Las Vegas Woman Magazine Spring 2014 by Las Vegas Woman

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Publisher’s Letter TO EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN & INSPIRE

Publisher/CEO Tammy Grabel @TammyGrabel Editor-in-Chief Debbie Hall @DangerousDeb VP of Sales & Marketing Ruth Lauber Chief executive to the publisher Shirley Turner Contributing Writers Allison Duck • Angi Covington Annie Sliman • Beth Fisher • Dao Vu Debbie Hall • Jennifer Florendo Jessica Kennedy • Lisa Lynn Chapman Mary Peterson • Matt Henderson Rev. Thabiti • Ruth Furman • Sherry Swensk Stephanie Ann Vehon • Taylor Makakoa Photographers Alicia Lee • Andrew Garcia Audrey Dempsey • Bill Stanton Cashman Photography • Connie Palen Daniel Ward • Isaac Brekken Isaac Easley • Nikki Artale • Scott Kramer Tiffany Sosa, Walls of Photography

Art | Creative 702west • 702west.com Join us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/lasvegaswomanmagazine follow us on twitter @lasvegaswoman ________________________________________________________

For advertising inquiries, contact Ruth Lauber at 702.629.5906, or ruth@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 debbie@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: Tammy Shaw, 6525 W. Warm Springs Rd, Suite 100 Las Vegas, NV 89118 or call 702.629.5934. Las Vegas Woman Magazine assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions appearing herein. All Rights Reserved. Las Vegas Woman Magazine, Copyright 2014. Medical statements of fact and opinion expressed in this issue are those of the authors and contributors and Las Vegas Woman is relieved of any legal liability. Las Woman Magazine does not make any medical representation, express or implied, in respect of 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.

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New Beginnings Spring is all about renewal, and in the following pages, you will find articles around this theme. From entertainment to our Fearless Females, this issue will leave you with a feeling of empowerment that we hope translates into your professional and personal lives. Here are some articles that follow the seasonal trend of new beginnings: Starting on page 54, our cover story features Kelly Thomas-Boyers. She tells about her story of the death of her son that inspired her to begin a charity in 2009, naming it Adam’s Place. The organization created a Grief Center for children, teens and families. Most recently, Land Rover Las Vegas has become a major partner of Adam’s Place with a new Drive School Program. I am awed by the strength of Thomas-Boyers and the community outreach of Land Rover Las Vegas, to continue the legacy of her son and create new hope for grieving families. There’s a new yoga place in town and we welcome TruFusion Yoga to our valley. Instructors encourage their students to learn, grow and achieve. With so many yoga choices in town, I can personally tell you that TruFusion has been part of my New Year’s resolution that I’ve actually kept. Every time I go, I gain a renewed sense of well-being for both my body and mind. On page 49, you will see why this yoga studio stands out from the rest. Did you know that your closet talks? It could quite possibly be saying, “Out with the old and in with the new!” On page 38, Stephanie Van Vehon tells us that the clothes in our closet are a reflection of our life. Take the self-questionnaire and see what kind of relationship you have with your closet. I am a firm believer that if we can release the physical clutter in our lives, we will see an improvement in other areas of our life. Wish Upon a Wedding is a nonprofit organization in our community that is making dreams come for couples facing terminal illness or life-altering circumstances. On page 43, you will read about a couple that received a wedding from Wish Upon a Wedding before her husband passed away. Event and wedding planners come together to donate their time and talent to create memories to last a lifetime for these deserving couples. Please take a moment to read about Wish Upon a Wedding, and if you know a couple that could use this service, or if you would like to donate to the cause. And speaking about weddings, I am beyond happy to announce that I married the love of my life, Seth Grabel. We were blessed to be married at the Staples Center on the televised 2014 Grammys. With 27 million viewers, Queen Latifah performed our ceremony along with 30 couples, during a Macklemore song that was sung with Madonna during this historic event. We will be having a wedding reception at the JW Marriott this year, and because my husband is a magician, there will be definitely be surprises! So to wrap up my Spring 2014 Publisher’s Letter about new beginnings, I am joyful to announce my NEW last name: Tammy Grabel! To educate, entertain & inspire, Tammy Grabel Publisher & CEO

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SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Las Vegas Woman Spring 2014 CONTENTS

Features 32 Sail Windjammer Travel Exclusive 54 Kelly Thomas-Boyers Land Rover & Adam’s Place 66 Dentists of the Desert 67 Dr. Jennifer Cha & Dr. Leon Chen 68 Dr. Laurie Bloch-Johnson 70 Dr. Douglas Sanchez 71 Dr. Marielaina Perrone 72 Dr. Joel A. Stokes

Model Kelly Thomas-Boyers Hair Hair by Andeen Makeup Makeup by Didi

Health & Age Management 48 Reinventing yourself as a Senior 49 TruFusion Yoga 50 The Secret to a Better Life 51 Nutrition & Fitness Important for Conception, Pregnancy 52 Golf Swing Tips Living Green 64 Single Stream Recycling 91 Ideas for Going Green

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Beauty & Fashion 36 Rent the Runway 37 Max Pawn Shop 38 If Your Closet Could Talk 39 Goody Bag 40 Privy Skincare 58 Heather Rogner Photography

On the Cover

Wines & Dines 24 Terra Verde at Green Valley Ranch Resort Sushi Roku Poppy Den 25 Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar Park on Fremont Farm 24/7 27 Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria 29 Spring into the Season

Departments 5 A Few Words from the Publisher 14 Calendar of Events 18 Arts Guide

Photography Adrienne Griffin Dragonfly Portrait Design

Family First 21 United Way 42 Channel 13 Beth Fisher’s “Making Las Vegas a Better Place to Live” 43 Wish Upon a Wedding 45 Mom’s Making 6 Figures 46 Bringing an Era to Life 47 Play Pen

Fearless Females 76 Fearless Females 77 Denee Evans 78 Stacy Stagg 79 Dr. Florence Jameson 80 Erika Pope & Marina Nicola On A Serious Note 92 Myths & Realities of Domestic Violence Extras for you 16 Menopause The Musical 82 In The City 86 Local Ladies 90 Mars vs. Venus 91 Dear Dao 95 Great 8 with Justin Spencer

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

events

calendar of

April

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PANDA! at The Palazzo

30 31

PANDA!, the newest resident show at The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas, is an original production direct from Beijing. While incorporating the culture of China, it also tells the timeless story of love, good versus evil, overcoming fear and realizing inner strength. PANDA! is about a loving and caring panda and his beloved princess. Pandas are native to China and a beloved animal representing love and kindness. In PANDA!, the main character, LongLong, is set to marry his Peacock Princess. Their wedding day begins with joy and happiness, but it is soon overshadowed by darkness when LongLong witnesses his beloved kidnapped by the evil Demon Vulture. LongLong then embarks on a journey to find and rescue his love. Produced by An Zhao, who also produced the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, PANDA! includes performers from the China National Acrobatic Troupe and Shaolin Monastery Kung Fu Monks Troupe including a captivating 7-year-old boy. PANDA! is performed at the Palazzo Theater Tuesday to Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and dark on Monday. Tickets can be purchased Venetian/Palazzo box office, go online to venetian.com/panda or call 702.414.9000.

The Fertility Center of Las Vegas offers FREE seminars for new patients and for people seeking information about fertility treatments. Seminars are conducted monthly and are an opportunity for patients to speak candidly with Dr. Bruce Shapiro and Dr. Said Daneshmand, both sub-specialty board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and world renowned for their research and breakthroughs in reproductive medicine. Tour the state-of-the-art facility and meet with financial advisors. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. Call to RSVP at 702.254.1777 or reserve your seat online at fertilitycenterlv.com. March 18, 6 p.m.: at 8851 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 100, Las Vegas. April 30, 6 p.m.: at 8851 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 100, Las Vegas. May 21, 6 p.m.: at 2769 Sunridge Heights Parkway, Suite 100, Hend.

May 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: New Image Advanced Laser and Skin Center will be holding a Celebrate Mothers Party benefiting Easter Seals. There will be information on the services offered along with food, prizes and networking. RSVP by May 2 at NewImageLasVegas.com, e-mail at NewImage@DrMallMD.com or call 702.697.7991. The party will be held at the Longford Medical Plaza, 7455 W. Washington Ave., Suite 400.

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March 1, 4 to 8 p.m.: Springs Preserve is holding the inaugural Mardi Gras Vegas celebrating Cajun and Creole cuisine, music and culture. Featuring live Zydeco music, food from local Southern eateries, a beer garden for the adults and activities including kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; crafts, fortune tellers and palm readers, the family-friendly Mardi Gras Vegas will bring the tastes and sounds of the Louisiana bayou and the colors and fun of Mardi Gras to the heart of the Southern Nevada desert. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for children under five. Springs Preserve members will receive $2 off admission. Tickets are available at springspreserve.org or at the Springs Preserve box office, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. on Valley View Boulevard between U.S. 95 and Alta Drive.

April 26: Power of Love honoring Gloria and Emilio Estefan benefiting Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health will be held at The MGM Grand garden arena. The gala evening will feature first-rate headliner entertainment, food prepared by celebrity chefs including Wolfgang Puck and wine chosen by master sommeliers. For information, call 702.263.9797 or visit keepmemoryalive.org.

March 21, 7:30 p.m.: One Night for ONE DROP, imagined by Cirque du Soleil in support of ONE DROP, will be held at the Michael Jackson ONE Theatre at Mandalay Bay for a one-night-only performance in Las Vegas. Since many of the performers are from Cirque du Soleil, all seven Cirque shows will be dark that night. ONE DROP—a nonprofit organization established in 2007 by Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil—strives to ensure that water is accessible and to bring awareness, especially to the southwest suffering one of its worst droughts. The Tenors will perform along with other celebrities attending and performing. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit onenight.onedrop.org.

May 9-10, 7:30 p.m.: Coppélia, The Girl with the Enamel Eyes, at Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts culminates the season for the Nevada Ballet Theatre. Perfect for the whole family, this charming story of a young couple in love, a toymaker and his doll that comes to life finds new fans in every generation. Choreographed by James Canfield and set to the exuberant score of Léo Delibes, a wild mix of abracadabra and comic chaos is unleashed in this classical ballet. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit nevadaballet.org.

April 9-12: UNLVino, Nevada’s original wine event will celebrate 40 years with four days of functions. The epicurean showcase continues Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada’s mission to raise scholarship funds for UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. For more information, visit unlvino.com. April 9: Sip & Savor at Spago with world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck hosting an evening filled with premium label wines and incredible food. April 10: BAR-b-q at Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods Pool returns at Caesars Palace as cocktail masterminds collaborate for a unique poolside barbeque. April 11: Bubble-Licious at The Venetian’s Doge’s Palace Plaza will delight patrons with an evening of champagne, sparkling wines, and cocktails, along with amazing small plates from The Venetian and Palazzo’s collection of restaurants. April 12: Founders’ Grand Tasting at the Keep Memory Alive Events Center at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health takes place in the architecture of the Frank Gehry designed building offering the finest wines, champagnes, spirits, beers and sakes, as well as bites from the city’s best restaurants and UNLV’s culinary students.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Menopause The Musical By Debbie Hall

Embracing a special time in a woman’s life with humor and song

entertain

enopause The Musical has been delighting audiences in Las Vegas for the past eight years including more than three years at the Hilton and almost five years at the Luxor Las Vegas giving a new spin to girls’ night out. Using humor and music, the production follows four women who meet at a department store in the lingerie section who appear to have nothing in common except the blacklace bra they all want to buy. From there, they all discover they are experiencing The Change and share those ups and downs including memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, too much sex, not enough sex and how their lives will never be the same. The music is from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s but with reworked lyrics as the ladies dance, lament, laugh and finally emerge victorious realizing menopause is a natural part of being a woman and there really is life after The Change. Characters include the soap opera star, professional woman, earth mother and housewife from Iowa bonding as they sing the Aretha Franklin song, “Chain of Fools,” only the lyrics are now Change, Change, Change. While many will remember the Bee Gee’s hits, “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever,” these ladies are Stayin’ Awake and dealing with Night Sweatin’. Even though Las Vegas gets hot in the summer time, the internal temperatures rise due to hot flashes as the ladies sing Drippin’ and Droppin’ (Dusty Springfield’s “Wishing and Hoping”), Hot Flash and I’m Flashing. Since 2001, the hilarious show has entertained and inspired audiences worldwide. Recently, Menopause The Musical celebrated its 3,000th performance in Las Vegas as well as became a member of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting and celebration. During its performances, there have been more than 3,000 “lap” dances, 15,064 simulated orgasms, 122,684 hot flashes and 270,000 plus minutes of laughter and enjoyment. The Las Vegas cast includes Paige O’Hara is the voice of Belle in the Disney classic “Beauty and The Beast” as well as local favorites Laura Lee O’Connell, Lisa Mack, Vita Corimbi, Lori Legacy and Richel Kompst. Comments from the audience include, “That’s me! Were they in lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

my room last night?” and “It’s a party every night!” Menopause The Musical also encourages discussions on women’s health and uses these opportunities to raise awareness with female audiences. Souvenir hot flash fans are sold with proceeds going to research and treatment of ovarian cancer. On Oct. 23, 2013 during Breast Cancer Awareness month, performers from Menopause The Musical came out to support a semi-truck nicknamed the Mammovan from Nevada Health Centers when it stopped in the parking lot of the Luxor and administered free tests to women over 40. Some of the cast members got mammograms and shared their experiences with others. O’Hara said, “Everyone should get a mammogram. In fact, my sister’s boss, who is a male, was diagnosed with breast cancer so it’s not just women.” Mack stated, “I feel it is important, especially being an African American woman, with the epidemic happening in our community that we are just not aware of and we need to stand up and take charge of our bodies. Early prevention is the cure and if you can catch it early, you can take care of it.” Show times for Menopause The Musical in the Atrium Showroom at Luxor is daily 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday 8 p.m. Tickets prices range from $54.95 to $70 not including taxes and service charges, and can be purchased by calling 702.610.4400. Discounted group rates are also available.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

ARTS Guide By Jessica Kennedy

Gina Quaranto: Growing with the Las Vegas Art District

Who would have known that the birth of a little girl on a cold Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day in Brooklyn would have so much impact on Las Vegas just a few years later? Gina Quaranto was destined for great things: a major driving force of positive change in the Arts District and the curator of Blackbird Arts, Inc. also known as Blackbird Studios.

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Quaranto’s love of drawing came naturally as a child. According to her family, there wasn’t a time when she wasn’t drawing something from the time she could hold a crayon. She attended the Las Vegas Academy of Art and Design and decided that she was ready to present her art to the public – more than 10 years ago at the First Friday Art Events. Known on the streets as the skull lady, her early mixed media pieces utilized many handcrafted skulls. Wanting to be taken more seriously as an artist, Quaranto moved into a space at the then-new City of the World Gallery. She was very well received there but time marches ever forward and she was given an opportunity to have a space at Neonopolis when it had first opened and she jumped at the opportunity. Quaranto was then given the opportunity of a lifetime — to open her very own gallery called Place. The art shows she produced here were nothing short of amazing including a skateboard show and a Deviant Art show. Eventually she produced her own art show entitled “Irreverence and 100 Year Old Day Dreams” which featured some of Quaranto’s best assemblage art as well as several mixed media pieces that utilized repurposed 100-plus-year-old books. All of that show’s works of art are presently held exclusively in private collections. What happened to Place? The mysterious explosion downtown on July 11, 2010 claimed several businesses including the Opportunity Village Thrift Store and The Attic as well as Place. Without skipping a beat, Quaranto was in pursuit of another venue and found it quickly. Blackbird Arts, Inc. is housed at 1551 S. Commerce St. (at Wyoming). Pee Wee Herman along with a multitude of new and burgeoning artists have had art shows including: Las Vegas Academy instructors Su Limbert and Sierra

Slenz, Constance Stotzer, David Valiz, Nanda Sharifpour and her husband Ali Fathohali. During the summer months in 2013, the Circus Show at Blackbird, one of the most challenging shows to display, featured over 150 pieces of artwork from all over the world. In winter 2013, over 65 local artists paid homage to Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss) in a tribute show with more than 120 pieces of art from all over the world. In the midst of everything, Quaranto’s passion for art has brought her in contact with legislators discussing art, art education, and art legislation in Las Vegas

as well as trekking to Reno and Carson City. She has gone to bat for Las Vegas’ artists, continues to fight for the arts and can often be seen with the Nevada Arts Alliance, discussing strategies for broad scope projects and funding. Having recently opened a second location in Container Park, what does the future look like for Quaranto? Her collectors are hoping that she will do another art show of her very own in the not-so-distant future. She’s one of the arts district’s most influential persons and definitely someone to keep up with as Quaranto continues to do great things for art in Las Vegas.

