CVLUX JAN | FEB 2022

JAN | FEB

MUST-HAVES FOR THE

NEW YEAR SHOWSTOPPING

WINTER FASHION

HEALTHY CLEAN EATS NATURAL MAKEUP MADE EASY

TONI TRUCKS CHANGING

PERSPECTIVE

At Sceptre & Sash, we know that luxury is in the details. As Central California’s premiere sustainable boutique experience, we find only the most luxurious pre-owned and vintage accessories, perfect for every occasion. We specialize in bridal and estate jewelry, certified loose diamonds, timepieces, handbags and accessories, all while offering a 100% lifetime authenticity guarantee, and a 14 day no-questions-asked return policy. We additionally offer a one year limited warranty on all timepieces, details of which are available in store. Experience all the brands we love as you peruse our collections of Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and so much more!

Financing is available subject to credit approval, and a 10-month layaway program complete our buying opportunities. We pride ourselves in working with each customer to create a unique look that will leave a lasting impression.

Sell to us. Visit us for a no-obligation offer on your luxury goods, with immediate payment.

1528 E. CHAMPLAIN DR. STE. 103 FRESNO, CA • 559.434.4589 • SCEPTREANDSASH.COM N.E. CORNER OF CEDAR AND SHEPHERD, NEAR YOSEMITE RANCH RESTAURANT

SCEPTRE & SASH IS INDEPENDENT OF ANY BRAND AFFILIATION. ITEMS ARE PRE-OWNED AND/OR VINTAGE. LICENSE #000000780

BEST BOUTIQUE 2018, 2019 & 2021

Granville Homes

Stone Creek Elementary

*

*

The at Ri

Living

The true luxury of Riverstone is looking forward to driving home surrounded by history while being a part of history in the making.

Lined with beautiful olive trees, with history of their own, the essence of the community is captured in beautiful landscaping and an array of amenities with excited neighbors to meet along the way.

What else could we possibly add? Good news, the options are expanding further as Granville Homes joins Riverstone.

Product details are going to be released soon, check out our RiverstonCA.com website for new releases.

Let’s make 2022 the year you find your perfect neighborhood.

Come visit us at Riverstone!

*

Lodge iverstone

To u r o u r M o d e l H o m e s www.RiverstoneCA.com @LifeAtRiverstoneCA From Fresno, go north on Highway 41, turn left at Avenue 12 and follow the signs. ©2021 Riverstone Development, LLC. Obtain a copy of the Public Report as required by Federal law and/or the Public Report issued by the California Bureau of Real Estate and read them before signing any documents. No Federal or State agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This advertisement is not a solicitation to purchase or sell property in any state where prohibited by law. The stylized R logo is a service mark of Riverstone Development, LLC. Riverstone and Riverstone Development are trade names of Riverstone Development, LLC. The San Joaquin River and River Park are located approximately six miles from Riverstone.

*Future amenity coming soon

L U X U RY

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WA

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t Jewel r Bes

Thank

for voting! u o

tore yS Diamond & 18kt gold stacking bands starting at $900. Shop in-store to see full collection.

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Dr. Stephanie Lee Phyo Dr. Stephanie Lee Phyo, OD is the Director of Optometry for United Health Centers. She first joined United Health Centers in January 2021. As Director, Dr. Phyo, Optometrist oversees the operations of 11 optometry locations, including their optical departments. Dr. Phyo also works with UHC patients at the UHC Tuolumne health center. Dr. Phyo has previously worked for Community Health Centers, and is the owner of an independent family practice. Dr. Phyo brings proficiency in department management, community collaborations, and optometry experience in myopia management and the treatment of ocular surface disease. Dr. Phyo received her Doctor of Optometry degree from New England College of Optometry in Boston and is certified in Glaucoma Case Management. Dr. Phyo received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from University of California, Irvine. Dr. Phyo has an entrepreneurial spirit and has recently obtained her real estate license in California. Dr. Phyo is fluent in English and Burmese and has basic examination skills in Spanish.

