Luxe Lifestyle Magazine

LUXE COASTAL LIFESTYLE

The

VERONICAS behind the brand

VERONICA BEARD

Plus...

Neurosurgeon Dr. Ziad Hage Spotlight on Montage Palmetto Bluff

Display until 10/15

LAMBORGHINI CHARLOTTE Authorized Dealer

“For every minute, the future is becoming the past. ~Thor Heyerdahl The Huracán EVO was developed to amplify your daily routine by anticipating the needs of the driver, making your day-to-day experience behind the wheel unique and completely personal. A state-of-the-art control system and innovative touchscreen easily manage the car’s functions and entertainment system. This, combined with dazzling aerodynamic design, elevate the performance and driving emotions to unprecedented levels. The future is here.

Will you be ready? Schedule your Huracan EVO driving experience today!

Charlotte Showroom Now Open 6500 E Independence Blvd Charlotte, NC 28212 (980) 960-9562 www.lamborghiniclt.com

“If you want to Know Pinehurst, you need to Know Lin”

315 N Beulah Hill Rd

Offered at $1,250,000 Historic “Cotton Cottage” in Old Town Pinehurst.

Carefully restored and maintained by one owner for 41 years.

5BD, 5 1/2BA.

11 McMichael Drive

64 Stoneykirk Drive

Offered at $799,000 Spectacular, Custom home on the 11th Green of Magnolia Course in the desirable gated Community of Pinewild Country Club.

4BD, 4 1/2 BA.

14 Greyabbey Dr

Offered at $795,000 Gorgeous, Custom home on 1.19 acres on the 18th Green of the Magnolia Course next to the Clubhouse in the gated community of Pinewild Country Club. 4BD, 3BA, 2 half baths.

Offered at $795,000 Golf Front contemporary home in the gated Community of Pinewild Country Club. Walls of windows.

5BD, 3 1/2BA.

165 Linden Road

129 National Drive

Offered at $439,000 Charming, cozy cottage with white picket fence on desirable Linden Rd in OLD TOWN Pinehurst, less than one mile from the Historic center of the Village. 2BD, 2BA.

Offered at $798,000 Luxury home with deep crown molding, stunning 9 ft mahogany ‘’gates’’ between living room and gourmet kitchen in gated Pinehurst National No 9. 4BD, 4 1/2 BA.

Lin Hutaff’s Pinehurst Realty Group 25 Chinquapin Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374 Office: 910.528.6427 | Email: lin@linhutaff.com

www.linhutaff.com

FA H R E

OPEN DAILY FOR DINNER . SUNDAY BRUNCH . PRIVATE SPACE . SPECIAL EVENTS .

Located at 222 South Caldwell Street, 21st Floor, Charlotte, NC 9 8 0 . 2 3 7 . 6 7 1 8 www.fahrenheitcharlotte.com

NHEIT

OFF-SITE CATERING

ROOFTOP

.

BAR

.

R E S TA U R A N T

Gemstones of Summertime

Few things are as synonymous with natural, glimmering beauty as the Ocean. This is also represented in the many gemstones that have become fairly popular around this time of year. But why? Because these four gemstones are emblematic of the many things that people have come to love about the big blue sea

Pearls Pearls, a popular symbol of purity, are born from Muscles; a common under-sea invertibrate. many people have found them especially pretty and thus, fine jewelry with pearl earrings is a popular summer time accessory.

Sapphires Sapphire, one of the more famous of gemstones, is most desired in its pure, rich blue color as deep and beautiful as the ocean. In the Middle Ages the gem was believed to protect those close to you from harm and also represented loyalty and trust.

6

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Rubies Rubies are considered the king of gems and represent love, health and wisdom. It is the birth stone of July, arguably the best time of year to visit the beach. And though rubies aren’t found often in the sea, they have a long history of being a valuable asset onboard merchant ships all over the world.

Diamonds Despite being found all over the world, diamonds are especially rare compared to other gemstones.

Their natural beauty combined with a hardness and durability of legendary status, stunning stones are emblematic of the longevity and strength of the ocean as a whole.

Jewelry is a field as vast and deep as the Big Blue, and nobody knows that better than Malak Jewelers. For over 40 years, we have provided the people of Charlotte with quality accessories and custom products.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

7

LUXE SHOP

â–²

shop collection

shopluxelifestyle.com

488 Lambeth Walk

Relaxed Luxury In Asheville, North Carolina $1.375 M | MLS 3617256 Within this gated community, in your own very secluded low maintenance acreage, you will discover this private, peaceful retreat.

While offering stunning, panoramic mountain views, this treasure also provides numerous open and bright interior living areas ready to entertain both family and friends. The amenities found here are abundant. Come enjoy an easy mountain lifestyle. Bonus: this property will provide instant equity to the new owner.

Kim Gentry Justus Elite Broker 828.301.3330 | Kim@IvesterJacksonBlackStream.com KimGentryJustus.IvesterJacksonBlackStream.com Certified Christie’s Luxury Broker serving Asheville & Western North Carolina Specializing in luxury, land, mountain, & farm properties

For your big day, and every day after.

C H A R L O T T E AT S O U T H PA R K M A L L C H A R L E S T O N AT K I N G S T R E E T S AVA N N A H AT B R O U G H T O N S T

LUXE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

YOUR

EDITOR IN CHIEF, FOUNDER Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Larry Richmond

GUIDE

ART DIRECTOR Kim Hall

FOOD EDITOR Jessica Bentley

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

TO

Debra Kennedy

NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Larry Richmond

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Barry Guilfoile

ALL

THINGS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Debra Kennedy Jessica Bentley Claudia Ricciardone Alexandra Bowes-Lyon Adam Jacot De Boinod Melissa Corbin Tonya Leigh Sharon Jane Allison Parker

PHOTOGRAPHERS

LUXE

Jessica Bentley

For advertising information contact: Luxe Lifestyle Magazine 704-980-3111 The Luxe Lifestyle Magazine is published bimonthly by Luxe & Co media group llc.. Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of The Luxe Lifestyle Magazine. Material contained herein does not reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. The Luxe Lifestyle Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial. The Luxe Lifestyle Magazine reserves the right to edit all materials for space and clarity and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be reviewed.

Send all submissions to: editor@LuxeLifestyleMag.com

SUBSCRIBE

Receive Luxe Lifestyle Magazine by subscribing on line at www.luxelifestylemagazine.com facebook.com/Luxe Lifestyle Magazine

www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

@LuxeLifestyleMagazine

Luxe Lifestyle | P.O. Box 79322 | Charlotte, NC 28271 Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

11

Features

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

36.THE VERONICAS BEHIND THE BRAND VERONICA BEARD

by Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

52. BURBERRY: THE NEW CLASSIC

by Sharon Jane

58. SPACE FOR GIANTS

by Lexi Bowes-Lyon

74. THE EXCLUSIVE 76. HEARTS IN MOTION - A JOURNEY OF HOPE FOR DR. ZIAD AND MURIELLE HAGE

by Allison Parker

88. OUTSIDE THE BOX

by Melissa Corbin

32

105

116

Departments 14. CONTRIBUTORS

It takes a tribe to create this magazine and our digital platform. Here is a look at the many talented ones who make it all happen.

44. CULTURE Kelly Swindall TUNE IN

76

Windy O’Connor Stephen Wilson

17. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

94. DREAMY DESTINATION The Enduring Attraction that is Tuscany

18. GOOD READS

by Adam Jacot de Boinod

20. LIFESTYLE Confessions of a Lifestyle Connoisseur

100. TRAVEL

by Debra Kennedy

Montage Palmetto Bluff

22. INSPIRATION

105. TASTE

The Power of Tiny Habits

by Tonya Leigh

108. FEAST

by Mellisa Corbin

26. HEALTH Healing Ways to Use Himalayan Pink Salt for Your Body and Mind

28. BEAUTY Top 6 Beauty Products

30. BEAUTY You Are What You Eat

by Gloria Pope

52

112. SAVOR 116. EQUESTRIAN 120. TEE TIME

120

32. INTERIOR DESIGN Curated by Claudia

by Claudia Ricciardone

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

13

contributors

Subscribe Enjoy

DEBRA ANN KENNEDY

LUXE

Debra is most recognized as host of “The Debra Kennedy Show” a lifestyle talk show in which she is the producer and on-air host. She is also a regular on Fox TV Good Morning Charlotte and NBC Charlotte Today as a Lifestyle and Beauty Expert.

Debra is a former Mrs North Carolina United States, Mrs North Carolina America and Mrs North Carolina International. She has appeared on many national television commercials as well as MTV and the World Wide Inspiration channel.

Writing is a huge passion for Debra and many of her experiences include: Beauty Editor for Supermodels International Magazine, Lifestyle Editor for Elevate Lifestyle Magazine, Contributing Writer for Southpark Magazine and Carolina Bride Magazine.

Debra has graced the cover of SuperModels International Magazine as well as Elevate Lifestyle Magazine and has been interviewed and featured in countless other magazines however her greatest accomplished is her unique ability to relate to others with her spitfire personality and passionate understanding that what you “give” in life is what you get in return.

Please visit her website www.debrakennedyshow.com to learn more about

LIFESTYLE

Want to be part of the family and receive Luxe lifestyle's premier magazine right to your door each month, you now can

Debra.

subscribe online CAROLINAS

LUXE

PLUS...

LI FE ST YL

E

Volume 3, Issue

5

Golf Course s worth travelin

g to

The fashion able world of art in Asheville

LUXE Volume 4, Issue 2

Lake Como

...and more

PLUS...

LIFESTYLE

Neurosurgeon Dr. Hage A moment with Mr. Kessler the man behind the Grand Bohemian hotel’s

Fa Fashllion Volume 3, Issue

Display until

11/30

5 | www.Luxe LifestyleM

ag.com

1

The

VERONICA’S

CLAUDIA RICCIARDONE

Claudia Ricciardone is the owner and lead designer of Claudia Josephine Design, as well as a Maria Killam True Color Expert. Specializing in high-end residential design, Claudia creates magazine worthy homes that are classic, functional, and liveable. While Claudia credits her childhood summers in Italy and Art History studies as shaping her European influenced design esthetic, Claudia emphasizes the use of high-quality, American made, sustainable furnishings. During her free time, you will often find Claudia painting original art, visiting museums, or enjoying Charlotte’s farmto-table food scene with her husband and young daughter.

behind the brand

VERONICA BEARD Display until 7/15

Get your own beautifully printed copy for $19.99 a year. o r d e r at

luxelifestylemagazine.com

LEXI BOWES -LYON Creative & philanthropic director for Space for Giants

14

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

MELISSA CORBIN

Melissa Corbin is a Tennessee-based freelance travel and culinary journalist who is forever on the hunt for the people and experiences that make our world a better place to live. You know the type–– those who give a damn and aren’t letting the slightest bit of dust settle under their feet. Published by national publications such as Lonely Planet, Craft Beer.com and AAA Traveler, she also enjoys writing for the cultures of regional lifestyles publications like this one. A storyteller at heart, she podcasts over at CorbinInTheDell.com. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @melcorbin to continue the conversation.

ALLISON PARKER

Allison Parker has a MBA in marketing and human resources from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Always loving the written word, Allison has a knack for streaming her thoughts through to the keyboard. Her favorite part of freelance writing is meeting interesting people and discovering unique subjects to share with her audiences. Allison enjoys being a devoted mom to her 3 beautiful boys and volunteering within their schools and community.

Allison embraces new adventures, loves to travel, and is always on the quest to learn more about the world around her.

SHARON JANE

@itssharonjane As a 6 year old, little Sharon Jane followed her mother around at every fashion show, event, production and casting she would work in. As Sharon grew, she realized just how much she loves fashion and became her mother’s right hand at all of those productions. From watching fashion shows on little screens to witnessing the fun chaos of backstage, Sharon Jane just loves the fashion world in all of its layers. After she received her Bachelor’s in Creative Advertising at the age of 20, she used her newfound experience in visual arts to continue her work in fashion as Sharon Jane Productions as well as part of Embellecerte, a company she started with her mother, working as personal shoppers, producers, content creators, model coaches, and fashion editors.

As a fashion editor and content creator, Sharon hopes to express her love for the ever-changing fashion industry and show how fashion increasingly becomes a pioneer for positive change from self-love, sustainability to a wider acceptance of diversity.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

15

TONYA LEIGH

Tonya Leigh is a Southern Francophile, a sommelier and sweettea sipper, as well as a Master Certified Coach who is crazy about inspiring women to add more elegance into their everyday and more joie into their vivre.

As the Founder and CEO of French Kiss Life, Inc., Tonya has worked with Oprah and the IKEA Life Improvement Project and has spoken to global audiences on a wide array of topics ranging from being a woman in today’s world to embracing entrepreneurship as a fun and spiritual journey.

ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD

LU X E SHOP PIPER-COLLECTION LILLY PILLOW 16X24

16

shopluxelifestyle.com

▲

shop collection

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Adam Jacot de Boinod is a British author, most famous for his works about unusual words. He has written three books, the first two (The Meaning of Tingo and Toujours Tingo) looking at words that have no equivalent in the English language, and his latest book (The Wonder of Whiffling) looking at unusual words in English.

He worked on the first series of the television panel game QI. His research on the show involved him reading an entire Albanian language dictionary and noting down any words that he found interesting. He formed the idea that there are 27 different words for moustaches and 27 words for eyebrows in Albanian, including, “vetullan” (“very bushy eyebrows”), “vetullor” (“slightly arched eyebrows”) and “vetullosh” (“very thick eyebrows”).

After leaving QI, he began to investigate other languages, examining 280 dictionaries and 140 websites. This led to the creation of his first book in 2005, The Meaning of Tingo, a book featuring words which have no equivalent in the English language, “tingo” being a word from the Pascuense language of Easter Island meaning, “to borrow things from a friend’s house, one by one, until there’s nothing left”. He then wrote up a follow-up book entitled Toujours Tingo in 2007. In 2009, de Boinod wrote The Wonder of Whiffling, a book about unusual words in English, the word “whiffling” having several meanings, including, “one who examined candidates for degrees… an officer who cleared the way for a procession, as well as being the name of the man with the whip in Morris dancing.”

E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R

M

any of us are holding our breath as we wait to see what the new world will be when we emerge from all of this and what will surely be a historical moment for our world. This summer is unlike any other experienced in my lifetime. While staying home has created more opportunities to connect with one another, our communities, and our families. Many who normally travel for the summer are staying local. We are adjusting and fine tuning our lives to live in a more conscious way.

In a magazine that celebrates the good life we still have much to celebrate.

Todays travel plans mean something very different then before. While our overseas trip is most likely not on the agenda we can still plan. Adam Jacot

de Boinod shares with us “The Enduring Attraction that is Tuscany” on page 94. We can still get away buy car and there is no better place then the romance of the lowcountry. Montage Palmetto Bluff on page 100 will satisfy even the most fastidious traveler.

Go behind the brand Veronica Beard with the Veronicas - as they’re often referred to. They recently opened stores in Greenwich, Ct. and Nantucket to compliment their existing locations. The sisters-in-laws are the epitome of Chic.

We share some of the top names showcasing some of the best addresses on page 65.

And Dr. Hage and his wife share their story of hope and their journey from their war torn home. The simplest blessings can also be the most fundamental.

Colleen

Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

VERONICAS

CAROLINAS

CAROLINAS

Society Sightings

5 Top Golf Destinations for your Bachelor Party

The World Events at Tryon

Honeymooning in the Maldives

VERONICA BEARD

Indoor/Outdoor living

The Wells Fargo Championship

Beautiful Home Design From the Coast to the Mountains

Dreamy Destination

....and more

Plus...

Wedding Issue

Out of the Box with Richard Kessler the man who built the Grand Bohemian Hotels Spotlight on Montage Palmetto Bluff

THESE GIRLS ARE ON FIRE

LUXE

1

CAROLINAS

Veronica Beard

Lake Como

MEETS

...and more

Island EASE

India Hicks

July / August 2018 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

1

The season of

Giving

Display until 11/30

Volume 3, Issue 5 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

1

LIFESTYLE Volume 3, Issue 2

Volume 2, Issue 7

The Veronicas of

Elegance

LUXE

LIFESTYLE

COVER

ENGLISH

The fashionable world of art in Asheville

creating your own empire

Display until 4/30

Volume 4, Issue 1 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

On the

Golf Courses worth traveling to

a moment with designer

The

Neurosurgeon Dr. Ziad Hage

Volume 3, Issue 6

PLUS...

PLUS...

Wedding Trends

behind the brand

Display until 10/15

LIFESTYLE

July/August 2018

Volume 4, Issue 1

LIFESTYLE

Volume 4, Issue 3

LUXE

LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE

PLUS...

CAROLINAS

The

LUXE

LUXE

CAROLINAS

LUXE

PLUS...

PLUS...

Pinehurst and the U.S. Amateur Golf Championships

A Winter Break on the French Riviera

The New Luxury Hotel Boom in Asheville

The Latest High Point Market Trends for 2019

Local Interior Designers from the Mountains to the Shore

...and more

A Dreamy Destination to Africa

...and more

Kathy Ireland from Super Model to Business Mogul

Volume 2, Issue 7 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

1

Jane Seymour Volume 3, Issue 2 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

1

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

17

good reads VINTAGE COCKTAILS

BY BRIAN VAN FLANDERN

Gin Fizz, Gimlet, French 75, Brandy Alexander, Pisco Sour, Singapore Sling, Sidecar, Dark and Stormy, Caipirinha, Margarita, Matador, Bloody Mary, White Russian, Vesper, Greyhound, Kamikaze, Missouri Mule, Pimm’s Cup, Fuzzy Navel, Kir Royale, Sazerac, Presbyterian, Man O’War...

Vintage Cocktails is the chic volume devoted to the lost art of mixing the perfect drink with flair and panache. With just a few ingredients, a splash of finesse, and the right pour, this is the only book every fashionable host, aspiring mixologist or seasoned cocktail aficionado needs in his or her bar. - Assouline

BRIGHT PRECIOUS THING: A MEMOIR

BY GAIL CALDWELL

From the New York Times bestselling author of Let’s Take the Long Way Home comes a moving memoir about how the women’s movement revolutionized and saved her life, from the 1960s to the #MeToo era.

In a voice as candid as it is evocative, Gail Caldwell traces a path from her west Texas girlhood through her emergence as a young daredevil, then as a feminist—a journey that reflected seismic shifts in the culture itself. Caldwell’s travels took her to California and Mexico and dark country roads, and the dangers she encountered were rivaled only by the personal demons she faced. Bright Precious Thing is the captivating story of a woman’s odyssey, her search for adventure giving way to something more profound: the evolution of a writer and a woman, a struggle to embrace one’s life as a precious thing.

Told against a contrasting backdrop of the present day, including the author’s friendship with a young neighborhood girl, Bright Precious Thing unfolds with the same heart and narrative grace of Caldwell’s Let’s Take the Long Way Home, called “a lovely gift to readers” by The Washington Post. Bright Precious Thing is a book about finding, then protecting, what we cherish most.

18

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

COACHING FOR EQUITY

BY ELENA AGUILAR

If we hope to interrupt educational inequities and create schools in which every child thrives, we must open our hearts to purposeful conversation and hone our skills to make those conversations effective. With characteristic honesty and wisdom, Elena Aguilar inspires us to commit to transforming our classrooms, lays bare the hidden obstacles to equity, and helps us see how to overcome these obstacles, one conversation at a time.

Coaching for Equity is packed with the resources necessary to implement Transformational Coaching in any organization. In addition to an updated coaching framework and corresponding rubrics, a comprehensive set of coaching tools puts success in every coach’s hands. Extensive personal narratives demonstrate what coaching for equity looks like and help us see how we can make every conversation count towards building a more just and equitable world.

DEACON KING KONG

BY JAMES MCBRIDE

From the author of the National Book Award-winning The Good Lord Bird and the bestselling modern classic The Color of Water, comes one of the most celebrated novels of the year.

