SUMMER 2015
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TO EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN & INSPIRE
PUBLISHER/CEO Tammy Grabel @TammyGrabel EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Debbie Hall @DangerousDeb VP OF SALES & MARKETING Ruth Lauber ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kay Kolbo NAPA VALLEY FOOD & WINE CORRESPONDENT Annie Sliman COPY EDITOR Samantha Houstoun CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Debbie Hall • Jennifer Florendo • Rev. Thabiti Taylor Makakoa • Annie Sliman • Dr. Tiger Devore Rikki Cheese • Sherry Swensk CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Steven Joseph Photography • Roger Bennett Linda Quackenboss/Linda Q Photography Joan Marcus • Vorhees Studio • Light Images Connie Palen • Bank of America • Cashman Photo 8 Shots Photography by Rion Morgan Nick Coletsos • Steve Thalken •Plitz NYFW Pamela Humphrey
ART | CREATIVE 702west • 702west.com
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FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, CONTACT RUTH LAUBER AT 702.685.4673, 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 Grabel, 4010 West Ali Baba Lane, Suite G, Las Vegas, NV 89118 or call 702.685.4673. Las Vegas Woman Magazine assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions appearing herein. All Rights Reserved. Las Vegas Woman Magazine, Copyright 2015. 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 Vegas 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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WomanMagazine.Vegas
Letter from the
PUBLISHER How to Manage the Unmanageable: Time
B
y the time you are reading this, I will have delivered my first baby, Grace Jenny Grabel. According to all my family, friends and random strangers, “my whole life is about to change.” In the magazine world, it’s all about deadlines, and while I am writing this, we are at deadline now for this issue. I’m only eight days away from Grace’s big debut to the world and at deadline. Call me crazy, but this is the world I’ve created for myself. Living life to the fullest, stretching not only myself, but also the entire Las Vegas Woman magazine team to get the summer issue to the printer early, just in case I go into labor. While I have the rest of my life planned out on a calendar, Grace is going to come regardless of what my calendar says. I guess that is what other parents mean by “my whole life is about to change.” Time to be flexible. To go with the flow. Roll with the punches, as it is said. The uncertainty of when I will go into labor with Grace has taught me to be open to the unexpected and still balance it with being more responsible. The last month, I’ve been incredibly conscious about my time now: that I’m using all of it wisely, planning for the what-if’s, delegating more in case I am unavailable and balancing productivity with relaxation to prevent burnout. As Steve Jobs said, “It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.” I’ve discovered that having the expectation of managing time is completely unreasonable, with or without being nine months pregnant. As Ruth Lauber, vice president of Las Vegas Woman magazine, advised me, “Life was unpredictable anyway, even before you were pregnant. The only difference now is that you just know that something unpredictable is about to happen: going into labor.” She’s right. Life has always been unpredictable and will always be. Embrace it. Life’s surprises can challenge you, uplift you and bring the biggest of miracles. Two years ago, I didn’t think I would ever have a baby. With the magic of my loving husband, Seth Grabel, we are about to embark on the biggest surprise of our lives: Grace Jenny Grabel. To educate, entertain & inspire,
Tammy Grabel Baby Grabel at 24-Weeks
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Your life. Y o u r waY. Your stYle.
You’re home.
Cadence isn’t just a collection of homes, it’s a true community. With jogging and bike paths, even a bike share program and free Wi-Fi in the parks. More than a dozen model homes are open with many more to come. Visit the interactive Home Finding Center today and see what’s possible.
find Your CadenCe. LeNNaR | RICHMoNd aMeRICaN HoMeS | RyLaNd HoMeS | WoodSIde HoMeS Lake Mead Parkway east and Sunset Road 702 558 9366 cadencenv.com | facebook.com/CadenceNV Twitter at @CadenceNV Instagram @Cadence_NV
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Letter from the
EDITOR
Summertime and the living is fun I know the saying is, “Summertime and the living is easy,” but Las Vegas Woman magazine is all about having fun as well as to educate, entertain and inspire. Tammy Grabel, our publisher, has given birth to her beautiful daughter, Grace, and we couldn’t be more excited. We already have her desk set up, and I am mentoring Grace to become the next editor. OK, it is really a nursery but what a wonderful addition! Summertime is also a time of weddings, so check out Bridal Registry by Jennifer Florendo (page 52) for great gift ideas. To host the ultimate party, Style Event Design (page 57) creates one-of-a-kind events to make every occasion memorable. For those special nights out, designer Pamela Humphrey, our Fearless Female from our Spring 2015 issue, showcased her gowns during Fashion Week (page 38). Speaking of going out, Nevada Opera Theatre Association (page 16) will be holding a gala June 7. To enjoy a tribute to Broadway, plan to attend “ShowStoppers” at Encore and read our profile about its amazing choreographer, Marguerite Derricks (page 14). Ready for a vacation? We are fortunate to live so close to many staycation destinations including Mt. Charleston and Lee Canyon (page 35). Relax in temperatures 20 degrees cooler, do a little hiking, ride the ski lift for incredible views and stay overnight in either a cabin or intimate hotel. Of course our professionals, including lawyers, real estate agents and educators, are what make Southern Nevada so special. I am thrilled when I need these services, as there are so many amazing women I can reach out to and know I am being helped. Our Fearless Females make me proud to be a member of this community for close to 40 years (wow), and I am thrilled to be able to share our experiences. Thank you for continuing to read Las Vegas Woman magazine as we continue to educate, entertain and inspire.
l l a H e i b b e D
EMPOWERMENT an the winning winning the hutchison&steffen steffen hutchison introducing today’s today’s leaders leaders in in law law introducing
of of
Since the Firm’s founding, Hutchison & Steffen has been Since the Firm’s founding, Hutchison & Steffen has been committed to the success, retention, and diversity of committed to the success, retention, and diversity of women at the Firm. We are proud to recognize this stellar women at the Firm. We are proud to recognize this stellar group of talented attorneys, and we value them as an group of talented attorneys, and we value them as an integral part of the Firm’s more than 40 attorneys and 40 integral part of the Firm’s more than 40 attorneys and 40 support staff handling client matters. support staff handling client matters.
las vegas las vegas
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reno reno
702.385.2500 702.385.2500
salt lake city salt lake city
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phoenix phoenix
h u tc h l e g a l . c o m h u tc h l e g a l . c o m ©2015 ©2015
hutchison & steffen hutchison & steffen
FEATURES
Lawyers of Southern Nevada 72 74 75 76
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Cogburn Law Offices Cassady Law Offices Molnar Family Law Patti Wise
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Real Estate Agents 81
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80 81 83
Char Luxury Real Estate EXIT Realty Number One The McKenna Team
Wedding Department
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ON THE COVER
Model: Alisa Sigman Hair and Makeup: ADD Hair & Makeup Photography: Steven Joseph Photography
Tropicana Hotel and Casino Bridal Registry Style Event Design
Cover Story
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Alisa Sigman A Thriving Entrepreneur
CONTENTS
Educate 12 <<< 18 59 60 61 62 63 66 67 70 78 85 93
Calendar of Events Arts Guide Ask Dr. Tiger Reflections of a puppy parent College Nannies & Tutors Mold Eliminator Easy Summer Energy Savings Blue light and your eyes Planet Mazda The Fertility Center of Las Vegas 5 Things to Consider when Considering Divorce Cadence Henderson Hyundai
Entertain
<<< 14 16 24 25 28 30 35 38 40 44 46 106 112
ShowStoppers Nevada Opera Theatre Association El Dorado Cantina Restaurant Guide Libations Napa Valley Mt. Charleston and Lee Canyon Chic Geek Fashions Tatyana Designs Girlz Ink Goody Bag In The City The Great 8 with Suzanne Somers
Inspire 20 69 94
United Way WHY Ranch Fearless Females 95 Sharry Quillin 96 Jamie Little 97 Amy Brissette 98 Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce <<< 100 Local Ladies Achievement 109 Pure Abundance 110 Enjoying our Vegas Summers!
ENTERTAIN
Calendar of
EVENTS CAMP BROADWAY June 15-19, Classic Camp; June 22-26, Shining Stars Camp: The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is offering Camp Broadway for students ages 6 to 9 and 10 to 17. Camp Broadway is designed for students who love the theater, giving them the chance to enjoy an authentic
Broadway experience. Broadway artists and performing arts partners will teach campers how to deliver as if they’re live on stage and in the Big Apple. Both camps are open to students of all skill levels; no previous experience is necessary. For more information, visit thesmithcenter.com.
“Fantastic Plastix” by Artist Wayne Littlejohn
Kevin Burke
John Venable
‘Defending the Caveman’ showcases the humorous differences between men and women. Performing in Las Vegas for eight years, “Defending the Caveman” is a oneman show holding a conversation about the differences between men and women with humor, wit and insightful observations. The production returns downtown to the D Las Vegas, and also returning to the one-man role will be comedian and actor Kevin Burke. He has performed “Defending the Caveman” more than 3,500 times since 2003. Writer, director, stage and television actor John Venable will continue his performance schedule in the “Caveman” role. “‘Defending the Caveman’ is a worldwide phenomenon, and we welcome this highly acclaimed, longest-running Broadway show in Las Vegas history to our vintage Vegas showroom,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of the D Las Vegas.
e on about th a conversati etween men b differences ith humor, wit w and women l observations u tf gh si in d an
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Performances are 4 p.m. daily and 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at The Showroom at the D Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale by phone at 702.388.2111 or tickets.thed.com.
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Through May 29: The College of Southern Nevada is presenting the exhibit “Fantastic Plastix” by artist Wayne Littlejohn in the CSN Fine Arts Gallery. Littlejohn’s work involves an intensive investigation of polystyrene, resins, powder coats and urethanes using a variety of techniques and modern mold-making materials. The CSN Fine Arts Gallery is free and open to the public. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. It is located at the half circle drive near CSN’s main entrance on the Cheyenne Campus at 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. For more info, call 702.651.4146. May 26-31, 8 p.m.: “Annie” will be presented in Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The traveling production is the classic incarnation of the original play set in 1933. Debuting on Broadway in 1977, memorable songs include “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life.” For more information or tickets, visit thesmithcenter.com.
The Fertility C en of Las Ve ter ga Offers fre s e Seminars
July 4, 9 a.m.: The 21st annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade will be held to celebrate Independence Day with over 35,000 people expected to attend. The parade features more than 60 entries, including traditional floats, Macy’sstyle giant helium balloons, bands and performing groups and a variety of kids’ favorite storybook and cartoon characters. The main event begins at the corner of Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive in The Trails village of Summerlin. Participants travel south on Hills Center Drive toward the Village Center Circle roundabout before heading west on Trailwood Drive. The parade will end at the corner of Trailwood Drive and Spring Gate Lane. For more information, call The Summerlin Council at 702.341.5500.
SUN WITH PURPOSE A “Cabanas fo a Cause” r
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.
First Friday celebrates the culture of Las Vegas the first Friday of the month
June 5, July 3, Aug. 7: First Friday celebrates the culture of Las Vegas the first Friday of the month with a festival featuring music, food, art, entertainment and exhibits. First Friday is family-friendly, with a KidZone within the event offering different themes from 5 to 9 p.m. There is no charge to attend First Friday. Big Bus Las Vegas is providing shuttle service with two routes, including Fremont Street in front of El Cortez Hotel and the Government Center parking lot from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. For more information, visit firstfridaylasvegas.com.
Palms Pool & Dayclub at Palms Casino is benefiting nonprofit charities in the Las Vegas community through Cabanas for a Cause, an annual initiative donating the $100 rental fee to the featured charity of the week. The all-ages event will take place on select Mondays throughout summer and features special guest DJs remixing family-friendly music from noon until 4 p.m. The Cabanas for a Cause 2015 lineup includes The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, Epicurean Charitable Foundation and Make-A-Wish of Southern Nevada. For more info, visit palmspool.com.
Health, Healing & Happiness
June 12-14, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Health, Healing & Happiness will be held at the Tuscany Casino to present information on nutrition, fitness, spirituality and personal development. Speakers during the conference will include Dr. Joel Fuhrman. There will be a vendor marketplace, fitness and yoga classes, chef demos, raffle prizes, giveaways and networking. Daily event access will include a healthful, plant-based lunch buffet. For more information and tickets, visit health-healing-happiness.com, or purchase tickets at Whole Foods.
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Show STOPPERS ENTERTAIN
Tribute to Broadway musicals kicks up its heels with Marguerite Derricks BY DEBBIE HALL
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hat started as Steve Wynn’s gift to his wife, Andrea for her birthday party developed into “ShowStoppers,” performed in the intimate Encore Theater, a collection of Broadway show tunes that transcend time and generations. With over 66 singers, dancers and a full orchestra with scenery and costumes, an equally talented group of people came together behind the scenes create the larger than life production. Marguerite Derricks, its choreographer, is one of dance’s most recognized and respected working choreographers today.
Derricks is the first and only choreographer to have received three consecutive Emmy Awards for outstanding choreography (“3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Fame L.A.” and the Goodwill Games closing ceremony) and is also the recipient of five MTV Movie Awards for Best Dance Sequence and three American Choreography Awards. She has choreographed over 50 feature films, television shows and commercials including the Austin Powers trilogy, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “Fame,” “SpiderMan 3,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “American Wedding,” “Donnie Darko,” “Behind the Candelabra,” “Dancing With the Stars,” “That 70’s Show,” The Academy Awards, The Emmy Awards and The Gap’s Go Go advertising campaign. Broadway credits include “A Class Act,” “Wonderland” and “Heathers The Musical.”
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t is the firs Derricks her horeograp and only c ee ceived thr e r e v a h to ve Emmy consecuti g outstandin r fo s d r a Aw phy choreogra
She explained, “My mother put me in ballet classes when I was a girl. I loved to dance. More than that, I loved telling all the dancers what to do and how to do it. I would just start to move them around. That was it; it’s all I ever wanted to do.” As for choreographers, Agnes De Mille is her inspiration. “When I first moved to New York to find work as a dancer, I saw a biography about her, and it changed my life. Her work was inventive and humorous. She was a real storyteller,” Derricks said. “I was inspired personally by Debbie Allen. She became my mentor after she hired me for my first job as a dancer on the television show “Fame”. She choreographed and starred on the show and eventually ended up directing the entire show. She was a strong, focused and confident woman and never took ‘no’ for an answer. “Like Debbie, I like to lead by example. I take every job I do very seriously. I like to prepare the girls I mentor by including them in the
whole process. I even bring them when I am interviewing for a job. I make sure they get to see the business of dance.” Since “ShowStoppers” celebrates Broadway musicals from all eras, Derricks said she is choreographing shows from the 1940s and 1950s to current shows. “In ‘ShowStoppers,’ we celebrate live entertainment and true talent. From the 31-piece onstage orchestra to the six incredible vocalists and our brilliant cast of dancers, everything about the production is a show-stopper. We put our modern twist on each of the numbers represented in the show.” While Derricks’ hard work has led to a very successful career, she admitted, “As a woman in this business, I have been very fortunate to work as much and as long as I have. When I first started out, very often I was the only woman in the room. I needed to go in focused and confident. Things have changed, and now you certainly see more women in all areas of production. But it’s still important to go in focused and confident.” Performances run Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and 10 p.m. The show is dark on Sunday and Monday. For tickets or more information, visit wynnlasvegas.com/Entertainment/ ShowStoppers.
Stanford doctors. Performing in Las Vegas. World-renowned health care shouldn’t feel like it’s worlds away. That’s why we’ve brought Stanford physicians to you. At Dignity Health St. Rose–Stanford Clinics, we have southern Nevada–based Stanford clinical faculty practicing in neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery. Learn more at strosehospitals.org/stanford.
ENTERTAIN
Nevada OPERA THEATRE ASSOCIATION Bringing Opera to Las Vegas for 30 years
N
evada Opera Theatre Association, founded 30 years ago by Director Eileen Hayes, will hold its third annual “Vintage Vegas Revue” in the original ballroom of the newly renovated Tropicana Hotel and Casino on June 7 to benefit its outreach programs. “Vintage Vegas Revue” will showcase tribute artists of what many consider to be Las Vegas’ golden years featuring impersonations of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley and Liberace with historical and legendary performers attending the event.
The live auction following the entertainment will feature a self-portrait of Frank Sinatra whose memory is being honored for the anniversary of what would have been his 100th birthday. Sinatra’s self-portrait has been donated by Peggy King, widow of longtime Las Vegas entertainer and Rat Pack pal Sonny King. One of the highlights of the event will be Las Vegas entertainer Dondino singing a special song he wrote for and about Cindy Doumani,
Association Director Eileen Hayes
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“From Cowgirl To Showgirl,” as well as Tony Sacca performing his tribute to Las Vegas with his song “Las Vegas Rocks.” “Vintage Vegas Revue” celebration includes the honorary chairmanship of Cindy Doumani, and the event will be under the direction of chairman Denny Weddle. Karen Scherer and Donna Kalbfleisch serve as silent auction co-chairs, and NOTA’s Board of Directors President Denise Wilbourne will serve as chairman of the live auction. Honorees include Bernie Sindler, magician, former casino owner and friend of historical mob associates; Tempest Storm, burlesque queen and Paula Perez, long-time NOTA patron. Proceeds from “Vintage Vegas Revue” will go to fund NOTA’s patriotic performances at the Boulder City Veterans Cemetery Chapel and Veterans Home on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, scholarship program, outreach program for at-risk schools and a main stage opera production to be performed at Artemus Ham Hall at UNLV on October 11. For the past 22 years, schools have been visited. Four at-risk schools have been selected in Clark County in November to present its antibullying original work operetta “Wonderland Escapades,” written and arranged by Gloria and Maria Russell. For the past four years, scholarships have been awarded to students attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a concentration in vocal studies. The main opera production for the 2015-16 season will be announced during “Vintage Vegas Revue.”
“Vinta ge Ve g L u ncheo as” Tropic n ana Sund Resort & ay, Ju ne 7, Casino Noon 2015 Featu rin
g Live A : Special Celeb ucton , Sil Gue Ch Call E ampagne ent Auctio sts, n, ileen Recep tion For M Hayes 7 0 o 2 r -76 eI Table Spon nformatio 2-4110 sorsh n On ip An d Tic kets
Hayes, general director and founder of Nevada Opera Theatre moved to Las Vegas from Portland, Ore. in 1980. She formed the Nevada Opera Theatre in 1985 to bring opera to her new home to entertain, educate and expand opera audiences. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, its mission is to “provide staged professional operas and classical music to at-risk outreach children in schools and the Southern Nevada community.” Since the first performance in 1986, Nevada Opera Theatre has produced and performed operas including La Boheme, La Traviata, Tosca and Die Fledermaus.
“Vintage Vegas Revue” is a diverse, sentimental and family production saluting Las Vegas’ classic world-class entertainment history. The event will be held at the Tropicana beginning at noon on June 7 with a wine and champagne reception and silent auction. Ticket prices are $115 per person or $1,150 for a table of ten. For more information, visit nevadaoperatheatre.org.
I MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE A stop at the Clark High School Family Engagement Resource Center would not be complete without a visit with Gaby. Dedicated to volunteerism and our youth, Gaby uses her “Pura Vida” mentality to inspire teens to graduate from high school, and go on to college. From connecting parents to their teens’ school, to providing resources on college loans and the application process, to helping students earn all of their credits, Gaby transforms challenges into successes. Gaby helps students understand that they can achieve what they dream, and that the dream to attend college is within reach. Gaby is creating a stronger foundation for southern Nevada by helping our students graduate. Through United Way of Southern Nevada’s education programs, we are changing lives. By bringing together the best and brightest, our collective power is creating a more solid community fabric. Together, person by person, we can make lasting change.
