FALL 2020
Healing
Empow-HER-d
At Intermountain Healthcare MONEY UNDER STRESS
MAINTAINING YOUR HEALTH
Make a Stand and Fight Back
During Difficult Times
Make Your 2020 20/happy Let’s finish this year strong. Don’t let Dry Eye have the last word on your 2020. There won’t be a dry eye in the house with the latest gentle and effective Dry Eye treatments at Center For Sight. Our Advanced Dry Eye Center offers a variety of treatment options. After thorough diagnostic testing, we can help you determine which course of treatment is right for you. LipiFlow - a revolutionary treatment that addresses the root cause of the most common form of dry eye
DR. LIANG
DR. HART
DR. PERNULA
DR. JAUSSI
DR. SELIM
DR. MANSOURY
DR. SCHWARTZ
DR. LICINA
DR. BOURAS
IPL - Intense Pulsed Light for relief from dry, red, fatigued eyes People think it’s just normal to have red, burning, irritated eyes. But just because something is common doesn’t make it normal. You don’t have to live with chronic dry eye. We have solutions. Dr. Eva Liang, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Medical Director of Center For Sight
“
“
New Henderson office now open! 871 Coronado Center Dr., Suite 130 Henderson, NV 89052
Schedule your appointment today! CenterForSightLV.com • 702.724.2020 TIVOLI VILLAGE | CRAIG ROAD | HENDERSON
Style.. ALWAYS IN SEASON
& MORE
E Y E
E X A M S
P R O V I D E D
B Y
D R .
C Y N T H I A
P A Y N E
1225 S. FT. APACHE RD., STE. 145 | LAS VEGAS, NV 89117 | 702.479.5222 | TRENDSETTEREYEWEAR.COM
Publisher/CEO
Stephanie Kocher
Interim Editor Roselyn Poon
Contributing Editor Jennifer Florendo
VP of Sales & Marketing Ruth Lauber
Account Executive James Lutz
Contributing Writers Martha Banaszak Marty Basher Jennifer Battisti Lisa Chastain Sharon Chayra Susan Feher Jennifer Florendo Judy Gaman Haya Kessler
Virginia Knudsen Jeanette Lee Kenny Lee Rebecca Louise Kimberly Malloy Angelica Milberger Roselyn Poon McKenzi Taylor
Contributing Photographers ChayraCom
Shane O'Neal - SON Studios
Art | Creative
702west • 702west.com
Social Media
Kristyn Riddering
Social Channels lasvegaswomanmagazine
Las Vegas Woman Magazine
@lasvegaswoman
lasvegaswomanmagazine
@lasvegaswoman ___________________________________________________________________
For advertising inquiries, contact us at 702.483.7321, or sales@lvwomanmagazine.com
___________________________________________________________________ Las Vegas Woman magazine is published quarterly. Reproduction of any portion of Las Vegas Woman magazine is prohibited without prior authorization in writing from the publisher. For editorial consideration or Letters to the Editor, send to editor@ lvwomanmagazine.com. Letters to the Editor will be subject to editing by Las Vegas Woman magazine. Las Vegas Woman magazine is not responsible for the views of contributing journalists. All editorial correspondence should be addressed to Las Vegas Woman magazine, Attn: Stephanie Kocher, 10620 Southern Highlands Pkwy., Ste. 110-320, Las Vegas, NV 89141 or call 702.483.7321. Las Vegas Woman magazine assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions appearing herein. All Rights Reserved. Las Vegas Woman magazine, Copyright 2020. Medical statements of fact and opinion expressed in this issue are those of the authors and contributors and Las Vegas Woman magazine is relieved of any legal liability. Las Vegas Woman magazine does not make any medical representation, express or implied, in respect to the accuracy of the material in this magazine and cannot accept any legal responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions that may be made. The reader should make his/her own evaluation and get the opinion of their doctor of any medicinal, nutritional or surgical techniques.
____________________________________________________________________
lvwomanmagazine.com
9
r e h s i l b PuLetter “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer
Hello and … Happy Fall! I hope that despite all of the trials and tribulations we’ve faced this year, you are healthy, happy and hopeful. It has certainly been a year full of unknowns, testing us in more ways than we care to admit. Thinking back to our initial goals and vision for 2020 and how this pandemic has changed our world, I’m not sure any of us would have been able to prepare for what was to come. While we’ve had to become pliable to the ebb and flow of life and now sit with anticipation, waiting to be on the other side of this, the reality of our 2020 vision is the toll it’s taken on us, our loved ones, friends, colleagues, our community and our world as a whole. It’s difficult to comprehend the aftermath. Here at Las Vegas Woman magazine, we had a few challenges of our own, as we had to comply with the mandated requirements. We’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the cover shoot and the talent that we pulled together in order to make it happen. The photo shoot was unlike any other we’ve ever done, but to know we were able to accomplish it with the restrictions that were in place and provide you with this as the finished product should give you hope. It can be done, and we are very excited to bring you this edition. It’s an honor to introduce you to the featured medical professionals from Intermountain Healthcare: Ama Brobbey, MD; Judith Ford, MD; Ann Jurani-Suarez, MD; Sonia Ceballos, MD, FACOG; and Keyona Cole, MS, RN, FNP-BC. You’ll learn how they took action at the onset of COVID-19 as well as how they succeed with their personal and professional lives. This issue is filled with content that will inspire you during these difficult times. You’ll find tips on getting motivated, navigating through the school year, and working from home. We want you to be successful in all areas of your life, and now that home and work life look different, we’ve provided you with a resource to help you take the guess work out of some of it. We’d love to hear from you on how you’re doing once you’ve put these suggestions into practice. Please share your stories with us on any of our social media platforms. Stay safe and thank you for allowing us to lead, motivate and celebrate you…one issue at a time. Gratefully,
Stephanie Kocher
ditor ELetter A great deal has happened in our world since our last edition; wearing masks is not only de rigueur, but is now mandatory, children are experiencing distance learning, online shopping has taken over and our weekly gal-pal luncheons have been relegated to Zoom. Unlike most of the changes we have experienced throughout our lifetimes, this change is global and bigger than us. Russians, Vietnamese, Norwegians, Americans, Australians, and every other country, have been severely affected; not always in the exact same manner, however. The one common factor is that our world will never be quite the same again. COVID-19 has stopped us in our tracks and forced us to take a long, hard look at ourselves, our family, community, country and the world. This is a good thing. The going is rough right now as countless people have lost their jobs, and families have lost their homes; however, hundreds of thousands have lost their lives. While we are breathing, we can push ahead and help build a new normal. Some of the changes are worth keeping a hold of; our skies are bluer due to reductions in air pollution and carbon emissions, fewer cars are crashing, crime is falling, and families are spending more time with each other, just to name a few, and our wonderful contributing writers have created some great articles to help us along the way. Virginia Knudsen shows us how to mastermind during a shutdown; 2019 Teacher of the Year, Jeanette Lee, gives us an insight into what is going on with distance learning; Susan Feher has some great advice when it comes to homeschooling; Jennifer Florendo’s interview with Leisse Wilcox and Kimberly Malloy’s article help us with their insights into family and personal wellbeing; and if that isn’t enough, we have some great information about preparing your home to sell and Haya Kessler gives us the scoop on the Las Vegas property market; you will be surprised. Hang in there and as the great Sir Winston Churchill advised; “If you are going through hell, keep going.” Roselyn Poon
beautiful eyes, the good in others; utiful lips, speak ords of kindness; poise, walk with ledge that you are ever alone.
table of
CONTENTS MAINTAINING YOUR MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH DURING DIFFICULT TIMES
14
BEHIND THE SCENES OF A COVER IMAGE IN THE AGE OF COVID
16
UNITED WAY: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
18
SMALL DELIGHTS
20
THE START OF THE 2020 SCHOOL YEAR
22
TEN WAYS TO GET MOTIVATED
26
STAGE YOUR CLOSETS
28
WINES & DINES
30
FAMILY LIFE HAS CHANGED
40
AUTUMN BEAUTY ECCOCI
43
MONEY UNDER STRESS
44
HAS THE LAS VEGAS PROPERTY MARKET IMPLODED OR EXPLODED
46
COVER STORY: HEALING EMPOW-HER-D WITH A BIG DOSE OF HEART
48
TRENDING 54
ON THE COVER: MODELS: AMA BROBBEY, JUDITH FORD, ANN JURANI-SUAREZ, SONIA CEBALLOS, KEYONA COLE PHOTOGRAPHY: SHANE O'NEAL LOCATION: SON STUDIOS HAIR AND MAKEUP: ADD HAIR & MAKE UP; ANDEEN ROSE AND DIDI AKERMAN CLOTHING PROVIDED BY: ECCOCI AND MACY'S FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
TOUCH DEPRIVATION
58
ELOPING IN FABULOUS LAS VEGAS
62
MASTERMINDING IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC
64
CHANGING TIMES
66
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE A VEHICLE FOR ALL SEASONS
69
ADJUSTING OUR SAIL FOR FAMILY SUCCESS
70
NEW AGE NETWORKING
72
TRIBUTE TO ROLINDA ANN BAKEL
74
DISTANCE LEARNING, CO-OP SCHOOLING, HOMESCHOOLING
76
YOUTUBE CHANNELS
78
PODCASTS 79 CONTENTS
Maintaining
Your Mental and Emotional Health During Difficult Times by Jennifer Florendo
WI SDOM FROM L EI SSE WI L COX
Did you ever think we would make it to the fall? We are almost to the end of 2020, thankfully … right? Back in March, at the start of quarantine, the thought was that we would be back to our normal, regularly scheduled lives by the end of summer. As the weeks went on, we slowly realized that “new normal” is not anything we have been used to, and likely—if ever—we may not see any semblance of that “old normal” again. All this abrupt change and unknown has taken a toll on many—if not all— of us both mentally and emotionally. But what exactly is our mental and emotional health and the difference between the two? Leisse Wilcox, transformational mindset and success coach, author and podcaster of “To Call Myself Beloved,” shares her guidance on how to navigate the current times with the right mental and emotional health mindset. “The notion that everything has gone (down the toilet) is not true. It purely is not true,” says Wilcox, who explained that mental and emotional health are two entirely different topics. She confronts how important it is to remove the labels that mental health issues can often bring and urges the acceptance of mental health as a medical condition. “It is so fascinating to me that in the last few years we really opened
MOTIVATING
up the conversation about mental health, which is beautiful because it starts to remove the stigma and the shame. It is like having a heart condition. There is no shame in that.” Most of us are aware what mental health is, but what about emotional health? “Our emotional health refers to our emotional body. It is so rare we are taught or learn how to feel our feelings,” explained Wilcox. To put that into real-life context, Wilcox takes us back to the days of our childhood with something most of us can relate to: sharing. “In childhood, when you fell off your bike or your friend took away your toy, it was ‘You are going to be ok.’ Or, ‘I know you are not done using this, but we must be polite.’ ‘I know you’re mad, but we have to be polite,’” said Wilcox. Because of that, we were not taught how to truly feel our feelings or how to express them, likely out of fear of rejection or being judged. Instead of feeling those emotions, we turn to overeating, drinking or other habits to fill that emotional void and repress the emptiness. If we were still living our prepandemic lives, we would be used to hearing, “Suck it up and deal with it,” or “Power through with your life.” The reality is that we are taught to live in an “either-or” way of life; either
feeling our feelings or feeling sorry for ourselves. Wilcox explains that we do not have to live in that either-or way of life. “We are so much more complex than that. We can live in the space of both. You can feel your feelings and carry it with you to figure out where the feelings come from and then how to heal it before letting it go. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” she said.
“The notion that everything has gone (down the toilet) is not true.” Moving forward, powering through the rest of this year and feeling our feelings are all great concepts, but how do we truly do that? How is it that we can turn what we have experienced in 2020 into something dynamic? There are two key factors that Wilcox suggests we use to make the most of the time we are in. The first, while still faced with unknowns, she suggests zooming out and taking inventory of the moment during this time of transition, and secondly, appreciate the time for what it is.
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
15
“Allow that space to pause and observe your feelings. Zoom out and appreciate the simple time. Appreciate that we are doing the best that we can. We might not get it right, but that is OK. That is part of the process,” said Wilcox. “We have no idea when this is going to end. It is unknown; it is scary. It is physically exhausting,” she says. “It can feel so intense when you are laser focused on everything that is happening around us, with no deadline of when it is going to be different or what will different look like.” Back when the COVID-19 pandemic began, there was a plethora of commercials saying “we are all in this together”—and several months later, that has not changed. “Everybody is trying to figure this out. No one knows what they are doing,” adds Wilcox. “This is a moment in time, it is not definitive of the rest of your life.” If you have downtime, use it productively; whether it is picking up a new hobby or learning a new skill. Wilcox encourages us to think, “When the pandemic is over, what do you want to look back on and have to show for it? That you sat around in fear for months? Or is this the time that you learn to play board games with your kids, make sourdough or how to play a guitar? The only person who can make that happen is you. You have ownership over your life.” Whether or not you zoom out or appreciate the situation we are in, Wilcox concludes with this: “We will be ok. We adapt. We can control what is happening inside of us, we can’t control what is happening around us.” Above all, give yourself grace, remember that this too shall pass. Leisse Wilcox is a transformational mindset and success coach, author of “To Call Myself Beloved: A Story of Hope, Healing, And Coming Home,” and podcaster of “To Call Myself Beloved—The Podcast With Leisse Wilcox,” available on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify. Learn more about her at leissewilcox.ca and on Instagram @LeisseWilcox.
