Property Brothers remains one of HGTV’s topranked shows and it doesn’t sound like there is any sign of stopping, as Scott alludes to much more in store for their fans.

“We have written our very first children’s illustrated book, which will come out later this year,” says Scott. “It’s going to be adorable! It’s nice that we can give families something like this.”

“Right now, we are filming Brother vs. Brother in San Francisco…which is incredible: we are

Family has always been important to the Scotts…particularly, their relationship with one another. Having worked together as child

actors, from a young age they knew they didn’t want to be “struggling artists” together, too… so they made a rather big plan for two little kids. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we invest in real estate so we could make a bunch of money so we can fund our own films?” says Scott. So at 18, the brothers bought their first house. That’s when they discovered through the renovation process that they had a love for design, and a love for real estate. (Jonathan jokes that his love for being “the handy one” comes from his childhood passion for magic where he would build his own illusions.) Creative, handy, and funny? Sold. For more information on HGTV’s Property Brothers visit www.hgtv.com

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Speak when silent.

PLEASE CALL 702.414.1945 FOR RESERVATIONS THE VENETIAN Â® LAS VEGAS

CASA PARADISO Property Spotlight

Just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, this timeless Spanish colonial, Santa Barbara-themed estate is over 40 thousand square feet of pure luxury. It boasts four kitchens, seven bedrooms, a roller hockey rink, a top-of-the-line movie theater, and oh (of course), a pool with waterfall and slide.

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CASA PARADISO Property Spotlight

Images coutresy of Frank Napoli, The Napoli Group

FRANK NAPOLI’S

CASA PARADISO – By Stacey Gualandi

t’s a custom home like no other. Nestled amid five tree-covered desert acres, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, this timeless Spanish colonial, Santa Barbara-themed estate is over 40 thousand square feet of pure luxury. It boasts four kitchens, seven bedrooms, a roller hockey rink, a top-of-the-line movie theater, and oh (of course), a pool with waterfall and slide. No wonder it’s nicknamed “Casa Paradiso.” A lucky few recently visited the sprawling property for an invite-only “Phantom Rolls Royce Meet and Greet” event. They were treated to caviar and Möet Champagne while touring the home’s 10-person shower, batting cages, golf simulator, master bedroom gym, and the property’s private, regulation-size baseball field…big enough for a helicopter to land. Which it did. Now, it’s real estate entrepreneur Frank Napoli’s mission to sell the resort property to the right buyer. “What drives me in this business is the ability to help people,” says the The Napoli Group owner. “There is a sense of accomplishment when you’ve helped your client reach their goals, whether it’s a $30 million property or a $70 thousand condo.” Napoli admits he’s never met a property he wasn’t passionate about. “If you are passionate, you are better at selling because you believe in what you’re selling. One thing [the owner] saw in me is I was as passionate [about the home] as he was.”

Napoli says the owner is a successful homebuilder and father of four who designed his family dream house 10 years ago from scratch. He used the finest materials, including doors and windows imported from Austria, and kitchen floors reclaimed from Jerusalem streets. But 2 years ago, with the kids grown, the owner said it was time to sell. This listing has created a unique challenge for Napoli and his team. “Exposure is extremely important for any price point, especially a luxury home [like this],” explains Napoli. To find “legitimate buyers,” his team literally searches for them using methods like combing through zip codes and realtors both nationally and globally; using high-end photography to illuminate the property’s majestic features; and, for an added touch, producing a lifestyle video with hired actors showcasing what life could be like at “Casa Paradiso.” “Give the consumer an opportunity to visualize themselves behind the wheel—living in the house, playing baseball, throwing a charity event,” says Napoli. “Let’s show how this thing can really be properly purposed.” As of this writing, Napoli has fielded a few offers and is confident this resort-like home will sell in 2018, perhaps close to its original multi-million dollar asking price. Says Napoli: “My goal is to satisfy the goals of my seller, and to provide them the service they deserve, and the service I promised.” For more information: www.casaparadiso.com

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VIVICA A. FOX: HOTTER THAN EVER AND DISARMINGLY REAL IN

EVERY DAY I’M HUSTLING – By Allison Kugel

ind, conscientious, courageous, and refreshingly candid, Vivica A. Fox has proven that as Hollywood careers go, second acts are often the sweetest. The multi-hyphenate actress-director-beauty entrepreneur-author is embracing life and not looking back… except to pull from her well of wisdom for her new memoir, Every Day I’m Hustling. And if you know Fox like I got to know her during our conversation, you’d find the book’s title quite fitting: She enjoys hard work and has no plans to slow down. Born Vivica Anjanetta Fox on the outskirts of Indianapolis, IN, “Angie Fox” was one of four siblings being raised by a divorced mother who worked overtime to provide for her children. Her childhood home was hectic but loving and provided fertile ground for aspiring toward things grander than her midwestern upbringing. After high school, she made her way to Southern California to attend college while seeking opportunities in Los Angeles to model and act. It was in LA that Angie became Vivica A. Fox, who worked her way through the ranks on sitcoms and daytime soaps until 1996, when she got her breakthrough role opposite Will Smith in the classic blockbuster, Independence Day. Next came a string of fan favorites including Set It Off, Soul Food, Two Can Play That Game, Kill Bill volumes I and II, as well as roles in film and television, including Larry David’s sharp-witted houseguest, Loretta Black, on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Skye in the campy Sharknado franchise. Her eclectic career has kept her on the move for nearly three decades. In 2016, Fox joined the cast of the acclaimed FOX television series, Empire, playing conservative suburbanite Candace, the older sister and character foil of Cookie Lyon (played by Taraji P. Henson). During our interview, we covered everything from movie stardom and maternal instincts to social media drama, setting boundaries, and finding love. Allison Kugel: When are you Angie and when are you Vivica? Vivica A. Fox: Well first off, that’s “Angie Fox from 38th and Emerson in Indianapolis!” (laughs)!

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I’m Vivica Fox when I hit that red carpet and I’m ready to slay the game. That’s what I do. But I love that I have—in my life and in my journey— learned when to be Angie Fox. And that’s mainly when I’m with my family; [during] time off; hanging out with my godchildren; having my Me Time; and learning to take Me Time. That’s when I’m no makeup, baseball cap, chilling, and blending in. AK: Do you prefer yourself that way? VAF: Oh my gosh! To be honest with you, the older I’ve gotten, the more I prefer it. I work so much; I’ve been so blessed and so busy lately that I enjoy when I can have that Me Time. In fact, today I don’t have to be on. That’s what I really love about being with my godchildren. When they see me, I’m just G.G. or G-ma. G.G. stands for Gorgeous Godmother. G-ma, I don’t know where they got that one from, but I have five godchildren. Two of them call me G-ma and the other ones call me G.G. They like hanging with me. Not the drama or the glamour, they just want me. AK: I love the part in your book where your godson, Christian, sees you all done up as Vivica A. Fox, and he gives you that side eye like he doesn’t recognize you, and you say, “It’s okay, I’m just wearing my Vivica costume.” Then he asks, “You’re still my G.G., right?” And you reassure him that it’s still you. VAF: It’s funny because he was just a baby the first time he saw me like that, and he was like, “Who are you!?” He was so used to seeing me in my tracksuit and baseball cap. But now at 7, he kind of likes it when he sees the reaction I get from people. He’s done a couple of red carpet events with me and he knows the difference between the two. AK: Coming from the Midwest, your father was a school administrator and your mother worked for a pharmaceutical company, so you really had no ties to entertainment or Los Angeles, for that matter. What gave you that spark of courage that made you believe that you could become a successful actress? VAF: I was introduced to the world of fashion and modeling by Madame King, my late auntie. She had her own beauty salon back in the day. She was the first one to cut my hair and put me on a runway. I was kind of bitten by the bug at 13. From that point forward, I just fell in love with magazines and fashion. Then I went to go