ARTS Guide
uncommon canvas: BY DEBBIE HALL
Christina Ambubuyog brings out the artist under the surface
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EDUCATE
C
hristina Ambubuyog, artist and founder of I Love Intuition, expresses herself through her art, coaching, teaching and speaking. Ambubuyog has always been painting and drawing, obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in fine art and interactive multimedia from Columbia College Chicago and attended the Art Institute Chicago. Ambubuyog started her first business as a custom muralist and decorative painter for homes and businesses throughout Chicago, Tucson and Las Vegas. Artistically, she has exhibited at group and solo shows. “I have always been passionate about art especially painting,” she said. “I want to use art to help people express themselves because I believe everyone is creative. I want people to explore their inner selves with this medium as well as have fun.” As a child, she began her art career using a bottle of correction fluid on her parents’ dresser. She will be hosting an expressive arts painting class with a downtown vibe of cocktails and creativity, Uncommon Canvas, at Commonwealth. Uncommon participants will be encouraged to create unique paintings expressing individual style, learn basic painting techniques and elevate imagination. Ambubuyog will be guiding students through a stepby-step interpretation and recreation of each week’s painting. However, she emphasized that there are no rules. If someone plaints a blue tree or other interpretive art that resonates with the guest, she wants everyone to have fun. Each class includes everything needed to create a masterpiece including canvas, paint, brushes, aprons and expert instruction. No art experience is required and all skill levels are welcome. A one-of-a-kind dynamic live art installation will be demonstrated by six to eight local artists from Industry Supporting Industry Group. This could
include a still life model or another creative surprise during the class. As for cocktails, a complimentary Jameson Irish Mule will be offered, and Commonwealth’s specialty cocktail menu is available for additional purchase throughout the entire night. This series of Sunday night painting events will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Commonwealth (commonwealthlv.com), located at 525 E. Fremont St. Inspired by an art event she had previously held downtown, Ambubuyog wanted to offer one on Sunday night combining the edgy vibe of Commonwealth to add another element for creating art. Along with art, Ambubuyog works with individuals to bridge creative expression and intuition to create lives of meaning, purpose and play. As a certified life coach, her training in intuitive development, energy healing and meditation adds a dimension to her work. Ambubuyog also guides her students to tap into their own personal creative style and artistic expression. For over a decade, she has helped to develop creativity and intuition ranging from elementary students to professionals. Ambubuyog also works with organizations including United Way of Southern Nevada, International Coach Federation Southern Nevada, and Vistage International as well as participating as a speaker for TEDx FremontEastWomen. Ambubuyog’s wants to provide opportunities for people to explore their creative power to enhance connection, inspiration, passion and play in all areas of life. For more information on Uncommon Canvas and other programs, visit iloveintuition.com/ uncommon-canvas.
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INSPIRE
United Way’s
YOUNG PHILANTHROPISTS SOCIETY
Teaching children to save through Piggy Bank
L
iving paycheck to paycheck is a reality for most families—but there is good news on the horizon. It begins with children learning how to save while they are young. United Way’s Young Philanthropists Society spearheaded the creation of the Piggy Bank program to inspire children, grades K-5, to save through a fun, hands-on interactive program allowing them to save their earnings in a reallife bank at their school. YPS opened the first Piggy Bank three years ago at Walter Bracken STEAM Academy and opened the second bank at Howard E. Hollingsworth Elementary School in January. A collaboration between YPS, Silver State Schools Credit Union and Andson Inc., the Piggy Bank helps children learn the
Bracken School y r a t n e m Ele $29,000 has saved hool sc since the n... year bega 20
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importance of saving for necessities like education, transportation, clothing, health care and housing. Every deposit day, children line up, fill out deposit slips and keep track of their savings. Deeply rooted in the culture of Walter Bracken STEAM Academy, the Piggy Bank program is thriving in its third year of operation. Students at Bracken have already saved over $29,000 since the beginning of the school year. With school-wide participation at an impressive 89 percent, one Bracken student named Fikreabe has had 100 percent participation and has already saved $7,043. “I am saving for college so I can become a doctor!” said Fikreabe. “About every month, we learn about needs, wants and budgets. If you want a regular phone, that could be a need, but if you want a new iPhone 6, that could be a want.”
interactive learning area for the students, elevating the level of education students receive at Hollingsworth Elementary,” said Dr. Shaun Cochran Hall, principal, Howard E. Hollingsworth Elementary School. “A lot of dedication went into creating the Piggy Bank, and we are thankful to all the volunteers who brought the program to fruition.”
The children of Hollingsworth Elementary have already saved over $3,800 with nearly 50 percent school-wide participation in the program. Interestingly, the younger students appear to be the biggest savers, with second and third grade having the highest participation rates of all.
The Piggy Bank isn’t just about saving. It’s also about learning why it’s important to save. The program includes integrated financial literacy curriculum that children discuss with their parents and caregivers around such topics as budgeting, money and savings. Together, families are learning what it takes to run a household, how to save for a rainy day, prepare for the future and have financial independence.
“We value the partnership with United Way of Southern Nevada, United Way’s community partners and volunteers who created an
To learn more about the Piggy Bank program or United Way’s Young Philanthropists Society, visit uwsn.org.
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ENTERTAIN
Wines
Dines
WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY DEBBIE HALL
EL DORADO
Cantina
E
l Dorado Cantina is an incredible hidden gem that features an organic and GMO-free authentic Mexican menu, inventive drinks, an innovative chef and attentive staff. Put them all into the venue that combines beauty with a warm and inviting atmosphere open 24 hours a day for an adventure in dining.
Developed by entrepreneurs Darin Feinstein and Brett Talla, El Dorado Cantina offers a variety of organic options. All the food—beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, fish, produce and dairy— is carefully selected from U.S. farms and free of antibiotics, pesticides and steroids. Chef Paco continues to create authentic and creative dishes that remains true to his Mexican roots with a unique twist. As for dining, first there is Tableside Guacamole, including gluten-free and vegan, created with fresh Hass avocados mixed with Serrano chiles, garlic, tomatoes, onion, cilantro and fresh lime juice. For those truly brave individuals ready to take their heat to the next level, Tableside Ghost Chili Pepper Salsa is made custom order directly to the guests’ liking. It can also be ordered gluten-free and vegan, made with fresh roasted ghost chili peppers, roasted tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper mixed together tableside and garnished with cilantro onion mix. Another favorite menu item is Street Tacos with six variations. Carne Asada is made with tender marinated steak with fresh guacamole, 24
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cilantro, onion and lime. Carnitas is filled with slow braised pork, fresh guacamole, cilantro, onion and lime. Al Pastor is marinated pork with pineapple, cilantro, onion and lime. Cochinita is made with Achiote marinated slow roasted pork with pickled habanero and onions. Pulled Chicken is rich marinated chicken with pico de Photo by Joe Buda
gallo, onion and spices. Corn Rajas is meaty strips of roasted chiles, poblano, onion and sour cream topped with corn and queso fresco and can be prepared vegan. All of the street tacos can be prepared gluten-free. There is a variety of beverages including exquisite white, red and sparkling Sangrias made in-house from fresh fruit. For spirits, over 100 tequilas, including AsomBroso 11 yearaged vintage and Clase Azul Ultra, are available for the tequila lover. For a cold one, assorted domestic, import and specialty craft beers including Samuel Pure Organic Lager and Day of the Dead IPA. Wines are also offered as well as bottle service on dozens of spirits. Specialty
cocktails are always being created for those looking to try something different. The 4,200-square-foot restaurant features a dining space, a Macassar ebony topped bar and a private dining room. The décor incorporates rich brown woods, hand-woven deep red wall coverings and wrought-iron Mexican light fixtures. Custom built-in lighted birch wood Photo by Carlos Larios boxes showcase the tequilas. Antique mirrors and two aged antique Mexican oak and copper doors hang near the bar creating an ambiance that is soft and inviting. High-back booths invite intimacy, while table tops create a friendly environment for friends and family hanging out. What is more fun than hanging out with a date, friends or out-of-town guests at a fun place? El Dorado Cantina features a Happy Hour seven days a week from 3 to 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., that includes half off all well drinks and domestic beer, $5 margaritas, $2 street tacos and a menu offering items for $5. For a special event or party, a change: private dinning room is available as well as on and off site catering to share its incredible menu. The secret is now out about El Dorado Cantina. El Dorado Cantina Sapphire Plaza 3025 S. Industrial Road Las Vegas, NV 89109 ElDoradoVegas.com 702.722.2289
Wines
Dines
WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY DEBBIE HALL
8 NOODLE BAR
BARDOT BRASSERIE
BRONZE CAFÉ
8 Noodle Bar incorporates the number 8, considered lucky in Asian culture, and offers a menu including Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese and Thai cuisines. Dishes are both flavorful and filling with an emphasis on rice and broth. Start the meal with Shrimp Toast, hand chopped rock shrimp, fried egg, water chestnuts, scallions and spicy mayo with an eel sauce. Its specialty is gyoza with pork and shrimp dumplings and a Chinkiang dipping sauce.
Celebrity Chef Michael Mina has opened Bardot Brasserie, bringing a little bit of the cuisine and culture of Paris to Las Vegas.
The Bronze Café located in The Center south of downtown Las Vegas is becoming the spot to be seen. Along with its huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options, there are meat choices in its menu of sandwiches, salads and smoothies.
The specialty steamed buns include Duck, Pork Belly and Grilled Beef Short Rib Boa Bun. Tonkotsu Ramen hot soup is made with pork broth and filled with pork belly, poached egg, pickled ginger bamboo, scallions and mushrooms. Noodle bowls feature Pad Thai with rice noodles, tofu, egg, bean sprouts, peanuts and lime. The décor includes touches of red with seating at tables, banquet style along the wall or the chef’s counter, where guests can watch meals being prepared. 8 Noodle Red Rock Casino Resort Spa 11011 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89135 702.797.7777 redrock.sclv.com
The dining experience is a traditional brasserie menu for dinner and weekend brunch, including Burgundian Escargot wrapped in puff pastry shells, French Onion Soup with Perigord truffle, braised oxtail, mussels mariniéres and foie gras. One indulgent dessert is Chocolate Macaron made with a French chocolate cookie, chocolate mousse and salted caramel. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the selection of New World and Old World wines from the regions of Burgundy, Alsace, Bordeaux, the Rhone and the Loire. For those who love a cocktail, The Ritz is a French-inspired libation. The design of the dining room and lounge recreates the film noir movie setting of the 1940s and 50s with low lighting creating dramatic shadows. The mysterious nature of these films enhances the experience as hidden layers meant to be discovered. Bardot Brasserie Aria Resort & Casino 3730 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.590.8638 aria.com/dining/restaurants/bardot-brasserie
The Tree of Life Pita is made with roasted red peppers, avocado, mixed greens, tomato, house-made pickled onions, house-made vegan cashew, crema and Brazil nut crumble with mango cilantro ginger vinaigrette on pita flatbread. The LGBTQ sandwich combines house-made bacon jam, maple-glazed bacon, mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, basil aioli and lemon vinaigrette on a Ciabatta roll. The Bizness - David’s Special salad is thinly chopped kale massaged with house-made lemon vinaigrette and topped with roasted beet/carrot/quinoa salad, curried quinoa, spiced chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced avocado and hemp seeds. Beverages include espresso, hot and cold teas and coffees with the option to make with soy milk. Bronze Café The Center 401 S. Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.202.3100 SUMMER 2015 | W oman m aga zine .V egas
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ENTERTAIN
Wines
Dines
WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY DEBBIE HALL
HASH HOUSE A GO GO
PDQ
TABLE 89
A part of Las Vegas for 10 years, Hash House A Go Go has opened in Henderson as the first location to offer its brunch menu all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Known for its farm-fresh food with a funky, modern twist, the portion sizes are huge and truly embody comfort food.
PDQ, People Dedicated to Quality, has moved west to Las Vegas as the newest fast casual restaurant bringing a new menu selection.
Table 89 recently opened to offer a menu using locally-sourced produce and organic ingredients. Featuring salads, small plates, sandwiches, main plates and wood fired pizzas; it offers food combining favorites with a healthy twist.
A breakfast treat is Griddled French Toast, its signature Amish-style bread dipped in a banana cinnamon cream with pecan maple syrup. Another early morning dish is a sausage gravy pot pie with scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes. Meal choices include Griddled Hot Meatloaf on a split biscuit with porcini mushroom cream, fried leeks and mashed potatoes or Sage Fried Chicken stacked with its famous bacon waffle, hot maple caramel reduction and crowned with fried leeks. Cocktails can be ordered from the full-service bar featuring signature Bloody Marys and the popular Kiwi Watermelon Lemonade. Hash House A Go Go 555 N. Stephanie St. Henderson, NV 89014 702.898.4646 hashhouseagogo.com
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Specializing in fresh hand-battered chicken tenders, daily cut fries, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads and hand-spun milkshakes; the kitchen is open for guests to see the preparation. There is no freezer or microwave, and everything is made fresh from scratch. The grilled turkey sandwich rubbed with traditional spices is like Thanksgiving on a bun with cranberry, seasoned mayo and lettuce on an egg bun. The crispy turkey sandwich is made with deep fried turkey, sweet heat sauce, lettuce, pickles and tomato on an egg bun. The grilled chicken salad is grilled chicken tenders served over mixed greens, tomato, candied almonds and craisins and a blueberry-ginger vinaigrette dressing. There is a soda machine (Coke products) with over 100 choices, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fresh-brewed tea, sweet tea, unsweetened tea, green tea, coffee, bottled water and bottled Cheerwine (non-alcoholic). PDQ 3737 W. Craig Road North Las Vegas 89032 702.410.6747 eatpdq.com
The Steak Salad is made with grilled marinated steak, organic watercress, Romaine, tomato, feta cheese, red radish and scallion with ranch dressing. For a vegetarian choice, try the Organic Wild Arugula & Beet Salad with tomato, fresh mozzarella pearls, sunflower seeds and organic basil with balsamic dressing. With its chicken fresh and natural with no preservatives or hormones, one choice is Fried Chicken Breast with Kimchi and creamy herb dipping sauce. For pizza lovers, Prosciutto Pear wood fired pizza is made with prosciutto, gorgonzola and organic arugula salad tossed in balsamic basil dressing. For beverages, try the Maine Root Handcrafted Beverages, fair trade certified and organically sweetened sodas offering flavor such as sarsaparilla, ginger brew, mandarin orange and blueberry. Table 89 7160 N. Durango Drive Las Vegas, NV 89149 702.365.7777 table89lv.com
ENTERTAIN
Wines
Dines
PROVIDED BY LEE’S DISCOUNT LIQUOR
COOL SUMMER WINES FOR THE SEASON Summer is here, the time for outdoor dining, barbecues and pool parties. When the temperature rises, I like to serve crisp and refreshing whites that beat back the heat, and food-friendly reds that are worthy of the masterful grilling taking place in my backyard. Here are a few of my favorites for every budget.
e e L y n n e K ! s r e Che
La Marca Prosecco This versatile Italian sparkling wine features bright flavors of citrus, baked apple and subtle floral notes. Soft bubbles and balanced acidity make this an ideal summer sipper. Pair with mild cheeses, fresh fruit, salads and seafood.
Edna Valley Sauvignon Blanc Located just five miles from the Pacific Ocean, Edna Valley Vineyard has one of the longest and coolest growing seasons in California. This allows the grapes to slowly mature while creating the perfect combination of optimal ripeness and acidity. Lively flavors of citrus, melon and kiwi lead to a crisp, refreshing finish. Pair with shrimp scampi, goat cheese salad and chicken stir-fry with asparagus.
Le Grand Noir Rosé Rosés are the quintessential summer wines. Le Grand Noir is a refreshing, fruity yet dry rosé, with fragrant aromas of strawberries, citrus and red currant. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods and is quite quaffable on its own. You may not be jet-setting off to the South of France this summer, but sitting on the patio with a bottle of róse is the next best thing!
Hahn Pinot Noir Juicy flavors of ripe strawberry, cherry and plum are balanced with soft tannins and mouth-watering acidity. This pinot noir is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with everything from grilled salmon to mushroom risotto. Hahn wines are produced from five vineyards located in the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey County appellations. This region boasts the most varied climatic conditions of any region in California.
Frei Brothers Reserve Zinfandel As far as I’m concerned, nothing is better than good barbecue (maybe that’s why I opened Lee’s Korean BBQ). One of my favorite wines to pair with barbecue is Zinfandel. Frei Brothers makes a great one from Dry Creek Valley with jammy flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and chocolate followed by notes of spicy oak and velvety tannins. Frei Brothers is passionate about their wines as well as their land. They have been earth-friendly farmers for 30 years and are certified sustainable winegrowers.
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 28
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ENTERTAIN
A Memorable Tour and Wine Tasting
BY ANNIE SLIMAN
ENJOYING THE BEST OF THE NAPA VALLEY
I
am absolutely delighted to tell you about a very special trip I was able to take in February. For three glorious days, a group of eight of us, including my wine-loving husband, toured some of Napa’s oldest and finest wineries. Tammy Winsokie, who is the wine educator at Napa General Store, arranged all the details of our appointment-only tour and has our undying gratitude. We visited some of Napa’s most beautiful vineyards and wineries, enjoyed several private homes and even enjoyed a tasting in a century-old barn. Throughout our visit, we sipped a variety of the finest California wines produced by small artesian winemakers. Altogether, our trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that none of us will ever forget.
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In fact, my husband is still talking about it and about the prodigious quantity of wine we purchased. Just wait till he sees the new wine refrigerator! One of our favorite wineries was Tres Sabores. The ranch sits near the top of the Rutherford bench, at the base of the Mayacamas mountain range. We learned that this is a sweet spot for growing organically certified Zinfandel, Cabernet, Petite Syrah and Petit Verdot grapes. Julie Johnson is the winemaker and owner of Tres Sabores. In the 1980s, she was living in New York and a practicing nurse when her husband was called to Napa to be a winemaker. Johnson was immediately hooked. She is the
sweetest and most warm-hearted woman, who shared years of her winemaking experiences with us. Johnson was an owner of Frog’s Leap Winery before branching out on her own. Her vivid stories and her passion for the goodness that the earth provides are evident in her beautiful vineyard and blooming gardens. Our group sat and sipped in the quaint tasting room and strolled the budding vineyards. We were simply awed by everything and especially loved meeting the two newly born white lambs. In the late 1980s, Tres Sabores winery was one of the very first growers to certify its vineyards as organic. Its dry farming method produces wines with a lower alcohol content that definitely
sets them apart. Johnson summed it up, “We are a diverse, integrated farm, growing grapes, pomegranates, Meyer lemons and olives, raising guinea fowl and sheep, which in turn help us to produce compost, and supporting a wide range of raptors and insectivorous bluebirds and swallows with our bird boxes. My wines are pure expressions of the vineyard. I make all of our reds in small three-quarter ton open bins. We love immersing our guests in the excitement of what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.” We asked Johnson why she named her winery Tres Sabores and what the name means. She replied, “I was looking for a way to make the unique ‘one terroir-three winemakers’ project come alive and at the same time portray the passion I feel for the land and for the essence of the wines made from it. The name Tres Sabores was adapted from a beautiful song called ‘Sabor a Mi.’ The name Tres Sabores means three flavors and was a perfect way to pull it all together. I wanted to celebrate the three savory tastes in every glass of wine; those of the vine, that of the terroir and the spirit of the good company gathered around the table together.” My favorite wines from Tres Sabores are the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Syrah. I also love Johnson’s pomegranate balsamic vinegar. For certain, all three will be in my collection for years to come. Johnson’s tasting room includes a collection of plates and artwork as special as her winery. Tres Sabores welcomes visitors seven days a week by appointment only because Johnson wants each visit to be personal. Tres Sabores ships wines direct to most states and has a great wine club called SABOR. For more information, visit tressabores. com or call 707.967.8027. Our next adventure was with Nichelini Family Winery. Our host, Doug Patterson, is a fourth generation Nichelini on his mother’s side. He was happy to share his family history. He explained that Nichelini is the oldest family-owned winery in the Napa Valley. It
was established in 1890 by the Italian-Swiss winemaker Anton Nichelini and is one of the longest continuous winemaking families in the United States. The winery is tucked away on the sage-scented slopes of the Chiles Valley. A visit to the Nichelini Winery offers a discovery of unique, top-quality wines along with a vision of Napa Valley as it used to be, serene, rustic and independent. Upon arrival, visitors enjoy a gallery of photographs depicting Napa winemaking circa 1900. The nearby vineyards vary in age from two decades to nearly seven decades. On the grounds is a beautiful seven-bedroom family home built in 1895. Family photos adorn the walls, and the house is appointed with lovely antiques and one-of-a-kind furniture. Its main floor now serves as a tasting room, and right outside are picnic tables and a bocce court. Words fail to describe the charm of the home, the incredible tasting experience and the appeal of its rustic caves and crusher. This magical winery sits in the middle of a lush green meadow in an abundant woodsy area, which even has a river running through it. Nichelini prides itself in making small batches of great wine. In its long 125-year history, there have been only seven Nichelini family winemakers, including five men and two women. The current winemaker, Aimée Sunseri, has overseen both the grape growing and the winemaking process from bud break to the bottle. She received her education at the University of California Davis in viticulture and enology and is the first fifth generation winemaker, female or male, in Napa Valley. During our visit, my friend Tony looked at me and remarked, “This place is awesome and I like every single wine I have tasted.” Very rarely does that happen on tasting tours and Tony ended up buying all of them. When you see Nichelini winery for yourself, you will be amazed at the beautiful surroundings, the outstanding wines and the affordable cost. For more information, visit nicheliniwinery.com or call 707.963.0717.