Mother, instructor, entrepreneur, graphic designer, philanthropist and writer; Jessica Kennedy, a Midwestern native, participates with several local philanthropic organizations including the Las Vegas Hospitality Association, the Clark County Artists Guild, College of Southern Nevada Foundation Gala Committee, Metro Arts Council and Blackbird Arts, Inc./Blackbird Studios.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

United Way

he members of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council are not content to simply meet, network, exchange business tips and forge new relationships. This thriving group of women leaders is so deeply invested in their community that they worked hand-in-hand with United Way to identify pressing problems that needed immediate solutions in the areas of education, health and financial stability. During the Women’s Leadership Council 2014 Luncheon Fashion Show held Feb. 21 at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, the WLC announced its 2014 projects and discussed the impact the group has made in Southern Nevada over the last six years. “Our hopes are to educate the audience on the projects we are funding and encourage them to join us in helping make southern Nevada a better place,” said Deb Mele-Blanchard, WLC co-chair. One of the 2014 priorities for the WLC is a medical clinic operated by Positively Kids for over 700 students at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School. “The Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School clinic did not have enough funds to open this year,” said Nancy Reel, WLC Project Funding co-chair. “This left a huge void in this school

Women’s Leadership Council: Investing in our community community as it has served many, many families in the past.” According to Fred Schultz, founder and CEO of Positively Kids, the support of WLC is critical to opening the clinic. “Without the Women’s Leadership Council, we couldn’t open this clinic, it wouldn’t survive,” Schultz said. The clinic will help a wide demographic of children including those who are homeless or live in cars that have no access to health care in many cases. “All the money for schools and teachers will never be enough if the children are not healthy,” said Judy Kropid, WLC Project Funding cochair. The group’s support of community initiatives does not end there. They are also investing in the future leaders of our community through two scholarships for female Clark County School District students with grade point averages of 3.0 or higher, who are attending a four-year accredited college in Southern Nevada. “It is the epitome of what WLC stands for and endeavors to achieve,” Kropid said. “It made us all very proud to be WLC members.” The group will also provide health services to children during a community immunization clinic and to seniors during a shingles

vaccination clinic. WLC will continue to sponsor Breakfast with Books program at Dean Petersen Elementary School to encourage good reading habits, stimulate the love of reading, encourage family participation and provide a nutritious breakfast. Through the group’s leadership, over the past four years more than 35,000 high school students and their families have received support and resources to increase on-time graduation, preparing them to enter a career or college and succeed through its Family Engagement Resource Centers located at five local high schools. With the first class of FERC students graduating in June, WLC has contributed more than $500,000 to FERC, which has helped participating students to increase attendance and GPAs and other markers indicating an increase of on-time graduation for this group of future community leaders. To help further the mission of FERC to achieve better attendance and an ultimate ontime graduation, WLC will provide 24-hour bus passes at no cost to students and parents that will make it easier to attend after school, evening and weekend events and presentations at FERC. To learn more about United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, contact Lawrel Larsen at 702.892.2319 or lawrell@uwsn.org. SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Restaurants Written and compiled by Debbie Hall

Terra Verde at Green Valley Ranch Resort Terra Verde at Green Valley Ranch Resort is a taste of Italy in a contemporary setting. Featuring authentic Italian cuisine, favorite dishes according to the chef include Carpaccio, shrimp scampi, house made ricotta, spinach ravioli, swordfish, linguine clams, brick chicken with tiramisu for dessert. A Wine Bar Happy Hour menu is offered at the bar lounge and outside patio Monday to Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a special menu and enomatic wine system featuring a large collection of Italian and California wines. The happy hour menu offers appetizers for half-off, including pizza margherita (tomato, mozzarella, basil); crostini (shaved prosciutto, provolone, ciabatta bread, arugula, cherry tomatoes, vincotto); bruschetta (ciabatta bread, olive oil, garlic, basil, tomato) and arancini (bolognese, mozzarella). Terra Verde at Green Valley Ranch Resort 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway Henderson, NV 89052 702.617.7075 • greenvalleyranch.sclv.com

wines

&dines

Poppy Den Poppy Den Asian Bistro features a combination of traditional and contemporary Asian cuisine with a late night lounge located in Summerlin. Chef Angelo Sosa who puts a special touch on his menu including Peking duck marinated for three days, braised pork belly infused with soy and hoisin wrapped in an Asian bao bun and sashimi tuna spring rolls enriched with a sweet Korean chili sauce. Desserts include Crispy Fuji Apple Blossoms with Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream and Yuzu sugar dusted doughnuts served with trio of sauces. A happy hour menu is served daily from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring $5 drinks and $7 to $10 specialty food items, including ramen noodle soup, dim sum and peppered glazed chicken. A latenight menu featuring dim sum, chicken wings and ramen for is available downstairs only from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends. Poppy Den Asian Bistro 440 S. Rampart Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89145 702.802.2480 • PoppyDenVegas.com

Sushi Roku Sushi Roku inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace features a diverse menu served in a warm, intimate dining room that expands to include a view of the Las Vegas Strip. Choices available are cold and hot appetizers, traditional and contemporary sushi and unique entrées. Cold appetizers include Japanese yellowtail sashimi with diced chiles. Hot appetizer choices feature steamed shrimp dim sum. Sushi Roku also offers Japanese salads, soups and noodles, including seaweed salad, miso soup with tofu, cold or hot tempura cha soba and Tokyo seafood ramen soup. Entrées include filet mignon with ginger teriyaki sauce served with mashed potatoes and garlic beans and beef sukiyaki with shiitake and tofu topped with traditional sauce. Signature cocktails, sake, beer, wine and a full bar along with a happy hour is also available.

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Sushi Roku Forum Shops at Caesars Palace 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.733.7373 • innovativedining.com/restaurants/sushiroku

Restaurants Written and compiled by Debbie Hall

Firefly Tapas Kitchen and Bar Firefly Tapas Kitchen and Bar was created as a place to share and celebrate with friends and family. Serving hot and cold tapas to create a multi-course feast allows diners to combine and enjoy as many flavors as possible. Cold tapas include smoked salmon toasts made with brioche toast, dill sour cream, pickled red onion and capers. Definitely try its hot plate of stuffed dates which are bacon-wrapped and includes smoked almond, red wine reduction and blue cheese. Entrees and desserts are also offered. Its house-specialty, Sangria, marinates for three days and pairs with many of its dishes. Wines by the glass, brews and signature cocktails are also available. Chef John Simmons began cooking professionally at 15 years old and continued his culinary career on the Strip. In 2003 he conceived Firefly Tapas Kitchen and Bar and has expanded to three locations around the Valley. Firefly Tapas Kitchen and Bar fireflylv.com

FARM 24-7

Farm to Table Café

Park on Fremont Park on Fremont is 5,000-square-foot gastropub in Downtown Las Vegas offering a patio on Fremont Street, booths in an eclectic bar and a backyard garden area for dining al fresco but walled off from the crowds. The drink menu has an extensive array of beer selections from around the world, 14 beers available on tap in addition to spirit selections and specialty drinks. Appetizers include Garbage Fries layered with melted cheddar and provolone cheese and covered with bacon, jalapeños, green onions, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, avocados and sour cream and Chicken Bar Bites, Cornflake crusted boneless chicken tenders served plain or tossed in choice of sauce. Burgers, ribs, Philly mac and cheese steak along with fried chicken and waffle sandwich with applewood-smoked bacon and wild turkey maple syrup satisfy hearty appetites while lighter fare features salads and soup.

wines

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Fresh ingredients from local farms including Cowboy Trail Farms and Gilcrease Orchard along with fruits and vegetables found at weekly farmer’s markets are part of the meals made entirely from scratch at FARM 24-7 Farm to Table Café. Breakfast features eggs made to order including omelets. One can order a New York Steak or country fried steak or feast on Homestead buttermilk pancakes and Belgian waffles. Classic selections include New York steak with baked potato and fresh vegetables; Meatloaf Tower with onion strings, mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy and fresh vegetables and chicken fried steak covered in country gravy, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Lighter fare is also on the menu. Desserts feature homemade pastries and pies. The 2,200-square-foot, 200-seat diner offers a casual atmosphere decorated with photos from the farms. FARM 24-7 Farm to Table Café Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa 7300 Aliante Parkway North Las Vegas, NV 89084 702.692.7777 • aliantegaming.com/dine/#farm247

Park on Fremont 506 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.834.3160 • parkonfremont.com SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Restaurants Written and compiled by Debbie Hall

Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria The owners of Siena Italian Deli, a Las Vegas tradition for more than 30 years, opened Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria in Summerlin in 2010. The cuisine is authentic Italian with dishes made from the freshest ingredients. Chef Giancarlo Bomparola, originally from Italy, learned his culinary arts from his Nana in the kitchen as well as several chefs in the restaurants where he worked before moving to California where he owned and operated several popular restaurants in Sacramento. Due to his success, Chef Bomparola was brought to Las Vegas to continue serving Southern Nevada. On the menu, choices of appetizers include Zuppa Del Giorno or Buongustaio: an assortment of cured meats, imported cheeses, marinated veggies and olives on hardwood. Salads offered include Salad Ruchetta, arugula salad tossed with figs and dry ricotta cheese, champagne vinaigrette and figs glace. The cuisine includes pizza and pasta such as Gnocchi al Pesto made with homemade tender potato and ricotta dumpling gently tossed with original pesto sauce or Penne alla Vodka: prosciutto sautéed with vodka in a creamy tomato sauce. Entrees include Antonio Healthy Choice, a marinated grilled chicken served with sautéed broccoli; pinwheel pork sausage made with pecorino cheese and parsley served with cipollini, bell peppers on

sweet and sour sauce and Pollo Marsala: boneless chicken cooked with marsala mushrooms reduction. The house speciality is Cavatelli Con Salsiccia, cavatelli pasta mixed with a rustic and hearty sausage ragout. Brunch is also served including Ricotta pancakes, Frittata (Italianstyle omelets), Con Spinaci with spinach, Salsiccia Con Pepperoni with sausage, bell peppers, and onion, Con Funghi with mushrooms and homemade sausages. Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria also offers catering, banquets and wedding cakes. Happy Hour is daily 3 to 7 p.m. offering half priced drinks and appetizers. Be sure to check out their new wine cellar, which was part of their recent remodeling. Reverse Happy Hour is featured Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 p.m. to closing. Live entertainment adds to the Italian eatery Thursday through Saturday. Siena Italian Deli is an authentic Italian deli, bakery, and market place located to the restaurant. Established in 1978, Photo by Carlos LariosSiena Deli Photo bynext Joe Buda is a Las Vegas tradition offering Italian specialties, imported cheeses, imported meats, fresh baked breads, and homemade desserts.

wines

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Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria 9500 W. Sahara Ave. • Las Vegas, NV 89117 702.360.3358 • Sienatrattoria.com

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Spring into the Season with our favorite whimsical wine selections!

Cheers!

wines

&dines Wolfgang Puck Sauvignon Blanc A must-have varietal when things warm up! This lightbodied Sauvignon Blanc has delightful citrus aroma at first, and then ends with juicy grapefruit notes. A perfect match for spicy Asian-cuisine or seared ahi. Cheers to a great cause; a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this wine benefits Keep Memory Alive which supports the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s work toward treatments and research of neurocognitive disorders. $9.99

Lucky Country Rose This distinctive eye-catching Australian Rose will become a conversation piece to any wine collection. A lighter rose, that is dangerously slurpable with notes of rosewater, strawberries, rhubarb and cherries. Be sure to keep spares on hand, and you may get lucky. $3.99

Bouchon Chardonnay This Chardonnay comes from the finest growing regions in California. A delicate balance of elegance, and charming fruitiness. This is perfect to enjoy on a warm spring evening with a nice grilled salmon. Surely a crowd-pleaser. $9.99

Hahn Pinot Noir Our Eco-Friendly favorite! Hahn Vineyards is SIP certified, and dedicates itself to maintaining sustainable farming practices. The result is consistently amazing award-winning wines. This Pinot Noir is silky smooth on your palate, and gives aromas of driedplums and black currant. $11.99

Smashberry Red Appropriately named, this titan smashes into your palate like a hedonistic force of nature. One of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Buys for 2013, this red blend gives us brilliant raspberry and rich cocoa flavors. Warning: Not a wine for the faint of heart or spirit. $9.99

Bloom Bubbles Moscato A perfect dessert to satisfy any sweet-tooth. With every tiny bubble, comes a burst of honeyed-apricots and fresh peaches. Enjoy this guilty-pleasure with fresh fruit, sorbet or your favorite light pastry. $3.99

Sponsored by Lee’s Discount Liquor, with 17 locations in Southern Nevada (including one in Mesquite, Nev.). For locations, hours and more information, visit leesliquorlv.com SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

TO EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN & INSPIRE

Travel Exclusive

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Sail Windjammer By Debbie Hall

A Love Story Continues on the High Seas

ail Windjammer is more than just a Caribbean cruise. Passengers sail on the S/V Mandalay to unspoiled beaches, hidden inlets and sparkling warm waters that conventional cruise ships bypass. Tammy Shaw (now Grabel) and her then boyfriend Seth Grabel sailed in 2013 on Sail Windjammer that became a defining moment in their continuing love story. Passengers and crew get to know each other and become friends in a fun-loving environment. Passengers can relax and leave the sailing to Mandalayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional crew or learn the ropes, helping to hoist the sails, take a turn at the wheel and enjoy classes on knot tying, the stars, or navigation. Sail Windjammer is home away from home for the week with opportunities to sunbathe, read, socialize, party, dance, play games, sleep on deck under the stars, play board games, exercise, or just sit and take in the beauty of the ship, listen to the wind in the rigging and the waves lapping against the hull. Then there are

the stops and Seth Grabel made plans for one of the most romantic nights in a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life at one of these breathtaking stops. For those seeking adventure, in addition to cabin/ bunk, Sail Windjammer provides three meals a day, on-board entertainment, early morning pastries, Bloody Marys, early evening snacks, Rum Swizzles and 24-hour coffee and tea service. There is a sunrise in paradise, lifelong new friends, warm clear turquoise waters, breath taking views, exotic ports and the chance to relax. This means to leave the bling, formal wear and high heels at home. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relaxed, casual and informal wear this week with T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits the fashion of the week. Time spent in port includes exploring the islands of the Grenadines. Excursions and activities vary from island to island offering hiking, mountain biking, snorkeling, island tours, beach barbecues, sunbathing on pristine beaches, rainforest and waterfall hikes.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

As Seth Grabel explained:

reconnected about 10 months ago. We Tammy and I met about 10 years ago. We one I have ever been with. We laughed started dating and our chemistry was like no a strong passion for life and success. together, enjoyed the same ideas, goals, have closer and I knew she was the only one As we dated, we ended up getting closer and me to go on the Sail Windjammer for me. After our trip to Korea, Tammy asked this would be a perfect place to ask and tour the Grenada Islands with her. I knew creative so I talked it over with my her to be my bride. I had to figure out something up with the Message in the Bottle. best friend Johnny Hill and together we came distracted Tammy and asked her When snorkeling on the beautiful beaches, I towel and she noticed the bottle. our to to take a picture with me. I took her over the poem I had wrote for her. She read Tammy picked up the bottle and started to people taking pictures and many so looked around and wondered why there were us with his guitar. At the aded seren video. First Mate Bernard was playing and on one knee and put a ring got I me?” y end of the poem, it read, “Will you marr on her finger. ... you just know.’ So only after We keep saying to each other, ‘when you know d and grateful to have found the love dating a short period of time, we are so excite of our lives. Grammys when they were married Tammy and Seth sealed their love on the 2014 with incredible after parties as their by Queen Latifah and serenaded by Madonna love stories continue. dream. The Windjammer sailboat was “Our entire trip on the Windjammer was a ting. so beautiful and the crew was so accommoda and te priva so The islands we stopped at were something most people see on a postcard,” said Tammy [Shaw] Grabel.

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Grenada is the home port for the S/V Mandalay, where passengers begin their sailing adventure. Known as the Island of Spice because of the abundance of locally grown spices, Grenada is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest exporters of nutmeg. Bequia is known as the Island of the Clouds featuring stunning sandy beaches, lush hillsides and breath taking views. The island tour takes visitors through local villages. One suggested stop is the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, founded in 1995 by Bequian Orton King to assist in the conservation of the endangered Hawksbill turtle. View the turtles at all stages of life, from hatchlings to adult. Chatham Bay, on the western side of Union Island, is a magnificent bay with a long beautiful beach, backed by steep dramatic hills. It is a great spot for snorkeling, relaxing on the beach and soaking in the beauty of surroundings with beach bars that are operated by locals. Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines, with a population of about 250. One village offers local bars and restaurants on white sandy beaches for a wonderfully relaxing day in the crystal clear water. The Tobago Cays are an archipelago consisting of five small, uninhabited islands and make up the Tobago Cays Marine Park. There are opportunities to snorkel with the sea turtles in an established area off the beach in Baradel. Marked by buoys, this protected area allows visitors to view turtles in their natural and magical habitat. Carriacou is one of the largest islands in the Grenadines, the island is 13 square miles where the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; livelihood revolves around fishing and boat building. The main town and port of Hillsborough welcomes visitors with local shops and dining. Sandy Island, just off the coast of Carriacou, this u-shaped island is uninhabited and a Marine Protected Area. There is phenomenal snorkeling, thanks to the many coral reefs right off the island. Seth Grabel is returning on Sail Windjammer July 13-19 when the kids (with an adult) take over for Junior Jammers for a magical week. Magician Seth Grabel will perform and conduct magic classes. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with children while creating lifetime memories. For more information on Sail Windjammer, visit sailwindjammer.com, call 888.972.7245 or email Reservations@ SailWindjammer.com. SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Rent the Runway

at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a designer dress and accessory rentals boutique featuring a curated selection of dresses and accessories from over 190 designers including Badgley Mischka, Halston Heritage and RVN

Clover Canyon Golden Panther Dress (Rental price: $65)

Franchi Coronation Clutch (Rental price: $25) White patent leather minaudiere with gold caging. Crystal encrusted clasp closure. 6.5 inches wide, 4 inches tall, and 2 inches deep. Optional cord strap.