Optometrist with United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley

Dr. Inderjit K. Dhaliwal Dr. Inderjit K. Dhaliwal, OD is an Optometrist for United Health Centers at the UHC Milburn health center since it opened in March 2020. Dr. Dhaliwal has worked for UHC since 2017 initially at the health center in Fowler. Dr. Dhaliwal received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Alabama School of Optometry and was honored to make the Dean’s List. Dr. Dhaliwal is Certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and has Certification for Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents. Dr. Dhaliwal received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Previously, Dr. Dhaliwal was sole proprietor of her own practice in Fresno providing comprehensive eye care including ocular infections, diagnosis and treatment for anterior and posterior segment disease, and inflammation. Dr. Dhaliwal’s primary language is English also speaks Punjabi and Hindi. Dr. Dhaliwal is active with the Sikh Women’s Alliance and is affiliated with the American Optometric Association and the National and California Optometric Student Associations.

United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley

The Tuolumne Health Center offers comprehensive primary healthcare including Medical, Dental, Optometry, Behavioral Health, Chiropractic, Pediatric, X-Ray, and Laboratory services.

The Milburn Health Center offers comprehensive primary healthcare including Medical, Dental, Optometry, Behavioral Health, Chiropractic, X-Ray, Laboratory, and Urgent Care services.

Tuolumne Health Center 2610 & 2630 Tuolumne St. Fresno, CA 93721 Mon: 11:00am - 3:00pm & 4:00pm - 8:00pm Tue - Fri: 8:30am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 5:30pm Sat & Sun: Closed

Millburn Health Center 6810 N. Millburn Ave Fresno, CA 93722 Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 9:00pm Sat - Sun: 9:00am - 5:30pm

UHC Optometry Services are provided at 9 other health centers including Corcoran, Lemoore, Mendota, Kerman, Parlier, Fowler, Selma, Sanger and Reedley.

Services include: Comprehensive Vision Exams, Cataracts, Eye Trauma Care, Diabetic Retinopathy and Pterygium, Contact Lens Fittings and an Optical Department

Visit United Health Centers at: www.unitedhealthcenters.org

Follow us: @unitedhealthcenters 800.492.4227

­—14— JAN | FEB

Contents

In Every Issue

New Year

16 26 28 30

Publisher’s Perspective Welcome to the Issue Masthead Contributors

Social Affair 32 34

38

Ten Year Anniversary Gala

Benefiting Made For Them

10th Annual FORE! The House Golf Tournament

Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley 2022 Luxury Awards

Get ready to party!

Departments 36

78

44 49 52 54 56

74

58

Interviewing Toni

62

For the JAN | FEB Edition, CVLUX features Toni Trucks for the New Year Issue.

70 74

JAN | FEB

76 78 SWEATER BY SHOEDAZZLE @SHOEDAZZLE PANTS BY RIVINI BY RITA VINIERIS @RITAVINIERIS EARRINGS BY MAISON LOUELLA @MAISONLOUELLA

80

Little Luxuries

Featuring Social Media Director Sydnee Stottlemyre Burke Uplifted

An interview with Dr. Ben Talei.

Organizing Your Space

Decluttering tips for starting 2022 on a clean slate.

Terracotta Drama

How to introduce this trending color to your home.

Inner Beauty

Vitamins and ingestibles for inherent radiance.

Au Naturel

Makeup to create that barely there look.

Setting Priorities

Preparing for a year aligned with personal values.

New Year, New Mom

Cover Story: Toni Trucks Superfood Reset

Get your diet back on track with healthy recipes.

Green Light

Malachite accessories with juxtaposed materials.

Feather Frenzy

Ostrich trim, blue sequins, and a conversation bag.

Marled Moment

Black and white knit separates, plus a pop of pink.

Costars

Capricorn & Aquarius

­—16— JAN | FEB

Publisher’s Perspective New Year

SWEATER BY SHOEDAZZLE @SHOEDAZZLE EARRINGS BY MAISON LOUELLA @MAISONLOUELLA

In Good Health

T

his January marks our ninth year in business. Much has changed since we started the magazine, but one thing has always remained constant—our commitment to the Central Valley and the people who call this part of California home.