see Michael Jackson in concert, and Diana Ross in concert. I had never seen African-Americans being so fabulous, and I was like, “Where do they live? That’s where I’m going! That’s what I want to do.” I decided that during my senior year in high school. But I had to trick my mama (laughs) and tell her I was going to college in California, and I did go to college. But I would be sneaking up to Hollywood and going to modeling agencies. I had a girlfriend who was an actress, and I used to read lines with her. She would say, “You’re pretty good at this, you should try it.” AK: Your book is part memoir and part motivational guidebook for success. Tell me about your mentor, or mentors. VAF: My mentor would have to be a good friend of mine, and my first acting coach, Sheila Wills. I’m her two daughters’ godmother. Sheila, I met when I was doing [the daytime soap opera] Generations. She took me under her wing, and she would work with me on auditions. I would go into those auditions and just nail them. I attribute my success to her. She would say, “Vivica, you’ve got to stay ready. You got to be ready. You’ve got to take care of yourself.” And people who inspired me to be who I am would be Diana Ross and Pam Grier. AK: Why did you choose to share your journey with menopause in the book? VAF: It’s part of life. It’s going to happen. For the last few years, that’s what’s been going on in my life. I embraced it and I got in front of it. I didn’t let it define me or make me want to whittle away. I don’t know why with women, we can’t talk about our bodies and what we go through, share it with others, and not feel like we have to hide that from people. I’m sharing it, and I got in front of it and took care of myself. I really feel like it made me take good care of myself. AK: Technology has made it very easy for people to say something mean spirited or join in the angry mob. For me, I try my best to practice the art of what I call Non-Reaction, where I feel like every time I don’t react I’m passing that next spiritual test. But occasionally, something will get me and I’ll react. And then I’ll wonder, was that a failure on my part, or was it warranted in that situation? Do you share that same internal struggle? VAF: It’s an internal struggle for me, too. Some days I’m like, “Why did I give that person my en-

Images coutresy of Blake Little, Vivica A. Fox, Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andre Michael

VIVICA A. FOX STAR PROFILE

Images coutresy of Blake Little, Vivica A. Fox, Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andre Michael

VIVICA A. FOX STAR PROFILE ergy?” There are some people…they just come on your page to be mean, and you kind of want to go, “You looked me up, and took the time to write a response to be mean to me. Hmm, what does that say about your character?” There’s an old saying your mama told you. “If you ain’t got nothing nice to say, don’t say nothing at all.” I try to live by that old-school motto. I don’t try to pass on bad energy to others. I don’t. If I don’t have anything nice to say I just keep my opinion right on over here. But you know, this generation with the social media, a lot of people like that negative feedback. They feed off it. I don’t. AK: How do you define glamour and beauty? VAF: Someone who is a goddess, who just radiates confidence; someone who owns her moment, who seizes her moment. The older I’ve gotten, I believe that beauty radiates from the inside. Especially nowadays with these build-abodies, and everything is just makeup and fakeness in my opinion right now. It’s when you meet a person and they are a beautiful person, they radiate confidence and kindness. I find beauty in a woman that has no makeup on, but she’s confident in her own skin and radiates kindness and does for others. To me, that’s beautiful. AK: In your book, you give advice on achieving different areas of success in one’s life. I, personally, think that so many people have a misconception about success. People want that insta-recognition; that insta-success. I said to someone the other day that for all the people who think they would love to trade places with Mark Zuckerberg or Oprah, for example, most of those people wouldn’t make it through the first week if they saw the tremendous amount of work, pressure and sacrifice that it takes to be in that type of position. VAF: To piggyback on that point, for myself, people don’t realize that for the last 2 to 3 years, I’ve slept on planes. I was always traveling, always busy, taking meetings, not sleeping, going here, going there, and going through changes of life and never letting it slow me down. There’s a lot of work required. All those seeds that I’ve planted, I’m now seeing them all blossom. But I had to do the work. That’s what I tell people. In my book, in the chapter about Being the Head Chick in Charge, I say, “Don’t let anyone outwork you.” AK: What do you think is the biggest misconception about success? VAF: That it’s easy. When you’re successful, usually it’s taken a long time to build a career. It isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time to build a career, and a career means being able to go through different stages and chapters of a career, not just being the hot chick of the moment. For me, I went from being the hot ingenue chick, to now building my brand and producing and directing. AK: Let’s talk about Empire. I started watching it

last week, all four seasons in a row! VAF: Oh, you binge-watched…. AK: Yes: I’m talking carrying the iPad with me all over the house; the show is that addictive and entertaining. Entertainment value, on a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a 12 plus. The one thing I had mixed feelings about is the way African-Americans are depicted in the show. On one hand I’m loving it, on the other hand I’m thinking, “Does this play on negative stereotypes, the way this family is being portrayed?” VAF: Well, I think that’s why Empire has been so successful. It’s raw and right there in your face. It makes you uncomfortable. What I commend Lee Daniels and the cast of Empire for is they are like, “It may make you uncomfortable, but we are who we are. We’re not going to sugar coat this. We’re going to give it to you straight, no chaser.” That’s what made it a phenom. Some people felt like they couldn’t handle the gay [subject], or they feel it’s a little bit too raw, but that’s Empire. They have stayed true to what the show is about, and I have to commend them for that. That take courage, not to bow down to social or peer pressure. AK: Did Lee Daniels ever share with you the moral of the story of Empire, or his vision for the show? VAF: Not really. The thing I love about Lee is that he is who he is. It’s taken a while for him to become comfortable in his own skin…that he’s a gay man, and that he has talent, and he doesn’t have to hide who he really is anymore. We’ve all been in this business for 20 years, and I’m going to tell you that it’s been a long journey for him to put out a show like this. Some of the storylines in the show, absolutely, with the mother saying to her kids, “You’re this, you’re that (referring to the character, Cookie, having a penchant for hurling insults).” The father throwing the kid in the dumpster, it tugs at the heartstrings. It makes you uncomfortable, but it happens. I feel that with knowledge there’s power. AK: Do you judge your character, Candace, the same way that Cookie judges her? VAF: No. I believe we all have those relationships in our families where we’re all different, but we’re still family. In my career right now, I’ve embraced my womanhood and people are like, “Ooh, Vivica, you’re going to become today’s Diahann Carroll.” And I’m like, “Wow! Thank you for that.” But firstly, Vivica is a little bit more like Cookie. I like to have my rockstar moments, and I love wearing the crazy clothes and all that stuff. But Candace is who I’m evolving into. AK: Do you see things in a different light now? And what would it take for you to let your guard down in love? VAF: I see my mother now as a survivor. My mother grew up in a time where you stuck by your guy. He was her one true love, and I definitely have those qualities. What I learned from