Kate Spade Celebrate the Good Times Dress (Rental price: $100)

Printed Scuba (90 percent Polyester, 10 percent Spandex). Cap Sleeve. Crew neckline. Pencil skirt. Hidden back zipper with hook-and-eye zipper. Unlined. 35 inches from shoulder to hem.

Silver Sequins Over Blush Lining (100 percent Polyester). Sleeveless. Crew neckline. Hourglass body. Exposed back zipper with hook-andeye closure. Lined. 38 inches from shoulder to hem.

Badgely Mischka Jeweled Halo Gown (Rental price: $125)

Pink matte stretch jersey (100 percent Viscose, lining 100 percent Polyester). Sleeveless. Boat neckline. Fitted skirt. Open back with beaded cowl detail. Hidden side zipper with hookand-eye closure. Lined.

beauty

fashion

Lela Rose Maiden Gown (Rental price: $400) Green Mikado Silk Blend (82 percent Polyester, 18 percent Silk). Strapless. Sweetheart neckline. Trumpet skirt with tulle underlay. Scoop back. Hidden back zipper with hook-andeye closure. Boned bodice. 100 percent silk lined.

Sachin + Babi Sky is on Fire Gown (Rental price: $100)

Pink Neoprene bodice with Poly Chiffon Skirt (Top: 90 percent polyester 10 percent spandex, Skirt: 100 percent Polyester). Sleeveless. V-neckline. Pleated full skirt with cut out detail at waist. Hidden back zipper with hook-andeye closure. Lined. See size and fit tab for lengths.

Alexis Bittar Papillon Necklace (Rental price: $85)

RJ Graziano Queen of Diamonds Drop Earrings

(Rental price: $65) Three tiered silver-plated drop earrings with crystal stones. 2 inches long and .5 inches wide. Post back. 36

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Gold tone with butterfly wing-like stone, labradorite cabochons and crystal accents. 14 inches chain with a 2.5 inches drop and 1.25 inches width.

Rent the Runway

at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is located at 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S. on the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second level. Rental prices range from $50 to $450 and the store will feature garment sizes 0 to 22. The store is open Monday to Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 9 p.m.

Max Pawn Shop

Unique Pawnshop Caters to Women and Luxury Tastes By Ruth Furman

Louis Vuitton Perforated Orange Monogram Bag Retail $890 Max Pawn $585

Brand New NOA Italian Carbon Graphite and Leather Cross Body Handbag Retail $395 Max Pawn $99

New Burburry Organge Leather Portfolio Retail $420 Max Pawn $189

Today, shoppers want the best and they want it at the very best price. Michael Mack understands this intersection between luxury and value better than anyone. The founder of Max Pawn, which recently opened a 5,000-square-foot location, spends his days evaluating top brands and highend merchandise. Through the years, he’s developed a knack for understanding what the discriminating shopper wants. “People don’t naturally equate luxury with pawn shop and that’s really worked to our favor,” Mack said. Max Pawn has become a go-to destination for high-end handbags, jewelry, accessories, belts, wallets and other items. Women love the store for its high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, Chanel, Fendi, Coach, Balenciaga and Dior. The store, which consigns or sells items, is home to experts in Rolex, Cartier and Swiss watches, and also offers Nevada’s first Craigslist Free Trade Zone. At Max Pawn, online buyers and sellers can meet; experts validate the authenticity of items for free and transactions occur in a clean, safe environment. “There are just too many untold stories of people who meet at a coffee shop or go to their homes only to get robbed or hurt,” Mack added.

Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18kt Diamond Earrings Retail $7250 Max Pawn $2800

Mack’s authenticators use a multi-step process, which varies by designer and includes verification of date codes, fabric, stitching, leather, consistency and other factors. “Replica handbags are mainly made in China and are getting harder and harder to deduce from the authentic ones,” he added. “Some Hermes Birkin replicas come with a similar box, papers, card, dust bag, raincoat and look.” eauty Mack frequently gives advice to buyers about online purchases on eBay or Craigslist. & ashion Having a guarantee through Paypal or eBay is important, he said, and checking the seller feedback is also key. “If they’ve had less than a dozen reviews, be careful,” he added. Likewise, wary sellers can use Max Pawn instead of selling online. The store’s fees are 20 percent of the proceeds of the sale. Mack opened Max Pawn in 2009, at the height of the recession. Through his business, Mack can study changing shopping habits and consumer behaviors. He also shares his knowledge during his radio shows broadcasting live each week from Max Pawn. They are: Pawn Talk Live en Espanol on KRLV 1340 AM, Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m.; Live in Las Vegas on KDWN 720 AM Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. and Pawn Talk Live on KDWN 720 AM Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. on Fridays. Max Pawn, 6040 W. Sahara Ave., max-pawn.com.

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Christian Louboutin Red Bottom Red Suede Boots Retail $2250 Max Pawn $865 SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

If Your Closet Could Talk Out with the old and in with the new

By Stephanie Ann Vehon

E beauty f

& ashion

very new year, people talk about “out with the old and in with the new.” What does that mean for your closet? Let’s think about this for a moment. What does your closet represent? It’s not just clothes in there. Those clothes represent something. They represent your life. What is worn and what is not will tell you a lot about your life and how you are living it. Do your work clothes get more wear and move to the front of the closet than your play clothes? Did your workout section go untouched most of the year? When was the last time your date clothes where worn? Did you have to buy different sizes this year? When you walk into your closet and notice what you wore most last year, it will tell you a lot about what you focused on and your top priorities. Is what you concentrated on last year the same as what you want your focus to be this year or do you have other goals? Do you want to play more, travel more, fall in love or maybe start a career? Listen to your closet - it will tell you what you need more of this year. And if you want help sorting through those priorities, here are some pointers. When beginning any cleansing process, allow your intuition to guide you. Begin in a place where you are most comfortable. It could be with the items you absolutely want to get rid of or it could be the items you know you want to keep. Whichever is more comfortable to you that is where you begin.

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What is worn and what is not will tell you a lot about your life and how you are living it.

The questions you want to ask yourself are: 1. Does this reflect my current goals for the year? Maybe you want to advance in your career or personal life. Does this item reflect that? 2. Does it fit my current body shape? Sometime women will hold on to items hopping they will get back to that size one day. If that is the case, let it go or remove it from the closet. 3. How do I feel when putting this garment on? If you don’t feel beautiful or sexy when you put it on, it is time for it to go. 4. Is it in good condition? If it has tears, stains or lost buttons, it is time to say goodbye. 5. Is this the right color for me? The colors you wear can make you look younger or older. If it makes you look older, then it is not the right color for you, no matter how much you love that color (then think accessories). If you are one of those who might be afraid of the empty closet syndrome, keep this in mind. Would you rather have more clothes that do not necessarily support you in feeling your personal best or fewer items that all support you seeing yourself as the image you desire to be? Visit imageempowering.com for a free guide to closet cleaning. Happy New Year and Happy Listening!

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

A nationally-recognized authority in image consulting and CEO of Image Empowering, Stephanie Ann Vehon brings proven expertise that dramatically affects her clients’ confidence, performance and success. Vehon served on the board of Dress For Success Southern Nevada from 2010 to 2012 and was recognized with an award for devotion to launching an organization. She has worked with several major companies including ERC of Nevada, Cintas, Appreciation Financial, Eccoci, Limited Editions for Her, MGM Resorts, Caesar’s Entertainment and Four Seasons.

Goody Bag Compiled by Jennifer Florendo

Laura Mercier Lip Glacé Enjoy long-lasting color and shine while creating the appearance of fuller lips. $25, Available at Sephora in March

Spring is here, time to slough off the flaky skin, lighten up your color schemes and get ready to glow

Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Healthy Glow for Face & Cheeks Crème Colour Palette Fake it ‘til you make it to summer. Add just the right amount of a natural-looking, healthy and sun-kissed glow. Profits will be donated to the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund $48, Available at sephora.com

Kate Spade Supercalifragilipstick Add the perfect pop of color to complete your look and keep your smile hydrated all day long. $24, Available at Nordstrom

Black Tea Age-Delay Moisturize, restore, protect and prevent early signs of aging with Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate ($75) and Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion ($55). Available at Fresh stores and Sephora GO SMiLE TRULY Whitening Toothpaste System Brush away the evidence of too many lattes and hot cocoas in just a few seconds a day, whitening your teeth inside and out. $50, available at GOSMiLE.com

Urban Decay NAKED3 Palette This favorite among beauty aficionados is back for a third time. Features several finishes, from matte to metallic, and neutral gorgeous rose-gold hues. $52, Available at Sephora and Ulta

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& ashion Urban Decay NAKED Lipgloss Nongoopy gloss adds just the right amount of shine while nourishing with vitamin E, avocado oil and shea butter. $20, Available at Sephora and Ulta

Bliss Fabulips ‘Pout’-o-Matic Slough off any remnants of winter by revitalizing, rejuvenating and refreshing your kisser with this powerful, lip-perfecting device. $52, Available at blissworld.com

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

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& ashion

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ccording to dermatologists and other skin specialists, it is very important to take care of the skin on the face. Privy Skin Care, owned and operated by Joyce Zwiefel, provides this important service so that everyone can put their best face forward. There are many reasons that regular facials need to be incorporated in one’s skin care. First, the skin on the face tends to be thinner than the skin on other areas of the body. This means it is more delicate and more susceptible to damage. Also, the face works harder than one would think. It takes many muscles to make most common facial expressions, so the skin on the face is always moving and stretching. If not properly taken care of, it will look fatigued and overtaxed. Finally, a face is rarely entirely covered, so that means it is exposed to damage from the sun, wind and temperatures including extreme cold or heat. An excellent way to take care of the skin on the face is to get regular facials. It might feel like pampering but it is essential for good external health and great looking skin. Different kinds of facials exist, so to find the best one, consult with Privy Skin Care. It is still good to have the face thoroughly cleansed and nourished every four to six weeks. Facials deep clean the face and provide the skin with the replenishment it needs. Facial serums add moisture to the skin, but are actually formulated to address specific skin problems like acne, fine lines and wrinkles or age spots. There are also serums created to make skin look brighter and more radiant. A typical facial serum is made with a mixture of beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. A serum can contain a wide variety of ingredients, including vitamin A (retinol), C or E, amino acids, essential oils and peptides. There are serums made specifically to rejuvenate the delicate skin around the eyes. Privy Skin Care carries the complete line of Rhonda Allison products, which includes an array of serums including formulations for skin-firming and skin brightening, wrinkle reduction and a multi-vitamin complex that nourishes, hydrates and strengthens the skin. Privy Skin Care utilizes clinical treatments and Rhonda Allison cosmeceutical products to treat aging, acne, rosacea and pigmentation disorders. Custom facials for acne, hydration, deep pore cleansing, and adding vitamin C are some of menu offerings. Microdermabrasion, back acne, waxing, chemical peels and aromatherapy facials, all specifically designed to meet person’s skin care needs are also available.

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Make Regular Facials Part of Your Skincare Regimen to Maintain Your Youthful Glow

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Facials deep clean the face and provide the skin with the replenishment it needs.

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Privy Skin Care

Along with facials, there are other steps that can be taken at home to keep the skin on the face glowing. One should be using a gentle cleanser each morning and night. After cleansing, then use plenty of moisturizer and non-oily sunscreen. Zwiefel’s philosophy is that anyone of any age can benefit from learning about their own skin and what works for their unique skin type. Beauty is for everyone and she encourages everybody to take care of their skin. Each month Privy Skin Care offers a monthly special on its website, www.privyskincare.com. Like its Facebook page at PrivySkin-Care, follow on Twitter @PrivySkinCare and follow on Pinterest at privyskincare.

Privy Skin Care 8910 West Tropicana, Suite #5A Las Vegas, NV 89147 702.496.2066

Amazing Acts of Kindness Rock the Valley By Beth Fisher

News Anchor for KTNV Channel 13 “Together Making Las Vegas A Better Place to Live”

family first

id you ever meet those people who just totally and completely take you by surprise? Those people who come out of nowhere and make you want to be a better person? I met a couple of them this year. And it all started, like so many of the people I meet, with an email. I love email. I really do. Email is how I found one of my best friends. (She emailed me a story idea at the TV station.) Email is how I found my church. (The Pastor’s wife sent me a message.) And email is how I met these guys who call themselves AAOK— Amazing Acts of Kindness. Someone emailed me and said, “You need to check out AAOK.” I found an email address for AAOK and typed in the subject line, “Who are you?” The response came from Brian Golbourne that he, along with his friend Kelvin McLeain, wanted to make the world a better place and started AAOK. In fact, our inside joke is when we communicate, the subject line still reads, “Who are you?” By the way—they are hot. Yes, you read that correctly. I don’t know why that surprised me. I guess because I assumed these handsome professional men might have super busy work and social schedules and therefore wouldn’t have or make the time to make a difference. (I know, shame on me). Golbourne and McLeain care about people. They pour their time, energy and hearts into people. And that makes them really sexy people themselves. (Disclaimer: my husband of 14 years would say the same about these guys so I’m just telling it like it is.) A few years ago, McLeain and Golbourne decided they wanted to help families in need during the holidays. With the support of lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

their friends, they adopted eight families and AAOK was born. The following year, they adopted 100. How does a brand new group go from helping eight families to 100 in one year? They make it personal. The cool thing about AAOK is that every family gets to meet the family they adopt. Irene McGuire and Sal Napoli heard about AAOK through our story on Channel 13 and adopted a grandmother raising her four grandchildren. But McGuire and Napoli didn’t just buy gifts for this family. They took the kids bowling (the children’s first time). They drove them to see Christmas lights (the children’s first time). They made a gingerbread house together (the kids

hadn’t ever done that either). McGuire and Napoli have poured time and love into this family and now are part of the family. It’s a beautiful thing. This sets AAOK apart from so many other organizations. It’s personal. And let’s face it: more than gifts, money or clothes, people need to feel loved. They need to know someone cares. McGuire and Napoli get that. So do Golbourne and McLeain. These guys took me by surprise. They make me want to be a better person. I lovingly stalk McGuire and Napoli on Facebook now so I can see and read about their latest adventure with the kids. And I’m sure if I met every single person who contacted AAOK this year wanting to adopt a family, I’d feel the same way about them. Beth Fisher is a morning anchor for Channel 13 Action News. She reports on the people who make Las Vegas a better place to live. Beth’s stories air at 5:45 and 6:45 a.m. every day on “Good Morning Las Vegas.”

Wish Upon a Wedding O By Debbie Hall

fficially launched in January 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding is the first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness or serious life-altering circumstances regardless of sexual orientation. With 13 chapters including one in Las Vegas, the nationwide 501(c)3 organization celebrates the courage, determination and spirit of couples in love during their most challenging times throughout the country. Wish Upon a Wedding is open to unmarried applicants who are at least 18 years or older, legal U.S. citizens, where at least one individual has been diagnosed with less than five years to live. Special circumstance wishes are also available for couples as well as renewal of vows for married couples. Michael Coxen, owner of Paper and Home and Las Vegas marketing chair for Wish Upon a Wedding, got involved with the organization, “to do something special for people who need it. To be able to give back and create a lifetime of memories for everyone involved is a great opportunity.” Coxen was approached by the president of the Las Vegas chapter, Adam Frazier, to join the organization due to Coxen’s expertise in social media and marketing. He immediately agreed. While there are so many memorable weddings, Coxen spoke about the marriage of Billy and Heidi. “They were married at the Platinum Hotel on November 11, 2011 (11-11-11). This was a very popular day to get married here in Las Vegas. It was so

miraculous that we were able to secure this date with the help of our volunteer vendors since they were all booked. The Platinum Hotel donated the rooftop as the venue for the wedding. What made it so special and serendipitous was that Heidi and Billy wanted to get married on a rooftop in Las Vegas on 11-11-11. Normally, since all services are donated, we ask our couples to be flexible. But it was an important date to the couple to honor their parents’ anniversary and have it become their anniversary as well. “We were able to pull it off and it was so beautiful with a rooftop wedding at night with the Platinum being such a great venue. Billy didn’t have a long time to live and to be able to grant his wish was so wonderful. Sadly he did pass away but Heidi and their families have all of their wonderful memories for a lifetime and that was an emotional one. I will never forget the joy in their eyes and it gives me chills to talk it about it now.” All services are donated through the generosity of vendors for a full wedding and reception including dresses, hair/makeup, tuxedos, photography, videography, cake, catering, venue, flowers, invitations, thank you cards and extras that go into making it a memorable event. “Las Vegas has the best group of wedding vendors who are so generous,” Coxen said. “Now we need couples.” Wish Upon a Wedding in Las Vegas has opportunities for many couples, regardless of sexual orientation, who fit the profile to join together in matrimony (or recommit), transcend physical time and create lasting lifetime memories for generations to follow. “We are reaching out to the community to let couples know that anybody who is in a committed relationship and wants to get married or is married and wants to renew their vows to please contact us,” Coxen explained. For more information, visit wishuponawedding.org/las-vegas. SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

family first

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Moms Making

Six Figures

hen Cheryl Fox Toste, an 11-year resident of Las Vegas married in September 2011, she knew she was ready to start a different chapter in her life. Having worked in sales and marketing for over 12 years in the hospitality, staffing and healthcare sectors, she knew that her more than 50-hour workweek would make starting a family nearly impossible. “As a newlywed in my mid-thirties, my priorities definitely started to change,” Toste explained. When one of her long-time friends in California, Kellee Wip, introduced her to Moms Making Six Figures, Toste jumped at the opportunity. Founded almost five years ago in San Diego, the company now has a team of almost 100 women who all work from home. The women come from a variety of backgrounds, from a certified public accountant to a surgeon and even a Cirque de Soleil performer. “The best way to explain Moms Making Six Figures is that we are a group of moms who created a marketing organization to represent one primary company,” said Whip, “I knew that Cheryl was anxious to start a family, and I wanted her to have the same freedom I have had to bring in a substantial income while not taking anything away from raising my two children.” Through Moms Making Six Figures, Toste and Wip meet with interested women to talk to them about the specifics of the business. “A typical workweek can range

from 30-35 hours, but I plan around my kid’s school and sports schedules,” Whip said. “There is no inventory, no party planning, no selling and no risk, but you do need to be self-motivated and have a desire to succeed,” she explained. Both Toste and Wip enjoyed careers in a corporate environment, but hated the hours, the inflexible schedule and the glass ceiling. They are still working hard, but doing it on their terms with no cap on their income. Toste’s priorities changed substantially this January when she gave birth to her first child, a baby girl. “I remember when she turned six weeks,” said Toste, “I had a pit in my stomach thinking about the women who have to leave their children to go back to work. I am so thankful for Moms Making Six Figures, which gives me the flexibility to work when I am able, and I want to be able to share this opportunity with my Las Vegas community.” “Bringing women home to their lives,” is the motto of Moms Making Six Figures and Toste is proud to be living proof of the brand. To learn more about the company, visit momsmakingsixfigures.com.

