Playa Vista Direct — January/February 2022 by Times Media Group

Playa Vista JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

Direct

Living the Glam Life Style and beauty expert Jennifer Chan covers the latest trends

HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE

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TABLE of CONTENTS

January \ February 2022

Departments EDITOR’S NOTE

A Fresh Start

HEALTH

Evolution Physical Therapy offers rehabilitation and wellness services

Get in the best shape ever with these workout tools and apparel

BUSINESS

Features

Style and beauty expert Jennifer Chan covers the latest trends

Bodewell Living candles evoke special memories

TRAVEL

Trio of sisters performs circus acts that awe and amaze

Travellers Autobarn offers budget-friendly trips

TASTE

Indulge in a Cacao and Coconut Bundt Cake

Enjoy a Raspberry Goldenberry Galette

Playa Vista JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

Direct

Living the Glam Life Style and beauty expert Jennifer Chan covers the latest trends

HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE

ON THE COVER: Celebrity style expert Jennifer Chan covers the latest trends in beauty and fashion. Photo by Chris Mortenson Design by Arman Olivares

SHOPPING

Spoil your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day with unique gifts

PET ADOPTIONS

Meet Bodega, a senior dog looking for love

CALENDAR

Check out local events including V-Day Makers Market

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FROM the EDITOR

A Fresh Start

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski EDITOR Kamala Kirk GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Arman Olivares Kate Doll CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Mortenson

ith a new year comes a clean slate that gives us the opportunity to start over again. For many of us, that means setting various goals and making important lifestyle changes such as exercising more, quitting smoking, learning a new skill or hobby, and getting organized. Speaking of fresh starts, I’m excited to share that Playa Vista Direct has debuted a brand-new look for the new year. My team and I look forward to continuing to provide you with the latest news and content on the dynamic Playa Vista community, its residents, businesses and local events. If leading a healthier lifestyle is among your resolutions this year, our “Health & Wellness” issue features workout tools and apparel to help you get into your best shape ever – and look good while doing it. We also spotlight Evolution Physical Therapy, a local business that offers a wide range of rehabilitation and wellness services for everyone, no matter their age or condition. Other highlights from our January/February issue include sisters Brinkley, Brooklyn and Bixby Blue, who are members of Le PeTiT CiRqUe and travel the world to perform awe-inspiring circus acts while doing humanitarian work. I had fun sitting down with style and beauty expert Jennifer Chan to discuss her impressive career, which has taken her from London and Paris to Montreal. Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and we’ve put together the ultimate shopping guide so that you can spoil your sweetheart with everything from stunning floral arrangements to sweet treats and other unique gifts. Bodewell Living is a line of minimalist candles created by Playa Vista mom Effie Tanji, featuring scents that evoke memories and are universally appealing. As we head into 2022, let’s make it the best year yet. Sending you all positive vibes for achieving any and all personal goals so you can shine this year and be the best version of yourself.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Chavez, Bridgette Redman, Haley Beyer, Michele Robinson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Peter Lymbertos plymbertos@timespublications.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rebecca Bermudez rbermudez@timespublications.com

(310) 822-1629

PO Box 1349 South Pasadena, CA 91031 Playa Vista Direct is direct-mailed every other month to homes and businesses in the 90094 area code, with additional distribution to multiple office and retail locations throughout the Playa Vista area.

VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt PRESIDENT: Steve Strickbine

Kamala Kirk Editor • kkirk@timespublications.com

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BUSINESS

Evoking Memories Bodewell Living shines a light on kindness BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Effie Tanji is a Playa Vista resident and mother who created Bodewell Living, a line of candles that evokes memories with universally appealing fragrances. (Courtesy photo)

laya Vista mother of three, Effie Tanji, like many, is sensitive to artificial scents. Instead of sulking about what she cannot have, she accepted it as a challenge. Tanji and her firefighter husband, Capt. Shawn Tanji, yearned to create candles that were palatable to the most sensitive folks. “I’m a writer,” she says. “I started by identifying memories from my childhood, my travels, my adulthood, motherhood. I thought about those moments and where I was and the kind of scents that were around me—the natural scents in the environment. Smell is the strongest sense and memories can elicit memories like nothing else.” She dabbled in scents inspired by her childhood in rural Pennsylvania and summers in Greece. Tanji test-marketed her candles out of the back of her car at her daughter’s soccer matches and, within two months, sold 600 candles. She knew she was on to something and Bodewell Living was born. The company focuses on the aesthetic appeal of minimalist design coupled with “strategic color stories and complex, yet universally appealing fragrances.” Each candle features a brief poetic story on its packaging. The public embraced the products, as did Anthropologie, J. Crew, Madewell and Ojai Valley Inn, all of which came on board. Tanji says Bodewell Living is good for the earth, too. The candles are made with all-natural soy Continued on page 10

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BUSINESS Continued from page 8

wax, lead-free cotton wicks and synthetic fragrances. The couple reformulated their fragrances to be free of phthalates, nitromusks and polycyclic musks.

A new home Tanji moved to California from Pennsylvania, where she spent her formative years. An epiphany led her to the West Coast. “I grew up in a very, very tiny town and I always felt like I didn’t belong there,” she says. “As a preteen or teen, some kids go through this teenage angst, and I certainly did. I traveled overseas. I was in China, South Korea, Greece, Italy and Spain.” Feeling she needed to settle down in a more cosmopolitan or metropolitan area, Tanji relocated to Brooklyn. “This one time, when it was winter, I was walking to the subway and this taxi came by, hit a huge pothole with slush and covered me with it. “I thought, ‘I am over this.’ I called one of my best friends out here and said, ‘I think I’m moving to LA.’ I sold my car, furniture, packed two suitcases and I moved out here.” Tanji earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from California State University, Northridge, thinking she was going to be a writer or actor. “I did some commercial work, but that was not the life I wanted to live,” she says. “I went on auditions all day long and ran around the entire city just to get a ‘no.’ I thought it was pretty awful for anyone.” From there, she worked with children with autism. One day, Tanji took her clients on a tour of a fire station, courtesy of an “awesome” firefighter. “He was a confirmed bachelor, living in Venice, just being totally chill,” she says. “He was this surfer/skateboarder guy. I was in my early 30s. I felt like I dated everybody in the whole world. I had sworn off dating. But I fell in love. It was love at first sight. It sounds super corny and crazy. We

knew it, though.” That “awesome firefighter” was Shawn and, three children later, they’re living in Playa Vista, she says with a laugh. After the birth of their second son, Nico, Tanji decided she would stay home with the kiddos. “I was completely on board with that,” she says. “I didn’t want a nanny. My daughter was first, and we did two and a half years between each child. By the time Nico was born, I hadn’t worked in five years.”

Becoming an entrepreneur She wanted to get involved in the arts. In August 2015, she and her friend, Aleia Ramsey, co-founded Trussedfun’d Jewelry, which married beachy coastal vibes and edgy LA street style. Wanting to expand her offerings, Tanji considered candles, but she had never burned them in her home. To start, she needed scents. She recalled walking around Venice while she was pregnant with her daughter. “In the early morning, everything has dew on it,” she recalls. “I would stop and breathe in the gardenia. I would rub the little flowers on my wrist. That memory really triggers something so wonderful. It was silent—just me and my unborn child. It was very, very powerful.” She created a candle that replicated that with fragrant florals and white tea finished off with a “nicely grounded sandalwood.” It’s been her top-selling scent for three years. “The first sample, when I lit it, I knew that was it,” she says. “I went into a little cave at night after the kids were put to bed. I would go back and remember things and write it all down.” Pricing was tricky, but she settled on $25 a candle, initially. Within two to three months, she realized she “had a real chance at creating a company.” The name “Bodewell” came to mind while she was brushing her teeth. It was upbeat and “wasn’t gimmicky.”