In September 1969, a fumbling, cranky old church deacon known as Sportcoat shuffles into the courtyard of the Cause Houses housing project in south Brooklyn, pulls a .38 from his pocket, and in front of everybody shoots the project’s drug dealer at point-blank range.

As the story deepens, it becomes clear that the lives of the characters--caught in the tumultuous swirl of 1960s New York--overlap in unexpected ways. When the truth does emerge, McBride shows us that not all secrets are meant to be hidden, that the best way to grow is to face change without fear, and that the seeds of love lie in hope and compassion.

THE VANISHING HALF

BY BRIT BENNETT

From The New York Times-bestselling author of The Mothers, a stunning new novel about twin sisters, inseparable as children, who ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds, one black and one white.

The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it’s not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it’s everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. Many years later, one sister lives with her black daughter in the same southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past. Still, even separated by so many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined. What will happen to the next generation, when their own daughters’ storylines intersect?

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

19

lifestyle

Confessions of a

LIFESTYLE CONNOISSEUR

C

WITH DEBRA KENNEDY

HANGE IS INEVITABLE!!!!! This

go of what I cannot control and spend more

year has certainly been very unique

time on what I can like writing my first book.

with a relationship change for me in January, COVID-19 in

Funny how we grow up thinking life should be a certain way. Ei-

March and soon after, Protestors march-

ther we wanted to emulate

ing for Change. Are we in the midst of a

what we envisioned a per-

revival that is waking us up to change

fect life looks like or we

our lives? I certainly have had time to

bought into what others

reflect where my life is and constant-

told us the perfect life was.

ly hear voices in my head shouting,

Hey, I really don’t want to

“You’ve Got This!” Do I hear these voic-

give you the spoiler alert

es because I am crazy? No, it is because I

but “perfect” only exists in

believe in myself. I am not afraid of failure

our illusions. It is not terrible

and I am not afraid of what others may

that we all strive for perfection. I

think. Being paralyzed by society is not a

am going to save you the therapy funds

choice that will make any of us happy. I

and restless nights and tell you straight up,

choose not to live in fear so my oppor-

living your best life will make you a whole lot

tunities await me and give me a

happier than trying to live someone else’s.

feeling of excitement for my

Growing up, I would call my family very

future.. “I DO ME!” “YOU

“Leave it to Beaver” normal. However,

DO YOU!” I heard a very powerful state-

we had Jailbirds, Country Singers, Politicians and entrepreneurs in our bigger circle of

ment today “Our Reaction to a situation

family love. Although there was a lot of love,

literally has the power to change the sit-

we spoke very little of the incidents that sur-

uation itself!” WORDS TO LIVE BY!!!

rounded the jailbird and even less of the pol-

I am much more conscious and aware of

itician. However, one family member, Auntie

my thoughts this year which allows me to let

Evelyn was loved and admired by all. She was on

20

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

husband #5 by the time I was 13 years old. She was breath-

Do I believe change is inevitable? Absolutely! Do I believe

taking and had the most charming personality. I would beg

life is always fair? It is a crapshoot and sometimes you are

to spend the weekends with her and when I was granted the

super lucky and sometimes you get the short end of the stick

privilege, I was never disappointed. Her closet was full of de-

but that is how life rolls. I want to be a change seeker like

signer dresses with hats and heels in abundance. She would

my Auntie Evelyn. I want to have the power to change a neg-

share stories of family history and a few tantalizing tidbits of

ative situation into a positive one by the way I react. Most

current juicy family gossip. What was intriguing about her

importantly, I want to experience a life well lived. A life

was her ability to dance to her own beat. She knew everyone

where I did not seek perfection and did seek layers of love,

was talking about her including the local ladies who dared

compassion, understanding and change. Living my best life

their husbands to look her way when she passed by. I on

today as if there were no tomorrow.

the other hand thought she was intriguing, brave and open to adventure that gave her true happiness.

Auntie Evelyn

Fabulous Readers, thanks for all of your e-mails and social

was a change seeker. She lived her best life in an era when

media love! I love your comments and suggestions. I feel as

women were “supposed� to behave in a very traditional way

if I am writing these article for all of us and your encourage-

yet she set her own way.

ment challenges me to break all boundaries. You can reach

Doing your own thing allows you to come out of your shell, allows you to make your own rules and most importantly, live your life to the fullest! Of course, we have guidelines in life to follow that are nonnegotiable but opportunities may come that put you in the director’s chair and will make you the star of your own show!

me at debra@debrakennedyshow.com

Follow me on Instagram: @debrakennedyshow Facebook: debraannkennedy

You Tube: The

Debra Kennedy Show Channel Website: debrakennedyshow.com

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

21

inspiration

LIVE FROM YOUR

FUTURE

By Tonya Leigh - Certified master life coach.

The French Kiss Life

“To be happy with yourself in the present moment while maintaining a dream of your future is a grand recipe for manifestation,” – Joe Dispenza Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite topics. And that is living from your future. When I look back over the last 10 years, to where I am now, it is this concept that has brought me to this point; living from your future.

And so, we try to create from a belief system that is based in the past, which doesn’t allow you to create a new future.

Years ago, I remember asking the question, what would it feel like if I lived in France? Because that was actually my big

Because, up until that point, I was like so many of my cli-

dream. And believe it or not, now, it is not a big dream. I love

ents. I was living based on the past. So, if you think about what

visiting France. I want to spend a lot of time there. But I no

you’ve created up until this point was based on your belief sys-

longer want to live there.

tem and your thoughts and your state of being, which impacts

And so, I asked the question, what would my life feel like if I

how you show up in the world, it impacts what you do and what

lived in France? And I started to wake up every day practicing

you don’t do.

that emotion, practicing being that woman. And from that en-

What most people do is they look around at what is right now,

ergy, what ended up happening is that I ended up spending a

which is based off of past thinking, and they try to create from

lot of time in France. So, I thought about it. I felt it. I showed up

that place. And it’s so hard. Why? Because we always come back

with my scarves on every single day. And I ended up attracting

to what we think. We always come back to our belief systems.

that future into my life, even though I didn’t live in France. I

22

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

would spend weeks there. And I still do. And I created that from

deep down that if I were ever going to make six figures in my

living from my future.

business, then I had to be a six-figure a year business owner and

Now, imagine if I was living from my past. I would have been

practicing that on a daily basis. Which meant, when I had those

in my life thinking about how it wasn’t possible because I’d nev-

limiting beliefs come up, when I had the fear come up, I had to

er done it before, how it was silly because you shouldn’t dream

remind myself, “No, we’re living from the future.”

that big. And that state of mind and being would have kept me

The future you that’s already made six figures a year, she’s

from being open to the possibility that I could spend more time

not worried about making six figures. She’s already there. She’s

in France.

not worried about spending money on a handbag. She’s already

I see this with my clients as well. They’ll come to me and they’ll

there. And really, learning the skill of thinking on purpose from

say things like, “I want to lose weight,” or, “I want to make more

your future, feeling the feelings that you think you’re going to

create those results from the past, which doesn’t work because what they end up doing is having a lot of incongruence.

They’re taking action, but they’re taking action from the past, meaning they’re thinking thoughts from the past and

“

they’re feeling familiar emotions from the past, which is why taking the action is so hard, because it’s based in the past versus really stepping into the future and asking yourself, “What would it feel like for me to have this result? Who would I

have in the future, and therefore showing up and practicing the actions of

What most people do is

they look around at what is right now, which is based off of past

your future was mind-blowing to me.

And then, to see if you do this on a daily basis and just really hold true to it

thinking, and they try to create from

and have faith in it, how you will create

that place. And it’s so hard. Why?

that future for yourself.

Because we always come back to what we think. We always come back to our

“

money.” But what they do is they try to

belief systems. And so, we try to create from a belief system that is based in

the past, which doesn’t allow you to

have to become to have this result? What

create a new future.

would I be thinking if I had this result?

And then, how would I be showing up?

What actions would I be taking if I had this result?”

I have so much evidence that this is how it works and I’ve seen it with my clients. It’s just how the world works.

And yet, even knowing that, my brain wants to tell me, “But this time it’s going to be different. This is bigger, my friend.” That’s’ what the brain does.

The brain is like, “Oh no, it may have worked all those other times, but this

time, it’s going to be different.” But it’s not. And I know it. I’m

Coming from that place, it’s the difference between trying to

onto my brain. Living from your future doesn’t matter if you’re

run away from something versus being pulled toward some-

trying to make six figures a year, or if you’re trying to reach a

thing. It’s the difference in feeling like you’re trying to drag your

million women. It’s just digits. What is always consistent is if

past with you versus letting the past go and then walking to-

you really feel your future now, you draw it to you.

wards your future without all of that baggage. And I’ll tell you,

And so, when I’m thinking about my future, one of the ques-

it’s difficult because the brain loves familiarity and the brain is

tions that I love to ask is, “What decisions does that wom-

so freaked out by change.

an make?” Such a good question because I know some of you

I remember when I decided, many years ago in my business,

struggle with making decisions, right? You’re indecisive, which

that I wanted to make six figures. And I remember just the in-

causes you to feel stuck. Then you make decisions, then you

ternal conflict. It was like this split within me. There was the

doubt your decisions, which keeps your stuck as well. Because

split of how it had always been and everything I had been taught

everything is energy, so the moment you doubt your decision,

to believe about money and my capability at making money,

you don’t have your energy behind it. It’s like you don’t have

versus being pulled towards this future where making six fig-

your own back. But when I’m thinking about my future and liv-

ures a year, as a life coach, is possible, right?

ing from my future, one of the questions that I love to ask myself

And I remember distinctly having this shift and knowing

is, “Let’s decide from that place.”

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

23

A great example of this is I recently made a big hire in our

feeling; a feeling we can manage. That’s what I always tell my-

company. And I remember when I was thinking about the deci-

self. I’m like, “I can manage a feeling.” Do you know, what I

sion, there was the part of my brain that naturally was freaking

can’t manage is regret. I mean, I could manage it, but it’s just

out because it’s a big investment. And that part of my brain, if

not a feeling that I want to manage. I want to know that I have

I were to allow it to run my business, it would not be good, my

lived my life as boldly and audaciously as possible. And so, in

friends because she loves to be anxious. She loves to worry. She

order to do that I’m going to have to experience the discomfort

loves to focus on the worst-case scenario. And I know that about

of living from the future versus the familiarity of living from

that part of my brain. But that part of my brain is locked up in

the past. We get to choose. If you want to create something you

the past and is so freaked out by the future. But then there’s the

don’t yet have, it’s going to require that you live from that future

other part that lives in the future. And that part knows it’s all

place.

okay, that part knows that I have to be willing to make the big decisions in order to create what I want.

I mean, if you think about it, if you want a big audacious and beautiful life, you’ve got to be willing to make big and audacious

And that future place is uncertain. It’s the mystery of life. But when you’re willing to step into that place, to me, that’s where all of the magic happens. That’s where all of the miracles take place.

and beautiful decisions. And so, I just decided, I’m like, “The

And so, for you, I want you to think about, what is something

future me definitely invests in this. It’s like a no-brainer. She’s

that you want to create in your life? And just pick one thing.

like, done.”

Maybe it’s making more money. Maybe it is growing your busi-

And so, I did. And then I decided I’m going to feel amazing about it. I didn’t doubt my decision. I didn’t second guess it. I didn’t sit around regretting it. I just decided and said, “We’re going to make this work. I’m going all in on the decision.”

the love of your life. Maybe it’s living in a certain city.

It doesn’t matter. Just pick one thing and give yourself the beautiful experience of going into the future and visualizing

And to me, that’s what it feels like to live from your

yourself being in that result, whatever it is. And I want you to

future. It’s such a fun creative process versus react-

just notice who you are being in that future. Like, when you

ing to what is and living from your past. Because if

imagine you having that result and you’re visualizing you living

you keep thinking the same thoughts and feeling the

in that result, what do you see? What are you wearing? How

same ways and doing the same things based on your

are you thinking? Who are you hanging out with? What kind of

past, you’re just going to keep recreating your

conversations are you having? What decisions are you making?

past.

What do you believe in that future that you don’t believe right

So, to create that future that you want, you’re

now?

going to have to live from that place, meaning

And, most importantly, how are you feeling? Because it’s the

be the woman who is living that future now.

feeling that we’re always after. And then, the work is to come

And I will say this, as fun as it is – and just

back to the now and to practice living from that place versus

to hear me talk about it, you’re probably

looking around behind you and trying to drag that along with

thinking, “Oh yeah, this is great. I love this

you.

idea.” But in acting it, in practicing it, I

And that is how you live from your future. You think like her.

will tell you, it’s super uncomfortable

You feel like her. You dress like her. You eat like her. You show

because you’re going to have to make

up like her. You go to the places that she would be going to. You

some very uncomfortable decisions.

make decisions like her.

Plus, the brain doesn’t like change.

And if you do that over time, you end up attracting that fu-

But in order to create that future,

ture into your life because, to attract something, you must be

you’re going to have to change

a match for it. You will always, always come back to what you

the way you think, change the

believe about yourself and what you believe about the world.

way you show up, change the

So, practice believing in that future. Practice being that future

decisions that you’re making.

version of you in the life you have right now. Live from your

But here’s the thing. It’s just a

24

ness. Maybe it is losing weight for good. Maybe it’s being with

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

future, my friends.

What We’ve Got Our Eyes On

Beauty Sapelo is the only skin care system that accurately mimics the body’s immune response, to work in harmony with the body’s regenera-

S ape lo SKIN CARE

tive power. Sapelo works WITHOUT the injury and subsequent inflammation which accelerates aging.

Youthful skin is a result of active and natural cellular reproduction at the dermal and epidermal intersection, combined with a rich extra-cellular matrix of healthy collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and adequate hydration. Used together, their scientifically designed regimen improves skin quality at the cellular level without injuring the skin. The result is a hydrating, nutrient-rich surge twice-daily that promotes healthy repro-

A

t Sapelo Skin Care, they challenge the dogma of contemporary skin

duction of skin cells to actually thicken and re-

care solutions that retinols and hydroxyl acids are the ‘Gold Standard’

align your skin as it was in your youth. Sapelo

for skin regeneration and anti-aging. Acids burn your skin, initiat-

ing inflammation - the body’s immune system response to damage. Inflammation creates low grade edema or swelling which makes wrinkles temporarily disappear. They

with its cult-like following is the little secret of so many southern women.

Available at

believe the daily application of caustic acids and the habitual use of injurious dermatological procedures actually accelerates aging and speeds up the moment where our skin cells enter their senile phase and exhaust their capacity to repair.

It isn’t anti-aging – it is accelerating aging.

SapeloSkinCare.com 912.667.7070

health

Healing Ways to Use

HIMALAYAN PINK SALT

for Your Body and Mind You've probably seen the giant slabs of Himalayan rock

are some health benefits to lamp, but there are so many more

salt sold at grocery stores before. Maybe you stopped to read

perks than just setting it on top of a light. For both physical

the label and find out what it was all about. Perhaps you even

and mental peace of mind, here are some of the numerous

know someone who uses such a piece of lamp. Now, there

healing ways to use Himalayan pink salt.

26

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

REDUCE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE Wait, doesn't salt raise your blood pressure? Traditional table salt does, yes. Table salt is highly processed and, in reality, has very little in the way of actual minerals. However, Himalayan salt, which hails from the Punjab region of Pakistan and mined from the base of the Himalayas, is made up of 80 different minerals, including calcium and iron. Because the salt lacks the processing the body is able to digest it easier. It also doesn't require as much water to push the Himalayan salt through your body. This helps avoid dehydration and other negative issues often associated with regular salt.

Himalayan pink salt is rich in iodine. The natural iodine assists your body in maintaining an electrolyte balance, which boosts your ability to absorb nutrients and, as a result, lower your blood pressure.

SOOTHE YOUR MUSCLES A salt bath is a fantastic way to help reduce the stress of your muscles. Heat alone only goes so far. Adding minerals to your bath helps dramatically. Himalayan pink salt will help improve your body's ability to absorb different minerals, which in turn will help your body strengthen its bones and reduce soreness. So, the next time your body is aching just reach for the Himalayan salt and add some to your hot bath. Allow it to dissolve and climb on it. Your body will absorb some of the salt, which will then begin to go to work right away.

RID YOURSELF OF DRY SKIN Is your skin dry? Do you notice patchy flakes on your elbows and knees? Maybe this is due to the dry, cold weather of winter. Perhaps it is because you have hard water at home.

Whatever the reason is, you can exfoliate away the dry skin with Himalayan pink salt. Himalayan salt is an exceptional natural exfoliant. It isn't as harsh as other options out there and it is 100% natural.

To help exfoliate while at the same time hydrate your skin, combine the salt with a coconut oil (you can use castor oil as

well, which is another excellent, natural oil to use on your body), and then combine the mixture into a warm washcloth. This will help rub away the dry skin while nourishing your body at the same time. If you do have hard water the salt path will help cut down on the dryness you're experiencing post-bath as well.

REDUCE DEPRESSION If you haven't hopped on the Himalayan salt lamp yet, now is the time to do so. One of the benefits to the salt lamp is it produces negative ions. These are molecules that are natural produced in the environment. You will most commonly find these negative ions in places such as the mountains, forests, or even some beaches. If you've been to some of these locations on your own you probably have felt a sense of calm and tranquility to being in these areas. While the natural beauty has something to do with it the peace of mind also comes from these negative ions produced. By adding negative ions to your home with the aid of a salt lamp you'll help bring this peace of mind wherever you live.

How does this happen? Negative ions can help boost your natural serotonin levels. This increase in the serotonin levels has the ability to improve your mental state of mind which will cut down on depression.

GET RID OF THAT BLUE LIGHT You look at too many blue lights throughout the day. Blue light is create by basically any electronic screen, including computers, televisions, cell phones, or really anything with a screen. This blue light can cause stress on your eyes and it makes you feel run down and tired. It is helpful to cut down on the amount of blue light you're looking at whenever possible, but at times you simply can't get around it. To help offset the impact of a constant blue light you need to introduce a different light. With a Himalayan salt lamp you will add a warm, pinkish light to your room. This is a similar color to what a candle or natural fires might add to a room.

This allows you to add a natural light to your home without worrying about flames or fire, which can make it the perfect night lamp for a child or to place around the house without fear of heating up.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

27

beauty

TOP 6 BEAUTY PRODUCTS

YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW

by Margot Lee

Rose - Quartz Skin Roller lymphatic drainage and increase of

La Mer The Regenerating Serum

blood circulation

-reduces puffiness and wrinkles by way

-reduces puffiness and wrinkles by way of

of lymphatic drainage and increase of blood circulation

Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

by Sol de Janeiro -Soothes and tightens appearances of skin

Rodan + Fields Essential Lip Shield SPF 25 -helps prevent sunburn on lips in the summer sun

Silk Pillow Case -helps skin retain moisture -reduces the look of split ends -helps keep skin healthy and reduces wrinkles -reduces frizzy hair

28

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Estee Lauder Double Wear Brush-On Glow BB Highlighter -easy quick application -brightens and conceals -gives you that trendy summer glow

Buyer, Purveyor & Appraiser of Fine and Estate Jewellery 229 NE Broad Street | Southern Pines, NC | 910.692.0551 | In-House Repairs

Mother and Daughter Leann and Whitney Parker Look Forward to Welcoming You to WhitLauter Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

29

beauty

YOU ARE WHAT YOU

EAT

by Certified Life Coach Gloria Pope

We have all heard the saying “you are what you eat” This

brain is always working, it requires the right brain-boosting

is not just directed to adding a few pounds to that already

foods with specific vitamins and high-quality nutrients to

perfect body of yours…This is very much the case with how it

use as fuel throughout the day. The fuel we choose to eat can

can affect your daily mood.

greatly affect our mood, energy, and our brain’s overall per-

Making healthier choices in your diet will not only help

formance. Our brains produce serotonin, a neurotransmit-

control your waistline, but it can also help lift your mood, and

ter that helps calm and soothe us, giving us a more relaxed,

provide a long-lasting boost in energy and focus. Since your

cheerful mood.