Behind the Scenes
OF A COVER IMAGE In the Age of COVID
Story by Sharon Chayra; photos by ChayraCom and Shane O'Neal Few can comprehend the impact of COVID-19 better than a respected healthcare system like Intermountain Healthcare. That's why this issue is especially relevant. Not only does it honor all frontline healthcare workers for their selfless work during this pandemic, but it also illustrates the resourcefulness that happens behind the scenes. Case in point, this issue's cover. At first glance, this cover image is simply a beautiful photo. Models showed up, glammed-up, and then posed together for that one perfect shot. Looks would be deceiving, however. According to Stephanie Kocher, publisher of Las Vegas Woman magazine, “Never have we gone to the lengths required to ensure safety and compliance as we have for this issue.� When Christina Cober, director of communications for Intermountain Healthcare in Nevada came up with the concept, it was to celebrate the organization's diverse medical leadership. Las Vegas Woman magazine is the perfect vehicle in which to honor the Sacred Feminine during this unprecedented time in history. While many were able to grace
the cover, not all deserving caregivers are featured. Which is why those featured acknowledged they weren't just representing themselves, but all those in service of others during coronavirus. Long known for award-winning editorial content, Las Vegas Woman magazine faced an unprecedented challenge: Feature a group of women in interconnected poses while shooting them separately to maintain social distancing. This was a logistical challenge, but not an impossible one thanks to key professionals, beginning with photographer Shane O'Neal of SON Studios. O'Neal's first order of business was designing a shoot blueprint. This guideline would allow for each woman to naturally pose without having the benefit of other subjects in the frame. Thankfully O'Neal's wife and digital expert, Deed DeBruno, was there to render her Photoshop expertise. What ultimately resulted belies the painstaking process involved and the people who helped achieve it. As each clinician arrived throughout the day to SON Studios, they were met with freshly
17
sanitized rooms and promptly ushered into hair and makeup. Every member of the crew wore masks. The sought-after glamour squad of ADD Hair & Makeup, known as Andeen Rose and Didi Akerman, is one of the few COVID-certified hair and makeup professionals. Rose and Akerman kept an immaculate workspace as they brought out each woman's individual beauty. Wardrobe selections for this issue included apparel for business and glamour. Business attire was provided by Eccoci, Boca Park and the keen eye of Janice Wilson, while the sequined gowns were suggested by the expert team of Carolyn, Colleen, and Mo of Macy's Las Vegas, Fashion Show. All wardrobe was chosen and maintained by the shoot's creative directors of ChayraCom, an award-winning healthcare PR agency. Outfits were handpicked to enhance each woman's personality and figure. Fitted lab coats were expertly embroidered by Iron Kettle Clothing.
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
With energizing house music playing on the speakers, each woman sashayed into the studio. All stopped to catch a glimpse of their transformation as they passed full-length mirrors. Some were astonished, others held back tears, but all marveled at the honor they were given to represent their community, their profession, and their colleagues. After a very long day, Ruth Lauber, Las Vegas Woman's Vice President said, “COVID-19 may have changed how we live and work, but it has also given us a chance to honor the everyday heroes of healthcare and we are very proud of that.” Having been in business for many years, both Lauber and Kocher affirm their hope for the future and the significance of this issue. “It took a lot of work to achieve this image and talk about an issue that has changed our lives, but it has shown us that there is nothing we can't accomplish when we work together for a greater good.”
CELEBRATING
Fall Cleaning room to Clean t the lead Out Fall Cleaning Time to Clean t the lead Out Fall Cleaning Mop to Clean t the lead Out Just Clean It Fatima Bouzidi
Angel Williams
Spring Cleaning Broom to Spac Get the lead Sh Spring CHealin Time to Clean Get the lead Fa Spring Loving Mop to Clean Get the leClarit Ebony Cleveland
Courtney LaPoint
Lisa Drake
Karen Johnson (right)
Sandy Dewees
Judy Stokey
g ce hine ng
all g n ty
19
Teamwork
MAKES THE DREAM WORK NV ENERGY GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND
When was the last time someone went above and beyond for you? Was it a coworker who jumped in to help on that big project at 4:45 pm on a Friday, or the neighbor who visited multiple grocery stores to find sanitizing wipes for your family? As the Visionary Partner of United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN), NV Energy is going above and beyond for the success of our community. Meet the eight women who are helping to drive that success as NV Energy’s Women United members and learn how they are uniting to create a stronger Southern Nevada. At NV Energy, employees take pride in making an impact in the community. “Volunteerism and philanthropy aren’t just supported, they are enthusiastically encouraged,” said Lisa Drake. “They say teamwork makes the dream work, and I’ve always felt that at NV Energy; it really is a team effort when we support our community together.” Courtney LaPoint agrees, saying: “By working for a company that actively supports the community through philanthropic giving, I know that the company is behind me and supports the decisions that I make, like volunteering and being a part of Women United. I know that the company helps the community!” Many employees, like Judy Stokey, choose to help the community by
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
investing in UWSN. “I have supported United Way for decades,” Judy shares. “These services have turned lives around, kept families together, put food on the table, and helped keep children in school. How can you not support such a great community partner?” For Angel Williams, the collaborative power of United Way of Southern Nevada inspires her to give back. “United Way serves as a core organization that rallies and organizes donors, volunteers, nonprofits, and government entities to address our most urgent community issues,” she says. “When I support UWSN, I’m actively engaged in getting at the root of problems and working through collective action to improve our community challenges.” This collective action is driven by a committed group of donors, including Women United. The women who make up the group are finding new ways to strengthen the community and create a stronger Southern Nevada. “When Women United was founded as the Women’s Leadership Council, it was a perfect fit for my donation and interest to serve!” shares Sandy Dewees, a longtime Women United member and NV Energy employee. For newer members like Ebony Cleveland, events like the Luncheon Fashion Show and Fall Suit Drive
show the group’s connection to the community. “After a few events, I finally decided to join forces with the diverse group of women who enjoy improving the lives of others, especially women and children,” she says. “It feels great to be a part of an organization playing an integral part of empowering women and building the next generation of leaders.” Women United is investing in tomorrow’s leaders through their support of UWSN programs, but they’re also developing leaders in their ranks. “I have met so many powerful women in the organization that have encouraged me to use my voice, speak up and take charge in both my professional and personal life,” shared Karen Johnson. “They continuously motivate me to strategically participate in and advocate for community programs that I am passionate about in order to build a stronger community.” Even during a pandemic, the community-building work of Women United doesn’t stop. As Fatima Bouzidi shares: “All the events around this year—more than any in the past—are a reminder for us to pull together, help and support each other no matter where we come from. Being a member of Women United is my reason to be grateful and share what I have been blessed with.”
LEADING
20
Small Delights
Finding Joy in the Little Things Can Make a Big Difference in Times of Uncertainty by Jennifer Battisti A book that I’ve turned to during these surreal and challenging times is a genre-bending collection of short essays titled "The Book of Delights" by Ross Gay. This book is intimate and reads like mindful observations from a good friend, written with a grateful heart and gorgeous language. The author set out to write one paragraph (sometimes longer) every day for one year on ordinary, and often overlooked, blessings, many of which center around his garden. What I deeply admire in this book is its ability to soften the hard edge of the world. The book has a magical power to shift our focus from the abstract and complex problems of our current situation, such as: statistics, anxiety, comparison and politics to concrete, sensory-driven images, which foster joy and delight. It’s not the news or the stock market ticker tape, it’s the resilience of a weed; the audacity in the ripe red globe of a tomato. It’s that friend of yours who does that totally endearing thing. It’s an effective trick I’ve discovered to reorient myself with humanity; those daily moments where, if I pay really close attention, I can spot something simple that doubles as a metaphor for something we need more of. During the quarantine, I needed to make friends with stillness, so ironically the universe sent me a hummingbird. Every morning I would attempt to meditate for 10 minutes, and every day I struggled with quieting my worried mind and my restlessness. All the noise of the pandemic was swirling in my mind. But strangely, every time I opened my eyes, there she’d be—this plump, green-breasted, needle-beaked palmsized bird—revving up her own sound, which, when I began to pay attention, sounded like something I've never heard before, or never heard under these circumstances. I started to become curious about it. I felt playful: What should this sound be named? CELEBRATING
A mouse’s chainsaw? The sound lightning would make, if it could be a sound? I got my daughter involved, "The world’s smallest clown car, filled with miniature clowns!" And then there’s the wings! The vibration of her body was a mighty blur I could only equate with the invisible pulse of collective energy; being in the center of a concert, a packed yoga class, or my daughter’s school play— those sensations I’d been longing for but had not been clever enough to look for in what was available. Somehow this bird motivated me to meditate more, to just sit and look more and to breathe deeply ... more. Another time during quarantine my daughter was very nervous and didn’t want to go outside at all. She was having meltdowns
I struggled with quieting my worried mind and my restlessness. almost daily. I didn’t know what we would find, but I knew we had to go looking: Like all forms of faith, the joy was in the seeking, not the finding. I convinced her to go on a nature walk with me. I probably promised battered Oreos or extra tablet time, because we aren’t perfect, ever, but we are especially imperfect in the time of pandemics. It didn’t take much time before the soil did the woozy soil thing and the sandstone flaunted her charms, and we discovered something we had forgot about completely in the quarantine: spring! It was the time of renewal. We found gauzy nests of canyon caterpillars nestled on nearly every bush. There was a caterpillar for all of us, it seemed. We forgot about the shortage of everything else in the way of abundance. FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
This is called hunting for small delights, and once you find one, you become curious and open, much like a child, to the glory and wonder of it. Write it down each day, share them at the kitchen table with your family, make a scrapbook or collage of delights. Go on a sunset scavenger hunt for joy in your neighborhood. Hashtag your small delights; spread the good news of the ordinary miracles. The broken world will stay broken for a long while, but this practice will begin to till your own garden for what you will need to replenish and forge on. I don’t have many answers for my 7-year-old (or myself) when it comes to questions about the fate of 2020 and that is hard for me; to not be able to promise that everyone will be safe and healthy.
I can only turn our attention, again and again to the discoverable world. It never fails to rise to the occasion of reminding me with the pattern of the unabashed sunflower, or the helpful watering can, even the vulnerability of peeling paint, that we persist and grow in spite of and often because of adversity. You can take this wonder and use it to fuel community efforts, raise awareness, and contribute wherever there is need. Support your local hummingbird, backyard cactus, or woman at the checkout, with your undivided attention and your search to stockpile gratitude. It’s the wisest investment one can make in this one life on this one earth.
The Start of the
2020 School Year A Teacher’s Perspective by Jeanette Lee
23
The last bell of the year rings and summer is here. Teachers sigh and dream of just a little rest before the planning begins again. Like anyone else, teachers enjoy their time off, and we have been known to have a cocktail or two and dance our stress away. But when July rolls around, and our instincts kick in, we realize we have only X amount of weeks to plan for the upcoming school year. This year has been a year of unexpected twists and turns. Educators have been asked to go above and beyond for the good of the children. And we do. That is how teachers are built. We are a special breed; though, this pandemic has tested our mettle in a crucible of change for which few of us ever anticipated. A test for which we had not studied. Preparing for this school year has been a very, should I say, novel experience. Now, I will only speak for myself; however, I am almost certain other educators have similar feelings. When reality set in that my classroom, my magical place of learning was now going to be on a digital platform, I went into full panic mode. How am I going to learn this new platform? How will my curriculum transfer? Will I lose my connection to my students? What if I fail? What if my students fail? All these daunting questions orbited my mind like satellites of apprehension broadcasting a 24-hour stream of anxiety. Throughout the summer, while watching the news and trying to stay up to date, searching for clues of some sense of
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
normality, I went into a panic. There were instances where I honestly wanted to quit teaching until I realized that to do those things I love, to be the person I am, I had to stay in the game of education.
My students are still here; we will connect, it will just be different. There is a quote that I write on my board, and it stays there all year, “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety. I wish you growth.” It was time I learned the lesson I’d been teaching all these years. Preparing for the first week of school has been very involved and a tad intimidating. Only seeing my colleagues via Google Meet, the empty hallways at school, it was a little creepy and lonely—different. Usually, one can walk into the teacher’s lounge or walk by a secretary’s office welcomed by a flurry of greetings from colleagues. I missed the conversations; I missed people. I missed our world. All of the newness. New digital programming. New professional learning. New platforms. New protocols. I needed a grappling hook and rope to climb up the learning curve. Still, I got it together. With the help of my friends and colleagues, hot coffee, warm kisses from my dogs, a pep talk from my husband, and YouTube tutorials, I got it together—just in the nick of time.
