Holiday GIFTS STYLE
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> The ABC’s of Skincare > Bootsy Bellows > Interview Jonn Hart > Mercedes SLS AMG GT > Angela Mukul > Thanksgiving
naludamagazine.com
04 / 2013
November
2013
Publisher’s Note I
ts month 4 and we have turned a corner! We are honored and privileged to have UFC’s Octagon Girl, Arianny Celeste as our guest for the cover of our November Issue. We had an amazing day with this talented and humble woman and her pup Bentley. She was such an inspiration to us and we know that she will be and inspiration to our readers. Not only were the clothes to die for but she worked it! Arianny’s new show Overhaulin’ started this Fall on the Discovery Channel. Check it out! She’s a hit! Speaking of Fall, its time to change your wardrobe. Not sure how to get started? Wait to see what we have in store for you. Check out Fall fashion tips from our fabulous guest blogger Erin Michklow and closet designer Katrina Teeple. Can’t figure out how to organize your wardrobe without going broke? Katrina has the answers. Once your closet is in order don’t forget your skincare regime, its essential with a change in weather. We have great tips and treats to share on some of the best BB and CC creams in the world. We can’t forget that the holidays are coming, “ Oh my!” Not sure what to get that picky person in your life? We have some fun and useful gifts that won’t break the bank. And of coarse we could not forget our interview with talented South African Hottie, Jordy Smith! Surfing anyone? This surfer’s smile can make the Polar Ice Caps melt!! There is so much more between the pages, so get to reading and enjoy!
contact@naludamagazine.com
CONTENT
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4
LOS ANGELES
FASHION WEEK
L.A. HOT SPOT BOOTSY
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BELLOWS
22 Interview
ARIANNY
CELESTE
44 Singer/ Songwriter JONN HART
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Make your
THANKSGIVING
one to remember
Interview with
ANGELA MUKUL
56 Surfer
JORDY SMITH The ABC’s of Skincare
Page 14
Summer’s Out /Autumn and Winter are In
Page 40
Holiday Gifts
Page 60
Lose weight before Holidays
Page 64
Mercedes Benz / SLS AMG GT
Page 70
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1. Jewelry Scarves Jewelry scarves are a great addition to your wardrobe for fall. Typically when you’re all bundled up for the chilly weather, you can’t see your necklaces so pendant scarves solve that problem, while keeping you warm. Functional, fashionable and fabulous!
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A) Raven Nest Scarf / Price from: $24 / RavensNestScarfJewel.etsy.com B) Wrap Belt Jumpsuit / Price: $139 / bebe.com C) Benson Jumpsuit / $139 / bebe.com D) Fur Collar Lace Trench / Price: $179 / bebe.com E) Zip Front Contrast Trench / Price: $169 / bebe.com F) Color Block Leopard Trench Coat / Price: $112.99 / bebe.com
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2. Jumpsuits Jumpsuits for fall are sexy and chic whether you’re hitting the club or dressing for a hot date. Leave your mini dresses at home and stay a little warmer in these body conscious garments.
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3. Trench Coats Contrast, color block, and printed trench coats are a stylish way to stay warm in the rain and chilly weather. As opposed to having your fashion look covered up, make your outer wear the focal point of your outfit. E F
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4. Wide Leg Pants Add a 70s flare to your wardrobe this fall with some wide leg pants. I love this style because paired with tall platforms, you’ll look taller and more slim whether you actually are or not. Plus they’re super comfy!
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G) St. Mary High Waist Wide Leg Pant / Price: $73.80 / yesstyle.com H) Alice + Olivia Eric wide leg pants / Price: $118.80 / saks.com I) Layfayette 148 wide leg pants / $398 / saksfifthavenue.com J) Alexander McQueen Slash Elastic Chelsea boot / Price: $650 / alexandermcqueen.com
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Originating in the Victorian era first used for horse riding, then popular in the 1960s during the mod scene, Chelsea boots are hot again in 2013. A classic style that looks great with mini skirts and tights or skinny jeans and leggings for fall/winter. Erin Micklow, Image & Style Consultant
www.erinmicklowstylist.com @Erin_Micklow facebook.com/ErinMicklowOfficial
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®
Skinnygirl brings you Calorie concious wine for a Guilt-Free Holiday celebration Introducing some new options to the Skinnygirl® Cocktails product range, with 100 calories per serving, they are the perfect companion to your next fall festivity or holiday celebration. Each with a distinct personality all their own, Skinnygirl® Cocktail’s new wine varietals are sure to be the toast of the town. • Skinnygirl® Prosecco ~ This limited-time, seasonal offering is perfect for ladies looking for a wine option as bubbly as their personalities! Delicate and fruity with a hint of honey, this sparkling wine is light and crisp with a touch of sweetness. • Skinnygirl® Chardonnay ~ A complex combination of white peach, French oak vanilla, and orange blossoms, with a light finish that balances the rich flavors • Skinnygirl® Pinot Grigio ~ Offers rich aromas of tropical fruit balanced with a hint of natural grape sweetness for an intensity of rich, crisp flavors • Skinnygirl® Cabernet Sauvignon ~ The newest red wine offering presents bright aromas of dark berries with a touch of warm chocolate
For more information, check out:
skinnygirlcocktails.com facebook.com/skinnygirlcocktails, @Skinnygirl or pinterest.com/skinnygirl
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October 13 - 17 2013
stylefashionweek.com Photo credit: NALUDA Magazine
INA SOLTANI
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MALAN BRETON
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MICHAEL COSTELLO MICHAEL COSTELLO
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ANDRE SORIANO
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Project ETHOS
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MANDALYNN Swimwear
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MI-OLA Swimwear
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AMOUR Swimwear
AMOUR Swimwear
By Georgiana Candescu
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hen BB creams made a glorious entrance in the beauty world I felt relieved. And not just because they had a short, easy to remember name. But because a single bottle of this stuff had the unheard of ambition to replace at least four different products that I kept carrying around in my beauty bag. The BB cream stands for “beauty” or “blemish balm”, and it is meant to be our skin’s savior, doing the same job as serums, moisturizers, foundations, primers and sunblock products put together. Pretty impressive, right?
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Estée Lauder’s Daywear Multi-Perfecting Beauty Benefit BB Cream SPF 35 has already proved to be a sort of global sensation. Trending first in Asia, then in the States, it is now ready to become the number one product in the daily beauty routine of women all over the world. Available in two shades, medium and light, the Daywear BB Cream promises incredible moisture, solid sun protection and a flawless skin. Its oil-free formula controls the skin’s excess oil and instantly offers an even-toned skin. A few drops replace the amount of foundation you used to cover your face with, so say good-bye to cakey makeup! Forget about the words primer and foundation – now it’s prep+prime time. MAC’s Beauty Balm SPF 35 was originally designed to be worn as a lightly tinted primer with the ability to re-texturize the skin, offering a high UVA/UVB protection at the same time. Talk about multi-tasking! MAC’s wonder product moisturizes the skin, leaving it plump and toned, makes it look flawless with the right amount of color, and lasts all day. Perfect for the ladies with oily skin who don’t feel like blotting all day long!