Bodewell Living candles feature a minimalist design and are also good for the earth. (Courtesy photo)

New offerings Her library features 120 fragrances that take up “many, many, many shelves in my closet,” she says with a laugh. “It’s been such a cool experience,” she says. “The stories I write and the scents translate to my customers. I get emails that say they bought my sandalwood and vanilla scent and it reminded them of their grandfather or father or anybody who has passed away. “It’s unfortunate, but the candles bring back happy memories. It makes me feel so good. Anybody can create something that’s pretty and smells good. When there’s another dimension to it, when it has purpose or there’s real heart and soul behind it, it does translate.” Tanji just designed and released the new Pastel collection, which includes the Human candle ($60) to raise money for the Los Angeles LGBTQ Youth. The collection represents positivity and hope for humankind, she says. She carefully and deliberately chooses the scents’ names, like Tender, Noble, Radiant, Human and Bold. “They push us forward, give us strength, and remind us to see the good in others,” she says.

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WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER. At Kaiser Permanente, we don’t see health as an industry. We see it as a cause. No matter what life throws your way, you can connect to care when and where you want it. E-visits, telephone, and video appointments are quick, simple, and secure ways to get care. You can also schedule an in-person appointment at: Playa Vista Medical Offices 5300 McConnell Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90066 Or visit our other facilities conveniently located on the westside: Culver Marina Medical Offices 12001 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90066 Santa Monica Medical Offices 1450 10th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

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FEATURE

Living the Glam Life Style and beauty expert Jennifer Chan covers the latest trends (Courtesy photo)

BY KAMALA KIRK

Playa Vista resident Jennifer Chan is an on-air host and style/beauty expert who has appeared on “Access Hollywood,” “Extra” and “KTLA.”

orn in Las Vegas and raised in Houston, Jennifer Chan moved to California in 2002 to attend Pepperdine University, where she double majored in journalism and public relations with a minor in art. “I started winning writing contests when I was in elementary school, and one day my third-grade teacher pulled me aside and made me promise that I would become a writer one day,” Chan says. “When I was 11 or 12, my brother told me that if I could find a way to combine my writing skills with my passion for fashion and beauty, that would be the right career path for me. It was then that I decided to become a fashion and beauty editor. In high school I was editor-inchief of the yearbook, an anchor for our school’s broadcasting studio, and an intern at a fashion PR office after school. I also wrote for local magazines to learn as much about the industry as possible at an early age, and seeing my name published was exhilirating. I went to Pepperdine for the great communications program and warm weather. It was a very tight-knit community and still feels like family after all these years.” While attending Pepperdine, Chan had seven different internships. They were primarily editorial and public relations focused, and included InStyle Magazine, Neiman Marcus and Women’s Wear Daily. “During my senior year of college, WWD dubbed me their junior editor and I covered LA Fashion Week and industry events for them,” Chan says. “I assisted at photo shoots, wrote trend stories, and corresponded with fashion publicists on behalf of the publication. I was mostly taking night classes so that I could intern full time during the day, and seeing my name in print in WWD before I had even graduated college was such a surreal moment. I was hooked on the editorial world from there on out.” Chan was also the fashion editor for Pepperdine’s campus newspaper, The Graphic, where she had her own weekly column. “It felt very Carrie Bradshaw,” Chan says. “I had full reign of what I wanted to write about, and often helped others tackle their style and beauty questions every week. I loved creating content for our school paper. I got the position after I wrote a feature story for my journalism class on the skyrocketing sales of Ugg boots, which were trending at the time. My professor ran my story on the front

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

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FEATURE Continued from page 12

page of the campus paper and I was offered the fashion editor role.” In 2005, Chan graduated from Pepperdine and moved to New York, where she immediately jumped into an intensive program at Columbia Journalism School that focused on magazine publishing. From there, she became the style assistant for Real Simple Magazine before joining the team at InStyle.com as the assistant editor. “This was before the recession and before blogs and digital were commonplace,” Chan says. “Print was everything at the time. When I had the opportunity to go to the dot-com, my colleagues and friends thought I was crazy for leaving print and going online, but I thought it would give me a leg up, and I’m so glad I did because it really jumpstarted my digital media career before anyone else was doing it.” During her time at InStyle, Chan created and launched the site’s “Look for Less” and “Where Can I Find?” sections, which provided readers with designer information as well as more affordable versions of high-end looks. “Being right out of college, I wanted to get that celebrity look for less so I came up with the idea for that section, and pitched several others with a focus on celebrity style and online shopping,” Chan says. “I launched various features focused on celebrity style and I knew I had found my sweet spot. I inadvertently became a celebrity style expert for the magazine and website, which would later become my signature skill set that served me well at various media outlets throughout my career.” Chan returned to Los Angeles in 2007 to further her career as a celebrity style expert in the editorial world. After moving back, she worked remotely for InStyle before becoming the West Coast editor for The Daily (now Daily Front Row). “I was attending red carpet events and exclusive celebrity parties every single night,” Chan says. “From there, I helped launch Tyra Banks’ website with the talent-

Chan is currently a shopping writer and editor for InStyle.com, People.com and Travel + Leisure, among other media outlets. (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

ed team at Demand Media. I was her style and beauty correspondent, ghostwriter and social media lead. I started doing oncamera work and had a video series for her website that was all about street style and embracing all body shape, sizes and ethnicities. We were early adoptees of championing the inclusivity and diversity movement. It was very personal for me because as a young girl, I never saw anyone who looked like me in the media. I’ve always wanted to uplift underserved communities in the media, and being Asian, I felt we didn’t have that spotlight for so long. I really loved my time at Tyra because I got to contribute to a movement that’s now recognized in a much bigger way today.” Upon discovering her passion for hosting and being on camera, Chan began doing segments for outlets including MSNBC and The BET Network. Then she was approached by E! News to become their senior fashion editor, and within 30 days she launched an entirely new beauty and fashion section for their website. “Of course, E! is best known for their celebrity news coverage, but there was a big opportunity to focus on fashion and beauty coverage and attract a new audience,”

Chan says. “They had ‘Fashion Police’ but I wanted to create something more approachable and inspiring. They brought me on to launch ‘The Trend’ and it was all about celebrity style and beauty trends. It was a really pivotal role in my career for bringing digital fashion, beauty and celebrity all into one place. It was an exciting place to be.” After her time at E!, Chan moved on to become the senior editor to Kim and Kourtney Kardashian at Whalerock Industries, a digital media company. “At that point I had been working in digital for a long time and I was excited to learn all about mobile apps,” Chan says. “I was surrounded by a team of the most talented people and a lot of us are still friends today. We worked together to create and launch these apps so the Kardashians could bring exclusive daily content to their subscribers, including the capability of going live, which was an entirely new concept at the time. It was a very collaborative process and a rewarding experience.” Chan also started her blog “The Fabulous File” in 2007, which she later rebranded as “Jenn Chan Glam” in 2017. “When I was at my different full-time jobs, I would come across brands and products I loved that didn’t fit into my editorial work, but I still wanted to feature them somewhere,” Chan says. “Having a blog is a natural extension of what I do as a writer and mine is all about fashion, beauty and travel. Back in the day, people didn’t put their names in their blog titles, but 10 years later I realized I was my own brand. Colleagues called me Jenn Chan Glam because I always dressed up for the office. After working for the Kardashians, I decided to eat, pray, love and moved to Paris. While there, I redesigned and relaunched my blog.” Chan spent three months in Paris, followed by half a year in London. She blogged regularly and partnered with a fashion retailer, working with a photographer who captured her wearing the clothing from the brand in interesting locations.