Seeing my students’ faces for the first time online was undoubtedly a new experience. Here’s that step forward. Here’s where I grow. This week, during the first week of school, I decided to adjust a collaborative assignment (one I do with my students every year) and sprinkle a little of my old magic into my new digital classroom. I asked my seniors to find a quote that resonates with them, one that keeps them motivated when times get tough. I modeled the assignment using my famous quote that stays on the board throughout the entire year. Here we are. I was strong enough to step forward into growth and I will help my students to do it too. I do not have the answers or know what will happen next month, but I can say I made it here. I prepared myself to give my best to my students. Yes, they will see me make digital blunders in real-time (bless their hearts; they are so patient with me). It is okay to make mistakes; I tell them because that’s how we learn to get it right. So, as I continue to plan for the academic year in our world of uncertainty, I can guarantee that educators are giving their hearts and souls to a profession that they love, even amid change and COVID-19. There is only one constant thing in life: change. With change comes growth. My goal for this school year is that my students and I learn to adapt to the changes and grow together, like sunflowers in the hot Las Vegas sun. Jeanette Lee is a high school English teacher and recipient of Teacher of the Year 2019.
LEADING
UNLV Foundation Board Chair Has a Long History of Las Vegas Philanthropy Diana Bennett, who assumed the new role in May, says leadership starts with listening.
H
aving served on the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees since 2008, Diana Bennett stepped up to the role of board chair in May. The acclaimed businesswoman and philanthropist is co-founder and chairwoman of the board of Las Vegas-based Paragon Gaming and is a second-generation hospitality industry icon. Her father, the late William Bennett, established Circus Circus Enterprises in the early 1970s. What qualities do you think are most important in a leader – and who were your role models?
Is there one experience that shaped your philosophy on higher education?
The number one skill is listening. People seldom listen intently when someone is talking. They’re already thinking about what they’ll say and solving problems in their head. And too often, the higher up the ladder someone’s position is, the less listening they do.
I didn’t graduate from college and it’s been a major regret. I spent two years at Arizona State University and had a 3.9 grade point average, and now I wish I had completed school. At the time, I wasn’t encouraged to stay – the prevailing belief was that women didn’t need a degree; college was someplace you went to meet a husband.
You also need to provide an atmosphere where people are driven by common purpose. Fear doesn’t bring out the best in anyone. I learned the hospitality business from my father and from Mike Ensign (former Circus Circus Enterprises CEO). But I didn’t adopt their management styles. At that time, there were no women to follow. I was well into my career by the time I found female role models: Jeanne Hood (former president and CEO of the Four Queens), Thalia Dondero (former Clark County commissioner and regent), Claudine Williams (late gaming pioneer and UNLV Foundation chair). You’re stepping up to leadership of the board during an unprecedented period in the history of UNLV and Nevada. Where do you start?
I used to feel like an outsider looking in, but then I got involved with UNLV through my father and step-mother’s involvement. I became so interested in watching UNLV grow, knowing how much Las Vegas needed this university. You have to invest in education in order for the state to attract more businesses and to continue to grow.
“The whole world faces new challenges – but I think there’s also more hope.”
The whole world faces new challenges – but I think there’s also more hope.
You and your family have helped define this city. How has your family influenced your philanthropy?
It was six years ago that I was asked to get in the succession line for this position on the board. At the time, I thought we would be launching UNLV’s largest comprehensive campaign ever. Clearly, circumstances are so different. How could we have foreseen this?
My father was a very quiet and spontaneous philanthropist. He might be watching TV, see a story about a police officer being killed, and write an anonymous check to the widow. My philanthropy is a bit more strategic. I have a charitable foundation with set priorities: women and children, social wellbeing, education, health, and culture.
As the philanthropic arm of UNLV, we want donors to understand the role of the Foundation. We have relationships with every college. All of the work that the Foundation does, all of the dollars in gifts, helps them to achieve what they want to achieve. We also have to look at how to tell UNLV’s story. We are already one of the most diverse schools in the country. We have to make certain everyone knows about our diversity and why that matters.
What is most rewarding to you about your partnership with UNLV? There’s no question: it’s the students. Talking with them and hearing about what they want to do and who they want to become. When I meet with the students who received my scholarships, I hear about how they are already passing on the help they got. As little as some of them have, they want to help others with less. I get back so much more than I give.
26
10 Ways
To Get Motivated One Step at a Time by Rebecca Louise Motivation starts with taking action. And that can be as simple as taking one step. Often, we say that we feel "stuck" when we have a lack of motivation or things are not working how we want them to. I believe that we are never truly stuck, we have simply stopped. Here are 10 steps to get unstuck and stay motivated no matter what life throws at you!
1
Take a step. It might even feel like a step back in the moment, but a step will lead you into a new direction. The smallest of steps in any direction will get you on the move again and will lead you to where you are meant to be. Not doing anything at all is the worst part because you will stay exactly where you are. After all, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result!
2
Find other motivated people and surround yourself with uplifting humans.
4 5 6 7
Ever been in a group where one person complains and then everyone else around them starts to chime in about how bad their life is too? Come to the table with solutions. If you don’t have something uplifting to add, don’t bring the group down by moaning. Look at all the positives you have in your life and lead with gratitude.
3
Look for results no matter how small they might seem to you. We have to celebrate the small successes in life or we are constantly MOTIVATING
looking at what’s next. If you have lost a pound, got a better grade at school, made progress in communication with a relationship—all these things should be celebrated! Give out good energy.
8 9
If you are feeling down, the best way to change your mood is to give to someone else and radiate good energy. As you see the positive affect you’re having on people around you, you’ll be motivated to keep turning up with great energy.
Ask yourself: what am I focused on? Are you focused on the right things to get you the results that you want? We lose motivation when we look at all the things that are not working rather than seeing all the wonderful things that are going our way. Create discipline.
Bring someone else on the journey. If you’re not doing something for yourself, do it for someone else. When two or more people have a vision, anything is possible. You just need to find that one person who will link arms with you and make it happen alongside you! Remember how you feel when you do show up and use that fire to fuel you to keep going. No one ever regrets showing up to a workout, an evening class or whatever it may be for themselves. You will always get value from showing up. Hold that feeling inside so that when you don’t want to turn up, you still do. It is in those times when we do something we don’t want to do, that we grow the most.
10
Yes, we can all get a boost of motivation from time to time, but it doesn’t always last. Create habits of discipline to sustain your actions and make it part of who you are. Connect with your why.
Ask yourself: why am I doing this? If, after answering that question, you are still not motivated, then this is not your true why. Sometimes we have to dig a little deeper to find the grit inside of us and the real pain point that will make us do what we need to do.
If you have a bad day, get up again and again and again! We all have bad days, and the only difference between someone who makes it and those that don’t is they keep going when it gets a little tough. Never quit, and you can never fail. Next time you lose your way, do not get disheartened. Recognize that you are not where you want to be, and take a step. You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction. Rebecca Louise is the author of "It Takes Grit: The Go-To Guide to Level Up Your Life— Strengthen, Energize, Elevate, and Conquer."
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
If you are feeling down, the best way to change your mood is to give to someone else and radiate good energy.
Stage Your Closets Before Putting Your House On The Market by Marty Basher
T HE MONEY I S I N T HE D ET AIL
Too often, homeowners haphazardously shove belongings into closets when staging their homes to get them out of sight for a showing. Unfortunately, this can prove detrimental to a good offer.
Bedroom Closets Can I fit all my stuff into this space? That is the million-dollar question buyers ask when examining a bedroom closet. If yours is filled to the brim and floors obscured by junk, potential buyers will fail envisioning themselves using this space.
Why? Messy, disorganized, and overfilled closets give prospective buyers several negative impressions:
How can you tighten up the look of your bedroom closet? w Display only clothes for the current season. w Organize your closet in some functional way, such as using baskets for small accessories or sorting items by color and style. w Replace mismatched hangers with ones of the SAME style and color (and ensure all hangers face the same way). w Add lighting for functionality and the illusion of space. A well-placed mirror helps with this effect. w Clear off the floor until it is bare. Add shoe racks or shelves if necessary!
w The house has not been properly maintained. (If the closets are a mess, what else is wrong?) w There is not enough closet space in the house relative to the number of people who live there. w The available space is impractical. Disastrous closets give the opposite of a move-in ready appearance, which is a major drawback for many buyers. Thankfully, improving closet space is simple and not as timeconsuming as homeowners might think. General Staging Tips for Closets The following are ways to spruce up your closet spaces: w Start by removing everything from all closets, pantries, and bathroom cabinets. w Reduce the contents by at least 50%. Either dispose of unneeded items entirely or store them offsite for showings. Closets must look airy and spacious, so this is the time to discard anything old and ratty. w Before returning the remaining items, clean the closet thoroughly. (Buyers WILL notice dirt caked in corners.) w If the closet remains dingy or tired after intensive scrubbing—common with food-related spaces like pantries—paint the inside a simple white. The space will appear brighter, cleaner and as if it has doubled in size!
Linen Closets Minimalism is the key for linen closets. w Pack away what you do not need until you move, and organize extra soaps, shampoos and other products into white baskets. w If possible, toss towels and sheets that have seen better days and coordinate what is left by colors. w If you struggle with fitted sheets, the neatest way to store them is by putting them, as well as other linens of a matching set, inside one of the pillowcases; voila a tidy package. w Since sheets grow musty over time, a little lavender sachet will freshen up the air.
Kitchen Pantry and Cabinets Outdated food cans and boxes commonly languish in many pantries' depths. Now is the time to get rid of these!
Laundry Room / Mudroom If you want to show off your storage, get creative by adding hooks, shelving and baskets to your laundry room/ mudroom.
w Group like-items together: soups with soups, veggies with veggies, and so on. w Create a spice rack if you do not already have one. w Use door mount organizers or hooks for items like extra plastic bags or reusable shopping bags. w Get rid of anything and everything that is out of date or looking ancient. w Clean the pantry and all cabinets spotlessly before adding a coat of paint. w Avoid stacking too many items on top of each other: You want the buyer to see the back wall of the pantry, giving the impression of space.
w Laundry rooms should reflect tidiness; therefore, minimize the number of bottled products to show off shelf space. w Countertops should be devoid of clutter, so buyers can picture themselves sorting and folding laundry with this space. w Make sure the machines themselves are clean too, as a whiff of mustiness can ruin a sale. w Hooks inside a utility closet are perfect for hanging brooms, sweepers, and the extras for your vacuum. w Shoe racks provide tidy rows for all your family's boots, heels, and
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
sneakers, instead of jumbled on the floor. w Install proper lighting, so the space is usable. w Like with all closet spaces throughout the house, determine if the walls require the shiny newness of fresh paint. w Stage a theme for the mudroom that buyers can embrace: A sun hat, garden gloves, and fun rain boots for outdoor summer fun! Storage space is crucial for upkeeping a home, so impress potential buyers with closets that are in great condition, fully functional, and ready to hold their belongings. Marty Basher is the improvement and organization expert with Modular Closets, modularclosets.com
MOTIVATING
wines & dines
Dining out has never tasted so good and supporting local has never felt as good as it does post-quarantine. As you get back out there, consider supporting these local hot spots.
SUNNY SIDE UP AT BOCA PARK
Serving the most important meal with a smile
Breakfast and brunch are two of the best ways to begin the day, and Sunny Side Up, located at Boca Park in Summerlin, recently opened to serve Southern Nevada. Chicagoan and owner Nick Sord opened one up in his hometown, then moved to the desert ready to entice the valley with his delectable breakfasts, piled-high sandwiches, juicy burgers and sumptuous salads. Ready to begin your day with some deliciousness? How about red velvet pancakes, churro waffles, crepes or stuffed French toast? In the mood for eggs? Specialties include Chilaquiles; corn tortillas lightly fried with red salsa, then topped with eggs (sunny side up), pulled pork, and cheese served with refried beans and sour cream. The Mexican Baked Egg delights with its in-house bean mixture topped with an egg and served with tortillas.
cheddar, and a sunny side up egg on an aioli-slathered croissant. Sunny’s Burger includes peppers, onions, wild mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and jalapeno bacon, topped with a sunny side up egg and served on a potato bun. The Summerlin Salad gratifies with grilled romaine lettuce, surrounded by roasted grape tomatoes and red onions, then drizzled with creamy ranch mixed with bleu cheese crumbles and cooked bacon crumbs. For true java lovers, Lavazza coffee is a main feature, and for more self-indulgence, Nick and his team have created a cinnamon roll latte and an Almond Joy coffee. Everything is clean and disinfected with detailed sanitizing procedures. Disposable paper is used as tablecloths and everyone is masked up and wearing gloves.
For heartier appetites, over 10 varieties of benedict or an array of omelet choices will satisfy any hunger. Seven skillet breakfast options include the Boca Park Skillet combining ham, sautĂŠed spinach, cheddar cheese and jalapeno bacon crumbles topped with eggs. Sunny Side Up serves loaded chicken and waffles smothered with pork gravy and maple syrup, finished with a fried egg and chopped bacon.
Sunny Side Up embraces the community as owner Nick greets guests, making sure everyone feels at home. It is the newest hot spot as the movers and shakers of Southern Nevada meet to socialize. With two levels, friends can hang out and still respect social distancing.
