CVLUX NOV|DEC 2014

NOV/DEC

A SOCIAL AFFAIR

FROM UNION SQUARE WITH LUX

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2014 LUXURY AWARD WINNERS REVEALED

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012 A Letter From The Editor 014 Masthead

GET YOUR

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017 A SOCIAL AFFAIR THE LUXURY AWARDS

WOMEN 3 x Massage $180 3 x Facials $180

Over 350 guests gathered to find out who is this year’s Top Ten, and to raise money for FEAT and The California Autism Center.

MEN Works package $95

022 A SOCIAL AFFAIR HARVEST OF HOPE

More than 500 attendees took to the Bonadelle estate to raise money for Catholic Charities.

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ANNA ANISSIMOVA Cover Look – All About Anna

Anna Anissimova, in a Red Cut Out Dress by Sergio Hudson, set off by a necklace by JRYU. Photographer: Matthew Mitchell. : Stylist: Carmine Bicchetti.

e h t s a w T’

before

7455 North Fresno Street | Fresno, California

| PalatineFresno.com

|

559.256.2293

FASHION & FEATURES 024 SCENE AND BE SEEN

The Valley’s resident “it girl” Cortney Snapp takes you behind the scenes of one of Fresno’s largest events.

029 HIGH PROFILE LINDA PENNER

Linda Penner candidly speaks to Ann T. Sullivan Whitehurst about career, family and what makes her tick.

036 COLOUR GOSSIP NAIL LACQUER WITH A PURPOSE

Speak volumes this season and find out what all the commotion is all about.

038 BEAUTY TREND REPORT

New for Fall 2014: Organic + Natural Beauty (for Men + Women).

040 FOOD FOR YOUR SKIN

Mix up your beauty regime with a naturally pure alternative.

046 THE FORECAST

LIMITLESS LAYERS Master fall’s new look and layer up!

TRENDSETTER JETSETTER

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053 FROM UNION SQUARE WITH LUX

Lights! Camera! Shopping!

San Francisco’s holiday traditions in full regalia this season.

060 COVER STORY

ALL ABOUT ANNA Anna Anissimova talks bluntly about her billionaire family and what working in Hollywood is really like.

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067 PASSING TIME IN PASO ROBLES

Experience all that wine country has to offer on your next trip.

YOUR HOME ADVANTAGE 072 DECK THE HALLS

Christmas Tree Lane has been a holiday tradition for over 90 years. Take a peek inside one of the lane’s most famous residences.

081 GETTING LOUD WITH CHEF LUDO LEFEBURE Chef Ludo at a glance.

088 NECESSARY LUXURY Talking out loud.

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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Winter is by far my favorite time of year. It solidifies the closing of a chapter and brings promise of a new beginning with spring. The holidays are especially magical here in the Valley. There is something about the community spirit that burns bright between November and February. In this issue, we wanted to encapsulate this time of year and highlight some of our favorite things.

When I think of the holidays, my mind immediately goes to the fabled Christmas Tree Lane, whose lights have brought joy and wonder to the Fresno community for more than 90 years. We profile one of the Lane’s most memorable homes, the Hyatt house (pg. 72), and celebrate this Valley tradition in grand style.

One of my favorite pieces in this edition is a travel feature on San Francisco. San Francisco has become the West Coast holiday hub. Columnist Asher Corey recounts his experiences each year within the City by the Bay and talks about what makes this time of year so spectacular (pg. 53).

Since December represents the closing of another year and another chapter, some of us begin working on ourselves a bit earlier than New Year’s. If you are looking to enhance your natural beauty, we have some fantastic products hitting the streets this season. Take a look at this winter’s beauty trends (pg. 38) and give yourself a real gift this holiday.

So, remember this season to stop and give thanks for all you have and realize the truly magical gift that life has given each of us. Celebrate this year in luxurious style and carry the feeling of joy with you into 2015.

From Lux With Love,

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Š D.YURMAN 2014

thank you for voting us best jeweler 559.221.6622 Open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 7pm

DAVID MANNING

DONNA KACZMARSKI

Editor-in-Chief

Creative Director

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENTS Editor-at-Large LINDSEY ASHJIAN Fashion & Beauty KELLY AMENDOLA and LAUREN K.T. WILSON Lifestyle ANN T. SULLIVAN WHITEHURST Contributors WENDY CARROLL, TOSHA COLE MLEMENS, ASHER COREY, MAXWELL REMMINGTON and CORTNEY SNAPP ART Graphic Artists JAMES R. ALEXANDER and DALTON RUNBERG Contributing Photographers EDDIE MELIKIAN, MATTHEW MITCHELL,DOUG MORGAN, LESLEY PEDRAZA and JESUS SEPULVEDA

CVLUX.COM Director NIK ASHJIAN

Business Legal GONTORWON BORH Accounting DEE ANN LINKER Please submit all advertising inquiries to donna@cvlux.com.

Letters To The Editor: We want to hear from you. Please submit letters to: CV Luxury, 7455 N. Fresno St. #205, Fresno, CA 93720 or e-mail to info@cvlux.com. Letters must be signed and deemed appropriate for our readership to be considered for publishing. Letters are subject to editing and may be cut for length. Story Queries: Are you a writer? Please send story queries to info@cvlux.com. Please allow six to eight weeks for a response.

CV Luxury is not responsible for unsolicited material. CV Luxury is published bi-monthly by Modern Living Publishing LLC, 7455 N. Fresno St. #205, Fresno, CA 93720. Copyright 2014 by Modern Living Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. CV Luxury does not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. All materials, articles, reports, original artwork and photos published in this magazine are the property of Modern Living Publishing LLC and cannot be used or reproduced without permission in writing. Modern Living Publishing LLC is not responsible for the opinions expressed within the publication. Prices quoted in advertisements are subject to change without notice.

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ROOFING

by Shneider Electric

A SOCI AL AFFAIR The Luxury Awards This year, CV Luxury presented the inaugural Luxury Awards. The event was sponsored by Cumulus Broadcasting, Valley Wide Beverages, Fashion Fair Mall and The Palms Restaurant. Participants took part in a silent auction benefiting FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) and The California Autism Center & Learning Group. More than 350 people attended this year’s event, as guests partied in style and sampled a variety of uptown hors d’oeuvres.

Several thousand votes came in for this year’s winners of the coveted Top 10 business awards. And the winners are…

Best Casino: Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino Best Restaurant: Pismo’s Coastal Grill Best Fitness Center: The Bar Method Best Dealership: Mercedes-Benz of Fresno Best Shopping: Fashion Fair Mall Best Day Care: Kids Kare Schools Best Jeweler: Orloff Jewelers Best Realtor: Joe Sciarrone Best Builder: Wilson Homes Best Spa/Salon: The Spa & Hungry Hair Salon at Fig Garden Village

DIAMOND AWARD RECIPIENTS Darius Assemi Bill & Linda Smittcamp Genelle Taylor Kumpe Annie Friesen-Domingos Allison Karahadian

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STEPHANIE BEDROSIAN, GINA JELLADIAN

PHIL & KATHY STIPULA

DESTINY CUNNINGHAM, CHAPLAIN SIMON

MICHAEL OKHOVAT, MARIE HILL

PENNY RAVEN, PEGGY DAVID

ANGIE & ASHLEY HYATT JOSE & BRITTANEY FONTES

LENA & MARK CHIN

DEE ANN LINKER, NATHAN LINKER, MARISA MARKARIAN

ARA & LENA KARKAZIAN

GINA MASELLI, VANESSA SEVERSON

JOHN ENNIS, MONIQUE RUNGE

JOE OZIER, NICOLE LUK

JUSTIN ANDERSON, DIANA SMITH

LORENA MARTINEZ, KARL ASKREN

CHARLIE CLOUSE, DHARMA CROSSLER

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T H E PA L M S Fine Star Cuisine

FINE DINING | BANQUETS | CATERING

7550 N. Palm, Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93711 The Palms Restaurant | 559.438.0500 | www.thepalmsfresno.com

HARVEST OF HOPE

A SOCIAL AFFAIR

Catholic Charites’ annual Harvest of Hope celebration packed the historic Bonadelle Estate, as over 500 guests bid on live and silent auction items raising money for the organization. Live music, exquisite catering and crisp linens trimmed this year’s event. For more information about Catholic Charities and to learn more about their fundraisers, visit www.ccdof.org.

