CONTENTS
Photo: Las Ventanas
FEATURES
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ARTIST PROFILE Milenna Saraiva
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FASHION Spring into Summer with Cosabella
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COVER STORY Las Ventanas - Los Cabos, Mexico
DEPARTMENTS
WWW.FEMALEFYIMAG.COM
Photo: Courtsey of Cosabella
14 PERSONALITIES Three Amazing Women from LA, SF and NYC. 20 HEALTH & FITNESS Briana Stockton
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SPIRITS Krรถl vodka
22 BEAUTY Make-Up Artist Jill Ventimiglia
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GADGETS The New Apple iPad
24 BEAUTY TO BUY Rock & Republic Cosmetics & more...
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NIGHTCLUBS LA/PS/SD/SB/SF/NYC
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PRAISEWORTHY
MICHELLE McCARTHY
Michelle McCarthy is a Los Angelesborn-and-raised writer who focuses on pop culture, music, and body modifications. Her musings have appeared in such publications as the Advocate, OC Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter, Frontiers IN L.A., Tattoo Savage, Metal Hammer, and the Los Angeles Times. If Jeopardy! only asked questions about Halloween, BBQing and losing at roulette, she’d win it all. Michelle wrote this month’s piece on singer/songwriter/producer Lori Michaels, aka The Dyke Diva.
COURTNEY MCKINNON
MIA DINELLY
VANESSA CHANDLER
By day, Courtney McKinnon is a managing editor at Source Interlink Media. By night, she’s a Netflixdevouring moviephile who’s on a never-ending quest to find L.A.’s best Mexican food. She gets and writes about ink on a regular basis, contributing to Tattoo Savage magazine—along with the Los Angeles Times, SheWired, and Frontiers In L.A. For this issue of Female FYI, she got the scoop on Brazilian fine artist Milenna Saraiva and discovered that dreams really do come true.
LESLEY GOLDBERG
PUBLISHER Vanessa Chandler has been a Los Angeles graphic designer for over 10 years. She got her start with Female FYI magazine back in the old days and is back for more good times and torture with the re-launch of Female FYI. When she is not working on Female FYI she is working with other clients both on graphic design and websites. You can check out her work at www.vanessachandler.com.
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Publisher, Mia Dinelly recently had the good fortune of traveling to Las Ventanas in Los Cabos, Mexico. In this issue she brings Las Ventanas back to you. It was a one-of-akind experience. Everyone should be so lucky to have it once in this lifetime. From stunning ocean views and tequilas from around the world to sunset dinners, butlers, flawless suites, beautiful architecture and landscapes -- you will quickly understand why Dinelly chose this for the Spring Female FYI cover story. Enjoy!
Lesley Goldberg is a Los Angelesbased freelance writer who obsesses over television and writes for such publications as The Hollywood Reporter, Advocate, AfterEllen.com, SheWired.com and Frontiers IN L.A. The self-professed pop culture junkie can be found with a remote control in one hand and a softball bat in the other. In addition to her full-time post at The Hollywood Reporter, she has spent time on the news desk at the Los Angeles Daily News and can tell you anything you need to know about baseball cards — and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In this issue, Lesley speaks to Hollywood power broker Lauren Llyod.
MASTHEAD
FEMALE FYI
WWW.FEMALEFYIMAG.COM
Published By Female FYI Publisher & Editor Mia Dinelly Art Director Vanessa Chandler Copy Editor Charlene Romberg Contributing Writers Leigh Beecham Lesley Goldberg Michelle McCarthy Jana Rifkin Margaret Saunders Contributing Photographers Antoine Johnson Tina Manning David Sifry Advertising advertising@femalefyimag.com 323.337.9049 Attorney Robert Oliver Oliver Law Group O: 909.931.1393 F: 909.579.8274 Contact: Office: 323.337.9049 Fax: 323.656.9700 Female FYI Magazine 8335 Sunset Blvd, Ste 324 West Hollywood, CA 90069 info@femalefyimag.com advertising@femalefyimag.com subscriptions@femalefyimag.com accounting@femalefyimag.com
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the publishers or management of Female FYI Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Publication of the name or photo of any person or organization in Female FYI Magazine should not be construed as an indication of that person’s expressed opinion or sexual orientation. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content in their advertisement in Female FYI Magazine. Photographers work that is published in any advertising or editorial content within Female FYI Magazine agrees to indemnify and save harmless the publishers from all liability, loss and expense due to a photographer’s failure to gain a model release.
LAUREN LLOYD
BY LESLEY GOLDBERG
PERSONALITIES - LOS ANGELES - PRODUCER/DIRECTOR
L
Photo by Tina Manning
auren Lloyd truly has Hollywood at her fingertips. A former casting director and studio executive, Lloyd has worked with an all-star roster that includes Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Madonna, Sandra Bullock and more -- she even cast Brad Pitt in his first big- screen project.
passion and create a social community -- not friends of friends, I think that’s weird -- but around a passion or topic that they love,” says Lloyd, the out founder and CEO of BigIsGood.TV who happens to also host her own show on the site, “Hi Doll.”
Now Lloyd, who spent 25 years in Hollywood, is taking her expertise and business savvy to what is being debated as Tinseltown’s biggest competition: the Internet.
The site, which in two months has already wracked up 100,000 unique visitors, draws its name from its basic concept: “What is big? Big is good because all our shows are small little shows with individual niches and voices and we add up to a really big platform,” Lloyd says.
Launching BigIsGood.TV in January, Lloyd -- who got her foot in the door by selling BMWs in the San Fernando Valley after moving to L.A. in 1981 -- is like a kid in a candy store, rediscovering what made the town fun. “They said to me when I was a studio executive to look on the Internet because that’s where all of our audience is going,” Lloyd says. “I went to MySpace and YouTube and thought it was a weird dysfunctional community. People thought they had a lot to say, and I was thinking they’re wrong. I looked at YouTube and asked myself, ‘Who’s curating this because I don’t get it.’ “ And so BigIsGood.TV was born. The concept for the site -- first conceived about four years ago with Lloyd and her longtime friend, Ellen DeGeneres -- was about “giving the power back to the people who have something to say,” Lloyd says. “(Ellen) is very peripherally involved, but we were fascinated with trends and hosts because when you look at TV, practically all the TV shows are hosted shows,” Lloyd says. “Not just ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show,’ ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ and ‘The Tyra Banks Show,’ but ‘The Bachelor’ or ‘Jon Stewart.’ People love their hosts. So I said, ‘I want to do a video platform -- like a TV network where it’s just hosted shows.’ If people have a passion that they want to share with the world, then they can be on our site.” The business model, Lloyd says, was inspired by vlogger Michael Buckley’s popular “What the Buck,” an entertainment-based program he started four years ago that now pockets the self-proclaimed ‘failed actor’ $150,000 a year. “That was the role model for us, for people around the world to talk about their
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As for the primary differences between BigIsGood.TV and other video-hosting sites, Lloyd breaks it down: “(BigIsGood.TV) is smaller, it’s curated, we shoot a lot of the stuff ourselves, we produce, shoot, cut, post and set it up for other distribution platforms. My background is Hollywood, and it’s a platform where we find people and we incubate them and develop them. Because I’m from here, all the Hollywood eyes are on my site, so the people that are on there are easy to find. Also, we’ve already gotten two offers, one from Bravo, one from a TV production company to turn two of our shows into TV shows. That wasn’t the intent when I started out, but it makes sense now. There’s a lot of options here.” With about 18 shows on offer and nearly 100 episodes, Lloyd’s staff -- most of which she says falls into the LGBT category -- has produced 90 percent of the content and is aiming for an upscale demographic. “We’re aiming for a more sophisticated audience, like HBO and Showtime do vs. network TV,” she says. “It’s not for people who spend a lot of time surfing for dates. It’s really for people who have a pretty sophisticated taste; they want to go to a place where they can just find interesting and informative information.” And Lloyd’s long-term goals for BigIsGood.TV? It’s all about passion. “Our longterm goal is to enable everyone around the world to speak about their passion. That’s big.”