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“It was a creative break for me to liveabroad and do something fulfilling that I would never have had the time to do while working in an office,” Chan says. “Paris is my favorite city and from there I jumped around a lot. I love fashion and beauty, but I can’t live without travel. My interest in travel writing started when I was invited to cover events in places like Montreal and Costa Rica. I’ve been a freelance travel writer for eight years and I contribute to Lonely Planet, JustLuxe, and Travel + Leisure. I get to see the world and share my experiences. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” While living abroad, Chan was approached by Dermaflash to become their director of public relations. Not long after, she was on a plane to Chicago to start her next adventure. “I’m someone who says ‘yes’ to the universe when it’s knocking on my door,” Chan says. “I moved to Chicago, not knowing anyone there besides my future

An alumna of Pepperdine University, Chan was also a recent recipient of the school’s Alumni of the Year award. (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

coworkers. It was my first PR job, but having worked as an editor for so long was advantageous because I knew what worked and what didn’t. I traveled constantly, I was between LA, New York, Chicago and many other cities every week. I put the product into the hands of so many celebrities and their makeup artists, and during my time with the company we won seven industry awards, and achieved many milestones as a start-up skincare brand. I was really grateful for the opportunity and I learned a lot of new skills.” After two years with Dermaflash, Chan missed the editorial world and the West Coast, so she returned to LA and moved to Playa Vista in 2018. “I had always lived in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills because those areas are right in the middle of everything,” Chan says. “While I was still living in Chicago, a friend suggested that I check out Playa Vista because a lot of young professionals like myself live and work there. I looked it up on Instagram, booked an apartment viewing and made the move. I can’t say enough about the community because I love it so much. It’s so safe and clean, and I love that I can get to LAX in eight minutes. I wouldn’t have made it through the pandemic without all of the amazing walking trails. It’s like this little bubble in LA that feels a little too good to be true.” Chan also spent a lot of time writing articles about the hurdles of being AsianAmerican during the pandemic. “Some of my articles were very personal, informative, and hopefully inspiring, to help build support for the community,” Chan says. “It reminded me why I got into this long ago, to build morale and support for communities that aren’t always treated fairly or equally in the media. It was very meaningful to me and I grew as a writer, and also as a proud representative of the Asian-American community.” Currently, Chan is fashion and beauty e-commerce writer and editor at Dotdash Meredith, where she covers shoppingoriented content for the company’s titles such as InStyle.

“I take a lot of pride in reviewing and writing about my favorite fashion and beauty discoveries, sifting through online sales and curating the best of what people should be buying online,” Chan says. “E-commerce is the way of the future in publishing, and I’ve had unique experiences that have all culminated to this point. I went from print to digital to mobile and now e-commerce. Live selling is next and it’s a big passion of mine. I like to do my part and shine a light on small businesses, female-founded companies, brands and products that are really deserving. I love to impact people through my work. There are stories I’ve written that have exploded in terms of sales, and that translates into changing people’s lives.” In addition to doing freelance PR for clients such as skincare expert and social media personality Cassandra Bankson, Chan has been doing more on-air work, hosting TV segments for “Access Hollywood” and “KTLA,” among others. She recently co-hosted a live show with Shawn Johnson for Instagram, and hosts fashion shows and live events for retailers such as Bloomingdales. “Being on air is my passion and I look forward to doing more of that this year,” Chan says. “It’s a dream come true because I always wanted to be on TV and connect with people. My family has videos of me as a little girl, holding a flashlight pretending that it was a microphone, hosting my own make-believe talk show. I’ve sacrificed holidays, missed birthdays and other things in my personal life because of my passion for what I do, but at the end of the day, my work is a labor of love. I love being able to inspire and uplift others. It’s full circle for me and goes back to why I always wanted to do this, to help everyone feel confident and empowered through fashion and beauty.”

Jenn Chan Glam

jennchanglam.com Instagram: @jennchanglam

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Team Tami's 2021 by The Numbers

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Flying Sisters perform circus acts that awe and amaze BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN

Playa Vista residents and sisters Brinkley, Brooklyn and Bixby Blue Baker are all members of Le PeTiT CiRqUe, a youth/prodigies production company that tours the world performing and doing humanitarian work. (Photo by Chris Mortenson)

hile some dream of running away to join the circus, the Baker sisters accomplished that dream without having to leave home — at least not for long. Sixteen-year-old twins Brinkley and Brooklyn, along with 12-year-old Bixby Blue, are all members of Le PeTiT CiRqUe, a youth/prodigies production company that tours the world doing humanitarian work. They also perform in Concert Park to the delight of local residents near their home in Playa Vista. The twins, who are now team captains with the youth circus company, first saw Cirque du Soleil when they were 2 years old and immediately knew it was what they wanted to do. After trying out a few places where they were taught how to juggle and ride unicycles, they landed at Le PeTiT CiRqUe six years ago and have been developing their aerial and other skills ever since. “One of the reasons I like circus is that it is really fun,” Brooklyn says. “It makes me happy, but it also makes whoever is watching it happy. It also keeps you in shape. There are so many good things.” They first joined the training facility and were then invited to join the performing troupe. “They taught themselves for a while,” says their mother Brigitte. “They learned unicycle in Concert Park, going up and down stairs, walking in stilts around the park.” Brinkley says she loves practicing with her sisters, at home and at the park. “We can do many shows in the park for the people around the neighborhood,” Brinkley says. “I PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

Through the Air During the pandemic, the sisters did several shows for the “Concerts in Your Car” events and have inspired younger children in Playa Vista who see them perform and go on to sign up for Le PeTiT CiRqUe’s recreational program. (Courtesy photo)

like performing with my sisters because we have more of a special bond.” Le PeTiT CiRqUe recognizes that bond and often puts them together for performances. “We do a lot of aerial acts like trapeze,” Brooklyn says. “We have one with the three of us where Brinkley and I throw Bixby back and forth. It’s called Triple Trap. We also have one act where Brinkley and I unicycle with a bar on our shoulders and Bixby does stuff on the bar.” Bixby says the coaches typically create most of the act, but they get to contribute ideas and work on the final product. “It’s a group effort,” Bixby says. Their mother loves the team environment, which is why she prefers their involvement in circus over gymnastics. Rather than competing with each other for medals, they’re all performing together. “As a mom, I love that there is no drama there, which is huge,” Brigitte says. “They all truly love each other so much and they can do really dangerous things. When you are flying in the air, you have to have incredible trust. You can’t have that level of JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

trust in your teammates if you don’t really love and support each other. It has to be genuine.”