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John and Liz Marihar | Karin Chiljian, Ann T. Sullivan Whitehurst | Kirk and Cheryl Cerniglia | Drew Chiapelli, Lee Danker | Alice Brass, Lindsey Mellinger | Brian and Lisa Delana | Zachary Irion, Alex Cetti | Nigel Grech, Jessica Marshall | Jarrod and Emily Martinez

SCENE AND BE SEEN STORY CORTNEY SNAPP

Balancing Act: What a trip these past couple months have been! Life was already exciting enough with a brand new baby, yet all of the other areas of my life seemed to have its own set of priorities as well. I had taken off four months from the office, working part-time from home for my maternity leave. I knew going back to work full-time would be an adjustment, but my work life was PACKED my first month back! Most people looked at me, puzzled, and said, “I don’t know how you do it.” But it’s amazing… just like with many of life’s obstacles, I still managed just fine. Going through that reminded me of when I was younger. My dad used to casually tell me while complaining about something, “Well Cortney, you do whatcha gotta do.” So simple, but so right! Thanks, Dad. My first month back to work was a whirlwind. Even though I was still in the loop and working part-time from home during my leave, we still had a huge undertaking to pull off Make-A-Wish Central California’s inaugural event: Wine, Women & Shoes. CV Luxury sponsored it and fashion editor Lauren K.T. Wilson styled the fashion show – so at least I knew that project was in good hands! But the rest, we had to start from scratch and I only had one month of being full-time back in the office to pull it off. Thank goodness for a loyal committee and Kaira, my amazing assistant, it was wrapped up with time to spare. And thanks to a VERY supportive husband, I was able to work during the day and (sometimes) at night to make up for lost time. On September 28th, we kicked off Fresno’s first WWS event and it was a smash hit! It was a perfect marriage of food vendors, retail vendors, wineries from all over California, lively attendees and CV Luxury fashion show fabulousness!

My son Camp spent time with my in-laws for two whole days – a perfect trial for when I go to Arizona for four days to attend a national Make-AWish conference later this month.

That’s just work… what about my personal life? This fall season was packed with all sorts of fun and exciting milestones, important events and occasions. I was the maid of honor for my little sister Kylee’s wedding. She married her main squeeze Jimmy in mid-August. Our friends Michael and Kellie celebrated their 10-year anniversary with a vow renewal at New Harvest Church, and an intimate dinner party at Vino & Friends. My girlfriend Fotini works for the local chapter of the National MS Society, and Chad and I support her by attending her walks.

In the fall, she spearheads her annual Dinner of Champions event at Pardini’s. Of course we wanted to go! Not even a question! There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to attend and support the inaugural CV Luxury Awards, too!

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777 777 WEST WEST PALMDON PALMDON // FRESNO FRESNO / / 354-5500 354-5500 // FRESNOLEXUS.COM FRESNOLEXUS.COM

I hope I am not being judged for my social life… because I have really taken a step back. In the last issue’s column, I mentioned I am a social butterfly. It’s actually an understatement. I literally thrive on being out and about. My husband, however, suggests that being at home on a regular, structured schedule is good for a new family. So what is a girl to do? Well, meet in the middle. I applaud the moms that choose to be “all family, all of the time,” but there needs to be some sort of outlet. It doesn’t have to be social events – it can be a workout routine at a local gym or going to the library to read in a quiet space. Maybe I deserve the worst mom of the year award, but I don’t want to resent my family life. When I was on leave, I looked forward to the opportunity for a date night or a work event to take me out of the house. Now that I’m back to work full-time, I’m stuck between a rock and a sturdy Pack ‘n Play.

I’m gone during the day, but then when I have an event at night, I miss Campbell. I am learning through trial and error, and I am confident I will find that delicate balance.

Gradu-whaaat?

It seems like just yesterday that me and my group of high school friends graduated. How can it be that some of them now have kids hovering over their high school graduation? This past month was my Clovis West High School 20th reunion at Fort Washington Country Club. I am still close with my group of friends from our 1994 class, so I’m in the loop with their lives.

Catching up with the other classmates was fun, too. Thanks to Facebook, it’s not quite the same “How have you been?” talk. It really is more of a catchup sesh. While I was talking to one gal whom I haven’t spoken to since high school, she was asking if I liked being a new mom (she had married her high school sweetheart, so they have teen kiddos). I said, “I love it! But Chad and I waited so long! We’re going to be SUCH old parents!” And she said, “No Cortney, you had a life!” And I knew what she meant. It wasn’t an insult to her life… quite the contrary. I think for those who want to be a parent in their early 20s… awesome! If it works for them! I look back at where I was in my early, mid- and even late 20s… I was traveling all around the country, doing jobs that were fun, but lacked the security that a job here in Fresno could have offered and I was just plain ol’ “not ready.” Never mind the fact that timing has a play in everything because I wasn’t married to Chad and I couldn’t even think of a better father for our son than him! So, I can take the compliment that she had offered about me having “a life” because it was just that… “my life.” Now, I am exactly where I need to be. It made me realize that there is no right time for anything in your life – just your time and God’s time.

Post-Baby Shower Power!

I loved having my baby showers while pregnant. It helped pass time, created excitement, and made me feel special and loved! One thing that my mother-in-law suggested as the due date crept closer and closer was to have a post-delivery baby shower. It served two purposes: both of our lives got busier and busier around my due date, but also, the shower invite list was going to be her friends and she thought that it would be a great way for her friends to meet Camp. It was actually really fun to have him there – I was in a different mindset and it just worked out. The added bonus (which my mother-in-law pointed out) is that once you have the baby, you suddenly become more aware of your needs from your registry. You can delete the items you don’t see yourself using and add things you really like or use. So, if you happen to run into the same predicament – there are NO RULES when it comes to showers… it’s all about what’s best for you and what’s best for who is throwing it. So, if that means post-baby, then shake, rattle and roll with it! You can make any circumstance fun!

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1760 W Bullard Ave | Fresno, California | 559-431-2278

080 / CVLUX VOL.I ISS.4

LINDA PENNER High Profile

INTERVIEW ANN T. SULLIVAN WHITEHURST

You retired after a distinguished 30-year career with the Fresno County Probation Department, most recently as chief. Why did you take on a new position working with Gov. Jerry Brown?

When Jerry Brown was Governor-elect, he called together the state’s high-ranking public safety officials to talk about the state prison overcrowding crisis. At the time, I was President of the California Chiefs of Probation. He told us that the state had a problem and that it was going to take an innovative approach to solve it or else the federal three-judge panel would begin wholesale release of prisoners.

We had to go back to our associations, present the problem and come up with a plan to responsibly manage the state’s incarcerated population. That’s how Public Safety Realignment was born.

The Governor asked me to be a part of the planning that would keep non-serious offenders in county jails, where they could get rehabilitative programming to turn around their lives, instead of sending them to state prisons. As Fresno County Probation Chief, I had already gone through a similar process with Juvenile Realignment in 2007. Eventually, the Governor appointed me Chair of the Board of State and Community Corrections, which is a new agency of the Administration that oversees Realignment and other local corrections issues.

I’m also the Governor’s liaison to the counties on public safety issues. As Chair, I oversee a budget of $1 billion in public safety grants and jail construction funds across the State, and lead the Board that makes policy decisions affecting county corrections. Governor Brown appointed me to the position to help usher in Public Safety Realignment.

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I’m in Fresno on weekends, but usually I’m in Sacramento or traveling the state during the week. It’s inspiring for me to see all of the innovative work that counties across the state are performing to help offenders straighten out their lives, especially right here in Fresno County, where Sheriff Margaret Mims and Probation Chief Rick Chavez are achieving some amazing preliminary results.

Tell us about your work with the BSCC. I spend most weekdays traveling the state to talk with local public safety officials about the work they are doing to save taxpayer money by reducing recidivism. So often in corrections, we see the same low-level offenders churning through the system, which is expensive. It makes more sense to get them substance abuse treatment and job training, and to have them serve their sentences partly incarcerated and partly under the supervision of probation officers who can make sure they follow through.

Very often I travel with the Governor as his public safety liaison. He is very engaged in what is going on at the local level and wants to hear first-hand from local officials about what is working, and what are the challenges they face in this historic shift. Everyone wants this to be successful and the entire country is watching what is happening in California right now. That’s why the recent state Attorney General’s report said crime is down across the state in all categories was such welcome news. It’s too early to credit Realignment alone, but it is good news for Californians – and the sky isn’t falling because low-level offenders are being handled more effectively.

Now, tell us about yourself Birthplace: I was born 60 years ago at St. Agnes when it was on Floradora at Fruit, the seventh of 10 children, same as my husband Don (that’s why it was fate that we ended up together!). I graduated from San Joaquin Memorial and Fresno State, so until I took this job with the Governor, my life and career have been right here in Fresno.

Marital status: I’ve been married for 30 years to Don Penner, a Fresno County Superior Court Judge. It was love at first sight for me and our first date was at the Fresno County Courthouse cafeteria.

Favorite game: My favorite sport is basketball and my team is the San Antonio Spurs.

I’m a huge fan of Tim Duncan. Don and I love college basketball and have been fortunate to attend the NCAA Final Four tournament in recent years. My daughter Morgan also coaches basketball at Clovis North, so I see those games when I can.

I splurge on: Clothes. I love to feel good about what I’m wearing.

My favorite city outside California: Copenhagen, Demark. It is so clean and everyone rides bicycles wherever they go (so did I while we were there). The food was fabulous.