For more information: www.bigisgood.tv
CATHY BROOKS
PERSONALITIES - SAN FRANCISCO - MEDIA
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hat began for Cathy Brooks as a career telling other people’s stories has evolved into a journey of helping others to tell their own stories for themselves. A “classically trained” Journalist, Cathy’s passion for communications began with her first job ripping wire copy in 1982 and has evolved to encompass nearly every platform and aspect of media -- from reporting and editing to broadcast management, talent casting and guest booking. Cathy also has curated the content for several of the technology industry’s leading conferences. However, it was after finding herself engaged as an activist for the LGBT equal rights movement that Cathy began to explore the way in which personal stories inform and influence people’s everyday lives. Deeply steeped in the latest digital platforms and social media technologies, Cathy began teaching people to make these connections of personal stories, using new technologies as the medium. Currently running her own consulting firm in San Francisco, Cathy works with companies and individuals helping them navigate the crowded waterways of new technologies with the express purpose of leveraging these rapidly evolving platforms to tell their stories. Through workshops, seminars and strategic consulting services, Cathy walks clients through the story-telling process and towards the kind of deep engagement that comes from truly authentic communication. Every week Cathy brings these discussions to life on Social Media Hour, a live, callin talk show on which industry leaders and average folks share their experiences and tell their stories. The program, for which Cathy is Executive Producer and Host, puts new technologies in human terms, and gives the audience a chance to interact via text chat and phone.
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Photo by David Sifry
Her last full-time job had Cathy leading the charge on business development for Seesmic, a San Francisco-based start-up that enables global conversation using video as the conduit. While there, Cathy secured and managed the company’s relationships with top media organizations such as 20th Century Fox, The BBC and The Washington Post. Prior to Seesmic, Cathy worked with Guidewire Group -- a global analyst firm focused on emerging markets and technologies. During that time, Cathy created and hosted “I of Innovation,” a weekly talk show providing a unique perspective and insight into the processes and people behind the latest technology trends. On Guidewire Group’s behalf she also launched “Six Minutes With,” a weekly podcast series for Network World. Cathy also produced two of Guidewire Group’s conferences -- Innovate!Europe and Leadership Forum. In both cases Cathy identified and booked top speakers as well as moderated and emceed the events. For several years Cathy also played a role in content curation for LeWeb, the largest technology gathering in Europe. Back in the day, Cathy worked at TechTV, running the talent and guest booking departments, and over the years has held several executive positions with PR agencies ranging from business development to account management. When not traveling or meandering the digital world of the Web, Cathy can be found seeking the perfect hamburger in San Francisco, CA.
For more information: www.otherthanthat.com
EMILY ZUZIK
BY MICHELLE McCARTHY
PERSONALITIES - NEW YORK - SINGER/SONGWRITER
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inger/songwriter Emily Zuzik’s musical influences all have one thing in common: reinvention. Whether it’s the Beatles, Madonna, or David Bowie, expecting the unexpected is what drew her to her childhood heroes. But the constant change in musical direction and image that these world-renowned legends mastered permeated to an even deeper level for this Pennsylvania native. “As a metaphor for life, that idea of engaging in an experience and then finding something new and really engaging in that new experience adds to each chapter of your life,” she says. “That may also be one of the reasons why I don’t write in one style.” On Emily’s latest release, the three-song EP Jagged Life, you can expect a little taste of dirty girl-group rock, a plaintive bittersweet love song, and a lullaby. The digital-only offering hit iTunes in December, and the independent method of getting her art to the masses without record company interference was a breath of fresh air. “Not being tied to a record label keeps the joy of making music intact,” Emily explains. “You don’t have someone breathing down your neck, pressuring you to release something by a certain time. That’s the reason I wanted to do music—it gave me joy. People find their creative release in visual arts or other things that they’re passionate about. Mine came with music.” This DIY approach is nothing new for Emily. She’s helped to establish two profemale touring collectives, Siren’s Wild Ride (along with Athena Reich) and WomenRock.com, which helped to promote the music and messages of women across the country. It all sprang from a need to band together and circumvent the well-established boys’ club.
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“We were like, ‘We want to do a Midwest tour, so let’s hook up with people in Chicago who already have a following, and let’s also reach out to LGBT groups, feminist groups, and socialist-leaning groups and try to make every show more than just a show,” Emily says. “It would become more of a happening where everybody let their list know about this one event, and it was a good way to get to know a lot of people in places you didn’t live in and find people who were doing like-minded, socially conscious work.” But with myriad ideas and interests going, Emily has somewhat put touring on the back burner for now. She’s at a point in her life where attaining a level of serenity is as high a priority as trying to get as many projects out the door as possible. Currently, the New York City resident is focusing her attention on writing and collaborating. 2010 will hopefully see the release of an MZ record, a trip-hop project she’s been working on for four years with Tim Lefebvre. In addition to that, Emily loves the idea of being a composer, not so much in the strict sense of the word—but in an environment where she can incorporate a visual element such as film or TV work. Even so, the call to go it alone seems like it’s not filed away too far. “There’s something real rewarding about playing your own stuff in front of a live audience,” Emily concedes. “There’s nothing that really tops being in a good room and having people appreciate what you’re doing. It’s a great feeling.” http://www.myspace.com/emilyzuzik http://www.myspace.com/mzelectronica
For more information: www.emilyzuzik.com
HEALTH & FITNESS - BRIANA STOCKTON
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Los Angeles & San Francisco
Briana Stockton K
BY MARGARET SAUNDERS
nown for her appearances on Bravo Television’s hit show “Work Out” and her own online series, Advanced P.E., Briana Stockton is a personal trainer, certified fitness instructor and Raw Food Chef. In November 2009, she started with a monthly blog for Female FYI on Fitness & Nutrition. Her infectious personality and sincere interest in her clients’ success in both body conditioning and lifestyle improvements permeate her sessions. She is AAISMAcertified, CPR-certified and through her burgeoning experience with nutrition and raw food nutrition, consults on diet to help her clients gain awareness, overall health and weight loss. Her goal is to help them achieve their goals of fitness and life balance while educating them to natural ways of practicing good health. She builds a relationship of trust and commitment with her clients, while teaching her philosophy of the benefit of a raw food diet during the day and correct combining of cooked food at night. Female FYI recently caught up with Briana to ask her a few questions on Fitness & Nutrition and the things she can and can’t live without. How long have you been working as a personal trainer/certified fitness instructor/ Raw Food Chef? I have been a personal fitness trainer for four years and have been studying the lifestyle impact of a raw food diet, almost as long. I have been a practicing Raw Food Chef for over a year. Originally you are from the Bay Area and currently living in Los Angeles; do you have clients in both cities? And if so, how do your work your schedule? I try to go home to SF at least once every three months to visit my friends and family. When I go home, yes, I still train clients that I had prior to moving to Los Angeles. I have also been flown home by clients to train them for countdowns for a wedding, reunion or even just a quarterly cleanse.
Yes, I have a book in my near future. I am in the beginning phases of the project. For the last couple of years, you have done a boot camp at Mariah Hanson’s Club Skirts Presents The Dinah, held in Palm Springs every year. Being that you are leaving for this event shortly, tell us a little more about what you do there for Dinah Shore Weekend so the girls know for next year. I have been the lead event manager for The Dinah for years, though in the last couple I have appeared there as talent. I’m back in this year, doing both! I am in the fashion show, but I am also here running the event again and will be taking an increasingly visible role in years to come. What other new surprises can we expect from you in 2010? I am launching “PureRawLove,” which is a prepackaged raw food delivery service. We actually launch April 12th. I am so excited! My partner and I do catering and classes teaching people hands-on how to prepare raw food. We are delivery to small and big local businesses, salons, and gyms as well as homes. CBS is our major client. We will also have a demonstration and sample booth April 24th in Palm Springs at Earth Day. One raw food you couldn’t live without? Avocados for sure. One fitness tip that you’ll always keep preaching? Consistency. I would rather you workout 20 minutes a day all week then one great hour workout twice a week. Favorite sport? Softball. Favorite restaurant in Los Angeles? San Francisco? In LA, Cru in Silverlake. In SF, I want to say Café Gratitude because it is raw, but I will have to go with Moki’s Sushi in Bernal Heights.
Where do you work out with clients when you are in Los Angeles? San Francisco? In Los Angeles I work at a gym name “Train” located on La Cienega and Melrose. I also train many clients at their homes as well as do group runs and boot camps. In SF I train my clients in their home or at Dolores Park or Buena Vista.