Studio trains prodigies from all over the globe Le PeTiT CiRqUe has performed all over the world including such events as opening for the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway and for the Dalai Lama’s birthday. They focus on humanitarian work and in seven years have raised more than $6.3 million for international organizations. They are North America’s first all-kid professional Cirque company with most performers between the ages of six and 14. They mix circus arts with child prodigies in music, martial arts, dance, skateboarding and singing. The company was created by Nathalie Yves Gaulthier in Los Angeles. Hailing from Montreal, she spent 20 years as a talent agent for children and has launched

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the careers of Oscar, Emmy and Tony award winning or nominated artists. Gaulthier understands what it is like to be a child prodigy, because she was one herself. She wrote her first play at age seven and was featured on Canadian radio as a young upcoming writer and director. By 10, she was fluent in French, Inuit and English. From age 10 to her mid-20s, she was a regular on television and on children’s records. While landing lead roles in English films and guest starring on multiple U.S. television series, Gaulthier was also a competitive g ymnast, studied the circus arts and was winning public speaking contests — in her third language. At age 15, she started her first kids’ talent agency. She moved to LA in 1997 and opened the studio in 2010. Each year, Le PeTiT CiRqUe awards nine full college scholarships to such universities Continued on page 22

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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.

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Continued from page 19

as U.C. Berkeley, University of Chicago, Humboldt, University of Philadelphia and Montreal. Other graduating seniors have won full scholarships because of their performing experience and the humanitarian work they do. Other benefits include physical education credits at school, community service hours, international travel, circus exchanges, participation in circus festival and international competitions, film and television opportunities and professional performing opportunities. Le PeTiT CiRqUe’s training facility in LA is two stories and 10,000 square feet. It contains a large dance studio, 26-foot ceilings, a large conference room and a 175-seat theatre. The Baker sisters were due to join the troupe in performances in Portugal with The Foo Fighters, Black Eyed Peas, Post Malone and Camila Cabellos. They were set for a six-month stint in Dubai, Uganda, New Zealand and Canada and a 20-city U.S. tour launching off Broadway. Then COVID-19 hit and everything was canceled. The 20-city tour was planned for last year and got canceled just a week before it was due to start. The Baker sisters have been doing local gigs and got to spend a week in Orlando

this past October. In March, they will be part of the cast of “Pippin” in Topanga. The sisters raved about the fun they had in Orlando. The shows were supposed to be indoors, but they ended up attracting more than 4,000 people so the performances were moved outdoors. “We had two shows and for the rest of the time we were able to go to Universal and the pool and stuff,” Brooklyn says, adding that the shows themselves were also very memorable. “While we were doing the acrobatic act with five people, the fireworks started going off and it was this magic moment.”

Circus keeps sisters fit and healthy Performing the jaw-dropping tricks they do for circus requires all three sisters to stay in excellent shape. They engage in a heavy-duty conditioning program, watch their diet, exercise often and see a physical therapist on a regular basis. “We all work out and stretch before everything we do,” Bixby says. “Before class starts, we warm up, stretch, tumble and condition so we get strong. You also have to eat well and exercise as much as possible.” Brooklyn adds that a lot of people in the troupe are vegetarian, as are all three sisters.

All three sisters stay in excellent shape by engaging in a heavyduty conditioning program, watching their diet, exercising often and seeing a physical therapist on a regular basis.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

“It’s kind of better for your health in a lot of ways,” Brooklyn says. “We don’t get high cholesterol.” Brinkley says that pull-ups are an important part of their routine because on the trapeze you have to pull your own weight dozens of times within one routine. She consistently does 10 pull-ups every day to start her morning. “The other day, we did a pullup challenge,” Brinkley says. “You do 10, then nine, eight, seven, except when we got to one, we did 11 at the end for a total of 65 pull-ups. With my morning ones, I did a total of 75 pull-ups that day.” They train for five hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and then seven hours on Saturdays. The twins also coach the team, which adds additional hours of workout. It does often cut into their sleep. “It’s kind of hard because we spend so many hours in rehearsal and training and on top of that we have school and homework,” Brinkley says. “But we still find some time to hang out with our friends. A lot of our friends are at circus, so the good part is that we get to see them during training and rehearsals.” “They’re up until 2 a.m. doing homework,” Brigitte says. “It’s a lot between training and school.” However, they all feel that circus has helped them build stronger, healthier and more flexible bodies. The youngest sister points out having that strength and flexibility helps you recover more quickly or even avoid injuries from everyday accidents. “It’s very good for the body,” Bixby says. “You have to stretch in different ways. Stretching and conditioning every day helps you in everyday situations like an accident or if you fall or twist your knee. It helps you build up a strength in your muscles and bones.” Training and conditioning also, she says, is a boon to mental health. “It helps you focus and it builds up your spirit and helps with anxiety and things,” Bixby says. Brinkley agrees that circus helps with both the body and mind. “It allows you to express yourself and everyone I know who does it is very pas-

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

sionate about it,” Brinkley says.

Playa Vista nurtures girls’ dreams The sisters grew up in Playa Vista where they’ve had a supportive community cheering them on since they were little. “The neighbors often gather to watch them practice in the parks,” Brigitte says. “They get applause at the pool or from diners sitting outside eating. Even people in the dog park ask them to do tricks.” And it isn’t just the adults watching them. They’ve inspired the dreams of younger children in Playa Vista who see them perform and go on to sign up for Le PeTiT CiRqUe’s recreational program. During the pandemic, the sisters did several shows for the “Concerts in Your Car” events. They want to set up a stage in the Pet Space parking lot and have people watch in their car like a drive-in movie. Circus also provides them a community within the community. “I really like circus because you perform and act and feel things, but I also love all the people there — all of our couches and all of friends and the owner,” Bixby says. They left the first studio they joined in part because everyone always seemed to be in a bad mood all the time and they felt that circus was supposed to be fun and make people happy. It’s why they have been so thrilled to have found and become a part of Le PeTiT CiRqUe. “It feels like a big second family,” Brinkley says. “Everyone is really nice and I like to make people happy with performance.” Brigitte says she’s watched as all of the teammates support each other and applaud each other’s milestones. It is a place where they feel they can succeed together. As part of the circus troupe, they’ve also done a fair amount of humanitarian performances and volunteer work. “We’ve performed at children’s hospitals (for terminally ill kids),” Brinkley says. “It was really nice to see we brought them joy. We’ve also done a show for Glenwood Housing, which is in Laguna Beach. They house young adults with Down Syndrome. Every year, we perform at their annual gala.” JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

The Baker sisters have performed in numerous shows, galas and fundraisers,” and in March will be part of the cast of “Pippin.” (Photo: Jamie Johnson)

They also do such things as go to dog shelters and donate supplies to homeless dogs. Brooklyn shares that one time they helped raise money for a 4-month-old boy named PJ who was born with a facial deformity that kept him from hearing. “We did a show to raise money for a special kind of hearing aid,” Brooklyn says. “We raised $40,000. He got the hearing aid and then we got to watch him when he heard for the first time. It was really cool.” Performers follow their passions The twins are juniors in high school and both hope to go to college somewhere nearby so they can continue to train with Le PeTiT CiRqUe until they age out at 21. Once they finish college, they want to be professional circus performers with an organization like Cirque du Soleil. None of them are interested in having

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cell phones and Brigitte says they don’t have time for social media. They only have an Instagram account because it is required by the studio and they post pictures of their acts there. All three girls are determined to pursue circus because it is what they love. They encourage others to follow their passions. “Don’t be afraid to do what you love,” Brooklyn says. “A lot of time people are too worried about succeeding or want to make money with their job. I say do what you love instead, because it is way more important.” “Don’t be afraid to fail,” Bixby adds. “If you do it and you don’t fail, you’ll never regret it.”