her—in wanting her to live and to love and to laugh more—[is that] I wouldn’t take those same steps that she did. I can open my heart again. For my part, I’m making sure that I’m not lustful anymore. I don’t look at somebody and right away say, “Oh yes, he’s the one!” I make sure that I take the time to get to know someone. That’s something I pass along in my book, as well. Don’t jump into the shallow end of the pool head first. You’ve got to take the time to get to know people. So yes, I am open to love. I want to love again and have someone that’s really special. But he has to prove himself, and I would have to prove myself to him…that I’m worthy to be his mate. Sometimes women are so afraid to be alone that they just take that first thing coming, and they get the short end of the stick. They keep dating the same guy over and over again. That’s why, in the book, I say to “make your chart out.” Do you keep dating the same guy over and over again? Because you’re going to get the same result. AK: Do you want Hollywood to be colorblind in writing and casting roles, or do you want to be identified, and cast, as an African-American actress? VAF: Of course, I always want to be seen as a talented African-American actress, because that’s who I am. I feel that right now, what’s going on in Hollywood is that, man, that glass ceiling has been busted wide open. It’s been a long time coming, with the success of Black Panther, with the success of television shows like Scandal and Empire and How to Get Away with Murder; with Oprah having her own network. It’s about damn time. AK: Is it an “I-told-you-so” moment? VAF: I don’t know if it’s “I told you so” as much as it is, “Finally.” AK: Finish these sentences for me: “I know I can trust someone when…” VAF: When I’ve truly gotten to know them. AK: “I know that God is speaking to me when…” VAF: Woo! Hmm. All the time. Every day when I wake up and I can thank Him for letting me see another day. I would say, I know God is speaking to me all the time, and He helps me make better choices. AK: “My spiritual mission in this life is…” VAF: To be kind, to do unto others and to leave a good mark. Vivica A. Fox’s memoir, Every Day I’m Hustling, is available everywhere books are sold April 3rd and available for pre-order on Amazon. Allison Kugel is a syndicated entertainment and pop culture journalist, and author of the book, Journaling Fame: A memoir of a life unhinged and on the record. Follow her on Instagram @theallisonkugel.

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DR. JONANTHAN DEAN SUMMERLIN SMILES & DISTINCTIVE SMILES

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DENTIST FOR YOUR HEALTHY SMILE! – By Dani Reeves Why is the thought of going to the dentist so daunting even as an adult? The fact is, our teeth are one of the first things people notice about ourselves. Having that perfect smile is achievable and no one would know better than Dr. Jonathan Dean from Summerlin Smiles and Distinctive Smiles here in Las Vegas.

Force. “I was a Captain and served for three years; the Air Force really allowed me to focus on my craft.” After serving in the military, Dean knew he was going to stay in Las Vegas not only for the sunshine, but to be a positive influence in helping with the growth of the city and community he now calls home.

Dr. Dean is a leading cosmetic dentist in Las Vegas, practicing for over 14 years. He is one of four acknowledged professionals here in the Las Vegas valley, and comes highly recommended for his expertise in Invisalign and implantology. He works alongside his colleagues, Ton V. Lee, Sarah Kitchen, and Meron Anghesom, at both Las Vegas based dental practices. This team’s ultimate mission? Encouraging patients to be proactive with their own dental health with the latest dental technology, products, skills and knowledge.

What makes you stand out above all the other cosmetic dentists? “No matter what career I have had, I always wanted to help people.” Dean’s favorite quote is: “Change your smile and share it with the world.” Being able to transform someone’s life through their smile is what makes his job so fulfilling. “I have had adults cry after seeing what cosmetic dentistry can do for them. You don’t have to live with a smile you don’t like.”

Dr. Dean, why Las Vegas? You have lived all over the world; what was it about this city that made you want to call it home? “The sunshine!” Dean laughed. Although the weather did have an impact on his decision, Nellis Air Force Base was actually the reason for his move here. After graduating at the University of Maryland / Baltimore College for Dentistry he had an opportunity to practice and travel with the Air

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Why are Summerlin Smiles and Distinctive Smiles so highly recommended? “Out of all the practices I have seen we really pride ourselves on personal connection. We want to treat our patients like family here and I think when you are with our staff you can really feel that.” Want to know more? Visit www.summerlinsmiles.com

Deluxe Version STAR PROFILE

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THE WORLD ACCORDING TO

THE LADY GANG – By Stacey Gualandi

and she isn’t afraid to share them, and she speaks for a whole group of women who thought these things but never felt brave enough to say them. In business, she’s always pushing TLG with big ideas and wanting more for us.

Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin and Jac Vanek gave birth to The Lady Gang—an uncensored, celebrity-driven female-hosted weekly podcast—that in just 3 short years has emerged as one of the go-to, lady-led shows within earshot. It has been name-checked on Entertainment Weekly’s Must List, and was already awarded “Podcast of the Year” at the 2016 CelebMix Awards. And just as we went to print, Knight made a big announcement: Coming soon! The Lady Gang is going from podcast to broadcast on the E! Channel!

Jac is oblivious to Hollywood and celebrities, so her questions and opinions are endearing and authentic. She’s a branding expert, after building her own clothing line from scratch, and is integral to our look and brand across our site and all of social media.

TV host, a Hollywood actress and a fashion designer walk into a recording studio…but what happened next is no joke.

With over a million social media cyber-slatherers, collectively, these spontaneous, self-made superwomen (with a gift for gab, natch!) have earned their millennial mouthpiece mantle. Brand boss Jac Vanek is the CEO of her own fashion line. Actress-singer-dancer Becca Tobin is a triple-threat (and Glee mean-girl alum!). And founder Keltie Knight is a former Rockette-turned-Emmy-winning Entertainment Tonight correspondent and now executive producer, who could easily earn the title “busiest woman in entertainment reporting.” For instance, after breaking her arm in a recent “near death” car crash, she was right back to work, with a blinged-out sling. (Full disclosure: Knight once escorted me in an ambulance after I broke four ribs; I regret not being there to reciprocate.) Inspired by their “endless mimosa brunches,” The Lady Gang just wants to have fun; but Knight says, they also want “every woman in the world to feel more normal, less alone and to live their best lady life.”  Thanks to the girl gang’s undeniable chemistry, signature goodie-filled “LadyBox,” and live public events, they now have their own fempire. No initiation required. Deluxe Version Magazine: What is The Lady Gang WOmanifesto?  The Lady Gang: We wanted to create something we could never be fired from! After years in Hollywood, and constantly waiting for someone else to decide our fate, we wanted to empower ourselves to be our own boss. DVM: What do each of you “bring to the mic?” TLG: Becca is the truth-teller: She has strong opinions

Keltie is really the nerd of the group, and her constant need for attention and validation is humorous. She’s our leader and task master…keeping the train moving and getting a lot of the behind-the-scenes work done.  DVM: You have been featured on many “must-listen” (ladies) lists. Why is TLG the right podcast—with the right women—at the right time? TLG: The past few years have been all about strong women doing whatever the hell they want. TLG is unapologetic, and we started the show when podcasts were really all about sports, comedy and men. We wanted a place for us. Being one of the first BIG female podcasts gave us a huge platform and a head start. We’ve never advertised, and our show grows through word of mouth every single week. When Entertainment Weekly put us on its “Must List,” we didn’t even know that anyone in the media even knew who we were.  DVM: What topics are taboo? (There has to be one, right?) TLG: We only have two rules on The Lady Gang: No politics and no religion. Our mommas told us those are two things you shouldn’t talk about at the dinner table, and there are people far smarter than us that make far better shows on those topics.  DVM: Any convos that went too far?   (Naked stretching; boob hairs, anyone?) TLG: All our convos go too far, and that’s what our audience loves. All the embarrassing stuff that you have never told anyone in the world about because it was TOO embarrassing even for your best friend? We tell millions of people our deepest, darkest secrets every week. We’ve all been approached by our parents and significant others at some point warning that we went too far. We didn’t care.