Strangest phone number in your cell phone? The 12-digit number I got at the bar last night.
Currently, do you have more clients for fitness or for your education and experience with Raw Food? All of my clients that I train in physical activity practice raw either completely, 50% or even 5%. I have a few other clients that are just interested in Raw.
Favorite Quote? You’re OK…. No, really.
What do you feel you bring to the table that is unique and different, within your workouts and training, from the rest? I build a relationship with all of my clients and try to create a workout for each individual based on their own personality and physical ability. I build an environment for them to feel comfortable in order for them to step out of their comfort zone. I share activities that are fun and exciting. I teach back from the roots. Most activities and exercises you will remember from elementary school. All exercises can be done both in and out of the gym. Some sessions are done in the neighborhood; others are performed in the park while some are completed in the gym. The thing I try to do best is make each session personal and fun for every individual. Rumor has it you are working on a book. True or false? Tell us where you’re at with the book?
Favorite Film? Love Actually.
Where are you now? I am actually in Palm Springs now. I have been here since Saturday preparing for the Clubskirts Dinah. Girlfriend? Ha, I have learned the hard way not to expose my personal life. Name one non-profit organization that you support and/or work with and why? I am honestly just starting to get involved in the non-profit organizations. I would love to support and be a part of those such as PFLAG or organizations benefiting LGBT Youth.
For more information: www.myspace.com/brianastockton www.femalefyimag.com 21
BEAUTY
F
Q&A
with Make-Up Artist Jill Ventimiglia
rom a young age, makeup artist Jill Ventimiglia has been getting her hands dirty --whether painting or making pottery. So it comes as no surprise that makeup artistry came naturally to her.
An assisting gig doing makeup led Jill to recognize similarities to painting ceramic pieces, and she instantly found her niche. However, it was really her fondness for building confidence in women that propelled Jill into the makeup industry. From that point on, Jill thrust herself into the business, working at a makeup counter in Atlanta. Thus began a journey into making a career out of cosmetics. After three years, Jill was ready to take herself to the next level -- she moved to Los Angeles where she enrolled at the renowned makeup school, Makeup Designory (MUD). Her talent and drive got her hired on her first film before graduating, and she has been working in the business ever since. Her experience in the film industry led her to conceptualize her first product -- a foundation that would not break out her clients and would actually benefit the skin. With the creation of the Shea Butter Foundation Stick, Jill decided to go all out and design a full line of cosmetics: Jack & Jill Cosmetics was born. Jill’s approach to beauty is simple yet classic, which is evident in Jack & Jill Cosmetics. Her belief that beauty starts from within is evident in her motto: “beauty from the inside out.” Her knack for bringing out the inner beauty of her clients is at the core of her brand. “To touch a woman and give her the gift of confidence makes me feel like I’m doing something good for the world. I try to teach more then just outside beauty. I’m trying to empower the woman of tomorrow,” she says. With the launch of Jack & Jill Cosmetics, her career is about to come full circle -- from selling cosmetics to customers in the retail industry to bringing her own line of cosmetics to the shelves of boutiques and beauty supply stores. Jack & Jill Cosmetics is already building up a following, as it was recently used by makeup artist Tym Buacherern on Beyoncé and [on, or by Jennifer Hudson ? – TM.] in DreamGirls. In Los Angeles, Jill actively works between film, television and the red carpet -- and was Key Makeup Artist on the film Brick. Her growing celebrity client list includes Megan Good, Daryl Hannah, Emilie De Ravin, Noureen DeWulf, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Lukas Haas. Female FYI recently sat down with Jill Ventimiglla to get a little more up-close and personal with the makeup artist. Tell us a little more on how you got started in the makeup industry. As a young adult I got into dancing and acting. I was supposed to dance in a show but got mono. Since I couldn’t perform they stuck me backstage the makeup artist. She said I was a natural. After working at the makeup counters and salons in Atlanta, GA I made the jump to Los Angeles, CA to pursue my dream. Did you have any formal makeup training? I received my Masters makeup certificate at Makeup Designory in Los Angeles. When did your freelance makeup career begin?
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Before graduating from MUD I got my first job as an assistant on a movie in 2002. I’ve been freelancing ever since. What areas of media do you frequently work in? I started in independent films; currently I work on commercials, headshots, print, red carpet, and private clients. I just recently obtained my Esthetician’s license so I’ve added facials and waxing to my repertoire. How did you become interested in creating your own cosmetic line? While working on film sets I couldn’t find a foundation that would moisturize the skin without causing breakouts to my actors. Most movie makeup is heavy and oily. This led me to the conception of my first product, the Shea Butter Foundation Stick. How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? How do you incorporate them into your makeup repertoire? I’m constantly looking at magazines and what’s on the runway. My clients / directors usually have a direction they are going in with regards to makeup design, but I always give them my advice on what is best for the project. It’s a collaboration between us to come up with a “look.” If we took a look in your makeup kit what would we see? Jack & Jill cosmetics, MAC cosmetics, Joe Blasco, travel-size Wet One wipes, cotton swabs, cocoa butter lotion…and much more. Give Female FYI readers your best beauty tips for Spring. Moist, hydrated-looking skin. Long lashes are big. A huge trend is permanent false lashes applied individually. They last a couple weeks and are especially big on the West Coast. Not ready to go the glued route? Layer on the mascara. Several coats should do you fine. Coral is in this spring for women of all ages. It is the perfect shade when pink feels clichéd & red is just too vampy. The deal with coral is to stay away from mattes and opt instead for glosses and lipsticks that you apply with your finger (the stick itself can make the color too heavy). You want it to look as if you just ate a piece of fruit. You have become known for your makeup work with lesbians. Explain why this is unique in comparison to women in general. I am a lesbian so lesbians feel comfortable in general with me doing their makeup. They know they can share their fears about makeup with me and I won’t make them look like a glamour shot photo. I have a knack for listening to their needs while bringing out the true beauty within. A lot of my lesbian clients don’t even know how to properly wash their face, put on moisturizer, and have never picked up a makeup brush before. I take each woman at their own pace without making them feel insecure. You would be surprised by the butchest of lesbian who wants to bring out their best features with makeup, they just don’t know how. My clients know they can trust me. I bring out the femininity and confidence inside without changing their “identity.”