Le PeTiT CiRqUe lestudiola.com

HEALTH

Elevating Performance and Health Evolution Physical Therapy offers a wide range of rehabilitation and wellness services BY MICHELE ROBINSON

Located in the heart of Playa Vista, Evolution Physical Therapy offers a wide range of traditional and unique services to treat various conditions and issues, and makes physical therapy accessible by accepting most PPO insurances.

he most striking thing about Evolution Physical Therapy is the wide range of traditional and unique services offered. Located in the heart of Playa Vista for the past 11 years, Evolution Physical Therapy has everyone, no matter their age or condition, covered. “Evolution Physical Therapy makes physical therapy accessible by accepting most PPO insurances and offering cash rates,“ says Katie Kypuros, marketing project manager for Evolution Physical Therapy. Evolution’s mission is “to help all of our patients and clients perform at their highest potential, to completely redefine the profession of physical therapy.” Redefining physical therapy is definitely the cornerstone of their philosophy. For athletes, Evolution Physical Therapy’s goal is to provide the best physical therapy care possible, including being available at all times to take care of the players. “We work for the athletes and give them the best of us that we could possibly get out there,” says Mike Giunta, owner of Evolution Physical Therapy. “We want to help them perform at their optimum level.” Besides offering traditional physical therapy to treat specific injuries, deficiencies, pain, restricted

(Photo Courtesy of Evolution Physical Therapy)

Continued on page 26 PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

? E M A G G I B E H T R O F Y ARE YOU READ In February, thousands of visitors will descend upon Los Angeles for the BIG GAME and will be looking for great places to eat, stay and play. If your business would like to attract these patrons, now is the time to invest in an ad in The Argonaut. We are only local paper covering 15 square miles on the Westside where locals and visitors will be looking for a fun place to enjoy game day and explore our famous coastal businesses.

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Advertising Works! Playa Vista Direct magazine is the only local magazine mailed directly into every address in 90094. Your advertisement will reach a community with a median income of $121,000! And with so many families staying closer to home, our readers are closely paying attention to each issue. M A R C H/A P R I L SPECIAL FOCUS “WOMEN IN BUSINESS” Ad Space deadline Wednesday, March 21 Publishes March 31

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HEALTH

Evolution Physical Therapy also offers a variety of group classes, personal training, and sessions with state-of-the-art workout and recovery equipment. (Photo Courtesy of Evolution Physical Therapy)

Continued from page 24

mobility and dysfunction, they also offer unique services. Examples of their unique services include physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from a concussion. They also focus on specific issues like women’s health. This includes treatment for pelvic pain and weakness, incontinence, and prenatal and postpartum care. Some of the services they offer are location specific. At their Beverly Hills location, clinical director Jennifer Unterreiner focuses on breast cancer rehab for women who are pre or post-breast cancer patients. Evolution Physical Therapy also offers a college prep class for high school athletes preparing to enter college sports. It is a 12-session, six-week training program designed to focus on strength training to prevent injury. “As a college level athlete, they are given the tools and resources to transition from high school sports to intense college

sports,” Kypuros says. At the Playa Vista location they offer a gym membership, fitness classes relaunched, as well as Pilates. One of the best parts of Pilates classes is they can be covered by PPO insurance. Evolution Physical Therapy offers a variety of group classes, personal training, and sessions with state-of-the-art workout and recovery equipment. “In the past two to three months, the fitness classes have been recently relaunched to include small group classes,” Kypuros says. “Now there are up to eight people in a class, as opposed to having 20 or 30 people in a class. This allows the trainer to pay more attention to detail and gives the participant a feeling of a tightknit community.” Telehealth is another service option that was offered prior to COVID-19 and continues to be popular. Physical therapy via telehealth enables physical therapists to deliver high-quality treatment to their patients both conveniently and safely

through various platforms like Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and others video communication options. Evolution Physical Therapy has local and professional collaborations that include being the Proud Physical Therapy partner of the Premier Lacrosse League. They also collaborate with groups such as Adidas Runners LA, November Project, Electric Athletic Club, LA Tri Club, South Bay Run Club, BJJ Lawndale and the Playa Vista Farmers Market. Evolution Physical Therapy will extend a free seven-day trial and exclusive membership discount to any Playa Vista Direct readers. Contact Katie Kypuros at katie@evolution-pt.com.

Evolution Physical Therapy 310-915-6100 evolutionphysicaltherapy.com

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©2021 Highland Premiere. All rights reserved. DRE License #02014153. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omission, changes or withdrawal without notice. If your property is currently listed with another real estate broker, this /is FEBRUARY not intended as a2022 solicitation. JANUARY PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

HEALTH

Fitness Essentials These workout tools and apparel will help you get in the best shape ever

• Ready for the studio or the streets, Alo’s Airlift High-Waist Suit Up Leggings in ultra-smooth, second-skin Airlift feature ultra-forward piping and back yoke detailing, and an elastic logo waistband. Designed and uniquely fit to flatter every size, match with the Airlift Suit Up Bra or pair with your favorite white top. Available in multiple colors (pictured in Rust). $72 to $128, aloyoga.com

BY KAMALA KIRK (All photos courtesy)

• Transform your at-home workouts with Alo’s Ultimate Home Studio Set, which is designed to spark joy, inspire movement and change lives. Perfect for anyone and everyone at all levels of experience on the mat with everything that’s needed to achieve individual wellness goals. Set includes one luxe Alo Moves annual subscription gift box, Warrior Mat, grounded no-slip mat towel, two uplifting blocks, one yoga strap and their limited-edition iconic Alo shopper tote. Available in multiple colors (pictured in Honeydew). $350, aloyoga.com

• Bala’s Floor Series was designed to change the way we move by making thoughtfully designed equipment that you don’t mind having in your living room. The Floor Series consists of The Play Mat made of non-slip, antimicrobial faux leather; Balance Blocks to added intensity and stability to your workout, and The Hourglass Roller for improving body alignment, flexibility and recovery. Each item sold separately. Available in Charcoal, Sand and Blush. $45 to $120, shopbala.com

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HEALTH • Add extra resistance to your workout with Bala Bangles, stylish wearable weights that weigh one pound each. They can be worn on the wrists or ankles to add a constant but comfortable level of resistance that helps to increase heart rate, burn fat and build muscle. Wear them during any workout from yoga to running and boxing for an extra boost to your fitness routine. $49, freepeople.com

• Shake up your workouts with these Fitness Dice that come with an instructional booklet that feature 36 different exercises, offering a fun and effective way to get a full-body workout at home or on the go. The wooden dice represent different areas of focus including lower body, upper body, chest and back, core, cardio, full body, and a number of reps/time. Simply roll the dice to generate a workout sequence or to add variety to an existing routine. With thousands of possible combinations and options for making exercises easier or more challenging, this game will keep workouts fresh and exciting. $18.95, freepeople.com