30

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

WHAT ARE SOME GREAT FOODS TO ADD TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE TO FEEL HAPPIER AND MORE ENERGIZED? I have made it simple by naming some top superfoods and essentials to add to your life without having to make complicated recipes!

1. Raw Cacao powder, Mood boosting, produces endorphins, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium.

2. Spirulina powder, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, protein, copper, Iron and Magnesium 3. Maca Powder, Vitamin B6, C, Protein, Copper, Iron, Magnesium and Increases Libido and energy.

4. Vegan Vanilla flavored protein powder 5. Hemp milk, Vitamin A, B12, D and all essential amino acids.

6. Sunbutter (spread made from sunflower seeds) Vitamin E, Magnesium, Iron, fiber and protein.

All these foods are very high in magnesium and the reason why this is so beneficial to your mood is that your body needs magnesium to produce energy, conduct nerve impulses, and help to contract the muscles in your body. This includes muscles like your heart, which needs magnesium as well as calcium to beat normally. Magnesium also helps the walls of your blood vessels relax, so it’s important to help control your blood pressure.

CBD AND MOOD Having a few drops of CBD a day can be extremely beneficial to your mood!

Experts believe that CBD’s potential benefits for depression are related to its positive effect on serotonin receptors in the brain.

Low serotonin levels are likely connected to depression. CBD doesn’t necessarily boost serotonin levels, but it may affect how your brain’s chemical receptors respond to the serotonin that’s already in your system.

I believe that combining nutrition that is rich in Vitamins, minerals like Magnesium and a few drops of CBD can really benefit your overall mood!

Take a few drops of CBD on a daily basis to maintain balance in your mood, consume your essential superfoods to gain that energy and most importantly take the time to make yourself that nutritious breakfast in the morning, that breakfast will set your tone for the day! visit mbracelife.com Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

31

interior design

CURATED BY

Claudia

By Claudia Ricciardone

How to Give Your Home Office (and mood) a Lift

Q

Dear Claudia,

I work from home but my office is less than ideal. I don’t feel inspired and I find myself drifting from room to room just to avoid the space. Do you have any tips on how to design a beautiful but practical home office?

Thanks, Shelter-at-Home-Sally Waxhaw, NC

A Designer: Nikole Starr Interiors Colleen Scott Photography

Dear Sally,

It seems that many people have found themselves in your situation these past few months and are eager to spruce up their space—especially since it’s often on display during those much more frequent Zoom meetings. Here are some pointers to get you started in creating an office that both inspires and increases your productivity.

32

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Designer: Claudia Josephine Design Photographer: Brie Williams

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

33

1. CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER.

6. LAYER YOUR LIGHTING.

pers, knick-knacks, laundry, and your child’s Lego collec-

ergy levels. Avoid bright glares by using window treatments

tion. Do your best to clear out unnecessary clutter.

to filter sunlight. You’ll also need task lighting (a desk lamp)

It’s hard to work when your office is overflowing with pa-

2. CREATE A “HOME” FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED.

Consider what you’ll need for storage and display, includ-

ing file cabinets, bookshelves, a desk organizer, and a white board and/or cork board. Having a home for your supplies

Natural light is ideal for a home office as it helps boost en-

and ambient lighting (e.g., lighting fixtures such as table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and ceiling fixtures) to keep your office well lit.

7. CONNECT WITH NATURE.

Exposure to nature can help lower blood pressure, in-

and paperwork will help maintain organization and save-

crease feelings of well-being, and improve mental health. If

time and mental energy. It’s no fun searching for a lost file

your office offers a view of nature, use this to your benefit

or not being able to see your desktop because it’s covered

by situating your desk to take advantage. Plants and nature

in paperwork. Just make sure that your organizational tools

photography are another way to bring the natural world into

are as stylish as they are functional.

your space, as is the use of wood in furnishings and paneling.

3. BE INSPIRED.

Your office should be both practical and beautiful, so start

your design the way designers begin creating any space— find your inspiration. It’s often easiest to start with fun wall art, fabric, or an area rug. Use the colors and feel of your inspiration piece as a jumping off point for your overall design.

4. USE COLOR TO YOUR ADVANTAGE.

That being said, a traditional office fully paneled in wood is more conducive to relaxation than work. Keep wood paneling to less than 50% of your wall space if your goal is to work rather than lounge.

8. INSTITUTE A RITUAL.

When working from home, it’s easy to feel like you’re on

call 24/7. Set a start and end time for your day (with the understanding that this may need to be flexible) and develop

Soft colors, like muted blues, greens, and pale neutrals,

a ritual to help you transition into and out of your workday.

work well for an office space. They can help promote calm

This may mean starting your workday with a brief medi-

and increase productivity. Bright colors help foster creativi-

tation and ending it by organizing your desk for the next

ty but may also be anxiety provoking. Deep, dark, saturated

workday.

colors can sap your energy, so save those for the bedroom or spaces where your goal is to unwind.

5. ERGONOMICS IS IMPORTANT.

While that gorgeous dining chair might make for some

great Instagram photos, it’s probably not the best desk chair in terms of function and comfort. A footrest is useful to ensure your knees are at hip height. If you’ll be sitting a lot, make sure your chair offers adequate support, can be adjusted to your height, and allows you to work pain-free throughout the day. Your desk also needs to function ergonomically, allowing your wrists to be straight and your hands to fall at or below elbow level while typing. A standing desk can be a great alternative to a traditional desk, as long as it’s practical for your needs.

34

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

If you apply these principals to designing your workspace, it should cut down on your wandering (which for me, usually leads to the fridge and pantry) and increase your productivity, satisfaction, and well-being. Thanks, Sally, for your question! Good luck!

XOXO,

Claudia If you have design queries, feel free to reach out.

Send your questions via direct message on Instagram @claudiajosephinedesign.

Please be sure to include photos, if applicable.

Your question may be answered in my column!

Designer: Nikole Starr Interiors Colleen Scott Photography

Subscribe to the

LUXE LIFESTYLE L

LUXE

7

Get your own beautifully printed copy delivered directly to your door for $19.99 a year.

PLUS... k A Winter Brea ch Riviera on the Fren High Point The Latest s Market Trend for 2019 ...and more

y and KathI rel Volume 2, Issue

yleMag.com

xeLifest 7 | www.Lu

LUXE

CAROLINAS

from el Super Mod ogul to Business M

CARO

E

Volume 2, Issue

LINAS

Magazine

S

CAROLINA

L IF E ST Y L

LIFESTYLE

1

Volume 3, Issue 6

PLUS...

LUXE LUXE CAROLINAS

CAROLINAS

L IF E S

TYLE Volume

3, Issu

e2

Local Int eri Designer or s from the Mo untain s to the Sho re A Dream y to Africa Destination

...and

more

Jane Seymou r e 3, Issue

2 | www.

LuxeLifesty

leMag.com

1

The fashionable world of art in Asheville Lake Como

LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE

Pinehu rst U.S. Am and the ate Champio ur Golf nships The Ne w Hotel Bo Luxury om in Ashevi lle

UXE

Volum

Golf Courses worth traveling to

PLUS...

PLUS...

...and more

July/August 2018

Volume 4, Issue 1

PLUS...

Spotlight on Palm Beach

Society Sightings

How to Live Your Purpose

ENGLISH

The World Events at Tryon

Glamping Across the Globe

The Wells Fargo Championship

Dreamy Destinations

Dreamy Destination

...and more

....and more

Elegance MEETS

Island EASE

a moment with designer

Samantha

Busch

THESE GIRLS ARE ON FIRE

India Hicks

creating your own empire Display until 4/30

Volume 4, Issue 1 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

1

July / August 2018 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

1

The season of

Giving

Display until 11/30

Volume 3, Issue 5 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

1

Subscribe at

luxelifestylemagazine.com Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

35

36

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

The

VERONICAS behind the brand

VERONICA BEARD words: Colleen Guilfoile Richmond photos: courtesy of Veronica Beard and Taylor Jewell photography

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

37

V

eronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson

WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR THE DICKEY JACKET COME FROM? ica Beard. They are also sisters-in-law who are VSB: Beard are the founders and co-CEOs of Veronmarried to brothers and they have become the it

girls in fashion today. 10 years after launching their iconic brand with their signature Dickey Jacket, a twist on the classic blazer, and one of their best selling pieces, the brand continues to be coveted and has been worn by Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan Markle. They are mothers (8 children between them) entrepreneurs, sisters and friends with the motto Look good, feel good, and do what you love.

With 9 stores and two opening this summer in Nantucket and Greenwich, CT. the Veronicas share how they balance their family life and fashion empire.

VSB:

HOW DID VERONICA BEARD COME TO BE?

After leaving our careers in finance and fashion to raise our families we found ourselves at family gatherings talking about our new favorite designers, must-have piece and styling tricks. We both quickly realized there was a void in the market for clothing that you could live in. We set out to change that and create the perfect uniform for women: elevated, sexy and chic.

WHAT WAS THE INITIAL INSPIRATION FOR THE VERONICA BEARD LINE? VMB: There are a lot of inspirations, but I was just describing the scene in “Top Gun” when Kelly McGillis walks down the

We knew there were other women out there like us, who wanted a chic answer to everyday dressing and layering without the bulk. When we launched in 2010, we focused on perfecting the jacket, then we started creating the pieces that we were on the hunt for—a chic top, a cool pair of jeans, and it just grew organically from there.

WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THE GROWTH OF THE COMPANY TO? VSB: We are our customer and we know what she wants, needs and loves. We have expanded slowly into other categories over the years, which has helped us grow our brand awareness organically. We launched extended sizing last year and we introduced our first line of swimwear and coverups in December.

HAS YOUR BUSINESS MODEL CHANGED SINCE THE PANDEMIC? VMB: We were traveling on a regular basis to meet our customers and partners around the globe, but after the pandemic hit, we shifted to a more virtual model. We still want to meet our customer in her hometown, but we’re doing it through Zoom and on our social channels, engaging with her virtually while still finding out what she likes from us and what she wants to see from us in the future.

isle in the pencil skirt and bomber jacket. She turns around, wind in her hair and all the guys gasp! The inspiration of the VB woman is a badass powerful woman who is gorgeous and confident all at the same time!

VMB:

HOW DO YOU EACH BALANCE WORK/LIFE/FAMILY?

I thrive in chaos and love a challenge. Our business is also a family business so the lines are always crossing. It’s so great that there are 2 of us so we can cover for each other and respect our home/work lives.

VSB: It’s great that our children see how hard we work and how passionate we are about our business. We also value our time with them because nowadays, work happens everywhere and it’s important to find a balance between the two by separating family time from work hours.

38

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

39

40

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED IN GROWING THE COMPANY?

VMB:

AND WHAT WERE YOUR BIGGEST SETBACKS?

Truly understanding our customer and building one by one. Never build the stadium before you have the fans!

VSB: To have more patience and to focus on what we’re doing, not on what others are doing. Your biggest failures can be-

WHEN DESIGNING DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC FICTITIOUS PERSON OR IMAGE IN MIND?

come your greatest successes. You need to be patient with yourself and recognize setbacks as part of the growth process and not as failures.

VMB:

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LIFESTYLE BRAND?

Our goal is to provide feminine and effortless clothing that she can live in and that resonates with her lifestyle. We put a great deal of time into creating a curated selection of products that our customers will fall in love with, including occasion dressing, jeans, shoes, swimwear, coverups and third-party product.

VMB:

I love inspiring icons of the past and we refer to them all the time when designing or styling.

VSB: We believe our greatest advantage is that we are women designing for women everywhere! We love designing pieces that she lives her life in, making it easy for her to get dressed regardless of the occasion, her age, stage in life or profession.

Veronica Swanson Beard is passionate about decorating and together, with interior designer Carolina de Neufville, the Veronicas have personalized and decorated each store while incorporating and reflecting the community and market they are each located in.

DALLAS:

TEXAS

Deep in the heart of Texas, our Highland Park Village store feels like you’re stepping inside of one of our homes, complete with cowboy boots and cacti!

HOUSTON: Located in Houston, our River Oaks store is outfitted in pink leopard-print curtains, a fuchsia upholstered sofa, and more glamorous finds.

WHO IS SHE?

L A.:

CALIFORNIA

It had long been a dream of ours to set up shop on the West Coast and we're thrilled to have a home on Melrose Place in Los Angeles.

PACIFIC PALISADES: Sunny Southern California comes to life at our second outpost in Los Angeles, complete with bamboo furniture, local photography, and vintage surfboards.

SAN FRANCISCO: Located on Fillmore Street, our store is filled with our favorite vintage finds, from Billy Baldwin chairs to Milo Baughman displays.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

41

and Gabriella Crespi rattan furniture, as well as a stone cof-

NEW YORK

fee table and Meg Braff wallpaper. Pink fabrics and vibrant

AMERICANA MANHASSET:

A vintage Moroccan carpet with tones of pink welcomes customers into a 1,300-square foot space filled with vintage

floral artwork throughout the store give it a light and airy beach vibe.

furniture, leopard print accents and custom brass and copper hanging fixtures.

NANTUCKET:

COMING SOON

Our 1,869-square foot store has a beach bungalow vibe,

MADISON AVENUE: Our Upper East Side store instantly transports you into the Veronica Beard world – think leopard print couches, Turkish kilim rugs, antique mirrors and work from our favorite artists.

complete with a vintage seashell encrusted coffee table and mirrors, vintage surfboards, Pindler pink tie dye drapes, rattan accents and beautifully tiled floors. A picturesque front garden with a white picket fence makes it feel like true Nantucket!

GREENE STREET: In one of our favorite NYC neighborhoods, the SoHo store highlights our love for interior design and art while capturing the eclectic mix of our personalities.

BAL HARBOUR:

GREENWICH: The 2,328 square foot boutique is outfitted with rich fabrics including Schumacher florals, leopard and luxe emerald green velvet and will offer the brand’s full ready-to-wear,

FLORIDA

jeans, swimwear and footwear collections, including the iconic Dickey Jacket and feminine tailoring that make up

Our 1,800-square foot store features an eclectic mix of vintage fixtures including our signature Scout acrylic table

the Veronica Beard look. The store will also offer a selection of carefully curated third-party product.

On a personal note...

FAVORITE PIECE OF JEWELRY AND WHY

MORNING ROUTINE AND PRODUCTS VMB:

Joe’s Coffee, Vitamin C, Active

Argan cocktail of serums & oils, Dr. Denese Eye Serum

VSB: Illy Coffee with half-and-half, Seed

Probiotics, Berocca, Apple Cider Vinegar, Tammy Fender Rose Toner, Augustinus Bader Rich Cream

SIGNATURE SCENT VMB: Another 13 & Mousse de Chine by

Le Labo

VSB: Gypsy Water FAVORITE FLOWER VMB: Roses VSB: Gardenia, sweet peas

42

VMB:

My Love bracelets mixed with

warrior beads from my friend Staci Grodin & my Maasai bracelet from our trip to Africa last year.

VSB: A charm necklace from Foundrae

is my everyday talisman and my Brent Neale Gypsy ring.

FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE FALL COLLECTION VMB:

The plaid sequin suit—It’s the

FAVORITE INDULGENCE VMB: Opus One VSB: Pinons Pizza and Arethusa Farm ice cream

WHO ARE THEIR PERSONAL STYLE ICONS VMB: Kate Moss VSB: Carrie Bradshaw FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOT VMB: Unfair question! I have so many

ultimate menswear inspired sexy day to

favorites, but my heart is on the Amalfi

evening suit!

Coast!

VSB: Plaid puffer coat and paisley lurex maxi dress.

lily of The Valley and

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

VSB: Paris with my husband

1 4 5 B AY S H O R E L O O P | M O O R E S V I L L E , N C B AY C R O S S I N G | 4 B R | 4 . 1 B A | $ 1 , 7 4 9 , 0 0 0

Gorgeous waterfront home situated on the picturesque Lake Norman. Spacious, open floor plan features Chef’s Kitchen, Office/Study with lake views, gracious Master Suite with private balcony overlooking the rear yard and full basement with Media Room, Rec Area, Gathering Room, and built-in Kitchen/Bar Area. Outside enjoy the pool, outdoor patio, stone fire pit, or the dock for a front row seat to Lake Norman’s beautiful views.

MEREDITH TOMASCAK Broker/Realtor® 704-806-7650 meredith@hmproperties.com HMPROPERTIES.COM

JOSH TUCKER Broker/Realtor® 704-643-8323 joshtucker@hmproperties.com HMPROPERTIES.COM

culture

KELLY SWINDALL’S VINTAGE COUNTRY SOUND

Fits Just Right in

‘You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want’ Singer/songwriter Kelley Swindall is known for being a little bit Lucinda, perhaps a bit of Patsy, and a dash of Dolly. As she releases the title track

photo by Dave Doobinin

to her upcoming album, You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want (Velvet Elk Records), Swindall clearly demonstrates that she’s much more than a sum of those who have come before – the self-described “country cantadora” is blazing trails all her own.

Swindall didn’t start out with plans to be a country music star. The Atlanta, Georgia native moved to the bright

photo by Larry Niehues

photo by Dave Doobinin

lights of New York City to be a stage actress. A breakup and

“Darlin’” is a standout example of Swindall’s ability to

a heartbreak led to her writing a song to get revenge (a story

skillfully walk that line, kicking off the song with a spo-

that’s right out of a country song, itself) – and the rest is

ken-word warning that’s so Dolly-esque, listeners will find

history.

themselves doing an audio double-take. As she moves into

The result is an album that’s full of honest songwriting

the chorus, the song opens up in all directions – emotional

that’s at once a raw journey through the ups and downs of

barriers dropping, Swindall’s voice soaring, and the warm

life and love as it is a wildly exuberant joyride. Timeless

embrace of instruments and harmonies swirling as the love-

and classic with an edge, each song feel as comforting as

for-the-moment anthem unfolds.

a vintage T-shirt while maintaining an exciting newness.

It’s a fitting title track to a debut album that shows off the

Swindall deftly brings best elements of outlaw country and

many sides to this rising star who defies genres, even if she is

seasons them with vintage jazz and blues for a true roots

quite a bit country. You might call Kelley Swindall “Darlin’,”

experience.

but certainly don’t try and put her in a box.

44

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

TUNE IN

2020 AMERICAN TOUR gramming defined cultural hegemony—and sometimes defied it. With the introduction of the internet, personal computers, and smartphones, we have become isolated and no longer come together as families to take in a shared media experience. In the 21st century, social media replaced television as our cultural compass and it, too, has been a powerful arbiter of taste and action, simultaneously spreading outlandish conspiracy theories and mobilizing a nation to conf Tune in is a creative initiative fabricated by artists at the

ront 400 years of institutionalized racism. The quarantine

Art Factory which seeks to focus a spotlight on our most

of 2020 has now pulled us back together in our homes and

valuable cultural assets; our artists and museums which

around our TV’s as a family again.

have been devastatingly impacted by the 2020 Pandemic.

The viewer may contemplate to what extent our society

The project will center around an outdoor multimedia diora-

has changed over the last generation and where it will evolve

ma created by artist Rick Lazes titled “Tune in” which will

in the future. Technology has grown exponentially, but, have

be exhibited in f ront of ten US museums commencing at the

we made as many strides socially and politically? What is

Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC on July 9, 2020.

reality and are we conscious of what ideologies we are in-

The Art Factory is composed of a group of artists who col-

ternalizing f rom the bombardment of images and headlines

laborate in several different mediums including sculpture,

we take in and scroll through every day? . As the sociolo-

painting, film, and theater. The mission of the Art Factory

gist Marshall McLuhan observed: “Any technology gradually

is to highlight voices that have been historically underrepre-

creates a totally new human environment. Environments are

sented in the art world.

not passive wrapping but active processes.”