For more information: www.jackandjillcosmetics.com www.jventimiglia.blogspot.com www.jillmakeup.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uurBZ3IQAho
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PUBLISHER’S BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT LETTER
Designed to evoke Rock & Republic’s sophisticated and edgy style, the cosmetics line embodies the essence of the premium luxe lifestyle brand. Developed in-house over a three-year period, this sexy signature collection was created in answer to a need for a comprehensive beauty offering both functional and fabulous. Decadently designed, long-lasting formulas allowing for effortless layering and a lightweight finish, Rock & Republic Cosmetics guarantee flawless application, from the hot lights of the set to the bright lights of the city. From the finely milled textures to the exquisitely crafted compacts and lavish packaging, Rock & Republic Cosmetics define modern makeup. Richly pigmented and smooth blending, the line includes a vast assortment of shades that range from the subtlety of youth to the sophistication of today’s woman. The collection, featuring playful, memorable product names like Cougar, Lust and Trainwreck, includes Swarovski Crystal-embedded bronzer, light-diffusing tinted illuminizer, sheer mousse blush, finely milled pressed powder, high-pigmented eye shadow, ultra-opulent lip gloss, and volumizing mascara. Female FYI’s pick from the collection is the Tinted Primer (SPF20). Begin the day (or night) with Rock & Republic’s Tinted Primer. With an opulent matte finish and hint of color, the caffeine-infused formula will arouse the perfect complexion in every classic beauty. $46.00 COLLECTION AVAILABLE AT: Rock & Republic Stores: Signature Store on Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles Wynn Encore, Las Vegas Specialty Store: Nordstrom Find Rock and Republic on the Web: www.Shop.RockandRepublic.com www.nordstrom.com
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SCENT
Grace Candle, Casablanca Lily The pure essence of the Casablanca lily, the Roman symbol of hope, is inspired by the classic elegance of Grace Kelly. An exhilaratingly fresh scent captured from the fragrant blossom of the queen of flowers. Grace your home with this lovely scent this spring. Approximate burn time: 60 hours. Price: $36.00. Available at www.tocca.com
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Giulietta Eau de Parfum Inspired by the love story of famed Italian director Federico Fellini and his actress wife, Giulietta Masina, our Giulietta Eau de Parfum scent draws from the ethereal scents reminiscent of the couple’s trips to the island of Corsica where the two dreamt up the director’s visionary tales. Top notes: Bulgarian Rose, Ylang Ylang, Green Apple, Pink Tulips. Middle notes: Lily of the Valley, Iris Pallida, Vanilla Orchid, Lilac, Heliotrope. Bottom notes. Cedar wood, Musk, Amber, Sandalwood. A scent that all women should have in their collection. Price: $68.00. Available at www.tocca.com
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FYI
FEMALE FEMALE
PUBLISHER’S ARTIST PROFILE LETTER
FYI
EDITOR’S NOTE
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Photo by Antoine Johnson
Milenna Saraiva BY COURTNEY MCKINNON
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hen Milenna Saraiva left her home in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 10 years ago, it was well known that if you were going to become an artist, you were going to become a starving artist. Unwilling to succumb to that fate, she packed her bags and headed for Los Angeles -- the land of opportunity. And if you have a nagging feeling that you’ve seen this young South American somewhere -- you have. But the drama of appearing on Bravo’s hit show Work Out is now behind her, and Milenna is free to dedicate all her time to being a fine artist. As it has been since she was a young child, Milenna’s creative wheel has been spinning wildly: She’s met the girl of her dreams (literally), transformed her surrealist visions into reality, and devised a plan for what will become the art community’s answer to Project Runway. Courtney McKinnon: What is your first memory of art? Milenna Saraiva: When I was about three years old, my parents were having a party at our house. I was drawing this little character I came up with -- a little girl on a bicycle --and all my parents’ friends wanted me to draw one for them. I remember drawing all night, and they gave me a dollar for each drawing. CM: Was there ever any doubt in your mind that you’d become an artist? MS: Yeah, when I moved to L.A. from Brazil I was 18. I used to be a gymnast. I competed since I was 12. I was really torn between being a dancer or an artist. I knew that I had to stop the gymnastics because it has a very short life, so I was like, OK what am I gonna do after that? When I moved here I was actually going to college for dance and art. Along the way I was really influenced by a teacher of mine, so I decided to let go of dancing and focus on art. CM: Do you still dance as a hobby? MS: No, I haven’t danced for a long time. I’m still very into the whole fitness thing, though. I teach spinning classes five to six times a week, and I was a personal trainer for a long time. I work out every day -- it’s just part of me. But the dancing thing…I was so high up on the scale and I was an athlete, so for me, it was like all or nothing. CM: You’ve only been here 10 years, but your English is impeccable -- did you learn English before you came to the United States? MS: Actually, I didn’t. I was always really interested in English. In Brazil we have English classes, but they’re kinda basic. I remember finishing high school and knowing I was going to move soon so I studied by myself, translating songs with a dictionary. Back then the Internet was not really what it is today, so I used to have my big dictionary and go word by word. And I watched movies in English. When I moved here, I knew how to read and write in English. I went and took the test in college and they put me in English 101. The problem is I was not really good with understanding and speaking it. I knew how to read and write, but they didn’t have a way to test that in a written test. I remember sitting in class and thinking, Oh, my god. What the hell are they talking about? It was really intense, but it forced me to learn quicker. CM: Tell me about your newest body of work, Part Human. MS: I started thinking about people I was dealing with on a day-to-day basis and how we all have our part that we show people. Then we have the other parts that most people don’t know about. I decided to take pictures of friends of mine -- a little part of their body or their faces, that to me, were them. I wanted it to be a part that was not a facial expression, because that’s easy. I painted a part of this picture on top of a gold background and in the background I did a bunch of geometric drawings with pencil. I’ve been reading a bunch of geometry books and it’s very
intriguing to me. It has to do with how everything in this world is made of proportion. If you go and measure a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, this is what everything is made of. It’s very interesting to go back to the creation of the world and how we’re all made of the same thing. So I wanted to put that in the background because even though we’re all different, we’re all human. CM: What different mediums do you work with? MS: Most of my work is oil on canvas or wood, but I experiment with everything. I’m working on paper with coffee right now. CM: Dried coffee or liquid coffee? MS: Liquid. I think I’m going to call it Morning Thoughts or Morning Renderings. I was really sleepy one morning and had all this really nice paper on the floor. As I was getting ready to start drawing, I spilled coffee on it. I left it off to the side and when I went to look at it, the coffee left some really cool patterns and soaked through the paper, so every one was different. I started drawing on top of them with a pen. CM: How did you come up with the idea for the short film Lovesick? MS: I have lots of dreams that are kind of insane -- surrealist dreams. Have you ever had a dream where you’re flying in the air and there’s like a giant elephant…I had this dream and I could remember every single thing about it. There was a lot of cool imagery, so I decided to draw parts of it. I was like, OK I’m going to make a series with paintings and it’s gonna be called Lovesick, because it’s like a love story. In the process of getting the sketches done I met someone and realized later -- you’re going to think I’m completely insane or on drugs and I’m not -- that she was exactly like the drawing I had made. So when I started talking to her and we started getting closer, I was like, Wait a minute. I went back to the drawings, and I’m like, Oh, my god. It’s you. It looked like her! Now we’ve been together for two years -- I feel like I had a little premonition about that. Anyway, I went back and started painting and showed it to a good friend of mine, Nikko Fabber, who’s getting his master’s as a movie director from the Pasadena arts school. He looked at it and he’s like “Why don’t we make a movie of it?” I’m very excited because we’re re-creating my dream. I took stills from the movie and I’m going to make paintings of it -- that was my original idea. My idea is to have an art opening where people are going to enter and first watch the movie. In a different room we’re going to have all my paintings for sale. I want it to be a multimedia show, so we’ll have music, film, paintings, and food. CM: What does the future hold for you? MS: I have this idea for a TV show -- it’s called The Art Show. It’s an art reality competition show where we’re going to audition artists and have them all live and work in a studio space. Every week we’ll have a different challenge for them and every week we’ll eliminate somebody. The goal is to find the new Renaissance Man or Woman. There are so many amazing artists in this town -- in every town -- people that don’t even have a chance to show in galleries. Whenever I bump into somebody I went to college with, they’re not doing art anymore. It’s so hard to break through, even if you have a degree and a lot of talent. All the other artistic ways have media support -- for actors, for music, for fashion. There’s TV shows about everything -- there’s five for fashion, five for cooking, and for art there’s none -- SO FAR.
For more information: www.milenna.com www.femalefyimag.com 29
“Sinergia” 2009 Oil on canvas 144” x 40”
“Voici Mon Secret” 2009 Oil on canvas 60” x 36”
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“The Greatest Let Go” 2007 Mixed media 48” x 48”
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SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH COSABELLA
• FASHION •
(Top) SALINA Price: $106.00
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(Top) PANAREA Price: $108.00, (Bottom) SANTORINI Price: $125.00 www.femalefyimag.com 35
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SANTO top Price: $78.00, SANTO bottom Price: $110.00 37 (Halter Top) OLYMPIA Price: $84.00, (Bottom) LOW-RIDER STRINGwww.femalefyimag.com BIKINI Price: $77.00
ON THE COVER
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Los Cabos, Mexico’s Best Resort Las Ventanas al Paraiso www.femalefyimag.com 39
L A S V E N TA N A S BY MIA DINELLY
T
imeless and ageless, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, remains number one in destination travel. This special getaway on the southern tip of Baja in Los Cabos, Mexico opened its doors in 1997 and made its entrance as Cabo’s best-known five-star resort in record time. Providing worldclass accommodations, impeccable service, a world-class spa and fine dining for the most discerning traveler, Las Ventanas remains, thirteen years later, a one-ofa-kind experience.
$28, shrimp tacos $25). Lunch is done and it is mid-afternoon. We decide that it’s time to find our butler to check us into our suite. As we exit the restaurant, I am happily surprised to see him standing there waiting for us and we proceed to the room. We take in the beauty of the architecture and landscaping, a visual poem of minimalistic style with freshly raked sand and gorgeous walkways that surround themselves with water -- including the most beautiful infinity pool that we will fall into, deliciously, in the days to come.