“The name Tres Sabores was adapted from a beautiful song called ‘Sabor a Mi.’ The name Tres Sabores means three flavors and was a perfect way to pull it all together. I wanted to celebrate the three savory tastes in every glass of wine; those of the vine, that of the terroir and the spirit of the good company gathered around the table together.”
“My wines a the vineyardre pure expressions of .. our guests . We love immersing in the excit ement of what we’re doing…” - Julie John son
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ENTERTAIN
Wines
Dines
DEVOTION
VODKA D
evotion Vodka is sugar-free, gluten-free and 100 percent made in America flavored vodka with flavors such as blackberry and blueberry, coconut, blood orange, wild cherry, cosmo, tiki tea and original. Devotion Vodka is distilled six times, multi-filtered from 100 percent high-grade USA non-GMO corn in a state-of-the-art distillery located in Middleton,
Wis. Utilizing a unique process of deionizing water to ensure the highest quality water source, this process also implements the finest example to date of vodka blending and processing. Additionally, Devotion’s flavoring process is unique. The company has teamed up with Allen Flavors, maker of Arizona Iced Tea—the No. 1 privately owned flavoring company—to develop
BLACK & BLUE This is the first and only blackberry and blueberry-flavored vodka in the industry. Devotion Vodka has carefully chosen the sweet, rich taste of Oregon blackberries and blended them with the crisp, zesty, mild bitterness of fresh California blueberries. The blackberries and blueberries have a unique berry profile that is extremely versatile for all types of cocktails. Its profile: Aroma – Vibrant, ripe notes of floral jam Appearance – Exquisite pristine clarity Texture – Consistently smooth and fresh
a process of eliminating sugars as a flavoring agent in vodka. In lieu of sugar, Devotion Vodka uses an essence process along with natural flavor compounds to ensure its flavored vodkas are created without unnecessary sugars and sweeteners. Available in retail outlets and restaurants, visit devotionvodka.com for more information.
Palate – Well-balanced levels of sweetness with a hint of bitterness Finish – Bold start that calms to a mild finish BLACK & BLUE LEMONADE 2 ounces Devotion Black & Blue 4 blueberries 4 blackberries 4 basil leaves Muddle berries gently in a highball glass and add ice Fill glass with sugar-free lemonade Garnish with basil
TIKI TEA consists of natural sweet tea flavors from a selection of premium teas from around the world, combined with tones of honey and citrus zests for a robust flavor profile. Allen Flavors, maker of Arizona Iced Tea, is Devotion Vodka’s flavoring partner, and the company was instrumental in creating the first-ever sugar-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and allergen-free tea flavored vodka in the industry. Aroma – Naturally clean bouquet of sweet tea essences Appearance – Natural tea color Texture – Velvety smooth Palate – Well-balanced round levels of distinct tea flavor Finish – Smooth start with a smooth calm finish DEVOTED TIKI TEA 2 ounces Devotion Tiki Tea Fill a highball glass with lemonade Garnish with a lemon wedge SUMMER 2015 | W oman m aga zine .V egas
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ENTERTAIN
Escape THE LAS VEGAS HEAT into cooler temperatures on Mt. Charleston and Lee Canyon BY DEBBIE HALL
S
ummertime in Las Vegas means triple digits with hot nights and even hotter, bright sunny days from sunrise to sunset. For relief, escape to Lee Canyon and Mt. Charleston including Mt. Charleston Hotel, Mt. Charleston Lodge and Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort. It is fun at a pleasant 75 degrees about a 45-minute drive north of Las Vegas for a day trip or staycation.
The Bighorn Grill is located on the upper level of the lodge of Lee Canyon, and selections include grilled items, custom burgers and hand-tossed salads. The neighboring Bristlecone Bar serves premium draft beers, bottle beers, wines and cocktails. Visitors enjoy the views surrounding the 5,000-square-foot patio and can also play a variety of lawn games like Giant Jenga and cornhole.
For activities and the golfer, there is disc golf with the first hole located at 9,300 feet in elevation. This course works its way through some of the resort’s most spectacular terrain that is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States outside of Alaska. Guests can hike or ride the chairlift to the 1st tee at the top of Chair 1.
The Mt. Charleston Lodge is located at a 7,717 feet elevation at the top of the mountain in Kyle Canyon. The menu is comfort food, and its décor includes a large open fireplace in the center of the dining room. Windows surround three sides of the room, with the lounge along one wall, and there is also dining on its deck.
There are 51 miles of trails throughout the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (Mt. Charleston). Starting next to LVSSR, the 6.2-mile Bristlecone Trail lets hikers meander through White Fir and Quaking Aspen, then climb exposed slopes to an ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. After passing the junction with the Bonanza Trail, hikers descend into a canyon next to the trailhead near McWilliams Campground. The Bristlecone Trail is the perfect trail for hikers of all ages and ability levels. This pet-friendly trail is also a locals’ favorite. For the hard-core athlete, high altitude training helps build endurance and builds muscle. At LVSSR, many of Las Vegas’ top pro and amateur athletes running or power hiking up the mountain for great summer workout. For the more relaxed, scenic chair lift rides to the top of Chair 1 at 8,000 feet include breathtaking views of Lee Canyon’s cathedral-like limestone cliffs, acres of ponderosa pine and aspen trees and plant and animal life unique to Mt. Charleston.
Cabins at Mt. Charleston Lodge for overnight stays are surrounded by juniper, mountain mahogany, aspen and ponderosa pine trees and walking distance to the restaurant and bar as well as Cathedral Rock Picnic Area and hiking trail. The cabins include indoor plumbing, full bedrooms and all the comforts while enjoying the great outdoors.
For activities and the golfer, there is disc golf… There are 51 miles of trails throughout the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area… For the hard-core athlete, high altitude training helps gain endurance and builds muscle… Scenic chair lift rides to the top of Chair 1 at 8,000 feet includes breathtaking views of Lee Canyon’s cathedral-like limestone cliffs…
A Cut Above, the restaurant in The Resort at Mt. Charleston, offers traditional fare such as steaks and chicken for breakfast, lunch and dinner as the chef’s special. Its bar and lounge feature ceiling-tofloor windows with billiard tables, a juke box and flat screen televisions surrounded by mountain views. Accommodations are available at The Resort at Mt. Charleston with pillow top mattresses, flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations in each hotel room. With Mt. Charleston and Lee Canyon in the backyard of Las Vegas, it is perfect getaway for those hot summer months.
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ENTERTAIN
Chic GEEK & First LADY COLLECTION
Chic Geek showcases a black silk dupioni full-length gown with black and gold gemstones.
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Chic Geek dress has an ivory stretch taffeta emperor overlay with an attached sheer mesh and appliqued bodice.
Chic Geek is designed
with white stretch rayon and a feathered crop top with a matching white feathered full-length skirt.
amela Humphrey, a Las Vegas fashion designer and entrepreneur, has designed the Chic Geekâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a custom, street gear and ready-to-wear womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing line. Her haute couture line, First Lady Collection by Pamela Humphrey, is an assemblage of silk dupioni, fine lace worthy of being labeled as haute couture and fine gemstones. It is designed for the woman who wants to feel like she is the First Lady. For more information, visit chicgeek-inc.com.
Chic Geek photography by Plitz NYFW | First Lady Collection courtesy of Pamela Humphrey | Fine gemstones by Natasha Morse
First Lady Collection
by Pamela Humphrey is stretch rayon bodice with a French lace overlay and attached Austrian gemstones.
First Lady Collection
by Pamela Humphrey includes Swarovski crystal with white French lace and mesh bodice.
First Lady Collection
by Pamela Humphrey is Chantilly lace and stretch satin bodice.
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TATYANA FASHIONS T
atyana Designs is named after founder and lead designer Tatyana Khomyakova. Born in northern Russia, Khomyakova began her career as a high fashion couture model, studied fashion design in France and London and now designs womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vintage styles. Her first boutique was opened in Las Vegas, and she now has boutiques opened across the country. Visit tatyana.com to find locations.
S
hame Red, there is nothing shameful about this sweetheart neckline, peekaboo cut-out, capped sleeves, black accented buttons and delicate bow dress. This dress has a zippered back and full swing skirt.
N
esting Dolls, a fullskirted 1950s style dress, features matryoshka print, scoop neck (front and back), delicate straps and a zippered back defining a natural waistline. The dress is 98 percent cotton and 2 percent spandex.
T
his unique dress, Frozen, features blue and white snowflakes in embroidered chiffon as well as a flirty neckline. Layer by layer is sweet satin and tulle to help accent the full skirt for full coverage.
H
oedown jumpsuit is a one-piece jumper featuring a scoop neckline with a buttoned-down front, zipped back with a bow and gaucho-style shorts for a light and airy feel. The jumpsuit is cowboy musical-themed and 100 percent cotton.
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RETRO FASHIONS FOR 2015 T
atayanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-waisted swimsuits create a smaller waistline effect and leave more imagination to the eye while showing the right type of sexy.
L
eaves is a one-piece swimsuit with a V-neck criss-crossed ruched side to help enhance the waist and give curves. This features a fun, bold leaf print.
P
erfection: Our white and black one piece hugs and defines your every curve. It features a scoop neckline and ruffled skirt.
C
herry Pie is a sweet one-piece scooped halter swimsuit that features cherries, bows and a flattering skirt.
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he Lucille is a sailor-inspired ruffled sweetheart top with navy and white stripes and buttons on the bottoms.
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Summer Nannies + Sitters
Summer Fun for Everyone! Use us for a week, a month, an afternoon or the entire summer! Our nanny and sitter services are flexible to fit YOUR summer schedule! Simple for Parents. Fun for Kids. College Nannies and sitters are educated, active role models. When the kids are well cared for and having fun, parents are relaxed and happy. Fun, for everyone!
SUMMERLIN | LAS VEGAS | HENDERSON
702.620.3366 collegenanniesandtutors.com
ENTERTAIN
GirlzINK T
FEATURES ARTISTRY IN PERMANENT MAKEUP AND COSMETIC CHANGES
eryn Darling, CPCP, is a true artist, having performed tens of thousands of permanent cosmetic procedures. Darling has spent years studying and perfecting her craft by attending advanced training classes, seminars and workshops. She has studied under some of the best permanent makeup artists in the world. Darling spent a year and a half in a traditional tattoo apprenticeship at Skin Factory under master tattoo artist Eddie Lin. This is where she really had the opportunity to study and learn the art of tattooing, the art of fine lines, shading, blending, powdery effects and smudgy edges. Her mastery of artistic, symmetrical, technical and color application has made her one of the best and most sought-after permanent makeup artists in the industry. Darling can achieve any result desired, from light, soft and natural all the way to darker, bolder and more striking.
wanted to work in permanent makeup. “The human skin would become my new canvas. I studied esthetics and earned my license before starting my six-month apprenticeship in permanent makeup. Right out of my apprenticeship, I went to work as a permanent makeup artist for a medical office. I worked with an amazing doctor whom I really learned a lot from,” she said.
If asked what is permanent makeup, the short answer is cosmetic tattooing, a very specialized form of tattooing. Along with eyebrows, lash enhancement, eyeliner, full lip and beauty mark, she works with breast cancer survivors who need areola restoration and performs paramedical and scar camouflaging.
But the service Darling provides with Girlz Ink is more than just convenient. “I do makeup for people who are blind, have Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, lost a limb and other similar circumstances. I understand I am changing lives, and I am honored to make a difference.”
Originally from Maine, Darling was very artistic as a child. In 1991, she moved to Las Vegas and worked as a cocktail waitress for 10 years. After working in hospitality, Darling wanted to get back into art and, through personal experience with her own eyebrows, knew she 44
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BY DEBBIE HALL
Darling also wants her clients to understand what to expect. “How long permanent makeup lasts depends on the skin, how much time is spent in the sun and other factors. I have clients with makeup that remains up to five years. Some clients need to come in sooner for a color re-fresh. On average, eyebrows will last about two years until they need a color refresh. Eyeliner tends to last longer, and lips will last the longest, averaging five to eight years.”
Darling supervises three artists at her studio, all trained by her. “They were hand-picked by me out of over 60 applicants to study under me and work at my studio,” she said. Darling is proud that she is a teacher, educator and lifelong student as well as an accomplished artist with permanent makeup.
Linda Before
Linda After Girlz Ink 3030 S. Jones Blvd. #104 Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.809.8237 girlzink.us
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ENTERTAIN
Goody
BAG
ALL IN A
NIGHT’S
WORK
RESCUE, REVIVE AND REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN BY MORNING WITH OUR FAVORITE NIGHT CREAMS
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Intensive Overnight Mask $24.99
This nightly mask hydrates, reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and firms and tones. The lightweight cream absorbs into skin and is formulated for nightly use.
BY JENNIFER FLORENDO
Korres Black Pine Firming, Lifting & Antiwrinkle Night Cream $68
Kora Purifying Day and Night Cream $64
An organic cream that is light enough for day and effective enough for night. It’s perfect for daily use while controlling excess oils and hydrating to the max.
Clinique Repairwear Sculpting Night Cream $65 This powerhouse cream features eight potent de-aging ingredients that work hard while you rest. Clinically proven to firm the jawline while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Caudalie Polyphenol c15 Overnight Detox Oil $52
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque $35
This dry oil helps to renew and protect overtired skin while detoxing and revitalizing. It contains five essential oils and three vegetal oils to promote cellular renewal and toxin elimination.
Designed for weekly use, this hydrating mask helps to strengthen the benefits of a daytime moisturizer while giving a softer and smoother appearance.
Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Ultimate Night Cream $18.49
This certified organic, rich cream exudes relations with lavender essential oil to soothe skin and accelerate cellular repair and collagen production. It smoothes out lines, wrinkles and blotchiness to give a more youthful glow.
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Nightly use of this contouring and lifting cream helps to prevent deep wrinkles and sagging while increasing skin’s firmness.
Philosophy Miracle Worker $68
This miracle works overnight to reset the signs of aging and targets age-accelerating proteins while supporting natural collagen production.
Randy Char, MBA President and Broker
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Concierge Healthcare
Quality Healthcare That You Deserve The average physician today maintains a patient list of several thousand, while Dr. Mall maintains a patient base of only several hundred. In doing this, Dr. Mall can provide concierge level care to his patients. With Dr. Mall’s Medical Concierge Program, you can prevent disease, get back your quality of life, increase your longevity, and slow down the aging process. BENEFITS OF MEDICAL CONCIERGE MEMBERSHIP Same Day or Next Day Appointments 30-minute Appointments with Dr. Mall 24/7 Access to Dr. Mall’s Email and Cell Phone Prescriptions Filled Promptly Coordinate and Oversee Specialist Appointments C EL
Access to State-of-the-Art Therapies and Programs
EB R ATING
25 Years
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Michael S. Mall, MD 19
MEDICAL CONCIERGE SERVICES
LAS VEGAS, NV
9 0 – 2 01 5
Executive Annual Physical Exam Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Call for Your Free Consultation with Dr. Mall Today!
Testosterone Therapy for Men and Women Anti-Aging and Age-Management Programs IV Myers’ Cocktail Therapy
702-733-7966 www.DrMallMD.com
MSM
Michael S. Mall, MD
The Parkway
MEDICAL CONCIERGE
Weight Loss Programs Nutritional Therapy Programs Vitamin Deficiency Analysis
702-733-7966
7455 W. Washington Avenue, Suite 400
www.DrMallMD.com
Las Vegas, NV 89128
The New
ENTERTAIN
TROPICANA LAS VEGAS PREPARE TO BE SURPRISED
I
t may be true that a woman’s work is never done, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the excitement happening all around you in Las Vegas. Satisfy your fun-loving side at The New Tropicana Las Vegas, which is a tempting new hotspot for women after a $200 million South Beachinspired transformation. It’s no secret that girls just want to have fun, and The New Tropicana Las Vegas offers entertainment heaven on earth with two new shows you can’t help but love. First, lose yourself in a world of magic and mystery with sexy German illusionist Jan Rouven in “The New ILLUSIONS.” Not only will you be giddy over the amazing illusions that earned it the title of Best Magic Show in 2013 and 2015 by Best of Las Vegas, but who doesn’t love a man with an accent? Then, explore your forbidden rock star fantasies with “Raiding the Rock Vault,” which was named Best Musical for the last two years by Best of Las Vegas. Experience the history of rock ‘n’ roll performed by the musicians who played it and be seduced by your favorite rebellious bad boys such as Doug Aldrich (formerly of Whitesnake, Dio), Robin McAuley (formerly of MSG, Survivor), Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Howard Leese (formerly of Heart) and more. For a taste of paradise, grab your girlfriends 50
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and head over to The New Tropicana Las Vegas to indulge in one of its delectable dining destinations. Bacio is an elegant trattoria serving authentic Italian fare. You’ll be enchanted by the atmosphere at this ristorante, which recently received OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award and has been named Best Italian Restaurant and one of the Top 10 New Restaurants in Las Vegas. If sizzling cuts and fresh seafood are your guilty pleasure,
Biscayne is the place for you. It is one of the top-rated steakhouses on the Strip and the proud recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award. It was also just named Best Wine List by Best of Las Vegas. Finally, there is Beach Café. It is the No. 1 café on the Strip and allows
you to dine inside the bright and open dining room or outside among the waterfalls and lush greenery of the Tropicana pool. Other highlights include spacious, residentialstyle rooms, suites and luxury villas (named Best Hotel Rooms, Best Hotel Suites and Best Hotel Room Value by Best of Las Vegas), a spa and fitness center that overlooks the Tropicana pool, a vibrant casino with an assortment of slots and table games, a new race and sports book and the Trop Plus Players Club. Brides-to-be, The New Tropicana Las Vegas also has a venue that is absolutely enchanting for wedding ceremonies and receptions! The Havana Room is a breathtaking space designed to impress with a magnificent crystal chandelier, modern décor, premium audiovisual technology and customizable amenities. It also opens up to a stunning tropical beach club so you can move the festivities outdoors. You don’t have to look around town for your floral needs because they have an onsite flower shop, A Garden Floral, which was named Best Florist by Best of Las Vegas. So ladies, if you’re ready for fabulous fun on the Las Vegas Strip, come visit The New Tropicana Las Vegas. For reservations, call 800.GO2.TROP (800.462.8767) or visit TropLV.com.