Tune in is a multidimensional diorama designed to en-

Have we “tuned out” to the intimacies of personal inter-

courage the audience to question how we understand and

action as a result of our preoccupation with an alternative

experience our history, reality, social equality, and personal

digital reality? Perhaps it is time to tune out the distraction

relationships with each other and media technology.

of the static emanating f rom the internet and social media.

Six vintage TV screens make up the Tune in installation

Have we become isolated f rom our neighbors and is it time

within which a collage of video content is displayed that has

to turn back to our core values and to reconnect with our

been mined f rom hundreds of hours of TV programs f rom

families, f riends, and neighbors to create a society that is

the ’50s and 60’s. These video clips come together and break

more inclusive?

away in sequence to create a digital collage that is meant to catalyze thought.

“Tune in” seeks to start a conversation around the television again.

During the pandemic, many of us are waxing for a return to normalcy, however, the reality is that it is unlikely that things will fully return to the way they were prior to quarantine. The good news is that we can create an even brighter fu-

In the early years of radio and then TV, electronic media

ture, one that is better for all of us, more fair and equitable,

brought us together in living rooms across the nation for a

more diverse, and more inclusive better for all races, ethnic-

shared experience. We soaked in the utopian content. Often

ities, and genders. Perhaps if we “tune in” to being present

dismissed as mind-numbing entertainment, television pro-

we can heal some of the divisiveness that has plagued our Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

45

culture society and bring people together the way that television brought families together in the 50’s and 60s. As the sculpture finds balance within its own construction; it asks us if we can find a balance in our lives and blend the pros and cons of media and technology.

ARTISTS IN QUARANTINE™:

A FILM ABOUT AMERICAN CREATIVITY DURING THE 2020 PANDEMIC

American artists, musicians and other creative individuals who live in the in the 10 cities that we travel to. Despite

During each exhibition, Lazes and his co-director Aaron

uncertainty and economic hardship Americans have found

Atkinson will work with participating curators to interview

creative inspiration and innovative ways to engage with the

and film local artists and other creative individuals in each

public. Despite the pandemic disruption, American artists

city to document how they are using their creativity to bring

continue to hone their craft alone in their homes and stu-

hope and inspiration to others.

dios. Some do so in anticipation of better times when cul-

As stay-at-home orders are gradually lifting across the

tural institutions re-open and the arts market reemerges,

nation and the economic impact of the pandemic crisis be-

some to soothe and comfort their anxieties, and others want

gins to settle in, artists across America are spinning beauty

to document this unprecedented moment in world history.

from bleakness. Artists in Quarantine™: American Creativ-

Artist, film director, and producer, Rick Lazes has teamed

ity During the 2020 Pandemic is a documentary film about

up with filmmaker Aaron Atkinson who will travel to ten US cities to interview artists, musicians and other creative individuals who are sequestered in their homes and studios trying to deal with the 2020 pandemic in the only way they know how - making ART. The documentary film gives us an inside look at artists working in all types of media, and their experiences adjusting to the realities of isolation and social distancing as they create new works, revisit unfinished pieces, and experiment with innovative materials and techniques. Lazes’ documentary will capture artists and other creative individuals adapting to the constraints of quarantine, as they collaborate with other creatives via Zoom and Skype, posts on Instagram, and live stream on social media.

Artists in Quarantine™ highlights the innovation and creativity of artistic expression, and the power of art to heal and give hope to our nation along with the cultural background that we encounter in each city that is included in the tour.

Cinematographer; Aaron Atkinson

46

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

RICK LAZES ARTIST, FILMMAKER AND INVENTOR Rick Lazes’ professional career spans Lazes at "Paper Dolls" opening at the Cornell Art Museum

multiple industry sectors. He holds

patents for several innovative environmentally-friendly technologies, including the “Auto Boom” which has become the gold standard to combat offshore oil spills worldwide.

In the entertainment industry, Rick has promoted hundreds of concerts and live music festivals and produced TV shows for HBO and Cinemax. He recently directed and pro-

CULTURAL COSTS OF THE 2020 PANDEMIC Museums, art galleries, and performance venues have

duced, Tough Love, a documentary film about heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis, that examines the question: “who do we revere as our heroes?” The film is narrated by Dr. Dre and premiered at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. https://deadline.com/video/lennox-lewis-black-lives-matter-documentary-movie-tough-love/ Lazes

has

been

creating sculptures

been closed since early spring. These organizations are fi-

for

four

decades.

nancially stressed and the artists who rely on these institu-

He works in various

tions for inspiration and exhibition space are

mediums including

deeply affected. While these essential cultural institutions

marble, wood, plas-

are trying to understand in real- time what “the new normal”

ter, aluminum, steel,

will be, they are scrambling to adapt by using social media

and Plexiglass, often

and online technologies to provide educational content to

building his

schools and arts programming to their communities. While

custom

the federal government is bailing out airlines, cruise ship

for his novel process-

companies, banks, and restaurants, we are neglecting our

es. His most recent series, Paper Dolls is currently on display

most valuable assets that preserve our creative heritage; our

at the Cornell Art Museum and the Georges Berges Gallery

museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions that have

in Berlin.

lost over $2 billion since the pandemic began.

own

machinery Lazes and Dr. Dre collaborating on "Tough Love" film

You can see more of Rick’s art work at www.RickLazes.com.

To contact the artist: RLazes@gmail.com Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

47

culture

WINDY O’CONNOR

ART Windy O’Connor marries the best of both worlds with her skill as an abstract artist and her background in design.

Her works are as equally inspired by the latest Gucci photoshoot as they are by her walks on Bald Head Island, and her “Chica” series is how Windy communicates the beauty she sees in every person around her through color and abstraction.

I ASKED WENDY WHO ARE HER BIGGEST INFLUENCES? My inspiration is constantly changing. I am most inspired by observing art and artists! I learn so much from standing in front of an amazing work of art in a museum or gallery. This year I had the pleasure of going to Art Basel as a member of the Mint Museum acquisitions committee. It was an incredible experience as an art collector and painter. Discovering artists from all over the world and studying different applications and techniques was beyond inspiring.

48

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

I AM PERSONALLY IN LOVE WITH YOUR CHICA SERIES, HOW DID THIS EVOLVE? The Chica evolved from a commission I completed for a designer for a showhouse. The initial inspiration came from a wonderful actress from the forties and fifties, Carmen Miranda. I took that painting to Highpoint Market and had a list of commissions for her after that show. I realized people found a personal connection to the art that they collect.

They were interested in something that evoked personality.

My collectors recognized the strength and powerful energy of the female form. The series grew organically. My best guess is the growth came from our desire to connect with one another through art. Everyone has a unique and special story. I have the pleasure of sharing parts of those stories from all of the women in the world that inspire me on a daily basis. What an incredible gift and honor. I am grateful everyday for the opportunity to use my creativity in my life’s work. I hope that I can somehow inspire a someone to follow their dreams and passions.

IS THERE A PARTICULAR ARTIST THAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE ART? WHOSE TECHNIQUES DO YOU STUDY OR ADMIRE? The works of artists from the Abstract Expressionist Movement such as Cy Twombley, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, and Joan Mitchell make me swoon! The mixed media work of Sheila Hicks, Holly Coulis, and Kim Simonsson make me want to test new mediums and genres.

The ceramic works of Simone Leigh, Tessa Eastman, Regine Bechtler, and Katsuyo Aoki blow my mind and make me want to purchase a kiln! The opportunity to experience creations from around the world and throughout North Carolina offers me beautiful insights and a new way of thinking and creating that is invaluable.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

49

culture CONCEPTUAL ARTIST

STEPHEN WILSON

Conceptual artist Stephen Wilson's street-education of textile-based techniques began with a freelance career in New York's garment industry of the 90s. His mĂŠtier quickly grew into a multifaceted studio art practice, with Wilson's skill in digitized-embroidery at the core of his technique.

Employing embroidery, painting, 3D printing, photography, sculpture and more, Wilson's mixed-media assemblages are

unique explorations of contemporary themes. His pieces often contain millions of embroidery stitches and take hundreds of hours to create.

From his studio located in Charlotte, North Carolina, a former mill town and textiles hub, Wilson aims to evoke ques-

tions about appropriation, conspicuous consumption and brand worship. His work has been exhibited in diverse locales from the Lincoln Center to the atelier of fashion-house Brunello Cucinelli, and is found in galleries, museums and private collections worldwide.

Luxe is enamored with his latest Talisman Collection.

"By definition a talisman is an object that someone believes holds magical properties that provide particular power, energy, and specific benefits to the possessor. I've always been drawn to symbols, objects and what they represent. They've been in my work over the last 6 years. These symbols are found in fashion brands, jewelry, are from different religions, belief structures and disciplines over centuries be-

50

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

If I was going to classify my art into a category it would be a conceptual textile artist. I combine textiles and thread with mediums not often associated with fine art. I embroider and stitch through cardboard boxes as well as other recycled materials and use techniques like collage, assemblage, 3D printing and paint to complete my dimensional pieces.

WHICH CURRENT ART WORLD TRENDS ARE YOU FOLLOWING? I am enjoying the mash-up of styles. Mixing high and low, formal and casual, mixing different design periods, classic cause they are empowering. While I've used symbols for love or a butterfly for metamorphosis, I dug deeper for the talisma designs while still maintaining my aesthetic and visual identity. Maybe it was being sheltered inside for 2 months

with modern. I think by mixing styles you can create different looks. A classic damask stitched in neon colors elicits a different response than when it is stitched in traditional colors.

and having more time for reflection? There are symbols for passion, true love, protection, resilience, as well as icons like the butterfly, Hamsa and bee. They're not new to my work, I simply created a new narrative." says Stephen. We had the opportunity to ask Stephen a few questions surrounding his work.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES Since I come from a background in fashion and textiles, my influences have always been more fashion driven. I have always admired the fashion houses that blurred the lines between fashion and art. Alexander McQueen was a huge influence on my work as well as Dior, and of course most recently Gucci. My goal as an artist has always been to honor and amplify my experience as a textile and embroidery designer through my creations, blurring the lines between an artist and artisan.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

51

Burberry: The New Classic

by Sharon Jane | @itssharonjane

Photo courtesy of Burberry

Burberry - forever recognized as the epitome of timeless British fashion excellence, a brand tailored for royalty and introduced the trench coat along with many other silhouettes of outerwear that to this day withstand the test of time. Durable, dependable and a trailblazer is something Burberry has always stood for.

52

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Photo courtesy of Burberry

Initiative, to being the first to have a see-now buy-now collection, in which runway looks were immediately available for purchase.

It only made sense to appoint Riccardo Tisci (formerly Givenchy’s Creative Director) as Burberry’s new Chief Creative Officer in March 2018. Fashion’s favorite gothic style connoisseur has always had the gift of creating collections that moved crowds. His romantic language transcends his designs and is understood and loved by many. We were given what we expected and far more when we first set eyes on Tisci’s inauguration collection (for Spring/Summer 2019). Right off the bat, we saw some of the loved Burberry staple silhouettes revamped with Tisci’s touch of sharp tailoring, waist-cinching belts, and even introducing a new TB (Thomas Burberry) logo designed by Peter Saville.

If Thomas Burberry were alive today, I am sure he would be pleased to see Burberry continue its role as luxurious clothing designed for the

Photo courtesy of Burberry

Thomas Burberry founded Burberry in 1856 to protect Brits from bleak weather conditions. Thomas, with his brilliant mind, invented gabardine in 1879 which is a hardy yet lightweight and flexible material (very unlike what was used

fearless visionaries that without hesitation are ready to leave their mark in the world. 2020’s collections did just that under Riccardo Tisci’s untamed direction:

Photo courtesy of Burberry

at the time for rain). Dr. Fridtjof Nansen was the first polar explorer to wear gabardine in his unforgettable expedition to the Arctic Circle in 1893. Like this, Burberry continued to be a suit of armor for explorers, globetrotters, soldiers, ruling class royalty, artists and athletes of great notoriety, record-breakers, and all of those that were born with a destiny to make history and rewrite the future. Throughout Burberry’s narrative, the brand always lived out its original logo which included the Latin word Prorsum meaning “forwards”. The British label continued to lead the trek to being a pioneer of movements throughout the years, from being the first luxury brand to take part of the Ethical Trading Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

53

form

RESORT 2020

Mary-Janes,

and a print that was made from a wall

Burberry has celebrated globetrotters for over a century,

Tisci displayed for

so why not continue to do so? Riccardo Tisci has a vision

people to come in

to tell the world that Burberry isn’t just “British cool” but

and write on. The

“Global cool.” With every age group and style in mind, Re-

glamour girls were

sort 2020 gave us a potpourri of looks for the hypebeast, the

not

elegance aficionado, and all styles in between. It is clear that

course, as we saw

Burberry’s new direction is to cater and reflect the world’s

a red carpet ready

forgotten

of

diversity, even within Burberry’s regular consumers (and even attract new potential fans).

Photo courtesy of Burberry

look like a cross-backed high-slit gown paired with silver fringed pumps.

Photo courtesy of Burberry

SPRING/SUMMER READY-TO-WEAR 2020 For the Spring/Summer collection, we saw how the perfect alchemy of Tisci’s style and Burberry’s DNA can make magic together. The more Tisci incorporates his piquant Italian philosophy,

sensual

draping science, fearless cutting techniques, and modern fabric architecture into Burber-

Photo courtesy of Burberry

ry, the more explosive the chemistry becomes.

As a brand that began with a dream to partake in the grand-

Adding to that Tisci’s

est expeditions, Burberry today will awaken this dream once

skill to make collections

again by becoming a brand loved by many across the world.

For Burberry Resort 2020, we saw Tisci’s love for street style featuring cheetah print bucket hats, blinged out plat-

54

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

that enchant a diverse Photo courtesy of Filippo/gorunaway.com

audience, makes this new era of Burberry all

Summer 2020. Thomas was only 21 years old when he founded Burberry and he was always invested in inventing fabrics and improving clothing’s purpose. Additionally, Burberry emerged during the Gothic Victorian era and it

Photo courtesy of Burberry

is known that Riccardo Tisci is an expert and fan of this era. BurberPhoto courtesy of Filippo/gorunaway.com

ry’s heritage was seen throughout the collec-

tion from seeing Victorian lace silhouettes to the renown check being still present but reimagined.

Photo courtesy of Burberry

the more exciting. When Riccardo Tisci took the reins, he came with a vision of not just embracing Burberry’s “Britishness” but also recognizing a globalizing world with increasingly globalized citizens that are inspired by their ever-varying surroundings.

In this collection we saw how Tisci is expanding

Burberry

by

PRE-FALL 2020 Continuing the concept of a Burberry for the world is one that does not seek out only one theme but instead includes a motley of signature pieces that rewires preconceived thoughts of what works together. From English countryPhoto courtesy of Burberry/Vogue.com

introducing sportswear, eveningwear, and a wide array of materials, cuts and prints never seen before. With more harmony

in

assimilating

youthfulness into simple elegance, we start to Photo courtesy of Filippo/gorunaway.com

see how Burberry’s DNA is being rewritten and forming a new signature

overall look that is expected of a luxury label of its caliber.

Tisci was very much inspired by Thomas Burberry from the very beginning of his reign and this was also seen for Spring/ Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

55

FALL/WINTER READY TO WEAR 2020-21

side-inspired camel toned ponchos to colorblocked puffer jackets, this Pre-Fall is a faultless juxtaposition of unexpected looks we didn’t know we wanted to

A newfound calm was in the air for Fall/Winter 2020-21

see. Featuring the retro TB

with Tisci presenting a more relaxed collection that was qui-

logo print, Gen Z-inspired

etly bold and spiritually centered. The relationship between

sans serif neon typography

Burberry’s historic and proper “Britishness” and Riccardo

graphics, sustainable clas-

Tisci’s unencumbered fearlessness reached a new level of harmony. We saw Burberry’s signature staples - rugby polos, checks, trench coats and outerwear in general - elegantly Photo courtesy of Alessandro Lucioni/ gorunway.com

Photo courtesy of Burberry/Vogue.com

sic Burberry check jackets, sky-high latex boots, delicately lined minimalistic suits, and activewear leotards and headgear, this collection is for you and you and you. It should also be noted that in Tiscis’s effort to make Burberry increasingly sustainable, the Photo courtesy of Burberry/Vogue.com

majority of the collection

was made with recycled fabrics and eco-friendly materials like Econyl which is regenerated nylon consisting of fibers made with waste like fabric scraps and fishing nets. reimagined. From a deconstructed

burgundy

and sunny yellow rugby polo transformed into a corset and looped collar sweater duo to a chocolate

double-layered

3-Dimensional

coat,

the collection promised to be a crowd pleas-

Photo courtesy of Alessandro Lucioni/gorunway.com

er for nostalgic Burberry fans and experimental visionaries alike. Tisci showed us that Burberry can have its classic Brit-preppines done Photos courtesy of Burberry/Vogue.com

56

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

glamorously a la Tisci. Keeping his promise to bring more

Photo courtesy of Alessandro Lucioni/ gorunway.com

Photo courtesy of Alessandro Lucioni/ gorunway.com

evening wear to Burberry, we also saw

Photo courtesy of Alessandro Lucioni/ gorunway.com

dramatic floor-length coats, romantic empire-lined dresses with delicate chiffon details, and a figure-hugging architectural sequin gown.

Burberry is evident that it will become more globalized, daring enough to uncover areas never seen before, as well as increasingly become a more socially responsible and sustainable powerhouse.

In Tisci’s hands and with Thomas BurbPhoto courtesy of Alessandro Lucioni/gorunway.com

erry’s spirit evermore present, Burberry

is now the advent calendar of luxury labels, welcoming us with unexpected and adored gifts every season … and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

The future of Burberry is bright, and like the sea, much of it is yet unexplored.

We hope to see Burberry continue its expedition to being the captain of its discoveries and calm storms of important issues through the power of fashion.

Much like the explorers of yesterday, the explorers of today will continue to wear Burberry on their backs for their journeys in the effort to keep the world moving forward.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

57

SPACE FOR GIANTS

by Lexi Bowes-Lyon

Space for Giants grew out of academic research in the early 2000s into how elephants in Kenya were adapting to increasingly human landscapes. From that, it’s expanded to focus today on protecting elephants and their habitats across Africa. We’re still based in northern Kenya but operate now in nine countries that together are home to 80% of the continent’s remaining elephants.

We work to keep elephants safe from the illegal wildlife trade by training specialist conservation rangers and supporting stronger judicial action against suspected poachers. We’re increasingly focused on demonstrating the economic value of a preserved landscape, through bringing the benefits of tourism, perhaps, or carbon credits, to local people. When harming the environment harms incomes too, there’s that extra incentive to protect it.

58

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

59

WHY ELEPHANTS? They’re the keystone species in many ecosystems, so if you protect them, you protect all the rest, too. Their incredibly complex and nurturing social structures are maintained through sophisticated communication. Now more than ever, isn’t essential to our own societies whilst we are on lockdown to remember how important trusted information is? Elephant behavior can be a reminder of how kindness is key and that it is imperative for us to look after each other. A

society where we revere the elderly and learn from them will enable us to make smarter long term decisions in the interest of wider society.

But it’s not just the species; it is their habitats, too. Africa holds a third of the planet’s biodiversity, a quarter of its mammal species and a third of its bird species. It contains some of the last intact terrestrial megafauna migrations and natural river systems, as well as the second biggest carbon basin after the Amazon. How African ecosystems are protected and their biodiversity conserved is clearly a priority for our attempts to deal with the climate crisis and the collective health of humanity, as well as all the other species that share the planet with us. If protected, these ecosystems will also prevent the wildlife they contain being thoughtlessly traded and consumed, helping to prevent another Covid-19 crisis.

WHAT IS THE LINK BETWEEN COVID-19 AND CONSERVATION? It is critical to remember we are in this situation because we have exploited Earth’s last remaining natural ecosystems where we capture or kill wild animals to supply highly lucrative international illegal trades in their parts, that includes tusks and horns but also meat.