• Perfect your practice with Manduka’s Yoga Recycle Foam Block consisting of over 50% recycled EVA foam to provide unbeatable comfort, style and support. The soft, comfortable grip is also slip-resistant. High density, extreme durability and firm support. Radius edges for comfort and beauty. $18, freepeople.com

• Free People Movement’s Time Out Shorts add a retro-inspired touch to your workout. Featured in a lightweight fabrication with defined smocked waistband and striped detailing down the sides. Pair them with the Happiness Runs Colorblock Crop ($50) and the Everlast 1910 Boxing Gloves ($99). Available in two colors (pictured in Black). $58, freepeople.com

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

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• Treat your body right from head to toe with RAD’s All In Kit, a full set of tools including three massage balls in different sizes and densities. Made of top-grade silicone, rounds serve up infinite options when it comes to tackling your tough spots and can be used on various parts of the body including hands and feet. From muscle flushing and trigger point release to spinal alignment and relaxing massage, your body will feel much better after each session. $140, radroller.com

SHOPPING

Love Is in the Air

• From earrings to bracelets, BaubleBar has the perfect accessories that will add flair to any outfit. Among our favorites are the Brisa Earrings, which feature one gold ‘L’ stud connected to a heartshaped ‘O’ and a sparkly ‘V’ connected to a gold ‘E.’ $34 to $44, baublebar.com

Spoil your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day with flowers, sweet treats and other unique gifts BY KAMALA KIRK (All photos courtesy)

• Spread love, not germs with these Cupid-approved hand sanitizers from Bath & Body Works in fun and festive scents. The Anti-Bacterial Hand Spray in Vanilla Cloud features whipped vanilla, apple blossom and sandalwood while the PocketBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Bubbly Rose combines pink sparkling rosé with sweet blood orange and a splash of cranberry juice. Available for a limited time in stores and online. $1.95 each, bathandbodyworks.com

• Brooklyn Candle Studio’s Love Potion Limited Edition Boxed Candle features exotic notes of jasmine blossoms, calming lavender and bright mandarin for an olfactory experience reminiscent of a freshly picked bouquet of flowers. Comes in a cocktail tumbler with a minimalist label in a textured box inspired by vintage graphic posters. 10% of proceeds will be donated to Harboring Hearts, a charity dedicated to providing emergency housing, transport, food and other critical resources to transplant and cardiac surgery patients and their families. $30, brooklyncandlestudio.com

• Love goes the distance with Farmgirl Flowers’ XOXO Bouquet, a one-sided, burlap-wrapped bouquet that comes with 25 stems of seasonal blooms and bits in heartwarming hues adorned with a decorative and protective layer of fun foliage. Shipping is available to the lower 48 states. $79, farmgirlflowers.com

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SHOPPING • Designed for someone that deserves a moment of relaxation, Loved and Found’s Relaxation for Her Curated Gift Box features elegant and calming essentials for a retreat at home. Packed in a ribbon-tied wood box with sliding lid and seasonal foliage, the set includes a watercolor porcelain mug, white peony tea, bouquet glass candle, white Turkish towel, honey soap and glass jar matches accompanied by a handwritten note (by request) or blank card included. $156, freepeople.com

• Leading pop culture lifestyle brand Funko has a variety of cute limited-edition Valentinesthemed vinyl bobbleheads of beloved characters including the Mandalorian and Grogu from “Star Wars.” Each comes packaged in a window display box. $12 each, funko.com

• MONDAY Haircare’s Love in the Hair Gift Set is an adorable heartshaped box set that includes a mini SMOOTH shampoo and conditioner, perfect for Valentine’s Da gifting. Available through Feb. 14 at Walmart as part of the brand’s launch into 3,000 stores. $10, walmart.com

• Treat your loved ones to something sweet with Lakrids by Bülow’s limited-edition LOVE collection. The heart-shaped Love Selection Box is complete with six handcrafted flavors from fruity and fresh to sweet and salty chocolate-covered licorice. $35, amazon.com

• Sugarfina’s Valentine’s Day collection tells a love story, from a romantic first picnic date to finding your perfect match. Their Candy Bento Boxes are the perfect way to reminisce on your own love story with sweets. The collection includes the Love Letters Tasting Collection with 16 mini tasters, the Perfect Match 2-Piece Bento Box with champagne bears and sugar lips candies, as well as the Picnic Date 3-Piece Bento Box featuring champagne bears, berry sparkle pops and sugar lips packaged in a cute picnic basket-themed gift box. $23 to $42, sugarfina.com

• Celebrate love with this silky and soft PJ set from Show Me Your Mumu in their Queen of Hearts print. Includes drawstring waist shorts with a long-sleeve button-up blouse. $118, showmeyourmumu.com

• THE NOW Massage is making it easier than ever to give the gift of relaxation this Valentine’s Day by offering a special gift card incentive for guests. Guests can enjoy a complimentary $20 added to every $100 gift card purchase from Jan. 27 to Feb. 14. The branded product lines (available online and at The NOW boutiques including Santa Monica and El Segundo) also offer plenty of ways to give the gift of self-care this season including the rose quartz gua sha tool. Various prices, thenowmassage.com

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

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• Experience love with all your senses this season with Venus et Fleur’s Valentine’s Day offerings, which include their pre-made custom arrangements, bestselling Mini Heart Bundle inspired by classic candy message hearts, Suede Heart Boxes in an assortment of sizes ranging from petit to large, chocolate-flavored milk chocolate bars, and Le Duo Magnifique – a new size in their classic rectangular box shapes ideal for customizing with two letters and/or shapes. $9 to $800, venusetfleur.com

TRAVEL

On the Road Travellers Autobarn camper van rentals offer budget-friendly getaways with unlimited mileage

BY HALEY BEYER

uring his travels, Peter Burke saw plenty of backpackers who benefited from a camper van. Inspired, he founded Travellers Autobarn, which rents camper vans with unlimited mileage. The company launched two years ago in the United States, but was established in Australia and New Zealand in 1993 and 2016, respectively. Through the creation of Travellers Autobarn, Burke learned the true meaning of “It’s not work when you’re having fun.” “My favorite part about the camper vans is the freedom they provide,” Burke said. “Some of the best stories include the most unexpected things because they weren’t planned. I want people to detour. Take turns off your route. COVID-19 taught us that we need to look for true freedom again. A road trip is one of the last true forms of adventure in my opinion.” Travellers Autobarn’s most popular camper van model is the Kuga, which sleeps up to three people comfortably and has a kitchen space with a microwave, fridge, sink and gas stove – all powered by solar panels, decreasing the need to stay at