I recently had the opportunity of welcoming the first day of Spring enjoying a convenient two and a half hour flight from LAX to Los Cabos with a friend, and Las Ventanas al Pariso as our destination -- a three-night, four-day stay in Paradise. From the moment the plane took off the memories of Las Ventanas -- a suite that would take any traveler’s breath away, a 360 degree view of the Sea of Cortez, five-star service and a very motivated palette -- brought a relaxing and comfortable state -- call it, peace of mind. After landing and leaving customs, a lovely man stands center stage with a sign that reads, Las Ventanas al Pariso “Dinelly”. So this friend is where the story starts. We greet our driver with a very excited Hola! He warmly greets us back as he walks us over to a brand new Mercedes G Wagon that we will have the pleasure of riding in to our resort. He offers us bottled water, a fresh hand wipe and some Mexican candies. He informs us of the day’s weather and assures us that the days to come will bring a warm 80 degrees or higher and that Spring in Los Cabos is the perfect time of year to be there! The auto’s engine is silent and my guest and I take in gorgeous views of the sea as we travel to paradise.
We arrive at our Oceanview Rooftop Terrace Junior Suite; the butler gracefully opens the door to what I can now see is heaven (also known as suite 508), an open room with high ceilings, sliding doors that open to ocean views and an outdoor living area with a Jacuzzi. Our butler informs us of a side entrance off the outdoor living area that is used by him when needed to accommodate our requests. Full of excitement we continue outside and learn that this side entrance also has a staircase that leads to our own private rooftop sundeck! This rooftop speaks to the soul that you really are on top of the world, Las Ventanas style. We run back down to the suite to see what additional gems we may have missed in our excitement. But it just keeps getting better with an indoor adobe style fireplace and a telescope for viewing boats as they glide past us in the distance, a plasma TV perfectly placed should you choose to ignore the outside world or invite it in, a bathroom fit for a queen that includes only the best products by BVLGARI and inroom delights that far surpass what one usually finds in the standard mini bar. One of the world’s finest tequilas is waiting for us -- a gift that comes with the suite. We thank the butler and we start sipping.
After a relaxing 20-minute drive from the airport our driver announces, “Ladies, I welcome you to Las Ventanas.” We take a deep breath as we look at this peaceful and beautiful property as a staff of six friendly faces greets us. This is anything but your usual, standard welcome -- it is a welcome given with obvious passion and warmth as they go over the details of our stay and introduce us to our butler for that day. (Yes, that is correct -- our own personal butler. They made it clear that we would have a new butler each day of our stay to accommodate any requests.)
Our plan, after an evening walk, was to experience the new Tequila and Ceviche Bar which has received rave reviews, but our butler informed us that it was not open on Sunday, so we decided to go back to The Sea Grill for dinner.
After the meet-and-greet, the manager walks my guest and I over to have lunch at the resorts beachfront restaurant, The Sea Grill, as our suite was still being given its final touches. We are seated at a beachfront table where you know you can’t get a better view of the green blue waters and white sand from any other table in the house. What better place to dine than at the ocean’s edge! The Sea Grill features tasty grilled fare, including the freshest seafood and meats. If my memory was right from years past, you also couldn’t get a better lobster or shrimp taco then right here so we placed our order accordingly. Our server (very pleasant) naturally asked us if he could also bring us chips and salsa. I informed him that my guest must eat Gluten-free and that the chips could be a problem for her. “No problem,” we are told; the chips will be baked not fried. It was in that moment I knew the high level of service still stood strong. Lunch arrives, as fresh and flavorful as I remember (and it will run you roughly $60 - $100 for two: lobster tacos
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The host escorts us to a private table that sits alone outside of the main restaurant under the moon and stars with fire pits burning and live music playing softly as the waves roll in. The Sea Grill serves the ultimate grilled foods, “Cocina del Fuego.” All dishes are cooked on wood-burning grills and in a wood-burning brick and clay oven. Two types of local woods are used: mesquite for meats because of its stronger flavors, and mauto, which is milder, for seafood. The cuisine is very simple, influenced by the flavors imbued by the woods, fine olive oils and fresh herbs from the resort’s herb garden; our waiters come to the table with herbs and scissors, cutting the freshest possible herbs right on the food. We make the choice to enjoy none other than surf and turf with some non-alcoholic fresh fruit drinks. The drinks arrive perfect, refreshing and not too sweet. The filet mignon is tender and delicious and the lobster tail would give any Beverly Hills restaurant a run for their money. Side dishes that could be potentially boring are nothing close to that as we enjoy fresh vegetables, potatoes and fresh bread (including Gluten-free muffins) that include a selection of infused-flavored olive oils for dipping. We end the meal with coffee and a lemon tart accompanied by a
Penthouse Living Area
Spa Solarium at Night
fresh tequila sorbet that is out of this world! Dinner for two can run $150 - $200+ and that can be with no alcohol. For the wine lover, the wine list is well rounded and unique and will not disappoint. Back to our room for our first night, we called upon our butler to set up our fireplace, which ended up as a routine act throughout our stay. As quickly as he was there, he was gone, leaving us with a fire to enjoy as we relaxed into the night. To accompany our fire each night a special touch was made by housekeeping by providing the suite with a specific aromatherapy oil that burns fragrantly to soothe and relax you before drifting off to sleep. Buenos Dias Las Ventanas! During our stay we chose to start our days with tennis. However, if your sport of choice is golf you are also in the right place. Golf is one of the most popular sports in the area. These state-of-the-art courses are stunningly enhanced by the beautiful landscape combination of desertmeets-ocean -- a uniquely beautiful and unforgettable experience. There are two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, one by Robert Trent Jones II and a Tom Weiskopf-designed course. The best time to play is in the morning -- however, afternoons are preferable for amateurs as there are fewer players and more time to practice ($99 - $355). As we awoke for our first full day we called our butler and ask him to reserve a tennis court to start our morning. With only an hour’s warning, we got a court reserved for us (we also had to let him know that we arrived without tennis rackets). He quickly replied and said that they have plenty of rackets at the court for visitors’ use. We were out the door and on our way! A state-of-the-art championship court was waiting for us with rackets; bottled water, hand towels and Evian H2O face sprays should we need to cool down. After a fantastic two-hour game we headed back to our room with breakfast in mind (breakfast is included with all suites), and it arrived in a timely manner as the server let himself in and set up on our outdoor patio. Fresh fruits, Huevos Rancheros and French toast are a few of the offerings that we decided on. I am happy to report that the food arrived hot (a challenge for room service wherever you may be) and delicious. This was a perfect first morning that we duplicated for the rest of our stay (breakfast can run $40 - $70). Each afternoon from the first day on was spent on a lounge chair sipping rose champagne with an infinity pool and ocean views that words cannot do justice. Service by the pool makes for an effortless, relaxing and luxurious day. From the moment you arrive, the pool boys are reserving your chairs, bringing towels, adjusting chairs. Put simply, they don’t want you lifting a finger. Within minutes of enjoying the sun, they are back with bottled water, Evian H20 face sprays and offerings such as an ipod or a book should you so choose. The luxury continues as the day goes on with fresh complimentary papaya juice and fruit popsicles. I soon learned throughout the day not to be surprised that if I got up from my lounge, I would likely return to it rearranged to line up perfectly with the sun! God knows I don’t want bad tan lines, and apparently neither do they. It was not long into our second day that we discovered the world-class spa. Divine, Zen and healing best describe this spa that I booked appointments for well before the trip. Situated in a secluded desert garden setting. Their team of specialists can guide you in formulating a personalized spa experience. The spa’s extensive range of services are inspired by restorative treatments, holistic therapies, healing rituals, organic products and native remedies found in Baja, Mexico, and around the world. The Spa at Las Ventanas embraces a holistic approach, drawing upon
the belief of the ancient healers of Baja California that emotion, spirit and physical well being must be constantly balanced. The healers were masters of the four elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire, recognizing that each element evokes a specific power within oneself. The elements were the foundation of their holistic ceremonial rites and healing rituals. At The Spa at Las Ventanas, the four elements are the foundation of their techniques, treatments and products. I indulged in an hour Swedish massage ($175) that was better than most and found that after the massage just sitting and meditating in their outdoor lounge area was just as special. (Spa services are $75 and up, way up!) We then finally made it to the Tequila and Ceviche bar not once but twice. That should already be an indication that this was special, very special. We had the great fortune of enjoying this both at lunch and dinner. The outdoor bar celebrates the bounty of the sea with the largest array of seafood used to prepare ceviche in Mexico, complemented by a selection of the most exclusive tequilas available in Mexico. During the day, the outdoor Tequila & Ceviche Bar celebrates Mexico’s signature, age-old liquor, in combination with experiencing a typical dish enhanced with the exceptional bounty of the Baja California waters. The ceviche menus are changed daily reflecting the freshest and best seafood available, as well as to create new combinations and innovations in ceviche. The nearly 50 tequila varieties are all 100% Agave tequilas, Mexico’s best which are certified by the government to exacting standards. Guests can also learn about the history of tequila, the distillation process, the different types, and the appropriate way to drink it by taking a tequila lesson. In the evening, the Tequila & Ceviche Bar goes through a transformation becoming the Tequila & Sushi Bar. “We put our own special touches on sushi by fusing Japanese and Mexican culinary traditions and flavors,” said Executive Chef Fabrice Guisset. “All of the items on our sushi menu are unique and original creations that are absolutely delicious.” The Mexican Roll is filled with lobster and an array of Mexican ingredients -grilled corn, avocado, cured onion and panela cheese -- and wrapped in Hierba Santa (a Mexican herb that means “holy leaf” with a licorice-like flavor) rather than seaweed. Parrot Fish Sushi combines green apple, fresh mint, habanero chile and marinated onion. The sashimi items, including tuna, sea bass, shrimp and salmon are dressed with mixtures of Japanese and Mexican ingredients -- from chipotle, avocado and cilantro to ginger, soy and ponzu. The menu is paired with Las Ventanas’ unequaled selection of the finest, 100-percent agave tequilas in Mexico. If guests prefer, however, sake and Japanese beers are also available. (Lunch and Dinner can run $70 and up, way up!) As its name implies, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, is a window to Paradise. A Ty Warner property and one of the most acclaimed resorts ever, Las Ventanas has redefined luxury and pampering, reaching out with special touches that are the hallmark of refined hospitality. The desert resort captivates its guests with an intoxicating ambiance that will have you coming back for years. * Rates at Las Ventanas range from $625 per night for a Garden View Jr. Suite in low season to $7720 for the three-bedroom presidential suite over the holidays. We suggest that you check online, as specials are often available.