Brunch features zesty sandwiches, big burgers, healthy wraps and tasty salads. The Sunrise Chicken Sandwich starts with a crispy chicken filet topped with bacon,
Sunny Side Up 750 S. Rampart Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89145
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. seven days a week for the dining room and outdoor tables as well as delivery. 725.777.3737
sunnysideuprestaurant.com
WINES & DINES
THE TEA TERRACE It’s Teatime, Vegas! by Martha Banaszak
Tea lovers in Las Vegas now have a new spot to enjoy their favorite beverage, with The Tea Terrace in southwest Las Vegas. Conveniently located at 215 and Rainbow, this new, woman-owned and operated English-style tearoom hopes to entice locals looking for a more intimate teatime experience away from the Strip. The British tradition of afternoon tea that The Tea Terrace hopes to popularize originated in England during the mid-1800s. Anna Russel, the Duchess of Bedford and a lifelong friend of Queen Victoria, is credited with creating this custom. She turned a pot of tea, accompanied by a light meal, into a social event that still exists to this day. Each menu option at The Tea Terrace consists of a freshly brewed, loose leaf organic tea served with a three-tier cake stand featuring a variety of finger sandwiches, such as English Cucumber, Norwegian Salmon, Tarragon Egg (included in Queen’s Tea), Lingonberry Chicken or Crepe with Caviar (King’s Tea), as well as scones and assorted desserts. According to the afternoon tea etiquette, the crustless finger sandwiches, found at the bottom of the tray, are to be enjoyed first, followed by scones in the middle and lastly desserts on the top of the tray. Vegan Tea (Duchess’ Tea) and a special Kid’s Menu (Prince & Princess’ Tea) are also available. Prices vary from $26 to $38 per person for adults and $19 per child. The Tea Terrace has created a garden tea party setting with its cottage-chic décor, including teacups, saucers,
WINES & DINES
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
A perfect spot to catch up with friends or spend time with family in a unique and memorable way. In addition to hosting small get-togethers. tea pots and chairs covered in floral motifs. To make this Instagramworthy experience even more unforgettable, customers can borrow additional accessories at no charge, such as fancy hats, fans, boas and purses. Last but not least, guests who follow The Tea Terrace on Facebook or Instagram and tag their pictures with #teatimevegas can get an extra 10% off their service. Inga Parunyan, the owner of The Tea Terrace, believes that afternoon tea is a truly timeless tradition that can be enjoyed by all generations, from children to grandparents. For this reason, she thinks of her tearoom as a perfect spot to catch up with friends or spend time with family in a unique and memorable way. In addition to hosting small get-togethers, The Tea Terrace has a private room that can be rented out for special occasions, such as bridal and baby showers, children’s parties, birthdays, anniversaries or business events. Walk-ins are welcomed, but for larger groups, reservations are required. The Tea Terrace 6830 S. Rainbow Blvd. #140 Las Vegas, NV 89118 702.931.0562 the-tea-terrace.com FB: @theteaterracevegas IG: @ttterrace
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
WINES & DINES
35
W I N E S & ll a F
SPIRITS
Sponsored by Lee’s Discount Liquor. With many locations, you can find a huge variety of alcohol and mixers for any taste. For locations, hours and more information, visit leesliquorlv.com. by Kenny Lee
EDNA VALLEY VINEYARD BUTTERY CHARDONNAY As we continue adjusting to our “new normal,” it is important that we find ways to relax and de-stress. Enjoying a glass of wine is still one of life’s simple pleasures, and Edna Valley Vineyard’s new Buttery Chardonnay will transition beautifully from summer into fall. Rich and creamy layers
MAISON NO 9 ROSÉ
of vanilla and buttercream are balanced
Maison No. 9 Rosé is Grammy-nominated artist Post Malone’s latest project. This refreshing French
with bright flavors of baked apple, pear and
rosé was inspired by his love of Mediterranean life and was named after his favorite tarot card, the
pineapple. Pair with comfort foods such as
Nine of Swords. It took multiple trips and tasting of over 100 rosé blends until he found the perfect
chicken pot pie, crab cakes, mac n‘cheese
one. Strawberry, pear and tropical fruit flavors lead to a crisp, dry finish. Perfect for grilling on a
and fettuccine Alfredo.
cool Vegas night.
DIPLOMATICO EXCLUSIVA RUM This highly awarded rum from Venezuela is distilled
OPOLO SUMMIT CREEK ZINFANDEL
from molasses in copper pot stills, then is aged in small oak casks for an average of 12 years before being bottled. Diplomatico Exclusiva is definitely
Opolo is a premier winery in Paso
one of my favorite rums for sipping. It is rich and
Robles that was created in 1999 when
complex with hints of chocolate, caramelized banana,
two neighbors, Rick Quinn and Dave
cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest. The finish is spicy,
Nichols, bottled their first vintage.
warm and sweet … kind of like yours truly.
The name Opolo is a nod to Quinn’s Serbian heritage and stems from a wine discovered on the Dalmatian Coast. This dynamic duo now owns and farms nearly 300 acres of vines on the east and west side of Paso Robles. With diverse landscapes and high-quality grapes, Opolo produces magnificent wines while practicing only sustainable methods in both the winery and vineyard operations. The Summit Creek Zinfandel is big and full bodied with plenty of dark berry fruit, toasted oak and hints of vanilla. Delicious with barbecued anything!
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
THE WHISTLER BEEKEEPERS SELECT IRISH HONEY WHISKEY The Whistler hails from the family-owned Boann Distillery, which can be found in Ireland’s Boyne Valley. This premium Irish Whiskey & Honey Liqueur is crafted in small batches using Ireland’s finest whiskey and is infused with honey harvested from the family orchard's hives. Intense aromas of honeycomb, vanilla and almond are followed by flavors of smoked caramel, toffee, and peppery notes with an incredibly smooth finish. It’s no surprise that The Whistler was recently named “Best Irish Honey” at The World Liqueur Awards 2020. Pick up a bottle and taste it for yourself!
WINES & DINES
u o y s k n a Th Fall 2013
for allowing us to lead, motivate and celebrate YOU for 13 years!
Summer 2014 FALL 2016
lvwomanmagazine.com | Advertising Inquiries 702.483.7321
LEADING THE CHARGE. INSPIRING THE CHANGE. JOIN US – TO CONNECT, VOLUNTEER AND INSPIRE.
UWSN.ORG/WOMENUNITED
Ready to wake up with your makeup already done? LAS VEGAS
The Girlz Ink Studio is a licensed permanent makeup and cosmetic studio here in Las Vegas for the last 18 years. Girlz Ink is world renown for its diverse & talented artists who produce some of the most beautiful work in the industry today. Teryn has led her team of artists... Amber, Michon and Sandra to a skill level unsurpassed. Awarded Best of Las Vegas the last five years. We also have our esthetician Tamara on staff for all your facial and waxing needs. Permanent Makeup Procedures • Powder Brows & Ombre Brows • Hair Stroke Brows • Microbladed Brows • Eyeliner (Smokey or Solid/Bold) • Lip Liners & Full Lip Color • 30 Areola & Nipple Tattooing • Corrections
Other Procedures We Offer • Pigment Removal/Lightening • Skin Tag Removal • Wrinkle Reduction • Specialty Facials • Teen Acne Treatments • Waxing • Eyelash Extensions
We are licensed, permitted and regularly inspected by SNHD. All permanent makeup tools are one time use and disposable. We follow Osha Standards of cleanliness and sterilization.
Girlz Ink Studio 2940 S Jones Blvd, Suite C Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 809-8237 girlzink.com
info@girlzink.com
40
Family Life Has Changed
Here's to Making the Most of it by Angelica Milberger
At the end of 2019, I clearly recall turning to my husband as we were driving home from a family vacation and saying, "Wow, life has been going so great for us this year. It almost makes me wonder when the other shoe is going to drop." Enter 2020. Yes, pessimism at its finest apparently, and really who knew that the "shoe" would drop for the entire world? One day you’re going to work and trying to decide what to eat with your co-workers based on the office lunch wheel, and the next day you’re a newly minted kindergarten teacher who takes ZOOM meetings with a 5-year-old cartwheeling in the background. I’m not going to lie; during the first few weeks of quarantine, I was not at my finest. It was screen time galore and, "Here, yes, take all the snacks you want, please just let mommy work for 10 more minutes." Then I took a look on the bright side. I’ve been a working mom since my daughter was six weeks old and have always felt confident in my ability to advocate for being a parent with an active career. This crazy time in everyone’s lives is the time to normalize parenting. "Working mom life" has been a juggling act since the beginning and a pandemic is just another ensemble to add to my circus that is called life. Along this journey, I have picked up a few tips that have been my saving grace to being a present parent while successfully working from home.
LEADING
Daily Schedule Children thrive on structure and working toward goals. They had a life before this pandemic that consisted of a daily routine. I found that taking pen to paper to write my daughter a daily schedule pulled our day together, so that she wasn’t begging for her iPad while I was on a call. Laying out simple tasks such as brush teeth, coloring activity, read a book, dance party or draw with chalk. It makes a world of difference to guide your child during the time that you need to focus on other tasks. Of course, this all varies on the age of your children, as older kids can lead their day on their own. Time Blocking Your calendar is your friend! I like to block chunks of time in my work calendar so that I am available to my daughter at certain times to take part in her activities, and also be available for meetings with my team at other times. Of course, the rest gets done after hours, but time blocking has reduced my stress levels significantly! Work Space Carve out a work area that is just for you while working from home. It can be the spare room or even your master bedroom closet (yes, that is actually where my own home office is located). Having a dedicated area will signal your brain that it’s time for work, even if it’s in small chunks of time or 2 a.m.
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
Meal Planning A pattern of planning and organization is the base ingredient in my recipe for staying sane while working from home. I like to make things simple by ordering from a meal delivery service that takes 20 to 30 minutes to prepare. Either my husband or I can put it together quickly at the end of a long day. It’s also something to include the kids in, which is a bonus considering it keeps them productive and learning. Communicate Talk to your boss, talk to your team, talk to your partner. Nobody will understand what you are experiencing during this time and what you need on the work and home front if you don’t communicate it. Chances are your boss is feeling the same way you are right now. In 2019, 97.4% of American families had at least one parent working and 64.2% had both parents working. That puts a lot of stress on working parents during this time, and
communication is key so that you can remain on track, both personally and professionally. Enjoy It We have all had that moment during quarantine when we were ready to pack the kids up, drive them to grandma’s house, toss them out and drive away. No? Just me? It can be so frustrating to have the world feel like it is falling apart, navigate parenting plus be a good employee to boot. Give yourself a break! Look at this time as a gift. It’s even a great idea to start a journal for your children to help them remember COVID-19 in a positive light when they are older. Those of us who are lucky enough to work from home are spending time with our children that we would never have been able to previously. And let’s face it; cliché as it is, time is precious considering that they grow up so quickly. Angelica Milberger is a working mom in the tech industry and lifestyle blogger. She can be reached at angelicafarrarblog@gmail.com.
43
Autumn Beauty ECCOCI
Elevate fall with the intense pink of this soft, double woven dress with easy stretch. As the leaves turn golden, this lotus shade will be a stellar standout. Sherry Dress, $528
Try on Carlisle’s new fall collection and discover garments that are bound to become classics that you’ll love to wear season after season.
Windowpane ribs texture this smart zip front black sweater in a silk blend. The same size windowpanes adorn the cropped plaid pants with trending wide legs.
A style standout, this on-trend long coat in stylish oversize plaid tweed from Italy features hot pink and metallic bronze. Chase Jacket, $898 Connection Dress, $548
Hepburn Top, $468 Madras Pants, $378
ECCOCI CARLISLE The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace 3500 Las Vegas Blvd., South Unit K07 Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.381.0162 ECCOCI Boca Park Fashion Village 750 S. Rampart Ave., Suite 8 Las Vegas, NV 89145 702.949.5999
Houndstooth is exalted in this silk satin blouse of seven louche shades. Bring balance with the lotus pink, cashmere-rich blazer and the complementary stretch wool pants in dark leaf.
Head-to-toe leather is a runway favorite this season. European black leather jacket is embroidered with all-over diamond topstitching in five bright colors.
Petunia Jacket, $748 Motion Top, $448 Bottlegreen Pants, $378
Libby Jacket, $1498 Pippin Top, $348 Libby Skirt, $998
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
FASHION
Money Under
STRESS Make a Stand and Fight Back by Lisa Chastain
I know firsthand what it is like to be overwhelmed with money worries. Seven years ago, my now ex-husband was unemployed, our credit score tanked, our home was sold at a short sale, we were drowning in credit card debt and living off of my IRA money.
cancellations and closures, let alone our extensive service industry. I am a Las Vegas native and as a stagehand’s daughter; I know that the service industry is the lifeblood of our amazing town and it was going to hemorrhage badly.
At the same time, I was struggling to gain momentum as a financial advisor, but the job did teach me how to dig us out of the hole. Fast forward to today, after a difficult divorce and financial struggles, I am stronger than ever. I just want you to know that I come from where you may be now, and I am here to tell you that you can get through this.
I have been interviewed several times since then and asked the same question, "What can people do right now to weather the financial crisis?" Having survived many financial crises of my own, here are my nuggets of hope that I believe will serve anyone who’s working through financial strain today:
Two weeks before Las Vegas shut down for COVID-19, I saw the signs that, as a city, we were going to be in trouble. I was on a news interview shaking, thinking about all of the jobs that would be lost from event
LEADING
1
Stack your cash This is not the time to take drastic measures to pay off loads of debt or invest in something wild. This is the time to save and build up a rainy-day fund. Focus on ensuring
2 3
your needs are handled, then save aggressively; make it a game! How much can you save right now? Invest in yourself Join a free money minded meetup or mastermind, team up with a friend and hire a financial coach, enroll in free online training in a new career or apply for a new job. This is the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself. Master your cash flow Understand what you make, spend and keep. Have the courage to look back three months. Make empowered decisions about changes in your life. Map out the next eight weeks of bills. Keep life and money simple. Overcomplicating the basics will add more stress to your plate that you don’t need.