Having a “bad week” and being able to talk about it, no matter how stupid it is, always feels great. It also makes you quickly realize that the majority of what we spend sleepless nights stressing about is meaningless.  DVM: When/what was your biggest turning point? TLG: I think for us, when we started getting recognized on the street and in airports, we started seeing our girls IRL [in real life] and seeing how unique, beautiful and cool they were. Putting faces to the anonymous listeners made us realize that we were really creating a worldwide “gang.” DVM: You have earned a tremendous “community” in a short period of time: fans are empowered, saying you speak the truth, and that you are relatable and connectable. How big a responsibility is your role model status/fame?   TLG: The greatest thing about our show is that our gals learn from us, but we learn from our gals, too. Surrounding the show, there is a 24/7 open door of ways to connect using our social channels, and our girls are the first ones to call us out when we say something questionable, or they don’t like a topic. We can’t please everyone, but the truth is, we get 100 percent more “love mail” and beautiful stories than we do complaints. In fact, one of our gals just NAMED THEIR BABY after JAC!  DVM: What’s next?   TLG: We just debuted our “Quickie” episode, which happens bi-weekly; we are currently planning a big trip to New York City to do a live podcast there [aka “LadyHang”]; of course, curating and packing up our next LadyBox (our merch store is now at www. theladygang.com), and we are launching a major collaboration to award over $100,000 in education scholarships this summer. Whew, we need a nap! DVM: One last thing: What is your hashtag (…your “gang symbol”)?  TLG: #BESTLADYLIFE

DVM: What do you look for in the perfect TLG guest? And on that note, is there a standout guest? An elusive must-have-guest? TLG: The truth is, whether we have a big celebrity like RuPaul or it’s just the three of us during one of our “Allegedly Wassa Happening” (hot topics) episodes, the same amount of fans listen.They really do come to listen to us. But we invite people we think are authentic, brave and that our girls would like to hear from. We’ve had everyone from the A-List to a hormone expert. Obviously, there is an open invitation to Oprah and Kris Jenner whenever those two queens want to come in!  DVM: You share “the good, the bad and the ugly” behind the scenes of your glamorous careers. How therapeutic is this podcast for you? TLG: It’s human nature to just want to be validated.

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FLIPPING THE MIC:

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS MAVEN STARS IN HER OWN STORY – By Dani Reeves

tacey Gualandi’s experience in front of the camera is remarkable: reporting for Inside Edition, Extra, The TV Guide Network, and The Hallmark Channel On Location, are just a few examples from her CV (and did I mention she is an Emmy award-winning journalist?!). And while it’s not every day that you get to write about someone with such accolades, her accomplishments are not the only thing that makes Gualandi the best at what she does. Her down to earth and playful personality make her stand out amongst other reporters in her field, which is probably why when celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Garner and Ringo Star (just to name a few) are walking the red carpet, they don’t hesitate to stop for her! I remember the first time Gualandi and I met. We had an event with Luxe News Live (Deluxe Version Magazine’s video channel), and I was so excited to be hosting alongside this superstar. She was a pro in front of the camera, and from that moment on I knew I wanted to be the next Stacey Gualandi when I grew up. (You can still do that when you’re already a grown up, right?) If all of this isn’t impressive enough, Gualandi is also a certified spin and yoga instructor…proving that from the intellectual to the physical, there is nothing this talented star can’t do. With a schedule crammed with red carpet events and celebrities, I felt a little famous myself when Gualandi let me ask her a few questions of my own. reer, but better late than never I always say! Deluxe Version Magazine: You are everywhere! Every red carpet, every celebrity sighting…if there is something exciting happening, Stacey Gualandi is there! Did you always want to be a journalist? Stacey Gualandi: From as far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be in TV news—I used to read biographies of all the famous female veteran TV news personalities (like Jessica Savitch, Judy Woodruff, etc.). And I specifically loved entertainment shows. I’m old enough to remember when Entertainment Tonight debuted! I grew up watching a TV screen and had an assortment of celebrity scrap books (my crushes were Gilligan and Starsky! Don’t judge!) Friends from high school and college tell me how I would always say, “I want to be just like Barbara Walters!” I studied mass communications at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and reported for the radio station on campus. I realized I loved interviewing people. DVM: What has been your favorite memory of your career? SG: I have two: My first job as a full-fledged, on-camera reporter. It was for a show called Strange Universe (like Entertainment Tonight for the paranormal). I had worked so hard to reach my goal, and I did it, in a non-traditional way. The other fave memory is when I won my first Emmy for breaking news in Las Vegas. It came later in my ca-

DVM: If you could choose anyone to interview, alive or not, who would it be? SG: Alive: Madonna, while doing yoga. Dead: French chanteuse Edith Piaf, in French. I love all-things-Paris and I love her music. (Non je ne regrette rien.) But unlike Edith, I do have many regrets. That’s for another interview…. DVM: You’re always interviewing celebrities. Have you ever been starstruck? SG: Oh yes! Mainly, people my age who I had admired growing up, like Brooke Shields and Cindy Crawford. But the one star I completely lost my composure with was the aforementioned Starsky, aka Paul Michael Glaser. I was a ridiculous glob of giddiness sitting across from him, fully flushed. He was kind enough to take a picture with me. Never did my teenage self think I would ever get to actually “meet” him someday! My camera crew said they had never seen me so tongue-tied! DVM: It’s easy to tell that you love your job, but if you had to do it all over again would you still be in news? SG: Yes! I wasn’t really cut out for anything else! Ha! After graduation, I got sidetracked and thought I would try hotel management. I was the PBX girl (answering the internal hotel phone calls), and once, when there was an emergency, I had to instruct people what to do! People said I sounded like a reporter! (Ha.) Then Molly Ringwald

came to Cincinnati (where I was living) to film the movie Fresh Horses. I submitted my picture because I was told all the time how much I looked like her. I became her stand-in, got the entertainment bug, moved to Hollywood, and the rest is…. DVM: Journalists will go to the extreme for a good story. What has been the most extreme thing you have done to get the juicy headline? SG: Years ago, I hid in bushes to get footage of Luke Perry’s wedding. More recently, I ambushed OJ Simpson in Las Vegas after his release from prison. But probably the most extreme thing I did was pretend to have polio and be confined to a wheelchair in order to expose a very popular but deceitful televangelist named Benny Hinn. I was so convincing that I had been “healed” and could walk again, that I was brought up on stage in front of 40,000 of his faithful followers. You can check it out on YouTube. DVM: What’s next for Stacey Gualandi? SG: Voice acting, podcasts, and perhaps my very own TV show! But whatever I do, it won’t involve hiding in bushes. :) Stacey Gualandi…you are a star! You’re willing to go above, beyond, and into the bushes to bring us the story, and that’s why we love you.