Advertorial SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Bringing an Era to liFE for Children

An Award-Winning Ride Through the 1950s By Annie Sliman and Mary Peterson

family first

f you want to open the whole universe for your children, kid’s book author C. A. Hartnell has some advice for you. “I think reading makes kids smarter, increases their vocabularies and builds self-esteem. At the same time, it takes them to amazing real and imaginary places and introduces them to characters that help them learn through stories. It’s active recreation that engages kids on many levels.” Hartnell should know. She is the author of an awardwinning series of historical fiction and is dedicated to sharing the past with her young readers. Her four-book series, set in the 1950s, has earned a Mom’s Choice Silver Award. This award program evaluates products and services created for children and families. It’s globally recognized for establishing a benchmark of excellence in familyfriendly media, products and services. Mom’s Choice is based in the United States and reviews thousands of entries from more than 40 countries each year. Hartnell’s titles include “Scary Spring,” about the 1955 polio epidemic; “Sinister Summer,” which adds lots of adventure to summer vacation; “Ferocious Fall,” which deals with bullying and unpredictable weather and “Wild Winter,” a story that educates kids about the value of giving back. One of the books in the series, “Scary Spring: Our Polio Fright of 1955,” was also awarded a prestigious Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the preteen e-book fiction category. These awards honor the year’s best children’s books. The contest is open to all authors, illustrators and publishers of children’s books written

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lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

in English or Spanish and intended for the North American market. “Scary Spring” shares critically important information about polio and the dramatic creation of a vaccine, which is a significant event in recent American history. “Many school children know nothing about polio or its vaccine. In the book, I tell the story through the everyday lives of two all-American kids who lived through this watershed time in American medical history,” Hartnell said. The kids, Carol Ann and Pete, are Hartnell’s engaging protagonists throughout the series. Through them, she tells about wholesome, exciting adventures about a period in history that is dear to her heart. Hartnell is a baby boomer who grew up in the 1950s, a time that she remembers as being fun and magical but often challenging. In fact, the polio epidemic that affected her family, including her aunt and uncle, who played a small role in the development of the vaccine. All of these experiences are incorporated into the adventures of her characters. Her stories are steeped with images of the era, including clothes, music and iconic places. Hartnell has even acquired an authentic 1950s hot rod. Dubbed Hawksride, the car is driven by a teenage character that rumbles and zooms through her stories. It’s Hartnell’s hope that parents and grandparents will use her books as a way of connecting with children. Her engaging stories take the reader through the past during the middle of the 20th century while teaching them about courage, perseverance, friendship and fun.

”

Her four-book series, set in the 1950s, has earned a Mom’s Choice Silver Award.

Sofi and Liv Natural Bottom and Boo Boo Balm Be prepared for cuts, scrapes, scratches, burns and bites with this vitamin-rich, soothing balm. It’s also great for diaper rash and eczema, which is a big problem with the dry desert air. $16, Available at sofiandliv.com

Compiled by Jennifer Florendo

Whether trying to potty train or outside enjoying the warmer days, our Play Pen picks will be just the thing you need this spring Dubble Trubble Cool Cucumber Detangler spray Lighten up bath time routine with Dubble Trubble’s line of natural and organic products for kids. We love taking the knots out with this detangler spray that works on wet or dry hair. $4.99, Available at Target

Echo Stroller Perfect for on-thego parents, this lightweight stroller will provide hours of outdoor enjoyment. The comfortable design features a multi-position recline and adjustable leg rest. $99.99. Available at various retailers

family

first

Tiggly Should you let your toddler use the iPad or not is the question, then Tiggly is your answer. This interactive learning toy develops spatial reasoning, motor and language skills, and is safe for the young one and your tablet with their non-damaging design. $29.95, tiggly.com PRINCE LIONHEART 3-in-1 POTTY Potty train with a versatile necessity—a potty that grows with your little one. It’s the perfect height for initial training and converts to the next phase of toilet training. Close the lid and it serves as a step stool. $35, Available at Target or princelionheart.com

Prince Lionheart Reversible PlayMAT PLUS A versatile, double-sided mat for baby and toddler playtime that entertains with fun designs, characters, letters and numbers, and is functional with its cushioned construction. $56, Available at Target or princelionheart.coms in three designs SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Compass Living:

A better way to live, vacation and retire By Dan Heffley

as Vegas is a city of renewal, a place where re-invention is as common as the desert air. Las Vegas is also a place where men and women come to retire from a career but ready to embrace life and its adventures. Three women have decided to reinvent themselves by working with Compass Living, a Las Vegas-based company that seeks to recreate the ability to live a pampered retirement lifestyle globally that is cost effective. Compass Living can improve the retirement lifestyle for anyone that likes to travel while being pampered by offering furnished units with meals, housekeeping and spa services for affordable monthly packages in multiple countries. One of the team members is Lola Parocua. When it came to where she and her husband would retire, Las Vegas was at the top of the list. The climate, cost-of-living, amenities and tax structure were all attractive. Las Vegas, however, is simply the latest in a series of stops around the world, and it may not be the last. “Right now we’re enjoying the experience of living in Las Vegas,” Parocua said. Parocua has lived a life of great experiences. She retired as senior staff from the Department of Homeland Security as head of immigration for Las Vegas. She and her husband, a U.S. armed services veteran, have lived in S. Korea, and Thailand, and have traveled all over the world. Another team member, Vivian Palmer, is a former auto manufacturer executive and spent three years in China as head of all marketing for Ford. While there she enjoyed the ensconced life of a corporate expat, where all daily needs were taken care of and also opted to live as a local to fully experience the sights and sounds of blending into the environment. Team member Emily Higby, who retired from the hospitality industry after opening a number of hotels as part of the Marriott system, has lived in Southeast Asia as well as traveled extensively before retiring in Las Vegas. She co-founded a nonprofit and has a

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Vivian Palmer and Emily Higby

stake in a travel agency, while living in Las Vegas. Her professional experience also includes being senior in one of the largest travel agencies in Southeast Asia. These women have a wealth of business experience. “Just because you retire doesn’t mean your mind stops working,” Higby said. Baby-boomers are considered the most adventurous older generation. Increasingly, they are finding that after 20-, 30- or 40year careers that their grandparents’ or parents’ retirement doesn’t work for them. They are continuing to redefine expectations about retirement. While many have always desired to retire overseas, either fulltime or part-time, the barrier has always been steep in adopting extended stays overseas, especially if someone is contemplating purchasing real estate overseas. “Buying and selling a house is hard; doing so in a country where you don’t understand the laws and may not even understand the language is darn near impossible,” said Higby. “This is part of the reason the Compass Living model of not selling real estate or timeshares is very attractive. You can just book, show up with a carry on and you are good to go.” “What I like about Compass Living is that it allows retirees to live the global lifestyle that I have lived, always with the knowledge that I could go home to the United States anytime I want,” said Palmer. Compass Living enables a better lifestyle at a surprisingly affordable monthly cost. For more information, visit compassliving.com or contact at sales@compassliving.com.

Yoga Studio, Gym and Spa Fuse at TruFusion Yoga Written by Debbie Hall, Photos by Isaac Easley

n September 2013, the opening of TruFusion Yoga was the culmination of a dream of a group of experienced and dedicated yoga and fitness enthusiasts. With a studio combining yoga, Pilates and fitness classes under one roof; people come together to learn, grow and achieve fitness goals. The 9,600-square-foot facility features four expansive rooms custom built for a variety of yoga and fitness classes designed to create functional mobility and strength. Classes include Kettlebells, hot yoga, beginning yoga, ashtanga, vinyasa and restorative yoga, moving meditation, battle ropes, trigger point, hot Pilates and the largest TRX group classes and TRX bootcamp classes in the area. With both heated and non-heated classes, members can crosstrain in multiple mindful disciplines that develop strength and mobility. TruFusion Yoga regular Michele Rothstein said, “Although I live in Summerlin, I drive to TruFusion Yoga daily. I love the mix of classes TruFusion offers. I take yoga, Pilates, barefoot bootcamp and Kettlebells for a great mix of workouts. For me, TruFusion is more than just a place to work out. It is a community of like-minded people. It is my happy place for mind, body and soul.

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age & management

The facility also offers a healthy organic smoothie bar, spa-like finishes, amazing flooring along with an air purification and sound system. It was designed as an alternative to large, generic gyms and specialized oneroom yoga studios. The studio has a sense of community, encouraging clients to participate in special events and charity functions. “TruFusion is a place where I can go to feel at peace and realigned after a day of craziness The instructors are incredible at assisting one’s personal growth and goals as well as pushing you to go farther than you ever thought imaginable,” said Gabriella Shafer. In addition to the regular daily schedule of classes; TruFusion Yoga offers a series of special events and new workshops throughout the year including Yoga For Life (geared to beginners and seniors) classes for kids, candlelit yoga with acoustic guitar, hip hop dance classes and Kettlebell classes accompanied by a DJ. TruFusion Yoga members pay $49.99 a month for access to up to 22 classes a day with annual memberships available. The studio also offers discounts on classes to special groups, including high school and college students. TruFusion Yoga is located at 8575 S. Eastern Ave. To learn more about TruFusion Yoga, or to see a complete schedule, visit trufusionyoga.com or call 702.982.2930. The yoga studio is also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

The Secret to a Better Life… It’s ALL in Your Head! By Angi Covington

“I call it a miracle. My girlfriend suffered from horrible anxiety for over forty years due to a traumatic childhood. To make a long story short, she lost her dream job and I was unable to get her out of bed for three weeks. Unsure what to do and just short of calling her parents to come get her, I met a woman named Angi Covington while out making sales calls for my business. She told me what she does and I asked how it worked with anxiety. She said it worked well and to bring my girlfriend in for a 20 minute sample session. I went home, got her out of bed, dressed her and took her Angi’s office. The change was immediate. On the way home she asked to go to a festival that evening (my head spun). And the following day she wanted to go to a local pool. We went to both and had a great time! After 10 sessions, her anxiety is gone and the nighttime foot shaking for forty years has stopped too. She is off her medications and lost 25 pounds without even trying.” -T.H., Las Vegas business owner

o what is this pain free solution that seems to help with everything from depression and weight loss to insomnia and grief ? It all starts with your brain. The technology that Art of Attunement uses lets the brain take the lead. The brain has the ability to change and optimize itself, thus helping people with varying symptoms or complaints. The process begins by reading brainwave

energy using EEG technology. The brain’s activity data is converted to sound. During a brain training session, those sounds being created by the brain are played through headphones. The brain uses these sounds much the same way we use a mirror. Once the brain “sees” its imbalances, it begins working to restore balanced performance. While similar to neurofeedback, it is quite different in one way. In neurofeedback, brain data is collected and sent to an interpretation center. There, the data is referenced and compared to brain activity that is considered normal. Then musical protocols (designed to force or push brain performance to match those predetermined norms) are played through headphones. Rather than pushing the brain to a norm, we use a calibration and equalization approach that meets the needs of each individual brain. The results are much faster using this individualized approach. Benefits vary and have included: reduced anxiousness, restful sleep, happier outlook, better ability to cope, PTSD relief, sense of calm, increased motivation, pain and migraine relief, focus (ADD-ADHD), grief processing, improved athletic performance, increased cognition, weight loss and clarity.

Angi Covington is an author and professional speaker, who has been a lifelong student of human behavior. She is a member of Mensa and has been recognized for her achievements in corporate America. After leaving the business world, she went in search of the keys to Ultimate Happiness. She read hundreds of books on everything from the brain to spirituality. Along her new path she was introduced to Brainwave Optimization with RTB by a friend. Using this system since 2008, Covington and the Art of Attunement team have helped people with sleep, anxiety, depression, focus, addictions, PTSD, clarity, athletic performance and physical or emotional trauma. In her spare time she’s volunteered at Nevada prisons teaching a class based on her book, “7 Course Meal for the Soul.” Working with inmates is a true passion for Covington. “The transformation that takes place in these individuals over a seven week period is nothing short of amazing. I am so blessed to witness their growth.”

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The Fertility Center of Las Vegas Nutrition and fitness are important aspects for conception, pregnancy

By Allison Duck

hen families having trouble conceiving need help, many of them turn to Dr. Bruce Shapiro and Dr. Said Daneshmand of The Fertility Center of Las Vegas. Along with the team of doctors, the Fertility Center also offers nutrition and fitness advice from registered dietician, medical nutritionist and certified personal trainer, Lory Haydon. The staff’s nutritionist runs a critical portion of the fertility process patients undergo at the center. As women get older, Haydon says it is important to increase folic acid consumption. “As we age, we are less efficient at absorbing nutrients. A balanced prenatal supplement containing 800mcg of folic acid is recommended.” Women of childbearing age who are attempting to conceive should begin these supplements and women undergoing fertility treatment should begin them three months prior to the transfer of an embryo. With the current popularity of organic and gluten-free diets, Haydon weighs in on these options. “Gluten-free is a current buzz word for sure, but maintaining a gluten-free diet has not been scientifically proven to increase fertility or play any role in improving pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, it is the amount and quality of grain products consumed that may play a factor, especially for women who are pre-diabetic or insulin resistant. As far as organic, research indicates that organic is not necessarily any more nutritious than conventional and it is

certainly not pesticide- or chemical-free. There are certain acceptable insecticide products used to treat organic crops. Many women opt to go organic to limit exposure to chemical pesticides, but if it becomes cost-prohibitive, most registered dietitians would agree, it would be better to consume conventional produce than none at all.” For women on a vegetarian or vegan diet, Haydon recommends they meet with a registered dietician early on during pregnancy or before pregnancy to allow the establishment of a well-balanced diet that will meet most of the needs of the vegetarian during pregnancy. “The vegan will need additional supplementation of B12, which is a vitamin found predominately in animal products or fortified foods such as breakfast cereal,” Haydon said. As far as morning sickness goes, Haydon explains that it is important to keep meals and snacks evenly spaced to cut down on the nausea. “Also, foods easy to digest and relatively low in fat will be better tolerated. This is why saltine crackers are generally recommended during bouts of morning sickness.” Lactose-intolerant mothers want to be sure to get enough calcium during pregnancy. Haydon generally suggests supplements as a last resort because food products contain more vitamins, minerals and protein than a supplement. She says, “There are plenty of lactose-free options such as soy milk, almond milk, or lactose-free milk products to choose from. When using the alternatives though, you always want to shake the container

prior to pouring, as the calcium and vitamin D is added during manufacturing and tends to sink to the bottom of the health carton. Calcium can also be found in age management cheese and yogurt, almonds, and certain green vegetables.” In addition to diet, maintaining an exercise regimen is very important to a fit pregnancy. According to Haydon, “Women can generally continue their current activity well into the first two trimesters, although every woman is different as far as risk factors and should seek the advice of their medical professional. Things generally to be avoided include Bikram yoga, or hot Pilates. All pregnant women should avoid any exercises that require her to be laying flat on back after the first trimester, because this position may reduce the oxygen to the baby.”

To obtain more information about maintaining fitness and proper nutrition during pregnancy, visit fertilitycenterlv.com.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

olf wing

By Matt Henderson

tips

hort, downhill short game shots like this one from a severe slope can be tricky. The slope effectively takes loft away from the club, making it harder to get the ball in the air. This lie also makes it much easier to hit the ground first. However, if you make a few changes to address this, it makes a world of difference. Step 1: Align your body and weight to match the angle of the downslope. This is the most important step as it gets the chest positioned in a way that allows the ball to be contacted first. A great way to think of it would be to try to get the buttons of a shirt placket to be slightly ahead of or on the target side of the ball.