EDUCATE
Bridal Registry
Rowenta DW9280 Steamforce Iron Achieve ultimate ironing precision with 1,800 watts of power, extra-strong burst of steam and large 10-ounce water tank for superior ironing on hard-to-get-out wrinkles. Piezo pump injection technology releases 30 percent more steam than regular irons and one-touch temperature and steam setting controls based on the fabric selection, steam output is automatically adjusted. $175
MUST HAVES WEDDING SEASON IS UPON US … GIFT THE NEWLYWEDS WITH SOMETHING TIMELESS AND UNIQUE
COMPILED BY JENNIFER FLORENDO
The Lattissima Pro by De’Longhi Featuring the ultimate combination of De’Longhi’s one-touch cappuccino system and Nespresso’s capsule system, the Lattissima Pro offers exceptional high-quality espresso taste and simplicity of use in an elegant design. $599.95
The Dedica by De’Longhi Delivering an authentic Italian espresso experience, the Dedica is distinguished by its elegant stainless steel construction and a strikingly slim footprint that measures a mere 6 inches wide. $299.99
Rowenta Turbo Silence Fans The most powerful and quiet fans by Rowenta are perfect for keeping cool without typical loud buzzing noises. Features five uniquely engineered quiet blades and a turbo boost for an extra powerful airflow. 12-inch table Fan, $89.99; 16-inch pedestal fan with remote, $149.99
Gunter Whilhelm Knives The high-carbon stainless steel knives easily cuts through the toughest meats and chops fruits, herbs and veggies seamlessly. Starting at $39.99
Gunter Whilhelm Cookware This timeless cookware perfectly suits the novice or professional chef. The stick-resistant, 5-ply pans allow cooks to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with one another while cutting back on the use of oil and butter. Starting at $199 52
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IMUSA Orange Silicone Rim Non-Stick Caldero From stovetop to tabletop, this is the workhorse of any kitchen due to its versatility and unique design. Whether preparing rice, soup, stew or roasts, the Caldero will be will your go-to cookware choice. The lid’s silicone rim seals in freshness while cooking, while the silicone knob stays cool for user safety and ease. Available in two sizes, 3.7 quart ($19.99) and 6.9 quart ($29.99)
Kenwood Blend-X The innovative Blend-X Pro hot and cold blender features a new and unique MultiZone blade system specially developed to blend, crush, chop, grind and mix ingredients with ease. $399.95 Rowenta Intense Aqua Control Humidifier User-friendly with three smart settings: auto, baby and night. Maintains optimal humidity level at home thanks to a sensor that detects the humidity level in the air and automatically adapts the humidity output. Features cold and warm mist functions to speed up the humidity output by 20 percent and kill 90 percent of the bacteria that may develop in the water. $215
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ENTERTAIN
Style EVENT DESIGN:
Creating one-of-a-kind event décor PHOTOS BY STEVEN JOSEPH PHOTOGRAPHY
S
tyle Event Design is a fashionforward team of seasoned event design professionals that is inspired by what makes its clients and their events truly unique. They take a client-centric approach to design, and as a result, their final product is fresh and uniquely tailored to reflect a signature brand message, corporate culture or personal design aesthetic. They pride themselves in being approachable, fun, innovative and timely. Their take their jobs seriously, but not themselves. “We wanted to build décor components that you couldn’t find anywhere else locally. We have positioned ourselves as a boutique design and decór firm that creates custom pieces that reflect a company’s unique personality or marketing vision; pieces that can be transformed to create one-ofa-kind, custom environments, ” Becky Gregory, design director, explained.
at chic white dining tables featuring exaggerated pink rose bloom tabletops, sparkling charger plates and verdant floral hedges of pink hydrangea and lush orchids. After lunch, guests adjourned to comfortable white lounge-style seating where eyes were on the guest of honor who was sitting pretty against a dramatic pink graphic flower wall. This was the perfect setting to open the thoughtful gifts from friends and family. What a special day for a special lady. Geena Mattox, director of business development, said, “We are not a mega design and décor house; we are a boutique firm ready to work with a broad audience. Our design concepts are fresh and ontrend, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss any event, large or small. We have a dedicated graphics department and onsite print shop headed by Graphics Designer David Cox as well as an internal fabrication team with an experienced site crew led by Director of Production Ken Hurdle and Director of Operations Michelle Sandler. We take our lead from Style President Joshua Jones. Our motto is: Whatever you do, do it with style!”
“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” - Yves Saint Laurent
Style Event Design recently produced a one-of-a-kind baby shower for a Las Vegas executive. During their initial meeting, they collaborated with the event hosts to garner those elements that were truly unique to this highprofile guest of honor. Bathed in a fresh spring palette of pink and white, this ladies luncheon reflected the classic sophistication of its honoree. As guests approached the entrance, they were greeted by vibrant pink floral pomanders perched atop stone statuary pedestals. Once inside, the ladies were seated
Style Event Design 6630 Arroyo Springs St. Suite 900 Las Vegas, NV 89113 702.879.7610 info@styleeventdesign.com styleeventdesign.com
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EDUCATE
A forum for women about sex, sexuality, health and intimacy
I
want to thank the readers for sending in questions. I was asked to address a topic, “The Other Side of Viagra (and pills like it).”
How do women, who are aging and going through menopause in particular, deal with their male partners suddenly being sexual powerhouses? Women contend with lower libido and vaginal dryness at the same time their newly medicated man is able to get and maintain an erection for a long time and establish another erection much more rapidly after orgasm than he could before taking this medication. Men become focused on the idea that they are young again, virile in ways they haven’t been in years, able to perform sexually as they remember from their sex lives in their 20s. Intercourse becomes the focus of the aging couple’s sex life, making it less satisfying for women who feel pressured to act as if they are enjoying the sex. The husband is enamored of his newfound prowess, and the wife doesn’t want to be less than enthusiastic for fear that if she isn’t interested, he may find another partner. Performance anxiety and sexual dysfunction is on the mind of any man, regardless of age. Many men who are not in need of any of these erectile dysfunction drugs see them as “insurance” if they are going to be with a partner they feel they need to impress despite their anxieties. Sildenafil in all its forms (Viagra, Levitra and Cialis) has changed the way people are sexual. Still, many men do not refill their prescriptions. They feel the disconnect from their partners and want the intimacy of having sex that is not intercourse focused. Female partners need to
BY DR. TIGER DEVORE
let the man know that they don’t want to have that kind of hard driving intercourse that lasts for a long time that is uncomfortable and makes them feel like they are being used rather than making love. Men who love their wives will often become awake to the needs of their partners all over again. The couple can then go back to the kind of tender and loving sex that they used to have before the pill made intercourse from days gone by the focus of the man’s newfound image of himself. Wives want their loving and considerate sex partner back, and men do respond to that. This is not to say that the Sildenafils are all bad. For men with erectile dysfunction, these drugs make it possible for couples to get back a kind of sex they have lost. With proper counseling, couples can learn that these pills are for the pleasure of both partners, not just for the man’s reclaiming of his youth. Couples who cooperate with this can use vaginal lubricants if dryness is an issue. They can also communicate effectively about how long intercourse should last for both partners to enjoy it, and they can be sure that all other forms of sexual pleasuring of one another continue, instead of that being forgotten and leading to all the bad outcomes described above. Dr. Tiger Devore, known as Dr. Tiger, is a clinical psychologist, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and media expert on sex and relationships. But most importantly, he is a person who cares, with over 25 years of practice and expertise working with women and their specific issues. For more information, call Dr. Tiger at 702.900.4845 or visit tigerdevorephd.com
DR. TIGER IS ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS
Email your questions to “Ask Dr. Tiger” to info@lvwomanmagazine.com. If you want your question answered privately and not to be a part of this column, let me know that when you send it in. Privacy will be maintained.
SUMMER 2015 | W oman m aga zine .V egas
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Reflections of A PUPPY PARENT
EDUCATE
BY RIKKI CHEESE, NEWS ANCHOR FOR KTNV, CHANNEL 13
E
very year, on the second Sunday in May, Americans celebrate Mother’s Day. We honor maternity and shower mothers with cards, gifts, flowers and restaurant visits. But what is a Mother? Do you have to give birth to be considered a Mom? Do you have to raise children? Does the simple act of nurturing qualify? I didn’t think I would ever get married, but I wanted to raise a child, so I considered adopting. Aware that being a single parent would be an enormous undertaking, I decided to do a test run by raising an Akita puppy first. Yikes!
Whining, crying, all-night feedings. Constant pooping. Expensive visits to the vet. Countless boxes of training pads, the canine version of diapers. Teething. Shedding. Non-stop training. Sit. Down. Stay. Sit. Down. Stay. I worried about his happiness. I worried about his health. Plus, I chose a challenging breed. Akitas are Japanese bear-hunting dogs. Like most of the Northern spitz breeds, descendants of the oldest dogs on the planet, they are strongwilled, resilient and self-reliant. They can be tough to train. Every day began with the same conversation. Tundra: “You’re not the boss of me.” Me: “I control the kibble.” Tundra: “My bad.”
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But there was also the joy of watching Tundra grow. Watching his personality develop. Meeting the challenges of raising a smart, sensitive, responsible sentient being. I didn’t have to worry about sending my puppy to college, but I did have to make sure he functioned well in society. I am a native, but until I had to take my puppy to the park I didn’t realize Southern Nevada has so many great parks. Better yet, because so many of our parks are relatively new, we have more dog parks per capita than most cities in the country. Plus, until I had to exercise my high-energy puppy, this Vegas girl thought of the great outdoors as a space you walked through to get to your air-conditioned building or car. I never realized the open desert isn’t a wasteland. If you walk and pay attention to a puppy’s paws, you’ll see flowers peeking through the cracked desert floor. You’ll see lizards, snakes and critters you want to avoid. Coyotes are in that category. You’ll also see bighorn sheep and the occasional mountain lion. I could have passed on the coyotes and mountain lions. I got up every morning, happy to see my puppy. I rushed home every night to be with him. Friends couldn’t believe it. “You’re passing on the club to get home to your dog?” Yep. Raising a puppy doesn’t compare to raising a child. But now that I’m raising two more Akita
puppies, I’d like to expand the definition of Mom. If you’ve ever been in a romantic relationship and helped raise another woman’s son or daughter; you’re a Mom. If you’ve ever helped a friend weather a tough time or celebrate a great time; you’re a Mom. If you’ve ever encouraged or supported anyone, including yourself; you’re a Mom. If you are involved in any endeavor or group or organization that helps others; you’re a Mom. If you’ve ever raised a garden, or any kind of pet; you’re a Mom. My furry babies have four legs instead of two, but under my own expanded definition, I’m a Mom.
Rikki Cheese cohosts Valley View Live weekdays from 2-3 p.m., Action News Live from 3-4 p.m., and anchors live updates on Action News at 5, 6 and 6:30 p.m. Contact her at rcheese@ ktnv.com.
EDUCATE
KimMIRAMONTES COLLEGE NANNIES AND TUTORS
A
fter spending years in the gaming and hospitality industry as an executive for over 20 years, Las Vegas native Kim Miramontes has changed careers. She is now the owner and general manager of College Nannies and Tutors. The franchise offers full-service child care and customized tutoring solutions for collegebound students. Miramontes knew she wanted to transition into a new phase of her life. “In the last year, I have been looking for a business that would serve the residents of Las Vegas.” With a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and an M.B.A. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Miramontes was confident she could operate the business successfully as well as provide quality services in her new field. As a stepmother to two teenagers, Miramontes wanted to invest in College Nannies and Tutors. “What really appealed to me about the business were the families I had worked with in the past. So many families today have both parents working, and I could see how hard it was to keep balance and have everyone in the family thrive. With our business, whether they need four or 40 hours a week, we can help families. This business really resonated with me.” As for tutoring, Miramontes wanted to provide role models for students to learn from using
With our business, whether they need four or 40 hours a week, we can help families. a one-on-one approach to allow the students to achieve their highest potential. “We place someone who is strong academically and a leader in their own life. This creates a high level of engagement for our students.” Some areas of expertise include college test preparation, essay writing, homework help, study skills, math tutoring and science tutoring. The franchise was started by business school student and college entrepreneur Joseph Keeley when he took a job as a nanny caring for children. During his time as a “manny,” Keeley realized that he was active role model. College Nannies and Tutors was incorporated in 2001, and the organization has expanded to over 25 states, with Miramontes owing the only franchise in Southern Nevada. As a native Las Vegan, Miramontes believes
Kim Miramontes Photo by Light Images
Southern Nevada really needs the services her company offers both on the child care side and tutoring side. While Miramontes does not tutor herself, she is a certified professional leadership coach with training from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. Her desire for her business is “to provide the role models, whether nannies or tutors, so all members of the family can reach their full potential and create the lives they want.” College Nannies and Tutors 9484 W. Flamingo Road, Suite 170 Las Vegas, NV 89147 702.620.3366 collegenanniesandtutors.com
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EDUCATE
EDUCATE
ENTERTAIN
INSPIRE
MOLD & WATER DAMAGE M Affecting health in unseen ways old Eliminators, Mirage Building Maintenance and Construction by Mirage specialize in mold removal, flood and fire restoration, hoarding clean up and crime scene services. The companies are equipped to handle any size or type of disaster and have been providing assessment and solutions for Las Vegas since 1996. While Las Vegas is located in a desert environment, that doesn’t mean there aren’t problems with mold or flooding. Anyone who has lived in Southern Nevada for any period of time knows these problems come up more often than one might think.
An unexpected water intrusion can become a disaster in a home or business. Standing water can be a significant health hazard. Damage from a water intrusion, if not properly dried, can cause mold and mildew to flourish and can even cause structural damage. After a water intrusion, it’s important to restore a home to good order as soon as possible to protect health and prevent further damage. The building structure and furnishings are less likely to grow mold if they are dried within 48 hours. Immediate action is important; contact the professionals at Mirage Building Maintenance at 702.442.1126 offering free inspections and can come to a home or business within one hour. Mold happens for a number of reasons. Look for a source of water, such as an unnoticed leak, from a water heater, clothes washer or under the kitchen sink. Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after walls, floors, carpeting,
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wood or other surfaces have gotten wet. If there is a musty smell, chances are mold has started to grow. Las Vegas native Craig Herrmann is owner and operator of Mold Eliminators as well as an IICRC Master Certified Flood/Fire & Mold Tech. He has trained, studied and lectured on mold remediation and water damage restoration for over 20 years. Along with free consultations as well as working out a plan to safely eliminate any danger, Herrmann emphasized, “For insurance purposes, as soon as water damage occurs or you see mold, call us. If you allow the water to dry on its own, that doesn’t mean there isn’t water damage or mold in the walls. We use thermal imaging cameras to see into the walls to determine the extent of the water damage. Weeks or even months later, when you discover major problems, insurance companies usually deny coverage due to the fact that you didn’t properly mitigate the damage timely. Since we offer free estimates, it is better to call immediately to allow a professional Master Certified technician to investigate your loss.” Herrmann advises when there is water damage, first determine what caused the water loss and shut off the source of the problem. Next, check what type of water, whether it is fresh water, grey water or sewage. Grey water will come from a shower or sink, and sewage is from toilets or backed up drains and has to be handled differently. Herrmann cautions that sewage
An unexpected water intrusion can become a disaster in a home... as well as grey water contains bacteria, and the possibility of disease will be on anything in contact with this type of water. Everything that is porous will need to be disposed of including sheet rock, carpet and pad. Mold Eliminators, Mirage Building Maintenance and Construction by Mirage are available to help 24 hours a day to keep a home or office safe from mold and water damage that can lead to structural repairs. With state licensed contractors on staff, they can restore a home or business to pre-loss condition. As Herrmann said, “Our calling is to bless the world by restoring people’s lives and property because people and property matter.” For more information, contact Mold Eliminators, Mirage Building Maintenance, Construction by Mirage #59782, 1964 Sycamore Trail #4 Las Vegas, NV 89108, 702.442.1126. LasVegasMold.com
EDUCATE
Easy
SUMMER ENERGY
Savings BY SHERRY SWENSK
NV Energy offers a free online tool to all their customers through the MyAccount progr am. It’s free to sign up and offers a lot of insigh t into your own energy consumption habits.
H
ere comes that summer heat again! For sun worshippers who love to be outdoors, you’re more than ready to throw out the welcome mat. But for those who hibernate this time of year, you’d rather put up the “do not disturb” sign—especially when that first expensive power bill arrives. You can relax and chill; there are some easy fixes you can do around your home to help you keep your cool and bring your energy costs down this season. Whether you live in a single-family home, townhouse, condo or apartment where you pay your own electric bills, some simple measures can add up to big savings when it comes to using energy. One of the easiest is replacing all of your lighting with energy-efficient CFL or LED light bulbs; lower energy used adds up over time. You’ll use less electricity, replace the bulbs far less often and the cooler bulbs give off less heat so your home stays cooler when the lights are on.
home’s strengths and weaknesses in energy performance. If your power bills are unusually high and you feel you’re running the A/C on a moderate scale, you might want to investigate with a full home energy audit. Today’s Energy Store is one of several companies you can hire to do a visual assessment, then dig even deeper into your attic to see how your insulation measures up and perform various other tests to find your home’s energy issues. You’ll get their recommendations of repairs and fixes, but you’re not obligated to do any of them. An audit for an average sized home runs about $500, but Hale says some of that cost can be reduced if they make improvements for you. NV Energy offers a free onsite tool to all their customers through the MyAccount program. It’s
free to sign up and offers a lot of insight into your own energy consumption habits. You can do your own energy analysis of your home, compare it to neighbors and get some ideas on how to save energy and pay less on your power bill. If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, you can always hire a reputable handyman or woman to take care of the lighter load fixes, like weather stripping and window caulking. Check with the Better Business Bureau or a local home hardware store for recommendations on qualified and licensed contractors. So now as those blistering hot months come at us, maybe you won’t have to hide from your power bills. Defend your home against the heat by making your energy efficiency smarter this summer!
If a room is too hot or too cold from the rest of the house, cooled air is leaking out somewhere before it gets to that part of the house, or it’s not getting there at all. Sometimes weather stripping can be a simple step in sealing your home to keep it cooled efficiently. Run your hand along the door frames and window sills. Do you feel air flowing through? You probably need to replace or install new stripping. It’s inexpensive and simple to install. According to Marc Hale of Today’s Energy Store, a leaky home can send valuable energy dollars right out the front door, through the windows and even escaping through hidden places you’d least expect, like electrical outlets, switch plate covers and plumbing underneath your sinks. Hale said when air is leaking through a home, it usually indicates a breakdown of weather stripping, poor insulation in the attic or both. Hale performs energy audits, assessing your
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 SUMMER 2015 | W oman m aga zine .V egas
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Moms Making
Six Figures
“I
worked hard to have a successful career, but after having children, the corporate world was no longer appealing to me. The late hours, travel and being away from my two young daughters was breaking my heart. I felt I was missing out on significant mile stones and no one could fill the role of ‘mommy’ while I was away. I prayed for an option to replace my income yet have a flexible schedule, I started to give up hope and figured something like that simply didn’t exist for moms like me,” said Jennifer Becker.
class, attending school field trips, taking my 3-year-old to weekly gymnastics classes and spending Saturday mornings on the soccer field, all while earning a significant income around my family’s schedule.”
“Shortly after, I came across Moms Making Six Figures and I assumed maybe it was a support group for moms who had to work outside the home. I met with founder Heidi Bartolotta and discovered Moms Making Six Figures is a marketing company that allows women to work from home and either replace or supplement their income; I left our meeting feeling like she was the answer I had been praying for! Reaching out and deciding to partner with Moms Making Six Figures has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. My life has changed significantly from volunteering in my daughter’s kindergarten
Can a mother really stay at home and make six figures? Bartolotta, president and owner of Moms Making Six Figures, says the answer is definitely yes! “We don’t sell anything and we are not your traditional home-based business. We’ve developed a business model that requires no overhead, no inventory and no selling,” she stated.
Advertorial
Sound too good to be true? Simply visit momsmakingsixfigures.com and submit a request for more information. A professional mentor will contact you and help you get started.