To make things easier, here are four of the most coveted BB creams so far. Ladies, let’s start the beauty alphabet!
The last sensation on my BB cream list is the real deal, the first original BB cream that generated the whole craze in Asia, then the rest of the world: Dr. Scrammek’s Blemish Balm Perfect Beauty Fluid. This German BB cream comes in four tints and manages to conceal uneven patches, large pores, redness and hyperpigmentation, preventing also pimples and blackheads. It is great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, and it calms and soothes thanks to jojoba oil, zinc and plant extracts. A musthave.
The French house of Dior takes pride in its Diorskin Nude BB Crème which makes imperfections literally disappear with its sheer coverage. With an irresistible mix of makeup and skincare benefits, Diorskin Nude matches every skin tone, being available in five different shades. It is packed with antioxidants and mineralized floral water, has a lightweight texture, and a little goes a very long way. This BB cream blends well with any primer, for longer-lasting results and offers women dewy, healthy-looking skin. Nude stands for natural in the beauty lingo, so why not start using this cream and make anyone believe this is how your skin looks like when you wake up in the morning?
After B, C comes naturally, so Beauty Balms were closely followed by CC creams with major focus on correcting complexion issues. They offer further nourishing properties and reduce any trace of sallowness, skin tone irregularity and redness. The CC duo stands for “color correcting” and, if your skin is dull or prone to redness the CC cream will offer clever coverage, being more effective than its elder sister, the BB cream. The difference may be at times subtle, and this is why I will give you some tips on what are said to be the best CC creams around. The Complexion Corrector CC Cream from Hungarian luxury beauty brand Omorovicza knows its way to a woman’s heart. And skin. This silicone-free
Originally it was formulated by dermatologists to regenerate and cover the skin of patients who had undergone laser surgery. However, it did not take long before every respectable skincare company flaunted its own BB cream, which made finding the right one quite a challenge for beauty consumers.
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marvel primes, moisturizes and offers UVA/UVB protection, covering any imperfection or age spot it may find. Suitable for all skin types, this CC cream makes skin radiant and luminous while protecting it all day from harmful sunrays. They say it has visible effects in just 10 minutes which makes me add it on top of my next beauty shopping list. Chanel had to be in this exclusive club, thanks to its fantastic CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 30. A true hit in Asia, this cream is so clever that you will never be interested in any other CC cream again. It calms even the most irritated and sensitive skins, evens out any imperfection, such as large pores, age spots and redness, protects from the sun with a mineral filter, moisturizes with the help of hyaluronic acid and prevents from external aggressions. An item that whispers perfect skin. Smashbox’s own game-changer goes by the name of Camera Ready CC Cream SPF 30. This lightweight, tinted formula available in five shades evens out every complexion, while concealing dark spots and acne scars. The texture is non-greasy, and the primer function works miracles. Not to mention the efficient SPF protection. In case you were longing for brighter, younger-looking skin, this is what you should be looking for!
Clinique’s beauty gem is called Moisture Surge CC Cream. Interested to know more? This Color Corrector takes its task seriously, making skin glow and look radiant in no time. Besides, it offers high UVA/UVB protection and the right amount of hydration. Worried about skin imperfections and redness? Clinique CC Cream neutralizes and covers it all, giving you picture-perfect, flawless skin. Key ingredients, such as Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sorbitol and Trehalose ensure a great moisturizing effect despite ever-changing humidity conditions. With the help of antioxidants and Vitamin E this lightweight CC Cream also helps skin look healthy, protecting it against environmental damage. All you need to do is choose the appropriate shade for your skin tone! If you are a gemstone lover (and not only), you will swoon over Dr Brandt’s CC Glow with signature Ruby Crystal! With amazing before and after results on damaged skin, this seems to be a sensational product. Its Ruby Crystal Complex illuminates the skin and neutralizes skin’s imperfections, while water spheres deeply hydrate the skin making it look supple and feel softer. Vitamin C helps brighten every complexion, reducing lines and wrinkles. And concealing never looked easier. The alphabet has still many letters to go and, by the end of it, if the beauty industry continues to innovate in the same pace, we will be looking younger and younger and skin surgery will sound like a bad joke. Find the cream which best suits your skin’s needs and enjoy its benefits. Oh, and relax… this is only the beginning!
Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 / Price $35 / clinique.com Dr. Brandt CC Glow with Signature Ruby Crystal Price $39 / sephora.com & drbrandtskincare.com Dr Schrammek Blemish Balm Perfect / drschrammek.us Smashbox Camara ready CC Cream / Price $42 Smashbox.com Estée Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant BB Creme SPF 35 Price $39.00 / esteelauder.com
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THE h.wood.group’s JOHN TERZIAN, BRIAN TOLL & MARKUS MOLINARI BROUGHT OLD HOLLYWOOD BACK TO THE SUNSET STRIP
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he h.wood.group owners John Terzian, Brian Toll, Markus and their partner Actor David Arquette own Bootsy Bellows; The 60’s art deco inspired nightclub combined with a variety of live entertainment including costumed burlesque dancers, DJ’s, live musical acts, puppets, and impromptu concerts. The concept and design was curated by John Terzain. With the popularity and celebrity attraction Bootsy Bellows was quickly dubbed as the missing link to Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle (BOA and Soho House) Opened and located on the infamous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, the venue has already become a favorite hot spot to Hollywood’s elite including Katy Perry, Sean Pen, Liam Hemworth, Zac Efron, Diddy, Usher, Gerald Butler and many many more. Bootsy Bellows, named after Arquette’s mother, a burlesque dancer and pinup model in her time brings the quintets’ vision of a modern day “Rat Pack” and Berlin’s Weimar culture.
Bootsy Bellows 9229 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 90069 / 310 274 7500 www.bootsybellows.com BootsyBellows
hwoodgroup.com Open nights: Tuesdays, Friday & Saturday 11pm - 2am
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Bootsy Bellows is West Hollywood’s Burlesque / Rat Pack inspired supper club
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orn in Las Vegas, Arianny Celeste 27 has been dubbed one of the “Top 5 Sexiest Women in the World”. With her exotic looks and statuesque physique she has featured prominently in magazines such as Playboy, Maxim, FHM and Sports Illustrated, she has spent the last 7 years working as a UFC Octagon Girl and in 2010 was named Ring Girl of The Year at the MMA Awards. Host of UFC’s Ultimate Insider, her profile rose on Television this fall, as she stars as co-host on Velocity’s ‘Overhaulin’ series. Currently residing in LA, Ariannys’ passions include music, fitness, and working with charities. We caught up with Arianny our cover star for Naluda’s November issue and discovered she has it all – looks, charisma and is definitely one smart cookie!