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
45
4
Don’t assume that everyone else has their life together The comparison game will kill any momentum or energy that you could have right now to get moving in a new direction. The best thing you can do is focus on yourself.
5
Keeping it simple wins every time Trust me, I’m the master at overcomplicating life and money. Keep it simple, and cut back wherever necessary for you to gain more time and spend less money. During times of financial stress, you must take time to audit not only your financial choices, but also your choices in time and with people. Be willing to say no and surround yourself with people who will support your simplified lifestyle.
6
Sell your $tuff This is a great time to downsize, simplify and make room for new and amazing possibilities in your life. When I had no income and my former husband was laid off, I went to my closet, kitchen and garage and took stock of everything I no longer needed or wanted. I made enough money selling clothes and kitchen gadgets for grocery money, and that made a difference.
7
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
Pick up odd jobs I went to my tribe and asked if anyone needed help. Turns out, my sister-in-law wasn't ready to send my nephew to daycare and having me nanny was a win-win for both of us. There are many services you can offer (I saw some kiddos down the street selling lemonade last week), simple services, where $50 a pop can go a long way.
8
Simplify your food Eating simple, unpackaged food is healthier for you anyway. I learned how to use my Crock-Pot and make meals stretch a long way. My son ate cereal more often (which he loved anyway) and I stopped judging myself for not being able to create robust and complicated meals. Get creative. You have so much to offer. You are valuable. Money may be tight today, but it won't be forever. Remind yourself of that and get to work on creating an abundant simple life. You've got this. Lisa Chastain is the owner and founder of Millennial Consulting LLC, Author of No. 1 bestselling book, "Girl, Get Your $hit Together." Lisa@LisaChastain.com
LEADING
46
Has the Las Vegas Property Market Imploded or Exploded? The Answer May Surprise You by Haya Kessler, Realtor®
As 2020 comes to the end of the third quarter, life as we knew it prior to COVID-19 is no longer our reality. Many are working from home; children are distance learning and parents are becoming teachers. Many professions were deemed nonessential; however, real estate stayed essential throughout this period. As realtors, we had to learn to do our job in a different way; we had to adapt to the situation. The real estate industry excelled at adjusting and finding ways to serve their clients.
But, how did this affect and change the real estate market? How did it change a family’s wants and needs when buying or selling a home? Are more people choosing to sell their homes for fear of a recession or are more people buying homes because the interest rates are so low? Do families want specific space in their house to homeschool? Do they want a designated office space? Based on information from the National Association of Realtors® and realtor.com, we have seen certain trends that may surprise you. In traditional years, the peak season for real estate sales is May and June. As we come out of the COVID-19 closures and the economy starts recovering, August has become the
LEADING
busiest month for real estate. Compared to this time last year, we have seen increases in sales. Property values have gone up about 6% and new listings have decreased by about 11% from August 2019. While it doesn’t seem to be much, for those homebuyers hoping to find a great deal and low home prices, it has been a huge disappointment. The lack of inventory and the large number of buyers wanting to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates makes getting that perfect house a little tricky. Homebuyers must be ready to buy and make an offer with no delays and few contingencies. The desirable houses are sold within days and, on average, homes are sold in about 21 days. How long will this last? The experts predict a few years before the market changes. Another change we have seen since the shut-down is an increase in homeschooling or distance learning. Parents have found themselves working at home while helping their children with school. As the new school year starts, we are unsure of how long children will be distance learning. What changes have we seen in real estate because of that? Are more homebuyers looking for space for their children’s learning? Are sellers promoting space to teach in
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
their homes? You would think so, but the reality is not what we would think: The demand for a dedicated teaching and learning space is not in as high demand as you would expect; actually, it really hasn’t been an issue or concern for the majority of homebuyers. It seems parents do not think this is a permanent situation, so there is no need for that extra expense. One thing that families have seemed to want more of is outdoor space and larger yards to suit their lifestyles. This may be due to kids needing a place to play and exercise. What about office space in the home? As many employees are working from home, it seems people would want a dedicated office space. Again, not a major change here either. Requests for an office space were already part of many wish lists, and now a small number of them want two offices. In general, not much change in this respect either.
For those who are selling, are they promoting their homes differently? What are they focusing on? Extra space for work? For homeschooling? No, they are not. The sellers are marketing their homes as usual with no specific or significant changes. The pandemic is not over, and we are slowly moving toward living life in a new reality. How long this way of life will last, no one knows. But we know that we are adaptable, can change and continue to grow and thrive no matter what is thrown at us. Despite many predictions for a fall in real estate prices, real estate is strong and growing. We are in a seller’s market and, with low inventory, if you want that house, make sure you are working with a realtor who will help you navigate the fast-paced market. Haya Kessler is a licensed realtor and team leader with The Brodkin Group at Realty ONE Group. She can be reached at 702.538.5565 or hayavegas.com. NV License S.0078221
Healing
Empow-HER-d Growing up near a large teaching hospital in Ghana, located in West Africa, Dr. Ama Brobbey had one aspiration—to help others in need. Today, as Chief Medical Officer for Intermountain Healthcare in Nevada (formerly HealthCare Partners Nevada), she gets to do just that. At the apex of medical oversight, Brobbey no longer does rounds in the hospital, but that doesn't mean she isn't touching lives. Leading Intermountain Healthcare’s team of 325 physicians in Nevada, Brobbey's authority lets her touch more patients than she ever could as a hospitalist. Under her guidance, the Nevada operation is privileged to serve many patients throughout Southern Nevada, and has consistently earned recognition for clinical excellence, especially in keeping the older Medicare patients healthy. Brobbey attributes this success to teamwork, but her skill in assembling high-quality primary and specialty medical teams has never been more evident as it has been during the COVID-19 pandemic.
49
With A Big Dose Of Heart by Sharon Chayra
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
COVER STORY
COVID-19 has changed the world and certainly the practice of medicine. One short year ago, Utah-based Intermountain Healthcare, a not-forprofit health system, acquired HealthCare Partners Nevada. The roll-out of enhanced services and a new name would coincide with the growing media interest in Intermountain and its sponsorship of the Las Vegas Raiders football team, generous charitable involvement and excellence in medicine. When COVID-19 hit, however, plans were adjusted to intensify the organization’s focus on patient, caregiver, and community members' safety. Within hours of a state-wide shut-down, the Intermountain Healthcare team in Nevada had already convened and activated a crisis plan. Intermountain Healthcare availed its vast resources from Utah in epidemiology and infectious disease control and redirected efforts to protect the communities served. As a trusted authority, the goal was not only to inform and educate, but also to extend empathy in a scary situation. Interestingly, in an industry where men still outpace women in medical leadership, the healthcare response team had a strong presence of females. According to Dr. Brobbey, “The female experience is so basic and ingrained in the overall life experience of both genders, that it makes sense the majority of clinicians, which includes nurses, are female. The empathy we bring to a profession, which is based on helping people at their most vulnerable, is priceless.”
[I] Carve out 'sacred family time’ as often as I can. However, I do see my job as a privilege that I enjoy so much that any overlap with family time is not always a negative experience. Ama Brobbey, MD Chief Medical Officer – Intermountain Healthcare, Nevada
One of these key leaders working with Dr. Brobbey is Clinical Quality Medical Director, Dr. Judith Ford, who has been with the company 23 years. Board certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Ford's unflappable style and smarts made her a natural spokesperson. She was on-call to deliver the latest information to journalists, as well as being the nexus for providers and central caregivers who either had questions, may have been exposed to or became ill with the virus. The initial pace was reminiscent of the long hours of medical residency, but Ford marched forward with her plucky humor. The fact that she works with Utah's Infectious Disease team to bring cutting-edge information to frontline providers in Southern Nevada and developed safety protocols was a bonus. Ford pursued medicine because it coupled her love of science with that of doing well for others. She knows it's not just her caregiver colleagues
51
I am proud to be a positive example to my daughters and young women to not compromise on your career to have a family. Judith Ford, MD Medical Director – Clinical Quality
in the trenches with her, but her family. “I have a wonderful husband who is a true partner in raising our children and caring for our home,” says Ford. Driven by the motto: when you know better, do better; Ford states her simple goal, “I want to leave a legacy where female clinician leaders are free to innovate in our collective medical future.” The full force of telemedicine was unleashed on an enterprisewide scale to ensure patient visits continued from the safety of home and Population Health initiatives were expanded to identify and direct response needs. The Intermountain Healthcare Wynn Urgent Care location transformed into convenient COVID-19 testing stations where people could drive up and remain in their cars while the clinic was still available for routine urgent needs. The scope of this coordinated effort spanned from Pahrump to Mesquite and all points in-between and involved every division of the company and caregiver. Helping plan the logistics of this massive effort is Chief of Staff and Chief Nursing Officer, Keyona Cole. As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Cole's background in emergency departments honed her calm-during-chaos demeanor. Cole says, “COVID-19 has made
sure that we were all on our toes. My role as Chief of Staff requires consistent research on COVID-19 and deciphering how and what to communicate to our caregivers and patients.” Under Cole's watch, she has created solid processes that are communicated in the company's regular briefings. These documents have become the “go-to” source of truth and Cole is particularly proud of her attention to detail, stating; “This pandemic affects people so differently and I had to be sure to manage both ends of the spectrum: those who were scared for their lives and those who could be more cautious during this time.” Dr. Ann Jurani-Suarez, until recently, continued to see older and medically fragile patients. As the pandemic
crested, Jurani-Suarez accepted a full-time promotion to Medical Director. It was bittersweet for this tiny dynamo but lets her make even bigger strides in medicine and life. Born in the Philippines but immigrating to the U.S. at age 3, Jurani-Suarez credits her mother's example for where she is today. “My mother, who has always been my role model as a strong, confident, professional woman, taught me from my earliest memory that as a woman and an immigrant, I would always have to work harder to prove myself. She pushed me to excel beyond what I thought I could achieve and then push even higher,” says JuraniSuarez. This foundation coupled with the devotion of her husband, Willie, their son, Kasio, and daughters Isela and Nedia, have given her a purpose beyond what she could ever have dreamed. It has also fueled her mission to help patients live their healthiest lives possible and help lead the medical group into new dimensions of compassionate care. As Jurani-Suarez notes with her trademark enthusiasm, “I have the honor to continue caring for patients through their primary care providers, focusing efforts on how to best serve our patients' needs in traditional face-to-face visits and also expanding to the virtual world of video visits and
I am most proud of my children and not because they are hard-working, straight-A students, but because they are kind, compassionate, loving and love to have fun— their laughter, smiles and hilarious stories always make my day and are absolutely what I live for and makes life worth every moment! Ann Jurani-Suarez, MD Medical Director – myGeneration Senior Clinics, West Region
Continues on next page >
embracing the challenges this new way of practicing medicine involves.” While COVID-19 has captured most of the attention, women are still having babies and requiring specialized female care. With Nevada's integration came a women's health center of excellence. Although Intermountain boasts robust OB/ GYN capabilities, the addition of Nevada's fellowship-trained, minimally invasive
Listen, I wish I could tell you it gets better, but it doesn't get better. You get better.” -Joan Rivers Keyona Cole, MS, RN, FNP-BC Chief of Staff and Chief Nursing Officer
COVER STORY
gynecologic surgeons, and its state-of-theart facility enhanced its reach to the most vulnerable in Southern Nevada: mothers and babies. As Medical Director for Women's Health, Dr. Sonia Ceballos has long been a champion for women and children. A happily married mother of twins, Ceballos is much more than a clinician, she's an advocate. She explains, “I wanted to, in a very practical way, help my community— women, the Spanish-speaking community/ Latinos, my city, my family and those who had given so much to provide me the upbringing and education I received.” Ceballos, with the oversight of globally renowned physician Dr. Warren Volker, and a nimble team of surgeons, nurse practitioners, ultrasonographers, medical assistants, and administration created a place where such services were possible. Not only does the Women's Health division provide care to medically underserved women, but also provides a training
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
53
Sonia Ceballos, MD, FACOG Medical Director – Women's Health
I remember reading that the most important career decision you will make is who you choose as a life partner. Indeed, the way that I balance my 'work life' is with the significant assistance of my spouse; otherwise, it would not be possible to do it well and with success in each area of my life.
opportunity for next-generation healthcare providers thanks to collaborations with academia and private business. Under Ceballos' direction, COVID-19 may have thrown a proverbial wrench into the works, but unexpected arrivals are what the Women's Health clinicians train for every day. Ceballos emphasizes, “We had to become innovative, figuring out ways to continue to take care of our patients—especially our pregnant women and women who had significant gynecologic issues who continued to require our assistance despite the current circumstances. Ultimately, as a medical division, we have benefitted from the methods and resourcefulness that we have developed during COVID-19.” And, when COVID-19 threatened to starve shut-in senior citizens, Intermountain Healthcare became a key sponsor of the local Delivering with Dignity campaign. This collaboration helped restauranteurs avoid food waste while maintaining employment for food and beverage workers as it fed hundreds of Southern Nevada’s seniors who would have otherwise struggled with food security. The adage that nothing remains the same but change has never been truer. COVID-19 has changed the practice of medicine, but it hasn't changed its mission. It may have cast a dark shadow on human history, but it illuminated what is best about people. COVID-19 provided a stage where professionals who typically work outside of the spotlight enjoyed by today's celebrities can now bask in a little celebrity of their own, including these five phenomenal women. This list is by no means complete, nor is it static. After all, who knows better than those in leadership at Intermountain Healthcare that medicine is truly healing when it contains an array of diversity and a big dose of heart.