EDUCATE
Blue light AND YOUR EYES W
F-lux is an app developed for the iPhone and iPad that can reduce your exposure to blue light, useful in low light environments
BY DR. CYNTHIA PAYNE
e are exposed to blue light daily. The sun emits both UV light and blue light. The high-energy blueviolet light is in the shorter wavelength of the light spectrum. In our businesses and homes, the newer, more cost-efficient lighting such as LED lighting and compact fluorescent lighting give off blue light. LED lighting emits more blue light than CFL lighting. This is significant because our TVs, computer monitors, smartphones and tablets utilize LED lighting to give a better image. Blue light has many benefits. It is essential for the circadian rhythm of our body (setting our sleep/wake cycle). Our circadian rhythm is important for good health and our well-being. Blue light affects the circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin secretion. Blue light has been used therapeutically to treat some types of skin pre-cancers, bulimia, PMS and mood disorders such as depression. Because it also increases body temperature and heart rate and decreases sleepiness, it can increase alertness. This is significant with blue light exposure at bedtime. It can take longer to fall asleep and affect quality of sleep. As with UV light, the effect of exposure to blue light is cumulative. Blue light reaches deeper into our eyes than UV light and may be more damaging to the retina. TV screens and light fixtures are going to give us more indirect exposure to blue light, while computer monitors, tablets and smartphones will give us greater exposure to blue light. The closer it is to our eyes, the greater the exposure and risk to the retina. A 2012 study by Dr. Celia SanchezRamos, published in Photochemistry and Photobiology, showed that blue light damaged the retinal pigment epithelial cells. This would increase our risk of developing age-related
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macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration decreases or destroys our central vision and is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over the age of 60. Because the effect is cumulative, children are at higher risk. Children are using smartphone and tablet technology to read and play games, and because their arms are shorter, the devices are closer to their eyes than they would be to an adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes. There are several options to protect our eyes from blue light. There are a few apps and screen protectors available for smartphones and mobile devices to decrease blue light. F-lux is an app for the iPhone and iPad. Blue Light Filter for EyeCare and Twilight has been developed for Android devices. Another way to decrease blue light exposure is to decrease the brightness of the light on your device from the settings menu.
Anti-glare glasses are a great way to reduce blue light exposure from computer screens and mobile devices
Ophthalmic lens manufacturers have developed lenses and coatings specifically for protection from blue light exposure. Trendsetter Eyewear offers prescription lenses with anti-glare coatings that are combined with blue light blocking technology. These lenses are not like the orangebrown blue blocker lenses that have been used for sunglasses. They are a cosmetically more appealing clear. There are some non-prescription computer glasses available that have a light blue blocker tint combined with an anti-glare coating to help protect eyes. Another way of protecting our eyes is to help replenish the nutrients that our retina needs to be healthy. We can do this by using a quality multivitamin daily and eating a diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and turnip greens. We also get macular pigment nutrients from free-range egg yolks, winter squash and corn.
Dr. Cynthia Payne is a board certified optometrist specializing in the treatment and management of ocular disease and owner of Trendsetter Eyewear. Schedule an appointment by calling 702.479.5222 or visit trendsettereyewear.com.
EDUCATE
ENTERTAIN
EDUCATE INSPIRE
TECHNOLOGY DESIGNED FOR THE DRIVER
Woman
The Mazda SKYACTIV Engineering Difference BY ANNIE SLIMAN
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hen it comes to the technology behind driving performance, auto safety and environmental responsibility, Planet Mazda knows that women are quick to grasp and appreciate the very latest in today’s auto market. One new feature is Mazda’s revolutionary SKYACTIV system, which will soon be integrated into every vehicle that Mazda sells. It is Mazda’s basic philosophy that if a car is not worth driving, it is not worth building. So, in its quest for better environmental performance, Mazda’s goal was to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising driving performance. Along with achieving its clean air goals, Mazda was determined to improve the driver experience. This meant starting with an absolutely blank sheet of paper. From that point, Mazda engineered every major component of the automobile to work together in efficient harmony. The result is nothing short of revolutionary. SKYACTIV is a system of technologies, all of them proprietary to Mazda. The benefit to the consumer is simple and apparent to anyone test-driving
The Mazda 6 with the SKYACTIV system
a Mazda. These cars handle better, ride more smoothly and are safer to drive. The innovations start with the engine. From research, Mazda knows that most cars will continue to use gasoline or diesel fuel through the year 2020. Therefore, improving efficiency and lowering harmful emissions with current fuels is a Mazda priority. The SKYACTIV-G engine produces more power at the most frequently used speed ranges while significantly reducing fuel consumption. Now that Mazda had designed such a revolutionary engine, it needed the ultimate transmission to get all that energy to the wheels. To do so, its engineers studied every modern transmission made and took the best features of each. Then, they went back to that blank
piece of paper. Once the basic transmission was designed, the engineers added a brain in the form of an advanced control module. The result is the SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. It shifts smoothly for steady acceleration and quickly for the connected feel of a manual transmission, while the control system delivers precision responsiveness and reliability. The chassis design was the next step. With the SKYACTIV body and chassis, Mazda engineers were determined to get a more exhilarating driving feel while increasing crash safety performance. Of course, for fuel economy, reducing weight is an important goal. Through smarter engineering and better materials, Mazda was able to improve body rigidity by 30 percent, which results in better handling, and shed 220 pounds, which greatly improves crash safety performance. To give the driver the feeling of unity between car and driver, the suspension was redesigned for greater agility at low speeds and for more stability at high speeds. All of this technology is important, but the design and look of a car is what really makes it fun and functional vehicle. Of course, every woman has different needs and wants for features in a car. Mazda has listened to the voices of its customers and offers a full product line to meet the expectations of even the most discriminating driver. Its models range from the budget-minded MAZDA2 hatchback to the sporty-yet-practical MAZDA CX-5 crossover to the gorgeous MAZDA3 sedan. Colors, interiors and available options mean Mazda has created a great car that is safe to drive and economical to operate. To experience them in person, stop in to Planet Mazda at 6950 W. Sahara Ave. For more information, visit planetmazdalv.com. SUMMER 2015 | W oman m aga zine .V egas
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INSPIRE
A LESSON IN COURAGE AT WHITE HORSE YOUTH RANCH
Journey
ONE CHILD’S
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ven though Maggie is only 8 years old, she has had more than her share of challenges to overcome. One of the most significant is obsessivecompulsive disorder, which makes Maggie anxious and overly concerned with germs and cleanliness. Right now, a very important thing in Maggie’s young life is her involvement at White Horse Youth Ranch. At the ranch, she is truly a “diamond in the rough” who’s learning the skills and gaining the confidence that she needs to achieve her goals. It’s the mission of WHY Ranch to help kids like Maggie with programs that use the ranch experience to build self-esteem, respect for others and foster independence. For Maggie, the first step was overcoming her very real fears. As a newcomer, one of her chores is taking care of the newly hatched chicks in their special cages. Even though she doesn’t like dirt and worries about germs, she has learned to gently pick up the chicks and put them in a safe spot while she cleans the cage and returns them to their habitat. At first, this was all too much for Maggie. A little at a time, and with the encouragement of WHY Ranch staff, she was able to make progress and now is a confident and competent caretaker for the baby chicks. Being around the WHY Ranch horses was another matter. As Maggie figured out, horses are large and sometimes unpredictable. One
BY ANNIE SLIMAN
evening, Amy Meyer, who is the president and founder of WHY Ranch, was teaching Maggie how to halter and lead Itty Bitty, one of the horses at the ranch. At one point, Maggie just froze. When Meyer asked her if she was afraid, Maggie answered yes. Meyer recalled, “I knew this was a teachable moment. I told Maggie that it was fine to be afraid. That’s how we’re supposed to feel. I’m afraid every day but I’ve
Right now, a very important thing in Maggie’s young life is her involvement at White Horse Youth Ranch. learned to get through it. There’s nothing more courageous than being afraid and doing what you’re afraid of v.” Maggie listened and then took the lead, while her thrilled mom quietly mouthed a thank you to Meyer. High-fives were in order after the session, as Maggie showed
everyone how much grit was behind her once shy and withdrawn personality. For Meyer, that is the reward in the long days she puts in at the ranch. “What an amazing gift it is to witness a breakthrough. That’s when you know that the hard work, blood, sweat and tears you’ve poured into your passion is truly for that one child on this day. They are here to find their best selves, and it’s my privilege to bear witness.” As Meyer watches young people gain in confidence, she encourages them to grow in their relationships with others. For example, Maggie had a very difficult time sharing anything with her younger sister. She especially did not want her involved in the same activities. After a few weeks at WHY Ranch, however, Maggie asked Meyer if her sister could attend with her. “I think she’d really learn a lot here,” Maggie said, “Just like I have.” Wonderful stories like Maggie’s happen all the time at WHY Ranch, as kids are exposed to its gentle horses, dedicated staff and Meyer’s committed leadership. “I have personally watched as Maggie made friends and overcame her shyness and insecurity. Maggie, who once wanted to participate only in our One 2 One program, now enjoys our group Diamonds program. She engages with the other kids and participates in helping at the ranch. She’s a very different kid, and I’m so proud of her.”
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EDUCATE
Third Party
FERTILITY TREATMENTS
REAL HOPE AND HELP FOR ANYONE WANTING TO START A FAMILY
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e’ve all heard the terms surrogacy or gestational carrier. We’ve noticed the magazine headlines showing celebrities creating families through use of another woman’s womb. While this may seem complex or even like a scientific fairytale, for many individuals and couples, it is the only chance for them to have a biological child. In today’s world, there are many options available for couples and individuals to become parents with assistance from another person. The most common third party fertility treatments used today are egg donation, sperm donation and surrogacy. Egg donation is a common option not only for women unable to conceive using their own eggs, but also for gay male couples looking to have a biological child. Similarly, surrogacy is used for single women, heterosexual and gay couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy. Donor sperm is commonly used by single women, same-sex female couples and heterosexual couples requiring donor sperm to conceive. Some intended parents only need one piece of the biological puzzle, while others may need multiple areas of assistance. Either way, third party fertility treatments offer solutions and hope where before, people were simply left with very few options to complete their family. “My husband suffered from thyroid cancer in his 20s. The chemotherapy and radiation made it impossible for him to provide a critical part of what we needed to start our family,” said fertility 70
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patient Aimee B. “Having the option of using donor sperm helped us have our son.” “We are providing options for people and giving them the ability to have a biological child or experience pregnancy, where with missing pieces, so to speak, they wouldn’t have been able to,” said the founder of The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Bruce Shapiro, MD, PhD,
We are able to provide patients with knowledge and extensive experience in this specialty treatment. It is a tremendous opportunity for them, but it can be a complex path. We are there to help them navigate and to offer an immense amount of support that they will need through this journey.
FACOG. With fertility issues a growing problem, women waiting to have children until later in life, and same-sex partners looking to conceive, treatments like donor egg IVF and surrogacy have seen a dramatic increase in popularity. “It really is an exciting time,” Dr. Shapiro said. “I wanted a career first, family later, but I didn’t
consider that 30 might be too late,” said patient Pam M. “It was devastating to find out that my eggs were not usable at 30.” For patients like Pam, being able to select from a bank of donors also of Jewish ancestry was important. “I was able to carry my daughter, experience pregnancy and bond with her. She also shares very similar physical traits.” Practice Director, Said Daneshmand, MD, FACOG, speaks daily with patients from all over the United States and the world. “The need for this type of assistance is incredible. We are seeing patients come to us from all over the United States, France, England, Spain, China, every corner of the globe,” he explained. “We are able to provide patients with knowledge and extensive experience in this specialty treatment. It is a tremendous opportunity for them, but it can be a complex path. We are there to help them navigate and to offer an immense amount of support that they will need through this journey. ” Surrogacy laws can vary by state and by country but Nevada provides clear language and an opportunity, while The Fertility Center of Las Vegas and Drs. Shapiro and Daneshmand, known worldwide for their exemplary safety and success rates, offer exceptional care. For more information on traditional and third party fertility services, visit fertilitycenterlv.com or attend a free monthly seminar hosted by The Fertility Center of Las Vegas. Appointments are available in Summerlin, Henderson and Los Angeles.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
PROFILES
LAWYERS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA hese Southern Nevada attorneys love the law and excel in their fields of expertise. Knowledge of the law is not only, but also necessary to protect an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights and interests. Some reasons to use the services of an attorney include wills, trusts, estate planning, probate, trust administration, asset protection and prenuptial agreements. Other specialties include personal injury and consumer law, including short sales and loan modifications. Family matters include divorce, spousal support/ alimony, annulments, child custody, child support, termination of parental rights, grandparent/third party visitation rights, domestic violence/temporary protection orders and name changes. As native Las Vegans or longtime residents, these lawyers have a sense of community, volunteering time and collecting donations for those less fortunate.
KRISTIN COGBURN COGBURN LAW OFFICES
BRANDI K. CASSADY
KARI MOLNAR
PATTI WISE
CASSADY LAW OFFICES
MOLNAR FAMILY LAW
EDWARD M. BERNSTEIN & ASSOCIATES
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ristin Cogburn is a co-founder and law partner of Cogburn Law Offices, which specializes in personal injury and consumer law, including short sales and loan modifications. In 2005, Kristen started her firm with her husband, Jamie. Cogburn Law Offices has become a thriving law practice with approximately 50 employees and offices in Las Vegas and Henderson.
Kristin leads Cogburn Law Offices’ personal injury practice. For over a decade, Kristin has won six- and seven-figure verdicts and awards for her clients. These successes have led to her membership in the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a renowned group of trial lawyers who have settled a case or won a trial of $2 million or more. Less than 1 percent of lawyers in the U.S. qualify for membership.
KRISTIN COGBURN Cogburn Law Offices 1050 Indigo Drive, Suite 110 Las Vegas, NV 89145 2879 St. Rose Parkway, Suite 200 Henderson, NV 89052 702.384.3616 cogburnlaw.com
Kristin believes passionately in the justice system and is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured persons. Kristin is empathetic to the physical, emotional and economic challenges that often result with a personal injury. She is devoted to providing her clients with personalized care and guidance during their time of need. Her core values of honesty, integrity and compassion are the foundation of her practice. “Since childhood, I had the calling to become an attorney. I wanted to make a difference in my community and to help others during their time in need. I am fortunate to have grown up in a close-knit family who not only taught me these values, but who also led by example. My grandfather was a physician who took great care of his patients and dedicated his life’s work to helping others. He had tremendous empathy and compassion for people. I wanted to follow in his example and share the same compassion and dedication in my work,” she explained. Kristin is involved in lobbying efforts to ensure the rights of all “Since injured persons are protected. She childhood, I also believes in giving back to the community. Kristin participates in had the calling community service initiatives and to become an fundraising efforts on an ongoing attorney. I basis. “Helping children is a cause dear to my heart. We donate to wanted to make Three Square Food Bank, and a difference in our entire office has volunteered my community at the food bank. We regularly donate to Nevada Partnership for and to help Homeless Youth, Boys and Girls others during Club of Southern Nevada, Toys for their time in Tots, The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program and St. Jude’s Children’s need...” Hospital. My law firm organizes a toy and clothing drive for children every holiday season and participates in fundraising activities and collection drives throughout the year.” Kristin and her firm provide free legal services for those in need on an ongoing basis. Kristin has lived in Henderson for 25 years and was a graduate of the first four-year class of Green Valley High School. “I love living in Henderson and I love Las Vegas. We have a great community. The residents really care about each other, and there are so many wonderful women who truly support each other. It is a fantastic place to live and work, and our community offers so many opportunities for its residents. I am proud to raise my children in Southern Nevada.”
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as Vegas native Brandi K. Cassady and her husband, Jasen, are partners of Cassady Law Offices, P.C., which focuses on wills, trusts, estate planning, probate, trust administration, asset protection and prenuptial agreements. As a mother of four, Cassady understands the need for women to protect their families in all circumstances. Cassady began her career working as a receptionist in a law office. “I discovered that I really liked the legal field. Because of my fast typing skills, I started doing legal transcription. I eventually started to get more responsibility and legal training.” Cassady met her husband in Las Vegas. They clicked instantly and the rest, as she said, is history. He had just moved from Florida and was waiting for his bar results to practice in the state of Nevada. At the time, Cassady was working as a paralegal at a general civil litigation firm. A year after her husband opened his own practice, Cassady began to work with him and offered a support role for eight years. She then made the decision to go to law school. “This was a business and personal decision,” she explained. “We needed another attorney at the practice, and I have three daughters whom I wanted to set an example for. I also wanted to be able to help provide for them financially. I was the first person in my family to graduate from high school.” A nursery was created in the office, and all four of her children have been raised in their work environment. She chose her specialties of wills, trusts, probate and trust administration because her husband has his master’s degree in tax law for expertise in estate planning. Once Cassady started studying these areas, she found she really liked it as well and wanted to continue with these areas of law. Cassady graduated from the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with honors, is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and has been selected for the 2015 Mountain States Rising Stars List for Super Lawyers Magazine. Cassady also does pro bono services for the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and has been added to the pro bono honor roll twice for the number of cases accepted. “I like working with the families and senior citizens. I also like the administrative role I play with the probate and trust administration side of our practice,” she said.
BRANDI K. CASSADY, ESQ. Cassady Law Offices, P.C. 10799 W. Twain Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89135 Henderson Office 2425 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway Henderson, NV 89052 702.650.4480 cassadylawoffices.com
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According to Cassady, the most relevant service she provides for women is establishing a living trust. “When you have a minor child, the living trust becomes paramount. If something happens to you or your spouse, there is no custodian in place to hold assets for the minor child. This is a very important issue for any mother whether working or stay-at-home. The way it unfolds with no planning is not what you might expect.” She is also mentoring the newest attorney in their firm to become part of the practice. Operating since 2002, they always offer clients a free, one-on-one consultation with one of the attorneys. Most importantly, they help clients with all sizes of estates from all walks of life.
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ari has a passion for the law. She always wanted to be an attorney and has chosen to focus on family law. Although many of the cases may seem to be similar, there are so many things that happen during people’s lives that make each case interesting. “Each person I meet is at a different point in their lives. I am able to work with someone who feels that their world is crashing and falling apart. I explain that I can help them through their situation and in the end achieve an outcome that they are happy with and can live with. This is so worth the time and effort I put into each and every case.”
KARI MOLNAR Molnar Family Law 170 S. Green Valley Parkway, Suite 328 Henderson, Nevada 89012 702.318.7333 kari@molnarfamilylaw.com www.molnarfamilylaw.com
Originally from Ohio, Kari graduated Cum Laude from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2005 and admitted to practice in Florida in 2005 and Nevada in 2006. Kari began focusing on family law in 2006 and decided that not only was it a more challenging area to be involved in, but has found it to be a much more rewarding career. Unlike many firms where a large staff works on a client’s case, Kari chooses to work on all of her cases herself, which allows her the opportunity to get to know each of her clients on a very personal level. “I have had many clients surprised that they do not experience the feeling they had working with other attorneys where they feel they are just a name or case number. I treat each one of my clients’ cases as if it were my own. As I said earlier, so many times someone in a longterm marriage or relationship feels like they have lost everything—their family, friends, support, income and their children. It is devastating when people go through this, and I feel that as an attorney, it is my job to ensure them that I will make this process as smooth as possible for them. I also have many resources to connect my clients with so that they don’t have to continue feeling that way any longer. “In every family law case, there is so much that happens and changes throughout the litigation, and as an attorney, you have to know what is going on throughout the entire case and be able to counsel your clients appropriately. The best advice that I give at my initial consultation is that the client must be comfortable with the attorney they choose to represent them. Family law is an area where the client has to be open with their attorney and be willing to tell them everything about their relationship and what has happened during their marriage, cohabitation or while they were dating. A client has to be able to tell their attorney if there are drugs or alcohol issues, mental health issues, domestic violence —all sorts of issues that normally people try to hide. In order to better educate the community about family law and issues, Kari offers an evening seminar on Thursday nights at her office. It is free of charge, but an RSVP is required, as there are weeks when Kari is committed elsewhere. “I open my office to allow anyone to come in and ask questions on any area of family law in an attempt to educate them. If someone is not comfortable in this situation or feel they need more one-to-one assistance, I always offer a one-hour free consultation with an appointment.”
Kari Molnar focuses her practice on family law issues, which include, but are not limited to, the following: • Divorce • Spousal Support/ Alimony • Annulments • Child Custody • Relocation
• Child Support • Termination of Parental Rights • Grandparent/Third Party Visitation Rights • Domestic Violence
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PATTI WISE Edward M. Bernstein & Associates 500 S. 4th St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.240.0000 EdBernstein.com
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atti Wise is the managing attorney for Edward M. Bernstein & Associates, handling mass tort and personal injury cases, with an emphasis in brain injuries, catastrophic injuries and pharmaceutical litigation. For almost 20 years, she has concentrated on helping injured Plaintiffs. Wise was trial co-counsel in the Washington v. Teva case, in which a doctor infected patients with Hepatitis by reusing Propofol, which resulted in a $104 million verdict, the seventh largest verdict in the United States for 2011.