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What projects do you have going on at the moment? Right now I’m the new host of Overhaulin’ on discovery, Brand ambassador for Lavishtaste.com, Jaco, F3 Nutrition and still working as UFC Octagon Girl. You are a very busy girl, can you go through your typical day? Every day is different depending on the work that I have, but a pretty typical day right now would be workout – cook a healthy meal – film Overhaulin’ or travel for UFC or my own appearances. What has been your career highlight up until now? Up until now it has been booking my first major network job as a host on Discovery for the program Overhaulin.’ Since I was a kid, I have always wanted to be a T.V. host, doing this show is such a confidence booster for me and I am going to use it to my full advantage. I have done the sexy thing and now I’m excited for people to get to know my personality.
she was working a 9 to 5 job whilst going to school at night to be a nurse, plus taking care of me and my sister… she is just simply amazing. I really look up to her and she has taught me everything that I know about being independent, making my own money, and being strong. She can be a tough cookie but she means well, she was a little strict. I remember at school I had to get good grades and had to sneak out to have fun at high school, she was quite protective of me, because I’m a piece of my dad to her. If you had to be compared to a celebrity who would it be and why? Brooke Burke, I have followed her career and been a fan since the days that she was on the show Wild on E!. Always thought she is gorgeous and how well she holds herself together, She is an amazing role model, classy, sexy, smart and a great family women. What or who has been the key to your success? My mom, she taught me the value of working hard and having my own money.
Do you have any regrets? I can’t say I do, everything is a lesson. And every lesson I have learned something from. Even it if was hard at the time, it has shaped who I am today. It has made me tough, independent and savvy whether in business or in my personal relationships.
Yoga, Spinning, Kickboxing… anything sweaty, plus I love hanging out with my puppy Bentley. What does it take to get your attention?
Modeling, Music, Hosting… what is your preference?
Make me laugh!
Modeling and Hosting
Do you have someone special right now in your life?
While growing up, who has been your inspiration?
Yes!
Definitely my mother, she is such a strong and amazing women. My dad passed away when my mom was 7 months pregnant with me, which was so hard for her, he was the love of her life! She met my step dad when I was 3 and he is an awesome and amazing man. When my mom had my sister
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In your free time, what do you like doing?
Can you expand on that …any fun details that our readers can appreciate? I have become close with a very good friend that I have known for years. Right now the timing is right in my life. We get along so well.
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Who do you consider as the most beautiful women in the world (past or present)?
3. Have one cheat meal a week, but don’t overdo it! 4. Incorporate weights twice a week 5. Drink a lot of water!!
Definitely Angelina Jolie in her Tomb Raider days! It’s been a fashion frenzy the past couple of months with all the major Fashion weeks around the world, are you an avid fashion follower, or what’s your way of thinking when it comes down to fashion? Yes, I love fashion. I love good quality clothes and comfort. My way of thinking is to stick to basics and add flare with amazing accessories and shoes. Any particular designers you are partial to? I absolutely love Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin. You’re a fitness and health fanatic, can you tell us the 5 most important Health and fitness tips that you follow? 1. Change it up every week to make it fun! 2. Make it a lifestyle
Can you go through with us your typical meal plan? For breakfast - a turkey bacon & veggie egg white omelet, or oatmeal with flaxseed and fruit. For Lunch- a protein shake or salad with protein and almonds and protein with a baked sweet potato for dinner would be typical meals. Please share with us your workout routine, how many times a week do you go to the gym, what are your favorite work outs and which part of the body do you work more? I usually prefer to work out in the mornings, it gives me energy throughout the day. I work out between 3 and 5 times a week. I like to change up my routines so that I don’t get bored. I love kickboxing, light- weights and high reps, pilates is amazing. I would like to get more into Yoga, I know it’s very calming which would be nice since I have such high energy!
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What’s your favorite part of your body? My legs and eyes. Your beautiful exotic looks come from your Mexican / Filipino mix, do you keep in touch with your roots - have you travelled to these countries, do you speak the languages? I have travelled to the Philippines and Mexico for modeling and appearances and I do speak Spanish, I love to stay true to my roots! For the past 7 years you have been working as a UFC Octagon girl, what goes through your mind when you are up there in the ring? The feeling of how exciting it is see the best athletes in the world go toe to toe. With a bunch of beautiful girls working together, is there a lot of competition between you all? There has been in the past, but we all get along for the most part. Your working on your own line of bikinis, can you tell us about this and when and where we can expect to see it. Yes, it’s very exciting! It will be available next summer, it will be a unique sexy brand that won’t be seen everywhere! What would be the main and most important advice that you would give anybody that would like to go down the same career path as you? Stay grounded and determined, there will be a lot of people who say NO, all you need is one person to say YES!! I know you love to do charity work, which charities are you currently working with? “Aid still required” is a newer foundation and it’s great to be with them from the start. I hope that at some point I can travel to these countries for this foundation and see the difference that they make. Make a wish foundation is something I also am involved in.
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Can you tell us about your 10 year plan? I would like to retire and start a family and be happily married and be able to find a hobby that I can make money doing.
Where can our readers follow you: ariannyceleste therealarianny
Family is important to you isn’t it? It really is. I come from a very big family, my moms the first of 10. I love going home and being around the family, it’s chaos but fun, I love it! What hobbies currently interest you if you had the time in your busy schedule to indulge in them? I love to learn new things, if something interests me then I learn about it. I have a love for music, whether I’m having a bad day or a good day any song can put me in a different mood, if I had the time it would be great to learn to be a DJ, that would be such a fun hobby!
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ariannyceleste
www.ariannyceleste.com Credits Model: Arianny Celeste (ariannyceleste.com) Stylist: Novecento Boutique (novecentofashion.com) Photo: Naluda Magazine (naludamagazine.com) Swimwear: Skinnybikini (www.skinnybikini.com) Sports & Swimwear Accesories: Shoptika Store (shoptikastore.com) Make-Up: Christian - The MakeUp Artist (christianthemua.com) Location: Andaz Hotel (West Hollywood) (westhollywood.andaz.com) Naluda Team: Daniel, Natalia, Lara, Lisa & Michael Jonathan
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Quick Facts NAME: Arianny Celeste HOME TOWN: Las Vegas FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza, Sushi BEST MOVIE: The Notebook, The Great Gatsby,
The Hangover 3 WORDS THAT SUM YOU UP: Passionate, Caring, Feisty FAVORITE WORKOUT: Boxing FAVORITE SONG: Changes everyday FAVORITE COLOR: Blue and purple ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE THAT YOU CAN’T BE WITHOUT:
Skinny Jeans and my little black dress. CELEBRITY CRUSH: Ryan Gosling
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“Organize your closet so that seasonal re-organizing is easy every time�
By: Katrina Teeple, Organizational Expert & Founder of Operation Organization
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W
hen the temperatures start to get cooler, it’s time to remember those things called sweaters. Where did you shove them last spring? It’s all too easy to cram a closet full of stuff, especially in a smaller apartment. It’s also annoying when things come tumbling down off the top shelf and frustrating when you’re shuffling through summer dresses to find something warm enough to wear out during the winter. There are other ways to organize your closet and seasonal clothing so that you’re in control. This is going to be the season that you empower yourself to make a lasting change for the better. Get Motivated by cruising through some Pinterest albums that focus on fall fashion. Make yourself a hot chocolate or cup of spiced chai. Go out and get one of those pumpkin spice lattes, if that’s your thing. Create a holiday music Pandora station. Put yourself in the fall and winter mood and you’ll feel more like making the changes you need to make. Set aside at least an hour or two to organize your closet and your clothing cycle. If you live somewhere that has serious seasons, you’re going to need space for the off-season clothing you want to keep, but it can be the same space for each season.