54
s p p TRENDING A
Compiled by Jennifer Florendo
Between working from home, schooling at home and working out at home, things are bound to get confusing and likely forgotten. Apps are here to make our lives easier and more convenient. Whether it is setting screen time limits, starting up new chores, journaling or working out, our selection of trending apps will help you stay on track.
Family Time
Chore Pad
Time Timer
LastPass
Jour: Journal for Mindfulness
BTES App by Rebecca Louise
Set limits on screen time, including bedtime restrictions, and it even lets you lock kids’ phones when they are supposed to be doing homework. It will also block other apps that you want your kids to stay away from.
This time tracker turns your smartphone into a visual timer. The red timer ticks away and disappears as time passes, keeping users focused on the task and increasing productivity. Available on iOS.
Journaling is made easy and at your fingertips with this app for improving mindfulness. Discover quick, daily questions that are tailored to you with step-by-step approaches to mindfulness, find peace, practice gratitude, set goals and more.
This digital version of a chore chart allows users to assign and track household tasks and motivates kids to complete them. Kids earn stars for a job well done and can save up stars for rewards.
“Forgot password” can now be a thing of the past. Keep your passwords safe and accessible with the use of this app. The last password you use will be stored in your LastPass account, which is backed up and synced across all devices for access to your passwords. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome and Firefox.
Users will be guided through a 28-minute workout each day to tone up, build strength and endurance. Get access to a recommended meal plan, healthy recipes and a shopping list for ease at the grocery store.
55
e l y t T R E N D I N G Lifes Now is the perfect time to discover something new to freshen up your kitchen, liven up your cocktail, organize your life or take your face mask style to the next level.
Drinkmate
The Happy Planner
The NodPod
Drinkmate InstaFizz
Well Told
Cork Pops
Countertop Carbonation Machine Starting at $99, idrinkproducts.com
Weighted Eye Masks $34, nodpod.com
Hydration Bottle Starting at $34.50, welltolddesign.com
Planner Box Kits Starting at $39.99, Michaels.com and thehappyplanner.com
Carbonation bottle $53.99, idrinkproducts.com
Foil Cutters $6, corkpops.com
Boxxle
Boxed Wine Dispensers $99.99, boxxle.com, Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond and Target
Independence Masks $16, indiesource.com
Plum Paper
Personalized Distance Learning Planner for Parents Starting at $24, plumpaper.com
56
& y t T R E N D I N G Beau n o i h s Fa Although staying home has changed many daily routines, self-care should not be forgotten. Here are some of our finds just for that!
Pure Daily Care
NanoSteamer $129.99 puredailycare.com
MyCHELLE
Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50 Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 $24 & $30, mychelle.com
Freedom
All-Natural Deodorant $16.99, freedomdeodorant.com
Rapidlash
Eyelash Serum $49.95, store.rapidlash.com
First Aid Beauty
Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Eye Cream $36, sephora.com
Fancii
Nala Lighted Vanity Mirror $89, fancii.com
Just CBD
Roll-on Pain Relief Starting at $24.99, justcbdstore.com
Just CBD
Nighttime Capsules $59.99, justcbdstore.com
Jergens SOL Sunless Tanning Water Mousse $23.99, ulta.com
Remington Pro
Wet2Style 1 ž� Flat Iron $29.99, remingtonproducts.com
57
TRENDING
& h t l Hea s s e n Fit
With group workouts and gyms still a concern for many, at-home workouts continue to gain popularity. Focus on your fitness with our top picks.
Tone It Up Collection toneitup.com
Booty Bands $9.99
Slide & Sculpt Discs $12.75
Onzie
Activewear onzie.com
Chi Universe
Yoga Mats $19.97-$36.97, chiuniverse.com
Vitamin C Collagen $28.99
Plant-based Protein Starting at $26.99
Marine Collagen $24.99
Avegan Beauty
NutraChic Beauty Drink $120, aveganbeauty.com and Amazon
Voke
Chewable Superfood Tablets $49.95, vokesuperfood.com
AKALO
Vitamin Patches $25, akalo.co Fall 2020
58
TOUCH
Deprivation
The "Why" Behind Your Unexplained Sadness by Judy Gaman The skin is the largest organ in the body. It has millions of touch receptors that send signals to the brain each time you touch something or somebody, or they touch you. This exchange of information, especially when it involves another human, is accompanied by a neurochemical reaction within the body. Unfortunately, there is also a different neurochemical reaction that takes place in the absence of touch. It’s an understatement to say that we like human connection; the truth is that we need it. As much as we need human touch, it’s the one thing we all seem to be lacking. Between the initial stayat-home orders and now the social distancing, most people are feeling the effects of touch deprivation. Some people have even expressed a sense of jealousy when seeing people touch in movies or on television shows. That’s because touch is so vital to our ability to thrive. The scientific argument for the necessity for touch has been proven in multiple research studies, including one where premature babies were massaged for 15 minutes a day, a practice that seemed foreign to the rules of neonatal ICU. This study found that the infants who had regular human contact with massage gained weight 47% faster with no change in nutritional supplementation. These babies also had more advanced motor skills months later. This is in keeping with the studies that followed WWII where orphaned children, although clothed and fed, failed to thrive. Human touch is a basic necessity to growth and life. For those who have lived alone during the pandemic, their risk for depression and even suicide is significantly increased. However, you don’t have to be living alone to be feeling as if something significant is missing in your life. MOTIVATING
Research on adults shows that touch actually calms the body and brain, making us more compassionate. In a time where compassion is lacking and emotions are high, it could be said that the lack of touch is fueling the fire. Oxytocin, the feel-good hormone that comes with touch, normally acts as a fire extinguisher when tempers flare. While nothing can replace the need for human contact, whether it be a hug from a friend, a pat on the back from a co-worker, or a simple handshake, these tips may help keep your touch receptors busy while we all await the green light to normalcy. s Take a warm bubble bath. The sensation of the bubbles will activate touch receptors all over the body. s Place a blanket or towel in the dryer and then wrap yourself in it until it reaches room temperature again. s Pet your cat or dog. If you don’t have one, consider getting a pet. s Go out of your way to give those in your household some extra love taps. Giving a hug is beneficial to both the one giving it and the one receiving it. s Pick a night of the week and make it massage night. The massage will increase oxytocin levels, which in turn will improve mood and your relationship. Judy Gaman is CEO at Executive Medicine of Texas, and the award-winning author of "Age to Perfection," available free from book.lovelifelucille.com/ agetoperfection
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
Let's Connect SAY HELLO
LIKE lasvegaswomanmagazine
@LasVegasWoman
@LasVegasWoman
SH
AR E
Las Vegas Woman magazine
TAG
lasvegaswomanmagazine
u o Y k n a h T
Frontline Workers
Eloping
in Fabulous Las Vegas
A Mini-moon Under the Desert Stars by McKenzi Taylor
63
When you fell in love and you were proposed to, it was likely just the two of you; intimate, romantic, and private. The upside to social distancing is allowing you to forfeit the big glam wedding and get back to where it all started: intimate and romantic. You can slough off the stress and social pressures that come with larger weddings and elope; on your own or with a couple of close friends. Elopement From the location and decorations, to wardrobe, music, accessories, and preparation; you get to make your nuptials all about the two of you. Welcome to your lavish, intimate, and romantic elopement. Location Start with the setting. Las Vegas has some breathtaking natural locations. Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Floyd Lamb Park, Dry Lake Bed, Eldorado Canyon, The Neon Museum or Cactus Joe’s Plant Nursery; the choice is yours. Let your imagination run wild and choose a setting that feels meaningful. Elopements have the distinct advantage of accommodating interesting and exotic locations that may not work for a larger gathering. Once you decide on that special location to say "I do," check with an experienced wedding coordinator who knows the lay of the land and can obtain any necessary location permits. Having an authorized permit will be your best friend. Splurge on yourself and your future husband With the money saved on not having a traditional lavish wedding, you can afford to splurge on yourself. Allocate part of your budget towards a beautifully detailed wedding dress that will not only make you feel like royalty, it will be a keepsake you can enjoy in your wedding photos and forever. You can also pass it down to a future
daughter or wear it again should you throw a big wedding celebration later next year. Design or purchase a dress that suits your unique style and imagination. Maybe your fiancé wants a custom suit or something more creative; you have the scope to do it. Flowers are synonymous with romance and a luxury bouquet makes the moment. Rather than a basic bouquet, go for wildflowers, peonies, garden roses, orchids, or sunflowers. Lavish your bridal bouquet with exotic pops of color. Accessorize and go for a theme Are the two of you adventure seekers? Wild about vintage? Want to pull a page from your favorite romantic movie or novel? Maybe you would love to recreate the scene of your parents' or grandparents' wedding day. From the location and dress, to the accessories and music; don’t spare on the details. Embrace tradition Though elopements have long been thought of as impulsive and rebellious, that narrative has changed and continues to evolve as COVID-19 and social distancing are changing just about everything in our lives. Your elopement can hit all the beats of a traditional wedding: something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. You have the time to find creative ways to incorporate these items. Make a day of it and take your time getting ready A lot of couples like to start their wedding photo shoot while they are getting ready for their big day. Have the photographer be present while you are having your hair and makeup done, and don’t forget your future husband’s preparations. You are bound to get some great surprise photos from this. You can even ask
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
your photographer to capture the moment your partner sees you in your wedding dress for the first time. Arrive in style Whether your dream car is a spruced up ’57 Chevy convertible, a classic Cadillac, a Rolls Royce, or stretch limousine, Las Vegas has plenty of car rental companies (including vintage cars) to suit every taste. Music is essential Go for an acoustic guitar or violin for musical accompaniment. Choose a song that is meaningful to the two of you. You can choose one signature song for your walk down the aisle and another song for your first dance as a married couple. Pictures to last a lifetime To make things interesting, you can hire two photographers: one to shoot digital pictures and one to shoot on film. Digital photography allows for unlimited and candid shots. Film is more limited and needs to be posed but shooting a handful of posed photos on film will give some of your pictures that softer film quality. Arrange for your favorite bottle of champagne and your dream cake to share after the ceremony, but don’t end your wedding day there. Keep the day going with a post-wedding sunset drive, a three-course meal, or small group dinner if you invite a handful of guests to your wedding. Take a mini-moon You are already in one of the best cities in the world! Since travel is currently limited, you can exchange vows amidst Las Vegas’ natural desert terrain and transition to your postwedding mini-moon right in Sin City. By McKenzi Taylor, Owner of Cactus Collective Weddings, based in Las Vegas, Nevada. cactus-collective.com
CELEBRATING
64
Masterminding
in the Midst of a Pandemic How One Company is Staying Safe While Staying Connected by Virginia Knudsen
Masterminding is not a new concept. Over 75 years ago Napoleon Hill described Mastermind Groups in his best-selling book, "Think and Grow Rich" as: "Mastermind is the principle through which you may borrow and use the education, the experience, the influence and perhaps the capital of other people in carrying out your own plans in life. It is the principle through which you can accomplish in one year more than you could accomplish without it in a lifetime if you depended entirely on your own efforts for success." One of the most famous mastermind groups of the last century consisted of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and John Burroughs. These famous men came together to share ideas and used their collective experience to solve problems within their companies and personal lives while improving their leadership skills and creating unparalleled results. As CEO of BOAR, a personal and professional development company founded on many of the principles of Mr. Hill’s book, we provide a variety of mastermind groups designed to help CEOs, business owners and executives be the best leaders they can be. Our BOAR Rooms are a safe
LEADING
place for them to come together and focus on their specific challenges and opportunities. Masterminding in the midst of a pandemic provides its own set of challenges and our members feel there is never a more important time to surround themselves with greatness than in the midst of a crisis. Having their own tribe of highly successful, educated and experienced business professionals to rely on not only alleviates the feeling of isolation but also has helped them adapt and pivot during these unprecedented times. How do Mastermind Groups Operate During a Pandemic? Having 16 to18 business executives meet in a boardroom during a pandemic is not ideal nor would it be considered safe. Therefore, we quickly adapted to current health guidelines and provided other avenues for members to come together and support each other. Our strategies can apply to any size mastermind group that wants to overcome the tidal wave of changes and unforeseen issues they may be facing. Immediately following the mandated closure of Las Vegas, we implemented a variety of initiatives
to help our Mastermind groups connect and stay on top of current events. A few of these initiatives include: w Implementation of weekly Zoom calls (in addition to their monthly meeting) for members to discuss immediate concerns, issues and opportunities. w Provide up-to-date coverage on local mandates, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) rules and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) requirements. w Research and provide articles to support members in navigating through tough issues, like work from home policies and procedures. w A revision of our meeting and speaker schedule to include relevant topics that provide tools and techniques geared to help members adapt and look for opportunities within the crisis. Once safe to do so, we introduced a hybrid meeting model where, depending on comfort level, members could choose to meet in person (with social distancing protocols) or Zoom into the meetings. The unintended benefit of this option was that members who were previously unable to attend in person now could choose to Zoom in for all or parts of the meeting as opposed to skipping it all together.