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FOR MAHSHEED BARGHISAVAR, PURPOSE + PASSION = THE PERFECT MASH UP – By SamanthaThomas A

life filled with detours is nothing out of the ordinary for real estate broker, owner and philanthropist Mahsheed Barghisavar. But as the bold and bubbly Barghisavar proves, detours can ultimately lead you to your destiny. “When you’re going through the most difficult time of your life, how you handle it is everything” says Barghisavar. And in these past 12 years in her industry, Barghisavar has not only handled her business, but she leaves a trail of integrity, compassion and a whole lot of #WomanPower along the way. I was introduced to Barghisavar (“Mash,” to her friends) through a telephone conversation, and her positive vibes lit up the line. We shared some laughs and talked about the highs and lows of career and life; but more important, we talked about “knowing our purpose, and following our passion,” which is something that Barghisavar lives by. “There’s always room in life to follow your passion, and once you’re on your purpose, and your passion, you’re happier,” says Barghisavar. “Replace fear with faith and ego with love, and the universe naturally conspires to provide what you need to fulfill your purpose.” Barghisavar is staying on her purpose-filled course by adding yet another part to her business model: public speaking. This June, she’ll be taking her powerful talents to the stage at Disruptive Innovation, a conference in south ern California for today’s entrepreneurs

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to learn successful social media strategies from worldwide industry leaders. Through 2019, Barghisavar will also be traveling with Disruptive Innovation to Arizona, New York, Florida, and Chicago, where she intends to “help millions of people see the good in themselves and create the life they dream of,” just like she has and does. “Books are powerful, but speakers are powerful, too,” says Barghisavar. “People sit in a room, and their life changes. It can be impactful for so many people who need it.” Barghisavar is completely self made, has won numerous top producer awards in real estate, and has been featured in magazines and on television for her philanthropic work. Recently featured in Chris Harder’s “For the Love of Money” podcast, Barghisavar spoke about how she created her wealth, and how there is an abundance of wealth for everyone. “It is all a mindset,” she shared. “Once you master the mind and add a pure heart, you are unstoppable.” From the inside and out, Barghisavar is grateful for the career and life detours that have gotten her to where—and who—she is today. “I went through years of major difficulties when I first started real estate,” says Barghisavar. “I worked with the wrong people, and I was depleted financially and mentally.” She eventually took some time to heal through self-help books; she hired

coaches; and she began manifesting her destiny by simply writing things down and creating vision boards. Barghisavar went from bankrupt and no clients, to owning three properties, dream cars, and working with the kind of big investors that can change your life.

coaching session are some of the best feelings ever!” she exclaims. “Knowing that I am genuinely helping my clients move through what is blocking [them] —taking them from where they are to where they want to be—is truly a blessing.

Says Barghisavar: “At the time, I had no idea I was manifesting. But, I do believe that good things happen to good people, so I’ve always kept my integrity intact. Life is a boomerang. What you put out there, will come right back to you. If you love, you will be loved. If you lie, you will be lied to. It’s that simple.”

“So many people are stuck and don’t know what to do or how they should … get to where they want to be,” she adds. “I am blessed to be in a position to help propel these people forward into their dream lives!”

Today, Barghisavar is in a lane of positive progress…especially in her career. “Real estate is my forever passion, and what made it my passion are the amazing clients that I’ve met. They trust me with finding them a home, along with investing and growing their money.” Her brokerage, Mahsheed Real Estate LLC, continues to grow…with some notable buyers. “I’ve had the busiest 4 months since the start of 2018: With the Raiders boom, NFL players are buying up properties here in Vegas!” says Barghisavar, who’s even gained one of the Green Bay Packers as a client. Barghisavar has also added coaching to her resume where she helps transform new business owners and realtors into the entrepreneurs they dream to be…all while helping them create the life and wealth they desire. “The texts and calls I receive after a

There’s no doubt that her good will continue to manifest greatness. After every real estate closing, Barghisavar—who partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation—sends a percentage of each commission check to the foundation or a charity of the client’s choice. Barghisavar knows, without a doubt, that one of her greater purposes is to share the wealth and help others in need. Says Barghisavar: “I want to be able to show the world that they, too, can have everything they dream of when it’s backed by good intentions! You have to do the right thing and have the right intentions. Genuine compassion and empathy go a long way in business and your personal life!” Mahsheed Barghisavar is certainly manifesting miracles…one positive thought at a time.

For more information visit www.mahsheed.com

Deluxe Version MAN OF THE YEAR

Deluxe Version’s 2018

MAN OF THE YEAR – By Dani Reeves

hen it was time to name Deluxe Version Magazine’s Man of the Year, Dr. Neville Campbell was an obvious choice. His blend of grace and dignity is not only on point with this brand, he’s respected and admired both in and out of our community for being a quality human being. Last June, a man walked into Campbell’s office, the Pain and Wellness Center of Las Vegas, with a loaded gun and opened fire. Four people were injured that day; two of them, staff. It was an overwhelming experience, and with so many people looking toward him for leadership, Campbell decided to take action to help his staff move forward in a powerful way. “My belief in God pulled me through that dark period,” says Campbell. “My staff and I trusted in ourselves that we were called for a specific reason, and that passion was not going to be dimmed by that event.

“That day changed the way we appreciate things,” he continues. “It was a profound lesson: We no longer take for granted the golden moments. Before that day, [we were] a group of people helping our patients; now, we are a family….We feel strong and have a sense of togetherness and peace. We now understand what our purpose is.” Campbell’s leadership abilities extend further than the doors of his Las Vegas practice. For the second year in a row, he’s bringing leading doctors in their fields to Ecuador to join Healing Hands Abroad, a group that volunteers time and expertise to underprivileged communities around the world. “We started something [in Ecuador], and I want to go back to finish,” says Campbell. Campbell spoke with hope in his eyes as he gave us a day-in-the life account of their time last year in Ecuador. “We started early with a cold shower and a healthy organic breakfast...

fresh fruit and local eggs.” Coffee was an essential, although one cup was strong enough to get folks through until the afternoon. When the doctors arrived at the clinic, people were already lined up and waiting. “When we approached the clinic, the patients would start clapping!” Campbell says that some patients would travel 2 days to receive help. Many had never seen a doctor. The staff worked religiously through each day, attending to as many patients as possible. They might not have been able to treat everyone during their stay, but they tried. Deluxe Version Magazine congratulates Dr. Neville Campbell! You are the epitome of class and style. We couldn’t think of a more perfect person to recognize. For more information about Dr. Neville Campbell and the Pain and Wellness of Las Vegas visit www.cwpclv.com

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HELL’S KITCHEN PUTS THE SIN IN Strip-worthy CuiSINe –By Stacey Gualandi

fter 13 years, numerous wannabe-chefs, hundreds of bleeps, and tons of Beef Wellington, Chef Gordon Ramsay has brought his immensely popular Fox reality show Hell’s Kitchen to life for the first time…off screen. “This is 17 seasons in the making: I have to pinch myself,” says the Michelin-starred chef. “It’s quite a big moment for me. This is not a show anymore. It’s real.” From the moment you walk past the iconic, flaming bronze “HK” sculpture and the lifesize video wall of the oft-censored chef—as you enter along the portrait gallery of all 17 previous Hell’s Kitchen winners—you truly feel like you’ve stepped onto the TV show’s Hollywood set. And the designers were hell-bent on keeping that theme throughout: The focal point is the immense open kitchen, divided by Blue Team- and Red Team-uniformed chefs and cooks, shouting out orders for all to hear. This is Chef Ramsay’s fifth Las Vegas restaurant. Situated on prime real estate in front of Caesars Palace, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows lining the perimeter, it boasts some of the best views of the Strip. I consider myself lucky to have been at the preview of Hell’s Kitchen in early January: The doors had literally just opened 48 | Deluxe Version Magazine

and there were already 25,000 reservations booked through June. (No surprise when your namesake television show has a worldwide audience in 41 countries and a famously hot-tempered celebrity chef at the helm.) Chef Ramsay admits, “When I’m in the zone, that level of perfection has taken years to strive for. When someone screws up, you’re going to hear from me.” Season 17 winner Michelle Tribble understands that first-hand. As HK’s new head chef, she continues the TV-to-table trend by serving up a signature menu of lobster butternut squash, pan-seared scallops and crispy-skin salmon. (Editorial note: I’ve tried them all. And yes, this pescatarian even had a bite of the Beef Wellington, Hell’s Kitchen’s most desired dish. #LipsmackingGood.) But with so much on his plate as the head of a television and restaurant empire, how does this fiery chef keep from burning out? According to him, all it takes is “discipline and focus.” So if you’re focused on fine dining at affordable prices and want to experience a true reality destination, I recommend you go straight to Hell’s Kitchen. (The devil made me say it.)