For safer travel during COVID-19, Travellers Autobarn offers budget-friendly camper van rentals with unlimited mileage. (Photos courtesy of Travellers Autobarn)

a powered campsite to recharge batteries for the fridge and lights. The camper vans also include an extra preparation pack in the winter to help keep campers warm, including space heaters, an extra battery pack and hot pads. Camper vans are a better option compared to regular RVs, 5th wheel campers, tents and motel/hotel stays because of how practical and simple they are. “These camper vans are our own design, and they were built for the renter rather than for luxury or style,” Burke said. “If something’s not needed, it’s not in the van.” Other rental options include the HiTop campervan, that fits two to three people and has functional cooking and storage areas, as well as the minivan, which suits up to five people and can be used as a cheap car rental solution while camping. Travelers also have the option to rent a living equipment pack for $45. It includes a tent, camping chairs, table, gas cooker and cooking equipment. Prices vary depending on the trip, but the per-day cost goes down the longer the vehicle is rented. The average cost for a 10-day trip is

approximately $89 per day, and there is a minimum rental requirement of four days. Customers tend to rent the vehicles for five days, but one paid for eight months. “The longer you go, the cheaper it gets,” Burke said. Adding to its convenience, Travellers Autobarn’s camper vans do not need to be returned to the rental location. There are pick-up/drop-off locations in San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas and in Los Angeles right by LAX. Burke recommended several popular travel spots that are just a few hours’ drive from LA including Idyllwild, Lake Arrowhead, Oak Glen, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and Big Sur. Travellers Autobarn also provides itineraries on its website for those without a specific location in mind. Renters must be 21 or older, and provide a driver’s license and credit card for security purposes. Booking can be done online via Travellers Autobarn’s website.

Travellers Autobarn travellers-autobarnrv.com

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13044 Pacific Promenade #403 2 Beds / 3 Baths / 1,482 sq.ft.

$1,199,000

This exquisite top floor town home style condo boasts oversized windows, automated shutters with city, mountain and tree top views. Upon entering the foyer, delight in the sun filled living space with high ceilings, powder room with designer pedestal sink and open concept kitchen. Kitchen features waterfall style quartz peninsula with bar stool seating, built in wine fridge and microwave with high grate Kitchen-aid appliances, and beautiful new white cabinets with high gloss finish. Living room and dining area offer two separate out door covered spaces. Luxury vinyl floors throughout the upper level and office/den space. Plush carpeting on the lower level which offers two bedrooms each with their own newly renovated bedrooms and floor to ceilings windows. Bathrooms have seamless shower doors, chic tiled walls, new vanities with soft close drawers. Laundry room on the lower level offers an abundance or storage space and build in shelving. IF YOUR PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED WITH ANOTHER BROKER, THIS IS NOT INTENDED AS A SOLICITATION. BROKER/AGENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE SQUARE FOOTAGE, LOT SIZE OR OTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE CONDITIONS OR FEATURES OF THE PROPERTY PROVIDED BY THE SELLER OR OBTAINED FROM PUBLIC RECORDS OR OTHER SOURCES. BUYER IS ADVISED TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF ALL INFORMATION THROUGH PERSONAL INSPECTION AND WITH APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONALS. VIVIAN LESNY - DRE# 01409458

Vivian Lesny 310.428.7378

Info@VivianLesny.com | www.VivianLesny.com JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 PLAYAVISTADIRECT.COM

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TASTE

Cacao and Coconut, A Perfect Match BY EMILY CHAVEZ

(Photo by Luis Chavez)

eep chocolatey notes and rich coconut flavor come together in this delicious dairy-free cake reminiscent of a popular chocolate candy bar. The moist sponge cake is contrasted with the subtle texture of the coconut flake topping, while the comforting sweet aroma wafts through the air. The rich flavor of the cacao — not cocoa — powder is further deepened by the addition of brown sugar for a toffee-like hint. If you enjoy the addition of almonds, I recommend substituting the vanilla extract with almond extract in its place and adding shaved almonds to the topping. Coconut Oil and Chocolate Bundt Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 1 hour Yields one bundt cake (about 12 servings) INGREDIENTS 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cup light brown sugar 3/4 cup cacao powder (unsweet1 tablespoon vanilla extract ened) 1 cup coconut oil (warmed up to 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder liquid temperature) 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3 medium eggs, room temperature 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup boiling water 1 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup coconut flakes INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. a spatula. Grease and sprinkle some cacao 6. Slowly add the boiling water powder in a 10-cup bundt pan. and fold until fully combined. 2. In a large bowl, sift together 7. Transfer to pan and tap to the flour, cacao powder, baking remove air bubbles. powder and baking soda. 8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, 3. Whisk in the salt, sugar and or until a toothpick comes out light brown sugar. clean. 4. In a separate bowl, combine 9. Cool in pan for 15 minutes the vanilla, coconut oil and eggs. before turning out on a rack to Whisk until fully incorporated. cool completely. 5. Gently fold in the wet ingredi- 10. Sprinkle coconut flakes on ents into the dry ingredients with top and serve.

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TASTE

A Golden New Year Bake BY EMILY CHAVEZ (Photo by Luis Chavez)

oldenberries, also called cape gooseberries, are packed with nutrients, such as vitamin C, niacin and fiber, just as much as they are packed with an invigorating, sunny color. To complement the bright orange of the gooseberries, red raspberries join the party on this creamy goat cheese and buttery pastry base. This simple pastry recipe creates a fuss-free galette dough that’s as unproblematic as I hope your 2022 will be. Composed as a bite, the flaky pastry, velvety goat cheese, sweet raspberries and tart goldenberries unite as a luxurious and balanced bake to enjoy after a meal or on its own.

Raspberry and Goldenberry Galette Active time: 15 minutes. Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes. Yields 6 servings. INGREDIENTS 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, grated 10 ounces cold goat cheese 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoon ice water 3 tablespoon maple syrup 1 1/2 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar 4 ounces raspberries 8 ounces goldenberries 1 egg 1 tbsp water 1 tbsp sugar Optional garnish: maple syrup

and fresh mint INSTRUCTIONS Whisk together flour and salt until combined in a large bowl. Then stir in butter and 4 ounces of the goat cheese until crumbly. Stir in lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of ice water at a time until the dough starts to hold together. Turn out and shape dough into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the remaining 6 ounces of goat cheese and maple syrup until smooth. Add brown sugar and whisk to incorporate throughout. Store in the refrigerator.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 10-inch by 10-inch square or a 12-inch circle if you prefer, about 1/4inch thick. Transfer the baking sheet to assemble. Spread maple goat cheese filling mixture onto the dough leaving a 2-inch gap from the border all the way around. Arrange raspberries and cape gooseberries on top. Fold edges of dough over. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush egg wash onto dough, and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake until the crust is golden, and bottom is browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool on the pan for 10 minutes. Garnish with maple syrup and mint. Best served warm or at room temperature.

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PET ADOPTION

Adoptable Pets FROM ANNENBERG PETSPACE The coolest buddies in Playa Vista are waiting for their new forever homes

Bodega

Sonoma Sonoma is an older gal who is looking for a nice, caring home. She is outgoing, social, and enjoys being around people. She’ll happily become your walking companion and can even get along with other dogs nicely. Stop by and visit her soon!

Tuti Tuti is a sweet senior who is looking for a home where she can relax with a loving pet parent. She has hypothyroidism, which requires medication, but she’s still very easygoing. She’ll be your sidekick on light walks or when hanging out at home. Meet her to see if you’re a match!

Bodega is a kind old soul who needs to experience love and care at the end of his life. This senior is searching for a foster hospice situation with a pet parent who can take him on casual walks and give him lots of affection. He tends to be blissfully unaware of his surroundings and is generally easygoing. Annenberg PetSpace will cover his medical needs while in foster hospice. Speak with an Adoption Specialist for details.