Defeating Inclined Lies

Step 3: The club head must always move down the slope. This is the most important concept. The club head must move down the slope. If it moves upwards before getting to the ball, the ball will not be in the air. Step 4: Move weight toward the target. In the setup it will feel as if there is more weight in the forward foot, it is your job as a golfer to get more weight to that foot during the swinging process. This must be done at all cost, even if you have to take a step down the slope in this particular instance. If weight does not move toward the target, the club head cannot move toward the ball as needed.

Step 2: Because of the awkward angle of the slope the lower body will be relatively restricted. In this instance the backswing will be made making a small angle between the left wrist and forearm. Hand travel is very minimal due to the slope angle; at best we would like to get them to about hip high.

Step 4 Step 1

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Step 2-3 Matt Henderson is currently the head instructor at TOUR Academy TPC Las Vegas, voted No. 2 Nevada by Golf Digest. Henderson enjoys teaching golfers of all levels.

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Land Rover Las Vegas & Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place

Working together to help heal the grieving, educate about driving safety and offering well-built vehicles. By Debbie Hall

elly Thomas-Boyers never expected a car accident to devastate her life but after the death of her son from his injuries sustained in a car crash in 2007, she founded Adam’s Place in 2009 and partnered with Land Rover Las Vegas to provide education, group support and resources for families coping with grief and loss. The partnership has grown to include a new community program for area teens. The goal is to provide a quality driver education experience and behind the wheel instruction on the proper way to navigate everything that goes into driving an automobile, a machine that weighs more than one ton. People (many of whom are parents) work in the automobile industry, including Land Rover Las Vegas, with a desire to design and sell the safest vehicles possible. ThomasBoyers, board president and acting executive director of Adam’s Place, stated that, “The first two things a parent is concerned about are the safety and reliability of the vehicle your teen is driving or is riding in as a passenger.

“I know first hand because when my son’s truck rolled over, the structural integrity of the roof of the vehicle he was in was such that it automatically caved in and forced his doors open. Unfortunately, we might think all vehicles are made the same but certainly are not.” After the loss of her son, Thomas-Boyers was also concerned how her younger son would handle his grief and was unable to find any programs in Southern Nevada offering support groups for recovery geared toward young people. “After a year of research, I decided that was something I needed to do; to move forward and establish such a place,” Thomas-Boyers explained. “In 2010, we brought together a group of doctors, social workers and police that come into contact with grieving families to create Adam’s Place as a Grief Center for children, teens and families coping with loss and grief.” Adam’s Place is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works with children ages 3-18, along with an adult family member or caregiver, meeting every other week. They

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provide support groups using a peer support model along with education for children, teens and families coping with grief and loss. “It has been an amazing journey to be able to open our doors for a family that may be seeking support for a major profound disruption in a family unit,” she said. “We are so grateful and proud to partner with Kelly and all that she does for the kids and the community in general,” said Rick Nelson, marketing, events and social media manager for Land Rover Las Vegas. A resident since 1994, Thomas-Boyers considers Las Vegas her home. An entrepreneur with an MBA in health care, Thomas-Boyers and her then-husband bought a home health care business, turning it into a very profitable company. Thomas-Boyers continues to work in the home health care industry as a consultant while pursuing a wellness coach certification. “I want to be able to assist and consult small to mid-size businesses on wellness to include health coaches. I believe the program at Adam’s Place, ACS and Adam’s Best Drivers Ed are examples of the value of peer group, education and coaching as long term investments in children. Health coaches help employees invest in their own life style and health decisions.” Born and raised in a small town in Ohio, Thomas-Boyers credits her parents as her inspiration. “My mother lost her first husband on D-Day (WWII) and was left to raise my stepsister. With the help of my grandfather, she bought a grocery store, became a business woman and created her own path. I am very inspired by her; finding her own way, creating her own independence and setting a great example. “As for my father, whatever adversities came, he showed such resilience and set the bar for me.” Thomas-Boyers also mentors college graduates. “Especially with the economic challenges that has been thrust on to them along with the fact that they are coming out of school with such great debt that I believe we need to make an extra effort to help mentor young college graduates and

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teach them skills not taught in school including networking.” Thomas-Boyers advises that anyone wanting to begin a nonprofit organization should realize that it is a business, “and like any business, you should have a business plan. No matter how wonderful the mission, it has to be sustainable from a business standpoint.” The new Drive School Program with an emphasis on safety and hands on experience with behind the wheel training in a Land Rover was developed specifically for Adam’s Place. The program provides a needed service and generates income for Adam’s Place. This allows the organization to continue to offer its services to grieving families for free. “We believe very strongly in Adam’s Place for what they do and we are big supporters for the community,” Nelson stated. “Kelly does a great job for what she does. She wanted to increase awareness for Adam’s Place as well as fund it with the driving school. We asked ourselves, ‘What better way to participate than to have one of the safest vehicles on the road, Land Rover, with them using a Land Rover LR2?’ It has the Land Rover Las Vegas and Adam’s Place logos on the car, so there is great awareness when driven.” Since the Clark County School District made budget cuts to the driver education program, many students now are getting driver education online. Thomas-Boyers does not believe it is an effective way to learn how drive, with an analogy that it is like learning how to swim without going into a swimming pool. While investigating what it takes to start a driving school, ThomasBoyers mentioned it to Land Rover Las Vegas. She was told that Land Rover is all about safety and Land Rover Las Vegas wanted to support the venture, donating the Land Rover LR2 used in drivers training. “It is an amazing small SUV,” Thomas-Boyers said, “with so many features and high rating for safety and reliability.” “We believe that by us helping Kelly in the driving school,” Nelson explained, “She is providing a great service to kids and their families. I believe she is very smart when she realized these days while students

can take the driving classes online, it does not give the same training as physically being behind a wheel.” “Our relationship with Land Rover Las Vegas has been a long one,” ThomasBoyers said. “After my son’s death, I got thrust into looking statistically into car crashes and the number of deaths resulting from those accidents annually. I found car accidents are the number one cause of death for teens up to age 45. It is also the leading cause of death for children being improperly restrained or not restrained. In fact, typically, car crashes are the number one reason young families are referred to Adam’s Place.” “My son was only in the car for three minutes when they swerved to miss someone who ran in front of the vehicle. He was ejected and sustained head injuries that lead to his death.” Thomas-Boyers connected with Land Rover since they are a company reaching out to the community about driving and safety issues. A colleague was participating in a helmet giveaway with Land Rover Las Vegas which brought the company to Thomas-Boyers’ attention. She then began to volunteer with its helmet giveaway programs as well.

I believe the program at Adam’s Place, ACS and Adam’s Best Drivers Ed are examples of the value of peer group, education and coaching as long term investments in children. When Thomas-Boyers founded the Grief Center, Land Rover Las Vegas stepped up and really helped with the organization. “I am truly impressed with Land Rover Las Vegas, not just giving dollars but totally getting involved,” Thomas-Boyers said. “In the beginning at events, they would bring out their microphone system and video systems since we could not afford that on our own. There is so much Land Rover Las Vegas does for us as well as other charities. That is just a great way for all of us to have wonderful activities while getting the word out.” According to Nelson, after learning to drive on a Land Rover, when the teen grows up and is ready to purchase that first car, he or she will remember the Land Rover they drove. Land Rovers are also one of the strongest vehicles manufactured and can protect a new driver if an accident does occur. While some Land Rovers can reach the $200,000 threshold for certain full-size Range Rover models, Nelson also emphasized that Land Rovers are attainable cars for most households. The price range begin around $37,000 for the LR2 (used by Adam’s Place) which features safety, size and green factors. Pre-owned vehicles can be purchased for about 60 percent of the cost of a new one and still retains its value with a warranty up to 100,000 miles. The Land Rover business model includes creating a sustainable business including introducing new technologies designed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel consumption. Land Rover is also committed to using fewer resources and creating less waste. According to Nelson, Land Rovers are among the strongest and most reliable vehicles on the road today. Also, driving a Land Rover is very smooth and not the feel of driving a larger sized SUV. As for her personal time, Thomas-Boyers stated, “I work hard and I play hard and that is what Land Rover is about and that is what I am about as well. I love the lifestyle versatility of the LR2. You can load it up with golf clubs, tennis racquets and anything else you need, and still drive to someplace like the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in a beautiful vehicle.” Nelson stated it best when he spoke about Thomas-Boyers, “Kelly cares about what she does, she is passionate about what she does and she is good at what she does.”

Below is a letter written about the impact Adam’s Place has had on one family: My girls and I have really benefited from Adam’s Place in the two years we have been going there. We lost my husband in July 2011. He was our rock and the most amazing husband and father you could ever ask for. I was so lost and had no idea how the girls and I would deal with this sudden loss. We were referred to Adam’s Place through a friend, Ashley Taylor. I felt perfectly comfortable immediately. It helped that a few of us lost our husbands suddenly around the same time and we immediately bonded and have become great friends. Coming to our bi-monthly meetings is something I still continue to look forward to as well as my girls. Until you have gone through such a loss, you can never put yourselves in someone else’s shoes no matter how hard you try. My friends and family have been absolutely amazing for us, but at Adam’s Place, these families actually understand the feelings and emotions we are going through. It has helped so much having others to talk to about it and know they get it. They really get it. All our situations are different of course, yet so similar at the same time. It’s been an eye opener to see how differently we have dealt with our situations too. I have learned from Adam’s Place and seeing these situations that I can no longer judge people going through something whether it’s a loss or something different. We all have to deal with our situations the way we need to. As for my girls, especially my stepdaughter who was 15 when this happened, they needed a place where kids their age understood their feelings. My stepdaughter had said in the beginning, before going to Adam’s Place, she didn’t feel like she could cry or be sad in front of her friends because she didn’t want them to feel sorry for her or look at her differently. That’s sad to me that a child would feel that but I understand at the same time. She has made some friends at Adam’s Place as well and it has helped her deal with her feelings. My 10-year-old twins love it and have made lifelong friends as well. It has been two years that we have been coming, and although I know I have come a long way, I still love coming to Adam’s Place. I still need these meetings to laugh and cry at. I feel that friends and family at this point just want you to be happy and don’t understand that we still have our hard days where we can’t breathe. New families are coming in and I see how emotionally raw they are. It brings me back to those first months and how I felt I could never get through this on my own. I can look back now and say wow, look how far I’ve come! And at the same time, help them to see that it does get better, slowly, that life does go on, and we can make it with the help and support of others. We have all been there and we all have had days where we just want to give up. When I’m having those days, I call up my Adam’s Place friends and they come running over to help me through it. I love that. So thank you Adam’s Place! We will be coming for a LONG time! SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Heather Rogner Photography: Helping others sell themselves with great images

By Allison Duck

picture can be worth more than a thousand words when a great photo can open doors for business or career or capture a moment in time. Heather Rogner Photography offers a contemporary photography experience for a business headshot, portraits for women for glamour or business, high school seniors or a personalized couples’ shoot. Rogner’s new studio space is located in LOOK Style Society at Town Square, adjacent to a blow dry bar and makeup studio if guests chose to use those services before photo shoots. Presenting a variety of photo session options, Rogner offers mini sessions that are perfect for headshots, images for holiday cards or for anyone who just wants a few digital images in less than a half hour of shooting. Another option is the full portrait session that allows for two hours of shooting time, multiple outfit changes and a more personalized experience. Any session can be done in studio or on location. Coupled with the other amenities at LOOK Style Society, Rogner said a shoot, “starts with a fun make-over and ends with images that are not just beautiful, but also real and full of personality. Contemporary glamour is not stuffy or fake or made up. It is fresh and modern and about photographing the everyday woman in a way she has always secretly dreamed about. I always ask my client how she wants to be photographed. Together, we come up with the look and style for her shoot. But no matter what, she will have timeless images that she will want to show off for generations to come.” New to the area, the California transplant has several goals for her photography business in Las Vegas. “I hope to give women photographs of themselves that they love! I want to bring glamour back into portraiture

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and to have fun playing dress up. All while getting to know the beautiful women here in Vegas.” Eager to explore the unique photo shoot locations Las Vegas offers, Rogner says, “I have shot at Red Rock and Nelson Ghost Town, the Strip and a couple of parks. I would love to do a shoot at the Neon Museum or Downtown.” As well as shoots on location, Heather Rogner Photography has a studio because, “it is a much more controlled environment and it is easier to focus on the client because there are no worries about other people walking by or lighting issues, not to mention the privacy for boudoir shoots.” The nearby LOOK Style Society offers, “A nail salon, sunless tanning salon, blow dry bar, make-up artists and hairstylists all right there. Everything is ready to make you feel glamorous while preparing you for your shoot.” A photo session can be a, “great experience to share with your friends, daughter, sisters, or partner.” Rogner encourages clients to bring in a friend or family member toward the end of a shoot so guests can get some solo shots and then share the experience with loved ones as well. In addition to the endless possibilities around the Las Vegas Valley, Rogner’s ideal location in Town Square, “means that we can take the shoot outside for location shots. The varieties are endless. I think women of all ages are going to love it. I recommend coming in for a makeover, then a portrait session, then go out looking fabulous at one of the many fun bars for drinks and dancing with the girls. It’s the ultimate girl’s night out!”

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Single Stream Recycling: All Together in One Bin By Sherry Swensk

health

age & management

believe in recycling so I recycle. The problem is those way-too-tiny plastic recycle bins of the same colors, which barely hold one week’s worth of used bottles, plastics and paper, much less two weeks’ since pickup is every other week. I feel guilty if I’m not loyally sorting and separating, but inevitably it turns into a battle of shoving and stuffing to make it all fit. I long for closing my eyes and tossing all of my recyclables into one big fat bin of forgiveness. So you can believe I did cartwheels when the county commission recently announced the approval of the single stream recycling program for homes in unincorporated Clark County. Hallelujah! That will eventually add another 210,000 residences to the list of lucky recyclers already on the more convenient system. I’ve followed and written about Republic Services’ recycling battle plan over the years, gaining ground one small victory at a time with

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each municipality. Right now, with the cities of Henderson and North Las Vegas along with various HOAs’ pilot programs in the city of Las Vegas, there are about 165,000 homes which have traded in those annoying little bins for a better way.

Bob Coyle, director of recycling for Republic, said the recycling processing center is at capacity, and the state’s recycling rate has reached an historic high. “We’re going to build a new $25 million facility that we expect to complete by the end of 2015.” Seventy tons of materials an hour will be sorted by computer and pushed through the plant. That’s a testament to the community’s change of eco-heart. So what is so darn sexy and exciting about single stream? Just knowing that all of those materials you’ve spent so much time keeping apart in the past can now co-mingle in the same large container. Approved paper, plastic, cardboard, cans, even the weekend wine bottles, can all be tossed into one tall, handsome 96-gallon wheeled cart and steered to the curb once a week. Smaller 65 and 35-gallon carts are available for you single gals or smaller families. The idea is to make recycling easier and more convenient

so more people will actually do it. What a concept! According to Coyle, it is working. “Once the program is implemented in a community, the recycling rate always jumps from around just three percent to 25 or 30 percent.” And surveys taken of participating residents score a whopping 85 percent in satisfaction. Tracy Skenandore, area director of marketing and public relations for Republic, said opting out of the recycling revolution is like throwing away our future. “We need to think about ways to live more sustainable lifestyles at home, work and school. As consumers, if we don’t take ownership of recycling, those valuable materials can’t be repurposed and remanufactured.” Some residents are still resistant, not wanting to give up that second trash pickup day each week, in order to have weekly recycling. But the beauty of single stream, if you practice it with gusto, is that your garbage is so reduced that you don’t need that second trash day. As this article goes to print, Republic tells me that meetings are scheduled with the city council. Coyle says if they finally waive the white flag, it will be the biggest victory yet and the program will proudly add another 140,000 homes beginning in 2016. God Bless America and God Bless recycling.

Sherry Swensk produces the daily segment “Living Green for Las Vegas” for 8 News Now. Read her blog at green.lasvegasnow.com. Stay up to date with Sherry on Facebook and Twitter Facebook. com/SherrySwensk and @ SherrySwensk

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Dentists of the Desert

By Debbie Hall

atch a little television and there are numerous commercials for various teeth whitening products. But our teeth serve us in so many ways and are a big factor for our overall well-being. The Las Vegas Valley offers some of the top dental professionals. With extensive medical education and training along with advance technology, the Dentists of the Desert are ready to diagnose, treat and maintain your good dental health regardless of any challenges. Whether it has been six months, six years or a couple of decades; these top dentists encourage you to come in and allow them to handle the problem. Dentistry has changed over the years with more gentle and non-invasive treatments and ways to help combat problems to avoid more serious medical issues.

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Our local dental professionals have created new medical treatments, improved procedures and volunteer in organizations for those less fortunate to have the best dental health possible. Every dentist profiled answers how the latest in technology for dentistry has impacted their lives and that of their patients. All agree that everyone must adopt a mindset that you have control of your continuing good dental health and should follow through with daily dental care. Good dental hygiene is a big part of our health care program and our top dentists all recommend a commitment to brushing and flossing as well as regular checkups and cleaning. If more is needed, the dental industry in Southern Nevada with dentists and other health care professionals are there keep our smiles looking good.