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FINE DINING

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Strip-worthy Cuisine

Hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen

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FINE DINING

Left: Hell’s Kitchen bar area. From top: The Beef Wellington, The HK Burger. Gordon Ramsey & Hell’s Kitchen images courtesy of CAESARS PALACE.

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Wear It Like

BECKHAM With HOUSE 99 – By Stacey Gualandi

David Beckham. Legendary English footballer. Style icon. Photog-

rapher’s dream. Notorious image re-inventor…inspiring like-minded men who are “not afraid to explore and express their identity.” And now, you could say Posh’s other half is groomed for success on an entirely new playing field: men’s beauty products. Beckham’s HOUSE 99 is a global holistic grooming brand for the male set that merges British barbershop culture and style with the latest hair, skin, beard, and tattoo trends. Together with L’Oreal Luxe, the line was designed to help make over men in line with modern masculinity. Now available in 19 countries exclusively at Ulta and ULTA.com, the collection boasts 13 innovative products “to conquer every style ambition.” Must-haves include a Smoothing Back Shaping Pomade; Seriously Groomed Beard and Hair Balm, and a Greater Look Face Moisturizer. “For me, grooming is not only about how you look, but how you feel. It’s about being comfortable, trying new things, and shaping your next look,” says the famous father of four.

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From testing ingredients, to picking product names, to working with renowned barbers, Beckham was the captain of this new product launch. “I created HOUSE 99 to give people the inspiration, as well as the right products, to experiment and feel completely at home doing so. “HOUSE 99 is here to support men,” he adds, “to give them the tools they need to create whatever look they are going for.” Why “HOUSE 99?” For one, Beckham’s goal is to build a fraternity of “grooming aficionados,” and 1999 was a special year for him: he married Victoria, he had his first son Brooklyn, and watched his beloved Manchester United win the treble. He even tattooed “99” on his hand.

David Beckham images couresty of HOUSE 99

If you were never quite able to bend it like Beckham, now you can at least wear it like Beckham thanks to HOUSE 99. (Just don’t count on looking like Beckham. Wink.)

Wear It Like

BECKHAM

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Deluxe Version

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

BRITTNEY PALMER’S

PASSION PLAY FROM PERFORMANCE TO PAINTING, THIS MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ARTIST IS TAKING THE ART WORLD BY STORM. – By Paul Zahn Brittney Palmer has her eye on the prize…and that prize includes art, music and philanthropy. Fresh off supporting the amfAR charity in Hong Kong with a contribution of a unique piece of her art, Palmer is already working on new collaborations that will keep her busy well into 2018, and her fans entertained by her new projects. The sky is the limit for this talent, and she shows no sign of slowing down. San Diego-born and Las Vegas-raised, Palmer became a visual artist after an abrupt ending to her performing arts career. “I was living in Las Vegas, and I was a professional dancer in major Las Vegas shows; but when I was 21, I was in a car accident that prevented me from dancing,” says Palmer. “So as a way of expressing my creativity, I began painting.” Palmer says she drew inspiration from some of the greatest artists of all time (as well as music and her family roots). “I began to fall in love with art after following the greats such as Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Cy Twombly, and so many more,” she says. “I was completely enamored with art and everything that it encompasses.”

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Music has been an influence, too. “Both my mother and father could fill the house and cars with music,” says Palmer. “Between my dad loving Guns & Roses and my mother loving the Beatles, I was constantly surrounded by amazing musicians from the past that have still stayed with me [to this day].” It inspired her to integrate some of music’s biggest icons into her artwork, from Biggie Smalls to Jimi Hendrix. Philanthropy has also played a big role in Palmer’s life. Her recent sale at amfAR’s Hong Kong charity auction raised a whopping $38,000 for the AIDS research charity. “amfAR is truly a wonderful organization that helps and has helped so many people,” Palmer gushes. “It was surreal to be in Hong Kong showing my work alongside great artists such as Kaws, Andy Warhol and Adrien Brody. Working with his charity has opened so many doors for me to continue this passion I have for helping others…and, art.” Currently, Palmer is prepping for an art show this summer. After collaborating with The W Hotel chain and UFC, she has her eye on working with everyone from Gucci to Louis Vuitton, and even Target. Says Palmer: “Wherever my art goes, that is the direction I feel I want to follow.”

Photography by Corey Epstein

We will be following, too.

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ERIKA JAYNE: (HARDLY A) PRETTY MESS – By Dani Reeves

rika Jayne is not an average housewife, nor is she the typical pop star. In fact, she isn’t even the quintessential author, however she owns all of those titles quite fabulously! With nine No. 1 songs on the dance club charts and ranking No. 42 on the Billboard’s 100 Greatest Dance Club Artists (not to mention her fame from the hit television series Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Jayne is no stranger to the spotlight. With all the excitement of being a music artist and the drama of a TV personality, it makes sense that she would write about it. Pretty Mess (and all of its juicy details) was released in 2018 and became a New York Times best seller. Jayne held her recent book signing of Pretty

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Mess at one of the most elegant places in Las Vegas: The Shops at Crystals. Not only was it a stunning location, but this triple-threat diva traveled with her very own book-signing stage built for a queen and was dressed to kill in head-to-toe D Squared. Deluxe Version Magazine and Luxe News Live had the exclusive interview with Jayne. Deluxe Version Magazine: You are such a romantic when you speak about your son, your husband and even your career. Where does that love stem from? Erika Jayne: I’m just really grateful! I’m really thankful to have the people in my life—my family and my friends. I really like what I do; this is a

great time in my life! I hope that comes across. DVM: What can your fans expect from your book Pretty Mess? EJ: The book was a way to dig a little deeper and to tell my story, in my own way. I think they will get to know me a little bit more and what it’s all about! DVM: What’s next for Erika Jayne? EJ: Oh! I have new music that I am really excited about! I am also performing at the White Party in Palm Springs. A lot of good stuff is happening!

ready D E S T I N AT I O N

Resort-worthy styles for the vibrant traveler. 60 | Deluxe Version Magazine

Top:

Etro Deluxe Version Magazine | 61

Top & Bottoms:

Etro

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Dress & Sunglasses:

Alice & Olivia Bag:

Furla Shoes:

Gianvito Rossi Deluxe Version Magazine | 63

Dress:

Roberto Cavalli Hat:

Eugenia Kim Shoes:

Gucci 64 | Deluxe Version Magazine

Dress:

Roberto Cavalli

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Dress:

Parker Bag:

Jimmy Choo Shoes:

Gianvito Rossi 66 | Deluxe Version Magazine

B O N

V O YA G E

CREDITS COVER MODEL / DANI REEVES PHOTOGRAPHY / TIM HANCOCK HAIR & MAKE UP / ELENA OSORIO WARDROBE / DEBBI MILES SAKS FIFTH AVENUE LAS VEGAS

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FROSÉ & FESTIVAL

SUMMER 2018 ACCORDING TO JUSTINE SKYE – By Paul Zahn For Justine Skye, “festival season” is more of a verb than a noun, and with Coachella now behind her, the singer/actress is on the hunt for more fun this season…but not before imparting her advice to the masses on how to festival like an it-girl (aka: her).