Favorite restaurant: No question, it is Pismos. Owner Dave Fansler and I were in the same class at San Joaquin Memorial. I love his style and his friendship! His restaurants create both a wonderful ambiance and delicious food.

Fresno is lucky to have him.

Person who impacted my life: My Mom. She was such a giving and unselfish person who raised 10 children, including my youngest brother Timmy who was born with Down Syndrome. Her attitude toward life and others was ahead of her time. She was unflappable, and gave to each of her children the love and support that each of us needed. She treated Timmy no differently than the rest of us and never wanted us to either. She was a strong woman who made me feel I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. And I have.

My biggest regret: Not having more children because Jordan and Morgan are the lights of my life.

Favorite president: William Henry Harrison because he served for only 30 days, which doesn’t give anyone a chance to be angry at his policies or politics!

First job: I was a babysitter for Dr. Richard Hoffman, who was a prominent heart surgeon at St. Agnes Medical Center. When I was 17, the Hoffmans took me to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. I fell in love with the beach and Capitola remains my favorite vacation spot.

Nobody knows: It was love at first sight the first time I saw Don. There was a deep connection and feeling of comfort, as if I had found my true life.

Book I’m recommending: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. It’s the story of Louis Zamperini, a WWII POW survivor. Very inspiring.

A really great evening: Is a dinner party with friends. I am very inclusive and my husband thinks I entertain the entire free world every weekend. I love a great margarita made with premium tequila. I make great salads and have gotten rave reviews on my homemade chili.

One thing I cannot stand: I have no tolerance for intolerance.

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If I could change one thing about myself: I’d be more patient. I don’t have the longest attention span, which is probably why I’m so good at multi-tasking and getting lots of things done at once.

People who knew me in high school and college: Thought I was a lot of fun. I’ve stayed in close contact with them over the years and they still think I’m fun. I was blessed with a sense of humor and ability to laugh at myself. I love my friends and cherish the time I spend with them.

The most difficult time in my life was: Watching my mom take the long journey home.

My friends like me because: I love them back.

Best advice I ever got: Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Best advice I ever gave: Telling my two children the exact same thing The best thing my parents gave to me: My nine brothers and sisters. I love each of them more than they can imagine.

I’m a sucker for: Children, dogs and a good sale – especially on clothes.

My favorite vacation spot: Capitola, California. We are fortunate to have a house there and nothing makes me happier than to host my children or old friends for the weekend. It’s a place where I can really unwind and forget about the stress of my job.

If I could live anywhere in the world: I’d pick the beach, as long as my family and friends came with me. They are my life and I really wouldn’t want to live anywhere that they weren’t close by.

The craziest thing I ever did: I zipped lined down the ski jump in Denmark where ABC’s Wide World of Sports: “Thrill of Victory; Agony of Defeat” was filmed. What a thrill indeed. Lucky for me, there was no agony involved.

I’m always fascinated by the way women: Get things done. We are the ultimate multi-taskers.

My favorite movie: An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. I think if relationships are meant to be, people will find a way and wait for each other. It might take time, but love is a powerful force.

The world would be a lot better off if people: Paid it forward.

GREAT CITIES ARE BUILT ON GREAT RELATIONSHIPS

In the construction business, large projects can sometimes require hundreds of subcontractors. Very often the quality and cost of a project depends on the integrity and history of the relationship. At Harris, we’ve built a substantial number of the ‘legacy projects’ in our Valley – jobs that would not have been possible without the contribution of architects, engineers and sub-contractors of every trade. On the 100th anniversary of Harris, we would also like to thank our partners in Labor. Our Union agreement is the longest running of any organization in the Valley, dating back to 1959. It’s true, great cities are built on great relationships and Harris Construction is thankful for your long history of support.

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2014 www.harrisconstruction.com

100 YEARS OF BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES

NAIL COLOUR Nail Lacquer With a Purpose: Don’t Just Wear a Color, Wear a Cause!

STORY TOSHA COLE CLEMENS

Upcoming brands must find a way to be different, to stand for something, to demand lasting attention in this over-saturated market. Let’s face it, how many times do you actually look at the brand of nail color when you are shopping?

Does it matter to you? Brand loyalty is hardly something we are accustomed to. Just pick a color you are drawn to and move on to the next exciting product that sparks your interest.

Until now! Colour Gossip Nails is redefining the world of nail lacquer. They are taking a step back and getting us to think before we act. They inspire us to have a purpose with our buying decisions, encourage us to be health conscious and to gossip about something that will make an impact in the world.

Colour Gossip Nails prides themselves in their wide range of charities that they partner with.

I love that each color ties back to a different charity that is unique to that color. This allows us to put a connection from that charity to the color of polish being promoted! Not only is Colour Gossip focused on the charities that they give to, they are equally as passionate about providing products that are free of DBP, Formaldehyde and Toluene. Their high-quality lacquers are also chip resistant and quick drying with high shine appeal that requires no top coat. Who could resist!

Let’s take a “behind the scenes” look into how this brand got started.

What inspired you to create Colour Gossip Nails?

Colour Gossip is inspired by constant change.

In life, change is inevitable – whether it’s in health, family, fashion or beauty, one thing is for certain, life is all about change. CG wanted to take this to our advantage. Not only are we changing the trends of the beauty industry, but in everyday life… taking one color at a time and making a difference.

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Other than what we know, what makes Colour Gossip Nails different from another nail polish company?

When women go to get their nails done, they want to relax and feel good. “Don’t Just Wear a Color, Wear a Cause” means more than just a coat of polish making women feel good. It’s about taking something so small and turning it into something that can change the world, just one color at a time.

Was creating this business harder than what you imagined?

Building a business is no piece of cake, however with a strong team and an even stronger desire, hard work seems like play. Work is even better when you love what you do and we love painting the world Colour Gossip nail polish.

See the amazing, talented singer Skylar Elise sporting her love for Colour Gossip Nails!

What is your typical day like?

Depends on the day! The night before an event, we are preparing polish, making sure that the quantity and quality of the product is in CG standard. The day of an event, we spend the first four hours preparing for the event, finalizing all small details on the display table. On an off day, we work through emails and proposals, color selections for the following seasons, as well as pop-up shops to generate more street knowledge.

What is your philosophy in life?

Love what you do. As long as you do this, you will never work a day in your life.

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BEAUTY TREND

• K E L LY A M E N D O LA •

1. Côte , coteshop.co 2. John Masters Organics Rose Foaming Face Wash, $22. johnmasters.com

REPORT

2.

5.

3.

3. KORA Organics

by Miranda Kerr Cream Cleanser, $52. KORA Organics.com 4. Yon-Ka Cellular Code Serum, $135. dermstore.com & yonkausa.com

4.

6.MV Skincare Rose Soothing & Protective Moisturizer, $36. thedetoxmarket.com 7. Kiehl’s Super Eye Serum, $48. kiehls.com 8. Vapour s120 Soft Focus foundation, $50. thedetoxmarket. com

A luxurious and chic nail-care destination in Los Angeles. For manis and pedis, they use their exclusive ”five free” polishes.

For services, côte in Brentwood (LA) or toxin-free polishes available at coteshop.co 1.

5. Odacite Beautiful Day Moisturizer, $75. hedetoxmarket.com

6.

9.

7.

9. The Organic Pharmacy Glam Nude Sparkle palette, $87. theorganicpharmacy.com 10. Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint, $35.

TataHarperSkincare. com 11.Dr. Hauschka Hydrating Hand Cream, $24.95. drhauschka.com

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10.

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038 036 CVLUX

Hedieh Arbabzadeh, M.D., F.A.C.S. BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON 2365 E. Fir Ave. | Fresno, CA 93720 | 559.797.9000 | www.wpsfresno.com

FOOD FOR THE SKIN STORY TOSHA COLE CLEMENS

W

e live in such a fast-paced, hectic world. Our alarm clock doesn’t go off and we start our day in survival mode. Our routine becomes mundane… on autopilot. Have you ever driven somewhere, looked back and wondered how you got there? I feel this way when I go shopping. I typically get the same products and pick them up without even entertaining a thought.

Shouldn’t we actually take time to think about what we’re buying?

Especially the products we’re purchasing are for our skin. Buying a product simply because we’re in a rush and the packaging looks great should not be something we settle for.

I always told myself that I would one day create a skincare line that is beneficial, natural and effective. At that time I also had no idea that parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde (just to name a few) are so bad for us and YES, unfortunately they can be found in most skincare lines on the market today. Knowing what I know now about the harmful effects that cheap filler ingredients have on our bodies helped me to start my own company, Aeveka, naturally pure.

If we educate ourselves on what we put on our body, it will not only empower us, it will also encourage us to take better care of this one body we have. Natural products are what I strive for. Aeveka is made out of all-natural ingredients that are safe and gentle to the touch. No longer do we have to worry about exposing our skin to harmful chemicals!