Dr. Jennifer Cha & Dr. Leon Chen: Las Vegas Dentists Reach Out to Honduras On July 25, 2012, a group of dentists from different parts of the world arrived in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on a mission sponsored by the first lady of Honduras, Rosa Elena De Lobo, the president of Honduras and the Taiwanese Embassy in Honduras to donate their time, skills and dental implants donated by OsseoFuse. The event was coordinated and organized by The Dental Implant Institute Worldwide led by Dr. Leon Chen and Dr. Jennifer Cha.

From left, Norma Giron, former first lady of Honduras Rosa Elena De Lobo, Dr. Leon Chen and Dr. Jennifer Cha

Dr. Jennifer Cha & Dr. Leon Chen

From left, Dr. Jennifer Cha, current president of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernandez and Dr. Leon Chen taken before the president’s 2014 inauguration which both dentists attended at the president’s invitation.

The mission started on July 26, 2012 and ended on July 28, 2012 where 250 dental implants were placed on more than 100 Hondurans allowing them to chew properly and to get proper digestion and nutrition. During this time the group of international doctors had lunch at the Casa Presidencial and visited the Autonoma University of Honduras where the mission was going to take place over the course of the next three days. The first day of the mission started out with set up and screenings on the candidate patients and Osseofuse dental implants were selected. This took place at the Autonoma University of Honduras with the assistance of the odontology students, staff, directors, Dean Dr. Lourdes Murcia and faculty members. On this day Dr. Chen gave a short lecture on dental implants to the university students. The First Lady of Honduras, Dr. Lobo, The Health Minister Dr. Arturo Bendana and the Taiwan Ambassador Joseph Y.L. Kuo in Honduras plus several news outlets visited the group of doctors while they were performing the dental implant procedures at the university. They also celebrated Dr. Cha’s birthday on this day. The second and third day of the mission continued with screenings and more dental implants placed on selected patients. Also on the third day, the University’s Principal, Dr. Julieta Castellanos, visited the group

Dental Implant Institute 6170 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.220.5000 • diiworld.com of doctors and thanked them for the excellent job they performed. A farewell dinner was held for the all the doctors, staff and several of the Honduras representatives and their family members. On Jan. 24, Dr. Chen and Dr. Cha returned to Honduras to From left, Dr. Leon Chen, Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou meet the new First Lady who has and Dr. Jennifer Cha made it her mission is to improve the education of young children. The first lady also wants to improve the children’s overall health including dental health and wants to educate the parents and children on the importance of proper preventative dental care. The Dental Implant Institute provided doctors with clinical expertise and implant services to the patients on a volunteer basis. That equals roughly 1 million dollars in U.S. currency in patient services. The Dental Implant Institute also implemented basic training for local dentists for implant placement and restoration during the time of the mission. The donated OsseoFuse implants, bone and miscellaneous parts cost roughly $100,000. SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Dr. Laurie Bloch-Johnson General Dentistry with a focus on cosmetic, reconstructive and TMJ Dr. Laurie has been practicing for more than 27 years and offers general dentistry with a focus on cosmetic, reconstructive and TMJ. Dr. Laurie is committed to presenting comprehensive dental care, accepting complicated restorative cases, creating the best possible solutions to restore a natural smile. Dr. Laurieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first rule is that she only sees one patient at a time. Explain what happens when a patient walks into your reception area. The first thing they notice is the comfortable, quiet reception area, designed to be more like a living room in a home instead of a typical waiting room. Cookies are baked several times a day and offered along with several types of coffee and tea. Wine is offered in the afternoon. What is it like in the examination room? After being seated in the state-of-the-art examination room, the patient can look out and watch 40 birds in an enclosed aviary. During the initial visit, a complete executive physical of the mouth and teeth is conducted. One of the many uses for the 47-inch television in each exam room is that a camera takes photos of the examination so the patient can see exactly what I see with my magnifying glasses. My team of three highly trained professionals, along with myself, focuses on the one patient to create a one of a kind experience that is comfortable and thorough.

Laurie Bloch-Johnson, D.M.D.

The first visit usually takes about 90 minutes, of which I personally spend about 45 minutes with the patient. I have found that by investing that much time and detail into the first visit, it saves the patient time. Often, patients are accustomed to the one tooth at a time approach and sometimes (the visit occurs) when a tooth is broken or they are in pain. If the patient can see exactly what is going on in their mouth, they can make an informed choice on how they want to proceed. The time frame for the ideal treatment can be adjusted to fit the patients schedule and budget.

condition. Many patients find that a lifetime of headaches or jaw pain is eliminated or greatly reduced.

What are some of the services you offer? Non-Surgical Facelift is one. Teeth break down or suffer from wear and tear as the years pass. By restoring the length of the teeth to their original size, the lips and profile will become fuller and more youthful. By building up the back teeth, this creates less wrinkles, tighter necks and stronger chins for a more youthful appearance and better dental health.

What is your philosophy on dental health? I advocate good internal health, as well as a beautiful smile. The best analogy to explain this concept is that of a home. While one can decorate and make their home beautiful, if the foundation is cracked and shifting, there will be problems and the home can eventually collapse, despite the pretty facade.

Many Americans suffer from headaches, migraines or unexplained pain in the face, jaw or teeth. Others suffer from a pain in the neck or back, tingling in the fingers or ringing in their ears. Some have earaches, recurring or constant jaw pain, or tooth pain. I have discovered in my practice that many times the medical condition is temporomandibular joint disorder. The most common cause of TMD is malocclusion, known as a bad bite and I can fix that and cure the

It is the same with teeth. While so much can be done to create a beautiful smile, it is essential that any functional problems with teeth, mouth and gums are addressed and treated. A smile makeover is just cosmetic while a full mouth reconstruction combines both aesthetics and function.

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9501 Hillwood Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89134 702.463.8600 â&#x20AC;˘ drlauriesmiles.com

However, the decision is totally up to the patient and I strive to make certain each person is empowered with choices.

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Dr. douglas SANCHEZ full-service oral surgery, implant, restorative, children’s, sedation and continued dental care Infinity Dental Family Dentistry and Dr. Douglas Sanchez offers a full line of gentle cosmetic and general dentistry. Services include Invisalign Ortho braces, All-On-4 Teeth in A Day, single dental implants, BOOST whitening, veneers, crown and bridge, sealants and root canal. Dr. Sanchez earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine and is skilled in different areas of dentistry including cosmetic, restorative dentistry, advanced surgical treatments and Endodontics. What is the latest in technology in the dental field? The All-on-Four Teeth in a day concept with dental implants is the most rewarding procedure that I perform. To be able to take a patient from dentures, no teeth or severe decay to a full mouth with a great smile is incredibly rewarding. Soft Tissue Laser technology is a great new addition to the practice. We aid in healing gum infections, sensitive teeth and cold sores, making new and better treatment more comfortable. Technology in the dental field is constantly growing and changing, making your dental visit easier and the treatment more reliable and less painful. What advice would you give for better dental health? I encourage a more proactive preventive approach to achieve and maintain dental health. We are also excited to have brought in our hygienist Patricia Valdez. It is incredible to have her as our patients’ advocate in oral hygiene. We as a team try to help our patients understand the benefits of having an overall healthy mouth in order to reduce the load on our immune system. Some patients may feel discouraged and apprehensive when it comes to time for their continuing care check-ups. We at Infinity Dental strive to make our patients have a sense of comfort and not feel as if they are being lectured or criticized. Talking to and building relationships with our patients is of great importance. As more and more people are losing their dental insurance; it is more important than ever to maintain cleanings and exams, in order to avoid catastrophic failures in a mouth. We have made it possible for our patients to continue to receive that preventive care by our development of Infinity Dental Benefits. It was developed to help our non-insured patients afford treatment and routine cleanings that they may otherwise miss. Our plan could cost less than what they’re currently paying for regular dental insurance. It is also important for our patients to realize our office is more than happy to help patients with payments. These are great options to keep in mind when maintaining oral hygiene. What safety measures do you use in your practice? I am proud of my office and my staff. We fully utilize state of the art equipment and we have a modern day sterilization system and methods that surpass CDC and ADA requirements. Our sterilizers are rigorously

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Douglas Sanchez, dmd infinity dental 8940 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89147 702.248.4448 • infinitydentallv.com tested in the office as well as by a third party to ensure that they are working to the best of their ability. Each staff member is individually trained in infection control to avoid any chance of cross-contamination. We also use the best disinfectants and barriers are placed on every surface. We always want our patient’s visit here to be a rewarding experience. We thoroughly review your medical history and will not do anything to counteract with any existing condition. Blood pressure is taken at every visit and we also use pulse-ox to record how much oxygen is in the patient’s body at all times. The patient is also given their own personal protective equipment to wear during all procedures. Everything that we do here is to make our patients have a comfortable visit.

Dr. Marielaina Perrone Family, Cosmetic And Implant Dentistry Dr. Marielaina Perrone has developed a unique dental practice that focuses on each patient individually with high quality care using the most innovative, up-to-date techniques and procedures. The environment is comforting and soothing with the patient greeted by a highly trained staff. Dr. Perrone and her staff get to know each individual personally as well as educate each patient about the procedures and dental health. Dr. Perrone has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education courses focusing on dental phobia, dental implants, periodontal disease treatment and cosmetic dentistry. She offers top treatments and treats each patient with care and respect, prompting many to tell her and her staff how they actually enjoy going to the dentist. “The patient is always our first priority throughout dental care and we strive to give them something to smile about after every visit,” she stated. What types of procedures and treatments does your office offer? We offer comprehensive treatment for the whole family. I have extensive training in many areas of dentistry and am happy to offer a wide range of services including full mouth reconstruction, all-on-4 dentures (“dentures in a day”), root canals, cosmetic dentistry including bonding, veneers and porcelain crowns, dentistry for children, minor periodontal surgeries including gum contouring, oral surgery and implant restoration, whitening procedures, treatments for TMJ, grinding, clenching, and snore/sleep apnea appliances as well as dentures, enameloplasty and the treatment of dental phobia. Speaking of dental phobias, it is a specialty of yours. How do you work with patients with a dental phobia? Dental phobia can be overcome! We learn all that we can about a patient’s history and fears, spend time with them so that we can address all that concerns them. We work slowly, listen, stop whenever needed, give the patient a sense of control and never judge. We are proud to say that we have helped many people overcome dental phobia, get treatment done and feel great about it. We even have a website specifically geared toward helping the dental phobic patient, lasvegasdentalphobia.com. I write a blog on my other website, drperrone.com, and my topic for Jan. 29 was, “Are You a Nervous Dental Patient?” I give tips to how we calm dental anxiety including good communication between dentist and patient, which I practice. I also encourage my patients that it helps to feel that they are in control. With me, my patients have the confidence to stop or start treatment, make treatment decisions based upon options, how long appointments should be and how often they are comfortable coming in for treatment. I educate patients so they have the power of knowledge about their

Marielaina Perrone, D.D.S. 2551 N. Green Valley Parkway Suite #A405 Henderson, NV 89014 702.458.2929 • drperrone.com dental care. They understand the steps of treatment, and why it is important for them to follow through. What are some of the top teeth whitening procedures or products you recommend? We provide one hour in-office whitening (Zoom or Sapphire) for rapid whitening, 20 minute in-office whitening with the Sinsational smile system, which is great for the patient with sensitive teeth who cannot tolerate conventional whitening. We love to use custom fabricated whitening trays made for the patient’s home use and whitening gel pens. What advice do you have for patients considering veneers? Veneers can be life changing and can give many people a smile they never imagined was possible for them. It is crucial that the whole mouth be evaluated to be sure that veneers are the best treatment for the patient. Photos, X-rays and study models should be utilized to decide which teeth need to be veneered, which color will be most flattering and what shape suits a patient’s face the best. SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Dr. Joel A. Stokes Child and Adult General Dentistry, Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, porcelain veneers, SnapOn Smile, Invisalign, dental implants Eastern Canyon Dental is the vision of Dr. Joel Stokes featuring the latest in restorative and preventative dentistry adding his personal approach to family dental care. Dr. Stokes decided at age thirteen that he wanted to be a dentist and followed his dream. Besides earning his doctorate from the Dental School at the University of the Pacific, San Francisco, Dr. Stokes has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education with emphasis in preventative, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. His extensive focus on comprehensive dentistry is combined with his dedication for one to one interaction with patients and helping them to look and feel better in a high trust, low stress environment. Some of the newest procedures his practice offers include non-metallic dentistry, Invisalign, dental implants and porcelain veneers. Why did you become a dentist? “My dentist in San Diego always seemed to be happy about the work he did. He was truly a professional and he encouraged me to go to dental school. In fact his daughter also became a dental hygienist. I felt that being a dentist would allow me to provide a needed health care service.” Why do you have such a passion for dentistry? “I understand that sometimes not everyone is able to keep up with their regular dental care. I never judge anyone. I only want to help people get back on track with their dental care and help them maintain good health. “I meet and interact with individuals and community groups to help inform our community about how our dental office can help elevate the level of dental health with a high trust and low stress environment.” What is your relationship with your patients? “Time is very valuable and I don’t want my patients to wait for me. Each patient is greeted and brought back to the exam room as soon as they enter the office within five minutes of their arrival. Once a patient is seated, I am there ready to treat them. I understand going to the dentist can be an anxious time and I want to put everyone at ease.” What measures do you take for safety of your patients? “To add to everyone’s sense of security, I make certain that each patient and their family understands that the protection of a patient’s health is at the top of my standards. Our office takes extra measures to coordinate each patient’s medical and dental care. I designed my current office with a state-of-the-art sterilization room and all staff strictly adheres to all OSHA and CDC sterilization standards. All 72

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Joel A. Stokes, D.D.S. Eastern Canyon Dental 8605 S. Eastern Ave., Suite A Las Vegas, NV 89123 702.699.9876 • thevegasdentist.com instruments remain sealed in a sterile field until opened for the specific patient.” What charities about good dentistry can you recommend? “As for local charities and events related to dentistry, February is Child Dental Month, and the American Dental Association offers Give Kids A Smile program that people can support, volunteer and donate their time and skills.” What advice can you give for good dental health? “Prevention is the key. Constant monitoring and consistent care allows the patient to spend the least amount of time in the dental chair with the least amount of cost long term.” What about your personal life? “I am married to Sandy and we have three children. Adam is a local attorney, Alexis a dental hygienist and Jesse attends college and plans on attending medical school.”

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SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

s e l a m Fe Fearless

By Debbie Hall

Our Fearless Females are examples of thinking outside the box and demonstrating ways to make Southern Nevada a better place to live. One Fearless Female has opened a free medical clinic for those who have fallen through the cracks in health care. Another Fearless Female has worked her way up from serving those in the food industry to vice president in the company. Two Fearless Females have created a thriving business while working from home. Green is the color of a Fearless Female implementing incentive programs to create energy efficiency upgrades. All are great examples of women making a difference in Las Vegas.