Fashion and style play a big role in Skye’s dayto-day life, but during festival season, the PUMA ambassador pivots a bit. “It is about being comfortable and still being cute,” says the Brooklyn native. “That’s my whole MO when it comes to Coachella.”

(“I sound like a Fenty spokesperson!)” she laughs. Another Skye Suggestion for acing this festival season? Relax and bond with folks you care about. “What it’s all about is having fun, and celebrating that with your friends,” she shares, adding that her favorite cocktail to toast with her friends is either a Three Olives Vodka frosé or an equally simple concoction. (Pro Tip: If you want to watch your weight like she does, combine Three Olives rosé vodka with soda water. Says Skye: “It keeps me cool in the heat.”)

When not partaking in festival fun, Skye fancies herself a trip to Las Vegas. “Vegas is too much fun,” she exclaims. “We lose our minds out there.” The dining spot she cannot miss during a Vegas trip is Carbone at Aria. “It is one of my favorite restaurants in New York city, and the fact there is one in Vegas too makes me feel right at home,” she says. Her favorite menu items are a toss-up between the Caesar salad and spicy rigatoni, but either way Carbone is her “favorite restaurant in the world.” Between festival season and trips to the Strip, this media-professed “it-girl” truly epitomizes influencer. Party people: Please take note.

Image courtesy of Eric Reed

For example, this festival season, she won’t leave home without one item: lip gloss. “Right now I am into my Fenty lip gloss,” she shares.

“It is universal: [Rihanna] only has one, and that gloss works for all skin tones.”

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EVA LITTMAN RED ROCK FERTILITY CENTER

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YOUR BEST LIFE

FULL SPEED AHEAD IN FITNESS

SPIN GURU

JEN BARNET-RUDOLPH SHOWS US THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE OM – By Stacey Gualandi

“I’m a force of freakin’ nature in this industry!” Watch out Sedona! Las Vegas has its own vortex, and her name is Jen Barnet-Rudolph, the mega-fit, compassion-minded spin-trepreneur. Two years in, her westside-based XCYCLE is “the” destination for devoted spin disciples in the Valley. But Rudolf didn’t stop there. “I wanted to offer more full service,” says Rudolph. “Cycling is hitting it off, people are addicted, I’m building a community…but I feel like I’m sending them home incomplete!” So, 6 months ago—slyly playing off her childhood nickname “Jen Jen” and the art of Zen—she opened the massive floor-to-ceiling wood doors of XEN XEN, a yoga, meditation and healing studio that helps you detox from everyday life. Now, her fanatic followers have a new sanctuary to call ommmmm. “I’ve created two studios in one: XCYLE is cardio; XEN XEN is all mind, body, spirit. Put it all together and it is magic, and you will stay on track for the rest of your day. And your life,” says Rudolph. “As the instructor, owner and creator…it breaks my heart when I see someone not giving themselves that full love.”

Vanessa Yerushalmi’s Candlelight Yin + Meditation class. It was 75 minutes of extended stretches, guided meditation, soothing sounds, and ultimately, total bliss. Not an easy task for this cell-phone-addicted, meditation-avoiding stress case. For XEN XEN, the mission is simple: change comes from within. Rudolph adds, “I want you to fill your soul up with love, compassion, happiness, strength, and whatever else you’re struggling with in the world. Then [you can] pick up the phone.” (Side note: she enforces a no-cell-zone, but there are chargers in the lockers!) Now that X marks the spot, Rudolph says she’s also reaped the rewards. “It has given me a family for the first time in my life. I never had this love before. I’ve created a very stable place for myself.” Rudolph and her XEN XEN partner, Silent Savasana founder Dray Gardner, will also continue pop-up yoga experiences outside of the studio, including a health and wellness program at the 2018 Electric Daisy Carnival. It only proves she is a force to be reckoned with, both inside and out. “Whoever is on this journey with me, get ready! We are going big places together…within ourselves.” Sounds like Om Sweet Om.

By plugging in to our needs, Rudolph is helping us to unplug. Recently, I hit the mat (and the power off switch) in Deluxe Version Magazine | 71

With FlyNyon, The Sky’s Literally The Limit For Insta Pics – By Dani Reeves

n a world where people go to extremes to get the perfect pic for their social, it only seems appropriate to hang your feet outside of a helicopter while flying over your favorite city, right? If you can imagine yourself above the iconic Las Vegas Strip with nothing obstructing the view, FlyNyon is for you, and will give you the ultimate adrenaline rush along with the coolest photo on Instagram! FlyNyon is a doors-off helicopter photo experience that is taking major U.S. cities by storm, and while there are several helicopter tours in Las Vegas, it’s the only one where the doors are completely missing. Customers may opt to soar over the glitz and glam of 72 | Deluxe Version Magazine

the Las Vegas Strip or take in the remarkable scenery of Red Rock Canyon. In either case, when the timing is just right, the chopper’s pilot gives a signal, and the next thing you know, with your camera (firmly!) in hand, your legs are dangling hundreds of feet above the world-famous Caesars Palace, or the Valley’s painted-desert landscape.

they will enjoy the best and safest experience possible.

With locations in New York City, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, FlyNyon stresses that safety is its No. 1 priority. It’s proudly recognized by the Eastern Region Helicopter Council for its unwavering commitment to ground and flight safety, which assures passengers that

(And if the missing doors are a bit too much of a rush, no worries: FlyNyon also offers a doors-on, windows-down experience.)

In addition to the cities above, FlyNyon can also build customized flights, tailoring experiences any way you want them. Just be sure to wear your most photogenic shoes, because whether you want them to or not, they end up being the star of the show!

To book your flight visit FlyNyon at www.flynyon.com

Deluxe Versionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own, Jamillette Gaxiola, braved the skies and enjoyed hanging her feet out of the helicopter.

THE MANIFEST DESTINY OF

MELISSA MOATS AMERICA’S MOST POPULAR (UNSEEN) VOICE

–By Stacey Gualandi

You’ve heard her on national Best West-

ern TV spots, Ellen promos, a Justin Timberlake documentary, a Thelma and Louise movie trailer, and thousands of commercials. For 18 years, there’s rarely been a script that voice-over veteran Melissa Moats couldn’t sell. That’s because when she talks, people listen. If having rose-colored glasses had a soundtrack it would sound like Moats. Her conversational cadence is infectious and not only allows Moats to talk for a living, but it’s also earned her the nickname “The Happiest Person on Earth.” “What I hear the most from my clients is that there is a genuine optimism—which isn’t forced—that comes through in my reads,” says Moats. “They are real fresh, and feel good.”

