Thrifty Hunter Magazine Winter Issue Lilah Parsons by Thrifty Hunter

C O U T U R E & C U LT U R E

MCCLAIN SISTERS: ACTORS, SINGERS, SONGWRITERS TRAVEL NEW YORK IN STYLE FOR LESS NO FUSS HEALTHY FOOD KNOCK-OUT LOOKS FOR VALENTINE’S

LILAH PARSONS BRITISH MTV VJ

WINTER 2014

M A N IEN E M GA AG ZAI Z

THRIFTY HUNTER

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH OUR COVER GIRL

REBECCA

DA COSTA

V I S I T W W W. T H R I F T Y H U N T E R . C O M

Location courtesty of Jim Magglos

Inside

LIFESTYLE

THRIFTY HUNTER

68 FOOD

WINTER 2014

Healty Eats By Jennifer Leff

E TS Y S P OT L I G H T

TRAVEL

FASHION

New York: The City that Never Sleeps...For Less By Robyn Flans

11 A N T I QU E C H I C

B y Je n n y D a y c o

MONEY It’s Never Too Late:

To Star t Saving for Retirement

ORIGINAL THRIFTY HUNTER

By KELLY TREVETHAML

B y Ni c o l e Vo l l e r t

76 14

CULTURE

K E A R R A N G I OVA N N I

We Just don’t Care About Each Other Anymore

By Debbie Sullivan

By IMAAN JAL AI

18 STEPHANIE SCHLUND By De b b i e Su l l i va n

24 MCCLAIN By Debbie Sullivan

INTERNATIONAL 28

LONDON

SAPPHIRE CAVERN

PROFILES & FEATURES

BEAUTY

ETHEREAL BEAUTY

MAKING A BET TER WORLD 31 BITS AT A TIME By Debbie Sullivan

58 D RY C H A P PE D W I N T E R L I P S

By K r i s t i n a Go l d b e r g

AARON GRYDER

By Debbie Sullivan

LOV E LY LO O K S F O R

VA L E N T I N E S By T h e Be a u t y Te a m

COVER STORY REBECCA DA COSTA By Debbie Sullivan

TANNA FREDERICK By Debbie Sullivan

COVER

TULLE BLUE DRESS BY KENNETH BARLIS

FERNANDA ROMERO

W W W. K E N N E T H B A R L I S . C O M

By Debbie Sullivan ACCESSORIES ZO E’ S V I N T I QU E A N D I N P LU S H

88 JAKE WHET TER By Debbie Sullivan

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ITALY

ITALY Enjoy the Silence

INT’L COVER STORY LILAH PARSONS By Debbie Sullivan

THRIFTY HUNTER Couture & Culture WINTER 2014

w w w. t h r i f t y h u n t e r. c o m Publisher / President / Founder G A B R I E L L E L EW I S Editor-in-Chief MONIQUE REIDY Creative Director JENNIFER SOSA Director of Marketing & Advertising D E B B I E S U L L I VA N ____________ Senior Fashion & Style Director G A B R I E L L E L EW I S Fashion Editor NICOLE VOLLERT

Beauty Editor K R I S T I N A G O L D B E RG

Accessories Editor J E N N Y D AYC O

____________ Arts & Culture Editor IMAAN JALALI Senior Features & Profiles Editor D E B B I E S U L L I VA N Travel Editor RO B Y N F L A N S Finance Editor K E L LY T R EV E T H A N Guest Food & Wine Editor JENNIFER LEFF Digital Editor – www.ThriftyHunter.com G A B R I E L L E L EW I S Contributing Photographers LOGAN COLE, JOSH WILLIA M S , J O S H UA D S M I T H , E M Y LO U , MICHELA RIVA, FREDERIC CHARPENTIER, EMILY SOTO, CHLOE CHUDASAMA, THILINI GAMALATH, STEPHEN MORALES The Beauty Team: EL AINA BADRO, DIANNA BAUTI S TA , B R I A N A C I S N E RO S , A M Y C L A R K E , S C OT T K I N G Advertising Inquiries Contact: Debbie@ThriftyHunter.com / Gabrielle@ThriftyHunter.com Editorial Submissions: Monique@ThriftyHunter.com

© 2 0 1 4 T H R I F T Y H U N T E R M A G A Z I N E . A L L R I G H T S R E S E RV E D . R E P RO D U C T I O N I N A N Y F O R M W I T H O U T W R I T T E N P E R M I S S I O N F RO M T H E P U B L I S H E R I S P RO H I B I T E D . T H R I F T Y H U N T E R M A G A Z I N E I S A F A S H I O N A N D L I F E S T Y L E P U B L I C AT I O N P U B L I S H E D Q U A RT E R LY. P L E A S E S E N D C O M M E N T S T O T H E AT T E N T I O N O F T H E P U B L I S H E R .

ETSY SPOTLIGHT

Shop for Valentines with Bombshell Kitten — Vintage Peignoirs & Slips

B o m b s h e l l K i t t e n p re s e n t s the timeless style of vintage pin-up slips, gowns, and peignoirs paired with classic Hollywood film culture. The American film industry of the early 20th century was responsible for changing the way people dressed across America and around the world. Millions of women were changing the way they wore their hair, make-up and clothes, trying to capture the beauty of stars like Jean Harlow, Rita Hayworth, and Marilyn Monroe. The lingerie-inspired slip dress, with its simple elegance and undeniable sensuality, is a timeless link to Hollywood’s icons from the Golden Age. Bombshell Kitten’s vintage treasures are hand-dyed, embellished, reworked, and sometimes unaltered in pristine condition. All pieces are carefully chosen to represent a classic film, song, character, or actress from silver screen history. w w w. e t s y. c o m / s h o p / O r a n g e Wo o d y Tami Marlow was born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California. She began modeling and acting at the age of 16 and earned her bachelors of Theatre Arts from California State University Northridge. She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild as well as working as an educator and the creator behind Bombshell Kitten. She holds a 2nd degree black belt in traditional karate and currently resides in Thousand Oaks with her husband and their 3 children.

WINTER 2014 // ETSY

ANTIQUE CHIC

ACCESSORIES

// THRIFTY HUNTER

LETTER FROM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE EDITOR

The first time I picked up a copy of Thrifty Hunter magazine I was immediately drawn to its amazing design. As a naturally visual person, I browsed for hours in a state of bliss over the stunning images and the fascinating fashion presentations. When I was invited to serve as editor-in-chief it took about 12 seconds to decide this was a project I could easily throw myself into. Not only does it have all the elements a true magazine junkie can appreciate like fabulous photos, an appealing layout and a trendy theme, but as a young publication, there is a great deal of creative latitude with regard to content and focus. Plus, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in that exciting foundational stage in which everything is fresh and new, ideas are abundant and everyone's eager to work hard. Not only is the magazine impressive, the team involved in its production is just as fabulous and I look forward to working alongside such a creative and devoted group of people. Starting with this, our Winter issue, we are introducing a few new editorial departments that will offer entertaining yet useful information to readers while maintaining the Thrifty Hunter thematic concept: Living well on less. Travel, Features and Profiles, Money, Healthy Eating, Arts and Culture are some of the topics we'll include, along with the Fashion and Beauty section you already know and love. These new sections will address practical matters such as luxury travel on a budget, eating healthy without overspending and simple ways to save for the future. The profiles we'll feature can range from interesting entrepreneurs who share advice about business development to people who are making a difference in our world by giving back, to celebrities who most of us recognize from film and TV. Our fashion section, the core of our publication, presents the latest fashions and seasonal trends with our own unique spin: How to wear high-fashion styles on a lot less money. I invite you to enjoy this issue of Thrifty Hunter, knowing it was produced by the most passionate group of people ever gathered around a magazine brand. And feel free to connect with us through our social media outlets so we can remain in contact in-between issues. We will keep you updated on all the magnificent things we're up to until we meet again in our Spring edition. Warmest regards, Monique Reidy, Editor-in-Chief

MONIQUE@THRIFTYHUNTER.COM W W W. T H R I F T Y H U N T E R . C O M FACEBOOK.COM/THRIFTYHUNTERMAGAZINE TWITTER: @THRIFTYHUNTER I N S TA G R A M : T H R I F T Y H U N T E R

FASHION

Thrifty Hunter is your haute couture guide to dressing in style without breaking the bank. In these pages you will learn how to shop for designer and vintage finds while staying within your budget. Thrifty Hunter President and Founder Gabrielle Lewis will inspire you to be stylish and thrifty. Thrifty shopping may look different for each reader, but we can all look chic and still stay within our own budget!

FASHION

// THRIFTY HUNTER

KEARRAN G I O VA N N I

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HOW SHE BALANCES A THRIVING CAREER AND A HAPPY HOME LIFE B Y D E BBIE SULLIVAN

Vivacious, dedicated, loving mother and amazing actress are just some of the attributes of Kearran Giovanni. Originally from a very large southern family – including 32 first cousins – Giovanni spent half of her childhood in Louisiana, in the heart of Cajun culture, while the rest of her formative years were spent in the small town of Katy, Texas. Giovanni knew early on that she wanted to do something big – something great and her parents were always supportive and non-judgmental of anything she wanted to pursue. Giovanni went to college for musical theatre and lived in New York and experienced 10 years of Broadway shows starting with “Lion King” and continuing in “Anything Goes”, “Tarzan” and “Catch Me If You Can” to name a few. “I actually thought my career would end – I had two children by then – and it is a tough life to do theatre and have children. I thought, what can I do to stay fulfilled and still get to be home nights and weekends and not have to leave on Christmas. When TNT’s “Major Crimes” drama series came along, I thought I am going to do this! My character, Amy Sykes, was perfect – I felt it was kismet that we met and fell in love – perfect timing. I was looking for this and they were looking for me.” Giovanni’s husband was happy to move to Los Angeles, being in finance he could work in LA and their babysitter came with them as well. “We all joined together and in a month packed up our life, said goodbye to New York and moved to LA! I love it here except the restaurants aren’t as good – but other than that, it is wonderful!” When asked what she meant that LA’s restaurants aren’t as good, Giovanni says, “The experience of fine dining in New York is like a sport with a game card – check it off if you’ve gone here or there – squeeze in a tasting – try a new spot, but here in LA, not so much.” LA eateries, take note! When asked if she misses the South, Giovanni shares, “For a long time I didn’t get to go back home when I was on Broadway. When I do go back there is a home town southern charm you can’t get anywhere else. It is a very nice pace to relax into for a bit – and I eat my face off when I go home. My family is Cajun and I love it. Do I miss it? Sure – but LA is home now.”

RIGHT

When asked how she balances being a wife, mother, and actress, Giovanni says, “I am blessed that I am on an adult show – there is no ego – everyone comes to work and is respectful of home life, kids, commitments. They will do everything in their power for me and others to be able to go to school activities or bring cake for birthdays. My husband and I share the schedule as he can work from home. Some days we do a lot of high fiving, passing by on the way to the next thing, but we always have the weekend – and it is family time. We try to preserve that tradition, my husband is Italian and we still have Sunday home cooked dinner. We sit down and discuss our coming week. We make it work. As a woman, it also helps that I am surrounded by powerful women who have done the balance, figured it all out how to have a career, husband, kids. When you surround yourself with each other, it becomes your norm. Our norm is to get it up at four and get home in time to cook dinner. Whoever you surround yourself with causes you to get on board and it helps you to buck up.”