Aeveka is about healthy, natural and pure skin products. Aeveka skincare is made with natural and organic ingredients. Our products are not filled with harmful, heavy oils and water, but rather with real fruits and vegetables. Our pure juices, and green and red teas are cold pressed in order to keep their nutritional value. Our skin’s pores are like tiny little mouths that ingest everything we put into them, just like when we eat. That’s the philosophy behind food for your skin, hence our hashtag.

What is your company about?

I got the amazing opportunity to interview Ilona Landver, the owner and founder of Aeveka. Ilona shares with us the reasons why she started Aeveka.

What are some of your top sources of inspiration?

My top inspiration is my dear friend Eva Kovacs, who just recently passed away from cancer. We went to esthetician school together. She was older than me, so I looked up to her a lot. Her guidance and advice was the motivation I needed to get through school and follow my dreams. I made a pact with myself that I would honor her life through preventing others from using potentially cancer-causing ingredients. Her positive and inspiring presence in my life is why I named my skincare line after her nickname, “Aeveka.”

Tell us a little bit about your background.

Ilona Landver: I have been in the beauty industry for over 10 years. I started out as a massage therapist, then got my esthetician license, followed by a nail technician license. I have a few more licenses under my sleeve. I am also a certified holistic health coach and certified yoga instructor. But I took everything I have learned, all my research and knowledge, and put it in to my main passion and focus, which is my Aeveka skincare line.

The fantastic aroma of the products captivates my senses. The face wash has an amazing citrus smell that awakes the soul. The day crème has a cucumber scent that rejuvenates the mind, leaving us refreshed, mentally and physically.

How did you start your company and why?

I struggled with acne in my teenage years and had tried many different beauty lines. I would like one product from one line, another product from another line. But I couldn’t find one natural and pure product line from which I wanted to use ALL their products.

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ADVERTORIAL

THE BAR METHOD Jenny’s Journey

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eptember 15, 2014 Forty-two years ago, things looked pretty normal: school, shopping, piano lessons watching Fiddler on the Roof, visiting family, sewing, and… I got my first bra. Yes, all pretty normal in the life of a pre-adolescent. I kept a diary every day for five years.

Today, September 15, 2014, I am journaling on the bungalow balcony at Pelican Hill resort in Newport Beach. This place is cathartic for me.

The privacy and beauty draw me back.

Here I will journal my journey… my Bar Method journey and how it transforms my life daily, especially during the hectic, stressful, sometimes melancholic holiday season – the season that Christ was born and the season Santa prevails. I will find my inner peace, inner diva and let the ocean lead my thoughts.

The Genesis was actually December 15, 2010.

I was approaching my 50th birthday – well, it would be in a year, but still, it was close.

I was having a hard time with that age. I had graduated nursing school, gotten married, born two remarkable daughters, worked as a nurse full-time, failed at marriage, accomplished being a single mom, became a charge nurse and cooked some really good meals at times.

As I scanned my Facebook newsfeed, I was struck by the side ads – not the miracle eye cream, but the “Drew Barrymore is transforming her body with The Bar Method” ad. I clicked on it, and read about the method, Burr Leonard and saw the ballet bar. I thought, “Yes, I want to become a dancer. No, I want a dancer’s body.” They are promising me that and that is what I want for my 50th birthday. Along with a little Botox, I was ready. I ordered two DVDs. I started using my footboard as a bar during the workout. I was hooked by day three.

I hadn’t tried a live class, but I was addicted to Burr’s DVDs… the small, isometric movements, the arm work. I felt my rear end taking shape. I felt like I was lifted and sculpted within two weeks.

I was fanatical about it, of course, like other things. It’s in my DNA. Sometimes, it’s helpful.

June 10, 2011 I moved to Fresno. Yes, I had a ballet bar I had purchased and placed on my wall by Derek, my friend in Temecula. The bar was the last thing packed in the truck as we headed to Fresno after living in Temecula for 22 years.

I was excited and motivated. I thought coming home would be wonderful in all aspects. I had a brand new job, a brand new home, my family and my best friend Darlene waiting for me.

January 15, 2011 I had been going to studios taking The Bar Method. I started at the Newport studio with Jessica and Whitney. The difference between the DVDs and class was the live instructor… and it was different.

She had perfect form, she had a great body, her voice commanded and compelled me to stay connected to my body. I liked hearing my named called. Her touch made me cringe, shake and breathe because I was in proper form. I wanted to be the best. I wanted that dancer’s body or my version of the dancer’s body. I wanted to be my best me. When she called my name, I knew she was watching.

I wondered: how many women ever have their names said out loud this many times? How many women get a loving correction of touch on their body during the day? I left class feeling accomplished, smart, on top of everything, strong and tired as hell. This wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t give up.

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Well… all of those things did exist; however, the adjustment was not exactly how I had planned. It was 105 degrees. There was no beach nearby, there were people on street corners dressed as the Statue of Liberty waving signs, there was no Nordstrom within 200 miles and there definitely was no Bar Method studio.

The question in my mind kept arising. Do you only feel as good as you look or do you look as good as you feel? I was rapidly approaching 50 now… in less than six months.

I had my ballet bar installed. I was doing the DVDs like crazy. I found myself going out of town on my days off from work… down south, up north… all cities conveniently with The Bar Method where I could get a live class. I kept emailing Bar Method headquarters and asking them for livestream classes. I would pay any amount!

They sent me the same response repeatedly.

Thank you for your request; we are looking into that for the future.

ADVERTORIAL

September 15, 2012 I had a rough summer. My brother Chuck died suddely. He was only 60 years old. I was lost for my nieces and nephews. I was lost for my mother. We had lost my father just three years earlier and we were still reeling from that loss… now this.

He was the last man in my immediate family.

It was all women from here on out. I was unsettled in my job as a registered nurse in Fresno. The hospitals were different and I didn’t fit in like at my previous hospitals. I missed my peeps at Riverside Community Hospital. It was a chapter closed – never to be replicated… a chapter dearly missed.

A friend at the time said to me, “You aren’t happy in nursing. What would you do if you could do anything?” Well… I thought, “Hospice?” I could work at Hinds Hospice. “No!” he said. “That is too depressing for you. How about The Bar Method? You are obsessed and passionate about that. Do you think Fresno would like it? Would women come?”

Hmmmm… I was perplexed. Yes! I wanted The Bar Method here, but so I could take the classes. Run a business? I don’t know anything about business. I’ve never even taken a business course.

“I know business. You take care of the workout part and I’ll help you with the business,” he said to me. It’s not like my friend Stacey hadn’t said to me, “Open a Bar Method,” or Barb, the front desk girl in Newport Beach, “Jennifer, open a Bar Method in Fresno,” and apparently, I told my best friend Darlene, “Someday I want to open a Bar Method,” and so it went. It was fate… it was God and it was going to happen.

ADVERTORIAL

December 10, 2012 November came and went. I applied for the franchise. It was rigorous: financial statements, audition tape, written application, background checks and, yes, Fresno was in question.

Corporate came back to me and said “Fresno?”

The Bar Method was placed in affluent metropolitan cities. San Francisco, Los Angeles, Brentwood, Palos Verdes – all in California – then New York, Washington State, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida… but Fresno? I said yes! Fresno has pockets of people that make the money to pay the membership. People don’t realize the pockets of people in 93720, 93730, 93704, 93711 and others in Clovis. I had to do research and prove to them we could support this franchise. I knew, “If we build it, they will come.”

They approved and we started the audition process. This was a hurdle for me. I usually passed everything. I had always been offered a position in any nursing job I had ever applied for. This was totally different. I had no dance background, no sports background, not even cheerleading. I had to take class standing in front of Burr Leonard, our founder, and then teach class to Sharon (our national training evaluator) and Jen (the hardest instructor and manager of training). I was nervous. I took the class, went upstairs and taught a segment of class. Burr called me into a little classroom in the Marina studio and said to me: “Jenny, you need to come back and re-audition in two months. I need to see better posture in your form.”

Posture? I had never even thought about it.

Ok… this is ok. “But, how do I learn that Burr?”

Posture? I had never even thought about it.

Ok… this is ok. “But, how do I learn that Burr?” I quizzically looked at her and asked.

“Well, I have not told anyone this before but… take ballet! That will help,” she replied.

I said thank you and left the studio. I was hurt, stunned and shocked. My friend was waiting for me. I told him. He said “What? Are they crazy? As hard as you have worked, come on… posture?”

I said yes. I don’t blame her. She has to have the best, competent studio owners. They are the standard.

Absolutely. Even more now. This workout had transformed me from the inside out. This workout brought my stress level down. This workout stayed with me all day in my psyche.

I was not a quitter. It is not in my DNA. I took two intense months of ballet training with the one-time professional ballet dancer and instructor Dana Budd, who ended up becoming a dear and close friend. We have a bond of four: Dana, Jenny, God, Bar Method.