60

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

We now know this has exposed us to the deadliest of dis-

years. In Space for Giant’s ‘backyard’ in northern Kenya a

eases including HIV, Ebola, SARS and now COVID-19. The

big bull was found dead with its tusks removed a month

more we interfere with nature, the greater the chance of

ago in a place that used to be a poaching hotspot but where

these zoonotic diseases jumping from animals to humans.

there’d been a huge drop until recently. There’s no direct

If ever there was a reason to take action to protect Earth’s

data yet saying, “this is because of Covid-19”, but we’re hear-

remaining natural ecosystems, it is now.

ing lots of anecdotal reports: elephants, rhinos, lions, giraffe,

HOW IS COVID-19 AFFECTING CONSERVATION?

antelope: all sorts of animals at greater risk. Why? Because the loss of tourism revenue has reduced security patrols, and safari tourists and their guides are also not on the ground, reducing the ‘eyes and ears’ in a reserve even further.

A huge proportion of funding for conservation in Africa comes thanks to tourism. Certain wildlife reserves where Space for Giants operates are looking at holes in their budgets of 60% or more, as the global travel shutdown continues. The risk is that poachers will take advantage.

There were reports recently of six elephants poached in Ethiopia, where they’ve not seen poaching for years and

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

61

HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP? To lose ground now would put us back years. As a result, Space for Giants has set up a crisis fund to cover the core costs of their conservation programs and to plug the gaps that the loss of tourism has left. Please donate here (link: http:// spaceforgiants.org/support-us/) to support (Space for Giants USA is a registered nonprofit). We would be very interested to discuss other ongoing or new work, as well. Please write to me at lexi@spaceforgiantsusa.org to learn more about the critical work that Space for Giants is doing.

As such, the task of monitoring and patrolling vast swaths of land now rests solely on rangers. Their jobs are becoming more difficult, dangerous and crucial to the survival of these already endangered animals. Space for Giants is raising money with our #AHealthyEarth campaign to help plug the gaps that the pandemic is opening up in financing of key programmes and operations, including maintaining frontline protection. The illegal wildlife trade networks will surely pounce if they see that security dipping.

WHAT MIGHT CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS LEARN FROM COVID-19?

Whilst tourism is a key source of revenue, it’s clear conservation cannot continue to rely on it. Space for Giants working to diversify the range of nature-based businesses driving dividends to local people. Carbon opportunities are one such expansion. The work Space for Giants does across the landscapes where they operate ensures their ongoing protection, allowing them to continue to sequester carbon.

62

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Lexi Bowes-Lyon is Director of Philanthropy at the international conservation organisation Space for Giants.

Covid-19 is having a devastating impact on work to protect Africa’s remaining wildlife and their habitats, she tells LUXE.

LOCAL MARKET EXPERTISE, TAILORED SERVICE, CHRISTIE’S CREDIBILITY. UNDER CONTRACT

LONGVIEW | WAXHAW

LONGVIEW | WAXHAW

LONGVIEW | WAXHAW

405 Eagle Bend Drive MLS 3589042 | $1.725 M

8513 Longview Club Drive MLS 3581687 | $1.695 M

8812 Thornbury Place MLS 3548577 | $1.299 M UNDER CONTRACT

CARMEL ESTATES WEST

HIGHGATE | WEDDINGTON

LONGVIEW | WAXHAW

5921 Masters Court MLS 3618461 | $1.995 M

3018 Kings Manor Drive MLS 3607317 | $1.017 M

201 Oakmont Lane MLS 3589624 | $2.295 M

SOLD

SOLD

HIGHGATE | WEDDINGTON

SKYECROFT | WAXHAW

WOODHALL | WAXHAW

8000 Wicklow Hall Drive MLS 3626977 | $1.3 M

7924 Skye Lochs Drive Closed representing buyer

2710 Crane Road Closed representing seller

UNDER CONTRACT

Questions about buying or selling a home in today’s market?

Call me today for a complimentary consultation!

Lisa McCrossan 704.620.0328 LisaM@IvesterJackson.com IvesterJackson.com

NEW GAUGED PORCELAIN The look of real Marble with the durability of tile.

QUARTZ PACKAGES

GRANITE PACKAGES

11220 Mt. Holly Huntersville Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078

1146 Biscayne Drive Concord, NC 28027

STARTING AT $1,999 980-221-2939

STARTING AT $1,599

PORCELAIN • GRANITE • QUARTZ Call for more information.

704-727-4340

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A FREE ESTIMATE WITH OUR SALES PROFESSIONAL OR STOP IN OUR SHOWROOM. INSTALLATION ONLY TAKES 1 DAY! FINANCING AVAILABLE ALL MATERIALS, LABOR AND TAXES INCLUDED

www.porcelainslabcompany.com ASK US ABOUT PLUMBING RECONNECTS, TILE SERVICES, BATHROOM REMODELS, KITCHEN CABINETS, FIREPLACES & MORE!

THE

EXCLUSIVE

The top names showcasing some of the best addresses.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

65

THE EXCLUSIVE

L

LISA McCROSSAN

IVESTER JACKSON/CHRISTIE’S Why are people choosing the Carolinas to live?

We are seeing more people moving to the Carolinas, not only because of the affordability of the cost of living here but because of the proximity of airports that make business and vacation travel so easy. Many people who come to visit Charlotte, NC comment on how clean and new the city is.

Charlotte is a banking center but has job opportunities outside of the banks. Meantime South Carolina offers beautiful beaches and low taxes. Both states have a vibrant economy and root for the Panthers!

The restaurant scenes in both states rival those of New York city.

What can sellers do to improve their home’s curbside appeal?

I recently sold a home in mere hours before it went onto the MLS. I wish more sellers would listen to their agents because we are out

8513 Longview Club Dr., Charlotte NC

66

in the field and know what buyers want. This seller listened: he planted flowers and refreshed the mulch, enhancing the curb appeal.

He agreed to paint the kitchen and master bathroom cabinets, paint the majority of the house a neutral color and update the light fixtures.

These changes transformed the house and translated into a full price offer and a quick sale. The curb appeal and the work ahead of time translates into a quick sale, and in some cases multiple offers over list price. I work hard for my clients behind the scenes to make the whole process seamless and effortless.

To what lengths will you go for your clients?

There are no days off when it comes to my clients. I have a loving husband, three kids and two dogs, and I always pick up the phone or answer a text when a client reaches out. I’ve been guiding buyers and selling luxury real estate for more than 6 years now and I’ve seen it all. I’ve donned a beekeeper suit to help remove honey bees from an attic, I’ve cleaned up after dogs, I’ve straightened messy houses up before a showing, I’ve moved cars in and out of garages, I’ve made beds,

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

7 L Iv cleaned dishes, housed a puppy during a showing and I’ve supervised the work and crew that goes into prepping a home for staging and a quick sale. I learn something new in each transaction and always make a new friend.

Is there anything else we should know about the current market?

The current market in Charlotte NC is hot, hot, hot. I don’t have a crystal ball but Charlotte is the place to be right now. We are now the 15th most populated US city and have a lot to offer. During the Covid-19 shut down many people discovered that they can work from home and go into the office less.

Charlotte has a great international airport so folks can work from home here and commute to work weekly or monthly. It’s just a short drive to the NC and SC beaches and to Asheville, another highly desirable city. I’d love to help you find your dream home in Charlotte.

704.620.0328 LisaM@IvesterJackson.com IvesterJackson.com

THE EXCLUSIVE

LIN HUTAFF

PINEHURST REALTY GROUP Why are people choosing the carolinas to live?

What separates you from your competition?

First, we have been in the area since 1978. We know this area.

From the start, we focus on finding the right lifestyle for our clients…. the right Community. Whether our clients are looking for a single-family home, investment home, or luxury home we help them choose the right community. Our area has golfing communities, equestrian communities, Lake Communities and more. Second, we strive to delight our clients at every encounter. That means we go the extra mile and work tirelessly to provide the best possible experience throughout the process and the best possible outcome for every transaction. Third, we are proven and successful. We are in the top 1% of all Realtors year after year.

Lastly, our clients are “clients for life”. We introduce our buyers to the community after the purchase of their new home and we have annual gatherings for all of our clients. We stay in touch!

910.528.6427 lin@linhutaff.com www.linhutaff.com

The Carolinas are endowed with beautiful natural resources from the Mountains to the Coast. There are the majestic mountains and ocean beaches, as well as serene long leaf Pine Communities in between.

We enjoy a mild climate year-round for Golf and other outdoor activities. At the same time, there are four distinct seasons of the year.

There is a more affordable cost of living in the Carolinas and the housing market is certainly more affordable. Most importantly, I would say, people move here for our values and quality of life. We are all realizing that quality of life is more important than some of the other trappings of a larger city.

Do you expect the exodus to the carolinas to continue in 2021?

Yes. Our area continues to grow year after year and we do not see that changing. The Pinehurst area, as a whole, has seen a steady increase in population at a modest pace for years. According to the census data released last fall, between 2017 and 2018, an additional 1,148 people moved in – or about a 1.4 per cent increase overall. PEOPLE MOVE FROM ALL PARTS OF THE COUNTRY AND PURSWADE THEIR FRIENDS TO JOIN THEM. This creates a steady expansion. As well, The Historic nature of the area and

the World Class Golf and USGA tournaments have always been a draw to bring new people to the area. Although some recent years have been slower than others for Real estate Sales, THE POPULATION HAS ALWAYS CONTINUED TO GROW. Do you think the changes to showing and communicating during lockdown will shape the future of how you operate?

It will not change the future of how we operate at Lin Hutaff’s Pinehurst Realty Group. We have always used technology very effectively to showcase out homes and we will continue to do so. We regularly use professional online photography, videos, Drone photography, FaceTime etc. In the past, we also have had Buyers enter into contracts on homes “sight unseen”, so this is not new to us. As well, I do not see people turning exclusively to technology any time soon. People still want to view homes in person before completing the transaction to get the “feel” of the home.

315 N Beulah Hill Rd., Pinehurst NC

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

67

THE EXCLUSIVE

MAREN BRISSON-KUESTER HM PROPERTIES

Do you expect the exodus to the Carolinas to continue in 2021?

industry over the last 20 years is my age. Also, I am a native Charlottean and was raised in Charlotte and The exodus will definitely continue the surrounding areas which gives into the next decade. The Charme a unique knowledge of the lotte region is one of the fastest local history. Throughout the past growing urban centers in the countwo decades, I have held many try and will continue to build upon leadership roles on local, state and its expansion and offering every national levels and can provide amenity known to man. We also real estate related economic and Is there anything else we should have one of the largest airports political expertise to my clients and know about the current market? in the world and a well-planned their everyday transactions. Not The real estate market is in full swing!

My team to help whenever youYes, arewe ready a move. highway system. As residents cononly amisI ahere Broker/Realtor®, I am needto to make be watching the tinue to move here more and more also the Chief Operating Officer at trend of how Covid will impact frequently with corporate relocaHM Properties and help run one of unemployment and the economy UN D E R C O N T R AC T tions and now because of Covid, the most successful boutique firms in the coming months. I think we the Charlotte region will look very in the Charlotte region. This has will end up with a larger impact in different in a few years and our given me even more experience in the commercial sector rather than population will to grow exponenhow to successfully navigate every residential which at first pass may tially. possible thing that could go wrong not seem like a big deal. However, in the course of a transaction. In the commercial industry impacts addition, I am also the President every aspect of our lives so it is What separates you from your of NC Realtors® which has over definitely something we need to competition?

47,000 Realtor® members in the watch. I think where people choose State of North Carolina. I love all to live is going to change as well.

I think my unique perspective my roles and believe the experiIf residents continue to move out 26 M in AL O real N Eestate WAY 2 2 3 from C R OY D of o urban N RO AD # 20 4 with all 6my roles the ence and knowledge 2 gained centers into suburban and 4 B R | 4 . 1 B A | $ 1 , 3 5 0 , 0 0 0 | M A L O N E B AY 2 B R | 3 . 1 B A | $ 1 , 0 1 2 , 5 0 0 | M Y E R S PA R K each over the years is the rural areas then states and cities most unique and best aswill need to move quickly to build U N D E R C O N T R A C T set I can offer my clients. up the infrastructure system to accommodate the expansion.

M O V I N G F O RWA R D

1417 S. Wendover Rd.,, Charlotte NC

1 4 1 7 S WE N D OVE R ROAD

3 BR | 3.1 BA | $998,0 0 0 | IDLEWO OD

68

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

3 61 0

704.287.7072 maren@hmproperties.com S H A R O N HMPROPERTIES.COM RIDGE LANE

5 B R | 4 B A | $ 9 3 9, 9 0 0 | S H A R O N R I D G E E S TAT E S

HM PROPERTIES To what lengths will you go for your clients?

Well, that is a great question. I will do anything that is not illegal or crazy. :) Why are people choosing the Carolinas to live?

Temperate climate with all four seasons, reasonable cost of living, easy lifestyle

Do you expect the exodus to the Carolinas to continue in 2021?

Absolutely, especially with the COVID -19 situation. People will continue to leave crowded urban areas (NY City, Los Angeles. etc) for more land and more house for the money.

What do you enjoy most about working with a high end clientele?

Their sophistication and knowledge of the market and economy.

704.904.6279 peggypeterson@hmproperties.com HMPROPERTIES.COM

Do you think the changes in showing and communicating during lockdown will shape the future of how you operate?

What can sellers do to improve their home’s curbside appeal?

I will definitely be more aware of the potential to spread germs. I will also be hosting fewer Open Houses or Broker Events that encourage large groups in a small space.

Pressure wash, trim back overgrown plantings, add fresh mulch, plant seasonal annuals, limb up low lying trees and fresh paint if needed.

Is there anything else we should know about the current market?

How did you communicate with clients and co-workers during the lockdown?

Telephone, email, texting, social media and Zoom.

THE EXCLUSIVE

PEGGY PETERSON

Although the economist say that we are in a recession, after the Mecklenburg County Manager released her stay at home rules and diverted to the NC Governor’s rules, the housing market in the Charlotte Metro Area has taken back off. There is simply not enough supply for the buyers.

Y O U R R E A L E S TAT E C O N N E C T I O N What separates you from your competition?

Since my first day I have treated this job as an honorable profession and treat each client the way that I would expect to be treated.

FYI, I have high standards.

Lane, Charlotte, 7 8 1 2 B A L T U S R O L L A7812 N EBaltusrol IN Q UA I L HNC OLLOW

6 Volume B R | 44, . 1Issue B A 3| |6 www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com ,0 07 SQ F T | $1,225,0 00 69

THE EXCLUSIVE

MEREDITH TOMASCAK HM PROPERTIES

JOSH TUCKER HM PROPERTIES

What can sellers do to improve their home’s curbside appeal?

The curb appeal of a home is very

Do you expect the exodus to the carolinas to continue in 2021?

I do think it will continue. As New York and other densely populated states begin to open back up, I think we will see available inventory in those states increase. Several of my clients that have decided to move away from the city to Charlotte, need to sell in order to purchase. This may take some time, and I think we will see an increase well into 2021. – MT

important because it is often times the buyers first impression. I always recommend having windows and gutters professionally cleaned.

Power washing sidewalks and porches is also a good idea. Larger items include, painting the exterior and/or shutters. Replacing the front door and switching out exterior lighting can completely change the look of a home. – MT Why are people choosing the Carolinas to live?

I think the Carolinas, specifically the Charlotte Metro, gives people a lot of options, which is important for today’s lifestyle. Charlotte recently surpassed San Francisco as the 15th largest city in the country so it gives people a lot of lifestyle options that you might find in one of the larger cities but it still has a smaller feel and offers that “southern living” lifestyle that so many crave. It is also a rather short commute from Charlotte to our Carolina beaches or the

Shore 4 5 B AY 145 S HBay OR E LLoop, O O Mooresville, P | M O ONC RESVILLE, NC B AY C R O S S I N G | 4 B R | 4 . 1 B A | $ 1 , 7 4 9 , 0 0 0

70

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

mountains, so you get the best of both worlds. – JT What do you enjoy most about working with a high end clientele?

HM Properties is a locally owned boutique brokerage, but we are large enough to gather attention in the national spotlight. We have great local, regional, national and global partnerships and support our communities. I personally focus a lot on sports and entertainment clients. Having had an 11 year career in NASCAR prior to real estate has allowed me to understand the sporting world, how athletes operate, what their schedules are like and how they think. Whether representing buyer or seller clients I know that loyalty and discretion are at the utmost importance. – JT

MT - 704.806.7650 JT - 704.643.8323 meredith@hmproperties.com joshtucker@hmproperties.com HMPROPERTIES.COM

THE EXCLUSIVE

BRIDGET GRAVES HM PROPERTIES

Do you expect the exodus to the Carolinas to continue in 2021?

Why are people choosing the Carolinas to live?

Because companies are moving to the Carolinas and bringing workers with them. Also because the Carolinas have a mild climate while still having four seasons. The cost of living is much lower than in the Northeast and the west coast.

Both states allow easy access with short flights to many cities up and down the East coast, the Caribbean and the Midwest. And, it’s contagious…the more people who move to the Carolinas and love the quality of life, the more people they tell about it and encourage others to move here as well. I’ve lived in many, many different places and once I got to Charlotte, I realized I didn’t want to move anywhere else. I live in Charlotte but travel frequently to Asheville, Raleigh, Charleston, SC and Greenville, SC. I truly love the Carolinas as do so many others..

704.560.2311 bridgetgraves@hmproperties.com HMPROPERTIES.COM

Absolutely! Our cities continue to have strong job growth and that attracts the workers and it attracts the parents of those workers who want to settle near family and grandchildren. The “Adult” communities in both states are exploding and expected to continue that growth for the next few years.

What do you enjoy most about working with a high end clientele?

I appreciate the trust and the loyalty. Excellence attracts excellence and the high end clients, while mindful of budgets, don’t choose whom they work with based on a fraction of a %. They know that very often you get what you pay for. They expect results and they demand superior service. Top produces in real estate aren’t “lucky”, we work hard at it every single day.

To what lengths will you go for your clients?

I go to GREAT lengths for my clients as all excellent agents do. I’d hate to make a list of examples and give my current clients any ideas of the crazy things I will do to get the job done and done well. It’s all part of providing superior client service. Buying and selling doesn’t have to be stressful, adversarial or unpleasant. It should be a smooth, organized, efficient (maybe even enjoyable) experience and a win-win for everyone.

8690 Henry Harris Rd., Indian Land, SC

8 6 9 0 H E N R Y H A R R I S R O A D | I N D I A N L A N D, S C Volume 4,5Issue www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com B R | 33 .|1 B A | 3 , 6 2 1 S Q F T | $ 9 9 9 , 0 0 071 Gracious Southern-style home on 12 private, gated acres. Shopping and dining just

THE EXCLUSIVE

SUSAN DOLAN

IVESTER JACKSON/CHRISTIE’S Why are people choosing the Carolinas to live?

People of all ages are flocking to the Carolinas. The climate, geography, local economy and cost of living are a huge drawl. Charlotte is always voted one of the top areas to relocate. Charlotte was just ranked as one of the top areas that Millenials are choosing to relocate.

Many buyers come to the Carolinas to buy a second home on one of our many lakes or to retire full time.

The Carolinas truly offer something for everyone. It is a great place to live.

Do you expect the exodus to the Carolinas to continue in 2021?

I see 2021 to continue the current trend in sales. Inventory is extremely low and there are a lot of buyers out there looking for homes and ready to buy. The Metro Charlotte luxury market over $2M has seen a huge uptick with

8236 Baypoint Dr., Denver NC

72

out of state buyers coming from very urban areas wanting to escape to Lake Norman. Homes on Lake and homes with land and outdoor living areas and pools are also in high demand. Many buyers are wanting to escape the larger city’s and go to the suburbs. Over the last several years, urban living was a big trend. Now we are seeing a shift to buyers wanting to be back in the suburbs and more rural settings with acreage. I am also seeing a large number of buyers looking at second homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville, Blowing Rock, Cashiers, Boone are all seeing an influx of second-home buyers that want to be able to “get away” to a more rural, quiet calm setting from their everyday lives.