For more information: www.lasventanas.com
SPIRITS
K
röl Vodka was awarded the gold medal at the 2007 San Francisco World Spirits competition. Female FYI recently discovered this awardwinning vodka, and we sure are glad we did! The Kröl family’s secret recipe has been handed down from generation to generation to create the world’s best tasting vodka. Kröl Vodka is made from 100% Polish Rye, pure mountain spring water, and is distilled five times from hand picked small batches. Poland is the birthplace of vodka, so it’s only fitting that this super premium vodka comes from its shores. Female FYI hand picked our two favorite Kröl cocktail recipes that we recommend for your next party. Try them, we know you’ll like them! Ginko Ginger Cocktail KRÖL Description: An icy, cool blend of fresh ginger, mint, lime juice, Ginko and pure organic Kröl vodka. Recipe: 1½ oz Kröl vodka, 2 slivers fresh ginger, 6-7 mint leaves, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz simple syrup, ½ oz soda water. Directions: In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the fresh ginger and mint leaves with the lime juice. Add the simple syrup, Kröl vodka and ice. Shake moderately and pour contents into rocks glass. Top off with soda water. Stir with stirrer and serve.
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POM Cherry AntiOx Crush - The Signature Self Cocktail Description: An energizing and strengthening cocktail filled with powerful antioxidants such as fresh bing cherries, pomegranate juice, fresh oranges and Astralgalus, one of the most important tonic herbs in Chinese medicine. A pure cocktail made with a pure vodka, one of the cleanest and purest on the market -- Kröl. Recipe: 1½ oz pomegranate juice , 1½ oz Kröl vodka, 2 pitted bing cherries, 1 orange slice (2 half wheels), splash of lime juice, 1¼ oz simple syrup, ½ dropper of Astralgalus root, dash of orange bitters. Directions: In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the bing cherries and orange wheels until pulped. Add the Kröl vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, simple syrup, Astralgalus root and orange bitters with crushed ice. Shake moderately and pour contents into rocks glass. Stir with stirrer and serve immediately. Kröl vodka is the proud sponsor of Q2D Speed Dating for LA’s Lesbian and Gay Communities at www.q2dspeeddating.com For more information: www.krolvodka.com
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FEMALE FEMALE
GADGETS PUBLISHER’S LETTER
APPLE iPAD
FYI
Height: 9.56 inches (242.8 mm) Width: 7.47 inches (189.7 mm) Depth: 0.5 inch (13.4 mm) Weight: 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) Wi-Fi model; 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model Price: Starting at $499 Available at: www.apple.com
LED-Backlit IPS Display
Thin and Light
Wireless
The high-resolution, 9.7-inch LEDbacklit IPS display on iPad is remarkably crisp and vivid. Which makes it perfect for web browsing, watching movies, or viewing photos. With iPad, there is no up or down. It’s designed to show off your content in portrait or landscape orientation with every turn. And because it uses a display technology called IPS (inplane switching), it has a wide, 178° viewing angle. So you can hold it almost any way you want and still get a brilliant picture, with excellent color and contrast.
One of the first things you’ll notice about iPad is how thin and light it is. The screen is 9.7 inches measured diagonally. So overall, it’s slightly smaller than a magazine. At just 1.5 pounds and 0.5 inch thin,1 you can use it anywhere. And a slight curve to the back makes it easy to pick up and comfortable to hold.
With built-in 802.11n, iPad takes advantage of the fastest Wi-Fi networks. It automatically locates available Wi-Fi networks, which you can join with a few taps. iPad also comes with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, letting you connect to devices like wireless headphones or the Apple Wireless Keyboard. 3G
FYI
EDITOR’S NOTE
Performance Apple A4 chip.
The A4 chip inside iPad was customdesigned by Apple engineers to be extremely powerful yet extremely power efficient. The performance is unlike anything you’ve ever seen on a touch-based device. Which makes iPad fantastic for everything from productivity apps to games. At the same time, the A4 chip is so power efficient that it helps iPad get up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. And iPad is available with a choice of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of flash storage,4 giving you lots of room for your photos, movies, music, apps, and more.
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Battery Life To maximize battery life, Apple engineers took the same lithiumpolymer battery technology they developed for Mac notebook computers and applied it to the iPad. As a result, you can use iPad for up to 10 hours while surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos, or listening to music.
Multi-Touch The Multi-Touch screen on iPad is based on the same revolutionary technology on iPhone. But the technology has been completely reengineered for the larger iPad surface, making it extremely precise and responsive. So whether you’re zooming in on a map, flicking through your photos, or deleting an email, iPad responds with incredible accuracy. And it does just what you want it to.
iPad will also be available in a 3G model with superfast data speeds up to 7.2 Mbps.3 So if you’re traveling or you happen to be somewhere without a Wi-Fi network, you can still get a fast connection for surfing the web, downloading email, or getting directions.
Audio/Connectivity The powerful built-in speaker produces rich, full sound perfect for watching a movie or listening to music. iPad also comes with a headphone jack and a built-in microphone. The dock connector port on the bottom of iPad allows you to dock and charge it. It also lets you connect to accessories like the iPad Camera Connection Kit and the iPad Keyboard Dock. You’ll find many accessories designed to be compatible with the dock connector port.