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
We have found a variety of methods, using technology, that help maintain a mastermind environment; albeit, everyone in their own bubble. Our technology platform of choice is Zoom.us and we utilize many of their functions including: w Screen Sharing w Hand Raising w Breakout Rooms w Whiteboards w Polling w Chat These functions allow members to remain engaged and focused in a safe and secure environment. We use the Meeting OWL, a smart video conferencing camera that captures 360° video and audio for a near face-to-face experience. Paired with a Jabra Speak 710 MS Wireless
Bluetooth Speaker, we are able to provide members with the ability to join the meeting virtually, and still feel like they are physically in the room. The Meeting OWL also records sessions, which can be uploaded to your secure member site, allowing members the ability to review speaker sessions and exercises at their leisure. We have found these cost-effective enhancements have added tremendous value to our member’s experience. What are the possibilities for you and your business when you begin to Mastermind with other CEOs, executives and business owners who have started, built and sold multi-milliondollar companies? They are unlimited and there is no better time than now to join a group like that, which we have available at BOAR, or start your own. Either way you win! Virginia Knudsen is the CEO of BOAR Courageous Community. boarcommunity.com
Changing
TIMES
Especially for Our Children by Roselyn Poon People often say there are two guarantees in life: death and taxes. I would like to add a third to the list, namely change. Now, there is every-day change like the weather, then serious change as in relocating the family, and then we have the mother of them all, global change, á la COVID-19. Change is not something we humans cope with very well at the best of times, let alone when the world is tilting its axis. I’m not interested in exploring the ramifications of some of the obvious changes that are occurring around us right now; rather, I want to check in on the little ones: the children. I have often heard adults remarking:
‘The kids will be ok, children are resilient, they adapt quickly, they will get over it by the morning." I pose the idea that maybe kids are not as good at coping with change as we believe they are. Could it be that children don’t know how to express their fear or their concern, so it stays bottled up and we super clever adults assume that silence is acceptance, and that everything is cool, when in fact it may be far from it? Think about how difficult it is for you to sometimes voice your feelings, thoughts and fears, and you have decades of life experience and vocabulary to draw on.
67
Children take their ques from the world around them, and lately you are a very big player in their world. How have you been coping with the changes to your work, family and community life? Have your kids recently been on the receiving end of your frustration with all the changes and upheaval to an already crazy world? Have you explained to them the changes in your behavior and demeanor? Have you helped them to express their fears and concerns about the changes in their world? I don’t mean putting words into their mouths. I mean being patient and giving them time to find their own words. How you see some of the changes and how your children see and interpret them, may not be the same, and why should they be? Your children are not you. Change affects our state of mind and generates a cascade of questions; some easily expressed and others as vague as walking through a London fog. These questions spin around in our minds demanding answers that we can understand. As you well know, answers don’t always come easily, so eventually we are forced to look outside of our own experience and ask partners, friends and colleagues. Ask them what? Maybe it’s uncomfortable at first, and we can’t find the right words. Sometimes our questions are more like feelings. Regardless, we dip our toe into the water and start the conversation. The hardest step of all is always the first step. Pretty soon though, the discussion gets traction and answers start to come to the surface. Think about it for a minute; you didn’t necessarily know what to FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
ask or how to ask it and you have been around for a while. What do you think is going on in your child’s mind? Maybe you could start the conversation with them and pose some of the questions that were worrying you. Don’t force them to ask questions, because like you, they may not know what questions to ask; they just have feelings which they haven’t yet learned to translate into words. The point is to make it known that asking questions about what is going on is perfectly fine. When they ask questions of their own accord, stop for a second and remember that you were once a child and treat them the way you would like to have been treated. Your children will be adults very soon and may not come to you with their questions and concerns, so try to give them some time now and always be truthful. They will know if you are making things up just to put their minds at ease, and this could send them off wondering if it is worth asking you any questions at all. Importantly, don’t dismiss their difficult questions, and let them ask the same question over and over again. They are only trying to get it sorted out in their young minds. Wouldn’t you rather they ask you than somebody you don’t know? COVID-19 is impacting everyone on a global scale. Families, businesses, communities, even cultures. Not everyone of us will come out the other end the same as when we started, and that is not all bad. This is a time to self-reflect and get in touch with ourselves and the ones we love, especially our children. They need our help and understanding more than ever. Roselyn Poon is an author, speaker and motivator on all things to do with living younger, longer. Her latest book, “Reset Your Inner Clock and Live Younger Longer” is available on Amazon.
MOTIVATING
69
r e v o R e g n Ra
Evoque
A VEHICLE FOR ALL SEASONS If you could pick a vehicle that was equally pleasurable and convenient to own under any weather conditions thrown at it year after year, what would you choose? The Range Rover Evoque, without a doubt. What would you do? Where would you go? Truly a vehicle for all-seasons, there is no better vehicle to enjoy a winter trip to Mount Charleston in sheer luxury, confidently driving the twisty roads on the way up. And after a day of enjoying the powder (and the hot chocolate at the lodge), the thrills continue down the mountain to your favorite local night spot for dinner in the evening. For its convenient size, it has a demonstrably cavernous rear cargo area. Easily accommodating two golf bags, it is the preferred transporter to a picture-perfect spring day of golf in
Coyote Springs, colored in dazzling flowers less than an hour’s drive north of The Strip. Summer brings a far different dynamic. With the Evoque’s incredibly efficient 4-cylinder turbo-charged power plant pulling off 26 MPG highway, your road trips can now be longer like the days. Quiet and smooth on the highway, the interior surrounds you in fine leather and optional real wooden finishes. This is the time to enjoy your Apple Car play with your favorite Summer Road Trip playlist in the optional Meridian Sound System as the orange sun drops into the horizon. In the fall when the leaves are changing color, it’s time to go antiquing in Las Vegas. After finding that must-have matching set of Tiffany Lamps at the Summerlin Flea Market, you can be confident that moving more wares won’t be a problem, even if going to Costco afterwards is the next task at hand. And if more capacity is a necessity, you can tow nearly 4,000 lbs. The 2020 Range Rover Evoque is Land Rover’s segmentleading luxury SUV. In short, no other vehicle in its class can dominate the dirt and asphalt as confidently all year round, and for years to come. Come test drive Range Rover Evoque and the entire line-up at Jaguar Land Rover Las Vegas, 6425 Roy Horn Way, Las Vegas by South Rainbow and the 215 freeway. 702.579.0400 or visit us online a jlrlv.com
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
CELEBRATING
Adjusting Our Sail for Family Success by Kimberly Malloy
T A K E A D V A N T A G E O F TH E P RE VAILING WINDS
“I can’t change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sail to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean It seems like a lifetime ago when we set our 2020 goals and a lifetime of events has occurred in this short period of time. This year has been filled with grief and it has caused many of us to throw out the concept of reaching our destination. I think we can all agree there are many things we do not have the ability to control, but I submit there are just as many opportunities for us to make choices that can have an impact. Personally, my mid-year goal is to NOT spend time complaining about what isn’t working or whether something is fair, but to spend more time figuring out how to adjust my sail to get my family closer toward
MOTIVATING
our newly revised goals of growing closer as a family, having authentic communication, including discussing our emotions and clarity about our priorities. There is no shortage of emotions right now, especially grief. Grief is the response to loss and this season has been full of loss. No need to pretend we are doing fantastic. Not everyone is comfortable showing emotions as they fear others can’t handle the intensity. Emotions are meant to be felt. Being sad doesn’t mean you won’t feel happy, feeling disappointed doesn’t mean someone is ungrateful nor does being angry mean you dislike everyone. Letting our children see emotions, naming them and talking about them is healthy, which can lead to learning tools to manage what life presents to us. Life is messy, and when we don’t show up for someone like we
wanted to, as Brené Brown says, “circle back.” There is power in being able to go back. For example, “Mom did not respond in the way I would have liked. I apologize. Can we talk about that again?” Kids don’t need to see perfection, nor do they need to see us beat ourselves up and say things like “I am such an idiot.” We all need to see more circle back and self-compassion moments, and less dehumanization of others. Another big challenge in today’s family is the spaces we are occupying. We are working, living, going to school, resting and playing in the same spaces. We are having to adjust the sails so we can meet our individual goals, but our family goals may be suffering. Even if our house is comfortable in size, it seems we are confined to these places and it is impacting how we see each other, and who we are becoming. It can be stressful and emotions can get triggered. This
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
71
We are having to adjust the sails so we can meet our individual goals, but our family goals may be suffering. is a great time for everyone to understand boundaries and their importance. Boundaries are those physical, emotional, material and mental limits we set to teach people how to treat us and to protect ourselves from others. “No, you can’t borrow my laptop.” “What you just said was unkind.” “I will be taking a test, so please don’t interrupt me.” These are all examples of setting boundaries. Connect with your kids, whether they are 2 or 22. Ask them what was
the best part of their day, hardest part of their day and is there any part they would like to do over? What were they most proud of, and how do they need support from us? Make this a daily ritual. The activities we once did brought us together as a community, and what we are doing now as a family is making us stronger. Notice how older siblings are stepping up with their younger ones on computer issues, homework or general encouragement. Notice how you are finding and doing more of the important things, rather than completing all of the items on your list. Listen and celebrate how
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
families are rallying around each other and finding creative ways to have fun. We can all help each other get to our destination. We will get through this. I am not saying we won’t be banged, bruised and scarred, but we are resilient as humans and I believe most of us are going to come out of this with more clarity and compassion. We don’t need as much as we thought. We don’t have to be entertained 24/7. As parents, it’s about raising emotionally healthy human beings who care for one another and humanity. Soon, I’ll see you again at the baseball field, skating rink, dance recital or school event, but until then, adjust your sail and take care of yourself and your humans. Kimberley Malloy, LMFT, CIO Marriage & Family Therapist #01228, Chief Inspirational Officer malloytherapy.com
MOTIVATING
72
New Age
NETWORKING
Stop Bemoaning the Past and Get Online by Roselyn Poon What comes to mind when you think of the word networking? Venturing out on a cold evening to spend a couple of hours in a room full of people you don’t really know, trying to spot the one person who could be a prospect, or dropping into a wine bar for drinks with a group of fun sociable types you would like to know better? I believe that networking is any situation where people get together with the prospect of meeting others. This definition automatically opens a world of opportunities to socialize, meet new people, make new business contacts, meet others who are interested in the same sports and hobbies as you, and even reacquaint with old friends. It doesn’t have to be strictly business. Regardless of how you define networking, meeting new people is no longer a casual, accidental happening. Sadly, it is now a deliberate action on our behalf. We can no longer hide behind the “open invitation.” So, what do we do now? We get over ourselves and join the online community. Being shy or apprehensive is perfectly fine; in fact, online networking may be easier for you in this circumstance. One thing is for sure, you don’t have to be overly concerned about wearing the sharpest suit in town or the latest designer outfit. I can attest to the last statement, as many of Bunker’s clients have slowed down their shopping because they aren’t going out or attending conventions and conferences. Rather than bemoan about the good old days when you could drop into a free networking event in one of our local restaurants, I urge you to take up the challenge of online networking. We don’t
LEADING
know how long it will be before we can enjoy the atmosphere of mixing with real people; so you may as well get started now. It could be that online networking is the way of the future, just as shopping online is quickly replacing our malls and online dating has replaced clubs and pubs. Here are a few tips that might help you along the way: 1. I have found that setting networking goals works best for me. My goals are broken up by my intention: my passion is photography, so I am always on the lookout for photographers I can learn from. Bunker and I own a couture fashion company, so finding events and now online events where fashion conscious women meet is key. I write and speak about living younger longer, hence online groups that focus on longevity and cellular health are my goto places to network with like-minded people. 2. Focus on your networking intentions and accept the fact that not one single online group will give you everything you are looking for. Be patient, as it could take quite a few trials before you find the right fit; but hey, the great thing about online networking is that you can check out a dozen different groups in one evening, whereas before COVID-19, it took weeks and a lot of time and effort. 3. Take it easy when you join a new online group and, dare I say it, be a little cautious about revealing too
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
much personal information. I think you have to meet someone three or four times before you can really begin to know who you are talking to. 4. I strongly suggest that you turn up consistently for a while when you find a group that resonates with you. Give yourself, and the others in the group, a chance to get to know each other. 5. Remember, we are talking about building relationships, not selling. You never liked it when someone you had just met started selling you on their latest and greatest photocopier, and it is no different with online meetings. 6. If you have joined a video online group, remember to look into your camera, have the light in front of you rather than behind and wear clothing that, should you leave your chair for a moment, has you covered.