“We involve our children as much as possible so they learn that helping others is so important.” Giovanni tenderly shares that she grew up with a mom and dad who never complained and always provided for the family, giving them love and wonderful traditions. “I so admire my parents.” Giovanni is active in The Lupus Foundation, as her mom succumbed to the autoimmune disorder. Additionally, her mother’s commitment to teaching flames Giovanni’s passion for The Special Olympics, of which she is an active supporter. She continues to be a staunch advocate for community service, dance programs and art projects that are centered on helping children. She is also actively involved with the Sunshine Kids Organization which was founded by MAJOR CRIMES cast member and friend, G. W. Bailey and is dedicated to providing extensive, fun programs and events to children receiving cancer treatments across America. “We involve our children as much as possible so they learn that helping others is so important.” Kearran Giovanni spends her free time with her family: husband Philip Ambrosino, her two daughters Jordan (age 5) and Peyton (age 2) and Neo, her long-haired Chihuahua.

B L A C K L A C E D R E S S : K AT H RY N H Y N E S BLACK PUMPS: ELLIE S I LV E R E A R R I N G S : P E G G Y L I

D E B B I E S U L L I VA N I S A F R E E L A N C E J O U R N A L I S T S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N F E AT U R E S

M A RO O N F U R : K A R E N Z A M B O S V I N TAG E

A N D P R O F I L E S R E P O R T I N G , A S W E L L A S A B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T E X P E R T.

C O U T U R E

S H E L I V E S W I T H H E R H U S B A N D O U T S I D E O F LO S A N G E L E S .

FASHION

// THRIFTY HUNTER

photographer: FREDERIC CHARPENTIER W W W. F R E D E R I C P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M

make-up & hair stylist: LACIE GUZMAN

wardrobe stylist: ALI LEVINE

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W H I T E L A C Y D R E S S : O L E N A D A T S S T U D D E D S PA R K LY G O L D E A R R I N G S : M A R L Y N S C H I F F RING: MISA JEWELRY

STEPHANIE

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SCHLUND How Fate Helped her Catch Fire By Debbie Sullivan

PHOTOGRAPHER LOGAN COLE LOGANCOLE.COM HAIR: DIANNA BAUTISTA L ADYDIANNA.COM MAKEUP: KRISTINA GOLDBERG KRISTINAGOLDBERG.COM ST YLIST: GABRIELLE LEWIS

A L L C L OT H I N G F RO M S W I F T V I N TAG E S W I F T V I N TA G E . B L O G S P OT. C O M A L L J E W E L RY B Y J E N N Y D AY C O J E N N Y D AY C O . C O M

FASHION

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COVER IMAGE V I N TA G E R E D C R Y S TA L E A R R I N G S : S W I F T V I N TA G E , $ 2 8 V I N TA G E P E A R L B R A C E L E T: J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 3 2

AVA I L A B L E AT

S W I F T V I N TA G E V I N TA G E P E A R L R I N G : S W I F T V I N TA G E , $ 2 8 W W W. I L O V E S W I F T. C O M

LEFT IMAGE V I N TA G E R E D C R Y S TA L E A R R I N G S : S W I F T V I N TA G E , $ 2 8 W W W. I L O V E S W I F T. C O M

NEXT PAGE IMAGES ON LEFT GOLD CHAIN EARRINGS: J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 5 4 GOLD BEADED RHINESTONE LEAF C U F F B R A C E L E T: J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 9 8 W W W. J E N N Y D A Y C O . C O M

Stephanie Leigh Schlund, most recently known for her “beautiful but deadly” role of Cashmere in Hunger Games, Catching Fire began her craft at just 17. Schlund says with fervor, “I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and always knew that I wanted to do this and I begged my parents at 12-years old to be an actress.“ With both her parents in an education mindset, it took some time for them to agree, and finally let her dabble in it to see what would happen.

WINTER 2014 // FASHION

It seems that luck or kismet was about to collide not just once, but twice. After high school, Schlund came out to Los Angeles and, while on the beach, a producer from “The Price is Right” approached her and she quickly became their model. Her next big break came while walking in the mall and a casting director approached her and asked if she would be the hair double for Reese Witherspoon in “Sweet Home Alabama”. Schlund shares, “I don’t believe in coincidences, I think it is fate. I get these gut feelings and know where I am supposed to be. I was given tools to help me on the way.” From there, Schlund has starred in Fox’s “The Following” and Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva” on her way to “Catching Fire.”

You play an evil, mean girl – how did you get into that mindset for your part? SLS: “I’m not a method actor, I can if need be, but I try to pull from strength – I looked at Cashmere as a tiger or cheetah – she hones in on her prey and attacks. Pulling from personal experiences, in high school I was not the popular girl and so I reached into the mean things that happened to me and tried to be like those girls. I have to fully believe I am there and I breathe life into my character and forget what I am and become what I am asked to be.” What’s your passion? SLS: “My passion is the art of acting. I found out later on that there were performers on my mother’s side of the family and that my father’s family is related to the creator of “Star Trek” – so maybe it’s in my blood! The thing I also love in life is giving back. I’ve been fortunate enough to be given a platform with this film – I want to use it for good and do well with it.” Tell me about “Pals Around the World” and “After School All Stars.” SLS: “Pals teaches about giving back - they work with the United Nations and promote learning about other countries through reading books about different countries. The books are designed for underprivileged kids to show them the world and teach them to read. “After School All Stars” promotes childhood literacy as well. Spending time with the children – promoting education and diversity in today’s society is sometimes looked over – I want to help expand children’s education. This really hits my heart because as a child I escaped to my books and I want to help other children do the same.”

“No matter how much of an outsider you feel sometimes, at the end of the day doing what makes you happy is best. Don’t listen to those people who say bad things, just ignore them”

FASHION

// THRIFTY HUNTER

RIGHT V I N TA G E R E D C R Y S TA L E A R R I N G S : S W I F T V I N TA G E , $ 2 8 V I N TA G E P E A R L B R A C E L E T: J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 3 2

AVA I L A B L E AT

S W I F T V I N TA G E V I N TA G E P E A R L R I N G : S W I F T V I N TA G E , $ 2 8 W W W. I L O V E S W I F T. C O M

LEFT V I N TA G E G O L D A N D P E A R L E A R R I N G S : S W I F T V I N TA G E $ 3 6 GOLD FILIGREE AND G R E E N C R Y S TA L R I N G :

SWIFT

V I N TA G E $ 3 6 W W W. I L O V E S W I F T. C O M

“My family taught me to not care what others think and to be who I wanted to be.”

Stephanie Leigh Schlund is a grounded, warm and talented woman embracing new opportunities to showcase her talent and always looking for ways to help others feel good about who they are. Thanks for sharing the fire, Stephanie.

Although Schlund is now at the height of her game, in school she really struggled and experienced the cruelty that comes from not fitting in. “School for me was not fun – the girls were so mean to me and it squashed who I was. I was in drama and it was not the cool thing to do. My family taught me to not care what others think and to be who I wanted to be. I found my niche and became the happiest in drama. Her advice to anyone feeling the pain of being an outcast, “No matter how much of an outsider you feel sometimes, at the end of the day doing what makes you happy is best. Don’t listen to those people who say bad things, just ignore them.”

S H E L I V E S W I T H H E R H U S B A N D O U T S I D E O F LO S A N G E L E S .

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D E B B I E S U L L I VA N I S A F R E E L A N C E J O U R N A L I S T S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N F E AT U R E S A N D P R O F I L E S R E P O R T I N G , A S W E L L A S A B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T E X P E R T.

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// THRIFTY HUNTER

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The Rise of the McClain Sisters By: Debbie Sullivan China 15, Lauryn 16, Sierra 19, collectively known as The McClain sisters, are extremely talented, each in their own right and as a team, they are simply amazing. And yet what stands out the most is how grounded and centered these young women are in how they handle their career and their lives. Our interview took place over the phone as they were in a car moving to their next gig, and yet it was if we were all in one room with all the time in the world. They are each actors, singers, song writers and sisters who love one another and who honor their mom and dad who brought them to where they are today. The interview was fun and each sister would speak up, talk over one another, laughing and all with a sense of ease.

it when I was a kid. I like writing songs, poetry...it gives me a release. My mom actually reminded me that writing is a gift of mine and I

DS: What are the challenges and delights in working with your

should get back to it. We have wonderful parents and they remind us of

sisters so closely?

what is important – we are so blessed.

Lauryn: I don’t have any down sides to working with family, we know each other very well – the good and bad. (Laughter fills the car.) We all

DS: Being so blessed, are you involved in “giving back” in any way?

get along well.

Sierra: We do our best to embrace those opportunities when they come.

Sierra: I feel like there are lots of benefits – we are close – it can be

We performed at “Our Brother Charlie” fundraiser one year. Just listen-

a good and bad thing. We grew up around music all of our lives – it’s

ing to Holly Robinson was amazing and we loved being a part of this

always been a way for us to bond and get to know each other better. It’s

charitable organization.

great, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our Brother Charlie is part of the HollyRod Foundation founded by

China: I agree with what they are saying- things that come with being

Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney Peete for those

sisters can sometimes get in the way – like, “Hey, you’re wearing my

living with autism and Parkinson’s disease

shirt!” (Laughter again) It is great chemistry.

China: When I worked on Ant Farm, during every last taping we had a child from Make-a-Wish Foundation on set and we spent the whole

DS: Where do you see yourself in five years and how will you get

night talking with them and finding out their story. I just really enjoyed

there?

doing that and I want to pursue it more.

China: I think we just try to go one day at a time and figure out what

Lauryn: St. Jude is very close to my heart – I love what they do and I

we want to do. The picture is not all planned out, we are following the

am going to do more with them.

road that God gave us and it will be good. Sierra: We try to take it one day at a time – doing our best to grow as

DS: You three are role models for so many, how does that make you feel?

musicians, singers, song writers – wherever it takes us, we will be there.

China: It took me a long time to realize that kids were watching what

Girls agreeing…then Sierra adds:

I was doing and I take that very seriously. We make sure we never leave

Sierra: We are very spiritual and were brought up in that since we were

anyone behind that wants an autograph and we appreciate our fans so

little – and because we are very grounded in that - our spirituality and

much – those are the people who made us.

faith drives every decision we make. It plays a huge factor in how we

Lauryn: I feel like that’s one of the main things besides our personal

decide to handle the business and our lives in general.

relationship with God, we realize we are role models, and because of that we think about everything before we do it. Every picture we post, every

DS: What is your passion in life and how do you pursue it?

twitter – we all still go to our parents and talk about what would be ap-

Lauryn: I love fashion and I do point ballet … so dance and fashion …

propriate to post. We don’t want anyone to get off track.

wanting to go to fashion school is big for me.

Sierra: I agree with Lauryn. We’re young, we have great parents and

China: I really do love fashion too – putting outfits together. I also

they help manage the little things we do. We may make mistakes but we

love drawing and sketching – it’s a hidden talent I have and helps to

do our best to learn from those and do better. We would never tell kids

calm my nerves and … it just makes me happy!

to follow us and do what we do, but to be themselves, their best selves.