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NIGHTCLUBS
LOS ANGELES
BETTY@FUBAR PROMOTERS DANI FRANK 7994 Santa Monica Blvd, in WEHO. This is every Wednesday night. Resident DJ Saratonin, The Betty features a full bar, dance floor. Spinning Electro Rock, Sick Indie, Thumping Groove House, Hip Hop and Fat Bass Beats. The crowd is slick 20’s hipsters. (310) 837-3297 www.ilovethebetty.com
LESBIAN ATTACK UNOFFICIAL PROMOTERS SABRINA BELDNER, HALEY JONES, and CARRIE BRANDON This takes place approx. every six weeks and is announced only through Facebook Members. Always at a new location where lesbians take over a straight bar for the night. 200 women have been known to show up and good-looking women! Age ranges from early 20’s + and the mix in the age group actually works. Fun if you don’t mind going into a straight establishment and taking it over! Facebook only. www.facebook.com/lesbianattack
CLUB BROADWAY 3348 E. Broadway, Long Beach. This is a wellknown staple. Lesbian-owned and -operated hangout. Free entry and Free parking. This is a mixed crowd but open 7 days a week. They have free pool, darts, even WII games now! Fun local hangout totally down to earth! 21+ (562) 438-7700
MOONSHADOW 10437 Burbank Blvd, N. Hollywood, one block east of Cahuenga. All day long happy hour from 1-7 p.m., this is a down-to-earth hometown bar that offers Karaoke nights and live DJ’s on the weekends and live music. $4 cover on the weekends 21+ up, this is a mix of local women with a casual and everything goes attitude. (818) 508-7008 www.moonshadownightclub.com
DEBRA’S @ RIPPLES 5101 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach. Debra’s is every Friday night. They offer Karaoke, 2 dance floors, go-go dancers, outdoor patio, Free parking. This is a mix of local Long Beach girls, totally casual atmosphere and mostly younger crowd from 21+ (562) 433-0357 www.clubripples.com or www.myspace.com/debrasgirls EXECUTIVE SUITE 3428 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach The Suite offers ladies night every Saturday night. They also have drink specials and different promotions that they offer. This is a variation of Long Beach locals of all ages from 21-up. (562) 597-3884 www.executivesuitelb.com GIRL BAR @ ULTRA SUEDE PROMOTERS SANDY SACHS AND ROBIN GANS 661 N. Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, hot go-go dancers! Girl Bar features comedy night once a month on the 2nd Friday. They offer entertainment and special surprises on a regular basis. Free entry with online guest list registry B4 5 p.m. Friday. Best DJ’s, best dancers, best space with a more mature crowd and classy ladies from 21+ definitely where to find the pretty ladies. (310) 659-4551 www.girlbar.com
OIL CAN HARRY’S 11502 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, one block east of Laurel Canyon Blvd. on the southwest corner. This is typically a men’s club but on Thursdays there is country dancing and free lessons at 9:00 p.m. The other great night is Saturday again a mix but lots of ladies who like to get their disco on this is the place to be. Everyone is very friendly. Mature crowd 21+ (818) 760-9749 www.oilcanharrysla.com PANTY RAID @ ELEVEN PROMOTERS LINDA FUSCO AND MICHELLE AGNEW 8811 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood. This is a weekly event on Thursdays only. Extended Happy Hour with $5 appetizers and cocktails, $3 beers, $6 cosmos. Doors open @ 9 p.m. Electro pop, Booty Pop and Dance remixes. This is definitely a younger crowd mostly 20’s. It attracts the young hipsters with the party girl attitude. Doors open 9 p.m. (310) 855-0800 www.fuseevents.com PIMP N’ PUSH @ HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN PROMOTERS PIMP & PUSH 1006 Seward Street, West Hollywood. This event is the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month patio plays hip hop, R&B and Reggae, the main dance floor plays electro, indie and mashups. Two DJS in the house and a 20’s crowd hangs out here. This is a hot young crowd of ethnic girlies. $5 B4 10:30 and $10 after. (323) 465-0961 www.facebook.com/pimpnpush
HEAT @ HAMBURGER MARY’S PROMOTERS LINDA FUSCO AND MICHELLE AGNEW 740 E. Broadway, Long Beach. This is every 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday of the month. The music is a mix of everything from hip hop to R&B to Reggae and old school. This crowd 21-30. (562) 436-7900 www.fuseevents.com
THE PALMS 8572 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood. The Palms is open 7 days a week and are known for their Sunday and Wednesday night beer bust. They have different dance parties Friday and Saturdays. The Palms attracts a little of everyone in all ethnic and age groups. 21+ (310) 652-1595 www.thepalmsbar.com
JET SETTER @ CROWN BAR PROMOTERS MARIAH HANSON, BRIANA STOCKTON, TRACIE AYALA 7321 Santa Monica Blvd., WEHO, this is every Thursday. Resident DJ Kathy Valenti. The crowd is very diverse and filled with hot women. To keep posted for future dates check their Facebook page www.facebook.com/palm-springs-clubskirts-dinah-shore-weekend, Age range is 21+ with a cool vibe. (323) 882-6774
PLATINUM @ EAST WEST LOUNGE / BAR 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood This is a weekly event on Thursday’s. Doors open 9p.m, free entry. A Mix of absolutely gorgeous women of all ages. You can sit and lounge indoors with your friends or you can hang outside on the smoking patio. They recently added a new tequila bar. There is a DJ each week. (310) 360- 6186 www.myspace.com/platinum_ladiesnight
KYSS@HERE LOUNGE PROMOTERS DJ ASHA AND DJ LEZLEE 696 N. Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, this is an all the time old school party, electro, rap and hip-hop, tropical! Ages is 21+ drink specials and doors open 9-2 www.kyssclub.com
ROCK BOX@QUE SERA PROMOTER- NOREL MANCUSO, NEKO & DEZ 1923 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, this is the 3rd Friday of each month, go on in and make some bad decisions. Anything goes. Doors open @ 9 p.m. 18+ www. thequesera.com (562) 599-6170
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THE ABBEY 692 N. Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood. Best times for the ladies are on Friday nights with a definite mix of guys and a little of everyone including our straight friends. Sunday provides a lot of eye candy in the female department. Summertime is best, 4:00 p.m. the babes start rolling in. DJ on the weekends and Abbey is open for brunch daily and serves food all day and night. 21+ after 5:00 p.m. Fri-Sat nights. (310) 289-8410 www.abbeyfoodandbar.com THE CATWALK @ VERTIGO PROMOTERS MANGITO, MIA & LEA 801 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles. This is held once a month on the first Friday of each month. Crowd is young, fun and full of energy. Doors open 9:30 p.m. $10 cover. This is a HUGE space with LOTS of women. This is a super young crowd and definitely an ethnic mix of ladies to choose from. Hot DJ’s and the age in this mix is 21- 30. (213) 977-0888 www.myspace.com/thecatwalkclub THE DEN PROMOTER SHANNON K. 8226 W. Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood. This is held every Saturday night. Drink and food specials and beautiful women with a mix of a straight crowd. Venue is very cozy and fire outside on patio. Free entry come at 9 p.m. Valet parking only. Beautiful crowd and a lot of industry people. TITTIES & WINE TUESDAYS @ THE MUST BAR 118 W. 5th Street, 5th & Spring in Downtown, Los Angeles, this is a weekly event with a DJ and free to get in. Menu is very interesting from coca cola pork chops to buffalo shrimp & grits to grilled cheese or the ghetto cheese plate and yummy desserts! Age range from 21+. (213) 627-1162 www.themustbar.com
PALM SPRINGS
THE OXWOOD INN 17313 Oxnard Street, Van Nuys, Happy Hour every day of the week, from 2-8 p.m., Sat 2-6 p.m. and Sunday 2-8 p.m. This is a mostly mixed crowd of old timers that like to hang out, have karaoke nights and DJ weekends, free pool and free parking. This classic is the oldest lesbian bar in the valley. 21+ (818) 997-9666 www.oxwoodinn.com
PINK @ HUNTER’S 302 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs. Pink is a women’s event on the last Saturday of each month. No cover! Pool, darts, raffles, games, totally fun times! Doors open 7 p.m. the women are super friendly and nice! The guys fill up the club later in the evening but the ladies stay in the mix! The age varies from young to older. There is a little something for everyone here. 21+ (760) 323-0700 www.huntersnightclub.com