She worked hard with me. She encouraged me. She told me, “You can do this!” Her words probably gave me more confidence than she will ever know.

I went back exactly two months later to the day. I auditioned and passed. No questions asked. It was all part of a plan… God’s plan for me and for Fresno. Fresno and the Central Valley would have the first Bar Method studio, in less than a year. It would be the most gorgeous, accommodating, skillful, warm and inviting studio imagined.

I would have the best staff.

I would have the best studio manager.

Enter stage left: Lauren Elizabeth Hoekstra, my right hand man, my wingman, my daughter: “I never imagined two years ago that my mom and I would be where we are today: a successful business, a multitude of clients, amazing staff and community. It’s such a blessing that we have come this far. Two years ago when my mom was still nursing and I was still in school, she came to me and told me she wanted to open a Bar Method studio. I honestly did not think it was going to happen. Open a business? How on Earth do we do that? With enough determination, hard work and support, sure enough, it happened. We poured our hearts into learning about The Bar Method business. Blood, sweat and tears truly got us to this point… and some good wine. I have watched my mother raise my sister and me by herself, work grueling hours at the hospital, and still manage to survive. For her, The Bar Method was one hour of strength, one hour of sanity and one hour of self-healing. She deserves this success and everything that is to come. I am thankful every day for the relationship we have and that we have come together to bring such a transformative workout to the Fresno community.”

He asked, “Are you sure you want to still do this?”

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September 13, 2013 What is The Bar Method? We were asked that a lot.

It’s a total body workout It’s one hour.

It’s a sculpt-your-upper-body-and-slim-yourhips effect.

It’s interval training.

It’s isometric movements.

It’s stretching.

It’s core work.

It’s cardiovascular.

It’s a body changer.

It’s a huge sense of well being to your soul.

It’s an addiction.

ADVERTORIAL

We were in the final stages of opening the studio. We were teaching four classes a day at The Dance Studio.

All kinds of women were coming and intrigued. We have addicted students already!

It was fast and furious. We opened within eight months of purchasing the franchise on October 12, 2013. We had the most pre-opening, new client special purchases in The Bar Method history.

Our retention has been above average to say the least.

It was and is exhilarating to see the changes in our client’s bodies and to hear their testaments of how this workout was so different from the gym. It was personal, it was instructional, it was loving and it was effective. “This workout transformed us from the inside to the outside.” We have made friends here in this building. We sit and visit after class. We share our stories with all who listen.

During that one hour in the studio without cell phones, without any distraction, our faces and determination are known by all. It’s the secret fraternal handshake. It’s the camaraderie. It’s the shake, the sweat and the breathing. It’s the magic of The Bar Method. This is the best fitness studio Fresno has ever had.

As I anticipate the holiday season and filling my cup during the hectic times, I turn to and choose The Bar Method. This studio was a gift to me – my gift that keeps on giving.

Experience the gift of The Bar Method during this holiday season. Come and try it for yourself… if you’re already addicted, bring a friend and pay it forward.

STREAMS.

An evolutionary timeline to the seductive, glamorous, nostalgic and futuristic.

The brilliant. The beginning of an appreciation for construction, interpretation… an unprecedented desire to project or deceive through sartorial garb. Fashion is more than mere clothing. It is expressive opportunity. The je ne sais quoi predicated upon sublime permission for promised liberation. An allowance to cast off boundaries formed from personified bondage of bourgeois ideas. Trompe l’oeil.

Freedom from corsets. Freedom from confines. A fashionable step forward into the modern era. Open the boundaries to blur. Saturate with essential inspiration shining from unexpected sources.

Free illusions to melt without hindrance.

Express with unbridled enthusiasm. Indulge instinctual urges to share self-reflection. Let go of restraint and follow the footsteps of uninhibited choice.

“AM I A FOOL BECAUSE I CLAIM TO BE AN ARTIST? ...FASHION NEEDS A TYRANT ” • Paul Poiret •

- L. DE LACOEUR 046

The

FORECAST...

The Layer-Up… A Girl’s Guide to Keeping Warm and Staying Cool

STORY LAUREN K.T. WILSON PHOTOGRAPHER EDDIE MELIKIAN

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here are no words that could possibly come close to describing the absolute joy and revelry of saying au revoir to the seemingly endless warm, albeit sweltering, months of summer that we experience… especially when it is nearly the end of fall and we are still in the thick of it. November and December bring so many wonderful changes. The air is crisper. The evenings come quicker. The sun never seems to rise and set more stunningly. And – deep sigh – our closet doors are free to break open from bondage, the cedar-lined shelves that have so lovingly sheltered our favorite winter wools.

Soapbox aside, however, when it comes to these months in the great state of California, it is a bit like a rollercoaster relationship – one day it’s sunny and bright, the next it’s bleak and chilly. My solution to the seasonal wardrobe limbo is as easy as this: layering.

Simple right? Besides being downright practical, layered outfits are also utterly fun to throw together. Figuring out the right combination of proportion, color and texture is like getting right every light combination of Simon Says. It’s my sartorial happy place.

So, with this wardrobe game in mind, what better place to find inspiration for your seasonal clothing update than the current fall and winter runways. Here are a few of our favorite layering trends and tips that will keep you haute, but not hot!

Chunky Knits This trend was all over the runways for 2014. Not necessarily a groundbreaking new look, but definitely comforting to know that what most of us already have an abundance of in our closets is now also one of the most en pointe ways to layer for the new season. Knit style is all about proportions, textures and accessories. If your upper half is covered in chunky knits, sweaters, cardigans or sweater dresses – the most current update of the trend – make sure you are balancing the bottom half in fitted style. Besides the skinny jean or legging, your shoe choice – whether it be sexy heels, overthe-knee boots, leather or suede – is the best way to complete your look and not become lost in it.

And speaking of the knits’ latest showing, the great thing about trying the sweater dress is that there are so many styles, patterns, colors, prints and materials this year that it’s one of the easiest pieces to dress up or dress down. It doesn’t matter your style, your mood or where you’re going – there is literally a version to cover any base.

Sleeveless Jackets Normally, I believe this would be referred to as a vest. In fact, it has actually been coined as a long vest, a gilet, even a sleeveless coat – but whichever way you assign it, the menswear-inspired layering piece is definitely an ideal staple to work into your wardrobe for our fickle season’s weather.

Not a year goes by that I don’t find a way to add a vest into my tailored lineup. It’s polished enough to take you into an important meeting or luncheon and cool enough to wear over a form-fitting sheath dress for after-work cocktails. How you wear it is up to you.

Try it in fall’s favorite oxblood color, wear it over thinner tops and sweaters or rock it on the weekend with a pair of boyfriend jeans.

Either way, sleeveless jackets are the perfect way to up your fall layering game.

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Blankets and Scarves and Wraps… Oh My! Have you ever had one of those moments where you were all wrapped up in one of your favorite blankets and wished you didn’t have to take it off just because you had to venture out in public? Well ladies, if that sentiment rings true to you, then good news – your wish has been granted! Believe it or not, courtesy of some amazing designers and a barrage of influential celebrity fans – Cara Delevingne, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and SJP, to name a few – the blanket has become one of the coolest ways to wrap up this winter. It’s warm, it’s comfortable and now… it’s fashionable.

Throw it around your shoulders and cinch it with a belt. It’s available everywhere from Burberry and Isabel Marant to H&M and Topshop. Try it with skinny jeans and knee-high boots or finish it with an oversized fedora for a modern boho chic look.

Whichever way you wear it, the blanket wrap will keep you cozy while giving you a stylish and updated outerwear option for the season.

Boots I have said it before and I will say it… forever. I. Love. Boots.

No matter what is happening on the runways, there is one type of footwear that will never disappear: boots. In fact, it is probably unnecessary to choose which boot trend is the best because as far as I see it, there is a time and a place for each updated option. Boots, after all, are the very first place that so many of us turn to for seasonal layering and the style you choose unquestionably depends on the look you’re going for. From high platforms and wedges to flat heels with rounded toes, there is one for everyone. If you are still building this closet staple, then start with the classics like a quality pair of knee-highs that you can tuck your skinnies into or opt for a sleeker heeled pair that works with a skirt and blazer for the office.

Whichever you choose, including the shearling or even studded versions, boots are the one piece that you’ll be able to wear today and for years to come.

Ladies, it’s been said the best fashion moments are a marriage of form and function. So, a well-layered outfit serves not only to complement the weather, but adds an opportunity to create a little nonchalant dimension to your style. Happy fall layering!

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The holidays have always been a special time of year for me and my family. As a child, we used to vacation in New York around Christmas and ring in New Year’s back home on the West Coast. There was always something to do in the city, and there was always something so magical about all the concrete and skyscrapers. I remember bundling up, braving the bitter cold to see the windows along Fifth Avenue, knowing that this was something to store in the back of my mind and pull out whenever I was in need of creative inspiration.