“Ever since I was in kindergarten, I wanted to go into law,” she explained. “It was just something I was always interested in. I see the law as exciting and challenging and a chance to assist people who need my help.” Wise obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Wyoming, Phi Beta Kappa, before attending University of Wyoming, College of Law to obtain her Juris Doctorate. As for her specific fields of practice, “I have always been interested in the brain. I have had some great mentors and neuropsychologists give me background in handling my cases involving brain injuries.” In addition, Wise explains, “Psychology can give a broad base on how to deal with and relate to people. We have psychologists who will come in and help injured Plaintiffs in coping with their injuries.”
“Wise has been selected as one of Nevada’s Top 100 Trial Attorneys since 2007...”
She is proud of the experience and reputation of her firm, Edward M. Bernstein & Associates. Ed Bernstein has been practicing for almost 40 years, and the firm has a good reputation in Southern Nevada with prior clients, doctors, judges and other attorneys who don’t practice in the field of personal injury. Wise has also been selected as one of Nevada’s Top 100 Trial Attorneys since 2007 to present by the American Trial Lawyers Association.
She encourages women to consider a career in the legal field. “There are all kinds of fields to specialize in specific to women. When I started in town almost 20 years ago, there weren’t many women as managing attorneys. The larger law firms were mainly managed by men, but Ed gave me the opportunity, when I first started to work for him, to advance in the leadership of the firm. Today, there are more management positions available to women.” As Managing Attorney, Wise oversees all legal facets of the firm, supervises all legal assistants and attorneys who work at the firm, audits cases, mentors younger attorneys and makes certain that all legal aspects of each case are being handled correctly. Wise is a member of the Nevada State Bar, American Trial Lawyers Association and Nevada Justice Association, as a sustaining member. She teaches continuing legal education courses to various lawyer groups and gives back to the community as a court-appointed arbitrator for Clark County, where she acts as a judge on cases worth less than $50,000. Wise is active in her church and volunteers for her 9-year-old daughter Savannah’s Girl Scout troop.
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EDUCATE
5
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CONSIDERING DIVORCE BY SHANNON R. WILSON, ATTORNEY
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ivorce is a topic no one really wants to contemplate, even when it feels inevitable. Worse still is when out of the blue you have been served papers and you realize your spouse has been contemplating divorce, but you have not. If you are in either camp, this article seeks to provide you with some things to help make a difficult situation somewhat less so. FIRST, knowing one’s legal rights and obligations and understanding the process can go a long way to removing dread and fear from divorce. I am continually surprised by the misinformation that circulates. Friends and family are not a substitute for the counsel of a family lawyer. If you are divorcing in Clark County, the Eighth Judicial District Court website has good information about divorce and self-help resources for those who decide to represent themselves, but should you represent yourself? SECOND, consider whether you need a lawyer. Divorce can be expensive–not getting it wrong can be even more expensive. Not just in terms of money, but in terms of rights with respect to one’s children. A lawyer can help you see your case through the eyes of a judge, and that can help guide your actions to give you the best possible outcome. Everyone
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considering divorce should consult with an attorney to ensure they understand their rights and obligations and discover whether they need legal representation. THIRD, find a lawyer who is right for you. In this regard, consider that this is a person you will be working with for a few months, at least. Is this a person to whom you can disclose your most personal information? Have they handled cases like yours previously? Have they tried cases? Will they be the attorney working your case, or will they give it to an associate or paralegal? Your lawyer need not be your best friend, but she must be someone in whom you have confidence to represent you both efficiently and effectively. FOURTH, what adjunct professionals do you need to help you through a divorce? If your divorce involves complex assets, debts or tax issues, then accountants, business valuators or actuaries are often useful and sometimes necessary to fully evaluate and prove your case. If there is excessive debt, then maybe a bankruptcy consult is needed. Therapists can be a valuable resource before, during and post-divorce. Parents divorcing in Clark County must take a seminar for separating parents, but additional resources can help you to help your kids through the transition.
FIFTH, consider that you will be ok. This article is light on the law, but generally speaking, the law is designed to be equitable. Nevada is a community property state, which means in most cases, assets and debts acquired during the marriage will be divided equally. However, if one party has substantially more income than the other, then there are laws the Court can use to make that situation more equitable. With respect to children, the modern trend is for parents to share time equally unless they agree otherwise or there is a compelling reason in the best interest of the children for one parent to have primary custody. Child support is based on a formula, and a lawyer can help you make the calculation. You have enough to consider without worrying whether you and your children will be ok if you decide to pursue, or have been forced into, a divorce. Talking with a lawyer can help you understand the likely outcomes and leave you free to focus on your future. Shannon R. Wilson is an attorney with Hutchison & Steffen and a member of the Firm’s Litigation Department. Her practice includes a full spectrum of family law services. She may be contacted at swilson@hutchlegal.com or 702.385.2500.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
PROFILES
REAL ESTATE AGENTS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA ccording to the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors, sales of homes increased overall from 2014, and this is great news for the realtors profiled. Along with sales, services include property management and helping potential real estate investors. Luxury is a part of the Las Vegas landscape, and luxury real estate is offered by an exclusive team trained for this segment of the market. This is also their community, and these realtors give back both personally and professionally. In fact, some of the real estate professionals profiled have called Southern Nevada home since the 1970s and 80s. Whether buying, selling, downsizing or expanding, these realtors understand Las Vegas real estate and their clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs.
RANDY CHAR
DAWN HOULF
JENNI McKENNA
CHAR LUXURY REAL ESTATE
EXIT REALTY NUMBER ONE
THE McKENNA TEAM
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CHAR LUXURY REAL ESTATE Char Luxury Real Estate 410 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 180 Las Vegas, NV. 89145 702.750.1092 charluxury.com
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har Luxury Real Estate is more than a real estate company selling high-end residences. It is a way of life that creates a cutting edge trend with a high power staff and innovative ideas on buying and selling real estate. It is a team effort, not a group of independent agents, with the same vision and a wide range of expertise.
RANDY CHAR, broker and president, has over 20 years as a leader in the industry, serving as president of the Asian Real Estate Association of America and AREAA Luxury National Chair. He has closed over $200 million dollars in sales at One Queensridge Place, one of Las Vegas’ most exclusive properties. Another key member is Marketing Director STEPHANIE MCGERTY. She has over a decade of experience in homebuilding, both in sales and marketing. In her current position, McGerty is responsible for interface with the marketing agency and the day-to-day marketing operations. McGerty understands real estate and marketing and has progressive ideas. Known for her enthusiasm for events, McGerty has taken events to the next level, partnering with celebrities and the world’s most exclusive brands. “We’ve had remarkable success through events resulting in sales, enhanced brand exposure and have raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities,” she said. “There is nothing better than creating a memorable and unique experience to share and enjoy while leaving an impression and making an impact.” SABRINA CHAPMAN is a luxury real estate specialist and brings a diverse, client-focused skill set to the team. Chapman has a public relations background with luxury brands and celebrity clientele, all of which translate to taking the utmost care and service in real estate client relations. “We approach real estate in a creative way. It’s exciting to brainstorm and implement concepts that work with our spheres of influence and various backgrounds to come up with solutions that are reciprocal and keep us on the cutting edge of the real estate market.” She
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also has a journalism background covering luxury lifestyle, so she is able to capture the beauty of the team’s homes in compelling descriptions to attract discerning buyers. Also with over two decades of home building experience, SHELLY STRAIT’S experience is as a real estate specialist. Strait truly understands how to connect and communicate with clients. She knows the intricacies of new home and luxury residence sales as a personable professional. Working with Strait in the past, Char recruited her for Char Luxury Real Estate. “One of the best things about the Char Luxury team is the level of empowerment and encouragement from Randy’s recognition of our skills. Not only do clients receive a unique experience but we’re each doing what we love and are passionate about,” she explained. As part of the experience, the newly formed boutique real estate lounge Char Luxury, located at Tivoli Village, showcases the properties in upscale surroundings. The team partnered with The Private Bank by Nevada State Bank to throw a series of grand opening parties. Char Luxury Real Estate is a vital part of the community giving back. With each luxury sale, $500 is donated to a charity or nonprofit organization with a check being distributed weekly including Three Square Food Bank, American Cancer Society and Easter Seals. The team recently participated in the After-School All-Stars charity Dodgeball Tournament. Char Luxury Real Estate is comprised of team members, luxurious properties and a heart for its community.
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s a resident of Las Vegas since 1978, Dawn Houlf has almost 30 years’ experience in sales, negotiating, marketing and customer service. She is a Realtor, real estate coach and advisor. Her portfolio consists of single family, multi-family and commercial/ industrial properties in various states. Houlf dedicates her skills, knowledge and expertise into assisting her clients with the purchase of real estate, whether it is a first property as an owner and/or occupant, first time investor, seller or experienced investor.
DAWN HOULF EXIT Realty Number One 7495 W. Azure Drive, Suite 206 Las Vegas, NV 89130 702.236.6266 exitrealtynumberone.com dawnhoulf.com
As a Realtor, she can assist people in buying and selling property, but “I take it to the next level,” she said. “I coach individual buyers and sellers on how and what they need to do with their property,” she explained. “If they are selling, I want to know why they are selling, if they downsizing or upsizing and what their exit strategy is after they sell. “If they are buying the property, I work with my clients to make certain they won’t be upside down years from now and can remain financially stable owning the property they are going to purchase.” Houlf purchased her first piece of property—a HUD repo—at the age of 19 as an investor and fell in love with the real estate industry. Along with investments in real estate, she owned and operated a number of businesses, at one point operating in three states and employing over 80 employees. “When I sold the last business in 2007 and after my divorce, I took some time off to see what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I didn’t want to start another company. I wanted to work and make money,” Houlf said. She will admit that she was pushed into becoming a Realtor after a series of events. Houlf worked in direct marketing, and after two years as a trainer, she felt she was working too hard with not enough return. The person who first introduced her to direct marketing was a Realtor and wanted Houlf to become a real estate agent. Houlf was adamant that she was not interested. He would call her frequently for over six months to persuade her to change her mind.
Houlf purchased her first piece of property—a HUD repo—at the age of 19 as an investor and fell in love with the real estate industry
Houlf investigated five potential career choices, but none of them were a fit. The Realtor who wanted to recruit Houlf offered to pay for her real estate school. It was late 2009, and Houlf reluctantly agreed to revisit the idea at the beginning at 2010. A week later, she received an email that he had enrolled her into training for her real estate license. She attended and passed both tests the first time (with a first-time failure rate of 96 percent). Houlf has since thrived as a Realtor and loves her career. Personally, Houlf enjoys spending time with her golden retriever, Simba, and Labradoodle, Turbo. She is active with her Little Sister as part of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization and is also a group leader for Canyon Ridge Christian Church.
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Academic Corporate Council members support UNLV through Annual Fund gifts of $5000 or more. Above Marketing Group Anthem Periodontics & Dental Implants Arnold Palmer Golf Management BACKBAR USA Bank of America Nevada Barrick Gold of North America BNY Mellon Wealth Management Boyd Gaming Cashman Equipment Company CB Richard Ellis CenturyLink The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Command Global CORE Construction The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Cox Communications Credit One Bank Desert Cab Dignity Health Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar Fleming’s Steakhouse (Town Square) Fogo de Chão Las Vegas Four Queens Hotel & Casino
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For more information, please contact the Annual Giving team at 702-895-2838 or visit us at foundation.unlv.edu 82
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PepsiCo.,Inc. The Platinum Hotel and Spa Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Reagan Outdoor Advertising Real Water Republic Services of Southern Nevada S3H, Inc. Sam’s Club SH Architecture SLS Las Vegas Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada Southwest Airlines Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging Centers Thomas & Mack Company USAA Savings Bank Vintner Grill The Vista Group Wells Fargo Foundation Western States Contracting Wirtz Beverage Nevada Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group Yokel Local Internet Marketing, Inc
W
hile Las Vegas native Jenni McKenna was growing up, she witnessed her father Tim’s success in real estate and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Along with her husband, Max, Jenni is part of The McKenna Team and McKenna Property Management.
Her father started over 30 years ago and has managed over six real estate offices as well as served as the president of Prudential Southwest Realty and broker for multiple companies. When Jenni came to work for her father, they built a successful father-daugther real estate team in 10 years. The McKenna Team sells residential real estate focusing on excellent customer service and loyalty. In 2005, Jenni turned her focus and energies to creating and operating a successful property management company. “I spend most of my time working with McKenna Property Management,” she explained. “In 2005, Dad and I were brainstorming, and we saw that the market was going to make a big shift. We wanted to be prepared for it. We had a number of investors who were asking for good customer service in a property management company. We felt we could take the skills we learned in real estate and create this business. We grew from 25 properties to 1,047 properties.” Clients came primarily by referral. Excellent customer service is Jenni’s absolute No. 1 priority with her businesses. Before going into business, Jenni was a professional ice skater and represented Nevada when competing. When she graduated from Valley High School, “Disney On Ice” recruited her for a three-year tour. While on the road, Jenni took correspondence courses to learn about business and real estate. When she returned home, her father put her to work immediately. She is the mother of two teenaged daughters and one son. Her oldest daughter will graduate from high school this year and will be attending University of Nevada, Las Vegas. They were part of Jenni’s motivation to be positive in everything she does. “I wanted my girls to have someone they could look up to and see that they could run a successful business and still have everything else,” she explained. “It has been a priority of mine to not only give everything I can to my clients, but also to be a mom. We attend all of the soccer games and all of the theater performances. Anything going on with my children, I am there. I did this by setting up a company with phenomenal team members, so if I have to go do something, I have a team that can step in and take care of my clients in the same way I would, and everyone is happy.” Jenni’s daughter Irelynn has expressed a very strong interest to join her family in the business and even take over her mother’s position. “While it will be a long time before she can take over, this makes me very happy as a mom.”
JENNI McKENNA The McKenna Team McKenna Property Management 9065 S. Pecos Road #110 Henderson, NV 89074 702.434.HOME (4663) 702.939.0073 (fax) Jenni@McKennaTeam.com McKennaTeam.com McKennaPropertyManagement.com
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A new home and lifestyle at Cadence From the perspective of Jodi Gilliland, wife and mother of two, a new home and lifestyle at Cadence in Henderson ultimately turned out to be exactly what she and her husband Eric had in mind for their family, even before they knew it. Currently, Cadence features model homes from Woodside “When we began shopping for a new home, we thought having a big back yard was the most important thing on our ‘must have’ list. With two young children – a safe place for them to play was definitely something we had to consider,” said Jodi. “When we toured the models and explored the beautiful central park at Cadence, the need for our own back yard (and all of the landscaping and upkeep) quickly dissolved.” “We are already spending a lot of time out at the park, even while our home is under construction. We have watched Cadence grow from just flat land to the build out of the park and the build out of the model homes. It is exciting to be a part of the community from the very beginning.” The Gillilands purchased their new home from Woodside Homes, who offer a casita option – an appealing feature as Jodi’s father will be living with the family. “The casita gives my father his own space, but keeps him nearby so we can all spend time together as a family.” “We are looking forward to moving into our new home later this year. I can already picture Eric and I sitting on our front porch watching the sunset and taking in the view of The Strip. And to be able to walk 10 feet to get to the park to play with our kids – I can’t wait!”
Homes and Ryland Homes. Later this year, Richmond American Homes plans to complete and open its own models. Heritage by Lennar, an active adult community featuring a 20,000-square-foot recreation center, also is planned for Cadence. In total, Cadence will feature more than 13,200 homes and 450 acres of open spaces, including trails that interconnect to regional trails such as the Las Vegas Wash Trail and the River Mountain Loop Trail. The community will feature a 100-acre sports park, free Wi-Fi in the public parks and the areas only free residential bike-share program. Another focal point of Cadence is its 50-acre Central Park that will be a welcome gathering place for residents and their guests. Cadence is only minutes from the Galleria Mall at Sunset, The District at Green Valley Ranch, Cowabunga Bay Water Park, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals and several retail centers and restaurants. Located in Henderson off Lake Mead Parkway just east of Warm Springs Road, the community is easily accessible via U.S. 95 by exiting Lake Mead Parkway east or exiting Galleria Drive east. From 215-E, stay on 215-E until the road becomes Lake Mead Parkway East and continue past Warm Springs Road to Sunset Road. For additional information about Cadence, visit www.cadencenv.com or call the Home Finding Center at 702-558-9366. You can also follow Cadence on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cadenceNV, on Twitter @CadenceNV or on Instagram @Cadence_NV.
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To learn more about The Rogers Foundation and our legacy project, visit: TheRogers.Foundation
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Alisa
SIGMAN GROWS HER BUSINESS EMPIRE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION n the past year, Alisa Sigman has changed both her personal and professional life in a big way. She is ready for the challenge of change and the joy of fulfilling new dreams.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Sigman moved to Las Vegas 19 years ago and immediately recognized the growing need for not only home health care, but also other non-medical services. From the beginning, whether it was with Integrity Home Health Services or the businesses she runs now, Sigman has had one goal. “My passion is taking care of people. When I started the home health agency, I had worked for other private owners of home health and hospice companies in Las Vegas, and I felt they didn’t give back to their employees or treat their patients
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like they were part of the family. I was very motivated to address these needs when I started Integrity,” she explained.
“I knew that with my common sense and strong work ethic, I could help provide services that were either lacking or in drastically short supply. I work until the job is done. Often, that means working very long hours, but it is worth it.” While she does not have any formal education in health care, Sigman learned along the way and always surrounded herself with the best staff. On Sept. 1, 2004, she mortgaged her home to begin Integrity Home Health Services as a startup business. Integrity celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2014. In March of this year, she sold the business to Encompass Home Health, which
operates over 140 home health agencies nationwide.
“Part of the reason I sold Integrity was because I knew I could only take the business to a certain level. With the sale, I know Integrity will continue to be a legacy in the community. We have established ourselves as a name brand for the quality of care we provide. The only way to take it to the next level was to go corporate. I was very proud that Encompass wanted to purchase our company. Encompass has been consistently ranked by various polls of employees as one of the best companies to work for. They have locations in numerous states. But what I like best about them is that they don’t call their home office corporate. Instead, they call it home base. Also, better benefits can be offered to the staff.”
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My passion is taki The deal was very profitable for Sigman, but she is not content to just relax. Sigman is an entrepreneur and owns other businesses, which include Watch Me Grow (watchmegrowlv.com). Watch Me Grow celebrated its sixth year of operation in March. The company provides child care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years Currently 185 children are enrolled in the center with licensing for 248.
WMG still remains a family business, with Sigman’s sister-in-law running the business and her niece and nephew enrolled in the program. Her son Tyler is the head cook at the facility. Her brother remained with Integrity Home Health Care as administrator, as did her son Ryan, daughter, Danielle, and mother, Diane. Sigman is passionate about the care of children. “I am very proud that my sisterin-law and I provide hands-on care for the children every single day. The children are there five days a week spending more time with us than with their parents, and we need to treat them like part of the family, just like we did for the home health agency.” Sigman is very close to her family, which brought her to Southern Nevada. Her aunt and uncle were the first to move to Las Vegas 30 years ago, followed by her grandparents, her mother and then her immediate family, including three children. “My daughter graduated from UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, and she is going to continue with physical therapy
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training so she can become a physical therapist. She lives in Austin (Texas) right now and is very happy. She is also a certified coder and has worked for me at Integrity for quite some time,” Sigman said with pride.