• Top shelves in closets are a good place to store things, but use labeled baskets or bins to keep everything in place. • If your closet space is seriously limited, use the space underneath hanging shirts by putting things into bins or baskets. • Create new storage options. A trunk at the end of the bed, a piece of furniture that works in the hallway, flat bins that fit under your bed. • Any hidden or inconvenient space where you wouldn’t store things you need regularly will be a great place to store outof-season clothing and shoes.
Reduce at the End of Each Season Summer Gear Pare Down - The first step right now is to figure out what you’re not going to be needing until next summer. Tank tops, beachwear, sandals, short-shorts? Make a pile of items to store.
And then ask yourself whether or not you actually will wear it all next summer. I regularly encourage people to get rid of anything they wouldn’t take the time to store with care - so get rid of some of that stuff now. Once you’ve minimized what you need to store, it’ll be easier to find a place for it. Last Fall’s Losers - Now take out that fall and winter stuff you thought was worth storing and decide what to get rid of. There’ll be something in there that you have changed your mind about, and that’s okay. But don’t keep it just because you kept it before. The majority of used clothing that is donated to charities and non-profits ends up being sold overseas at affordable prices to local communities. If the items are nice enough, they’re sold locally, like at Goodwill Stores, to raise money for programs and to employ people locally. The best non-profits use the money they make to invest in aid programs. Planet Aid is another reasonable option that works internationally. Shop Smart You don’t need a completely different wardrobe for each season and most of us can’t afford to spend that much money on clothes and shoes. A few durable things, like coats and boots, will only come out when the weather turns cooler. When you shop for these items, aim for classic looks that can be worn year after year. Choose gloves and hats that can be worn with just about anything. Then each season you can buy a couple of newer items that are more trendy or fashion forward to spice up your wardrobe. The seasons change every year, so make this year the one when you create a system that will last. It’ll be easier and faster to swap things out if you make an organized system. Don’t put it off for another season, take control now. For more organizing tips check out Katrina’s Blog
operationorganization.blogspot.com
@KatrinaTeeple
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A) Coach Tristen Bracelet watch / Price: $278 / macys.com B) Bar III Necklace / Price: $58 / macys.com C) Metallic Polka Dot Beanie / $29.99 / mango.com D) Camo-Print Umbrella / Price: $19.99 / mango.com E) Metallic Polka-Dot Scarf / Price: $39.99 / mango.com F) Betsey Johnson Too Too / Price: $62 / betseyjohnson.com
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G) Combi Leather Gloves / Price: $69.99 / mango.com H) Light as a Feather Necklace / Price: $68 / earthychic.net I) Too Late 3D Bag / Price: $49.99 / shoptikastore.com J) More Than Moisture / Price: $49 / clinique.com K) Wondervision Eye Set / Price: $32 / smashbox.com L) Smash Box Lip Gloss / Price: $24 / smashbox.com M) Wondervision Mega Palette / Price: $49 / smashbox.com N) Clinique Whole Lotta Candy / Price: $25 / clinique.com O) Give Spa Nights - Aveda / Price: $49 / aveda.com
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A) Glen Plaid Money Clip / Price: $20 / thetiebar.com B) Native Herringbone Bow Tie / Price: $15 / thetiebar.com C) Hugh & Crye Ragtime / Price: $105 / hughandcrye.com D) Midnight Navy Onyx Cufflinks / Price: $20 / thetiebar.com E) The Big Tooth Combo / Price: $20 / thetiebar.com F) Miansai Trice / Price: $95 / miansai.com G) Too Late Belt / Price: $39.99 / shoptikastore.com H) Canvas Duffle Bag / Price: $185 / amazon.com I) Woodchuck Cases / Price: $29.99 - $79.99 / woodchuckcase.com & Target J) Beats by Dre Wood Skin / Price: $39.99 / woodchuckcase.com & Target K) HYD For Men / Price: $12.99 / hydformen.com
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When did you know that being a recording artist was what you wanted to be? I have always been around music my whole life but finally when I was 15/16 I actually went in the booth and recorded my own record, just the feeling of writing my own song and recording a record and displaying my artistry it was like a crazy feeling to me, and since then I have been pursuing this as a full time career. You used to be in a Boy Band “The Outfit” what made you leave them and start your solo career? You know what, I don’t even think it was a matter of me choosing to leaving, it was 4 individuals, 2 singers and 2 rappers and we had a good time performing and building and growing our network but there came a time where with our personalities and differences we couldn’t really function as a group anymore and everybody decided to go their separate ways, so that’s when I went solo because we just fell apart and now I’m here!.
leaving the group and going solo, getting to believe in myself, when your in a group everyone has their role and their niche, when I went solo I had to fill all the voids, like if someone in the group is a stronger writer, or dancer they pick the group up but here it was all on me so it was a little hard adjusting and believing that I could do it all on my own. Now I’m definitely there, I have total confidence in myself, and love being a solo artist. Also Maneuvering in this industry and finding the right team was pretty difficult, who to work with as far as management, and who was going to be in my corner, once I solidified that it was great. Certain relationships have been difficult, you know, it is a cutthroat industry, finding who you allies are was something that was also very difficult. Another thing that I wouldn’t say was difficult but that I had to recognize was not giving up, there were a lot of nights that I would question myself, I love doing it but some things don’t go always the way you want, so its believing in yourself and getting passed that and keep pushing to go where you want to go. Do you play any instruments?
How does it feel going from Boy Band to solo artist, do you feel more pressure?
Actually I do, I play the drums but I haven’t played for a while though!
I did, I’ve been a solo artist since January 2012 and when we broke from the boy band and all went our separate ways it was hard. I was used to an environment where I would perform on stage, record in the studio, do interviews, travel, no matter what I was doing I always had 3 other people around me so you had that comfort and bonding feeling, then from going from that to just me it was a major change it was like growing pains, questioning yourself whether you can do this, I guess like anything it was something new and different that I had to adjust to, at first I didn’t like it but as I kept doing my own thing, I love it! I can wear what I want to wear, sing what I want to sing about, write about what I want to write about…. It’s total freedom, it’s the independency that I love and I would not trade that for anything!
You are a songwriter, where do you get your inspiration to write your songs?
What have been the most difficult steps during your career to get where you are today?
Right now, it’s still been with the same people, French Montana, Problem, IamSU, Clyde Carson, E40 and Gio. I have done some features on some different projects, but as far as my stuff coming up
There has been a few things, One would be from
Personal life! Actually any song that I do is a part of me, things that I have been through, seen and done. What I love about music is the art of story telling, I’ve got some songs coming up on my new mixed tape, I don’t want to give it all away but they are songs that lead into the storyline of something, like relationships stuff, when your just fed up with a girl that you’ve been dealing with… I like with songwriting how you can get your point across with words something that you may think but not necessarily be able to say. Do you have any collaborations in the pipeline and if so who with?