Sierra: I love to write – I actually just took it up again because I did

As for us, we will always do positive and appropriate music and we try to

FASHION

// THRIFTY HUNTER

COVER IMAGE AND BELOW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

On Sierra: GOLD CHAIN EARRINGS: J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 1 8

On Lauryn: BLACK AND GOLD CHAIN EARRINGS: J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 1 8

On China: BLACK AND GOLD TRIPLE PYRAMID EARRINGS: J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 4 1

W W W. J E N N Y D A Y C O . C O M

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ON PAGE 25 FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

On China: G O L D E N S H A D O W S WA R O V S K I S TA R C R Y S TA L E A R R I N G S : J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 2 4

On Lauryn: B L AC K R H I N E S TO N E B OW BRACELET J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 3 0 BLACK PYRAMID RING J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 1 6

W W W. J E N N Y D A Y C O . C O M

TO THE RIGHT FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

On China: GOLD BEADED RHINESTONE LEAF CUFF BRACELET J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 9 8

On Lauryn: BRONZE BEADED RHINESTONE

represent what we believe. We love our fans, but we don’t want them to

LEAF CUFF BRACELET

follow or idolize us – that is for the spiritual side.

J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 9 8 G O L D H E A RT LO C K E T N E C K L AC E

DS: What advice do you have for your fans who want to succeed in

J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 4 1

their chosen field or, perhaps, in this industry?

On Sierra:

Lauryn: Our parents have always taught us to never compromise a belief

S I LV E R B E A D E D R H I N E S T O N E

– don’t change what you know is true for any money or fame or to get a

L E A F C U F F B R A C E L E T:

boy to like you. Even if someone is telling you to do this or that to get

J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 9 8

where you want to go …. stay true to who you are. Stay grounded in

WHITE AND GOLD CHAIN

what you’ve been taught.

TA S S E L E A R R I N G S

China: Talk to your parents and make sure they are ok with what you

J E N N Y D AY C O , $ 8 3

want. If they are, then go for it full speed – you will get a lot of no’s

W W W. J E N N Y D A Y C O . C O M

before you get the one yes that changes your entire life. Work hard and really love it – if you don’t love it, it won’t drive you through. Sierra: I agree with both – you should put your spiritual relationship with God first. I believe you have to trust and know that everybody has a purpose. These gifts that you have, you may not think they mean anything but they do and we are all supposed use whatever gifts we have been given. We want to encourage others to use whatever you have to encourage, uplift and inspire others. The McClain sisters are on fire, and they truly live the words from their song ‘Rise”: ”Just know you’re never by yourself Put your hands in mine, hold your head up high And together we’ll rise.” And we will all be watching and applauding their success. D E B B I E S U L L I VA N I S A F R E E L A N C E J O U R N A L I S T S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N F E AT U R E S A N D P R O F I L E S R E P O R T I N G , A S W E L L A S A B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T E X P E R T. S H E L I V E S W I T H H E R H U S B A N D O U T S I D E O F LO S A N G E L E S .

FASHION

// THRIFTY HUNTER

INT ’L FASHION

LONDON Photographer: Emily Soto www.EmilySoto.com Model: Bethany at Profile Models London Stylist: Ricardo Medina www.ricardomedina.co.uk Make Up & Hair: Izabela Szelagowska Assistant: Denis Newby

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

R E D V E LV E T E V E N I N G D R E S S B Y G E R L I L I I VA M A G I BLACK SANDALS JIMMY CHOO

I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

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RIGHT WHITE BLOUSE: MELIKAM L O N G E V E N I N G S K I RT: PA YA H U I LO N D O N W H I T E F E AT H E R E D H AT: ROSSANA GOULD

2 20 3

WW I NI N T ETRE R 2 02 10 4 1/ /4 L /O/N DI N ON SH T EFRA N A ITOI NO N A L F A S H I O N

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// THRIFTY HUNTER

WHITE BLOUSE: MELIKAM L O N G E V E N I N G S K I RT: PA YA H U I LO N D O N EARRINGS: EDDY

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

B E T H A N Y W E A R S F LOW E R E D EVENING DRESS AND BLUE C O AT B Y S I N E A D T H O R P E , BLACK SANDALS JIMMY CHOO.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

// THRIFTY HUNTER

COVER STORY

LILAH PARSONS MODEL & MTV PRESENTER

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O V E R

DEBBIE

SULLIVAN

COVER STORY OPPOSITE PAGE F U R C O AT: A B S O L U T E V I N TA G E JEANS: EAST END THRIFT STORE S W E AT E R : E A S T E N D T H R I F T S T O R E B L AC K P O I N T E D C O U RT S H O E S : TRAID

RIGHT C H E C K S K I RT: B E Y O N D R E T R O BOOTS: NOT TING HILL HOUSING TRUST CHARITY SHOP ROLL NECK TOP: OXFAM CHARITY SHOP

“I genuinely think if you want something and are prepared to work hard, I know you can get it.” and open with a realness that makes you want to pour another cup of tea and beg her to share more. Born and raised in England, she tells me she was quite “schooley” until she turned 18 and went to university. Parsons says, “I did not like university so even though I was always a girlie girl, I joined the Territorial Army. It was very challenging – it was a case of wanting to do something I never thought I could do, so different from my character. Every weekend and every Wednesday we were doing tough, physical work – out in the snow and rain – I really felt I had achieved something and made some of my best friends there. I spend weekends on the hill, carrying a rifle while my college friends were clubbing. My brother was in the army serving in Afghanistan at the time and was in an explosion. He was very lucky to survive because the guy next to him didn’t and it makes you realize how fragile life is.” L I L A H PA R S O N S I S V E RY K I N D

Parsons left after six months to attend art school in London. While there she was scouted as a model and six weeks later, Parsons was working on campaigns such as Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and Swatch to name a few. She lived in Paris, Milan, New York and London, a whirlwind four years. When she was cast for MTV, she fell in love with having a voice in this amazing platform. “I really want to become the best presenter and interviewer I can be – it’s about the person you are interviewing, not about you.” Parsons presents for MTV Top 20 and MTV Essentials which is aired in 32 countries.

“I genuinely think if you want something and are prepared to work hard, I know you can get it. I had a tough time at school but it did make me stronger. We all make mistakes and we all have experiences that we have to get up from and make the most of the situation. While living in New York, I got married at 23 – a big mistake – it lasted 6 months – at the time it felt that the world had collapsed, but now I am such a different person for going thru through that, I am stronger and learned what I want in life. When it feels like everything has gone wrong in life, get back up because the age old ‘what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger’ is so true.” Parsons continues, “I came back to London – my home, my safe place – surrounded myself with the right people, my supportive family and friends – and threw myself back into work. I had a friend that said, ‘I don’t want you sitting in pajamas, drinking hot chocolate all day.’…and I was actually doing that at the time. So I threw myself into work, going to the gym, being focused and staying true to my life theory - try not to mope. You can always find the good in a situation – if you are positive about things – you can make opportunities for yourself. I truly believe that if my divorce hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Have the right attitude, even when things go wrong, stay positive and you can make good out of a bad situation.” D E B B I E S U L L I VA N I S A F R E E L A N C E J O U R N A L I S T S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N F E AT U R E S A N D P R O F I L E S R E P O R T I N G , A S W E L L A S A B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T E X P E R T. S H E L I V E S W I T H H E R H U S B A N D O U T S I D E O F LO S A N G E L E S .

I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O V E R S T O RY / / T H R I F T Y H U N T E R

COVER STORY RIGHT B R OW N L E AT H E R S K I RT: PORCELAIN & RED S W E AT E R W I T H W H I T E S L E E V E S : FARA CHARITY SHOP

Photography Emy Lou w w w. e m y l o u . c o . u k Videography Kevin Chesnais www.kevinchesnais.com Stylist Katherine Doyle w w w . k at h e r i n e d o y l e s t y l i s t . c o m Makeup artist Katherine Louise www.katherinelouisemakeup.com Hair stylists Jenny & Just at The Cove Hair Salon www.covehairbrighton.co.uk Photographers assistants: James Nash & Lorraine Simpson Stylists assistants: Lucy jordan & hayley hatfield Model / TV Personality Lilah Parsons www.milkmanagement.co.uk With special thanks to studio location 18 www.location18.com

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

S A P P H I R E C AV E R N FORT AMHERST, CHATHAM UK

Photography By Chloe Chudasama www.chloecphotography.com

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

WHITE BLOUSE: MELIKAM L O N G E V E N I N G S K I RT: PA YA H U I LO N D O N EARRINGS: EDDY

I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

// THRIFTY HUNTER

H AT: L I S A J AY N E M I L L I N E R Y G L A M FAU X F U R : FA L L I N LOV E C O U T U R E T R O U S E R S : N I N A N AU S T D A L S H O E S : S T Y L I S T S OW N R I N G : S T Y L I S T S OW N C O L L A R : V E LV E T E C C E N T R I C

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

// THRIFTY HUNTER

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

credits Lighting/Assistant: Leroy Kincaide www.twitter.com/leroykincaide Hair and Makeup: Amy Goode Twitter: @AmyLouiseGoode Model: Ruth @ Oxygen Models www.oxygenmodels.com Millinery and Props: Lisa Jayne Millinery Twitter: @lisajaynehat Stylist: Andi Petrou Twitter: @styleinlondon I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

// THRIFTY HUNTER

P H OTO G R A P H E R : T H I L I N I G A M A L AT H M O D E L : A L E X A N D R A AT Y O U R WAY M G M T M A K E U P : L AU R A C . B A L D A S S A R R A S T Y L I S T: C H I A R A C H I A RU C C I AT K I N G S I Z E C LOT H I N G P ROV I D E D B Y: K I N G S I Z E

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

CARDIGAN: CHIARA CHIARUCCI SHORTS: INTIMISSIMI

I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

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J A C K E T: D I N è B L O U S E : G R A Z I A M A G N I JEANS: ROCCOBAROCCO HEADBAND: CHIARA CHIARUCCI

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

L E AT H E R J A C K E T: T O G A S H O E S : D R MARTENS JEANS BY LEE BAG: PRADA

I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

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ITALY Enjoy the Silence P H O T O G R A P H Y: M I C H E L A R I VA MODEL: SARA DREKALOVIC MAKE UP: CECILIA CARBONELLI H A I R S T Y L E : A L I N A B R I C H E S E AT T H E B E A U T Y RO O M STYLING: ALESSIA ALESSIO-VERNÌ WA R D R O B E : B O O G A L O O V I N TA G E A N D M O R E

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

TA I L L E U R : V E R S AC E C O U T U R E V I N TAG E ( 9 0 S ) B A G : C H A N E L V I N TAG E ( 7 0 S )

I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

// THRIFTY HUNTER

BLUE DRESS: MARIELLA BURANI V I N TA G E ( 8 0 S )

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

// THRIFTY HUNTER

PA R K A : G I A N F R A N C O F E R R È V I N TA G E ( 9 0 S )

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / I N T E R N AT I O N A L FA S H I O N

ZOE’S VINTIQUE ONE OF A KIND VINTAGE CLOTHING

5350 W ADAMS BLVD LOS ANGELES, CA 90016 323.934.0302 MONDAY — THURSDAY 11-7pm FRIDAY–SUNDAY 11-8pm Email: ZOE VINTIQUE@YAHOO.C O M Instagram: ZOEVINTIQUE

WWW.ZOESVINTIQUE.COM

B E A U T Y

HEADPIECE BY BLOOM BAZAAR VINTAGE PEARL WEDDING TUNIC

ETHEREAL BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHER: ANNA SHMEL

W W W. A N N A S H M E L . C O M

WINTER 2014 //

BEAUTY

HEADPIECE BY BLOOM BAZAAR DRESS BY BAR III

BEAUTY

// THRIFTY HUNTER

H E A D PI E C E B Y B LO O M B A Z A A R D R E S S B Y B A R III

P RO D U C TS U S E D:Â

Makeup forever Graftobian Belletto Studio airbrush system

WINTER 2014 //

FASHION

HEADPIECE BY BLOOM BAZAAR VINTAGE SCARF

STYLIST JESS MEDEROS W W W. J E S S M E D E RO S . C O M MAKE UP OLGA KHIZVER HAIR STYLIST NIA CARROLL MODEL FREJA@FENTON MOON W W W. F E N TO N M O O N . C O M