What separates you from your competition and what are you willing to do for your clients?

I absolutely love helping people.

I was in Human Resources in the hospitality industry before going into Real Estate. I put my client’s interest first and foremost. I am a little bit overprotective when it comes to my clients.

Their goals are my goals.

My mission from the day I become their Realtor is to make their goal a reality. I am skilled at thinking outside the box and overcom-

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

ing obstacles. In Real Estate each transaction is completely different from the one before and you need to have a Realtor that can navigate rough waters when they arise. I have had clients say at the end of a transaction that they had no idea how difficult real estate can be and that they had a newfound respect for what Realtors actually do. That their perception of a Realtor just sticking a sign in the ground and putting their home into MLS was not at all what they experienced and they were grateful for my experience, negotiating skills and looking out for their best interest.

I am driven by doing an excellent job for my clients and their satisfaction that I met their goal. My business is 95% clients referrals so I must be doing something right.

That is what it is all about client satisfaction. I think that is what sets me apart from my competition as well.

704.560.7201 susand@IvesterJackson.com LKNhomesandliving.com

CHRISTIE’S CERTIFIED LUXURY SPECIALIST What can sellers do to improve their home’s curbside appeal?

Why are people choosing the Carolinas to live?

I live and and work in the gorgeous mountains of Western North Carolina. Folks flock to our area for our temperate climate and the surrounding natural playground, award winning restaurants, renowned craft breweries…really, what’s not to love? Asheville is a very manageable small city. People from larger cities are calling regularly because Asheville is finally “on the map” as many are discovering our gem of a city.

Interestingly, I find that many of the calls I’ve received lately are for large tracts of land. The dream of a mountain cabin with breathtaking long range views is becoming a reality for buyers looking for an escape from their busy lives, or looking to retire to a simpler life in a place that truly has it all.

828.301.3330 Kim@IvesterJacksonBlackStream.com KimGentryJustus.IvesterJackson BlackStream.com

Sellers should consider investing in professional landscaping to give the appearance of a maintenance free grounds (no one wants to imagine themselves beating back someone else’s weeds!) Make those planting beds appear effortless to care for. Freshen flower pots or potted plants flanking the door in advance of your first showing.

Don’t forget to clean any unsightly roof stains that may have cropped up. Sellers can achieve more money in a sale by spending a small amount upfront readying their homes for sale.

showings at an “agent accompany” listing. My selling clients are comforted by the fact that I am intimately familiar with their home, and that I make myself available to answer any questions that may arise. My feel dedication is the key to my success.

I have a background in art and design, so my extra effort comes in the form of staging my clients homes for sale. Today, I delivered accessories for the finishing touches in advance of an upcoming photo shoot. It really is all in thew presentation. Professional photos are a must. I make the investment.

To what lengths will you go for your clients?

I will do whatever it takes to get the job done! Listing a home can be stressful. Buying a home triggers stress as well. My secret is accessibility. I answer my phone. I get answers to questions. I let my clients know the status of their transaction and I will reschedule my day, rearranging my plans for the benefit of my clients. Just last week, I spent five hours at a luxury listing to accommodate multiple 488 Lambeth Walk, Asheville, NC

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

488 Lambeth Walk

73

THE EXCLUSIVE

KIM GENTRY JUSTUS

FURNITURE

•

CLOTHING

•

ACCESSORIES

Every Dog Has His Day 6815 F Phillips Place, Charlotte, NC 28210 | 704.335.1964

3386 GOVERNORS ISLAND DRIVE, DENVER NC $2,995,000 Prestigious gated Governors Island contemporary post and beam. This exceptional home is situated at the point of the island on a private .68 of an acre. The owners spared no expense on this sleek and sophisticated renovation. Boasting panoramic views for miles this sprawling estate is the epitome of elegance. Designed by the esteemed Randy Basselman with Greiwe Interior Design.

2810 CHERRY LANE, DENVER NC $2,995,000 Gracious Southern Manor located on the shores of Lake Norman.

This eloquent gated estate home offers panoramic views for miles.

Meticulously appointed with exquisite craftsmanship and finishes.

This home will delight absolutely everyone. This estate would also make a wonderful Bed and Breakfast or corporate retreat.

8236 BAYPOINT DRIVE | DENVER, NC | $2,895,000

2810 CHERRY LANE | DENVER, NC | $2,995,000

Exclusive private gated estate located on a peninsula lot.

Over 800 feet of waterfront.

Located on the shores of Lake Norman. This elegant gated estate home offers panoramic views for miles.

8236 BAYPOINT DRIVE | DENVER, NC | $2,895,000

2810 CHERRY LANE | DENVER, NC | $2,995,000

LD O S

Exclusive private gated estate located on a peninsula lot.

Over 800 feet of waterfront.

Located on the shores of Lake Norman. This elegant gated estate home offers panoramic views for miles.

LD O S

3524 GOVERNORS ISLAND DRIVE, DENVER NC $1,795,000

8236 BAYPOINT DRIVE, DENVER NC LISTED BY TIM MORSE PREMIER SOTHEBY’S $2,885,000

LISTED BY TIM MORSE PREMIER SOTHEBY’S

One of a kind exclusive. Mediterranian private gated estate. Located on a 2730 LAKE SHORE ROAD SOUTH | DENVER | $1,375,000 1.19-acre peninsula lot with 1100Hook linearthis feet of waterfront located the Inspired by the famed home is an edited replica on of his 2730 LAKE architect SHORE C.G. ROAD SOUTH | DENVER | $1,375,000 favorite design, The Estate of bywith the famed architect C.G.Wonderful Hook this home is Charlotte. an edited replica of his main Inspired channel views forVanLandingham miles. floorplan flows throughfavorite design, The VanLandingham Estate of Charlotte. out the home with over 1700 sq ft outdoor living areas. Perfect for those who value security and privacy.

h ha ar lr o L a kLea kNe oNr m l ottttee o ramna n• •CC

••

Grand Mediterranean Estate located on gated Governors Island. The moment you drive through the gates of this exclusive private island you will fall in love with the treelined streets and park-like setting. This 6047 sq ft 5 bedroom 5.5 bathroom grand estate offers an open floorplan with tons of windows hardwoods throughout all main living areas. Listed almost $200K under tax value. This home is an exceptional value and is ready for a new owner to make it their own.

Blloowwi innggRRo o B c kc k• •B oBoono ene • B•a nBna enr nEel kr E l k

Susan Dolan Susan Dolan Susan Dolan

Local Expertise. Tailored Service. Christie’s Credibility.

Local Expertise. Tailored Service. Christie’s Credibility.

® REALTOR ® ® REALTOR REALTOR (704) 560-7201 (704) 560-7201 (704) 560-7201 susand@ivesterjackson.com susand@ivesterjackson.com susand@ivesterjackson.com LKNhomesandliving.com LKNhomesandliving.com

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com 75 LKNhomesandliving.com

76

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

HEARTS IN MOTIONA JOURNEY OF HOPE FOR DR. ZIAD AND MURIELLE HAGE Bombs. Sirens. 2006. Lebanon.

A Choice, leave the love of your life and homeland for a coveted career opportunity in the United States, or remain together in flight from a dangerous war-torn country and lose the opportunity you’ve worked for all of your life? words: Allison Parker photos: Heather Kinsey Photography

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

77

F

or Ziad Adel Hage, these choices needed to be made quickly and definitively. His decision was to venture onward to fulfill his dream and to cre-

ate a fruitful life for he and fiancé Murielle.

Ziad was inspired since childhood to pursue a medical career. His

father was one of the first medical oncologists in Lebanon and his uncle was a radiation oncologist. While Ziad knew early on that he wanted to become a physician, he also knew that he wanted to become a surgeon. He entered the American University of Beirut where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology and then earned his Medical degree in 2005. Towards the end of medical school, he was fascinated by the brain and the nervous system and had already decided he wanted to become a neurosurgeon. To complete his dream, he needed to take the exam in the United States.

Getting to the United States was not an easy endeavor for Ziad at this tumultuous time. Murielle remembers the time with raw emotion. “ During the Summer of 2006, a war broke between Lebanon and Israel. My husband was due to take a flight to Chicago a week later in order to take an important medical exam which would allow him to apply for a Neurosurgery residency program in the United States.

This exam can only be taken in select cities in the US. “

78

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

79

80

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

The terror of the air strikes is still vivid with Murielle as she recounts the devastation around her.

“The Beirut International airport and runways were destroyed leaving us trapped; a lot of the infrastructure, including bridges, electrical and telephone poles were hit. The only thing you could hear were rocket launchers, missiles and fighter jets conducting air strikes. The sound of the air strikes still haunts me deeply today. “ For Ziad, his travel to take the exam was not an easy direct route. Murielle notes, “Beirut was under siege: the only way to escape the country was by driving to the northern Syrian border. My husband (then fiancé) was convinced that the only way to make it to the US on time for his exam was to risk his life and leave the country through the Syrian border despite the bombings. He found the only cab driver in Lebanon that agreed to drive him to Syria under the bombs. They were the only ones on the road! Once he reached the Lebanese-Syrian border, he took refuge in a church where he was greeted by the priest who had baptized him when he was a baby. After spending a few nights there, Ziad took a flight from Damascus Airport to Chicago via London. “ Back in Lebanon, Murielle had decisions to make as well in regards to her safety.

She recalls her last moments with Ziad before he left her at her parent’s home. He left with a promise and a strong hug that he was going to make this journey and create a new life for them. They locked eyes and hearts in that moment – and then he was off.

Murielle notes. “Meanwhile, I was terrified and I had no means of communicating with him. I was getting ready to escape Lebanon with my parents and sibVolume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

81

lings on the French military ships that came to rescue all the

In 2018, Dr. Hage became the first surgeon in North Car-

French citizens. We were at sea for almost 3 days, reached

olina to perform a minimally invasive surgery through an

Turkey and took a flight to Paris. We were all finally safe. “

opening the size of a pencil. The surgery is done to evacuate

Murielle was in a holding pattern. Although safe with her

a blood clot deep in a patient’s brain using a camera. He is

family in Paris, she was hopeful to hear from Ziad on his

also spearheading the brain bypass program and performs

safety and exam results. The couple were not in touch for a

high level, technically challenging surgeries that only a few

period after they left Lebanon due to the circumstances of

specialists perform nationally and internationally to help pa-

the war.

tients with strokes and rare blood vessel diseases. Dr. Hage’s

Murielle was elated to hear fantastic news when they did make contact.

scope of practice includes conditions affecting the blood vessels of the brain such as brain aneurysms, arteriovenous

” My husband passed the exam (Less than 8% of foreign

malformations or fistulas, Moyamoya disease, cerebrovascu-

medical graduates are accepted in very competitive pro-

lar atherosclerotic disease, stroke, as well as cavernous mal-

grams such as Neurosurgery) that he took in Chicago and

formations, brain and spinal cord tumors.

was accepted at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in

Countless lives of grateful patients have been positively

Chicago for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship position

impacted by Dr. Hage. Currently, he is a Board-Certified

in Neurosurgery. I arrived in Chicago a few months later in

Neurosurgeon, lead physician for cranial and endovascular

December 2006. I hadn’t seen Ziad in 6 months. I had left

neurosurgery at Novant Health PMC, and Adjunct Associate

my family, my friends and my home to come live with my

Professor in the Department of Surgery at Campbell Univer-

soon to be husband (we were still engaged at that time) and

sity School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Hage specializes in

support him in his decision to pursue a 7-year residency pro-

surgery for Moyamoya disease. It is like a brain bypass.

gram and career in Neurosurgery in the US.” Murielle made a brave decision - she moved to Chicago to join Ziad.

Outside of his clinical work with patients, Dr. Hage enjoys teaching and educating in the community and nationally where he travels around giving lectures and presentations.

Looking back, she reflects, “It was very overwhelming to

He also enjoys teaching high school students and medical

me when I first arrived in Chicago. I didn’t know anyone and

students as well as nurses and other healthcare profession-

my English was poor. The brutal cold weather had already

als. Currently, he serves on multiple important regulatory

started. I was very nostalgic, missing my family and my

committees at the hospital and is principal investigator of

warm Mediterranean home.”

several research studies.

“When I finally received my US, work permit I was able to

It’s like a modern- day fairy tale entwined with love, hard

start a new job as a Marketing Manager with an airline com-

work, faith and perseverance. While in Chicago, he and Mu-

pany and was then promoted to sales as a Digital Account

rielle were married in a modest service. They started a beau-

Manager handling large online portfolio accounts.”

tiful family and have two sons, Christian and Alexander, as

Following 7 years of medical school, Ziad performed a

well as a puppy Huskimo named Zoe. Murielle is currently

2-year postdoctoral research fellowship at Northwestern

working as a French tutor. Hard to believe they have been in

Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Following the fellowship, he

Charlotte almost 5 years! Murielle reflects back – “All these

did 7 years of neurosurgical residency training and then 1

years of hard work ultimately paid off and now can say we

year of subspecialty fellowship training in Endovascular

are very blessed.”

Neurosurgery at University of Illinois at Chicago. It was a total of 17 years of sacrifice and sleepless nights.

Dr. Ziad Hage’s dedication and perseverance in his practice brought him and his family to Charlotte. When he finished his training, he joined Novant Health to help build their neurosurgery program in Charlotte. Dr. Ziad Hage brought cut-

Education Background of Ziad Adel Hage, MD, FAANS Medical School: American University of Beirut (2005) Internship: University of Illinois at Chicago 2009 Residency: University of Illinois at Chicago 2015

ting edge microsurgical techniques as well as technologies to

Fellowship: University of Illinois at Chicago 2016

help the community in Charlotte and beyond.

Board Certifications: Neurological Surgery

82

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

83

M O V I N G F O RWA R D The real estate market is in full swing! My team is here to help whenever you are ready to make a move.

UN D E R C O N T R AC T

6 2 6 M A L O N E WAY

2 2 2 3 C R OY D o N R O A D # 2 0 4

4 B R | 4 . 1 B A | $ 1 , 3 5 0 , 0 0 0 | M A L O N E B AY

2 B R | 3 . 1 B A | $ 1 , 0 1 2 , 5 0 0 | M Y E R S PA R K

UN D E R C O N T R AC T

1 4 1 7 S WE N D OVE R ROAD

3 61 0 S HARON R I D G E L AN E

3 BR | 3.1 BA | $998,0 0 0 | IDLEWO OD

5 B R | 4 B A | $ 9 3 9, 9 0 0 | S H A R O N R I D G E E S TAT E S

MAREN BRISSON-KUESTER Broker/Realtor® 704-287-7072 maren@hmproperties.com

84

HMPROPERTIES.COM Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Mariella Bisson

Paintings | Sculpture | Original Prints | Studio Furniture

Momentum Gallery offers a curated collection of museumquality works that celebrate material-based traditions rich in this area and reflect a contemporary aesthetic in

Joanna Manousis

harmony with our natural surroundings.

John Dodd

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE 24 N Lexington Avenue | Opening soon at 52 Broadway 828.505.8550 | momentumgallery.com |

Le Feme Chateau a distinctive colletion of this & that

From Italy...Classic Style...Fabulous Colors...Wonderfully Affordable!

Exclusively available at Le Feme Chateau

leather • wraps • jewelry

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11-5 and by appointment

86

44 Chinquapin Road • Village of Pinehurst • 910.295.8300 • LFCcollection.com

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Y O U R R E A L E S TAT E C O N N E C T I O N

7 8 1 2 B A LT U S R O L L A N E I N Q UA I L H O L L O W 6 BR | 4.1 BA | 6,0 07 SQ F T | $1,225,0 0 0

PEGGY PETERSON Broker/Realtor® 704-904-6279 peggypeterson@hmproperties.com HMPROPERTIES.COM Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

87

OUTSIDE THE BOX

The Creative Process of Richard C. Kessler Written by Melissa Corbin

B

ohemians

first

emerged

in

France as outliers with discern-

ment during the early 19th-century. They were unconventional, yet often accepted by the bourgeois for their outside-thebox approach to life, especially regarding the worlds of literature, art, and style. It’s these sorts of notions that caught a young Richard C. Kessler’s attention on a 1979 European adventure. He was inspired by how important art was to each region’s cultural significance there. So, when he founded The Kessler Collection in 1984, he knew exactly from where to draw inspiration. The Grand Bohemian Hotel concept was born, and along with it, Kessler would come to realize that his life by design reached beyond conventional parameters and would be an original work of art.

88

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

89

Part of the Marriott Autograph Collection which Kessler is a founding member, a Kessler property exudes luxury of a similar “je ne sais quoi” quality with which 19th-century bohemians paved the way. No two hotels are alike and present a theme appropriate for the location, according to Kessler.

Besides the hotel itself, spas, restaurants, cooking schools, wine blending, art galleries, and special events are elements guests have grown to expect. He suggests that the Grand Bohemian Collection “is not a label, but a relentless sense of curiosity” that he hopes causes guests to challenge their original travel plans upon arriving.

A Savannah, Georgia native, Kessler graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering and operations research, not as deep into the pool of what one might consider eclectic by any stretch. He grew up in a middle-class family where he remembers their home was decorated beautifully but doesn’t

preservation is paramount in giving back to his community.

recall his parents owning original art, “You’re almost born

“It’s important that we save a part of our history as we go

with it. For whatever reason, I took interest and appreciate

along, particularly ones that played a big role,” he says. One

artists,” says Kessler.

of his most recent preservation masterpieces is the 4.5-acre

This appreciation speaks volumes apart from the brand

Power Plant District along the Savannah River where guests

and into the curiosity part of Kessler’s design. “Artists in-

will enjoy luxury hotel stays, world-class dining, and wine

spire me. I like to be around them. They think differently,”

tastings along with high-end shopping, music, and art. “The

Kessler explains why his hotel concepts re-volve mainly

important thing is that when we create something we want

around art. And, while they’re far from inexpensive to build,

to add to the community. Before we started the power plant,

he says that he’s proud that they will stand the test of time.

I generally knew what I wanted to do and to tell the origin of

Considering such timeless intention, Kessler believes

90

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

power,” he explains.

Kessler and his team picked a sampling of local thought leaders to tour the building who then were asked what they would do with the property if it were theirs and what did Savannah need. They were invited later to join Kessler’s team in their Orlando headquarters for three days of brain-storming led by architectural firms for the purpose of designing plans for the campus. The Savannah College of Art and Design’s Dean of the School of Building Arts, Christian Sottile, then took those cumulative plans to his students who collectively plotted the renovation of what would have otherwise been a derelict building. “We’ve saved an important story of Savannah,” says Kessler of a riverfront section that is now deemed its own district by the city of Savannah.

He again teamed up with Sottile on his Greenville, South Carolina Grand Bohemian project now under construction.

Greenville’s Mayor White approached him after dinner one evening by pulling up a chair and listing all the reasons his city needed one of Kessler’s beauties. The hotel will be in a park area that felt much like a national park to Kessler. On his flight home, he drew up the plans for a 1920s style lodge on a cocktail napkin. After visiting several national parks, Sottile and Kessler got to work,“The creative process is what I love to do,” he says.

When he rolled into Charlotte, North Carolina, he remembers thinking, “This town needs something with an edge to it.” He wanted to give Charlotte something it didn’t have. He Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

91

and outdoor seating boasting Uptown views of the city. At the Poseidon Spa, a full-service menu awaits those seeking self-care with a Bohemian flair.

At first glance, you might read Kessler’s bio and think of him as a consummate developer. But, the self-described concept person says of his commitment to beauty, “I’m a creator. I’m a builder. I’m a contributor. I’m a designer. And, in a sense, I’m an artist. I just have a big canvas.” One of the key components to the beauty of his luxury properties, “Is about service. We can build a building which is the theatrical stage. But, it’s the people that work here. They aren’t employees. They’re grand performers. If you don’t have service, you don’t have luxury.”

Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder. But, generosity is exponential for Kessler, “Generosity inspires me to be generous. Some of the happiest people are the most generous. Happiness and generosity go hand in hand. And, you don’t have to be rich to be generous.” Kessler’s philanthropic work runs the gamut. To name a few, he spearheaded the founding of the Treutlen House at New Ebenezer, a residential service for male foster children in Georgia, and created a trust to continue its funding. His family launched a scholarship fund for numerous students and professionals. And, of course, his historic preservation work also tops the list garnering awards to include receiving the inaugural 2019 Historic Savannah Spirit Award.

There’s no such thing as failure in Kessler’s vocabulary, as it’s merely a step towards success. “I’ve never walked away from anything. When you have a failure, you better darn well have persistence. I’m not a quitter. If I believe in something, I’m going to see it through,” he adds.

settled on an Argentinian theme after traveling to the South American country multiple times which he says emulates the most fun and culturally diverse of the cities he’s traveled. As colorful as its motherland, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection invites guests to its West Trade Street address for a world of amenities including Bújo, a tapas-style restaurant on the six-teenth floor with indoor

92

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Still, in the wake of COVID-19 also came a great deal of economic destruction. Failure still feels eminent for many. And, the idea of travel is far from top of mind.

“Americans don’t take defeat lightly which is a good thing. They are optimistic people with a can-do mentality,” he says that it’s imperative for people to get back to work in rebuilding lives and livelihoods. A slow recovery will lead to first quarter 2021 travel, he’s hope-ful.

As Americans continue to explore what the new normal will look like, the forecast for a new crop of budding entrepreneurs is highly likely. Kessler offers his sage advice to those embarking upon that path, “ It takes some skills. Polish your skillset. Think about what gives you pleasure and joy. Get a job that will help you get the experience. Be ready for the bumps in the road.” ...And, above all else in Grand Bohemian fashion,

“Always leave things better than the way you found it.”

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

93

travel

Dreamy Destination

by Adam Jacot de Boinod

94

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

THE ENDURING ATTRACTION That Is

TUSCANY Y

es it’s fair to say that of Italy’s twenty regions, some are lusher or have taller mountains and some have more fertile valleys or a more temperate climate. But in Tuscany and Umbria the serenity and joy of

their rolling landscapes, their winding lanes and their cypresses pointing in silhouette to the heavens are harder to challenge.

I ended up by starting my Tuscan trip in Pisa, as there’s a common problem for

airplanes landing in Florence. It’s something to do with narrow runways and the wind. Beware! The airplane was literally grounding when it lifted back up into the sky and took us away to land instead an hour away in Pisa.

There the leaning tower truly defies science so I preferred to photograph it from a distance! The baptistery has a bare interior in stark contrast to the one in Florence. The lawns of the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) that surround the Duomo give a wonderful frame to the honest and devout architecture.

You have to visit Florence to grasp the Tuscan journey of human confidence. From the fertile plains of Pisa and Siena to Florence herself the monastic medieval origins fashioned a revival in pride for Rome’s former glory. Popes and powerful regional families, fortified by the fortunes of their banks, created an unparalleled patronage for artistic talent.

Which other hotel can you name with its own museum and the remains of a Roman bath? The hotel Brunelleschi (www.hotelbrunelleschi.it) is tucked away from the heat and noise of the high-end neighbouring couture shops. It has a modern neutral décor enveloping the oldest structure in the city, a brick tower that was once a women’s prison. My room was very spoiling with three window views of the Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

95

All books and brochures take you to the majority of the well-

cloisters (my favourite being the one beside the Basilica di

known sites and they have their rightful prominence. Both

San Lorenzo) and the elegant promise of the countryside seen

Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and his Spring in the Uffizi Gallery

from different heights within the enclosed Boboli Gardens. Up

froze me in their hold. The Bargello, a former prison, houses

in the hills I recommend Bellosguardo for its orchards and cy-

the iconic sculpture of Donatello’s David, such an androge-

presses and San Michele in Fiesole for its landscaped gardens.

nous contrast to the resolute version by Michelangelo housed

It was very late at night by the time I reached my hotel Cas-

in the Accademia.

tello di Spaltenna (www.spaltenna.it/en/home). But the next

But it’s my own discoveries from numerous visits that I

morning compensated by heralding the utter joy of opening

cherish most. These include the harmonious proportions of

the shutters of my room, like a gift, to reveal the sunshine

The Pazzi Chapel, the silent innocence felt in the many church

streaming in beneath the countryside in her full glory. The hotel is cocooned amongst the ever-present vineyards, cypresses and ‘abete’ (fir trees) with curves of every shade of green that nature produces. The swallows swooped and swerved amongst the terraced flowerbeds; all very stimulating as I immersed in its utter stillness.

You can only delight in the Tuscan countryside with its light green vineyards, sunburnt wheat fields and long rows of trees comprising of upright cypresses, tall poplars and parasol pines.

The landscapes have an agricultural precision and elegance.

It is all so engaging and life enhancing as my senses were enlivened by the many stimuli of their smells, sights and sounds.

Fields of poppies, margherita (daisies) and the tiny ‘ranuncolo’ buttercups all danced in their stunning meadows. Butterflies flitted while bees buzzed along mazy, dappled lanes.

I took myself off to Siena to visit the cathedral. Her striking black and white striped columns reflect the ‘balzana’, the symbolic shield of the city, from the contrasting colours of the horses ridden by the two sons of Remus, brother of Romulus.

I recommend visiting it late in the day when they stay open

96

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Photo: Gili Lankanfushi 2017

dramatic steep cobbled streets and harmonious ‘Siena’ brown buildings. And nice and close by was my car as, for another tip, it’s best to park right by the San Domenico football stadium.

And on to stay at Castel Monastero Resort and Spa (www. castelmonastero.com/en/home). It’s a small 11th century former convent for cloistered nuns (the Pope being the only permitted outsider). By the 1400s it belonged to the Chigi Saracini family, renowned for having two Popes, one of whom, Photo: Gili Lankanfushi 2017

Alexandro V11, booted the Mother Superior out of the nunnery causing her such disappointment that she died at his feet. But her spirit remains in the room nearest the church and is still keenly felt by guests today.

My room looked straight out at and down a path of infinite possibilities with a house at the end that seemed to open one more shutter each day like an advert calendar. With my hotel

for twenty minutes after the last entry; for only then can you

having a break on Sunday evening I came across the nearby

have it to yourself and own the experience with its full dramat-

restaurant Podere Lecci e Brocchi (www.vinolecciebrocchi.

ic hollow silence. Back outside and the black and white façade

it), a family concern offering wonderful and honest local fare.

is beautifully offset by hues of pink as the cloudless blue sky

They make their own olive oil and Chianti Classico wine, but

completes the aesthetic picture.

its overriding appeal for me were the patchwork of fields op-

I walked back up from the dipping ‘campo’, the famous piazza where the two annual ‘palio’ are staged, surrounded by

posite, in clear yellow, brown and green, like an Ivon Hitchens oil painting and almost a Howard Hodgkin.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

97

Next I popped in on San Gimignano, with the 13 medieval towers (out of the original 76) in full prominence justifying its sobriquet of ‘Medieval Manhattan’ and where tower once meant power amongst the rival households vying for status.

It’s is an unspoilt, well-preserved town with a lovely approach through cypresses, silvery green olive trees and vineyards.

With more open spaces than most Tuscan hilltop towns it doesn’t feel unduly touristic in June. The interior of the ‘collegiata’ (the cathedral’s true status) echoes Siena’s pillars and Assisi’s frescoes on the sidewalls and, like Assisi, it looks straight out into countryside, unmarred by suburbs or modern architecture.

Later I was led by my satnav along some lovely back roads virtually the whole way back to Pisa airport. And, as a British tourist, I was transported in every sense and by every sense!

98

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of the BBC panel game QI for Stephen Fry. He is a British author having written three books about unusual words with Penguin Press.

CHARLOTTE 127 N. Tryon Street, Suite 8, Charlotte, NC www.5ChurchCharlotte.com 704.919.1322

CHARLOTTE 127 N. Tryon Street, Suite #D, Charlotte, NC www.SophiasLounge.com 980.260.3227

CHARLESTON 32B N. Market Street, Charleston, SC www.5ChurchCharleston.com 843.937.8666

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

99

travel

MONTAGE PALMETTO South BLUFF Carolina of

100

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

S

et on the banks of the May River - the plantation style property will take your breath away. The Inn at Montage Palmetto Bluff of South Carolina is nestled between Hilton head and Savannah. The oak trees dripping with

Spanish moss and the epitome of southern charm will transform you to a slower more genteel pace of days gone by. The inn captures the design of the grand estate that once stood on its grounds. The former owner R.T. Wilson was renowned for his gracious hospitality. Handsomely designed to celebrate the region’s rich history and architectural heritage accommodations are surrounded by the beauty of the South Carolina lowcountry. The historic hotel covers over 20,000 acres. Covering the space of nearly 20,000 football fields, you’ll have more than enough room to enjoy some of the finer things in life. Offering endless ways to explore, unwind and immerse yourself in this special place. You can enjoy horseback riding, golfing, biking, sporting clays, paddleboarding, fishing, scenic yacht cruises. One of my favorite pastimes is an old southern favorite called “porching” Late afternoon with a drink in hand enjoy sit-ting on the porch and striking up conversations or just daydreaming.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

101

The Perfect Stay No matter the kind of accommodations you look for there is a place for you at the Montage Palmetto Bluffs. All of the accommodations are well-afforded with luxury amenities. If you are looking for a more traditional guest room or suite there are 152 of these on site. These include both forest and lagoon views, so wherever you are on the grounds you'll have a beautiful view. There is a separate shower and soaking tub because sometimes you want a quick shower while other times you want to relax in an oversized tub. Additionally, many of the guest rooms come equipped with a furnished terrace. So whether you want to enjoy a sunset on your

views as well. And with up to 1,140 square feet of interior

balcony or you're looking to just kick back in the beauty of

living space there is plenty of room for you to stretch out.

mother nature, both options are readily available.

Want to stay outside but would rather avoid the bugs? The

Looking for something a bit larger? Why not consider one

relaxation porch is screened in. The shower is upgraded to a

of the cottages or cottage suites? All 48 of these are designed

steam shower, which transforms it into your very own spa,

in a classic Colonial style, featuring beautiful architectur-

while you still have the opportunity to soak in the oversized,

al details throughout, including a vaulted ceiling and pine

separate tub.

floor. These not only have forest and lagoon views but river

102

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

There are a number of dining options to consider.

There is the Octagon Porch, which serves up Southern

has its footing in the Carolinas. Plus, all of the ingredients

Charm by the fork full. It's the newest restaurant offering

are as fresh as they come. There's a reason why it's one of the

at the Montage Palmetto Bluffs as it opened back in May of

most recognized restaurants in the state. And looking to pair

2018. The namesake is from the "Octagon House," one of the

your dinner off with a perfect bottle of wine? On staff is an

first plantation homes that stood on the Bluff in the years

award-winning Sommelier Jessie Rodriguez, (and formerly

prior to the Wilson era. The menu is constantly changing

the Head Sommelier at Napa Valley's The French Laundry!)

though, offering up seasonal meals that are always Southern

who has searched the world for the finest bottles of wine. A

inspired. Much of the rotating menu is based on food that

bonus for the lucky wine connoisseurs in your group,, is passionate about sharing his knowledge of wines with guests.

A meal with his recommended wine pairings is an absolute once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Perhaps you're looking for something a bit more casual?

When that's the case you'll want to stop by the Octagon Bar & Gathering Place. You'll see this as soon as you check-in as it's located right off the lobby and accommodating lounge.

It's the perfect stopover for cocktails and quick food. Whether on your own or stopping in with friends, it's a casual setting that is perfect for conversations, laughter, and just kicking back. And if you want to munch on some goodies while enjoying a delicious cocktail there is a selection of tapas, all of which are perfectly washed down with a selection of local craft beer. Want a beverage you can't find anywhere else?

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

103

Discover What You're Missing There's so much to do at the Montage Palmetto Bluffs. From relaxing at the day spa, where you'll find nearly unlimited services, or you feel like doing something a bit more active, like kayaking, salt-water fishing, or paddle boarding, there is something for everyone here at the Montage Palmetto Bluffs. One of the best ways to center your body and your mind Grab the barrel-aged Artillery Punch. If your in luck Nick

is to break free from all the worries in the world. You can

Burns who oversees the cocktail program will give a live

do exactly this at Montage Palmetto Bluffs. It is a very spe-

cocktail class.

cial place that must be experienced to understand. It is just

Don't worry, there are plenty more dining opportunities at the Montage Palmetto Bluffs if neither of those fit your fancy.

There is the Fore & Aft, which provide beautiful views of the lagoon, or Buffalo's, which offers up casual Southern cooking. It's perfect for when you want to go South-ern but you don't feel like dressing to the nines. Or maybe you'd rather opt for the Canoe Club, which provides regional food and locally sourced ingredients. When you want delicious, fresh vegetables and beer, Canoe Club is the spot. And when the view is essential, the River House Veranda has views of the May River you are not going to find anywhere else. You can also sip an after-dinner cocktail next to one of the fire pits.

Lastly, if you want to grab something quick and head back to your room, RT's Market is the per-fect neighborhood general store. You'll also find perfect items here to take back home to friends.

104

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

the reason that Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin decided to marry here. It will enwrap you in its charm.

TASTE

Nick Burns oversee’s the wine and cocktail program at The Octagon Bar & Gathering Place at Montage Palmetto Bluff.

We we're lucky enough to have Nick mix us up a few of the very best.

“Here in Palmetto Bluff, we have many excellent and unique dining options that are overseen by our talented mixologists. I have had the pleasure of working with many brilliant and creative minds over the years. Today I will be showcasing some of my favorite cocktails from days past to current.” - Nick Enjoy these libations as much as we do. Cheers!

THE PB&J

• 2 oz. Peanut-Infused Bulleit Bourbon • .5 oz Simple Syrup • 3-4 Muddled strawberries

FABRICATION: 1. Start by muddling strawberries in a mixing tin with simple syrup.

2. Add peanut bourbon and shake vigorously.

3. Strain into rocks glass (this may take some time as the strawberries like to get stuck in the strainer) and garnish with whole strawberry.

STORY BEHIND THE NAME: This drink actually tastes like a PB&J, is easy to make and is a great conversation starter. To make the peanut bourbon roast a tray of raw unsalted peanuts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Immediately combine bourbon and warm peanuts for best outcome. Let the peanuts sit in the bourbon for two days before straining them out and voila: Peanut bourbon!Created by a good friend and old River House supervisor Trevor Brown.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

105

THE BLOOD MOON • 1 oz. Bacardi Silver Rum

• 1 oz. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum • 2 oz. Fresh Blood Orange Juice • .75 oz. Lime Juice • .5 oz. Vanilla Syrup • 1 Egg White

FABRICATION: Add all ingredients in a mixing tin.

1. Dry shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds (longer if you have the time. This allows the egg white to further emulsify.)

2. Next, add ice and shake until cold.

3. Strain into chilled Coupe glass and garnish with paper-thin slice of blood orange laid on top of the foam.

STORY BEHIND THE NAME: This cocktail was created by mixologist Guy Jackson, of the River House Lounge many moons ago. The presentation of this cocktail is stunning, and it tastes just as good as it looks. Think boozy creamsicle.

THE QUEEN ANNE’S REVENGE • 1.5 oz. Aviation Gin • .5 oz. St. Germain • .25 oz. Campari • 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice • .5 oz. Blackberry Syrup FABRICATION: 1. Add all ingredients into mixing tin with ice.

2. Shake until cold and strain into rocks glass garnish with a lemon wheel.

STORY BEHIND THE NAME: This cocktail is named after the ship of the infamous pirate, Blackbeard. Legend has it that Blackbeard abandoned his ship, “The Queen Anne’s Revenge,” and buried all of his treasure somewhere in the Lowcountry shortly before his death. This cocktail is very well balanced and can be drank year-round. I created this cocktail back in my River House Lounge days and it is still one of my favorites.

106

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

THE PEAR OF THE DOG • 1.5 oz. Grey Goose La Poire Vodka

• .5 oz. Domaine Canton Ginger Liqueur • .75 oz. Fresh Lime Juice • .5 oz. Rich Simple Syrup FABRICATION: 1. Add all ingredients in mixing tin with ice.

2. Shake until cold and strain into martini glass.

Garnish with a Luxardo Maraschino cherry dropped straight into the glass.

STORY BEHIND THE NAME: This is a fan favorite amongst many residents here at Montage Palmetto Bluff. It’s what we here in the south call a, “porch pounder”. The perfect cocktail to enjoy in the summer months. Essentially a ginger, pear limeade. The combination of ginger, pear, and lime work incredibly well together. A simple but delicious cocktail from back in my River House Lounge days.

COLE’S FASHIONED • 2.5 oz. Virgil Kaine Ginger Bourbon • .25 oz. Simple Syrup • 2-3 dashes House-made Orange Bitters • Orange and Luxardo Maraschino Cherry FABRICATION: 1. Start by muddling an orange and Luxardo cherry in a mixing glass.

2. Add simple syrup, bitters, bourbon and then stir over ice.

3. Strain into a rocks glass with a few large ice cubes.

STORY BEHIND THE NAME: The “Cole’s Fashioned” is a cocktail crafted with sense of place in mind. The bitters that we use are made by Cole’s general manager Robin Whitaker with help from Jay Walea (Palmetto Bluff Conservancy), using wild ingredients indigenous to our property; truly the definition of “local!” At home, you can substitute Angostura Orange Bitters, or you can try your hand at crafting you own! On top of the bitters, Virgil Kaine is distilled in Charleston, SC and is absolutely delicious and unique.

An interesting take on the “Old Fashioned,” as imagined by sommelier, Ali White.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

107

feast

F R E S H C AT C H Written by Melissa Corbin

Fresh-off-the-boat seafood is always choice. Better yet, sustainable seafood “remains one of the most environmentally efficient sources of protein on the planet,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). As the dog days of summer quickly approach chefs along the Eastern Seaboard boast their region’s fresh catch of the day. From choosing the right catch to the actual preparation, these three chefs help you navigate uncertain waters with ease.

Specializing in fresh-made pasta, Chef Mike Pirolo of Macchialina in Miami Beach, Florida builds his menu around “what looks good that day.” He emphasizes the importance of having a good relationship with your local fishmonger and to pay close attention to the monger’s cut sheet. And, when you’re looking for freshness, “it’s definitely the eyes not being cloudy and the gills should be bright, bright red. Fish are beautiful species.” While he’s looking forward to stone crabs coming into season this October, he enjoys working with Yellowtail Snapper during the summer as it works well with lighter fare due to its light, flaky texture. Most commonly found in reefs from Florida to Brazil, this colorful fish is often spotted by divers and snorkelers. And, while it’s most often caught in warmer months, it is a legal catch year-round.

FLORIDA SNAPPER PEPPERONATA, CRISPY FINGERINGS, CLAM GUAZETTO • 6oz snapper filet • 3 fingerling potatoes boiled and sliced into discs • 2 red bell peppers (roasted peeled and sliced)

FOR THE PEPPERONATA Sweat out the onion in a little olive oil and chili flakes until translucent.

Add the roasted peppers and cook for 5 minutes on low heat, season with salt and set aside. In a saute pan heat some olive oil and crisp up the potatoes and season with salt. Set aside

FOR THE CLAM GUAZETTO Place some olive oil and sliced garlic in a pan and sweat on medium-high

• 1 yellow onion sliced

heat until the garlic starts to color, add chili flakes, parsley cherry tomatoes,

• 6 clams

clams and 1/4c of water. Cover the pan and cook until the clams open. If it

• 5 cherry tomatoes halved

FOR THE SNAPPER

• 2 cloves garlic sliced • ¼ c chopped parsley

starts to dry up, add some more water. It should be brothy. Set aside.