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I really focused on my craft, what I’m doing to keep solidifying Jonn hart, you’ll hear a few features but your going to hear me. Tell us a little about Twerk you current single out, did you write this song? Twerk was Co-written by myself the producer and another writer friend, it’s not the official single but it’s a record that’s going to be on the up coming EP I’m dropping, it was pretty much captioning the moment of everything that’s going on. Miley Cirus has Twerking going crazy right now, it’s not your typical twerk song, and not the usual booty shaking twerk song, it has an arrhythmic pop sound to it. I wanted to make it a little different.
What sound advice could you give to anyone seeking to be a Recording artist? You can’t give up! You can get 1000’s no but 1 yes that can change your life and situation.
Are you in a relationship right now?
Make sure you want to do this, there is a lot of long nights and early mornings, a lot of times that things wont go right this is not a game that you can just give up, you got to make sure you never give up and get a good team behind you, when you have a good team behind you, because with you and your team you can do a lot of good things, as long as you have that foundation and support to help you along, you can’t do it by yourself. Know what you want, know what your craft is, know what your sound is and don’t let anybody change that because that it what makes you unique as an artist, a lot of people will have opinions about what your music should sound like or what you should write about but at the end of the day that’s your craft and that’s what you should take your heart and push. Be ruthless, know that it’s a grind and just grind out and it will happen one day!!
Jonn Hart is single… single and ready to mingle!!
Anything else you would like to say?
Can you tell us a little bit about Cool Kid Cartel and Heroic Entertainment?
Would like to give a big shout to team Hart Throb, my fan club that have been rocking me from the start, and a big thank you to all those that are supporting me.
What is next for you? There will be an EP from Jonn Hart, a mixed Tape with mostly all original content and 2 covers, I have tons of shows coming up, spot dates… and we are trying to put an official tour together, so look out for that. I have a new single coming out called I can’t feel my legs featuring Shanell from ‘Young Money’, the video is already done for that, so lots coming up.
Cool Kid Cartel is my record label that I created and started, right now I have my first signed artist Gio and we have got his first single that we are getting ready to release that - a real cool club song, pretty dope! Heroic Entertainment is my own management company.
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label Cool Kid Cartel…. Continue to rock, be a household name like Jay Z, Drake or Lil Wayne. This is something that I’m doing for life, I’m very passionate about this and I’m not going stop.
There is a lot more coming! Where can our readers follow you?
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
4jonnhart
I Would like to be on my 4th or 5th album, an International artist…actually I’m an international artist now, I have just toured in Australia but want to do more of that and touring the US and the rest of the world, I want to have more artists on my record
4jonnhart
4jonnhart
jonnhartmusic.com
Quick facts Name: Jonn Hart Age: 24 Favorite food: Mexican food - Chicken enchiladas with green sauce Inspiration: God, my family and myself like trying to succeed Favorite phrase: Live life to the fullest & Never give up Favorite singer / artist: Usher Favorite type of music: Rap, R&B, Country, Rock‌ I love it all! Favorite color: Red Most beautiful place visited: Australia and Hong Kong both dope Sexiest women: Halle Barry / Jennifer Lopez
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S
inger-songwriter Angela Mukul, 24, describes her sound as ‘pop with a touch of soul’. The Californian born and raised artist has been performing since she was 15, many may have recognized her from CW’s music competition The Next as she was one of Gloria Estefan’s chosen four. Her talent and drive have certainly not gone unnoticed and recently she has been nominated for a Los Angeles Music Award as female singer/songwriter of the year, August 27th saw the release of her first solo EP titled Free (iTunes/CDBaby) that she proudly, self funded from a kick-starter campaign and has been followed by the music video for her first single I’d Rather Be Single on September 4th.
Can you share with us your story, when this started and how it all came about? For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved to sing. I’d make up songs and sing them to my family using our fireplace as a stage I sang in choirs and musicals all through out school, but it was when I first learned guitar that I really discovered that this was my life calling. Immediately, I began performing as a solo artist at coffee shops and various Orange County venues. I continued performing, songwriting and also began recording in the studio (backup vocals, songs of my own, etc.). After graduating college I then moved to Los Angeles to continue my pursuit of music. I was a contestant last year on CW’s The NEXT and was mentored by Gloria Estefan. Just this year, I launched a Kickstarter campaign and greatly succeeded in raising the funds to record and release my 6 song EP titled “Free” and shoot a music video for one of the songs off the EP “I’d Rather Be Single.” Now, I am continuing to write songs, perform, upload videos, and spread my music to the world!
You’re a great songwriter - where do your inspirations come from when writing the songs? Thank you so much! My inspiration comes from my personal everyday life experiences as well as those of others around me. It never ceases to amaze me how a song can connect so many different people from so many different backgrounds. A song can take on infinite meanings with each person and that is the most inspiring aspect of it all to me. My goal in songwriting is always, always, to connect to another person, to empower them, and to show that we all feel the same things. I love that! Like they say, music is the universal language and I am so very happy to be able to serve as a messenger.
You definitely are inspiring and empowering - you were able to release your first EP and Music Video due to your very own kick-starter campaign that you raised $15,000, that’s amazing, tell us more. Aw thanks! Well, yes it was pretty amazing! I cried with joy when I reached my goal and then about died when I exceeded that goal by $5,000! It was a humbling experience to see the support that I received. Even more, it has been so rewarding for me personally to fulfill the rewards for my backers. A number of them were quite personal….I wrote a song for one of my backer’s wife as her birthday present, I sang a couple duets with my backers and uploaded them to YouTube, and I even wrote & recorded a 6th song to go on my EP, that song is “I Will Always Sing For You.” The campaign really was more than I could have dreamed and I’m so grateful to those that were a part of making it happen. It is certainly helping to lead to great things.
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QUICK FACTS
Photos: Angelo Kritikos
NAME: Angela Mukul HOME TOWN: Yorba Linda, CA FAVORITE FOOD: Frozen Yogurt FAVORITE PHRASE: Yay FAVORITE TUNE RIGHT NOW: Stay the Night – Zedd ft. Hayley Williams SOMETHING THAT WOULD SURPRISE US ABOUT YOU: I wait tables part time YOUR IDOL: God FAVORITE COLOR: Yellow PET HATE: Poor table manners DRESS STYLE: Girly with edge and spice!
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Love your voice - listening to your songs, I can hear a mix of Amy Winehouse, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift and you’ve done some great covers on You tube of Taylor Swift and Amy Winehouse – has their music been inspirational to you? Who else? Thank you! Ah, I love all of those ladies and their music has certainly been inspirational to me. My ultimate favorite female voice is Amy Winehouse. Katy and Taylor are both such great songwriters and extremely successful artists that I admire. Beyond these artists…I draw inspiration from music of all genres. I grew up listening to Bob Marley, The Beatles, Sheryl Crow, Queen…the list goes on. Artists I have on heavy rotation currently are Ellie Goulding, Lorde, Avicii and…well shoot, the list goes on here too ;)
Working with Gloria on The NEXT was awesome. She is one of the sweetest, most down to Earth people I’ve ever met. She treated me like a daughter and gave sincere advice. I am really lucky to have had that chance and to still keep in touch with her today. To answer, yes I talk to her regularly and am happy for her recent album release “The Standards” too! She’s a very kind, talented, woman of character that I look up to. Where would you like your career to be in the next 5 years?