FASHION

// THRIFTY HUNTER

DRY CHAPPE D

WI NTE R LI PS By Kristina Goldberg

Cracked, bleeding, peeling lips? We all dread it in the winter. The extreme variation of the cold air outdoors mixed with drying heaters indoors is a recipe for disaster on your lips. When you lick to moisten your lips, you are actually taking away the lips’ natural protective coating called the stratum corneum. This is a thin protective film of oil that protects your lips from the cold. Licking your lips causes your saliva to break down this thin coating thus exposing your skin to the elements. Dry cracked lips are not attractive and certainly not comfortable. One way we try to comfort our lips is by using a balm. If you find yourself addicted to applying a lip balm too often, the ingredients could actually be even more drying. Some dermatologists recommend using balms sparingly so your lips’ natural process does not stop working. You can cause your lips to shut down if you are constantly applying these products thus making the situation worse. TRY THIS HOME REMEDY TO REMOVE DEAD, FLAKY SKIN:

If your lips are peeling and dry, try making a mix of equal parts 1 tsp. honey (hydration and exfoliation), 1 tsp. sugar (brown or white for exfoliation) and 1 tsp. olive oil (moisture) add a pinch of ground cinnamon for plumping if you like (seriously, my lips are really full now!). Rub on your lips, let it sit for 3-5 minutes and rise off with a warm washcloth. Apply your lip treatment of choice.

Here are a few options when shopping for your winter lip treatment:

PE T RO L E U M B A S E D There are lip treatments that protect you from the cold like VASELINE LIP THERAPY $1.99 and other petroleum based lip products. These are not simply lip moisturizers as most people think. The use of a petroleum based lip ointment is to protect the lips from the cold and wind, and to lock in the skin’s natural moisture. These products are great for outdoor sports or extreme weather conditions to protect your lips. So if you are grabbing your skis to hit the slopes, don’t forget to apply your lip treatment. Here are some popular brands: C . O . B I G E L OW R O S E S A LV E - N O . 0 1 2 : $ 3 . 8 9 An American classic since 1892. Soft rose scent and makes a great gloss. NIVEA LIP BUTTER: $3.99 Shea Butter and Almond Oil to help moisturize. L U C A S ’ PA PAW O I N T M E N T: $ 9 . 9 9 Here is one that I have had great success with my celebrity clients. I learned of this product from and Australian makeup artist, Dotti. I have used it in my makeup kit for 5 years. There is a distributor here in the states finally so I don’t have to keep bugging my Aussie friend to bring it back with her each time she goes home. It works the second you apply it to your lips! Here is an important quote from their web site: “It is pharmaceutical grade petroleum jelly that is tested and screened for the level of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Penreco USP grade Petrolatums are not mutagenic or toxic to reproduction.”

WINTER 2014 //

BEAUTY

*Most lipsticks contain a wax or petrolatum base which protect your lips like a balm. If you are wearing your lipstick, no need to layer both products.

AQUA P H O R L I P R E PA I R : $ 4 . 9 9 with SPF 30 Aquaphor lip repair is a treatment for relieving dry chapped lips. It contains Shea Butter, Vitamins C and E and essence of Chamomile for anti-inflammatory properties. It is free of fragrance, preservatives and dyes. PE T RO – F R E E O P T I O N S Here are some other great options that are petro free. These use bases such as Beeswax, Shea Butter, coconut oil, olive oil base instead of petroleum. If you are looking for a natural and gluten-free based lip treatment try: E O S L I P B A L M ( G LU T E N F R E E ) $ 2 . 9 9 I love the fun colors and flavors, you’re going to want to collect them all! 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidantrich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, for soft and smooth lips. AV E D A L I P S AV E R : $ 8 . 5 0 Nurture your lips with a soothing, moisturizing, botanical balm containing nature’s antioxidants and natural waxes that help seal in moisture. B U RT S B E E S $ 3 . 3 0 Ultra moisture with Kokum butter, So many flavors and a top seller. THE HONEST CO. ORGANIC $ 9 . 9 5 for three flavors organic all natural lip balm. P U R E PA PAY A : $ 6 . 9 9 Creamy texture, soothing on stressed skin. Contains fermented Papaya from Australia 90% organic. I am really impressed with this ointment. Works with your skin’s pH for eczema, rash and burns. http://www.purepapayausa.com BEESENTIALS: $2.99 Lemon and Lavender YUM!, chemical free. They harvest their own Beeswax from their hive. Combined with Acai oil, shea butter, Cupuacu butter, and other moisturizing ingredients.

These days there is an extreme split for people who are for or against petro based cosmetics. Petroleum is a by-product of crude oil. These are not “green” cosmetics and some consider them to be toxic. Environmental reasons, carcinogenic reasons, performance...whatever your reason, you need to find what fits your lifestyle and skin concerns as well as which delivers you the best results. If you are still not sure, ask your doctor or health care professional.

Each

company has a 1-800 number for you to call and get answers directly from the source. There are plenty of all natural and chemical free options as well.

ANTI AGING SKIN LIP TREATMENTS Your skin makes Hyaluronic Acid naturally, but production slows down as we age. Not only does Hyaluronic Acid act as a filler, but it plumps your lips to keep them smooth. Adding it to your lip balm can help moisturize your lips. For mature skin I recommend: EPISILK $6.00 100% natural lip balm that contains high concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid L A RO CC A l i p s h i e l d : $ 1 5 . 0 0 SPF 8 and hyalaronic acid all natural and gluten-free

Try to stay away from parabens, fragrances and artificial colors, shimmers, menthol, alcohol, and aloe butter, these can dry out or irritate the lips. Try lip treatments that have the least amount of ingredients and that you easily recognize. Ask your Dr. if your lips are really dry and cracked, it may be a serious medical condition. Some ingredients to look for are: SPF: Your lips do not have meletonin and the top layer of the skin on your lips is very thin. Using an SPF can help protect them. LANOLIN is used to moisturize and protect the lips, it comes from sheep’s wool. It can be an irritant for some peoples lips. Try Laura Mercier Lip balm. $20.00 COCOA BUTTER comes from the cocoa bean, has antioxidants and a stable shelf life of 2-5 years. It is a moisturizer and protectant, the texture is velvety and soft.

BEAUTY

// THRIFTY HUNTER

BEAUTY MAKEOVER

Lovely looks for Valentines B e fo re a n d A f t e r B e au t y fe a t u re

BEFORE

AFTER

photographer Ed McGowen hair Dianna Bautista makeup Amy Clarke talent Lauren & Lindsay Kelly

AFTER

It was an easy choice to do our winter beauty makeover with twin sisters Lauren and Lindsay. The bond and love between sisters is definitely something to celebrate during Valentine’s. These two have sparkling personalities and were so much fun to work with. On this romantic occasion, bring out your amorous side with a sexy red lip and simple side chignon or go with a glamorous winged liner with a pale pink lip and side swept curls. We hope these looks inspire you to get a little playful with your romantic look. Xoxo, The Beauty Team

JEWELRY CREDITS:

look No.1 Collar Look VINTAGE BEADED COLLAR $47, RHINESTONE AND PEARL TEARDROP EARRINGS, $34 SWIFT VINTAGE WWW.ILOVESWIFT.COM SILVER HEART LOCKET RING BY JENNY DAYCO $41 WWW.JENNYDAYCO.COM look No.2 Feather Headband Look FEATHER HEADBAND $26, BRONZE RHINESTONE STAR RING $24 BY JENNY DAYCO WWW.JENNYDAYCO.COM BLUE RHINESTONE EARRINGS, $28 SWIFT VINTAGE WWW.ILOVESWIFT.COM

WINTER 2014 //

BEAUTY

COVER STORY

REBECCA DA COSTA Brazilian Model and American Actress

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FASHION COVER

DEBBIE

SULLIVAN

COVER STORY

TOP: GOODWILL BRACELETS: I N P LU S H EARRINGS: ZOE’S VINTIQUE S K I RT: KENNETH BARLIS W W W. K E N N E T H B A R I L I S . C O M

Europe, Milan, Paris, Vienna, Thailand, New York Rebecca da Costa has modeled in some of the most glamorous locations and for some of the most prestigious brands. A stunning beauty, da Costa is generous of heart, loves people and feels blessed to live the life she is living. “Growing up in Brazil,” she says, “I always wanted to be an actress and did some theatre in there, then the modeling happened but I always had it in the back of my mind that I would go back to acting. I really wanted to travel and see the world and I have met so many interesting people and speak four languages now and all through modeling.” Da Costa left her Brazilian home at 14-years old and initially her mother came with her to San Paulo and stayed for two months. “Her rule was that I needed to continue studying and I finished high school in Brazil. International travels, I went by myself.” When asked if she was scared of traveling alone, da Costa says with excitement, “Adrenaline for me is traveling to a country by myself where I don’t speak the language at 16-years old. My first place was Milan – I was in a situation where I had no choice, I had to learn the language. Two weeks later I was speaking Italian!”

She continues, “I so wanted to see the world – I didn’t have a computer growing up and the internet wasn’t as big as now. The only way to see the world was to travel so I wanted to go to different countries and learn the languages – it fascinated me. When you are young, you are so naïve – now I see it was a bit crazy – but I just had the dream to meet people because I love people. My mission in life is to connect with as many as I can. Sometimes the friendships fade away because everybody has a purpose to fulfill in your life and when the purpose is accomplished, life goes on. So many people have touched my life, but I have five people that are my closest friends to my heart.” Da Costa modeled in New York for four years and decided to start taking acting classes – that was how it started. “Since I was born, I knew I wanted to be an actress, no one influenced me or anything, I just knew it. In school when I was 10 years old, two to three times a year, I would write, act and produce the plays. I would write a 20-30 page script, then cast it, direct it and act in it. Even as a model, I knew I would go back to acting. When I mentioned to a couple of friend’s that I wanted to act they said, ‘Rebecca, so many people want the dream you have, don’t chance your luck on acting.’ They were warning me not to try it but I felt it was written in the stars.”

FASHION COVER

// THRIFTY HUNTER

COVER STORY SEQUINS BLACK DRESS: KENNETH BARLIS W W W. K E N N E T H B A R I L I S . C O M E A R R I N G S : ZO E’ S V I N T I QU E B R AC E L E TS : I N P LU S H GLOVES: GOODWILL

Then she moved to Los Angeles for modeling and thought, “I am going to stay six months to really study and learn to act before I even audition. Then my first audition I got the role! I was really excited – it was a small movie but it didn’t matter because it gave me such an energy and made me so happy that I was able to attract bigger things.” Da Costa is starring in “The Bag Man” with Robert De Niro and John Cusack to be released in February. She plays a femme fatale and develops a love affair with John Cusack. “I play a very interesting character that evolves throughout the movie – it was an amazing experience for me.” Preparation for this role was very important to Da Costa. “I wanted

“Adrenaline for me is traveling to a country by myself where I don’t speak the language at 16-years old.” 64

WINTER 2014 // COVER STORY

to do the best I can do so I really prepared. My main concern was the language as there is lots of dialogue. I worked with a dialogue coach six hours a day for a month so I could be comfortable with my character. Then I worked with my acting coach, Larry Moss, who is amazing. When I got to the set I wasn’t nervous at all because I had prepared so much. That’s the secret – the more prepared you are, the less nervous you will be and the more confident you will feel.” Rebecca da Costa is an accomplished model and actress and encourages everyone to pursue their dreams, whatever that may be. “I have been very lucky in my life, thank God. I came from a simple family that couldn’t afford to do anything and here I am traveling the world and pursuing my dreams when so many people told me it couldn’t happen. If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

D E B B I E S U L L I VA N I S A F R E E L A N C E J O U R N A L I S T S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N F E AT U R E S A N D P R O F I L E S R E P O R T I N G , A S W E L L A S A B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T E X P E R T. S H E L I V E S W I T H H E R H U S B A N D O U T S I D E O F LO S A N G E L E S .

COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

W H I T E F E AT H E R R O P E D R E S S B Y KENNETH BARLIS W W W. K E N N E T H B A R I L I S . C O M ACCESSORIES BY ZOE’S VINTIQUE

WINTER 2014 // COVER STORY

COVER STORY

PH OTO G R A PH E R : LO G A N C O L E W W W. L O G A N C O L E . C O M HAIRST YLIST: SCOT T KING W W W. F A C E B O O K . C O M / S C O T T K I N G H A I R MAKEUP ARTIST: AMY CL ARKE W W W. A M Y C L A R K E M A K E U P. C O M WA R D R O B E S T Y L I S T: GABRIELLE LEWIS VIDEOGRAPHER: JOSHUA SMITH W W W. S H E D L I G H T P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M

BLUE FLORAL ROBE BY KENNETH BARLIS W W W. K E N N E T H B A R L I S . C O M ACC E S S O R I E S B Y ZO E’ S V I N T I QU E A N D I N P LU S H

Location Courtesy of Jim Magglos

COVER STORY

// THRIFTY HUNTER

L I F E S T Y L E

No Fuss Healthy Eating By: Jennifer Leff, MS, CPT | Photography Kathryn Dahms | kldahms@gmail.com

A New Year means a fresh start and new beginning. If you ate too much over the

stay honest with myself. This will remind you to practice mindful eating as you

holidays or ate what felt good at the time and are now full of regret, bloated,

are working toward your goal of becoming healthier. For example, if you are going

exhausted and with extra pounds you can still reset and eat healthy, feel good and

into your food cabinet to get your children a snack and see that bright orange and

lose weight —even with Valentine’s Day around the corner.

white goldfish box beckoning you, think about the cost of that choice.

There is a great deal of information available on what to eat and what not to eat

Get organized. Cooking healthy meals on a regular basis will require some work,

but it can be a lot to digest (no pun intended!). My purpose is to help you create

time and pre-planning on your part but don’t let that scare you. After all, your

simple and easy strategies on how to eat nutritiously each day, and without the

body, your health and the health of your family are worth the time and commit-

fuss. This is the best time of year to get back to the basics as your body is forgiv-

ment. Plan your meals ahead of time, schedule market trips and food preparation

ing and wants to work with you.

weekly. You may find that because of work schedules, kids’ sports and activities, the need to double recipes to create secondary meals for another night or next

Some think they need to make big, drastic, expensive changes to become healthy

day’s lunch is in order. Chopping vegetables on the weekends and storing them in

but there are healthy options that don’t require time and effort.

containers in the refrigerator in the vegetable bin for meals during the week is also

Try the following five simple steps:

a valuable time-saver.

Start with yourself. Is your health a priority in your life? This is a question that

Make cooking fun, not a chore. Cooking at home is an ideal way to connect

requires your honest answer. In our fast paced world and demanding lifestyles, it

with family and friends and is a perfect solution to slim your waistline and save

is imperative that we slow down for a moment and look at what is most important.

money. When you are sharing time with someone you love over the counters and

By putting your health and well being high on your priority list, you will be

stove, meal preparation can actually become enjoyable rather than a perceived

setting yourself up for success to maintain a healthy lifestyle and/or lose weight

dreaded chore. Share some of the jobs with others to take the burden off of you.

despite the hurdles that may arise. Also, don’t punish yourself from any poor eat-

By involving your children you are giving them skills they can use all through life.

ing choices you may have previously made. Healthy eating friends with benefits. A study from ACES has shown that when Strategize and write a goal list. The benefit to writing out a goal list that reflects

eating out with healthy minded friends there are many benefits, such as peer sup-

getting healthy is that it takes the pressure off of being on a diet. Many diets can

port and being willing to taste new foods. People tend to order like their friends

leave us with feelings of failure because they are hard to follow long term. One

do. This way you can eat out without regret.

strategy is to eat to fuel your body and not just feed it. Post your goal list where you will see it often like your food cabinet and on your refrigerator so that you can

WINTER 2014 //

H E AT H Y E AT S

CINNAMON KETTLE CORN From “Giada's Feel Good Food” Giada de Laurentiis, GDL Foods, 2013 (Makes about 8 cups; serves 8) Ingredients Vegetable oil cooking spray ¼ cup safflower or grape seed oil ½ cup popcorn kernels 1 cup sugar in the raw 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Instructions: Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Spray a large bowl with vegetable oil cooking spray. Combine the oil and popcorn kernels in a large heavy saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-high, shaking the pan occasionally until the kernels have popped, about 8 minutes. Transfer the popcorn to the prepared bowl. Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar melts, about 8 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla and cinnamon. Carefully drizzle the melted sugar mixture over the popcorn. Using 2 wooden spoons, toss until the popcorn is coated with the sugar mixture and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and let it cool for 10 minutes. Break the caramel corn into 1 to 2-inch pieces before serving or storing. This is a healthier version of a popular treat. The cinnamon helps to stabilize blood sugar which helps prevent dips in blood sugar that can cause cravings, exhaustion, and feeling shaky.

H E A LT H Y E AT S

// THRIFTY HUNTER

ASIAN STIR-FRY From “Ultimate Reset Program and Nutrition Guide” Beachbody, 2012 (Makes 1 serving) Ingredients 1 Tbsp. coconut oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger ½ medium carrot, cut into thin diagonal slices ½ cup broccoli florets ¼ medium red bell pepper, sliced 1 small head of bok choy, chopped into bite size chunks 1 ½ tsp sesame oil 1 Tbsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos

Instructions: Heat coconut oil in large skillet or wok over high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and carrot; cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add broccoli; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and bok choy. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 2-3 mins or until tender-crisp. Turn off heat. Add sesame oil and Bragg Liquid Aminos. Mix well.

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H E AT H Y E AT S

TO M ATO B A S I L SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH H E A R T- S H A P E D T O A S T (Makes 1 serving) Ingredients 2 organic eggs 6 cherry tomatoes 6 fresh basil leaves 1 tsp olive oil 2 slices of toast (wheat or rye) Heart-shaped cookie cutter

Instructions: Crack eggs into a bowl and toss into the shells. Scramble the eggs with a fork until they are bubbly. Pull off six fresh basil leaves from a steam. Wash the leaves with water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the leaves on top of one another and roll them into a spiral. Chop the basil into little pieces. Wash all 6 cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Place 2 pieces of toast into the toaster and toast to your liking. Once the toast is done use your heart shaped cutter and push it onto the bread to make 2 hearts. Place your pan onto the stove and cook at medium high. Drop into the pan your olive oil and move it around so that the inside bottom of the pan is covered. Pour in the eggs and let them cook for a couple of minutes then put in the basil and tomatoes. Keep moving the eggs around until your eggs are cooked enough (usually 5-6 minutes). Place your eggs and heart shaped toast onto a plate and enjoy any time of day.

Love is in the air, and it doesn’t mean that you have to indulge in chocolate or push aside your healthy eating goals. Staying on a healthy track even on Valentine’s Day can still be romantic and full of love. Below are three flirty ways to celebrate your love for your loved ones. Breakfast in bed Try the tomato, basil and eggs recipe with heart-shaped toast for a romantic surprise that will set the tone for the day and energize your partner. Get active in nature Hike or take a walk on the beach together. Getting out and exercising in nature can be a passionate way of enjoying your partner and/or loved ones. Hide and seek love notes Hide little notes all over the house, each saying a different reason why you love your partner and are grateful for them.

J E N N I F E R L E F F,

MS, CPT HAS A MASTERS DEGREE IN EXERCISE SCIENCE

A N D H E A LT H P R O M O T I O N . S H E I S A N A T I O N A L L Y C E R T I F I E D P E R S O N A L TRAINER AND LIFESTYLE AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT COACH WITH THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE (ACE, AS WELL AS A PERFORMANCE E N H A N C E M E N T S P E C I A L I S T W I T H T H E N AT I O N A L AC A D E M Y O F S P O RT S M E D I C I N E ( N A S M ) . S H E A L S O H A S C E RT I F I C AT I O N S I N M AT W O R K P I L AT E S , Y O G A , P R E / P O S T N ATA L Y O G A A N D F I T N E S S A N D S P O RT S S P E C I F I C C O N D I T I O N I N G . S H E I S H A P P I L Y M A R R I E D A N D A M O M O F T W O B O Y S .

H E A LT H Y E AT S

// THRIFTY HUNTER

New York: The City That Never Sleeps… For Less. By Robyn Flans

, you are entitled to seek some much needed R&R and can cash in on the great vacation deals available. N OW T H AT Y O U ’ V E S U RV I V E D T H E C H A O S A N D S T R E S S - R I D D E N H O L I D AY S

Some of the hotels worth looking at include Affinia Manhattan, The Hotel at Times Square, The GEM Hotel SoHo, the Ace Hotel, Hotel Chandler, and Gansevoort Park Avenue. Check out the Wolcott Hotel with its perfect midtown location and January starting rates of $120 and just $130 in February. You can’t beat that for a hotel that was recently deemed a New York City landmark, designed by John H. Duncan, the famed architect of Grant's Tomb, and has enjoyed such guests as celebrated authors Henry Miller and Edith Wharton and famed musician Buddy Holly. The Wolcott Hotel offers lots of sections in rooms, perfect for families with one that’s called Triple-Style rooms (with three single beds arranged in two rooms, one with two connected single beds and another archwayjoined room with a single bed) and Jr. Suites (includes two rooms, featuring one room with a queen bed and a connecting parlor room with a day bed). The Wolcott Hotel even features a room that is called a Shopping Suite

WINTER 2014 //

TRAVEL

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER SOSA

for retail-minded travelers which includes a third room just for shopping bags, while accommodating three guests. Then there are the amenities, which include a complimentary breakfast of muffins and coffee, a fitness room and laundry facility. The hotel is even partnering with Yoga Union to offer guests 20% off yoga classes at the nearby facility. For more information or to make a reservation, readers can visit www. wolcott.com. If you’re looking to splurge a little, a hotel with a lot to offer at a starting rate of $294 per night, but one to consider nonetheless, is ONE UN New York, which has just launched an ongoing Sky-High Weekends package. It would make a great romantic Valentine's Day getaway with its box of high-end chocolates and gorgeous skyline views from every room.