When I was in college, I decided to study a few semesters in what would become my favorite city, San Francisco. Initially, I was drawn to the bay because I wanted to experience more – more culture, more stimulation… in a sense, more zest for life.

While I was there, I ran into some pretty amazing people. I stayed in an apartment off Bush Street in Nob Hill, one of the cities original “Seven Hills.” The hills are the West Coast equivalent to boroughs on the East Coast. My apartment was nice enough and located close to everything I required. Next door to me lived a yoga instructor and below me was an artist.

There was something refined, yet alive about this location and I was excited to be back in a city of some kind again.

As the months passed, so did my wardrobe.

Shopping has always been a bit of a hobby for me. And there was plenty to buy. One of my favorite stores was Barneys. Whenever I was bored, I would go to Barneys. I would fain boredom just for a reasonable excuse to march my happy feet down to Union Square and shop.

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It was like going to a miniature New York and it was unreasonably convenient… something my mother would always say.

This same year, my family was planning a trip to Hawaii to celebrate Christmas with a palm frond as opposed to my snow-flocked Nobel Fir, trimmed in silver and gold. I was a little sad, but begrudgingly agreed to go with them.

My plans quickly changed, however, when my work requested I stay through the holiday season before returning to school. This would be my first official holiday alone. What on Earth was I to do? It was then that I discovered the real magic of the city.

San Francisco is known for many things around the holidays.

Much like New York, window displays and hotel lobbies become a visual feast for onlookers. The windows at Barneys and Neimans always have some fascinating display. Not to be outdone, Tiffany & Co. always places some fabulous pieces front and center, and Macy’s undoubtedly will unveil a giant-sized mega poster across the front of their flagship store.

If shopping isn’t really your thing and you find yourself after something a little more historical, then put on your flats and prepare to be amazed. Each year Nob Hill and Union Square give a spectacular tour of the city on foot. This is called the Luscious Lobbies tour.

A variety of guides take you through San Francisco’s most noteworthy lobbies. Stops include the Westin St. Francis, The Palace and my personal favorite, The Fairmont.

There are some other fun, festive things to do. Each year in midDecember, the St. Francis Yacht Club hosts one of the largest boat parades. More than 60 boats are turned into electrical work of arts as they light the harbor in a visually breathtaking display of might.

While you are down by the Wharf, hop on a trolley and zip over to Ghirardelli Square. There you will be able to satisfy your sweet tooth and pour yourself some of the most sinful hot chocolate. Carolers often frequent the square and entertain tourists as they stroll through the shops and look at the festive décor.

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Macy’s undoubtedly will unveil a giant-sized mega poster across the front of their flagship store.

If the arts are more your thing, then you have to see the San Francisco Ballet Company perform The Nutcracker, accompanied by an incredible orchestra. There is also a myriad chorus and live musical performances to be admired. I personally love taking a walk through the Botanical Gardens (in festive trimmings, of course), see The Nutcracker or The Christmas Carol and finish up the evening at the bar in the St. Francis, staring at the lobby’s larger-than-life tree.

However, no holiday would be complete without the official ice rink and tree in the heart of Union Square. Each year I go to the city, I try and find some time to skate around for a half hour or so, and feel the cold of the ice.

There is something so magical about swooshing around, looking at the lights, staring at the tree and thinking… yes this is simply amazing and it’s tucked away in my backyard.

So, I encourage you to take the trip up past the Bay and spend some time in one of the world’s most beloved cities. You never know what Santa might bring you during your stay.

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Actress Anna Anissimova shares exclusively with CV Lux her two true loves, holidays with her billionaire family and what working in Hollywood is really like.

Tell us about your childhood. What stands out when you think back on your life?

Until I was five years old, prior to moving to New York, I lived in Moscow. Some of my brightest memories are of spending summers in the suburbs at my grandmother’s house – running outside, picking flowers in the fields, collecting bugs in the woods – until it would start to get dark outside and all the children would be beckoned home.

Childhood there was nothing like it is here now. There were no nannies, overscheduled children, etc. Kids were free and everyone in the neighborhood knew whose kid you were. The other amazing thing was that everything on our table at mealtime came from our grandmother’s garden. Sometimes during the day, you just stopped by, picked a handful of strawberries and ran off to play with your friends again. Looking back, I was fortunate to have that experience.

Was it difficult growing up given who your family is?

My family is in some ways no different than most. First of all, you have to understand that when I was born, my father had a government job and we lived in a one-bedroom apartment, where we were really happy.

Things definitely changed as I was growing up, and we graduated from all sharing one bedroom to my sister and I having to share one. So I wasn’t born privileged (in a financial sense), but I was always fortunate to have the most caring and loving family. It wasn’t until we moved to the U.S. that my father started his business. I definitely had to learn some lessons and I know that there seems to be an understanding that money creates problems, but in the end, it’s the lessons that your family teaches you of its value and what you can do with those lessons. I am fortunate to have parents who did just that.

What did you study in New York?

I went to NYU. I wasn’t what you might call a serious student. I was definitely more serious about the social scene outside of school. Some might look down on that, but I have no regrets and it is definitely out of my system.

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What made you move to LA? I moved to LA for the same reason everyone else does: to follow the dream of becoming really, really famous. Just kidding. Seriously, I always wanted to try acting and at that point in my life it was a “now or never” situation. It wasn’t easy. My family is extremely close. My sister and I cried hysterically when I was moving out of her apartment to my own across the park. But as hard as it was to move away from them, I packed my bags, said my goodbyes and booked a one-way ticket to LA. Where do you prefer to live and why?

For a while, I said that I would always be bicoastal, but now I never see myself moving away. Life is easier here. New York is stressful… and exciting… and hectic… and fun. I will never stop loving New York, but LA is home. New York is like that crazy, sexy girlfriend you dated when you were young that will always send chills down your spine as you think of her and LA is the stable, loving girlfriend you end up marrying.

Tell us about where and how you met your husband Peter. What made him stand out to you?

He’s very handsome, you know. When we first met at a mutual friend’s birthday party, everyone told me not to look into Peter’s eyes because people who do end up falling in love with him. I guess I didn’t follow their advice.

We were both broken-hearted over our previous relationships at the time. Everyone was having a great time and we were pouring our hearts out to each other. We probably had much deeper conversations than most people do the first night they meet, but it worked. He pretty much moved in four days later and I guess the rest is history.

You recently had your first child. What has motherhood taught you? Does she take after you or your husband more? Do you want any more children? If so, how many?

What is your favorite holiday memory?

What are you doing with your daughter to help her make fantastic memories of her own?

My husband always jokes with me and says I want enough kids for a full basketball team.

He wants two, but I think we’ll agree on three.

Motherhood is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never thought love like that existed. You really start to understand your parents and why you worry so much when you become one. I want to enjoy and remember every tender moment I spend with my daughter. Motherhood also taught me how much I undervalued sleep all my life!

Christmas at home when I was growing up was always so much fun. You should have seen our tree! We always used to pick a color and a theme for our decorations, and would create a different tree every year. My sister and I upheld that tradition in our own homes. We would all participate in decorating the tree and then my mom would add her magic touch after we went to sleep… it would always be the most magnificent thing you’ve ever seen. By the time Christmas came around and she was done with the presents, you couldn’t see the tree behind them. I guess because she never had anything when she was growing up, she went a little overboard with our presents. Every year we agree on less presents and somehow she never listens. The actual day was always filled with lots of laughter, good food that we all cooked together and fun. I definitely want to create lots of those memories for my daughter.

You are currently remodeling your new home, what is the décor going to be like?

How do you plan on spending the holidays at your residence once the remodel is completed?

It’s a mid-century home in the Pacific Palisades, so we are taking the cue from the house and will design around it in that style. My husband and I luckily have very similar taste, so the design process has been simple in that regard, minus an occasional argument over a rug.

We hired a good friend of ours, Nicky Marmet, as an interior designer, and he has been incredible and fun to work with. Because we want to make the house our own and have it be a blend of our personalities, it’s been especially nice to work with a friend because he truly knows us. We will be spending Christmas in Barbados with our family, but hopefully the next holiday that comes up we can invite them to our home so we can celebrate together. I love holiday family gatherings at home.

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Why did you leave modeling to become an actress? Was the transition easier or harder than you thought?

You can eat more! In reality, I fell into modeling by accident, but acting was always my true passion. They’re definitely different but modeling is also a performance of sort. In that way, it felt like a natural progression. I think modeling helped to work up my courage to act and be comfortable in front of the camera.

Black Long Sleeved Gown, Anthony FrancoÂ

“I always try and remember to just take it one day at a time, to focus on what I need to do for that day and do it well, and finally to enjoy what I am doing each day.�

Red Cut Out Dress, Sergio Hudson Jewelry, JRYU

Tell us about your upcoming films?

How long was the production timeline? Do you have any funny behindthe-scenes stories?