Guitar is definitely my main instrument. I started leaning piano, but I wouldn’t call myself a pianist by any means….sooner than later I will though!
I’d love to be touring my 2nd album. I haven’t traveled much and can’t wait until I get to perform worldwide and experience various countries, towns, and cultures. With the Internet, it is possible to connect with people from all over and it is so awesome to see fans of my music in over 20 countries. I’m counting down till I get to come to them with my music live.
What type of music do you like listening to?
Where can we buy your songs or E.P?
Oh boy you don’t want to get me started on this “list” again do you? Hah! All types…pop, dance, urban, hip-hop, singer/songwriter, acoustic, indie, rock…
You can buy my songs and EP ‘Free’ on iTunes http://smarturl.it/FreeAngelaMukul as well as many other online retailers like Amazon, CD Baby, etc.
Who is your biggest fan?
If you’d like to order a physical copy of the EP you can order it at angelamukul.bandcamp.com and I’ll ship it right to you! You’ll get an instant digital download with the purchase of a physical. You can also stream the full EP on bandcamp and Spotify.
You play the guitar, do you play any other instruments?
My mom. She is the one person I can say has always supported my music wholeheartedly since the day I expressed to her my dream and career path. She did make me get that college degree though! I’m so happy that I did…mama knows best.
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You worked with Gloria Estefan on “The Next” can you tell us a little bit about that, and do you still keep in contact with Gloria Estefan?
Where can our readers follow you:
You are currently up for a 2013 Los Angeles Music Award as a female/singer songwriter of the year nominee – congratulations - how do you feel?
@angelamukul
Well thank you! I feel honored. Being recognized for what you pour your heart and soul into is always a very wonderful feeling.
facebook.com/AngelaMukul
@angelamukul
youtube.com/AngelaMukul
www.angelamukul.com
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TRAVEL
A
roast turkey feast with all the trimmings may be the traditional choice for many families but here’s a extra flavour of what you can get up to this Thanksgiving and get the holiday season off to the best start...
Perhaps the most famous holiday celebration is Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan (macys. com/parade). Now in its 87th year it is a must-see for those in the Big Apple for the festivities attracting millions who come to see colourful floats, marching bands, dance troupes such as the Radio City Rockettes and giant character helium filled balloons which take to the sky - you may spot a super-hero, sponge bob square pants or a highlight for this year is a mythical dragon. The parade begins at 9am ending at noon.
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Football is never far off the radar and sports fans can enjoy some Turkey Day games (nfl.com/ thanksgiving) as well as a slice of pumpkin pie. At 12.30pm the Green Bay Packers play the Detroit Lions, at 4.30pm it’s the Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys and last but not least the final match of the day is the Pittsburgh Steelers at defending Super Bowl champs the Baltimore Ravens kicking off at 8.30pm. Deep strike passing and plenty of offense - let battle commence. The McDonalds Thanksgiving Day Parade (chicagofestivals.org) in downtown Chicago is another colourful spectacle not to miss getting celebrations off to an early start from 8 to 11 am. This second oldest parade in the US which began in 1934 is a showstopping mix of engaging entertainers. There’s marching bands from around the nation, equestrian displays and towering inflatable balloons. Hundreds of thousands of people come to line the route on State Street to also catch a glimpse of Santa Claus. Don’t lift a finger this Thanksgiving and take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train (800 427 4124/winetrain.com) for a meal to remember. As you sit comfortably inside the fully restored Pullman Dining Car you will be served a feast fit for a king created by chef Kelly MacDonald. Dishes include roasted pumpkin soup with local cheddar cheese and parsnips, turkey with pear sage stuffing and honey sautéed winter vegetables and for dessert chocolate pot pie or Tiramisu Truffle. The three and a half hour experience covering a thirtysix mile roundtrip through the wine valleys from Napa to St Helena is the perfect recipe to eat, relax, chat and be treated like a VIP. Departs 5pm. From $124pp
Join in the Turkey Trot (949 496 1555/ turkeytrot.com) Thanksgiving Day race or as the organisers so brilliantly phrase it – ‘Run the race before you stuff your face’ . This is California’s largest running event on this special day classed as one of America’s best by Fitness Magazine. Hosted by The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce there are races from 5k, 10K and a Kids Gobble Wobble each affording runners with scenic views as they pound their way through glorious Dana Point Marina and Doheny State Park. Set your sights on
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beautiful beaches, rolling surf, soaring cliffs and cheery competitors. Take the family out for a Thanksgiving treat at one of the many restaurants offering some great deals. Opentable.com lists a huge catalogue of restaurants throughout the US. Whether you’re in the city or by the beach there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a light champagne brunch buffets with live entertainment – you’ll find it at The Langham Huntington Pasadena (Pasadena.langhamhotels.com), from $95 per adult, $35 per child. Ocean & Vine at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel (loewshotels.com/santamonica) is offering a fourcourse maple-roasted turkey dinner from $52pp. And there’s mouthwatering Italian fare and seasonal offerings at Culina in Beverly Hills, join their all-day brunch $98 per adult, $49 per child.
SPORTS
When did you start surfing and how did you get into it? I started surfing at New Pier in Durban when I was about 5 years old. My dad shaped boards (and still does) so he got me into it and was my biggest influence.
When did you know this was something that you wanted to take seriously and make a career out of? I think I knew pretty early on but I guess the turning point for me was when I started to beat all the older guys. My dad and I travelled to Australia & Hawaii chasing grom and Junior comps since I was 14. What’s your most renowned surf trick? I landed a couple of Back Flips in Durban this year that featured in my new movie “Now Now”. They’re my favorite but I think the most notable maneuver I have done is the Rodeo Clown, which featured on Yahoo.
Interview
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with
QUICK FACTS:
Photo: Hugo Silva/Red Bull Content Pool
Name: Jordan Michael Smith Age: 25 Nationality: South African Favorite Place/Waves for Surfing: Restaurants, Fiji Inspirations: Nelson Mandela & Michael Jordan Favorite Item of clothing: O’Neill board shorts Favorite Food: BarOne Milkshake Interest in any other sports outside of Surfing: Football Favorite Music: I love almost everything, INXS to Jay-Z Sexiest Women: Lyndall Jarvis (my fiancÊ).
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What does being a professional surfer entail, can you describe a typical day? Being Professional these days is about staying at the top and requires a 9-5 attitude with serious commitment. An average days for me starts as the sun rises; I usually surf for a couple of hours followed by breakfast, a session with my PT, lunch then a late surf before dark. Everyday is different and it’s usually dictated by how good the waves are. Other than surfing do you work out – what’s your workout? I try and mix it up to make it fun. Anything from gym sessions, spin classes, yoga to kicking the soccer ball around.
“Now Now” kind of just happened. I spent quite a lot of time in Mozambique during the off-season and scored amazing waves & footage. I also did a trip to Indo with my sponsor O’Neill and scored too. After the Mr. Price event in Durban me and my filmer Jacob Wooden realized we could string footage and decided to release a short & intense surf clip. It was super fun to work on. What made you do a short movie and what’s next for you in filming? Its what the kids want to see. Full-length movies get boring and sections get skipped. I wanted to make something that left everyone wanting more!. Where is the most beautiful place that you have visited so far? There are so many, I really love Fiji and in particular Tavarua Island. What is your ultimate goal? Win the World Title.