Season the snapper with salt. Heat some olive oil in a non-stick pan. Add the Snapper filet skin side down. Use your hand to press the fish down preventing it from curling cook for about 3 minutes on the skin side. Flip the fish

• Extra virgin olive oil

just to finish the cooking for about 30 seconds on the flesh side

• Chili flakes

PLATING Spoon the pepperonata onto the center of the plate and top with the crispy potatoes.

Place the snapper on top of the pepperonata and spoon the clam Guazetto over top. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve

108

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

On Carolina Beach in North Carolina, Chef Craig Love of Surf House Oyster Bar and Surf Camp says, “Bluefish is a sustainable fish with a price point for guests that are very approachable.” Found around the world in temperate and subtropical water except for the northern Pacific Ocean. Heavily overfished in the late 90s, active management and public awareness helped regain control of regional stock. Love says, “Don’t be afraid to aggressively smoke them if you use the recipe I am adding here, as the other recipe ingredients will mute some of that smokiness. It’s really the only way to really, really enjoy bluefish. And, it just lends itself to summer so well when you are already grilling and cooking outside as it is.” While bluefish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, the FDA recommends that children and expectant mothers should limit consumption to no more than one serving per week as its mercury and polychlorinated biphenyl levels are elevated.

SMOKED BLUEFISH DIP • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp fresh thyme

Smoke bluefish filets ahead of time and chill. For smoking bluefish, use an offset heat source with some smoking chips. Depending on the thickness of fillets, arrange fillets on the opposite side as heat source on your grill/smoker and cook for approximately 15-20 mins. Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer. Ideally, billow a soft, low smoke, however, don’t over-concern yourself with the amount of smoke. You can bring it back to bal-

• 1 shallot, minced

ance by just adding a little extra lemon and cream cheese to the

• 8 dashes Texas Pete hot sauce

recipe.

• 1/4 c shredded fresh horseradish • 1 to 2 skinless, smoked bluefish fillets • salt & pepper to taste

Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until desired consistency. With a rubber spatula spread dip into desired containers and chill 4-6 hours. Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh basil leaves. Serve with fresh cooked, chilled, along with saltines or Ritz crackers.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

109

feast Chef Jason Weiner of Almond on Ocean Road in Bridgehampton, New York, says,“The east end of Long Island settled in the 1500s as a farming and fishing community and still is.” Though the options are bountiful, Striped Bass is one of the more plentiful and sustainable catches for home chefs. “It really says ‘summer’ on the East End. It’s super tasty, versatile, easy to cook, and best of all, it’s a super sustainable seafood option,” says Weiner. The fish migrate between freshwater and saltwater, native to the Atlantic coastline, and spawns in freshwater tributaries such as the Hudson River. Weiner creates dishes with this fish often, as it’s accessible for nearly six months out of the year. When buying this versatile, mild-flavored fish look for bright red gills and a sweet smell.

STRIPED BASS WITH WHEAT BERRY TABOULEH, HARISSA YOGURT & BABY CARROTS • 3 c vegetable stock • 1 ½ c wheat berries • 1 ½ c tightly packed picked parsley, mint & cilantro leaves • 3 scallions thinly sliced • 1 ½ c diced cucumbers • 1 ½ c diced tomatoes • ½ c lemon juice • ½ c olive oil • salt and pepper to taste • 1 c Greek yogurt • 1 tbsp harissa • 4 6 oz portions Striped Bass • 1 bunch of baby carrots (scrubbed but not peeled, split in half) • 1 tbsp canola or other neutral oil

Simmer wheat berries and vegetable stock until the wheatberries are tender (half an hour to an hour). Strain wheat berries (save the stock for future use) and spread out on a baking tin or sheet tray. Allow to cool in the refrigerator. While the wheat berries cool, finely chop herbs. Transfer cooled wheat berries to mixing bowl. Toss with herbs, diced vegetables, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper. For the harissa yogurt, whisk the yogurt and harissa in a bowl. Season with salt to taste. Sear the fish skin side down on medium heat with a tablespoon of canola. After about 4 minutes flip the fish and cook another two minutes. Take the fish out of the pan and add the carrots. Gently caramelize in the pan for a couple of minutes. To serve, smear a nice dollop of the yogurt around a serving platter. Scatter the tabouleh and put the fish on top. Garnish with a little bit of the chopped herbs, roasted carrots, and a drizzle of olive oil.

110

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

8 6 9 0 H E N R Y H A R R I S R O A D | I N D I A N L A N D, S C 5 B R | 3. 1 B A | 3,6 2 1 S Q F T | $ 9 9 9,0 0 0 Gracious Southern-style home on 12 private, gated acres. Shopping and dining just minutes away and 30 minutes to the Charlotte airport. Also available for lease!

BRIDGET GRAVES Broker/RealtorÂŽ 704-560-2311 bridgetgraves@hmproperties.com HMPROPERTIES.COM Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

111

Savor Photos and recipe by America Grace Richmond @americaskitchen

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTE PASTA SALAD

112

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

INGREDIENTS: • 1 box short grain pasta • 1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup of sun dried tomato paste • 1/2 cup of chopped basil • 2 roughly chopped Burrata balls • red crushed pepper (to taste) • salt and pepper Serves 4-6 people

DIRECTIONS: 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender (check the package for recommended cooking time) 2. Once ready, drain the pasta and put it in a medium sized bowl 3. While the pasta is hot, mix in the sun dried tomato paste and extra virgin olive oil 4. Add in the cherry tomatoes and basil (leave 1 tbsp of basil for garnishing the dish at the end) 5. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt as needed 6. Place pasta into a serving bowl and top with burrata 7. Garnish with leftover basil, red crushed pepper and evoo (optional)

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

113

1 Sunset Parkway #A | Grove Park $ 1,310,000 | MLS 3537631 4 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 6,423 Sq. Ft. This amazing home boasts both an incredible character and a fantastic location. It was designed for easy living and entertaining. Featuring four bedrooms, two expansive living room salons and a showstopping chef’s kitchen with all of the amenities. Owners’ suite with fireplace and private rooftop deck access. Third-floor mother-in-law or nanny suite. Plentiful verandas encouraging an al fresco lifestyle. Timeless architectural features with a slate roof. Grove Park location with walkable access to neighborhood restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and also all that downtown Asheville has to offer.

Bathed in natural light, this home warmly elicits a feeling of expansiveness. Come. Make this historical one-of-a-kind exquisite treasure yours. This amazing home boasts both an incredible character and a fantastic location. Must be experienced in person to appreciate the unique brilliance of this architectural masterpiece.

Laura Browne Livaudais 828.712.5445 Laura@IJBProperties.com IJBProperties.com

114

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Ellen Browne McGuire 828.551.7027 Ellen@IJBProperties.com IJBProperties.com

Discover Historic Southern Pines, NC If you're feeling the urge for a few days away from the hustle & bustle of everyday life, you may need to look no farther than the Sandhills of North Carolina. Just over an hour from Raleigh-Durham, and two hours from Charlotte rests the picturesque township of Southern Pines. The pace seems to slow a bit as you stroll through the magnolia-lined streets of downtown. The historic district is made up of a unique blend of shops, mom-and-pop businesses, taverns and an outstanding selection of restaurants from pizza-by-the-slice, to high end steak, seafood & pasta restaurants, to farm-to-table experiences that rival those in any metropolitan area. Southern Pines' quaint historic Sunrise Theater (boasting live broadcasts of the Met Opera), and town center train station that doubles as the visitors' center round out the inviting ambiance.

At the heart of the town sits

The Jefferson Inn, the only

hotel within Southern Pines' historic downtown. Renowned for its hospitality and inviting atmosphere, The Jefferson offers ďŹ fteen well-appointed guestrooms and one-bedroom suites. The inn's many awards and accolades prove that the recent historic restoration of the 118 year-old property left little to be desired.

And the inn's tavern or outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to sip a bourbon, cosmo, glass of wine or craft beer and listen to the live music they offer year-round.

Est. 1901

T he J efferson I nn 150 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387

An Authentic Southern Experience www.JeffersonInnSouthernPines.com

FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS:

910-692-9911

equestrian

116

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

THE

PREMINENT

INTERNATIONAL

WINTER EQUESTRIAN

CENTER Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

117

Wellington Florida is the foremost international winter hub of equestrian sports. Topping it off this year was the sale and purchase of Windsor Farm. The very prestigious and very noteworthy Helgstrand dressage, based in Aalborg, Denmark purchased the farm for $17,450,000. It was listed for $25,000,000 marking one of the priciest sales in the equestrian mecca over the past year.

Built in 1995, the sprawling 80-acre Wellington estate includes Mediterranean style barnes with 52 European-Style

lakes and resides within hacking distance to the Palm Beach

stalls, residences and tack rooms, three training rings,

International Equestrian Center Venues.

a grass grand prix field with natural jumps. It includes 16

Helgstrand Dressage is the namesake of the internation-

grooming stalls, six wash stalls and miles of bridle paths that

al grand prix dressage rider Andreas Helgstrand. His now

surround the property. The property has four man-made

famous ride at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in

118

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Germany upon Blue Hors Matine made him an international dressage celebrity. He founded Helgstrand Dressage in 2008. Today the farm and training center is one of the largest sellers of dressage horses in the world, with up to 600 horses and sales over $55 million. They secure the best possible bloodlines in the world.

The word dressage means “training” in French. Particularly important are the animal’s pace and bearing in performing walks, trots, canters, and more specialized maneuvers.

Training is divided into the elementary campagne and the advanced haute école. Dressage competitions have been included in the Olympic Games since 1912.

DRESSAGE: MERRIAM - WEBSTER

A method of horse training in existence since ancient

Greece. With its popularity rapidly growing each year, Dressage is the ultimate expression of horse training and elegance. It is often compared to ballet, this intense connection between both human and horse is a thing of beauty to behold.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

119

tee time

5

EAST COAST

GOLF COURSES T

here’s simply nothing like a beautiful golf course.

The immaculate grounds keeping. The breathtaking views and the expansive display of perfection is

simply something you won’t find anywhere else. Now, there are all kinds of golf courses throughout the world. Chances are there are some beautiful, fun courses where you live. But what happens if you want to experience something different?

You’ve been planning a trip but you want golf to be a central element to where you’re going and what you’re doing. Well, when that’s the case you’ll want to visit one of the best courses in the country. When focusing on the East Coast you’ll find several, so here are five of our favorite East Coast golf courses (do note, we’re not including Augusta National for the simple fact that it’s nearly impossible to actually play a round here, so instead we’re focusing on courses that are not only beautiful and bucket list worthy, but are courses you can conceivably play at).

120

PINEHURST RESORT

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

121

OCEAN COURSE AT KIAWAH ISLAND Located in South Carolina, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island served as the host for the 1991 Rider Cup. This is a difficult course, so keep that in mind. You’re going to shoot well above your normal here. After all, Steve Ballesteros, when he won the 91 Rider Cup, did so shooting a double bogey.

But don’t worry. If you want something easier during your trip you can take up one of the other six golf courses at the Kiawah Island Resort.

The resort itself is pretty laid back, bringing all kinds of golf and non-golf lovers to South Carolina. Before you come,

so you might as well schedule a session (or several) with the instructors. If you haven’t had a professional look over your stroke or give you advice before you’ll want to take advantage of it while visiting. Nothing like taking a few strokes off your game while on vacation.

The resort on hand is truly high end. Legendary actor Humphrey Bogart played the course (prior to it being updated), and even Tony Blair stayed at the resort. This is a golf lover’s destination, so most of the people who come here are truly serious about golf.

THE OCEAN COURSE AT HAMMOCK BEACH RESORT

make sure to watch the movie The Legend of Bagger Vance, as portions of the movie were shot on the golf course.

SEASIDE COURSE AT SEA ISLAND This course, which can be found on St. Simon Island in Georgia has been around for nearly 100 years (first designed

Have someone who is tagging along and yet has zero interest in golf? It might be difficult to book somewhere that offers only golf services. Thankfully, the Hammock Beach Resort offers plenty of non-golf options for when this is the case.

back in 1929). It was later updated in 1999 and still serves

This particular course was renovated in 2017 by the team

as a major golf destination. The RSM Classic is played at the

at Nicklaus Design. It is a truly beautiful course with the last

course.

six holes all up against the ocean (literally dipping into the

This is an excellent destination for when you want to not

ocean. You won’t find this kind of design anywhere else). It’s

only play a round, but work on your game. A number of the

a breathtaking view as you could dip your hands into the

instructions have been recognized as the best in the country,

ocean between strokes if you wanted to.

KIAWAH TURTLE POINT 122

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

PINEHURST

The resort itself is pretty laid back as there are people there who are not visiting simply for golf. However, with one of the most beautiful course designs on the East Coast, you’ll be here specifically for at least one round.

PINEHURST RESORT This North Carolina resort and golf course has undergone some updates recently, switching out the greens and improving the visual splendor throughout. It is currently scheduled to be the host of the 2024 US Open. Golf Digest has also consistently ranked this course as one of the top public golf courses in the world. You will want to make sure and sched-

BETHPAGE STATE PARK Yes, you don’t need warm weather year-round to have a beautiful golf course. Located in Farmingdale, New York the course hosted the 2019 PGA Championship. It is a public course, and a beautiful one. It’s also an extremely difficult course. So keep that in mind. It’s best if you’re not a beginner with this one. But even if you are, at least you can take in the beautiful, New York grounds.

BEGIN YOUR TRIP TODAY

ule your tee times well in advance. Because it is easily acces-

It’s never too early to begin planning for your golf trip.

sible and public you’ll have both visitors and locals, so it’s

Whether the golf course of your dreams is a few hours away

best to make sure you have your times squared away prior

by car or by plane, there’s never been a better time to be-

to visiting. It doesn’t have the same kind of water views as

gin planning than right now. From selecting the best time of

others on this list, but when you just want a beautiful course,

year to finding a hotel that will accommodate your stay, the

it’s hard to beat Pinehurst.

ultimate East Coast golf trip can be yours.

Volume 4, Issue 3 | www.LuxeLifestyleMag.com

123

A Little Piece of Forever Making smart decisions about investing in diamonds

Left: Owner of Malak Jewelers, Asaad Malak, with the president of the Republic of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, and the First Lady, Neo Masisi. Right: Asaad Malak with Bruce Cleaver, the CEO of De Beers.

The long journey that diamonds must undergo, from a piece of rough, deep within the earth’s crust, to a glimmering stone displayed on a piece of jewelry, is nothing short of miraculous.

Sometimes it can take as much as 100,000 tons of material to produce a single rough from which a one carat, D Flawless diamond can be cut. The oldest known diamonds formed around 3.3 billion years ago, eons before humans began to walk the earth, only around 200,000 years ago. When the world’s leading diamond company, the De Beers group, coined the term “A diamond is forever”, they were right.

The Best of the Best: Forevermark Forevermark, a brand from the De Beers group, produces the best of the best when it comes to diamond quality.

Forevermark inscribed diamonds must go through a 17-step selection process, which is why less than 1% of the world’s natural diamonds are eligible for this label.

Every diamond is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. Forevermark’s mission emphasizes fair business practices, care for the environment and benefitting the community in which the diamonds came from. Most Forevermark and De Beers diamonds are now sourced from Botswana, a country whose economy relies heavily on diamond exports. In 2014, diamonds accounted for 86% of export revenues, with 80% of diamond profits staying within the country.

Jewelers who carry Forevermark must meet strict criteria: outstanding service, high-quality jewelry, and a deep understanding of diamonds. Out of 64,000 jewelry stores nationwide, only 480 are authorized Forevermark retailers and only 40 are carriers of the Black Label Collection. Malak Jewelers is proud to be one of these select few, as well as being the only jeweler in the Carolinas to become a Forevermark Carat Club member, the highest honor granted by De Beers.

Asaad Malak accepting the Carat Club membership from president of Forevermark, Charles Stanley and vice president of De Beers Group, Stephen Lussier.

Are Diamonds a Smart Investment?

Many people can appreciate diamonds for their rarity, aesthetic value or as a symbol of love in the form of an engagement ring, but often forget that these beautiful gems can serve as investment pieces as well. The Rapaport Group, which provides information on diamond prices and market information, shows through their reports that diamond prices have reliably increased over the years.

When you purchase a diamond at a great price at Malak Jewelers, it is likely that it will be worth more when you sell it down the road. Additionally, diamonds are incredibly durable and do not suffer damage easily. This means that unlike other forms of investment, diamonds can be worn and enjoyed every day until you choose to trade or sell them, adding glitz, glamor and elegance to your everyday style.

Whether you are looking into purchasing diamonds as investment pieces or for personal enjoyment, Malak Jewelers is your best bet for guaranteed quality and price. As a family-owned and operated business of over 40 years with a five-star Google review, it is their promise that you will come as a customer and leave as a friend.

The Best Way to Invest When investing in diamonds, it is important to buy from a source where you know you are getting an excellent price, so that you can reap a better return on investment. When you shop with Malak Jewelers, you are shopping with a direct diamond importer with huge buying power that purchases diamonds directly from diamond cutters and manufacturers, not from wholesalers. By eliminating the middleman, you are cutting costs. Additionally, as a family-owned business, Malak Jewelers chooses not to spend millions on advertising like big box jewelry stores and instead uses those savings to offer their customers the best prices on the East Coast with 100 day price protection guaruntee.

While price is one determining factor in investing in diamonds, quality is the other. Every stone at Malak Jewelers is accompanied by a certificate from GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, the world’s foremost authority in diamonds. This certificate will tell you everything you need to know about the stones you are purchasing and ensure proof of their quality.

Asaad Malak with the president of GIA, Susan Jacques.

Making an impact during the COVID-19 pandemic Your ongoing commitment to our mission is making a difference for patients, families and communities as we fight back COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease together.

Impacting COVID-19 through RESEARCH Investing up to $2.5 million to investigate the cardiovascular implications of coronavirus.

Helping to accelerate antiviral drugs to combat coronavirus.

Leveraging SCIENCE and RELATIONSHIPS Collaborating with national and global health colleagues.

Sharing the latest COVID-19 research through our 12 scientific journals.

Science volunteers provide support for health care providers and researchers.

Meeting the needs of our HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Launching free job aids for Oxygenation & Ventilation of the COVID-19 patient.

Utilizing Get With The Guidelines to create a COVID-19 data registry to better manage patients and support research.

Supporting efforts for remote patient monitoring (telemedicine).

Working with FEDERAL and STATE GOVERNMENTS Ensuring everyone can access COVID-19 testing and increasing the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Providing relief to hospitals, increasing funding for community health centers and strengthening the public health infrastructure.

Teaching how to safely ADMINISTER CPR

Establishing interim guidance and resources for CPR trainings.

Supporting CPR card extension for those unable to retrain due to COVID-19.

Encouraging the public to use Hands-Only CPR through social media.

Helping those IN GREATEST NEED Working with partners to nourish families, support physical activity and reduce the burden of chronic disease.

Supporting local food pantries by providing fresh produce.

Your donations make a difference.

Supporting our SCHOOLS and BUSINESSES Helping teachers and parents get moving through Kids Heart Challenge.

Providing resources to businesses to help their employees stay healthy.

Helping PARENTS and FAMILIES Creating and curating content for survivors, those staying at home and those with essential jobs that are out working.

Utilizing our Support Network to share resources and help those in social isolation.

Visit heart.org/charlotte to save lives.

Modern meets Historic

Where Bedons Alley Meets Elliott Street

Charleston, SouthCarolina

In

22 Elliott Street | South of Broad | Charleston, SC | $4,995,000

Circa 1793 | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Full & 1 Half Bathrooms | 4,389 Sq.Ft. | Impeccably Preserved Views of Charleston Harbor and the City’s Steepled Skyline | Back Garden Surrounded By Privacy Wall

Listed by John Dunnan | 843.364.2822 | JohnDunnan.HandsomeProperties.com Deborah C. Fisher , Broker in Charge

handsomeproperties.com

handsomepropertiesinternational.com

Midtown | 843.727.6460 285 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401