Denee Evans

Stacy Stagg

Dr Florence Jameson

Erika Pope and Marina Nicola

Photo courtesy of Denee Evans

Photo courtesy of Station Casinos

Photo courtesy of Connie Palen

Photo courtesy of Isaac Brekken

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Females Fearless

Denee Evans

Working in Nevada to conserve our energy

s the Executive Director of EnergyFit Nevada, the state’s nonprofit sponsor of Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, Denee Evans oversees the EnergyFit Nevada program. EnergyFit Nevada is a rebate and home incentive program for homeowners who make energy efficiency upgrades made possible by a grant from the Nevada State Office of Energy provided by the United States Department of Energy to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Under her decisive leadership and guidance, EnergyFit Nevada has grown from a successful nonprofit connecting homeowners to qualified energy efficiency contractors and rebates to an emerging statewide authority on the energy efficiency industry. The organization has commissioned an important economic study, created a dynamic teaching example of energy efficiency in the city of North Las Vegas. Evans personally collaborated with numerous city councils, elected officials and organization across the state to advance the efficiency movement. Evans originally began in banking. “At a young age, I was one of those rare people who seemed to have a natural affinity for math and community. So I started where they seemed to intersect as a teller for Bank of America,” she said. After getting married and moving out of state, Evans returned to Las Vegas. “My original plan was to finish my degree in finance at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and then specialize in real estate with the specific goal of creating a greater sense of community right here in Las Vegas,” she explained. “During my last semester, I reached out to the city of Las Vegas sustainability office to see if they had an internship available. They suggested an internship working with Green Chips, a nonprofit organization that collaborated with the city of Las Vegas and Nevada State Bank to establish a loan fund to help finance energy efficient improvements through EnergyFit Nevada. “It was at Green Chips and then at EnergyFit Nevada that I learned where real estate, finance, and sustainability all work together toward achieving better communities.” As for mentors, Evans said she has learned from many people. “I came away with three traits that they all had in common. They would challenge me to do better even when I had done my best, ask me what my limits were and push me past those limits, and continually motivate me to set a stronger vision. “Interestingly enough, not all of them were older nor did they hold prominent positions in our state or elsewhere. They were people who did things better, different, or with a unique perspective. They have traits that are worth emulating and they are able to clearly define balanced goals across their lives.” Evan’s greatest inspirations are her parents. Raised as the oldest of six children in the small unincorporated town of Overton, Nev., she describes her mother as an extremely hard worker who was never afraid to get her hands dirty. Evan credits her father for teaching her that there wasn’t anything a girl can’t do if not do better. She also credits her husband of 13 years, Steve Hofer, as her biggest supporter and a great partner. Together, they are raising two daughters, Arla age 9 and Ada Lea age 4. Like Evans, they are very active girls with many diverse interests. “I’m very proud to be a native Nevadan with a passion to share what a great place this is to live and how we can make it even better,” she stated. “The future of Nevada is bright and so is the prospect for women entering any number of professions today.” Denee Evans is truly a Fearless Female. SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

tacy Stagg, vice president and assistant general manager Sunset Station Hotel and Casino, has always worked in the service industry. Her first job, while attending high school, was as a line cook and dishwasher. She continued her education while working in various restaurants. Stagg also met and married her husband, had two children and moved to Las Vegas in 1990. “It was a natural progression for me to move into management when I did. Prior to joining Station Casinos in 1995 as a food server, I had been working in the food and beverage industry in various capacities for nearly 15 years already,” Stagg explained. “However, my inspiration and desire to move into management was catapulted once I joined Station Casinos and experienced the culture and values the company resonated. “The food and beverage director at Texas Station is the one who is really responsible for identifying my abilities and giving me the confidence to migrate into management,” she said. “I jumped on the management bandwagon at that time and I’m really glad I did. I’ve noticed in the service industry it is hard for people to give up the tokes or gratuities to move into a manager role so they remain in the hourly capacity. I sacrificed early to be a part of the evolution and growth in our company and it has paid off for me nearly 19 years later. It was a great opportunity and everything seemed to come together for me.” Three women have also influenced Stagg and helped to encourage her follow her dreams. “I gravitated to the women early in my career because 20 years ago it was really rare to see female vice presidents and general managers in Las Vegas in the gaming industry,” Stagg said. Cookie Dressler was one of the first female general managers in Las Vegas and employed by Station Casinos. She had also started in the company at an entry level position and worked her way up to a general manager. Renee West, president and chief operating officer of Luxor and Excalibur, was on staff at Station Casinos and helped Stagg navigate from the food and beverage department into human resources and training and development. Valerie Murzl, senior vice president of Human Resources for Station Casinos, has been with the company for 17 years and Stagg observed Murzl’s candid and insightful management style as a woman at the top of the organization. “Honestly, I believe women have a different perspective from men and that viewpoint has been a great addition to our casino industry. I think having a good mix on your team of males and females really rounds out a team,” Stagg said. Stagg has been involved with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Hotel Mentorship program for the past five years. One of her mentees, Sophia Ahmad, was Mentee of the Year at UNLV and is now going on to law school. In 2013, Stagg worked side by side with one of Station Casinos’ youngest owners who needed operational experience to attain entrance into the MBA program. The owner was assigned to work with Stagg to gain knowledge of how a property is managed day to day, “was such an advantage to our property’s growth. Her perspective was invaluable and I learned a lot from her last year,” Stagg stated. “I love being on a property with the ability to talk to team members and the guests. Looking for areas to improve, change or enhance can be so motivating and rewarding. It isn’t just a job it’s a lifestyle and I really love what I do!” Stacy Stagg embodies being a true Fearless Female. of

Females Fearless

St acy Stagg

Overseeing a local’s favorite spot from all aspects

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Females Fearless

Dr. Florence Jameson Healing the sick and advocating for health care

r. Florence Jameson has spent her life dedicated to family, health care and community. Along with her many accomplishments, she is founder and CEO of Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, a free health clinic dedicated to providing medical services to the uninsured and working poor who don’t have access to medical care. “Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada is a free and charitable medical clinic which is providing quality health care in a culture of caring for the working uninsured and unemployed in Southern Nevada,” she explained. “We are the safety net to the safety net. We believe that every man, woman and child in Nevada should have access to health care.” With the Affordable Health Care Act in effect, Dr. Jameson stated, “The ACA estimated 26 million will remain uninsured after full implementation in the year 2020. These individuals are likely to include people who are exempt from the mandate, in most cases because they do not have access to affordable coverage, people who are subject to the mandate but choose to pay the penalty rather than purchase health insurance and immigrants who are not legal residents and therefore not eligible for Medicaid coverage or for federal premium subsidies. Many workers, particularly low-wage workers, do not have access to affordable coverage or cannot afford their share of the premiums. The recent economic recession has also led to the loss of jobs and employer-sponsored insurance.” Dr. Jameson knows firsthand what a big difference an altruistic medical provider can make. After her father went to prison, her mother struggled to provide for herself and her family. “My inspiration was my family doctor who took care of my family when I was a child growing up in San Diego,” she said. “He was incredibly benevolent and a brilliant physician. He was always there to help, whether you could pay or not.” Dr. Jameson vowed someday to “pay it forward.” She also acknowledges her parents, especially her mother, for her inspiration. “When my mother became a single mother, she continued to work very, very hard. She never gave up. She tried her very best always. Thank you, mom.” Dr. Jameson attended UCLA School of Medicine where she earned her medical degree, and Cedar Sinai where she did her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Jameson has been recognized by the community for her extraordinary accomplishments including: the Sunrise Hospital First Humanitarian Award, the Red Cross Everyday Health Heroes award, the Harold Lee Feikes Physician of the Year Award for Community Service and Las Vegas Woman Magazine’s Best Doctor award voted by fellow physicians. Prior to starting VMSN, she opened a clinic at the Juvenile Justice Center of Southern Nevada to care for incarcerated young girls. Dr. Jameson stated, “My No. 1 advisor was and will always be God. Every day I pray for his will in my life to be done, to guide me in what I should do each day.” As for her personal life, Dr. Jameson loves her family and her garden. “My husband of 30-plus years is my best friend of 44 years. My children Michael (23) and Julia (22) are the light of my life. My favorite past-time is working in my garden.” Dr. Jameson’s vision is that no child or adult will ever go to bed at night sick without much needed healthcare. Her mission is to bring the community together to create a safety net of clinics which will provide quality healthcare in a culture of caring. She is part of the solution as a Fearless Female. SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Females Fearless

Erika Pope Marina & Nicola Stay at home mothers manage high power business

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ince 2011, Erika Pope and Marina Nicola have owned and operated Vox Solid Communications. The name is a spin on the expression rock solid - the word vox is Latin for voice, so the name Vox Solid is to have a strong voice. Reuniting after working in public affairs/public relations at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in the mid2000s, Pope and Nicola have more than 30 combined years of experience in marketing, public relations, journalism and social media. Pope is married to Clinton with two sons (Carter, 6 and Holden, 4) and a daughter (Calla, 7 months). Nicola is also married to Joe and has three sons, Alexander, age 10, Jasen, age 7, and Robert, age 2. With young children at home and a high powered communications company, these two women decided to redefine how they would operate their business and have created a business model allowing them to be with their children while maintaining professionalism with several high powered clients. Pope was an Air Force brat moving frequently before making the move to Las Vegas to pursue a career in public relations with LVCVA. Her influence was “Rob Powers, who hired me at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shortly after I moved to Las Vegas. His easy way of effectively handling tough media issues, as well as passion for what we represented (Las Vegas), was impressive to me,” she said. Pope considers the late Nancy Murphy (who passed away in 2013) one of her mentors, “a sales and marketing powerhouse in Las Vegas with whom I worked at the LVCVA. She made an effort to reach out and humanize interactions in this city.” Nicola was born and raised in Las Vegas and admitted, “My initial career goal was to be a television news director but obviously plans change. “In the beginning of my career, my husband and I were living in Phoenix then Los Angeles. When we moved back, I applied at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. I had worked in journalism and then transitioned to PR. I figured, this would be the career change that would help me to not only appreciate Las Vegas and the tourism industry in a brand new way as a native but also enable me to learn all aspects of it.” Nicola’s inspiration is her late mother, Gigi Hansen. “She was Filipina and spoke 14 fluent languages. She worked as a translator for hotels and eventually Washington, D.C. She was an inspiring role model because she’d walk into a room filled with men, all wondering why she was there. Then she’d speak and instantly command the room. From Russian to Portuguese to Mandarin, it was a sight as a young girl to watch her mother to continually surprise everyone with her vast knowledge of languages.” Along with their young families and thriving business, the two also find time to volunteer. Pope has been a CASA volunteer for the better part of 14 years advocating for kids in the foster care system. “I also enjoy supporting the Be Kind mission of the Josh Stevens Foundation,” she said. “Just recently, I signed up to volunteer with the leading drop-out prevention organization, Communities in Schools of Nevada, as a high school mentor and am looking forward to that.” Nicola serves on the advisory board of the Public Education Foundation; committees for the Nevada Restaurant Association and oversee media efforts for Chefs to the Max, the newlycreated ongoing dinner series designed to help critically injured food journalist Max Jacobson.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

In the City

The Women’s Club of Summerlin annual charity event

The Women’s Club of Summerlin held its annual charity event at the JW Marriott on Oct. 10, 2013 and raised more than $17,000 for the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation’s Camp Cartwheel program. The annual charity event broke previous records due to the support of the city of Las Vegas, the Summerlin community, sponsors including Las Vegas Woman magazine and the dedicated volunteers of Women’s Club of Summerlin who spent countless hours on the spectacular event. Photography by Audrey Dempsey

Girl Scouts Dessert Before Dinner

Dessert Before Dinner is an annual fundraiser for the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada featuring pastry chefs in a culinary competition to create the tastiest dessert using Girl Scout cookies. In 2013, the Thin Mint cookie was featured including Girl Scout Brownie, Pineapple “Peppy” Mints, Thin Mint S’mores Verrine, Mint Orange Crepe, Chocolate Mint Tiramisu, Minty Bars, Around the Campfire with a Hint of Mint, Thin Mint Surprise, and Thin Mint S’more Pop Duo. The winning chefs were Cynthia Werth of Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower and Tami White of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Honorees included Shelley Berkley, Irene Bustamante Adams, Jan Jones Blackhurst, Dana Lee, Punam Mathur, and Dr. Kate Zhong. Photography by Cashman Photo

To have your event photos considered, please email Debbie@lvwomanmagazine.com. 82

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

In the City

Knuttel Gallery Celebrates Grand Opening

Internationally acclaimed artist Graham Knuttel celebrated the opening of the Knuttel Gallery located at the Venetian-Palazzo Resort. The event featured a ribbon cutting by Sheldon G. Adelson and an unveiling of Graham Knuttel’s latest masterpiece. Celebrity attendees included Chef Rick Moonen, Chef Alex Stratta, Miss Asian Las Vegas, Prince Lorenzo de Medici of TLC’s Secret Princes, Chloe and Murray Sawchuck, Jarrett and Raja, John Payne from “Raiding the Rock Vault” and Paul Shortino of Quiet Riot.

Winter 2013-14 Launch Party

Las Vegas Woman magazine launched its Winter issue at Texas Station featuring cover model Donna Curry of Subway Sandwiches. Magician Seth Grabel (newlywed husband of publisher Tammy [Shaw] Grabel) and singer Katy Capella entertained the crowd. Attendees had the opportunity to sample Subway sandwiches along with wine and spirit tastings and see the latest in products and services. Photography by Walls of Photography – Tiffany Sosa

To have your event photos considered, please email Debbie@lvwomanmagazine.com. SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

In the City

Smiles for Survivors Blow Out Breast Cancer

Smiles for Survivors Foundation raised more than $26,000 at its third annual Blow Out Breast Cancer fundraising event. Approximately 350 guests gathered for a party and silent auction at Square Colour Salon + Spa in Summerlin. Funds raised at the event support the foundation’s mission of providing breast cancer survivors necessary care to restore their oral health. Sponsors included event host and partner Square Colour Salon + Spa and partner By Dzign Furniture, Rob Jensen Company – Guard Gated Real Estate, Park Place Infiniti and Couture Dermatology and Plastic Surgery.

Members of the Douglas J Green Memorial Foundation Photo by Andrew Garcia

Rob Jensen and Dr. Olya Banchik Photo by Bill Stanton

Strikes for Scholarships

Jenna Giorgione, Stephanie Forte and Michelle Wilmoth. Photo by Andrew Garcia

Anita Alexander and Dr. George Alexander Photo by Bill Stanton

Cheaza and Marriana Nevarez Photo by Bill Stanton

Dr. Candace Spann, Carli Snyder, Dana Gordon and Dr. Olya Banchik. Photo by Bill Stanton

Epicurean Charitable Foundation, comprised of more than 25 of Las Vegas’ top food and beverage executives, held its Strikes for Scholarships bowling fundraiser at the South Point. Cast members from “Jersey Boys,” “Rock of Ages” and “Million Dollar Quartet” along with students and board members participated. The ECF awards students with scholarship funds to attend any four-year accredited university of their choice and has also provided more than one million dollars in charitable community grants. Photography by Daniel Ward

Becca Kotte, Matt Meigs, Carrie St. Louis and Bob Torti of “Rock of Ages” showed their support at Strikes for Scholarships

ECF students and board members celebrate the Strikes for Scholarships bowling fundraiser

ECF scholarship recipients Alexandria Von Mohr, Beatriz Portillo-Sorrosa, Jordan Moore and Wendy Pimental work the registration table To have your event photos considered, please email Debbie@lvwomanmagazine.com.

ECF students pose with cast members from “Jersey Boys,” “Rock of Ages” and “Million Dollar Quartet” at Strikes for Scholarships

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Guests show off their school spirit during the Strikes for Scholarships bowling fundraiser

ECF president and vice president of food & beverage at MGM Grand, Jason Shkorupa, poses with his family at Strikes for Scholarships

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Local Ladies Achievement. Motivation. Growth. Tya R. Mathis (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) is the new-elected president the Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter which is celebrating its Centennial Year (100 years) nationally. On June 3, 1966, eleven visionary women chartered the Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter. Today, more than 215 active Las Vegas members continue the tradition of promoting scholarships, service and social action within the community as well as nationally and internationally. The chapter service area is Southern NevadaClark County including the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City.

The Nail Room was created and opened by owners Jenny Sayavong and Christopher Harrison offering exceptionally clean services, one-of-a-kind nail art, beverages and snacks in a classy atmosphere. With pedicure bowls that have individual liners for each service, their tools are sterilized in a dry autoclave and every file and buffer is disposed after use. The nail salon also houses a clothing boutique called Shop offering the latest fashions. Sayavong fell in love with the beauty industry at a young age, eventually working on the strip in high-end salons. Sayavong’s experience also includes doing nails on reality television shows such as “Tia and Tamera” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

Helina Whitney has been named inpatient director for Nathan Adelson Hospice. In this role, she actively supports and promotes the hospice’s vision, mission and overall philosophy by maintaining quality patient care through effective management and leadership. The director is both a formal leader and mentor, facilitating professional growth and maintaining standards of high performance. Previously, Whitney served as manager of education at the hospice. After previously serving as Hispanic/Latino Program manager, Nora Luna has become director of diversity and education for Nathan Adelson Hospice. In this capacity, she will continue to oversee Latino community outreach but will also coordinate new employee orientations, student rotations, implement and track continuing education training for certified nursing assistants and nurses, develop CEU (continuing education unit) workshops for nurses and social workers, and coordinate all internal professional development. Vero Strategies, a Las Vegas strategic communications company specializing in public relations, has been recognized with four awards at the Public Relations Society of America 2013 Pinnacle Awards in the categories of press conference, media tour, quick turnaround programs and public education campaign. Founder and President Veronica Meter accepted the awards during a ceremony at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa.

Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Nevada 2013 ATHENA International Awards was recently held to honor those at the top of their industry. Heather Allen, MD, FACP, a medical oncologist with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, was honored as the leadership recipient. Dr. Allen was selected as a recipient due to her extensive local, regional and national board appointments, recognitions and designations. Souzan El-Eid, MD, FACS, a breast surgeon with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada and Medical Director at the Breast Care Center at Summerlin Hospital, has been recognized by HealthTap as a top breast surgeon in Nevada and as one of America’s most compassionate doctors according to PatientsChoice.org. Every month, more than 200,000 patients across the U.S. provide online feedback via PatientsChoice.org and other sites about their experiences with physicians. Sara Gabriella has launched Caramel Creative, a company that develops and produces media and entertainment content specializing in stories and information targeted for the Latino cultural experience. Gabriella is an accomplished writer, producer and TV host with 10 years of experience. Caramel Creative is partnering with established companies and professionals in the film, TV and publishing industries, has a book series planned and two TV shows in development.

Genowefa Craig has launched Genowefa Sweets, a confection company selling signature burnt butter almond crunch offered in custom packaging for corporate, nonprofit and individual clients. Craig launched the company at the urging of friends who enjoyed her confections and decided to create a business opportunity for herself. Previously, Craig owned a software development company. She supports several charities including Operation Smile, Three Square and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The Turnaround Management Association of Nevada has named Debra Baez operations and marketing administrator. She manages general day-to-day operations and oversees marketing functions for the Nevada chapter. The association is a local chapter of Turnaround Management Association, an international nonprofit business organization celebrating 25 years of helping businesses in financial trouble. Members are professionals and specialists from key business disciplines including: legal, financial, banking, accounting, operations, management, marketing, crisis management, communications, retail and Internet commerce. Paige Candee, founder of Dress for Success Southern Nevada, will serve as the first president of the nonprofit’s Advisory Council providing vision, resources and advice to the board of directors on community outreach and fundraising efforts. Founded in late 2009, Dress for Success Southern Nevada assists local women looking for employment by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools. A longtime public relations professional and current president of PR at 10e Media, Candee brings to the position knowledge and her extensive ties in the community.