7. Set a goal to meet one or two new people each week and try being genuinely interested in them. You never know who they know, which is part of the adventure of meeting new people. 8. Here are a few places to get you started— please check them out thoroughly before jumping in: • Google: Search for groups that you are interested in or just looking for inspiration. • Meetup.com: Some of the Meetup groups have gone online during the lockdown, so don’t just write it off as an in-person event. • Video Meetings: Visit Zoom, Discord, Google Meet, Google Hangouts. • Skype Meet Now: Casual video connections • FaceTime: Casual video • Facebook Groups: Coming soon and similar to Zoom.
Get going, the world awaits you.
l e k a B n n A inda
l o R November 26, 1950 – July 28, 2020 “I was introduced to Linda in 1995. I don't think I would have made it thru all of my ups and downs without her in my corner. She was always a strong, sensitive, giving and caring person. She would have given anything to anybody at any time, day or night. May be one of the best people I have ever met. She has always been my rock and my best friend; my heart hurts every day. My life is not going to be the same without her, the world has lost a true angel.” ~ Cindy Papen-Beard
“I only knew Linda for a very short time but it was a whirlwind romance; a natural fit you might say. We met in March 2018, we fell in love just a few months later. I wound up asking her to marry me on a short trip that we took to San Diego in June of that year and we were married in July 2019. Linda’s kind and loving spirit made it very easy for people to like her and for her to always see the best in people. Her ability to love and understand you was a gift from God. She was a special person, I know, I was her husband.” ~ Michael Gerardi
"Linda, you were a true angel here on earth, you touched many and uplifted all you met. God has given you your wings, and you will live forever in the hearts of those you touched. I will forever cherish memories of you, and the fun, and your bright smile! You always treated your friends like Royalty when you in fact were the Queen." ~ Billy Joe Arthur “My once-in-a lifetime friend, Linda Bakel. I’m forever blessed to have shared so many heart-centered, courageously raw and real-life moments with you, Linda. We seemed to lean on each other during our darkest times and always sealed them with ‘I love you my friend.’ You never spoke poorly of or judged anyone. Even when your heart was bruised by those closest to you, you paused, smiled and would say, ‘You know, they are doing the best they know how and my hope is one day they will find their way back to love...’ I miss your radiance, brilliance, wisdom, crazy kind of fun and your unharnessed laughter. I remember when I got a God-nudge that you would fall deeply in love and get married again...your eyes lit up and you giggled like a teenager. How wonderful that Mike Gerardi captured your heart and sealed your love in marriage, sharing the second season of your life together in so much deserved love and companionship!” ~ Denise Marshall
You will be
! d e s s i M
“What I will miss most about Linda is not her infectious laughter, although I can still hear her laughter in my head, instead it is how she exuded love. I will miss her hugs, her great advice, and of course her great laugh; however, it is the love she showed me as her friend that I will miss the most.” ~ James Lutz
"Linda will always be one of God's special creatures. She showered everyone with her enthusiasm for life, love and joy. I remember interviewing Linda for my show Today's Woman, and her topic was relationships. She was single at the time and explained that we had to open our hearts to receive love and most of all be patient. The very next day she met Michael. She called me, more excited and sparkly than ever announcing that she had met her soul mate. Linda, I will always love you.” ~ Roselyn Poon
"Linda Bakel was one of the most positive influences I have ever had in my life. It was always a pleasure to be in her company whenever we went to visit Bellagio or any other place. I loved being with her. She created a vision board for me which I absolutely didn’t want to do in the beginning because I didn’t believe in it, but, because of her, I have accomplished a few things that are on that board today. I loved Linda and I feel it’s a huge loss in my life. Linda is missed every day.” ~ Barbara Brighton
“Linda Bakel, meeting you and creating the connection we had was one of the highlights of my life. You were an inspiration; such a lovely woman! You carried yourself with so much grace, dignity and elegance. You meant so much to so many. You were one of a kind and I feel privileged to have shared some of our life’s journey together. I’m overwhelmed with sadness because you are no longer here to celebrate life with and yet so very grateful for the time we spent together. I love you, my friend! I miss you so much and I thank you for all of the amazing memories. You will forever be missed!” ~ Stephanie Kocher
Distance Learning, Co-op Schooling, Homeschooling
YOU HAVE OPTIONS by Susan Feher
Until recently, it was a fairly straight forward choice when deciding how and where you wanted your children educated. Sadly, life is a lot more complicated these days, but with change comes opportunity. Today, distance learning and co-op schooling have been added to the mix. No matter which way you look at it, the biggest change is that you are expected to be more involved in your child’s education on a daily level. It’s a bit too early to work out how to navigate distance learning and co-op schooling; however homeschooling has been around since the pioneer days, so we asked an experienced homeschooling mom to give us some tips.
77
For the busy parents, here are the highlights anyone considering homeschool should know: 1. Socialization is the least of your worries. The homeschooling online network is extensive and your child will have a diverse group of friends; local and globally. 2. Technology, and in particular Google, will provide you with unlimited tools and information helping you to give your child a great education without spending a fortune or having a degree. 3. Nevada law allows you the freedom to choose what and how your child learns, without any testing requirements. 4. You can do this! No one cares more about your child’s future than you and homeschooling is one of the options that gives you the opportunity to be involved on a daily basis. 5. Las Vegas is a homeschooling oasis! Your biggest “problem” will be choosing what not to do with your child. 6. If teaching your child is a struggle at first, take a break. This is new for you and your child. Up until now, your relationship was pretty much maternal, now you have added a new mode combining teacher, guide, coach, adventure partner and worldly traveler. Relating to each other in this situation will take time, and believe me, it is worth every hurdle. 7. Your child is no longer in a classroom with protocols that govern asking questions and interacting with their teacher and fellow classmates, so it may take them a while to start asking questions, but they will, just be patient.
MOTIVATING
Education is a lifelong journey and our goal is to nurture a love for learning. 8. If you are concerned about college admissions, don’t be. Many homeschoolers begin earning college credits while still in high school, and so far, I haven’t heard of any student being rejected. 9. In my opinion, RISE Resource Center is one of the best local resources for homeschoolers. riseresourcecenter.org For those with a bit more time, let me share my homeschooling journey with you. I am the mother of a 10-year-old girl and six years ago, my husband and I both worked full-time. I managed a country club in California and we only spent one full day a week together as a family. The money was good, but we weren’t happy. As soon as we could make it work financially, I retired and we moved to Henderson. We fell into homeschooling because our daughter would be held back a year due to an overseas trip during kindergarten. Five years later, we are still enjoying the freedoms that homeschooling provides us. This school year has been a major upheaval for most. Thankfully, the impact within our home was merely a disappointment. Until March, we were rarely at home (“homeschool” is a misnomer), and the loss of access to libraries, museums, recreational centers and rules against gathering in groups took some of the joy out of our
educational experience. Our first priority as homeschooling parents is to get the kids back together responsibly, outside, as soon as possible. If you choose online distance learning, find a way to spend time outside, engage in physical activity, or have your kids invent their own games. I also recommend allowing your child to *gasp* be bored. Lookup “the science of boredom.” Boredom is a good thing you can frame positively, by creating an inspiration jar of suggestions for things to do offline. Your child will learn how to entertain themselves without a screen; their developing brains need this. We have not recreated school at home and my daughter can complete her schoolwork anywhere, anytime, any day. It may look like a hot mess to some, but my daughter is always learning, our life is flexible and we are abundantly happy. There has never been a better time to tryout homeschooling, but if it is not a viable option, look into microschooling or take on the challenge of distance learning with both hands. We don’t know how the future is going to play out, but we do know that education will always take center field. Susan Feher is a world schooler and has an MS in Health Psychology.
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
78
Featured
You Tube Channels Get ready for Thanksgiving with help from these great chefs.
FOOD WISHES 3.69M subscribers
BINGING WITH BABISH 7.75M subscribers
LAURA IN THE KITCHEN 3.72M subscribers
Chef John welcomes you to the Food Wishes channel, where the food is the star. Watch these fun-to-make, and easy-to-follow recipes, and you'll improve your culinary skills dramatically! He posts new videos on Tuesdays and Fridays (usually), so keep checking back!
Follow along every week as he recreates the iconic and obscure foods from your favorite movies and TV shows, all in dazzling 4K. He'll make some delicious dishes, have a little fun, and if you're not careful, you might just learn a thing or two.
Laura in the Kitchen started in 2010 as a way to help share her love of the kitchen with anyone willing to watch and learn. She has shared over a thousand yummy recipes on YouTube. Laura is not here to turn you into a perfect chef, just help you navigate the kitchen and make food everyone will love!
SWEET POTATO SOUL 609K subscribers
KETO CONNECT 910K subscribers
EVERYDAY FOOD 1.53M subscribers
On Sweet Potato Soul, she shares unique and tasty vegan recipes, ethical fashion, natural beauty, and more to help inspire a compassionate lifestyle. All of the recipes on this channel can be found on her blog (along with yummy food photography): sweetpotatosoul. com. She's a professional vegan chef, blogger, and YouTuber.
KetoConnect aims to provide informative videos centering around the Ketogenic Diet. Megha and Matt started their keto journey together and their results were too good to keep to themselves. They share recipes and lifestyle information on their website as well. ketoconnect.net.
Looking for the best ways to make fast, delicious food at home? Are you searching for holiday and entertaining sweets? Or, have a kitchen dilemma that we can help you with? Tune in daily and expand your cooking and baking knowledge with help from the Martha Stewart Team.
VIDEOS & PODCASTS
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
79
Featured
Podcasts
Listen while you're making breakfast, in bed, or whenever you can, these great podcasts will have you cracking up or falling asleep with a little of everything inbetween.
HAPPIER WITH GRETCHEN RUBIN
THE OVERWHELMED BRAIN WITH PAUL COLAIANNI
STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW WITH JOSH AND CHUCK
Gretchen Rubin is HAPPIER, and she wants you to be happier too. Gretchen Rubin is the #1 bestselling author of "The Happiness Project," and in this award-winning, top-ranked podcast, she gives strategies and solutions for how to build happier habits into your daily life.
The Overwhelmed Brain will help you increase your emotional intelligence so that you can avoid dysfunction, handle toxic situations with grace and show up as your authentic self. It provides specific, purposeful steps to help you improve your life and empower you to make the right decisions.
Stuff You Should Know got its start in 1998 at a college professor's kitchen table. It is now an awardwinning source of unbiased, reliable, easy-to-understand answers and explanations of how the world actually works with nearly 30 million visitors to the site each month.
THE MINDFUL KIND WITH RACHAEL KABLE
OPTIMAL LIVING DAILY WITH JUSTIN MALIK
The Mindful Kind podcast is hosted by author and mindfulness coach, Rachael Kable. Each 10-minute episode features interesting research, personal stories, and practical takeaways on the benefits of mindfulness. With over 6 million downloads and 200+ episodes, it is the guide to mindful living in the modern world.
VEGAS REVEALED WITH SEAN MCALLISTER & DAYNA ROSELLI
The Optimal Living Daily podcast network hand-picks and reads you the best content on personal development, minimalism, finance, health, relationships, business, and more with permission from the authors. Optimal Living Daily is an audio-blog where the best articles are narrated to you for free.
FALL 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
Vegas Revealed is hosted by longtime broadcasters, Sean McAllister and Dayna Roselli. They have a combined 40 years in broadcasting and have each worked 15 years on-air in Las Vegas. Each week, they share their Vegas experiences, interview performers, celebrities, insiders, longtime residents, and friends about anything Las Vegas.
VIDEOS & PODCASTS
We're In This Together Join Us Today & Access Resources That Support & Sustain Your Business The Vegas Chamber helps businesses survive, thrive & become stronger than ever before. Become a member today. Contact Will Ochoa, VP of Member Development, at wochoa@vegaschamber.com or 702.641.5822
We know you are busy-so let us take the planning stress off your plate for your next event or upcoming wedding. Diamond Events has over 20 years experience in Las Vegas. Diamond Events Specializes in:
Weddings (planning S coordination, locations, catering S bar services, D.J Entertainment, transportation, hair S makeup, flowers S decor, photographers, clean-up and more). Corporate 6 Private Events, Small meetings, Lavish Conferences to Themed Parties everything is covered for your event. (planning S coordination, locations, catering S bar services, D.J Entertainment, transportation, flowers S decor, photographers, clean-up and more) . Film 6 Production Catering 6 Craft Services. Offering full-service meals to drop S go box lunches with flexibility to accommodate special dietary needs.
I
Just a few of our clients: Southwest•
·��¥. -· � git� � .. }!..� A
CO
�An:nH'
�00/
sears
DiamondEvents. com Liz (702)417-1867
Chef Maurice (702)918-0789
t..
THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE:
THE CITY. IT’S NEW NATURAL HABITAT. The Range Rover Evoque is minimalist and refined. The Range Rover Evoque R-Dynamic pushes the boundaries with a bolder, sportier design that adds to the vehicle’s unique appeal. Choose from two Land Rover InControl® infotainment systems: Touch™ Pro or Touch Pro Duo. Delivering a wealth of information and entertainment, Touch Pro Duo features the most intuitive and advanced integrated technologies to ensure you make the most of each journey. To experience the 2020 Range Rover Evoque for yourself, visit Jaguar Land Rover Las Vegas for a test drive today.
Jaguar Land Rover Las Vegas
6425 Roy Horn Way, Las Vegas, NV 89118 702.579.0400 www.jlrlv.com