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Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Hopefully have a few World Title trophies in my man cave, kids and still on tour and loving surfing. Would you like to have children in the future, and if so, if they wanted to be a surfer what would be your advice to them? Enjoy it and don’t take yourself too seriously. Where can our readers / fans follow you?
@jordysmith88
Jordy Smith (fan page)
@jordysmith88
www.jordysmith.com Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Red Bull Content Pool
“Bending Colours”, your surf movie was a great success, and you have followed that with “Now Now” a short movie, can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind “Now Now” and where it was filmed?
Photo: Hugo Silva/Red Bull Content Pool
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Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Red Bull Content Pool
FITNESS
By Dara Sandrini
A
s I write this article, there are just over 4 weeks left until Thanksgiving - a holiday known for gorging our bodies with turkey, stuffing, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie. There are nine weeks left until Christmas and ten weeks until New Years; more wonderful holidays known for parties, sweet treats, food, drinks and indulging! Eleven weeks from now, a whole lot of over-weight individuals will join a gym resolving to lose weight and get into shape. Thanks to their New Years resolutions, gyms will prosper as memberships suddenly skyrocket and fitness centers across our nation become jam-packed with eager exercisers. This happens every year. Every year most of us put on our “winter weight” during holidays, then we scramble to get into shape by spring or summer. It doesn’t have to be this way with you...
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Why not get in shape for the holidays and trim your waistline BEFORE you trim that Christmas tree? Did you know it is possible to lose up to 8 lbs by Thanksgiving (in four weeks)? It’s true! A one to two pound (per week) weight loss program is safe, healthy and designed to keep the weight off. With a healthy diet and solid exercise program in place starting today, it is still possible to lose up to 18 lbs by Christmas Day! Imagine how you will look when you rock that beautiful dress or tuxedo with a trim waistline at your New Year’s Eve party! Imagine the feeling of accomplishment you will have going into 2014! Why wait to get in shape for next summer, when you can do it by January 1st?!!! Here’s how: Begin working out 40 minutes a day, 5-6 days per week. Be sure to include a combination of cardio training, interval training and weight training. Mix it up. Try a yoga class, a trampoline class, rock climbing... Make every workout a sweaty workout. Hire a personal trainer for 10 weeks if you are not sure how to effectively combine strength conditioning with cardio training. Keep it fun. Go for bike rides, ice skate, jog, skip rope. Get a calendar and mark your progress. Write down every activity you do. Writing down your workouts and post your accomplishments in a place you can see often. This little trick will continue to motivate you. Take the stairs. Start walking as often as possible. When you can choose between the stairs and an elevator, choose the stairs. Park your car far away from the gym so you have to walk to the front door. Make someone’s day by giving them the good parking spot. Do this everywhere you go: the bank, grocery store, post office... Breathe deeply. Here’s a tip I give my clients. When you are in a car driving... at every stop sign and every stop light, take a big inhale and a big exhale with your breath. We often take short and shallow breaths of air and forget to inhale and exhale deeply. It’s good for oxygen and blood flow and offers a quick burst of energy to your entire body, through your lungs.
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Juice and/or emulsify daily - I prefer emulsifying over juicing, but whatever your preference, this is an excellent way to pack in your greens, protein
and nutrients. I suggest juicing with protein immediately after you exercise so that the muscles will grow and rebuild much more quickly and efficiently. Protein immediately after a workout delivers to the muscles more amino acids for rebuilding, at a time when muscle repair/synthesis has its greatest potential. There are many wonderful protein powders on the market, and you can (at the very least) emulsify with plenty of high protein packed natural, healthy foods. Natural ingredients I recommend and use in my high-protein smoothie include: • Greek yogurt (17 grams of protein in a single 6-ounce serving) • Flax seed (One tablespoon offers 1.5 grams of protein) - (rich in fiber and healthy polyunsatu rated fats to assist in reducing the risk of many chronic diseases.) • Banana (one cup offers 2 grams of protein) • Spinach, kale, chard (one cup of each only offers 1-3 grams of protein) - (rich in a large variety of nutrients including beta-carotene, vitamin C, vita min K, potassium, and calcium.) • Coconut water (for consistency) • A half cup of frozen fruits (assorted berries) Eat Smart. Stop eating processed foods. Eat foods found around the edge of the grocery store and avoid anything packaged or boxed and located in the aisles of the grocery store. Enjoy colorful nutrient-rich foods. You can gorge on green veggies! Substitute high-fat salad dressings for fresh squeezed lemons. Avoid heavy carbohydrates found in processed foods. Give yourself a treat from time to time, but don’t over-indulge! Hydrate - avoid alcohol, sodas and sugary beverages. Avoid sweeteners. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Stay especially hydrated during your exercise program. Measure your waistline and body weight before beginning this 10-week program. Weigh yourself once a week, in the morning, when you wake up. Write down everything you consume so you can start to see (and feel) your accomplishments. Again, write down every workout you do. Hang a pair of jeans you want to fit into, out in the open (so that you see those jeans every day). They are there to inspire you! Find a photo of yourself when you were the size you desire to
be today and post it on your bathroom mirror. If necessary, find an image of a photo in a magazine. Cut it out and tape it to your mirror for inspiration. Clean out your pantry and refrigerator of all fatty, sugary tempting foods. If you have kids, DO NOT EAT their Halloween candy!!! Finally, find a friend or family member who will want to join you on this 10-week health and fitness adventure. You will hold each other accountable and have a partner with whom you can encourage and motivate. There is still plenty of time this holiday season, to prepare your body, mind and spirit to be at it’s best for the New Year ahead! There is no reason to wait and scramble to get in shape with all those people making New Years resolutions. Start today, and by January 1st, 2014, you’ll feel amazing!
“Live every day like you mean it” Dara Sandrini Fitness Trainer & Group Instructor www.facebook.com/vitamindfitness
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LIFESTYLE
The Power and the Glory:
By Todd Spear
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T
here are a few truly memorable, iconic sights in the automotive industry. The winged fenders of the circa-1956 Ford Thunderbird, the unmistakable front grille of the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, and the considerably more modest outline of the Volkswagen Beetle, all reside alongside some of the most memorable car designs of all time. But my favorite storied example of automotive architecture would be the wide-open doors of the 1954 Mercedes-Benz SL300, the first car from the maker to bear the novel “gullwing” design. Even in the 1950s, those doors were something of an art deco-era holdover from the automobile-making conventions of the 1930s and 1940s. So it’s no wonder that, on the modern Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe, those doors are more striking than ever.