THIRST @ THE BOULEVARD LOUNGE (SOON TO BE THE HUDSON) PROMOTER SHANNON K. 1114 N. Crescent Heights Blvd, This is on the corner of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Blvd. it is actually positioned diagonally and set back. Free parking in the BofA parking lot next door .Doors open at 9 p.m. this is weekly and free to get in. Drink specials. Crowd is 21+ attractive ladies. (323) 654-6686
SAN DIEGO
TRUCK STOP @ HERE LOUNGE PROMOTERS LINDA FUSCO AND MICHELLE AGNEW 696 N. Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood. This is a weekly event on Fridays only. Free VIP admission until 11 p.m., $5 after general admission $10 after 10 p.m. Every hour on the hour hot bartenders do a dance routine on the bar tops. Totally packed night if you like totally packed it’s the place to be. Outside area for smoking and this too is totally packed. Definitely the young party girls with the hipster attitude 21-30. (310) 360-8455 www.fuseevents.com VALLEY GIRL@LABRIES LOUNGE PROMOTERS JANA RIFKIN, CARRIE BRANDON AND JEN MAYO 806 E. Colorado, Glendale this is once a month on the 3rd Thursday. Doors open 9 p.m. first night was amazing all ages 21+ super cute women. Resident DJ Cynful Cynthia spinning top 40, hip hop and old school remixes. Drink specials and free parking. Pool Table and great fun. www.facebook.com/bendertuesday
7 SINS @ THE BRASS RAIL PROMOTERS 607 events 3796 5th Avenue, San Diego. Doors open 9 p.m. This is where the Hot Sandiegans go on the 2nd and 4th Friday! This is a weekly event. This is a hot crowd with girls from 21- 41! (619) 298- 2233 www.thebrassrailsd.com TOUCH @ RICH’S 1051 University Avenue, San Diego. This is every Thursday night, doors open 9 p.m. DJ Kiki. This is a mixed crowd of locals that like to hang out. You can always find a cute girl here! 21+ (619) 295-2195. www.richssandiego.com SUNDAY FUNDAY @ THE BRASS RAIL PROMOTERS 607 events 3796 5th Avenue, San Diego. Doors open 2-8 p.m, BOURBAN STREET FROM 8-2 A.M. This is a fun crowd and from 21+ (619) 298- 2233 www.thebrassrailsd.com
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NIGHTCLUBS
SANTA BARBARA
FLAVOR @ WILDCAT LOUNGE PROMOTER ROBERT MENDEZ 15 West Ortega, Santa Barbara. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. -2:00 a.m. on Sunday. There is a DJ and dancing. This is a gay night for both boys and girls! Young crowd but definitely the place to be on any given Sunday! 21+ (805) 962-7970 www.wildcatlounge.com
SAN FRANCISCO
THE CAFÉ 2369 Market Street, San Francisco. Closed Monday’s and Tuesday’s, check their web site for events and club schedule. The Café tends to be a mixed crowd of men and women, this is a large venue gets crowded and fun if you like diversity it’s great especially since they welcome all. 21+ (415) 861-3846 www.cafesf.com
CHERRY’S ON THE BAY 158 Bayview Walk, Cherry Grove, NY. Cherry’s prime location is the place where patrons come to have one of the best cocktails in Fire Island. Beautiful bay front sunset views and a sneak peek of weekend warriors running off the ferry. Cherry’s Bar and Cherry Lane Cafe & Restaurant offer a friendly staff and reasonably priced food and cocktails available 10am-4am, 7 days a week. 21+ (631) 597-6820 www.cherrysonthebay.com EDEN@R BAR 218 Bowery bet. Prince & Rivington, New York, NY, every Wednesday night! Maggie C. gets a knockout crowd every week! Hours are from 8pm-3 am. EDEN has been named the best lesbian party by New York Magazine! HOTTT! 21+ (212) 334-0484 www.maggiecevents.com or www.facebook.com/maggiecevents GIRL NATION@NATION BAR & RESTAURANT 12 West 45th Street, New York, NY, every Saturday night and this is where all the hottest NYC lesbians go! 21+ (212) 391-8053 www.myspace/girlnationnyc.com or www.girlnationnyc.com or www.facebook.com/girlnationnyc
COCKBLOCK @ THE RICKSHAW STOP 155 Fell Street (at Van Ness), San Francisco. This is open to all but definitely a hip lezzie hang out! Falls every 2nd Saturday of the month. Doors open 10 p.m. DJ’s Nux and Zax. (415) 568-8811 www.cockblocksf.com
HENRIETTA HUDSON 438 Hudson Street @ Morton Street, New York, NY. This is open 7 days a week and another New York favorite spot for the lesbians. They offer Live DJ’s, food, hot go-gos and more. 21+ (212) 924-3347 www.henriettahudsons.com
Fem Bar @ HARLOT 46 Minna Street, San Francisco. Good Times on the first Sunday of each month. There is food offered here and fantastic drinks. This is a cozy venue with a fireplace upstairs and DJ good times! This is 21+ Hours from 4-10 p.m. (415) 777-1077 www.harlotsf.com, Fem Bar on Face book or www.myspace.com/fembar
PROPOSITION@KION 509 E. 6th between Avenue A & B, New York, NY. This ladies night is every 1st and 3rd Friday night. This East Village party brings you “sticky sweetness on the dance floor,” and promises hot girls and strong drinks. What more does anyone need? Celebrity DJ, Ni**Sky, of top recording artist Nina Sky, with No. 4 Billboard Hot 100 hit song “Move Ya Body” will be back to spin the sickest hits. Also featuring Mizz DJ Frances. Two floors, three bars, free coat check, custom cocktails, and bottle service available. Dress to impress. 21+ (212) 529-5200 www.propositionnyc.com
THE LEXINGTON CLUB 3464 19th Street @ Valencia, San Francisco. This is your friendly neighborhood dyke bar, they do welcome all butch and fem! They offer different daily specials and fun holiday theme parties. 21+. Open every day from 5 p.m.– 2 a.m. (415) 863-2052 www.lexingtonclub.com REBEL GIRL @ RICKSHAW STOP 155 Fell Street (at Van Ness), San Francisco. Monthly event every 1st Saturday of the month. Doors open at 10:00 p.m. and dance your booties off till 2:00 a.m. electro, 80’s, mashups, mostly hip hop and more. This crowd is a young 21+ (415) 861-2011 www.rebelgirlsf.com TASTY @ BENCHANDBAR 2111 Franklin Street, Oakland. This is a weekly event every Thursday from 8:30 p.m.- 2 a.m. They offer light shows, dancers, live shows at 11:30 p.m., Featuring hip hop, rap and R&B. This offers a good time to a young 21+ crows of ladies mostly ethnic beauties. (510) 444-2266 www.bench-and-bar.com
NEW YORK
CUBBY HOLE 281 West 12th Street corner of West 4th Street, in New York, NY. Open daily. The first thing you’ll notice is the inordinate amount of stuff hanging like stalactites from the ceiling. A collection of Chinese lanterns, model airplanes, and polka-dotted fish has been amassed over the past thirteen years, and though it’s completely overthe-top, it somehow works. gay 21+ (212) 243-9041 www.cubbyholebar.com
SHESCAPE’S KISS AND TELL@REVEL Follow their website for their events and locations. They do special events all over the city. 21 + (212) 645-5369 www.shescape.com SNAPSHOT@DELANCEY LOUNGE 168 Delancey between Clinton and Attorney at the Williamsburg Bridge, New York, NY. This falls every Tuesday and is another NY favorite for the lesbians. Snapshot attracts a diverse crowd from all boroughs and gender-identities. They throw sexy, dirty, crazy parties soundtracked by some of the best DJ’s among them. They also offer female breakdancers, rockers, hip hop dance competitions, liquid latex painting, live bands, breaking artists, or naked girls or trannies dancing on the bar. 21+ (212) 254-9920 www.snapshotnyc.com STILETTO@THE MARITIME HOTEL 363 West 16th Street corner of 9th Avenue, New York, NY. STILLETTO foots its way every single Sunday from 2pm-10pm. Stiletto now has a year-round residency at the Maritime Cabanas! Glass covered roof and heat lamps for the chilly months, drink specials/pitchers, full dinner menu, rotating DJ’s, fireplace, smoking patio and hundreds of NYC’s finest females! Dress to impress. For group reservations/ bottle service 21+ (212) 242-4300 Maggie@maggiecevents.com or www.magiecevents.com THAT’S MY JAM@SPUTNIK 262 Taaffe Place, Brooklyn, NY. This happens once a month on a Saturday night and usually the middle of the month. This crowd is mostly lesbian but has a large variety of transsexuals and queer-gender people. They offer Live DJ’s and they vary each month, food, hot performers and more. 21+ (718) 318-6666 www.barsputnik.com or www.facebook.com/that’smyjam
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