An actual dedicated skyscraper curator who walks guests through to reveal interesting trivia about the notable skyscrapers that are viewable from the hotel’s 30th floor, complimentary tickets to New York City’s Skyscraper Museum in Battery Park for all guests free wi-fi, breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres in the Skyline Cluba box of 16 Tumbador chocolate bonbons, collectible postcards…and don’t forget the views. The Sky-High Weekends package is valid for stays that include Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights. For full details, please visit www.SkyHighWeekends.com

RO B Y N F L A N S H A S B E E N A L O S A N G E L E S B A S E D J O U R N A L I S T F O R T H E PA S T C O U P L E O F D E C A D E S W O R K I N G F O R S U C H P U B L I C AT I O N S A S P E O P L E M A G A Z I N E , I N TO U C H , A M E R I C A N P RO F I L E A N D H E R OW N RO B Y N F L A N S I N T E RV I E W S .

ONE UN is situated next door to the United Nations on 44th St. and 1st Ave. and was designed by renowned architect Kevin Roche, with rooms starting on the 28th floor up to the 40th. To complement its jaw-dropping, panoramic skyline views from the Freedom Tower to the Empire State, Sky-High Weekends in the hotel's luxury West Tower includes: TRAVEL

// THRIFTY HUNTER

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE: To Start Saving for Retirement By: Kelly Trevethan, CIMA, RFC with Justin Reed Early

Ask any financial adviser the ideal age to start saving for retirement and most will answer, “yesterday.” From the moment we are born into this world we experience many benefits of a planning process; what to eat, where to attend school, what activities and character building exercises to participate in, and from this we will learn an abundance of life skills to help us succeed.

The reason for saving now is simple: the earlier you start the more your money will be able to have working for you when you need it most.

In many cases, money and financial planning are not the foundation of our early school curriculum. Many of us don’t or won’t understand the importance of financial security or freedom, until it’s too late.

Here’s a tool we have built to help you learn what type of “Money Mind” you have. www.foryourmoneymind.com

It is important no matter where you are in your life, to get to know the emotions that surface when it you think and deal with money, or said another way, do you know your “Money Mind?” What makes you tick when it comes to how you view money? What does money mean to you? Do you fear having enough money? Do you feel money is for making you happy through purchases? Do you see money as a way to fulfill commitments to those that you love? Have you ever done an in depth analysis to identify what matters to you most when it comes to money? Do you even know where to start, and whether there are tools that exist to help you? The good news is, there are such tools and we want to share them with you. Just like a business takes inventory and discards items that aren’t profitable, we must use a fact-finding and discovery process, which we believe is required for a healthy financial life. We must identify the truth of our conditions and our feelings about money, so we can structure a direction that leads to a more successful and rewarding future

By starting early, the money you invest will earn interest – and then that interest will also earn interest (the compounding affect), and the longer this happens, the more financially successful you will become.

Just as money and the markets have a psychology, individuals have a psychology. Just as medical conditions can require a doctor, or a leaky faucet requires a plumber, financial issues & planning require a set of comprehensive skills. Your financial adviser should know your emotions and feelings toward money, and if properly qualified, will help guide you on a more stable financial journey. And while a financial planner can help to create a long-term financial savings plan with prudent guidance along the way, YOU ultimately have to be in charge of the decisions that impact your life, and your financial situation. Taking a hold of those things you can control, is an important first step. When both planning and advice are combined, it is often called holistic wealth counseling, which is the foundation of everything we do at United Capital. This is where the planning, focus and discipline is brought together with your advisers’ investment acumen and expertise. Understanding you as an investor, and listening to your needs and concerns, is a key element for any trusted financial adviser. To learn more about how you can be successful visit us at www.unitedcaptalsf.com It’s never too late to start saving for your financial goals, but the best time is always now. K E L LY T R E V E T H A N , R F C , C I M A ™ I S M A N A G I N G D I R E C T O R O F U N I T E D C A P I TA L . H E C A N B E R E A C H E D AT ( 8 6 6 ) 6 9 5 - 0 9 6 9 O R A T K E L L Y . T R E V E T H A N @ U N I T E D C P. C O M . F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N , V I S I T W W W. U N I T E D C A P I T A L S F. C O M .

UNITED CAPITAL FINANCIAL A DV I S E R S , L LC ( “ U N I T E D C A PI TA L ” ) P ROV I D E S A DV I C E A N D M A K E S R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S B A S E D O N T H E S PE C I F I C N E E D S A N D CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CLIENT. FOR CLIENTS W I T H M A N AG E D AC C O U N TS , U N I T E D CA PI TA L H A S D I S C R E T I O N A RY AU T H O R I T Y OV E R I N V E S T M E N T D E C I S I O N S . I N V E S T I NG INVOLVES RISKS AN D CLIENTS SHOULD C A R E F U L LY C O N S I D E R T H E I R OW N I N V E S T M E N T O B J E C T I V E S A N D N EV E R R E LY O N A N Y S I N G L E C H A RT, G R A PH O R M A R K E T I NG PIECE TO MAKE DECISIONS. THE INFORM AT I O N C O N TA I N E D I N T H I S N EW S L E T T E R / E M A I L I S I N T E N D E D F O R I N F O R M AT I O N O N LY, I S N OT A R E C O M M E N D AT I O N TO BUY OR SELL ANY SECURITIES, AND SHOULD N OT B E C O N S I D E R E D I N V E S T M E N T A DV I C E . U N I T E D C A PI TA L D O E S N OT P ROV I D E TA X A DV I C E . I N V E S TO R S S H O U L D C O N SULT THEIR TAX PROFESSIONAL WITH QUESTIO N S A B O U T T H E I R PA RT I C U L A R C I RC U M S TA N C E S . U N I T E D C A PI TA L I S N OT A F F I L I AT E D W I T H N O R E N D O R S E S T H R I F T Y H U N TER.

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MONEY

If this article were a movie, it would start off with a flashback from the past, around 1979, and zoom in on two college-age strangers, of the same or opposite sex, having a poignant conversation in a coffee shop. One would be spilling his guts about his/her harrowing week, and the listener would empathize by furling his/her eyebrows, clearly able to emotionally identify and invoke the necessary words to assuage the somber mood. Then, the scene would flash-forward to the present day where the listener of a similar exchange would carry on with a blank expression in between downcasting his/her eyes to text.

study:

We Just Don't Care About Each Other Anymore By: Imaan Jalali

That's the reality of today, according to Sara Konrath and her team of researchers at the University of Michigan (at Ann Arbor), who compiled data from 14,000 students over a 30-plus-year period. The most startling finding, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Review, is that young adults of today, versus the ones of yesteryear, are 75 percent less likely to identify themselves as empathetic toward the plight of another. Certainly, such a shocking revelation—or not— gives validity to the “Generation Me” label to describe the current crop of youngsters. It's easy to cast aside this unnerving truth, but it was never supposed to become this dire. After all, empathy, or the capacity to visualize and feel what it would be like to be in another's position, is a building block of the human condition. Not to mention, it's a trait we're conclusively born with. Several experiments have proven this, most recently one that was carried out by Karen Wynn and Kiley Hamlin of Yale University, which underscored that an infant is significantly more likely to pick a puppet “seen” helping other puppets, as opposed to a puppet that bullies others. Even many animals, like mother hens, will cluck more in experiments where they observe their chicks to be distressed (e.g., due to air being puffed in their direction), according to Jo Edgar of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences. So, even taking into account the fact that empathy is an inborn trait of ours, we've still managed to lose our way, replacing compassion for narcissism. Unfortunately, as Jean Twenge of San Diego State University has discovered, a surprising number of us are now apt to answer “NO” to the prompt, “I often have tender, concerned feelings for people less fortunate than me.” But, notwithstanding the moral implications of empathy's downward spiral, one must consider how it ultimately came to be. The reasons line a spectrum, giving rise to the age-old give and take between nature and nurture. While we are, by and large, naturally empathetic, there are external factors that have nurtured us to become more about ourselves and less about others. One reason, outlined by the renowned author of “Emotional Intelligence,” Daniel Goleman, is the fiscally-driven caste system that we're raised in, and that which separates the rich from the middle class and the poor. His claim is backed by a 2008 study led by social psychologists from the University of Amsterdam and Berkeley, who observed pairs of strangers, marked by a discrepancy in status, during an interaction. Time and time again, the one with the higher status was found to be less empathetic toward the trials and tribulations described by the less powerful. One might argue that, if in the last 30 years, economic inequality has widened to become a comparative chasm, then it would follow that related effects, like a decline in empathy, would manifest.

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C U LT U R E

PHOTO BY JOSH WILLIAMS

Another cause is the overexposure to media. Given the innumerable ways to access images of sex, violence and suffering these days, it is no secret that what used to be a heightened sensitivity has now become desensitized. Paradoxically, the media's social modes for communication, too, hasn't necessarily helped us become physically closer, and more understanding, per Konrath. There is, instead, a virtual connectivity (i.e., Facebook, Twitter) that exists within its own universe, fueled by narcissism (e.g., “selfies”), and unheeding of the rules that apply to the corporeal world. Consequently, our physical and virtual domains tend to drift as much as they merge, often leaving empathy out in the cold.

drop as much as the reading of (classic) literary fiction, which, according to a study published in Science (Vol. 342) by David Kidd and Emanuele Castano, is also the key to reversing the empathy trend. Following five experiments involving people in the 18-75 age range, it was confirmed that literary fiction, as opposed to non-fiction or popular fiction, has the power to stimulate the reader in such a way so as to become more receptive to facially-expressed emotional nuances. This was measured by asking the subjects, who had only read for a few minutes, to properly describe the emotion in photos that only featured pairs of eyes. It was, thus, only after reading literary fiction that the subjects were more attuned to the correct emotional acuity.

An extension of social media's impersonal underpinnings is, as cited by Konrath, a further social (physical) isolation, evidenced by more and more people living alone and/or secluded from group activities. As a result, these socially-isolated individuals, according to a study conducted by Steve Duck of the University of Iowa, will have a greater tendency to not only emotionally disregard, but to go so far as to actually “cheat” others.

The glowing silver lining of literary fiction is not only capable of gilding the pathway that leads back to emotional resonance, but a reminder, as Konrath has noted, that if empathy can go down, it can also go back up. The main takeaway is that, overa as murky as the ramifications currently seem, empathy is a fluid entity that can be manipulated.

The final culprit for the fall of empathy also doubles as an astounding solution—reading. Over the same 30-year period that has seen college students forsake their emotional intelligence, perhaps nothing has seen a near-equal

imaan jalali is a freelance journalist who also writes about sports on bleacher report. feel free to follow him on twitter @imaanjk.

C U LT U R E

// THRIFTY HUNTER

F E A T U R E S

Making a Better World 31 Bits at a Time By Debbie Sullivan

for 1000 strands of beads for their sandals. “We realized we had to hire on more women – it was scary, we worried if we would still have jobs for these women once the Reef orders were fulfilled. Now we were up to 30 women and, thanks to Reef ’s, we were able to grow at a good, steady rate. We now have 120 ladies on our compound. Our development model is that every woman who enters receives all the education and knowledge she needs to start a business of her own. We are now in over 300 stores internationally. In the U.S. we are in smaller boutiques, small chains like Mardels Christian Stores, Altar’d State stores in the south, Quicksilver stores, Michael Stars’ stores and sold online at www.31bits.com .”