The automaker’s official website succinctly declares that the doors are no “gratuitous retro homage,” instead professing that their inclusion has something to do with the car’s low center of gravity and seating position. Fair enough, but I’m okay with a little design anachronism alongside six-figure “practicality.” But the retro throwbacks in the SLS AMG GT Coupe are only skin deep. The car itself is one of the most ambitious, dare I say raucous, models to come out of Germany in recent years. What makes it so special (aside from the envy-inspiring good looks)? Well, for starters, it’s the first Mercedes-Benz to be wholly designed by AMG. They’ve diddled with a whole range of Mercedes-Benz models, but the GT is their baby. And what a baby it is. To really understand what makes it so special, you have to dig deep to uncover all that
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this example of German (over) engineering has to offer. And there’s plenty to consider. Let’s take a look at what the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe has in store for the discerning driver.
powertrain. The GT features a rather brutal 6.3-liter AMG eight-cylinder engine. That stately powerhouse is mated to a seven-speed AMG dual-clutch gearbox. The engine outputs 583 horsepower to the real axle. The result of all that brute force is zero-to-60 mph performance of just 3.6 seconds.
A beast with wings (on wheels) Before we delve into the full specifications of the SLS AMG GT, we have to first frame the discussion. In this case, we’re talking about a hand-built “spaceframe,” as Mercedes-Benz likes to call the strong yet light (530-lb) and 96-percent aluminum frame. Engineers of the SLS AMG platform opted to have those aforementioned gullwing doors close manually, in lieu of a fully-automated door operating scheme. The AMG designers could have opted for auto-closing doors, but it would have come at a cost of 90 pounds. Good call. Fortunately, all that focus on reducing weight is made all the more attractive in light of the car’s ambitious
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The beast is tamed by four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension and electronic shock absorbers. Mercedes-Benz has also thrown in its ESP (Electronic Stability Program) system that can assist the driver in regaining control of the vehicle in the event of “evasive maneuvers.” The SLS AMG GT Coupe also sports 15.4-inch front disc brakes and 14.2-inch rear disc brakes to bring all those galloping horses to a halt. Always keen on the leading the charge in implementing new technologies in their designs, AMG has also included electronic Brake Assist, which, according to the manufacturer, applies power boost based on how quickly and forcefully the driver presses the brake.
Diddy has done it again with his new CÎroc flavor, Amaretto. This is the fifth flavor in the ultra premium vodka brand, joining Grape, Red Berry, Coconut and Peach flavors. Amaretto picks up where the other flavors left off– bringing in an infused almond taste with a strong, sweet body, yet not too overpowering. And of course, to celebrate the birth of the newest vodka juggernaut.
Critical Acclaim Many industry pundits have noted that, at a price of a little more than $200,000, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the least expensive car to feature unconventional door hinges. Those same critics are typically just as quick to point out that the car has soft handling, ideally suited to urban treks, perhaps more than the track. But that’s a silly way to look at it, if you consider that presumably, anyone plunking down this much on a car will do more than bang up its bumpers on the track. In fact, you might expect that to be the last thing that will happen to it. It has also been said that the low center of gravity of the front-engined GT gives the car the feel of a midengined car, complete with a penchant for sliding its rear end around in the curves. The SLS AMG GT may therefore be the most drift-worthy of any European make currently in production. With that in mind, the robustly powerful engine has been said by some to become hard to handle when pressed. But that’s not a problem you’re likely to encounter on the average leisurely drive. Interestingly, one of the most exciting features of the GT, says a plurality of critics, is the rotund exhaust sound. AMG engineers tell us that the latest GT’s 20-horsepower bump over the previous year has given the exhaust a little more “pop,” and judging from the track reviews I’ve seen, it sounds like it’s paying off. Amid the den of Porsche sopranos and BMW tenors, the SLS AMG GT is a baritone, announcing its arrival with a deep, sonorous bellow that is utterly unique in its class. It’s as much music to the ears, as it is a sight to behold. Interior Complements Inside the cabin, the SLS AMG GT gets the full Mercedes-Benz treatment, from its comfy Designo leather upholstery (with simulated suede accents, of course), to the race-inspired steering wheel. There is a limited selection of interior color combinations. There’s the default motif of black with red cross-stitching, but you also have the options of titanium/porcelain, mocha brown/porcelain, and something called mystic red/ porcelain. They all look great, but the black and red are by far the meanest-looking. And that, according to my personal criteria, counts for something.
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AMG has seen fit to outfit the GT with everything it has to offer in terms of technology inside the cabin. There’s hard-drive navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, auxiliary audio inputs galore, and a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen sound array that almost drowns out the growl of the engine. An optional AMG Performance Media telemetry system tracks the vehicle’s statistical performance metrics in real-time, should owners be willing to part with an additional $2,500. Mercedes-Benz also offers its mbrace technology as an available option, allowing smartphone users access to a wide range of wireless functions, like stolen vehicle tracking, remote unlock, and detailed vehicle information. A six-month trial of mbrace is included with purchase of a new SLS AMG GT; the yearly price thereafter: $280. The car’s infotainment system also supports popular apps like Facebook, Yelp, and Google, for a nominal monthly fee. The Power and the Glory Glorious. That’s the word I’d use to describe the sleek, righteously retro image of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT, particularly with its gullwing doors flung wide open, inviting the driver to step out of reality and immerse him in a state-of-the-art tribute to one of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic historical designs. Brimming with power and charging ahead with an overdose of torque, the SLS AMG GT rightly resides among the most exclusive, most awe inspiring, and most impressive vehicles in production today – or any other time, for that matter. Can you take it to the track? Sure, but you’d better out-drive your competitors, because you can’t be a timid driver and expect the GT to outrun its closest class competitors. But, on the other hand, if you’re inclined to do what most car buyers operating on this budget are inclined to do, and that means showboat around in a luxury coupe, then you can do no better than the SLS AMG GT. It just has that “it” factor, that impossible balance of retro-inspiration mixed with an undeniably modern aura. In other words, it picks up right where its SL300 forebear left off, and forges onward with those timeless gullwing doors. Quite impressively.
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SPORTS
[Brian Grubb wakeskates Eighth Wonder of the World]
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Brian Grubb
wakeskates Eighth Wonder of the World
T
he world famous Banaue rice terraces of the Philippines have proven to be the ultimate playground for an epic wakeskate winch session! Professional wakeskaters Brian Grubb (USA) and Dominik Preisner (GER) traveled to the Philippines for an epic winch session at one of the most beautiful spots in the world. The famous rice terraces of Banaue are considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World and were the perfect playground for a unique wakeskate session! Even for one of the world’s best wakeskate pros like Brian Grubb this spot proved to be a real challenge: “This was my seventh trip to the Philippines, and my biggest project ever! Since I first saw the drawing of these huge rice terraces on the back of the 1000 Peso bill, the idea of having a session there wouldn’t let me go. It was only a drawing but it looked like a perfect winch spot and probably a super scenic location. And it was! The whole project was a real adventure for us and the team. It is still incredible that we were wakeskating at such a fascinating place!” The spot covered four pools with a total length of 80 meters. To keep the scenery’s natural look, the setup was kept as simple as possible: the only man-made obstacles being a wooden log slider and the custom winch setup. Both riders had a blast performing a whole bunch of tricks, such as Brian´s stylish FS and BS Lipslide Shuvit Outs. Respect for the environment was a priority from the beginning of this project! The team made certain that the plants and wildlife were neither damaged nor disturbed at any time during the event. All aspects were agreed with the locals, taking into consideration their traditions and culture. Credit: Daniel Deak Bardos/Sophia Langner redbullcontentpool.com
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