My next film coming out is called “Always Woodstock.” I star in it and I produced it, as well. The film was written and directed by one of my best high school friends, Rita Merson. It took us about a year to complete the film and it’s finally coming out on November 14th, 2014. Honestly, I’m sure we have many fun stories from the film, but since then I’ve been pregnant and had a baby, so my memory is mush.

Who has been your favorite co-star?

Why? They all have been incredible to work with, but the one who stands out in particular is Kevin Spacey. The first film of my career was “Father of Invention,” in which Kevin Spacey was playing the lead. When I first showed up to the set, I was literally shaking. He was such a generous actor and I am very grateful to him for making my first on-camera experience a great one.

Do you plan to produce any upcoming projects? If so, which ones?

Hopefully tons. I love producing. I have a couple projects that I’m circling and may even try to create something myself, but nothing specific to speak of yet.

What is your life motto? How do you try and live by it?

Carpe Diem. It’s so easy for me to get overwhelmed with the bigger picture… to get overwhelmed with what I haven’t been able to accomplish or where my next acting gig will come from. I always try and remember to just take it one day at a time, to focus on what I need to do for that day and do it well, and finally to enjoy what I am doing each day. With my aspirations, I would have to be 90-year-old before I could do everything I set out to do, so I might as well enjoy the journey. I always try and remember that, and it helps keep me grounded and happy.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

I love Los Angeles and I am so happy here. But just for the fun of this question, I wouldn’t mind living somewhere in Africa. I spent a couple of weeks in the Maasai Mara in Kenya and it was truly an experience of a lifetime. To be so close to nature and to all of the animals was something that made me really happy.

What is one item you cannot live without and why?

My husband. He tells me all the time that he is not an item and not a personal assistant, but I disagree and I couldn’t live without him.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

My impatience. I am often impatient and it would be nice to just be stuck in traffic, amazingly content.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Robert Downey Jr. If we were to look in your handbag, what would be the one thing we’d find that would surprise us and our readers?

What would surprise you is that I no longer carry a handbag, just a fancy backpack with all my baby essentials.

Where is your favorite place to shop?

Sitting in my bed. This can happen two ways, either via the internet or when some of my favorite clothing stores will send me boxes of clothes and I can shop at home in bed. So, really, my favorite shopping is lazy shopping.

Notch Collar Wool Coat in Cream, JRYU

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The

It’s Neck-Vember!

Leave the turkey neck for the bird & give thanks for Ultherapy!!

Robert A. Graham, M.D. Deborah Moore N.P.

Tis the Season

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PASSING TIME IN PASO ROBLES Paso Robles: The Valley of “Liquid Love” Relax and Enjoy While the Spirits Unwind You STORY SHARON DUNCAN

When thinking of a romantic getaway, we tend to think of heading to the coast… which for many of us here in the Central Valley means heading out on the 46, through Paso Robles.

For me and my husband Larry, that’s where the real fun begins! Ladies, save those high heels for the evening and put on your boots.

First stop on your left is Tobin James Winery, the makers of “Liquid Love,” a late-harvest zinfandel for those after-hours. The name alone sets the mood for a whole lot of downhome fun in this old-fashioned, western-style saloon where you’re greeted by some of the friendliest bartenders – all a part of the infamous “James Gang.” Known for some great red wines, one loved by many is “Ballistic.”

Joined by some good friends, our drivers took us to several wineries, where we tasted some of this year’s award-winning wines.

Our next stop, which could have been any one of the hundreds of wineries throughout the Valley, was J. Lohr Winery who is celebrating its 40th anniversary of excellence in winemaking. This year’s wines were… well, let’s just say we left with more cases of wine than our cars and van could hold. They literally had to be shipped home! Top of the wine list were J. Lohr’s 40th anniversary red wine (a blend), the 40th anniversary Pinot Blanc and the J. Lohr Syrah (Gesture 2012).

After leaving J. Lohr, our next stop was Niner Winery, who won first place for red wine this year. No doubt we added a few more cases to our van! I’m sure there must be a legal limit of weight in automobiles, right? Niner Winery has a fantastic chardonnay as well, and a spacious patio area where you can order lunch, relax by the fire and take in the view, which was simply stunning.

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Our final stop was Daou Winery, one of my personal favorites. If you’ve never been, it’s a must see and must taste. They have exquisite wines and equally beautiful is the Spanish Colonial-style winery at the top of the hill with a breathtaking view. It doesn’t get any better than this. Our favorite wine is the Grenache Blanc and Daou Reserve Zinfandel.

Want to add a little luxury to the wine and romance? Then you will want to stay at Hotel Cheval. Located in the heart of downtown Paso, you will feel as if you were in an English countryside chateau with the old-world style and charm this quaint hotel has to offer. Opulent rooms with fireplaces and all the amenities await its guests. Beautiful stone draped in ivy surround the outdoor fireplaces and private patios.

“If you’ve never been, it’s a must see and must taste.”

Fantastic food and cocktails can be found at the hotel’s Pony Lounge, which we loved with the equestrian influence of the horseshoe bar, beautifully crafted out of zinc. This charming boutique hotel is world class and serves well- traveled guests with sophisticated personalized service.

After a fun-filled day, we were ready for dinner. We topped off our amazing experience at Bistro Laurent for fine French cuisine and the following night at Il Cortile Ristorante for a taste of northern Italy!

Smooth, sexy, exquisite, sophisticated and down-home fun! That’s how I would describe our trip to Paso Robles, which means you really don’t have to go far to be impressed!

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STORY MAXWELL REMINGTON

THE HALLS

PHOTOGRAPHER EDDIE MELIKIAN LOCATION CHISTMAS TREE LANE - A HOLIDAY TRADITION

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For more than 90 years, Christmas Tree Lane has been a holiday tradition for many Valley residents. This two-mile stretch of Van Ness Avenue, in historic Old Fig Garden, is transformed each year into a Technicolor fantasy land. The lane hosts two walk nights, which allows patrons to stroll up and down the road, and take in the merriment and wonder.

Once you enter the home, guests are greeted by the formal dining room to the left. Rich red walls echo the holiday sentiment, while simple Waterford ornaments hang from the chandelier.

The table is impeccably set. The polished silverware and crystal catch the light, projecting dancing prisms along the wall. You can’t help but feel the warmth that resonates within this premier Fig Garden home. Holiday linens grace the table and at each setting sits one of the 12 days of Christmas plates. Each year, the host and hostess have their guests dine in this refined, yet inviting and understated room. When the meal is finished, they all sing the 12 days of Christmas and each guest does their part as is corresponds to their plate. It’s these types of traditions that make this home so magical and what sets the owners apart.

Along the Lane, each residence has its own unique décor. There is the giant Toyland display that closes the Lane right before Palm Avenue. Another popular home on display is the residence of California State University Fresno’s president. Former university President John Welty played up a candy cane theme while now President Joseph Castro decks the halls in vibrant red, accented with oversized poinsettias.

Although each home is distinctly different and varies in taste, my personal favorite home belongs to Tom and Angie Hyatt. Its clean lines and understated décor gives the home an East Coast feeling.

Simplistic white siding, contrasting shutters and a vivid red front door greet guests as you approach the home. The lights along the walk are paired perfectly with the oversized white bulbs, which line the evenings. Soft garlands and wreaths grace the front door as the smell of fresh pine filters through the air.

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Off the dining room sits the kitchen. It is truly a chef’s dream. All white cabinets and counters line the space, and an oversized Viking range serves as the must-have appliance in the space. Authentic Greek cookies and treats are found under glass domes, their white powdered sugar mimicking the white-driven snow seen along the mountains of the Sierra Nevadas. Angie is known for her cooking, but most importantly, her baking. No one ever leaves her kitchen hungry and almost everyone gets a care package to take home.

Directly off the kitchen and one step down is the oversized sunroom. This long room is anchored at the back by a solid white built-in. Two giant nutcrackers sit on either side of the piece and act as guards to the painting of their daughter Ashley, which hangs proudly above. On the game table, you will find a variety of holiday puzzles and games. Pillows accent the space and spread the holiday cheer throughout the room. The sunroom acts as a central gathering space for family and friends. The space has a casual elegance that seems to be the theme of this historic residence.

From the backyard, you see an expansive lawn, perfect for garden parties and croquet in the spring. Roses and shrubs line the walkways. Off in the far right corner of the property sits an herb garden. The yard has a manicured formality about it that establishes a certain refinement, correlating seamlessly with the structure.

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Back inside, the last major entertaining space is the formal living room. When looking at the fireplace, stairs can be seen off to the right, with garland carefully draped along the railing. Two large, yellow printed couches sit around the fireplace with a tufted ottoman in the middle. The tree sits proudly next to the fireplace. The branches are decked with family ornaments and white lights. The care that goes into the trimming is noteworthy and gives the space a Cape Cod-cozy feeling. For the musician in the family, a grand piano and oversized mirror anchor the space, topped with gold reindeer and a festive holiday runner. Behind the couch sits a sofa table. Here more nutcrackers can be seen as a fire roars in the wood-burning fireplace.