A company with a beautiful product and a heartfelt story, 31 Bits uses fashion and design to empower women to rise above poverty.Speaking with Alli Swanson, Director of Marketing, I asked what the name “31 Bits” means. She says, “The 31 comes from Proverbs 31 where it describes a diligent woman providing and caring for her family. The Bits comes from what the beads are made of….bits of paper!” Their model is to “empower people through the fashion industry. We work with our beneficiaries in Uganda to create fashionable, quality products. They earn an income enabling them to provide for their families. We care for them holistically through counseling, health education, finance training and business mentorships. After five years in our program, our beneficiaries are ready to graduate. A graduated beneficiary has her own business and is educated, healthy and confident. She is empowered.” This wonderful concept started when founder, Kalli Doval, an anthropology major in college at the time, went to Uganda for research. The 31 Bits’ website states that Doval “met women who grew up in a war and had nothing. They were single moms with no education and no job. What the women lacked in education, they made up for in skill and resourcefulness. They were making incredible jewelry out of old posters.” Swanson continues the story, “Kallie brought a box of the jewelry back, and we fell in love instantly. We originally just sold to friends and families, quickly running out and realizing that this could be a business. That summer the four of us went to Uganda and learned from the ladies about their culture and needs. After a lot of prayer and thought, we hired on the first six Ugandan women and it has grown from there.” “Kallie stayed in Uganda for the following year, setting up our organization and helping the women create new styles of jewelry. The other four of us began our last year of college with a new agenda, selling jewelry anywhere we could. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We were a misfit group of dreamers, artists, and socialites…not business people. By day we were college students, but the evenings were filled with studying fashion, marketing, and development work. We discovered two things. First, we were determined to create a fashionable product that women would buy because they actually liked it. Second, these women needed a lot more than a paycheck. They needed education, health care, and counseling. They needed to be cared for physically, mentally, and emotionally. They needed a way to be whole again.” After a slow start, they got a deal with Reef ’s Sandles who placed an order 78

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F E AT U R E

How do you find these women in Uganda? AS: We have a screening process now. They come to our compound, we take their information and as we are able to grow, we visit them in their huts and villages, access their needs and determine who may need the opportunity the most. We have a Ugandan staff and they are able to go through that process better than we could.

Tell me about the products. AS: All beads are hand rolled and made out of paper then coated with a water based varnish sourced in Uganda. The varnish is like a surfboard varnish and the beads are coated 7 or 8 times which makes them very sustainable. We have worked hard to make sure that the beads are durable and extremely water resistant.” How can our readers get involved with 31 Bits? AS: Helping us by purchasing the beads means everything to us. We also do house parties – we send a box of jewelry and they can show it to their friends and families and sell and take orders. Check it out on the website, www.31bits.com , it’s a fun box to get with a DVD, jewelry, and more. People can also follow us on Instagram and through our Blog. Check out this beautiful jewelry and be part of empowering these women in Uganda. Thanks, 31 Bits, for making this a better world.

F E AT U R E

// THRIFTY HUNTER

the steele maiden LA Fashion Blogger By Jessica Steele

The Steele Maiden officially began in 2012 but the real journey started much earlier. I knew at a very young age that fashion, design and travel were what captivated me, so those tiny sparks fueled the passion that drives me. First, I headed to Philadelphia where I earned a degree in fashion design and then I worked in New York City for three years as an accessories designer. Today, I live in Los Angeles —the result of an adventurous, cross-country road trip —where I work as a graphic designer and blogger at The Steele Maiden. Each of those places, along with the dozens of other cities around the world where I’ve been lucky enough to visit and experience, have helped define my personal sense of style. Whether it’s a vintage bag I picked up in London, a $2 cashmere sweater thrifted in Philadelphia, or a pair of earrings found at a tiny boutique in New York, I’ve learned to creatively combine these special finds to make a look feel like “me”-—a mix of playful, feminine and modern. And the most exciting part is that both my blog and my style are ever evolving with each new fashionable journey. Visit her blog at www.thesteelemaiden.com

F E AT U R E

// THRIFTY HUNTER

PROFILE SECTION AARON GRYDER

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F E AT U R E

With more than 3000 career wins, this handsome, funny and dynamic athlete is surprisingly humble and down-to-earth. Aaron Gryder began riding professionally at the age of 13 and by 17 he had his first place win. Gryder shared that it is his complete passion for horses that drove him so hard. “I was very young when my grandparents would take me to the races at Santa Anita. I ran to the fence and watched every race. It was the adrenaline in the danger, the loud, strong hoof-beats – I was fascinated and hooked. At the age of four, I said I would be a jockey but no one took me seriously for years because I was scared to death of horses – I wouldn’t even pet them.” Then, at 12-years old, Gryder went to Casa de Campus where he overcame his fear and fell in love with the horses and the sport. Rudy Campus, a retired jockey, had a farm and horses and told the young Gryder, that if he wanted to learn to ride, he would teach him first about horses, then how to be a jockey. “At end of my freshman year, I got on my first horse and Rudy said I looked like a natural because I didn’t think, I just allowed my instincts to take over.” That was the beginning of a life-long love affair with horses and racing. In the 2009 Dubai World Cup you won by 14 lengths – the largest margin of victory in the history of this race - the biggest race in the world. How did you feel? AG: “This race invites only the most dominant horses in the world. I knew that day that we were going to win even though we were not one of the favorites. I was relaxed and calm all week and the horse was strong, calm, almost strutting on the day of the race. I remember saying, “This one’s ours.” I had confidence in the horse, I didn’t get nervous. We had a calm rhythm … a mile and quarter race …. racing against the best horses in the world. It felt really good. When a rider has confidence and is at the top of their game, they are the greatest passenger, allowing the horse to run yet making split second decisions when needed. The key is to let the horse get comfortable and get in a nice flow – it will respond to you. And that day, we made a great team.” You’ve tried your hand at acting in roles as a jockey – do you want to pursue that? AG: “I’ve been fortunate in knowing people who have reached out to offer me small parts. I enjoy entertainment, commentary, commercials and I try to dabble in everything because this is a job where tomorrow could be my last day. Last year four jockeys were paralyzed and two died, and still I love what I do so much – and I guess we’re all a little bit crazy. Part of the excitement is the danger of racing - the adrenaline rush. This is something I have wanted since I was four and each day I wake up healthy, I am glad I’ve got another day to do what I love.” You are so successful – how do you give back? AG: “I try to give back to the racing community. I want the fans to be involved, I want to meet every child because I was one of them, standing at the fence. I stop for every picture and every autograph. I also work with Move a Child Higher – giving mentally and physically challenged children therapy on horses. The kids loosen up on the horses and I love walking with these kids and seeing how they relate to the animal.”

attends the race, the joy gives him more time. Horse racing is the best medicine in the world, and beautiful animals have brought me everything and allowed me to be with the most amazing people in the world. So never give up on your dream, no matter how distant it might appear.” What has been your greatest moment? AG: “It was tough for my parents when I was 12 and went to the farm and I didn’t go back home. It was my father, my best friend, who said, ‘Go after everything, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t get it.’ Because of my dad’s wisdom and belief in me, I always felt there are no limits except the walls we build around ourselves. We just have to knock those walls down. My parents moved closer when I started racing and my dad always caught my last race. One day my dad was suffering from pneumonia – but he was at my race. When he left, he drove off and then suddenly backed up – got out of the car – and told me, ‘I love you, son, go win a race for me tomorrow.’ I was 17 and he was 42 – that night the police came into my bedroom, woke me up and told me my father had a heart attack, drove off the mountain and died. I lost my best friend and my dad but I can still hear him in my mind – I was blessed because I never felt I was deprived because I had the best father for 17 years and I pass his values and beliefs to my children. My dad had no reason to come back that day but in God’s way, he allowed us that one last conversation – it was God’s way of letting me say goodbye. I rode the next day, a horse named Tom Sweetie, I came from last place and I remember crying in the middle of the race because I knew I would win – this was the best race I ever won – not the biggest race nor the largest purse, but it was my proudest moment in racing. Remember to live your dreams – if you have 10 days or 100 years, live like it’s your best day ever.”

D E B B I E S U L L I VA N I S A F R E E L A N C E J O U R N A L I S T S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N F E AT U R E S

How has racing changed your life? AG: “I came from a very poor family – and yet I ride in the sport of kings. I have ridden for the queen of England, the Prince Sultan – and sitting around them at a dinner I see that when they talk about the horses, the racing, they become like kids. It brings everyone to the same level – from the Ruler of Dubai to someone who has 10 days to live and when he

A N D P R O F I L E S R E P O R T I N G , A S W E L L A S A B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T E X P E R T. S H E L I V E S W I T H H E R H U S B A N D O U T S I D E O F LO S A N G E L E S .

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TANNA FREDRICK

Tanna Frederick

a c t r e s s , p h i l a n t h r o p i s t , av i d at h l e t e By Debbie Sul l i va n Photographed by Ro s e Ce f a l u www.rosecefalu . c o m 84

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“I was sitting on the edge of my seat, 11 years old, in our local children’s theatre and I just knew what I was born to do…I would act.” The following year Tanna Frederick started performing and has perfected her craft to become a driven and talented actress in film and on stage. Currently starring in “The Rainmaker” at the Edgemar Theatre in Santa Monica, she was designated as the LA Times Critics Choice. The Santa Monica Daily Press says, “The play belongs to Tanna Frederick, and Meryl Strep couldn’t do it better!!!” Frederick has a refreshing depth of character combined with a giant talent, as the rainmakers in Hollywood are realizing. Growing up in Iowa gave Frederick a great start. She shared that one must be willing to do anything and everything to pursue their dream and she did. “Iowa is an artistic gold mine. In my community, the adults in the Stebbins Children’s Theatre cultivated our talent and helped foster my value system. I began doing anything I could; selling tickets, painting backdrops. If you wanted to be in a show, you had to wear a lot of hats – projects that made you dig your hands in deep – and there is so much more power behind that kind of learning than just coming in and doing your performance for the day.” Frederick feels such a kinship to her state and to the people who taught her the craft. “I feel indebted to them for the hope and work ethic they instilled, the attitude they formed and the imagination they allowed me to have.” Because of their support, Frederick wanted to give back and has sponsored the last two high school performances in her home town. “I want to do my part in insuring that this tradition, this building of kids through the arts, always continues.” In addition, this is her 7th year with the Iowa Independent Film Festival that she founded with Dick Schinnow in 2007. “I wanted to give back to where I began,” Frederick says with heartfelt emotion. “It started as my way to encourage people and share what I learned in LA. The purpose is to create a space where people can become film makers and have a venue to show their films.” Her message is to tell people if they want to be artists, they can be.

ABOVE

Photographed by Roger Morante

“I didn’t even see the ocean until I was 17 and it was such a beautiful, wonderful thing.” Frederick’s passion for extreme sports and for giving back came together when she founded Save our Surf eight years ago. “I didn’t even see the ocean until I was 17 and it was such a beautiful, wonderful thing. “ So when she moved to Los Angeles she became an avid surfer and quickly saw how the ocean was becoming so polluted. “The more I surfed, the more I saw the problems. All of us would see things float by – syringes, trash – and we would collect it in our wetsuits to throw away– but the day I saw a condom floating by, I knew that something needed to be done.” She held a 24 hour community program to raise awareness involving surfers and artists. They raised $75,000 in that first 24-hour surfathon and Project Save our Surf was born. The focus now is to help kids experience the surf and understand our responsibility to the earth. “We send kids to Camp Consurfation on scholarships – the first camp had 1500 kids, then 2000 and growing. The children are handpicked by the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs and other centers and come from inner cities all over Southern California. We are expanding into the Philippians, Costa Rica and Vietnam to install wells with water filters. “Our mission is to teach future generations about conservation – to put the world in their hands through our workshops and provide clean water for the world.” Tanna Frederick is down to earth and very real. When asked what she would like her fans to know, she replies, “That aging is beautiful – women should embrace that more. Women who let themselves age naturally are gorgeous and breath-taking and their lives show on their beautiful faces. If I have bags under my eyes, perhaps I’ve cried that day – the wrinkles are because I smile and laugh so much – I may not be the most beautiful woman on film, but I owe it to all women to be real. I want women to feel good about themselves so I am honest in my roles and in my life.”