Hair/Photo by Ruben Martinez

For years, the former singer parlayed her passion for promotion into teaching other voice actor-wannabes…from her own living room! (“It made me feel good filling in the gaps for people who were learning.”) But in 2016, she put her mentoring where her mouth was and opened The Voice Actors Studio, the only school of its kind in Las Vegas. Her newbie narrators have included the cast of The Jersey Boys, future Dwayne Johnson costar McKenna Roberts and the guys behind Blue Man Group… who are known for not talking, by the way. That’s just how good she is. As a current student myself, I wanted to learn more about Moats’ “secret sauce” over a cup of coffee, a.k.a. Voice Actors in Cafes Getting Coffee. (In addition to her supportive husband Troy, and voice acting, Moats loves coffee. Likely in that order.) “Growing up, I had a checklist in my diary of certain things I wanted to do,” she says.

“I was obsessed with [80’s TV show] The Love Boat, I ‘knew’ I wanted to be a cruise director. I also told my dad I was going to do commercials,” admits Moats. “It was a manifest list, but I didn’t know I was manifesting.” Long before she spoke into a Sennheiser, Moats used a “Strawberry Shortcake” cassette recorder to mimic McDonald’s and Fruit Roll-Ups™ commercials. In her teens, she did in fact become a cruise director for several lines, where she met her husband (“Love/exciting and new/Come aboard/ We’re expecting you…”). Add her desire to live near palm trees (hello Las Vegas!), and Moats has checked everything off that list. “I believe in the power of visualization: picturing things the way you want to see them unfold. The more detailed, the better,” she says. Moats’ core positivity has been instrumental in guiding her through many obstacles during her young life. Her 26-year-old mother passed away unexpectedly when she was only 4; and she not only defeated

cancer once, but twice. “I learned very young how precious life is. Even though it was very sad with my mom dying…I had so much love and support. I had a weird wisdom about me, even as a little girl,” she says, holding back tears. “As I’ve grown up, I’ve always felt that I was not only living for me, but I was also living for my mom.” Moats says she had a choice to “face life with fear, or with grace and optimism.” Now, life for her feels like it’s just getting started. She envisions a lot of writing in her future, and more talking (!) as an inspirational speaker. She’ll also continue expanding her voice-over community with a variety of new creative media classes. And, if she’s lucky, she may even talk her way into a gig for Starbucks. “More than anything, it’s not about one gig for me, it’s about longevity,” she says. I hope I plant seeds of love all over, and leave this world a better place.” Well said, Melissa. Well said.

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COMING FALL 2018

LakeLasVegas.com

Four Questions

WITH BLUE HERON’S TYLER JONES – By Andy Gil

lue Heron is known for building exquisite custom homes that seamlessly integrate natural desert landscape with modern architectural elements. So when Blue Heron was choosing a site for its latest project, Lake Las Vegas’ stunning waterfront location was the perfect fit. Recently, I sat down with Blue Heron Owner and Founder Tyler Jones to talk about his upcoming project in Lake Las Vegas, the local real estate market and how his company gives back to the community. Deluxe Version Magazine: Why is now the right time to buy a luxury home in Las Vegas? Tyler Jones: The market here is on fire: We have buyers coming from other states; a lot of the tax changes have had a big impact; and, most importantly, Las Vegas is a beautiful place to live. The city is just maturing and I think it’s building on itself. We’re becoming more and more of a relevant city, nationally…we’re at the beginning of a major upswing of the market right now.

DVM: What made you decide to build in Lake Las Vegas? TJ: Our Lake Las Vegas partnership is something we’re very excited about. Lake Las Vegas has always been a premiere destination neighborhood and with the new ownership, they’ve really taken a new spin on things and are bringing a lot of new energy. They’re really trying to open things up to new possibilities and that’s where we come in to play. The surroundings are beautiful, [residents] have the lake, it’s quiet and it’s built super close to town. There’s a lot of new infrastructure with schools and roads and it’s really the perfect time for us to get involved. DVM: What will make Blue Heron homes stand out? TJ: The Vegas Modern Architecture philosophy is really about a couple of things: We want to be very true to the climate and to the Mojave Desert and the natural state (of the surround-

ings). We have the materials in the architecture to really respond to that. We also want to be true to the fact that we are in Las Vegas. The Strip is just a few miles away…that’s part of the energy that we bring to the architecture as well. It’s marrying that edgy Las Vegas lifestyle with that natural environment. DVM: What makes the community you’re developing at Lake Las Vegas different? TJ: We’re going to be selling homes at a more affordable price point than what we’ve done before. So that’s great for us to be able to offer the Vegas modern style to a different audience than what we’ve done in the past. Stay tuned for an announcement this summer on Blue Heron’s new Lake Las Vegas community!

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The Ultimate Expression of Waterfront Luxury The Estates at Reflection Bay includes 9 stunning one-acre lots and 23 half-acre lots, in an exclusive gated enclave. Sales Office Open Daily 10am - 4pm Lake Las Vegas Sports Club & Information Center: 101 Via Vin Santo, Henderson, 89011 A 8,597 square foot residence, designed by award-winning Swaback Partners, LLC and built by Merlin Contracting, 2017 Custom Home Builder of the Year.

www.LakeLasVegas.com

PREVENTING FITNESS CLIFF FALL-OFF – By Stacey Gualandi

t’s May—5 months into your New Year’s fitness goals—and you’re discouraged, quitting your quad squats, and eventually jumping off the proverbial “fitness cliff.”

off a trip to the gym if I were on my own. But 3 months in, I’m committed to showing up not only for Velez, but also for myself. And I’m starting to see results.

You’re certainly not alone. Setting goals, staying motivated and seeing results is not as easy as it sounds. One recent study shows that only 25 percent of goal-setters at the start of the year stick it out beyond Feb. 9; and of that group, 9 out of 10 were working with a personal trainer.

According to Velez, one of the biggest factors is accountability. Losing interest and motivation comes from not seeing a “quick fix.” “There is no such thing as a quick fix,” he says. “You have to be here and put the time in.”

Could a workout ally be the key difference between giving up or going forward? Las Vegas-based Pure Private Fitness owner/trainer Dana Wong says, absolutely! “When you have a trainer, someone is setting goals with you,” says Wong. “Many times, goals are either too broad or too focused. If someone doesn’t see immediate results, or it’s too hard, they get discouraged and fall off. Trainers have the background and experience to know what’s right for you.” I now know that first-hand. I started working out with PPF co-owner/trainer Gabreal Velez in January. I admit, it is so much easier to blow

At Pure Private Fitness—which, among other attributes is the only training experience in town offering pilates and fitness sessions without a gym membership—Wong and Velez customize specific programs for each individual client, no matter their fitness level. As long as they’re dedicated, Wong and Velez say those in-training WILL see results. “At our gym, there is resistance training, functional training, cardio, weightlifting, pilates: basically everything from A to Z, this gym does it all,” says Wong. “You learn how to work efficiently. It’s 90 minutes packed into one hour. You’re getting maximum use of your time and staying focused. Get in and get out.”

trainer. She has spent much of the past 30 years undoing damage by using restorative pilates. “I had a competitive weight lifter who was in so much pain for 3 years; she came to me in tears. After nine sessions, she’s back doing her workouts again,” says Wong. “And, a bartender client with pain in her upper body and lower back now has full mobility again. She appreciates what pilates has done and wants to start working out again!” To get started (or re-started), Wong advises to, 1) find the right trainer; 2) decide what your specific goal is; 3) address any issues or injuries you have; and then 4) do something. It’s all about building confidence: When you look good, you feel good. So when exactly does a trainer know when he/ she has done his/her job? Velez says the ultimate compliment is when a client says, “I no longer need you,” adding that when you find the solution through exercise, “you’ll see the results that you deserve.” (Finally, you can bypass that fitness cliff for good!)

Wong says people can also get hurt without a

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