Speaking about her children also brings her joy. Her son Ryan, with an associates degree in liberal arts, “continues to work for Integrity as the human resource manager and was my right hand in helping me operate the business. He helped run the agency when I owned it.” “My son Tyler works at Watch Me Grow as the head cook. He prepares all of the kids’ meals. His 5-yearold cousin, my nephew Jase, loves that his cousin Tyler cooks his lunch for him every day.” Sigman got involved with a second business last year as part of a group called NLVG LLC. The group is entering into a new business area known as Medical Marijuana Establishment, or MME. “The group applied for licenses in the city of North Las Vegas for a dispensary, cultivation and infusion business. We were approved for cultivation, so we purchased a property in Apex (Nev.) I met with the mayor of North Las Vegas, John Lee, numerous times before we bought that land. We are currently working on building our structure so we can cultivate medical marijuana,” she said. The main reason she got involved with this business was to take care of people with medical marijuana. “Most of my family has passed away from being sick, and cancer runs in my family. Three years ago, my aunt, who was like a second mother to me, was diagnosed with cancer. She was given about a year to live.” Sigman moved her aunt into a condo, and she and her family took care of her. “During that time, she didn’t want to eat and was miserable. I knew medical marijuana might alleviate some of her symptoms. IShe didn’t know anything about making pot brownies. When she looked into it, she learned how to bake them and it was the only thing that helped her. She wasn’t as emotional, it improved her appetite and she began to enjoy life again. Working in home health care, I witnessed so many patients who were ill and benefited from using medical marijuana. Medical marijuana isn’t only indicated for cancer patients, but it also has proven benefits for many other diseases. I am a big fan of making marijuana legal in all 50
ing care of people. states. I want it regulated so that people who are ill can have access to this medicine, whether it is just getting some much needed sleep or making them comfortable on their last days. In simple terms, it can help them enjoy their lives.” On a more personal level, after 26 years of marriage, she got a divorce. “My ex-husband and I are still best friends,” she said. “I was 15 when I met him, and we grew up together. We got married when I was 21, but things change. We are both very happy now.” With all of the changes that have happened in her life, Sigman now has the time to start giving back to her community. “I want to lobby for issues that are important to me, such as the legalization of marijuana. I don’t smoke it personally, but I want to educate people about the benefits of medical marijuana. It can be relaxing and help with sleep. Studies have shown it is not a gateway drug to the use of harder drugs but, like alcohol, it must be used responsibly.”
“I was blessed with Integrity and Watch Me Grow. Not only did I have employees who wanted to work for me, but they were also people I could call friends. Many stayed with me for the entire time I owned Integrity and others were with me seven to eight years. They believed in what I was doing. It isn’t about the money. It’s more about doing the right thing. Selling the company was difficult, but it was the right thing to do. I knew the employees would have the opportunity for better benefits that I could never provide being a small business owner.”
I am very proud that we provide hands-on care for the children every single day...
She is also involved with the politics in Southern Nevada. To date, her efforts have focused on organizing and contributing to fundraisers for different political candidates. One of her aspirations is to someday enter into politics, but she is taking time to evaluate what her future may hold. She has not ruled out the idea of possibly running for political office. Sigman is also looking forward to enjoying vacations and traveling more. “But I don’t know that I will ever stop working,” she admitted. “I love living in Las Vegas. It is a 24-hour town and I really love that.”
She loves being an entrepreneur. “Any business I do, I want to do the very best I can. All businesses are the same. Owning a business, particularly a startup business, is very stressful, especially the dayto-day operations. It is very hard to keep money in the bank and budget unexpected expenses. There is also keeping staff, clients and vendors happy. I have often said, the job that is the least appreciated belongs to the owner. Nobody ever goes to the owner and tells them what a great job they are doing, but the owner is expected to praise the employees.” Still, Sigman would not have it any other way. Alisa Sigman is blessed with family, friends and thriving businesses and is now looking toward the future. Her ideas on creating a better life by working diligently and using common sense to achieve goals have proven to be a philosophy for success. She wants women (and men), regardless of their background and education, to realize that they can accomplish anything as long as they are wiling to work for it.
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EDUCATE
HENDERSON HYUNDAI SUPERSTORE
FemaleSALES TEAM
AT THE FOREFRONT OF INTERNET SALES
T
he sales staff at Henderson Hyundai Superstore understands that purchasing a vehicle is a big investment. Their goal is to make the experience easy and enjoyable. They also understand that technology and innovation are important factors when it comes to a car purchasing experience. A recent Kelley Blue Book study examined car shopping and buying by gender. According to the study, women, more than men, seek out the opinions of others including family, friends, online reviews and comments on social media sites. When it comes to cars, women are doing more research online leading to purchasing decisions. Henderson Hyundai has taken note and hired two females to lead their Internet sales department. Nicole Harrison, Internet sales manager, has been with the company for five years. “I was greatly influenced by my mother who was in upper management at an auto dealership for many years. She was my strong female role model, so when the opportunity came to work at Henderson Hyundai, I knew I was up for the challenge.” “Auto sales across the valley pose strong competition,” she said. “However, our vehicles practically sell themselves. Our customer service, combined with the competitive prices, features and the incentives we offer are what keeps our customers coming back.”
When it comes to working with customers, “Women trust me. We speak the same
BY DEBBIE HALL
language and I can explain the differences in the Hyundai models and make the entire process easier for them.” Josephine Gentry, Internet director, also works in sales. “I am a people person. I enjoy making people happy by helping them achieve what they are looking for in a car for their family. It pays off because I get referrals and people come back based on how I treat them.”
When it comes to cars, women are doing more research online leading to purchasing decisions.
Working in sales since she was a teenager, Gentry established her sales career in the automobile industry in Arizona. Gentry moved to Las Vegas and has been with Henderson Hyundai for five years. “This is my calling and I love it. I enjoy working here and consider everyone here family, which is hard to find nowadays.” According to Gentry, “I find that many customers are surprised that I’m not only knowledgeable but that I have a passion for this industry.”
Harrison agreed “it is awesome working for Henderson Hyundai Superstore. They have provided me with many opportunities to grow. At the end of the day, my job is selling cars. Our owner, Frank Maione, has made it clear that my No. 1 priority is listening to what customers want and helping them find the perfect car for their needs.” The Genesis and Sonata have been the most popular because of their new redesigned models. Most recently, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata was named Best Midsize Car for Families by U.S. News & World Report. The accolades in the crowded midsize sedan segment are awarded for surpassing the needs and wants of owners with its spaciousness, cargo volume and family friendly features. Henderson Hyundai Superstore is rated No. 1 Hyundai Dealer in Nevada by DealerRater three years in a row. Henderson Hyundai Superstore is the only dealership in Southern Nevada that offers its customers free lifetime oil changes with free lifetime car washes with each new Hyundai purchase and free lifetime powertrain protection with all pre-owned vehicle purchases. There are also free truck rentals two times per year and free lifetime powertrain protection with all pre-owned vehicles. Hyundai models include Accent, Azera, Elantra, Genesis, Equus, Santa Fe and Sonata. Henderson Hyundai is located at 460 N. Boulder Highway in Henderson. For more information, call 702.565.1500, visit hendersonhyundai.com and follow Henderson Hyundai on Facebook, @HendersonHyund1 on Twitter and @HendersonHyundai on Instagram.
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INSPIRE
Females
Fearless
BY DEBBIE HALL
earless Females break down barriers, excel in their chosen profession and set an example for the women of Southern Nevada and the world. One Fearless Female changed careers and became the only female commercial construction superintendent. Another Fearless Female, raised in Nevada, developed her motor sports broadcasting career when she realized no other women were involved in the field in this capacity. Finally, one Fearless Female, a native Las Vegan, combined her expertise with sales and business to get the message out for her clients. All three of these innovative, determined women demonstrate the power of being Fearless.
Sharry Quillin
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Jamie Little
Amy Brissette
orn and raised in Las Vegas, Sharry Quillin has always loved this city. As an entrepreneur at an early age, Quillin discovered she had a knack for business and a gift of selling. Now media specialist and CFO of Quillin Advertising, Public Relations and Social Media, she married into the advertising business. “I met my advertising guru husband, Tim, and joined forces with him in his agency in 1999 as media director. I was responsible for planning and placing millions of dollars in national and local media. This was a natural fit for me as I continuously looked for ways to increase returns for the clients.”
Females Fearless
Sharry Quillin
Spreading the word through media
He later sold it, and “Together we opened Q ad|pr in 2003, and as the saying goes, the rest is fantastic history.” Quillin Advertising, Public Relations and Social Media works with clients across multiple industries including financial, automotive, health care, housing, retail, fashion, architecture, law and nonprofit. At the age of 17, she started in the insurance industry and opened her own insurance agency at the age of 19, which provided property, casualty, life and health insurance. She sold the agency in 1996 after 15 years in business and then worked full time for Rapport Leadership Training as the national sales director. As the first woman in this role, Quillin was charged with launching various Rapport classes throughout the country. She credits both parents for her success today. Quillin looked to her father, Harry Skalla, for inspiring her professionally. “He was a successful agent and manager for Farmers Insurance. I witnessed how he directly helped people through difficult times in their lives by protecting them with coverages he sincerely believed they needed. I knew it was an industry that would allow me to work with people while providing me the opportunity to grow and prosper along with our valley’s population.”
working among the upper management of male-dominated corporate structures and taught me to acquire the skills and confidence I needed to remain independent yet employable. At the same time, she taught me to always give back to the community that I live and work in.” A true philanthropist and avid proponent of community involvement, she volunteers her time and serves on a variety of boards and nonprofit organizations. Quillin is a member of the United Way Women’s Council, Woman’s Club of Summerlin and a past member of the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red. She is also a past board member of the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and supporter of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, Senior Law Program, Lied Animal Foundation, Heaven Can Wait and the American Lung Association. “As a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, I had a unique perspective on the city and the businesses that existed outside of gaming. It allowed me to find a niche that I believed interacted with the entire business community,” she explained. Quillin’s fun-loving persona is one that she cherishes and nurtures daily. “I love that I’m known as a boisterous personality! I’m an avid dog lover, I enjoy spending time with my four dachshunds, gardening and enjoying a false sense of my horticultural talents. My family means the world to me, and I love my family time.” Quillin is also obsessed with the advertising industry and the many marketing trends taking place on an everchanging basis. “I strive to be forwardthinking and invest greatly in ongoing education for our employees at Quillin. My motto is, ‘If you’re not in a state of growth, you’re in a state of decay.’” Sharry Quillin manages innovation in her business, personal life and Southern Nevada as a true Fearless Female.
Quillin also gained inspirational lessons early on from her mother, Estelle MacAlister, which she later applied to her own career. “My mother blazed trails
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INSPIRE
eteran motor sports reporter Jamie Little joined FOX NASCAR for its 15th season, bringing 13 years of broadcasting experience and a lifetime of racing knowledge to her pit reporting duties in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series. Her assignments also include select additional races and special events throughout the year. Prior to joining FOX, Little spent 13 years at ESPN/ABC as a reporter for NASCAR IndyCar Series, Winter X Games and Summer X Games telecasts. Her television career began in 2002 as a reporter for ESPN immediately following graduation from college. She also has worked for SPEED, NBC and TNN.
Females Fearless
Jamie Little
Motor sports are her passion and work
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Little grew up first in Lake Tahoe, Nev., where her mother performed as a showgirl. At the age of 12, the family moved to Las Vegas, and her mother transitioned into a new career in retail jewelry. Being raised by a single mom, “She taught me the value of hard work and being able to do anything I wanted to do. “After moving to Las Vegas, I met Carey Hart (freestyle motocross, motorcycle racer and off-road truck racer), and he introduced me to Supercross racing,” she explained “I loved it. I was the girl in Green Valley High School that would show up with my dirt bike rider magazines. I had a love for anything with a motor. I loved the sport and what the athletes were all about. But I also saw there were no women who covered this sport, only models in the magazines. I wanted to be a woman with a voice, and this inspired me to create a new role for myself.” While still in college, she reported on various motor sports for ESPN2 and also served as a live announcer in Supercross. Little graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism. In 2002, her first live national broadcasting debut was covering a variety of motor sports
events for FOX Sports’ SPEED including the network’s live coverage of Daytona Supercross. Little was the first female pit reporter for the television broadcast of the Indianapolis 500, the first female to cover a televised Supercross and Motocross event and one of the first female reporters in X Games history. Little has covered 11 IIndianapolis 500s, eight Brickyard 400s and hosted a variety of non-racing sporting events ranging from Paintball Championships to the Great Outdoor Games, in addition to live announcing roles in Motocross and Supercross. As for others who inspired Little, “I look up to Savannah Guthrie (journalist and attorney for NBC News) and Katie Couric. These women who are just so strong, so good at their jobs, so intelligent with their viewers, have fun while they are doing it, and it shows.” As one of the first women who has covered racing, Little is thrilled to see a new generation of women who want to cover racing. “They love racing and want to do what I do as a career. I get emails from young girls asking me for help and guidance.” Little serves on the board of Speedway Children’s Charities “to help the children of this community. In 2014, we donated $150,000 to various organizations that help children.” In 2013, she released her first book, “Essential Car Care for Women,” and she has worked the red carpet for the ESPYs, in addition to hosting numerous NASCAR events away from the track. The popular racing video game “MX World Tour Featuring Jamie Little” bears her name and likeness. She also appeared in feature films, “Fantastic Four” and “Supercross the Movie” starring Channing Tatum. Living in Las Vegas, Little is married and the mother of a young son. With her many firsts in motor sports broadcasting, Jamie Little is truly a Fearless Female.
s the economy improves and the construction is starting to grow again, Amy Brissette remains the only female commercial construction superintendent working in the Southern Nevada region. Spending 18 years in the male-dominated industry, she has earned the respect and admiration of all the men she supervises on the job sites she manages.
take an old, run-down structure and make it new again. “She inspired me to want to work outside in 115-degree heat, while managing subcontractors to step up their game, while working on 10 other issues all because she said I could. I will forever to grateful to Michele. I’m not sure if she was intentional about what she was doing or if it was by chance and necessity, but she created Amy Brissette, field superintendent.”
Originally from Michigan, Brissette was raised in a small town in Indiana. Joining the Marine Corp ROTC in high school, she became a certified nursing assistant.
Although she has been a mentor to young women in other areas, “I’ve not yet had the opportunity to mentor a woman in construction,” Brissette explained. “This is because there are no women in construction working at the level I risen to, but there should be. This town is in the middle of an economic turnaround, and there are more and more construction jobs created each day. I want to be an inspiration to those women who want to work in the construction field. I want them to know it is possible. It’s a great business as long as you are comfortable bossing men around!”
“When I was in high school, I really wanted to become a nurse, but working in the field made me realize it might not be for me—it was just too sad. My family had moved to Las Vegas by this time, and I was offered an opportunity to work for a construction company as a secretary in their office, and this is where my true career began. After a short time as a secretary, I was promoted to the owners’ personal assistant, where I learned a lot about the business—especially subcontractor contracts,” she explained.
Amy Brissette Proudly working in the construction industry
Brissette worked her way to superintendent, but when she was looking for a job, “I sent my resume to every general contractor in town, and I couldn’t even get an interview. Some people even laughed at me when I told them I was a qualified superintendent. I called persistently and was hung up on for months.” She stepped back and took a job in billing at TWC Construction. “Then one day, it finally happened. Matt Ryba, TWC’s CEO, and his partner, Mark Wilmer, vice president of construction, gave me a chance in the field. I am currently a field superintendent/ project manager for TWC Construction, where I work on building many projects for a variety of clients.”
Brissette also serves as a trustee on the board of The Shade Tree shelter. As a board member, she is on the facilities committee, which is very important work because the Shelter is home to, on average, 350 people a night. As a single mother of a 20-year-old daughter, who is the love of her life, Brissette is also very thankful to TWC Construction. “I was given the opportunity to grow and learn from some really great men, and I don’t take that for granted. There wasn’t a company in town that would give me a chance as a woman superintendent in the construction field, except for them, and now they wish they had more.” Amy Brissette breaks the mold in construction, helps families and is truly a Fearless Female.
Her mentor is Michele Robbins (formerly Stalk) who taught Brissette how to construct a building from the ground up, as well as
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INSPIRE
T he Las Vegas
METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HELPS MEMBERS BUILD THEIR BUSINESSES
M
aximizing time and resources is important to running any successful business. That’s why the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce unveiled several new membership benefits to help members worry less and save more.
new ROI Calculator on its website will show the bottom-line benefit. By plugging in a few numbers, members can see in just moments how membership in the Metro Chamber delivers a significant return on investment.
Whether a business professional is a startup entrepreneur, a business owner looking for the resources to expand, an established firm looking for new leads in the community or part of a large company seeking more opportunities to interact, the Metro Chamber is there for its clients, their businesses and employees. Membership in the Metro Chamber helps members reduce costs on everyday business expenses. Members can save up to 30 percent on shipping through UPS, 30 percent on Dell computers and tablets and up to 60 percent at Office Depot on everything from copy and print services to everyday office supplies, furniture and environmentally friendly products. Other perks include discounts through Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental, business services from Cox Communications and protection for a business through a special partnership with LegalShield. The Metro Chamber is here to protect members’ business investments with special, membersonly pricing on workers’ compensation through AmTrust Financial Services and competitive dental and vision benefits from SecureCare. The savings add up quickly. The Chamber’s
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The Metro Chamber also gives members brand market exposure and connections to potential new customers. Its new marketing packages give cost-effective opportunities to strategically place a brand in front of potential new customers through trade show exhibit booths, sponsorship, advertising and other types of exposure. The Chamber is here to enhance business by offering a new, SEO-friendly member directory listing where members can post discounts and offers, upload social media links, post a video
and picture and receive messages from those potential customers interested in contacting a member’s business. Savings come in many forms, and while the Metro Chamber is here to help, it is also here to offer incentives for spreading the word about membership. Through the Metro Chamber’s new referral program, members can get a $100 credit toward their annual renewal amount each time they refer a business that signs up at any level, up to the amount of their membership renewal. These new benefits enhance the fact that there is no other business organization in Nevada that does what the Metro Chamber does for its members. It offers daily government representation at all levels of government and gives members a well-rounded experience, from networking and relationship building to employee benefits and educational opportunities. The new perks, discounts and benefits are here to give member businesses more opportunities to connect to the community and save on the bottom line. The Metro Chamber is here for the business owners of Southern Nevada, helping them get connected to the community, customers and cost savings. Time is money. Creating a healthy business environment and providing resources to help members succeed is what the Chamber does. Take advantage of the new benefits, perks and discounts the Metro Chamber has to help a business thrive. For more information, call 702.641.5822 or visit LVChamber.com.
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LocalLADIES INSPIRE
Achievement. Motivation. Growth.
Monique Daniels is a retention sales manager at Cox Business. The Las Vegas native joined Cox as a call center representative on public assistance in May 2004 and has since climbed the ladder of success, now managing a team of Inside and Outside Retention Sales Representatives: Her team ranked second best among all Cox markets in 2014. She is not only dedicated to her career and three children, but also involved in her community, where she hopes to serve as an inspiration for young women.
Tara Cadena, middle school math teacher at Henderson International School, spearheaded a successful recycling program at the school. Encouraging student involvement by inviting them to bring used chip bags and juice boxes to class, Cadena sent these items to TerraCycle, an organization that uses waste to create affordable, green products such as backpacks, pencil cases and playgrounds. This experience helped her students take a hands-on approach to learning while also giving back.
Stephanie Sivertson is the new chief financial officer for Lee’s Discount Liquor. Her responsibilities include providing leadership and continuous evaluation of strategic financial objectives for the 17 retail locations and corporation. She moved to Las Vegas in 1988 and received her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and her M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. She has worked 15 years in the industry, most recently coming from a leading national wholesale distributor for wine, spirits and beer. 100
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Lelia Friedlander owns Las Vegas Window Tinting and TuffSkin Surface Protection. Las Vegas Window Tinting is WBENC certified (a national certification for womanowned businesses), and Friedlander is in the process of getting TuffSkin Surface Protection WBENC certified. She is also active in the Southern Nevada chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners on the membership and corporate partners’ teams and donates to the ASPCA.
Tonya Ruby is the director of sales for Cox Business, where she is responsible for driving continued sales development while leading an organization of mid-market sales professionals. A mother of two, the University of California, Los Angeles graduate is also a member of the board of directors for the YMCA of Southern Nevada and an active member in Women in Cable and Telecommunications as well as a number of national and local volunteer programs.
Kimberly Miles, founder of TPC/HR Payroll, is celebrating 20 years. She has over 25 years’ expertise managing company growth, from startups to national brands with multi-million dollar revenue streams. Miles has partnered with her husband, G Eric Miles, on their first business venture, Miles 2 Go Vegas, a radio show on CBS Las Vegas KXNT 100.5 FM. They are producing a docu-series on her life, “Boss Lady Vegas.”
Gulten Dye has opened GultenDye Jewelry & Accessories with locations to make your own jewelry individually as well as hold parties to make jewelry. She also designs and sells one-of-a-kind pieces for purchase. Other gift items for sale include greeting cards with matching jewelry and the Something Blue, Something New, Something Old jewelry pieces for brides. Dye’s books of poetry are also available for purchase.