There is something magical about the space Tom and Angie have created for their family. The effortless elegance leaves a lasting impression and you can’t help but feel honored to be welcomed into this home. So, when you travel down the lane this year, look to your left and take in the charm that this residence has to offer. And if it’s a walk night on the Lane, stop by and say hello. There is always hot cocoa and cider waiting right off the porch.

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A refined setting with rustic surroundings, your vacation cabin at Sunrock offers you unparalleled luxury. After a sunset cruise on Shaver Lake, shredding the black diamonds at China Peak or a trail ride through the pines, you’ll be greeted by serenity in your elegant home.

Enjoy the great outdoors – then come home to the great indoors.

Sometimes you just want to get away from the hectic pace of city life. High above the Valley, nestled in the pines near Shaver Lake, Granville Homes’ Sunrock can provide that getaway. This is Granville’s newest development and the first in the Shaver Lake area.

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Granville’s new Tech-Smart features, standard at Sunrock, give you control of your home with the touch of a button. You will be able to adjust your thermostat, set your alarm, even turn off the lights from your mobile device, while your SuperSmart home does the work.

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Sunrock’s location couldn’t be more convenient. The trip to Shaver is an easy trip from Fresno and Clovis, less than 45 minutes away.

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One of the most popular motorcycle rides in Central California, the Rumble to the Peak (formerly Rumble to the Summit), starts at the Selma Auto Mall in Selma, heading to China Peak Mountain Resort.

You’ll relax and recharge in these spacious cabin homes – the current floor plan is 2,375 square feet, with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. The home sites promise spacious lots and beautiful views – the mountain getaway you’ve always dreamed of.

Clean mountain air, blue lake and fragrant pines. You’ll call this home at Sunrock at Shaver Lake.

Located at an elevation of 5,500 feet, Shaver Lake has a great year-round climate, with cool summers and mild winters.

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Granville Homes is committed to building spaces that feature innovative designs, progressive building techniques and neighborhoods that foster responsible growth. Granville has built more than 5,000 homes in California’s Central Valley spanning more than three decades. Every Granville Home is characterized by exceptional craftsmanship and enduring value.

The quaint Shaver Lake Village provides dining and shopping opportunities just minutes from Sunrock. Community events include a spectacular Independence Day fireworks show over the lake, arts and crafts fairs, and a classic car show featuring hot rods from all over California.

These are exciting times for Granville Homes, the winner of the 2014 Better Business Bureau’s Ethics Award. The Granville tradition of quality continues with the cabins at Sunrock.

Enjoy scenic surroundings in this lush mountain community. Sunrock offers the comfortable luxury you desire. This is the life you deserve.

Dining in the village includes a full range of options: coffee, deli, burgers, pizza, vegetarian and steaks.

Prices start in the high $400s. Come see this gorgeous mountain home for yourself from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.

China Peak’s summer season features mountain bike riding, scenic chair rides and disc golf. In August, the China Peak Mud Run returns, a 5K course of mud and obstacles on the slopes of China Peak. Enter as an individual or in teams of four.

Call (559) 492-4070 or visit www.gvhomes.com/communities/sunrock

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GETTING LOUD WITH CHEF LUDO LEFEBVRE Chef Ludo Lefebvre is one of the most influential chefs in the United States, and is well known for his pioneering and revolutionary work in the culinary industry.

STORY WENDY CARROLL

Chef Ludo Lefebvre would be the first to admit he is a rule-bender – if not a rule-breaker.

You can easily place him as the kid in a French classroom in the early 1970s – the one who colored outside all of the lines and pestered the teacher with “whys” and “why nots.” He is that same kid when it comes to his vocation and passion – food.

Asked if he likes the oft-used description “rock star of the culinary world,” Ludo quickly dismisses the label. “It’s too much,” he says.

He might not like the label, but his generously tattooed arms and his well-published love of French rap music speak more to the bad boy world of rock than the Hollywood version of a French chef.

Ludo has certainly earned the privilege, paying his dues at stellar restaurants in France such as L’Esperance, Saint-Étienne, L’Arpège and Le Grand Véfour. He immigrated to the U.S. in his 20s and quickly distinguished himself in the crowded and heady Los Angeles restaurant scene by manning the kitchens at L’Orangerie and Bastide. His kitchen creativity has been celebrated in offerings such as Panini au Foie Gras with Apricot Sauce, Poularde marinated in Pepsi-Cola with Popcorn, and Panna Cotta topped with Caviar in a Salted-Butter Caramel Sauce.

With a reverently irreverent approach, Lefebvre is known for taking the tried and true for a spin, earning him a reputation as a pioneer and a revolutionary in both the kitchen and the way he runs his business.

Bon Appétit magazine crowned Ludo “the king of pop-ups” – a trend that has a chef taking over a restaurant space typically used for breakfast or lunch and turning it in to a noholds barred dining experience. His LudoBites popped up eight times in Los Angeles, crashing OpenTable twice and booking six weeks of reservations in 47 seconds.

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In 2013, once again taunting the ordinary, Ludo opened a fried chicken restaurant in the Staples Center in Los Angeles. He followed this with the highly acclaimed Trois Mec on Highland Boulevard in L.A. Situated in a strip mall and flanked by a donut shop and a dry cleaner, the restaurant has abandoned the ageold reservations system and asks patrons to purchase a ticket for dinner. Sales open two weeks in advance and tickets are a hot commodity. Snagging a “ticket” for dinner buys you a five-course tasting menu of the chef’s choosing. You have the option to purchase a wine or non-alcoholic beverage pairing. With 24 seats up for grabs twice a night, Monday through Friday, a ticket gives you the opportunity to watch Ludo and the finely choreographed ballet that happens in a kitchen with know-how.

Obviously high-energy and high-ambition, Ludo recently opened Petit Trois, a more casual and affordable sister restaurant next door to Trois Mec that offers French food with an American accent. He has launched a line of spices in addition to gearing up for a repeat season on ABC’s The Taste. And all this while “noodling” plans to introduce Parisians to crispy American fried chicken.

He is also enamored with the tastes, colors and spices that come from South America.

Watch for a Peruvian, Chilean or Argentine note on an upcoming Lefebvre menu. There is no doubt there are more twists and turns to come.

CV Luxury caught up with Chef Ludo on a late afternoon – the “witching hour” for many restaurants – as he was getting ready for dinner service. The topic wasn’t his place in the culinary world or his expanding empire.

The topic was Ludo at home and his love of entertaining. “I love to have people in my house. I love to give memories and pleasure to people when they visit,” says Ludo.

Conventional wisdom would dictate that someone who is in the business of entertaining guests on a nightly basis might not have the heart and will to do it at home. Not so with Ludo. Maybe it is the alluring – and sometimes impossible to decipher – French accent, but there is a definite passion when it comes to entertaining friends and family at the L.A. area home he shares with his wife Krissy and their 3½-year-old twins.

Lefebvre’s entertaining style at home is a good match for the way he leads his public life. It runs the gamut from spontaneous – a pop-up – to exquisitely choreographed – a high-end dining experience.

Sunday afternoon finds Ludo in his backyard, surrounded by his children, family and friends, grilling chicken and sipping French wine. He has little use for California wine, but plenty of enthusiasm for the California lifestyle. His menus are crafted – spur of the moment – from his frequent trips to the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, where he savors the “hunt” for the finest and freshest ingredients.

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On the other end of the spectrum, the Lefebvre’s delight in the opportunity to set the “scene” for their guests. This means getting out the nicest silver, crisp starched linens, French porcelain plates, candles and exquisitely cut crystal. In addition, they carefully hone the guest list, eager to ensure their people pairings are as finely tuned as the food and wine.

“It’s not just about the food, but about creating ambiance as well.” This is definitely Lefebvre’s attitude when building a restaurant brand and it carries over to entertaining at home.

With deep roots in France and exuberance over his American home (and citizenship), Ludo puts his imprint on fare for the upcoming holidays. His Thanksgiving turkey is massaged with heavy cream and salt, and left to rest overnight in the refrigerator before roasting. The end result is a succulent, crisp-skinned bird. His bread stuffing side stars spicy Italian sausage, foie gras and dried fruits. Christmas at the Lefebvre home features caviar, lobster, more foie gras, a plump goose and, of course, a traditional French Buche de Noel (a genoise roulade filled with buttercream and decorated to resemble a yule log).

Backyard BBQ or a celebratory holiday gathering, Ludo is a welcome voice of reason as he says, “Don’t cook too much.

Be organized. Spend time with your guests. Have a good time. Serve lots of wine.” Simple, but wise words from the culinary world’s not-so-bad boy.

To note, Chef Ludo has formed an exclusive partnership and culinary alliance with home appliance manufacturer Fisher & Paykel, launched a spice line and is releasing a 10-year anniversary issue of his cookbook Crave this fall. He will also join ABC’s The Taste for a third season this winter.

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