Positive Reinforcement Training KATIE MCGUIRE, CPDT-KA

January is National Train Your Dog Month! Whether you’ve just started the training process or are looking for a new method, positive reinforcement is a foundational part of dog training. Science-backed and preferred by professional trainers, this approach allows you to strengthen your bond with your pet while teaching them new behaviors.

This approach is a proactive method that supports preferred actions you want your dog to complete, rather than punishing them for mistakes, misunderstandings, or what is seen as a “bad” behavior. Register for a class at Annenberg PetSpace or find a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in your area!

To learn more about pet adoption, or to see other available pets, visit annenbergpetspace.org JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

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EVENTS CALENDAR Beyond Breath: An Introduction to SKY Breath Meditation Thursday, Jan. 27

Discover the power of your breath to relieve stress, ease anxiety and calm your mind in a free live and interactive session. During this 75-minute workshop you will get the chance to pause, take a breath and clear your mind with the help of a calming breathing technique and a guided meditation. This is not a recorded webinar; it’s an interactive experience where you can ask questions and get clarity on what breathing and meditation is about. Limited spots are available. Sign up for free. Email questions to aditya.masur@artofliving.org. Online, 4. to 5:15 p.m., bit.ly/3nHBtBs

Live Outdoor Comedy Show Thursday, Jan. 27

Live outdoor comedy show every last Thursday of the month at Conference Room Restaurant hosted by Leah Bonnema of “Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Featuring Laurie Kilmartin, Mike Estime, Skye Grayson, Mindy Mann and Dustin Chafin. $10 cover. 12181 Bluff Creek Drive, A1, Playa Vista, 7 to 10 p.m., bit.ly/3AeTv3b

On Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 10 to 11 a.m., strengthen the bond between you and your dog with an interactive introduction to dog agility training offered by Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. (Courtesy photo)

Silicon Valley of LA (Playa Vista) Tour Saturday, Jan. 29

library and a preserved area of the wetlands just east of Playa del Rey and north of LAX. Playa Vista is also known as Silicon Valley South due to companies like Google and YouTube calling it home. This tour will show you the outside of the legendary aircraft hangar that was used by Hughes Aircraft Company and later Boeing and movie studios for filming the movies “Titanic” and “Independence Day.” Google has transformed the aircraft hangers into a unique office space. The tour will start at Google’s offices then

make its way to the heart of Playa Vista, where there are businesses such as a movie theatre, CVS and restaurants. The tour will end at Sol Mexican Cocina for mingling. Tickets cost $18.50 to $25. Register online. Spruce Goose Hangar, 16 S. Campus Center Dr., Los Angeles, 1 to 3:30 p.m., bit.ly/3ru1uVS

Freeway Funk Yard Standup Comedy Friday, Feb. 4

Freeway Funk Yard is a large hidden lot nestled near a secret Westside Los Angeles freeway where you can see some of the world’s most-known comics work on material and make you laugh. Line-up includes Nick Hoff and Ryan Churchill. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $15 per person. Must be vaccinated. RSVP online. 5301 Grosvenor Street, Los Angeles, 8 to 10 p.m., bit.ly/3nJxTXE

Dog Agility Class Sunday, Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27 On Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m., check out some of the world’s best-known comics at Freeway Funk Yard near a secret Westside LA location. (Courtesy photo)

Training builds a common language between humans and their animals and helps develop trust and a healthy relationship. Help strengthen the bond between you and your dog with

— Compiled by Kamala Kirk an interactive introduction to dog agility training offered by Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. These four, one-hour classes will teach your dog the basics of this fun, quickly-growing sport. This class includes an introduction to agility obstacles such as jumps, A-Frame, tunnels, weave poles and pause tables. Dogs should have beginnerlevel obedience skills. Classes take place outdoors and will be limited to eight dogs. Register now to save your spot. Please bring proof of vaccinations to the class. To save time at check-in, fill out the online waiver and email your dog’s vaccination records to programs@ annenbergpetspace.org. Cost is $140. 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista, 10 to 11 a.m., $75, annenbergpetspace.org

RUNWAY x Creative Communal Valentine’s Day Makers Market Saturday, Feb. 12

The family-friendly and petfriendly event will feature local makers, live music, good grub, photo ops and fun kids activities including face painting. 12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

L.A. Literature, Toy and Memorabilia Show for Porsches and Vintage VWs Saturday, Feb. 26 The 2022 Porsche and Vintage VW Literature, Toy Model and Memorabilia Swap Meet is held in the two large ballrooms on the main floor of the Airport Hilton, very close by Los Angeles International Airport. The public is admitted at 9 a.m. for $10 each at the door. Early bird shoppers are admitted at 7 a.m. for $30 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required. 5711 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., lalitandtoyshow.com

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

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310-305-9600 39

A B OU T THE A SS I L E Y E I NSTI TU TE • The Assil Eye Institute is nationally recognized for its compassionate patient-centric care, its commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology and its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of not just its patients, but also of their community. • Dr. Assil’s life-long commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology is evident in his body of work developing new surgical techniques and advances in laser surgery. • Dr. Assil lectures internationally and has taught state-of-the art surgical skills to well over 10,000 thousand ophthalmologists worldwide.

Dr. John May, Dr. Avneet K. Sodhi Gaur, Dr. Kerry Assil, Dr. Lindsay Harris

• The Assil Eye Institute has participated in dozens of FDA clinical trials, either as lead investigator or as a member of a multi-center team, testing new ophthalmological devices and surgical techniques.

A B O U T DR. AVN EET K. SOD H I G A U R • Dr. Sodhi Gaur is a Board Certified, Fellowship trained Cataract, Refractive, and Glaucoma Specialist, with training and experience developed at nationally renowned ophthalmic institutions. She serves as the Director of the Glaucoma Service at Assil Eye Institute. • She has performed thousands of glaucoma, refractive (LASIK, PRK, ICL), and cataract surgeries including implantation of the latest premium intraocular lenses with Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) system and Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

• She has been featured in Angeleno Magazine 2019 Los Angeles Power Players section as one of the top extraordinary inspiring individuals and she is highly regarded among her patients and peers leading her to be voted multiple times as one of Los Angeles Top Doctors and Super Doctor Rising Stars. • She is a local Playa Vista resident and enjoys working out, cooking, traveling and spending quality time with her husband and two boys.

G OO G L E R E VI EWS: “I just got my lasik completed and I cannot tell you how excited and happy I am with the result. I was told Dr. Sodhi Gaur was the best and that I would not be disappointed, and they were

right. From the consultation to having 20/15 vision, only took 1 week. I never dreamed I would be able to see clearly so quickly and without much pain or discomfort! “

“Professional staff as well as elegant waiting rooms, with all safety protocols in place during these challenging times.” “I was wearing ‘Readers’ and my distance vision was starting to

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fade so I went to Assil Eye for a consultation, and thanks to Dr. Gaur and the phenomenal team at Assil Eye, I’m now glasses free in my early 50’s! Couldn’t be happier!”

450 N. Roxbury Dr., 3rd Floor | Beverly Hills, CA | 90210 | 310-651-2300 2222 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 107 | Santa Monica, CA | 90404 | 310-382-5050

@avneetsodhigaurmd @assileye