Over 30 Bank of America employees participated in Three Square’s Saturday Sort-A-Thon, packing 3,375 pounds of apples to be distributed to those in need. The event was sponsored by the bank’s Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement employee network group. Bank of America employees collectively volunteered more than 10,000 hours in Southern Nevada in 2014.
Calanit Atia, president and founder of A to Z Events and Convention Models Directory, has received two awards in Beauty in Beauty Out and Distinguished Women in Nevada. Her company was selected as the preferred vendor for the recent National Association of Broadcasters convention. She is an Air Force Gulf War veteran and Golden Key Society Member. Atia also volunteers with a number of charities.
The Korte Company welcomes Sallie Doebler to its Las Vegas office. Doebler is a seasoned business development professional with an extensive background in marketing. She has 10 years of experience in business development for construction companies in the Las Vegas market. In addition to overseeing all business development and marketing efforts for commercial contractors, Doebler also established and managed her own construction business development firm in Southern Nevada.
Ava Mucikyan is the founder of Salt Room LV, which recently opened to create a drug-free, holistic experience. Salt Room LV recreates the microclimate of a salt cave, and the spa-like environment in the room creates an area of Zen to depart from the stresses of everyday life while enjoying the health benefits of salt.
Luana DeVol is the general director for Opera Las Vegas and has been appointed as executive director to lead the American Wagner Project, a program partnered with the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices. She also works with the Richard Wagner Society in Washington, D.C. The recently retired international soprano was a principal soloist first in German opera and a guest soloist featured in the operas of Richard Strauss, Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi. She has also served on faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Epicurean CHARITABLE FOUNDATION E
picurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas has selected four Clark County high school students as scholarship recipients for the 2015 class to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas this fall including Sarah Figueroa, Mia Salomon, Benjamin Sison and Anna Tymoshevska. Attending Northwest Career and Technical Academy, Figueroa plans to pursue a degree in hospitality management, with a focus on event planning. Figueroaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to become a manager in the hospitality industry. In addition to participating in the hospitality program at NWCTA, she is a member of DECA and has volunteered at a number of events around the city including the Bridal Spectacular Convention at Cashman Convention Center.
management. She is an active member of DECA as well as a regular volunteer with the MakeA-Wish Foundation and Three Square Food Bank. Salomon intends to join MGM Grandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospitality Internship Program while attending school and enroll in its Management Associate Program after graduation. Her biggest goal is to become one of the top female executives at a resort in Las Vegas.
Salomon is a multi-talented student from Southwest Career and Technical Academy who plans to pursue a degree in hotel
Tymoshevska ranks No. 20 out of 534 students in her class at Basic High School, where she is also a member of DECA and WeRCommunity. Without knowing English, she moved from the Ukraine two years ago and through the multicultural society she participates in, was able to find her passion in hospitality. Tymoshevska will study hospitality management in the fall and hopes to one day take her education and international background into a senior management position with a well-known global corporation.
The Howard Hughes Corporation announced that Jeanie Haddox has been hired as specialty leasing manager for Downtown Summerlin. Haddox joins the leadership team responsible for managing the 106-acre, 1.6 million-square-foot development, which represents the first phase of Downtown Summerlin. In her role as specialty leasing manager, Haddox is responsible for managing all common areas and short-term leasing initiatives.
Chelsea Davis is a laser technician and master esthetician with Surgical Dermatology & Laser Center, where she performs laser dermatology treatments such as chemical peels, skin tag removal, facial rejuvenation treatments, tattoo removal and acne scar treatments. Davis received training through the National Institute of Medical Aesthetics and is NCEA certified. She is also a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery. SUMMER 2015 | W oman m aga zine .V egas
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LocalLADIES Project 150, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high school students in Southern Nevada and Reno, has hired Debbie Harpster as executive director. Harpster brings 12 years of experience working with the local youth nonprofit organizations providing diversity training and anti-bullying programs along with strong relationship building, fund development and program administration skills. She is also a member of the Nevada Homeless Alliance. Terry Barnes is the CPE, LEED Green associate for Grand Canyon Development Partners, a construction and real estate development management company. As a civil engineer and environmental engineer, Barnes works with the company’s projects in real estate development, construction, project and program management services and LEED Certification studies. With over 15 years of experience in residential, commercial and LEED projects, Barnes leads the Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino project for the company. Her project experience includes LINQ High Roller, The Quad, The Cromwell, The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
McDonald Carano Wilson LLP announced that Erin R. Barnett has joined the firm as a real estate associate. In her capacity, Barnett will advise on a wide variety of contract and business operating agreements and facilitate commercial real estate transactions, business acquisitions and asset purchases.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul franchise of books and other products has added several Las Vegas women. Amy Newmark has collaborated with Loren Slocum Lahav to co-author the newest book in the publisher’s collection, “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time to Thrive.” Andrea Hadhazy is a voiceover actress and singer. After dealing with her parents’ health issues for years, Hadhazy took time to figure out the goals she wanted to achieve in her life. In her story, “Dream Life through Freedom,” Hadhazy outlines the struggles of breaking through the grief from her mother’s passing by finding a career she was passionate about and surrounding herself with a supportive group of people.
Marcia Castro-Rosenburg is a nurse, teacher and strategic intervention coach. A near-death experience led Castro-Rosenburg to reexamine her life, as documented in her piece, “A Life by Design.” CastroRosenburg had lost all hope after dealing with bankruptcy and depression, until she saw the terrified look in her son’s eyes after stress-induced idiopathic anaphylactic shock almost killed her. She decided to transform her life by starting her own business and paying off her debt. She eventually fell in love and now leads a truly fulfilled life.
Katie Mulryan, a project manager with Grand Canyon Development Partners, has 10 years of experience in the construction industry; she has worked on the Grand Bazaar project. With her strong background in architecture, she works closely with designers, engineers, municipalities and the general contractor, coordinating the efforts to complete a successful project.
To nominate a Local Lady email Debbie@lvwomanmagazine.com
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Loren Slocum Lahav, personal development speaker, also contributed a story. In her piece “The Strength of No,” Lahav dives into a difficult time in her life where she had to learn that saying no to extra responsibilities can be just as powerful as agreeing to everything life presents. Linda Johnson is a hospital executive and business owner. Her nephew, Cole, had battled a life-threatening heart disease since he was 15 months old. “An Open Heart” recalls when Cole had to undergo surgery to fix his condition, and how Johnson needed to step up to support her sister. Instead of getting buried in stress, Johnson began a successful fundraising campaign to raise awareness for Cole. His surgery went smoothly, and 18 years later, Cole is a strong high school graduate. Jaki Baskow, founder of Baskow & Associates, had to overcome several obstacles to become the successful businesswoman she is today. Baskow’s story, “The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe,” details how she chose to not be the victim of the circumstances life presented her, including the death of her father, a failed acting career and an unhappy marriage.
Ann Richard Farinha is the current president of Junior League of Las Vegas as well as an associate attorney at Cooksey, Toolen, Gage, Duffy & Woog. The practice consists of constructional defect insurance defense for builders and developers and some general liability insurance defense. June will mark the beginning of Farinha’s involvement with Junior League. Sprinkles Cupcakes celebrated its one-year anniversary in its Las Vegas location at the LINQ and its 10-year anniversary of the opening of its first bakery in Beverly Hills, Calif. Founded by Candace and Charles Nelson, Sprinkles has become a favorite with celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Katie Holmes, Ryan Seacrest and Las Vegas’ own Britney Spears.
Las Vegas native Cyndi Martin has been elected president of the Las Vegas Hospitality Association. She is also business development manager for the Las Vegas Freeman Branch overseeing sales in the Las Vegas market, regionally and nationally. Martin has over 25 years of experience in the corporate event, convention and trade show industry. Martin has earned the Certified in Exhibition Management designation from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. Lindy Frye is the assistant brand manager at Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas, with over 10 years of experience in the live entertainment industry. Her duties include managing day-to-day marketing activities, development and execution of promotional plans to facilitate ticket sales, brand awareness, visitation, development and implementation of marketing, public relations, social media, advertising, special events and sales strategies. She is also the park’s media spokesperson.
Jonelle Vance, IIDA, LEED AP, is the executive vice president and interiors principal at EV&A Architects. Vance spearheads the Interiors Division, where she and her team work with owners and developers to create and implement concepts that focus on design that creates value with sustainable longevity. With more than 30 years of experience, Vance’s projects have included The Howard Hughes Corporation-One Summerlin, Nevada Title corporate offices and Westcor corporate offices.
Clark County Credit Union has announced hiring new staff members, and one long-time staff member is retiring.
Connie Yeh is the founder of the 9th Bridge School located downtown, a new preschool focused on entrepreneurship and creativity as part of the Education Initiative for Downtown Project. She is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, and Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh is her cousin. A former financial derivatives trader at Citigroup in New York, one of Yeh’s goals for the school is to train young children on the entrepreneurial traits required to start a business.
Julie Goe is the new lead of marketing operations. She will be responsible for creating and coordinating marketing campaigns and collateral, managing social media, internal and external event management and all marketing-related inquiries.
Ashlee Zindash has been promoted to financial services representative. In this capacity, Zindash will be handling consumer loan counseling, new accounts, extended repair coverage and debt cancellation coverage.
Kayla Pederson is the new loan operations manager and senior underwriter. Pederson will be managing a team of loan operations specialists and underwriting higher risk consumer loans.
Gina Zazzarino is a new loan operations specialist and will be managing deeds, titles and contracts for members.
Kayleigh Schwartz, Katerina Schoenegger and Alex Penano are members of West Tech’s DECA club, which teaches students about business, marketing, public speaking and creating a product and plan. The team won first place in the Entrepreneurship Written category out of 16 teams at the DECA State of Nevada conference. Approximately 1,000 high school students from all over the state participated.
Judy Clark is officially retiring from her position as vice president of branch operations, after 25 years of employment with the company. Clark began her career with CCCU as a part-time loan underwriter. She lent her expertise in various roles, including system conversion training and human resources, where she eventually held the position of human resources officer for six years. Clark’s current position as vice president of branch operations was instrumental in boosting CCCU’s standing in the community.
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ENTERTAIN
LAS VEGAS WOMAN’S MAGAZINE PREMIER PARTY Las Vegas Woman’s Magazine Premier Party for spring, presented by Henderson Hyundai, was held at Bally’s Las Vegas in the Grand Events Center. Earl Turner performed live on stage, and High Flyin’ Entertainment kept the party going. Delicious food bites were prepared by Diamond Events & Catering along with Devotion Vodka giving samples of its sugar-free, gluten-free and 100 percent made in America flavored vodka. Lee’s Discount Liquor gave samples from its vast variety of beers, wines and spirits along with a specialty cocktail, Cointreau Rickey, made with Remy Cointreau. Prizes included a $1,000 cash prize, a $500 Sephora gift card and a $500 Dillard’s shopping spree. Photography by Steven Joseph Photography
City
IN THE
CO-ED BABY SHOWER Publisher Tammy Grabel and husband, magician and entertainer Seth Grabel are having a baby girl, and Las Vegas Woman magazine hosted the Co-Ed Baby Shower held at Emeralds at Queensridge. The cake was made by Mitchies Munchies, beverages were provided by Devotion Vodka, and High Flyin’ Entertainment added to the fun. The crowd wished the soon-to-be new parents best wishes and was happy to share in the joy. Photography by 8 Shots Photography, Rion Morgan
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To have your event photos considered, please email Debbie@lvwomanmagazine.com.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL LUNCHEON FASHION SHOW The Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of Southern Nevada held its Luncheon Fashion Show. The WLC also discussed the impact the group has made in southern Nevada over the last seven years. Held at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, a special DKNY Sip & Shop immediately followed including an exclusive DKNY pop-up boutique and fashion show. Punam Mathur served as the event emcee. Photography by Nick Coletsos
IN THE IN THE
City City
OPERA LAS VEGAS Music, Memories and The Mansion: A Night with Liberace was held in the restored event center that was once the Las Vegas home of Liberace to benefit Opera Las Vegas. Along with a silent auction, there were small bites using Liberace’s own recipes and specialty cocktails. Entertainment was provided by Philip Fortenberry, Spencer Baker, Martin Raye, Jacob Tolliver and Danny Wright along with performances by Opera Las Vegas singers. Tours were given of the home with Liberace’s piano as well as other items on display. Photography by Steve Thalken
To have your event photos considered, please email Debbie@lvwomanmagazine.com.
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ENTERTAIN
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER GALA The Las Vegas Philharmonic held its Diamonds Are Forever Gala at The Smith Center For the Performing Arts. Highlights included the silent and live auctions, shoe exhibit by Saks Fifth Avenue, dinner on the Reynolds Hall stage and entertainment provided by Philharmonic musicians with guest DJ Aaron Ramsey and vocalist Niki Scalera. Photography by Cashman Photo
City
IN THE
ART ENCOUNTER Art encounter, a Las Vegas-based marketer of fine art including high-end investment quality and decorative works, introduced artist Luba Stolper during a reception held in its art gallery. Stolper debuted her private collection of her still life paintings, and it was announced Art encounter will represent her on an exclusive basis. Brett K. Maly, president of Art encounter, has a recurring role on the History Channel television show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pawn Starsâ&#x20AC;? as its art expert.
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To have your event photos considered, please email Debbie@lvwomanmagazine.com.
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New Vista is a non-profit organization that specializes in helping adults and youth with intellectual challenges. We provide an array of programs to individuals and their loved ones that create equal opportunities and support so that they may experience life to the fullest.
The objective of all our programs is to build self-sufficiency by teaching life-skills that promote independence, confidence and self-advocacy. New Vista focuses on providing individuals with the choice of how they will experience their life.
Support New Vista by shopping at the thrift store!
Support New Vista by attending these great events: Wine Walk Spring 2015 Calendar April 25th • 7pm-10pm • Town Square May 16th • 7pm-10pm • Town Square A N E W V I S TA E V E N T
June 6th • 7pm-10pm • Tivoli Village
For information visit one of these sites. NewVistaNV.org, WineWalkLV.com 108 W oman m aga zine .V egas | SUMMER 2015
The Emporium 5220 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146 Located between Decatur and Jones 702-457-4677 ext 121 Open Tuesday-Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM, Closed on Sunday
I
Pure ABUNDANCE
t is our natural tendency to want more and more. We want more joy and more pleasure. We want more knowledge, more time and more prosperity. All of this wanting has resulted in becoming all about getting. We’re all motivated to GET the most out of life. The irony is, when we operate from the level of getting, we simultaneously activate a sense of lack, scarcity and there not being enough. Even though Life is about getting for most people, what would happen if we lived Life from the other way? In other words, Life is not about getting anything. Life is about receiving all that we have already been given. Life provides the Earth, Sun, Moon, Planets and Stars. We are given so much pure abundance that there aren’t enough lifetimes to count it all. We’re given more air than we can breathe, more water than we can drink, more people than we can meet, more books than we can read, more places than we can go and more things than we can do. The gift of each day comes loaded with unlimited possibilities and unlimited opportunities all today at the click of a mouse.
INSPIRE
BY REV. THABITI
Because there is pure abundance, scarcity and lack are illusions. We can choose to shift our perceptions from ‘needing to get’ to ‘I already have abundance.’ As this happens, we begin to vibrate at a higher frequency that then activates the Law of Attraction at a higher level. At this point, there is less struggle in getting things and greater ease in attracting those same things. An important rule to remember is, “The more we complain, the more we shall be given to complain about, and the more we become grateful, the more we shall be given to be grateful for.” Therefore the more we value and appreciate things already given, instead of taking it all for granted, the more we will attract greater things. To be upset over what we don’t have only wastes what we do have. Happy Blessings
Reverend Thabiti is best known as the world’s most accurate personal forecast expert. His Time-Map System at THEPOWER.ORG provides helpful directional guidance to those who desire illuminated empowerment.
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INSPIRE
Enjoying A
OUR VEGAS SUMMERS!
s summer barrels around the corner, we Las Vegans find ways to “beat the heat.” We either enjoy the beautiful summer nights, or we wake up early for outdoor activities. A fun activity that allows you to do both is to use the morning hours to create inexpensive outdoor furniture that you can enjoy in the evenings (because very few things are as beautiful as Vegas summer nights). One suggestion is to create new outdoor furniture from wooden pallets. You can build a dining table, a patio shelf, stools and even a chaise lounge using just a hammer and nails. If you want to get really creative, there are actually ways to create pallet furniture without using any hammers or nails at all! You can also
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BY TAYLOR MAKAKOA
use these pallets to create gardens. The best part: There are dummy proof websites to walk you through the construction. Another fun yet relaxing way to enjoy Vegas summer nights is to set up an outdoor movie theater! To enjoy outdoor movie night without the hassle, go ahead and buy a screen and sound system. The only work you have to do is the setup. However, if you are looking to enjoy a family activity or if you are just feeling a Martha Stewart vibe, then create it yourself using items you may already own. White sheets can be repurposed (and I’m always for repurposing, recycling and upcycling) to create the screen. You can use your computer or smartphone as the source for the movie, although you will likely have to purchase a
projector since few people already own one– they even make them for smartphones. Hopefully your family enjoyed bonding time while you were assembling your new furniture and building your theater, but now it is your turn to sit back on your new chaise lounge and enjoy a Vegas summer night.
Taylor Makakoa is model and performer in “Terry Fator”: The Voice of Entertainment live at The Mirage
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ENTERTAIN
t a e r The G
QUESTIONS
Suzanne with
SOMERS
1 2 3 4 5
Walk us through a typical day in your shoes. On work days, it begins with 5:30 a.m. coffee and TV news in bed ‘till 6:30 a.m. Then yoga for an hour, answer mail, breakfast in bed (often). Later in the day, a quick nap, work on my new show, “SUZANNE SIZZLES,” and work on media tour for my new book, “TOX-SICK”. There are 30 minutes of promotion for my brand new ThighMaster Vibrato … it vibrates and four hours of rehearsal for “Dancing with the Stars.” I like to cool out at home outside three times a week with tequila. I cook dinner, watch the moon come up, and it is bedtime.
Have you ever purchased any As Seen on TV items? I keep a pad and pencil next to my bed, and when I see something on TV that interests me, I write down the number. By morning, I rarely order. Alan calls me an 800 number junkie.
If you could destroy a grade-school photo of yourself, what year would it be and why? When I was in grade school, my mom only took four pictures. I can’t remember any of them.
While grocery shopping, what is your stick-in-the-cartwhen-no-one-is-looking item? Cupcakes.
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If we were to look through your iPod or iPhone, what is on your hit list or playlist or favorite app? My iPhone is loaded with medical lectures and music I am working on. If my head is still buzzing at bedtime, I go to the app Suzanne Somers NAP26.
Do you ever play “tourist” in Vegas? If so, what is your favorite thing to do? I love hitting the Strip at night. The energy makes me all wiggly. A day on Lake Mead just tooling around is a wonderful cool-out. I haven’t been there in years, but sitting on the outdoor deck at the Mt. Charleston Resort in Kyle Canyon is very special, especially in winter. In the summer, great hikes. W oman m aga zine .V egas | SUMMER 2015
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What do you do to unwind and relax? Yoga and meditation, hiking the San Jacinto Mountains and tequila.
Does anyone ever mistake you for someone else? Often people tell me I look exactly like Suzanne Somers. Alan tells them that people tell me that all the time. Suzanne Somers (suzannesomers.com) returns to Las Vegas with her sophisticated nightclub act, “Suzanne Sizzles,” at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino debuting on May 23. The cabaret venue, formerly known as Shimmer Cabaret, will be renamed Suzanne’s at the Westgate. “Suzanne Sizzles” is a 70-minute show performed five days a week, dark Sundays and Mondays, at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Box Office at (800) 2225361 or online at westgatevegas.com.
Healthcare.
The WellHealth Way. Caring for you, while caring about you
WellHealth Medical Group
Obstetrics & Gynecology | Pelvic Health | Cardiology | Age Management | Anesthesia High-Risk Pregnancy | Diabetes Management | Primary Care | Hormone Health wellhealthmedicalgroup.com | (702) 255-3547