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-ACTRESS-

FERNANDA ROMERO

The free spirited Beauty By De b b i e Su l l i va n

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / F E AT U R E

F E R N A N D A R O M E R O S W O O S H E S I N T O T H E I N T E RV I E W ,

coffee in hand, full of energy and excitement. We chat while she gets make-up and hair done for the photo shoot; she is open and shares how she loves acting. “I feel like a chameleon – I make each role my own, making it personal – identifying completely with my character.”

R E D L E AT H E R J A C K E T: PAT R I Z I A P E P E

Her film career began with such independent films as “Creature of Darkness” with Matthew Lawrence and “Ready or Not” with Alex Rocco. Her career took a leap with “The Eye” starring Jessica Alba and then again in “The Burning Plain” opposite Charlize Theron, in “Once Fallen” with Ed Harris and in “Without Men” opposite Eva Longoria and Christian Slater. In the fall she starred in the independent film “Ghost Team One” where she “learned to trust who you work with and surrender control – this film was so fast it kept me on my toes the whole time.” When asked to describe herself Romero says, “I’m a pretty adventurous girl, a go getter. I’m a fighter – fighting for love, freedom, work.” When asked about her personal style: “I love thrift stores – I love vintage – I am that girl. I find amazing stuff – I go to a flea market to get a sense of that city – furniture, artifacts, jewelry, history. It started when I was young and I would go through my grandma’s and aunt’s closet every Sunday … vintage jewelry, clothes, perfumes … I was in love!” Another passion of Romero’s is Red Eye, Inc. Their mission is building community, pursuing creativity and helping humanity. This group, founded by Justin Mayo, gathers young Hollywood stars to use their platform and time for a good cause. Sometimes it is giving manicures to women on Skid Row or singing to the elderly in a nursing home. Romero tells me, “One-on-one we get involved with the elderly, the homeless, and kids. I learn so much and it really opens my eyes. Born in Mexico City, my parents taught me to give back to people in need. One family touched me and we really bonded. The dad was in jail, the mom made just $60 a week to feed two kids – I started helping her out with little things and sent them to Disneyland for the first time. Sometimes we Adopt the Block – bringing food and building community. I am so lucky because every time I am with these people, I feel better, it’s a great experience.”

“I’m a pretty adventurous girl, a go getter. I’m a fighter – fighting for love, freedom, work.”

Fernanda Romero is inspired by life and stays true to who she is, a fighter, a dreamer, passionate about life. “Life has given me the experiences to stop and appreciate what I have.” D E B B I E S U L L I VA N I S A F R E E L A N C E J O U R N A L I S T S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N F E AT U R E S A N D P R O F I L E S R E P O R T I N G , A S W E L L A S A B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T E X P E R T. S H E L I V E S W I T H H E R H U S B A N D O U T S I D E O F LO S A N G E L E S .

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHER: FREDERIC CHARPENTIER W W W. F R E D E R I C P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M

M A K E - U P & H A I R S T Y L I S T: NIKKI SCHMIDT DOLLHOUSEBEAUTIESSKINCARE@GMAIL.COM

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JAKE WHETTER

- Celebrity Host -

JAKE WHETTER By: Debbie Sullivan

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / F E AT U R E

When our interview began, I was immediately struck by Jake Whetter’s enthusiasm and energy. He loves to talk, which is a good thing, since he hosts Radio Disney. Whetter grew up far from the glam of Hollywood, he tells me, “My story is very interesting and weird. I grew up with an agriculture background – 4th generation Arizonian – my ancestors were cattle ranchers in Arizona when no one else was there.” He grew up with his mom helping to raise cows, pigs, cattle and horses. Whetter was active in the Future Farmers of America in high school serving as State Vice President, traveling all over Arizona and the U.S. to speak of leadership to kids his age and younger. “That began my public speaking and was a big highlight of my life.” A graduate of University of Arizona, Whetter was led to this life through his admissions assistant job when his boss let him do a voiceover for an ad campaign for the American Advertising Awards (ADDY). When he showed up at the ADDY awards show, he met one of the biggest TV and radio guys who invited Whetter to shadow him. He was asked to help someone audition for a new station – that girl didn’t show up for two nights in a row and – you guessed it, Whetter got a call to go on the air for 92.9. Says Whetter, “My career began and continues because of networking – that’s how everything works in this world.” American Idol came on the scene and Whetter knew he wanted to be in front of the camera, not just behind the mic. “I moved to Los Angeles and, through networking, I shared my dream with Michelle Alexander and she helped me get a job with the Disney Music Group. I worked with Hillary Duff, the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus – working on all the behind the scenes necessities for their promo tours. I then started hosting with Disney on ‘The Next Big Thing’ , ‘Pop 30 Countdown’ and ‘The CMA Awards Digital Experience’ and last year the ‘AMA’s’.” When asked what makes him so driven and successful so young, Whetter says, “I’ve always been very independent with big dreams and passion. I go after my dreams, I live my life with the motto, ‘If you think you can do it, you can.’ I believe that our excitement can ignite other people to follow their passion.”

“While chasing my ever-evolving dreams, I’ve learned that our spirit is our most valuable immaterial possession.” As for the future, “My goal is to continue to be on multiple platforms, I would love to be on a national show, and of course radio – my first passion. The convergence of television online is unbelievable and I really want to follow it.” Whetter is continuing to pursue his passion and embrace what the future holds. When asked if he had anything else to say to people wanting to experience success, Whetter gave me permission to share with you a facebook post of his:

“While chasing my ever-evolving dreams, I've learned that our spirit is our most valuable immaterial possession. As you navigate through life and experience change, growth and adversity, our spirit's resilience tends to wear thin. We find ourselves needing reminders of our dreams, reminders of our passions. Sometimes we have someone physically present to confide in, and sometimes we simply do not. It is then that you need to realize that it's okay to wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a hug. Sounds funny, but have you ever truly tried? Try. It is of utmost importance to nourish your soul. Life's seemingly burdensome trials and tribulations become easier to deal with, when we are easier on ourselves. Don't be afraid to stop, take a breath, give yourself a hug, find your place, then go on.” “When it comes to success, never hesitate to help someone else succeed. No matter your career path or dream, if you have the ability to support and encourage someone else's dream, and you do, use it. There's always room for greatness. Your talent has a place just like another person's talent has a place. If you think of an idea, and someone takes it, think of another. You were brilliant enough to think of the first one, you'll be able to think of another. You'll find that by allowing someone else to shine, you indirectly shine. My grandmother used to gift me books and some of the most simple, yet powerful words I ever read were written by her on the inside of the cover... ‘May you find inspiration in the stories of the lives presented here and in turn become an inspiration to others. You have goodness and greatness within you.’ Find inspiration around you and surround yourself with goodness and greatness. If you do, I can almost guarantee, if ever your soul is needing a dose of nourishment, you'll inevitably be surrounded by the people who can provide just that.” Thank you, Jake Whetter, for your wise words and boundless energy – we will be watching for your continued success.

PH OTO G R A PH Y

D E B B I E S U L L I VA N I S A F R E E L A N C E J O U R N A L I S T S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N F E AT U R E S

J O S H W I L L I A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y

A N D P R O F I L E S R E P O R T I N G , A S W E L L A S A B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T E X P E R T.

W W W. J O S H W I L L I A M S P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M

S H E L I V E S W I T H H E R H U S B A N D O U T S I D E O F LO S A N G E L E S .

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AL GIN I R O THE ER — UNT H TY RIF TH lert ico By N

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is catchy and self-explanatory, explains Lewis who is also a sought-after celebrity stylist. So truly, the magazine’s name, Thrifty Hunter, was derived from Gabrielle’s own lifestyle. “Know the trends,” Lewis emphasized as we squeezed through the shopping aisles. “That way you already know exactly what you are looking for before you enter the store. Most people who try to shop thrifty go right into it--without having any idea what they are looking for. They become immediately overwhelmed and walk out.” Lewis recommends starting with the shoe section. She will always remember what a fashion icon once told her: “When most people approach you, they always start from the bottom up; and by the time they reach your face, they have learned a lot about you.” With that said, Lewis never shops from the top down — shoes are always first. When asked about personal style, Lewis explained, “I honestly don’t have personal style. I have learned to appreciate everything. I do not like to limit myself. I believe we should have an open mind when doing anything--being close minded makes it impossible to learn and grow.” As we stepped into the check-out line, she added, “I wear men’s clothing, kid’s clothing…I do it all. And the kid’s clothing is cheaper!” We both chuckled and stepped forward to the cash register. “You will appreciate shopping like this when you look into your bank account,” she added with a satisfied smile.

Gabrielle lewis, Thrifty Hunter founder, introduces us to the concept of fashion within a budget. I was privileged to join her one Saturday as she shopped the stores along Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank, California. She wore a Peter Pan-collared shirt from H&M paired with vintage overalls from a thrift store in Japan. As we approached the thrift store, she began to explain to me her frustration with the negative connotations associated with the word “thrifty.” “I am very thrifty, but I am always hunting for the best find and the latest trend,” said Lewis as she picked up a pair of red shoes. “Thrifty is what I am and hunting is what I do. Thrifty is not just about thrift stores, it relates to everything—everyone wants the best deal whether you are rich or poor.” The magazine concept began in 2012 when Lewis started a blog that featured her thrifty finds and how clever shoppers can dress trendy while staying on a budget. Thrifty Hunter embodies a fashion lifestyle that

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 / / F E AT U R E

You will appreciate the style and savings you’ll find on these pages and you will glean valuable shopping trade secrets that Lewis has developed through the years. The Thrifty Hunter is more than a magazine; it is a philosophy of life and an adventure for the fashion soul. And, you’ll never forget to start with the shoes.

LETTER FROM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE PUBLISHER

"Fashion is an expression that can go as far as your imagination." What I find so interesting about fashion is that everyone has the ability and freedom to dress how they feel and how they please, realizing that there is nothing wrong with being different. That's why I created Thrifty Hunter Magazine. I wanted something different, something that represented me and something that stood for a good cause. Thrifty is defined as: Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. I want the world to understand â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no matter where one chooses to shop or how a person chooses to live life, being a frugal shopper is simply wise. Shopping thrifty has made me become more openminded in f ashion. I am more creative with my style. I use to believe you have to follow the style code and can't step out of the box, but then I realized there is only ONE ME (and most times in thrift shopping there is only one item) so how can I be an individual if I'm following the crowd? That concept helped me understand the true essence of fashion. To our readers: I want to thank you all so much for your support. Thrifty Hunter Magazine wouldn't be where is it without you. I invite you to take this journey and grow with us. I know God has nothing, but great things in store and no matter where my life goes, my mind, my heart, and soul will always stay the same. Humble, grateful, and thankful! Always remember with God ALL things are POSSIBLE. Yours Truly, Gabrielle Lewis

GABRIELLE

( L E F T ) A LO N G S I D E R E B E C C A D A C O S TA

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