To nominate a Local Lady email Debbie@lvwomanmagazine.com

VIRGEN Inc., a full-service strategic marketing, public relations and creative arts firm, welcomes Tiffany Hauck as their Public Relations Manager. With more than six years of experience in the field, Hauck will oversee the Public Relations and social media departments at VIRGEN. Hauck comes to VIRGEN after three years at the Golden Nugget, where she led PR and social media efforts for four properties: Las Vegas, Laughlin, Atlantic City and Biloxi. Corey Taylor is a 15-year-old actor and high school sophomore attending the Northwest Career and Technical Academy. She hosts the Corey Taylor Talks radio show on the Lotus Broadcasting Internet radio station VANR on Thursday focusing on teenagers. Taylor devotes her time and energy to educate, advocate and fight for teens and her mission is for her message to travel to every part of the globe. Kami Dempsey-Goudie has joined Cox Communications, Las Vegas as executive director, public/ government affairs. She brings an extensive background in community outreach, government relations and public policy to the company. She has more than 15 years of experience working in government relations, public affairs, political consulting and advocacy management on a local, state and federal level. DempseyGoudie has held public affairs positions with the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, the City of Las Vegas and was previously affiliated with Strategic Solutions.

Nicole Duffel

icole Duffel has been selected Mrs. Nevada United States 2014 and will represent Nevada in the national pageant being held in Las Vegas in July. Previously, she won the talent award and was crowned Ms. Nevada Senior America 2012-13. It was her first time she had ever participated in a pageant. After judging the Miss Teen, Miss and Ms. divisions of the United States system, Duffel was encouraged to participate in the Mrs. Nevada United States pageant which didn’t have an age limit. “I was excited by the possibility to participate in a pageant again. When you take on a challenge like this you learn so much about yourself inside and out. I call it staying on point to keep the best you can be always ready for opportunities that may come your way.” Duffel continues her service to the community, travels to events throughout Nevada and does her best to make a difference in the world.

In the fall of 2013, Lola Asbury became the first person to volunteer more than 2,000 hours at Three Square Food Bank. A volunteer since 2011, Asbury has assisted with stocking the shelves, moving pallets and packing meals for the Senior Share Program. In 2012, Asbury knitted 100 scarves and donated them to a local catholic church.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

Debbie Bingham is VEGAS.com’s vice president of business development. Bingham and her team are responsible for developing and maintaining strong business relationships with key influencers in the local tourism industry. She encourages the business development team to embrace the interpersonal skills needed to strengthen partnerships with travel partners including hotels, shows, nightclubs, tours and golf courses. Delana Garcia, baker and cake decorator, is the owner/operator of Sassy ‘N’ Classy Baked Goods company offering desserts baked from scratch including gluten free products. Sassy ‘N’ Classy Baked Goods caters weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, bridal parties, quinceaneras and corporate events. Garcia, who is 24 years old, started her business because baking is her passion. Local destination marketing expert Tami Hance has held director positions in sales and operations with Destinations by Design, a Las Vegas event and destination management company, since 1990. This year, Hance is President for the Las Vegas Hospitality Association and as a member of the Nevada Women’s Philanthropy will tackle the role of grant screening chairman. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Gulten Dye has opened GULTENDYE Creative Playground offering a place to create jewelry as well as showcasing local artists and authors. Other classes include painting and sculpting with a space to hold private parties. Its mobile services, Jewels on the Go, was recently approved by the Clark County School District art department for Dye to teach students how create jewelry that they can take home.

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A’Esha Goins is a columnist, life/ relationship coach, author and talk radio host. She is debuting her new radio show, The No Good Men Show. on KLAV 1230 AM. Goins is the author of “Official Rules to Being Single” and will soon release her second book, “I am a Relationship Advocate.” Goins is raising an adopted son and is an advocate for foster care. She also created Singles University, a social group for singles.

Pictured (L to R): Tiffannie Bond, James Stover, APR (PRSA Las Vegas Chapter president), Melissa Biernacinski. Photo credit: PRSA Las Vegas chapter

Imagine Communications, a Henderson, Nev.-based full-service marketing and public relations company, was awarded a Pinnacle Award (in the media kit category) by the Public Relations Society of America’s Las Vegas chapter. Entries were judged by PRSA’s San Diego chapter. Imagine’s director of media relations, Melissa Biernacinski, and media relations specialist, Tiffannie Bond, accepted the award during the organization’s annual Pinnacle Awards ceremony.

Ruth Hedges is the chief executive officer of Unismart Capital Software Inc. As the creator and key architect of the Funding Roadmap online licensable platform, Hedges has been responsible for pioneering a virtual system for business planning and due diligence reporting on the cloud. Hedges is also a founding board member of the Governance Committee for The Crowdfunding Professional Association Organizing and also a Founding Board member of CrowdFund Intermediary Regulatory Advocates.

Menopause the Musical at Luxor Las Vegas recently joined the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and cake. Menopause the Musical has been part of Las Vegas entertainment for eight years with performances at Luxor Las Vegas for almost five years.

The Señoras of Excellence are women who support the educational growth of young Latinos in the Las Vegas community honored at an annual gala hosted by Sandy Peltyn and Joe Ripoll. Señoras of Excellence of 2013 include Eloiza B. Martinez, Vice President Wells Fargo Bank, RET and the Honorable Jackie Glass, 8th Judicial Court, RET. The event benefits the Latin Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund, UNLV, The Puerto Rican Association Scholarship Fund, Nevada State Collage and H.E.A.R.T. for children with autism.

To nominate a Local Lady email Debbie@lvwomanmagazine.com

Seasons Funeral Planning Services Team

he Seasons Funeral Planning Services team has experienced death in very personal ways with family and friends, and has helped plan funerals and/or post-service gatherings. This motivation led them to enter this field and become part of the team at Seasons Funeral Planning Services. Allison Copening is the founder and chief executive officer of Seasons Funeral Planning Services. She is also a certified celebrant, one of the few in the state. A third-generation Las Vegan, Copening previously was a funeral services director and advanced planning director at the largest funeral home in Nevada. She is a graduate of the Stratford Career Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funeral Services Education program and In-Sight Booksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Certified Celebrant Program. Her experience includes serving in the Nevada State Senate; more than 20 years in marketing, public relations and event planning management positions, including owning her own agency and more than 30 years in community service, outreach and volunteerism. Jodi Paige is director of services at Seasons Funeral Planning Services and a certified celebrant. In more than 25 years working in arts, theatre and festival management, she has always been paying tribute in some fashion. Paige managed backstage operations for the Seattle Repertory Theatre and advanced logistics for national act concerts and art and music festivals, taught production and stage management at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, and served on the advisory board of UNLVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nevada Conservatory Theatre. Ericka Predmore, marketing coordinator, is a Las Vegas native. Predmore graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, with an emphasis in marketing and communications. During the four years in Texas she lived in Texas, Predmore did freelance work for BOUNCE Multimedia where she assisted with event production and videography. She also was part of the Lamar Filmmakers Association.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

mars vs. venus The Way Life Really Works

very day we are seeing or hearing about people in the news experiencing unprecedented hardships. Many of us are experiencing an abundance of our own problems. In fact, there are moments when we can become so discouraged or confused that we don’t even know today if we are coming or going. Due to so much misinformation and our being prisoners of erroneous beliefs has made it nearly impossible to stay positive, optimistic or have faith that things will be great in the near future. Blaming and excuses is a recipe that losers use to fail, but the truth is that it is our own ignorance or basic misunderstanding of the way of Life works that is the fundamental cause and reason for most of our unconsciously-selfimposed suffering. For example, those of us who complain are not aware of the universal law that says “The more we complain, the more we shall be given to complain about and that the more we become grateful, the more we shall be given to be grateful for.” Another example is whenever we say “I need money,” the friendly universe by its own law must always say “Yes” to whatever we are affirming which is what is causing our need for money.

By Rev. Thabiti

This is because whenever we say “I need money,” our soul or subconscious is hearing us say “I lack money” and whenever we plant the seeds of lack within the soil of our Souls then the universe has no choice but to obey its own law of “As ye sow so shall ye reap” and provide us with an abundant amount of lack. When we say things like “Those people make me sick,” it’s not those people making you sick, it is your thoughts about those people that’s making you sick. When we say “I hate people who lie to me,” then the universe must continue sending people to you who lie to you. Why? So that you can hate them! This must happen whenever we plant the seeds of hate within the soil of our souls. The way life really works does not need to be believed, liked or enjoyed. The rules governing life does not seek our approval or permission to operate as it does. Our life is simply a gift we get to enjoy and not a problem needing to be solved. To be upset over what we think we lack only wastes what we have. If we make the best of what we have then what we have will always get better. Eternal Blessings

Rev. Thabiti is internationally known as the world’s most accurate personal forecast expert. His time-map system at ThePower.org provides illuminated directional guidance to those who want to see which way leads to what they seek to accomplish. Contact him directly at CEO@ThePower.com. 90

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

IDEAS FOR Going Green By Taylor Makakoa

as Vegas is my home, but over time I’ve come to realize that we need to always think of the other home we all share, Planet Earth. That’s why I began a steady transition from a completely conventional lifestyle to one that is blended with sustainable elements. This past year I started by using materials made from bamboo to clean my house without chemicals. That led to the next step, making my own lotions, makeup and salves: it’s not only easy; it can be economical, healthy and best of all, sustainable. When you first make your own items you can always find great recipes on the Internet, but after you learn how to be creative with natural oils and powders, you can

create your own recipes. And remember, you don’t have to go from zero to Miss Green Sustainable 2014 all at once. There are easy to do small changes you can make. Here are a few I recommend: Use soap nuts and wool dryer balls to transition away from chemicals. You can cut down on waste by reusing materials rather than throwing them away. For example glass jars can be reused to store homemade cleaning solutions, lotions and salves. Garage sales are also an excellent way to find new uses for old items, whether you are buying or selling. Heaven Can Wait Animal Society has frequent garage sales that have great finds, and you can always donate items that you think other people may be able to reuse. Finally there are some great recycling programs to check out like UNLV’s Drive Up and Drop Off and Heaven Can Wait’s recycling program. Bottom line, there are many easy and affordable steps you can take to make a practical transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. I hope you try them out!

Taylor Makakoa is model and performer in Terry Fator: The Voice of Entertainment live at The Mirage.

Dear Dao Dao Vu answers your most interesting, intimate and outthere questions about love, life and everything in between Dear Dao, I work in a relatively small office area where employee interaction is inevitable. Recently, I quit talking to one of my coworkers, who constantly asks me inappropriate questions and makes comments on my appearance, love life and financial status. She has taken offense since I won’t befriend her and is retaliating by trying to get me in trouble at work by making false claims and exaggerating any minor mistake. I’m not sure if I should confront her or just keep ignoring her in the hopes that she will start minding her own business. From Sandy

Hello Sandy, No matter how big or small your office, there’s bound to be someone you don’t care for. Every office has a gossiper, a complainer, someone that’s loud, rude, an attention seeker, trouble maker, or instigator. Most likely, your coworkers have her pegged as well. Your appearance, love life and finances are no one’s business but yours. Who you choose to interact with is obviously your choice, but some people just can’t or won’t understand why they aren’t everyone’s favorite. You can’t be expected to like everyone, nor can everyone be expected to like you. Keep doing your work and set your boundaries with this person. Your work should speak for itself no matter what she tries to stir up, and hopefully your boss will see that. If she makes snippy comments at you, make sure you stick up for yourself and be just as vocal. If you think speaking to her will help, then do it. But if you think it will inflame her, then just keep your distance and be professional. Just remember, if she sees that you are weak or you appear intimidated, her attacks are likely to become more frequent and bothersome. Another approach to try is whenever her behavior isn’t appropriate, you could simply say, let’s be professional. Then walk away or go back to your work and ignore her. Whatever you do... just don’t be a doormat.

Dao Vu

Dao Vu, one of the co-hosts of The Morning Blend broadcast at 9 a.m. daily on KTNV Channel 13, has always known that when she grew up she wanted to be a television reporter. She offers common sense both on and off the air as well as her irrepressible sense of humor. SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

On a Serious Note

Myths & Realities

of Domestic Violence

By Lisa Lynn Chapman, JD, Director of Community Relations, Safe Nest

Violet called the Safe Nest hotline several times. She wanted help to leave her boyfriend who was extremely physically, verbally and emotionally violent to her and her two children. Over the years, Violet was hit, strangled and demeaned in front of her children. She was regularly threatened with weapons. At night, Violet was often violently raped. Violet was terrified to leave because her boyfriend’s friends were always watching her and the apartment. Many times she was followed by her boyfriend or his friends whenever she left home. If she left, he would know and call her asking her where she was going or show up to see if she was home. Over several phone calls, Violet developed a specific plan to leave as well as a safety plan for while she was still in the apartment. Finally, after planning for months, Violet fled the apartment and entered the Safe Nest shelter. Sadly Violet’s story isn’t uncommon. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. For such a common social problem, domestic violence is one of the most misunderstood.

omestic violence is more than just the physical violence between an intimate couple. Law enforcement and the courts can intervene with the physical violence. However, the complete dynamics of domestic violence are often overlooked or misunderstood. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive and coercive behaviors designed to control another person. According to the CDC, there are four main types of abuse. Physical Violence This tactic is the most misunderstood. Often physical violence is attributed to anger management issues, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness or money problems. In reality, physical violence is used to ensure one partner obeys the abusive partner. Physical violence includes scratching, pushing, shoving, throwing, grabbing, biting, choking, hitting, use of weapons and restraints. Sexual Violence There are three categories of sexual violence: 1) abusive sexual contact; 2) threatening to or forcing someone to engage in sexual activities against her

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or his will; 3) attempted or completed sexual act with someone who is unable to consent due to intoxication, incapacity, or coercion. Threats The abusive partner uses words, weapons or actions to intimidate and create fear of injury or death to the victim or the victim’s family and friends. Psychological/Emotional Violence This form of violence is the most prevalent and includes humiliation, controlling, isolation, diminishing self-worth, and denying access to funds and basic resources. Stalking is included in this category. Not all domestic violence relationships encompass all these types of violence, but Violet’s story is fairly common. It is important for everyone to understand these dynamics and the truth about domestic violence. Working with her Safe Nest Advocate, Violet enrolled her children in school, and after no contact with family for several years, she was finally able to talk to her parents. Violet worked with her Advocate on a new safety plan. She reunited with her family and is starting over.

Safe Nest’s Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 702-646-4981. Safe Nest is Nevada’s largest and most comprehensive agency dealing solely with domestic violence issues. Serving over 50,000 victims, perpetrators and children annually; Safe Nest focuses on four core services help end domestic violence in our community. Shelter The shelter component provides emergency 24-hour intake, 24-hour hotline services. Counseling The counseling component includes therapy programs conducted in Las Vegas, Boulder City and Mesquite. Counseling is available for victims, perpetrators, children and teens, with sessions in both English and Spanish. Advocacy The advocacy component provides counselors both on-site and in the field to assist clients traversing the legal system. Prevention The prevention component provides classes, programs and resources.

SHOPPING

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com

lvwomanmagazine.com | SPRING 2014

eight

s n o i t s e qu

r e c n Spe

with

Justin

By Debbie

1 2 3

Walk us through a typical day in your shoes. My days are constructive chaos since it’s a byproduct of my ADHD. However I try to maintain certain staples daily including a gym routine, many phone calls and performing on the strip. Eating food and drinking water also finds its way into my schedule.

Have you ever purchased any As Seen on TV items? No, but oddly enough I find infomercials to be fantastic programming if you are looking for comedy where there isn’t comedy intended. If you could destroy a grade-school photo of yourself, what year would it be and why? Fifth grade, beside the awful haircut, I had a Philadelphia eagles shirt on we bought at Goodwill. Yes it was nice to be warm, however now that I have a choice I would rather freeze than wear a football jersey of any other team but my beloved Patriots!

4 5 6 7 8

Hall

While grocery shopping, what is your stick-in-thecart-when-no-one-is-looking item? Peanut M&Ms If we were to look through your iPod or iPhone, what is on your hit list or playlist or favorite app? I haven’t found an app I love so I am creating one - stand by. Do you ever play “tourist” in Vegas? If so, what is your favorite thing to do? I love Las Vegas, but I stay off the Strip unless I have family in town then I play tour guide. What do you do to unwind and relax? You can find me at a daytime movie alone at least once a week. Does anyone ever mistake you for someone else? One time someone mistook me for me and apologized when I told them I wasn’t me. Does that count?

Justin Spencer is the founder and creator of the Las Vegas headline show, Recycled Percussion, and the life changing movement, Legacy X. Spencer grew up in a small town in New Hampshire and at a young age identified his dream of becoming a performer. Through hard work, dedication and determination to never give up, he was able to make this dream a reality. Spencer incorporates drumming and an active lifestyle into Recycled Percussion’s shows which can be seen nightly at The Quad Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. For five years, Spencer has developed the Legacy X program using the approach of anti-substance, pro fitness, branding based and goalsetting lifestyle in order to help others reach their aspirations.

SPRING 2014 | lvwomanmagazine.com