Over the next year, CVLUX will focus on what matters most to our readers and advertisers—this community. We are all bonded by our shared experiences and we look forward to the future with renewed optimism as we embark on the journey that is this next chapter.

I can think of no better way to kick things off than with a party, and what a party it will be! This January, CVLUX will host the Luxury Awards. This event will highlight over 100 local businesses and award

twenty-one honors. In addition, we will pay tribute to three local non-profits for doing outstanding work in the community and surrounding areas. For those of you who won’t be able to attend, give us a follow on social media to stay informed of all the excitement and celebrations happening that evening. We have several surprises up our sleeves that you wouldn’t want to miss!

May this year continue to bring success to you and your family. Thank you all for being a part of our lives for the last nine years—we would be nothing without you.

Cheers,

David

JAN | FEB

rais e your expectatio ns.

new homes from the $400 s

CONVERSATION AND GET-TOGETHER SPOTS GALORE

MILE AFTER MILE OF EXHILARATING TRAILS

MADERA COUNTY FIRE STATION & SHERIFF SUBSTATION IN THE TOWN CENTER

THE ONSITE AND WALKABLE HILLSIDE TK-8 SCHOOL

THE HUB WELCOME CENTER

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER AND RECREATION ACCESS THE RANCH HOUSE—RESORT-STYLE CLUBHOUSE AND POOLS

Where You Live is More Important than Ever A school your kids can walk to. Trails outside the front door—for a run or ride. Grabbing a cup of coffee or enjoying a sunset toast without having to jump in a car.

Considerations that all add up. To more time. To more spontaneity. To more freedom. Tesoro Viejo was designed with these and many others in mind, to offer a life beyond expectation. Because today, more than ever before, your heart’s desires should be close to home.

TesoroViejo.com Photos depicted do not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to purchase real property at Tesoro Viejo. Persons shown do not reflect racial preference. Prices are effective date of posting or publication deadline and subject to change without notice. Based on the information presently available, the developers of Tesoro Viejo understand that Tesoro Viejo will be served by the Chawanakee Unified School District. Buyer should contact the Chawanakee Unified School District to confirm the identity and location of the specific schools planned to service Tesoro Viejo, including the TK-8 Hillside School located adjacent to Tesoro Viejo. Obtain a copy of the Public Report as required by Federal law and/or the Public Report issued by the California Bureau of Real Estate and read them before signing any documents. © 2022 Tesoro Viejo Development, Inc.

AXIS COFFEE BAR AND EATERY

JAN | FEB

Cabo Azul Resort

The Modern Honolulu

s t r o s e R e l b i d e r c n I o w T

TWO AMAZING DESTINATIONS,

Have the relaxing getaway you’ve been dreaming of when you stay at one of Diamond’s premier resorts.

Cabo Azul Resort features a trilevel infinity pool with a swim-up bar, fine dining at the award-winning Javier’s and Flor de Noche restaurants, and PAZ Body & Mind Spa when you need to unwind completely.

Immerse yourself in boutique luxury with a stay at The Modern Honolulu. Situated just steps from Waikiki Beach in the heart of Honolulu’s downtown cosmopolitan scene, this sleek hotel features two stylish pools, a spa, nightclub, bar and a restaurant — everything you need for an unforgettable getaway.

Call 800-438-2929 or visit diamondresortsandhotels.com

Welcome to the Issue New Year

Out with the Old Covergirl, SEAL Team star, and new mom Toni Trucks shares how motherhood is changing her outlook as this New Year ushers in a new chapter of life (page 62).

Get ready to party at the 2022 Luxury Awards (page 38). Social Affair gives an inside look at the Central Valley’s biggest year-end events (page 32). Our Social Media Director shares her favorite little luxuries (page 36). Looks showcasing envy-inducing greens (page 74), fabulous feathers (page 76), and luxurious knitwear (page 78) are sure to inspire wardrobe updates. Beauty features fresh-face makeup (page 56), plus supplements for radiance from within (page 54).

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ben Talei chats about cutting edge procedures (page 44). Learn how to get your priorities straight with personal values at the forefront (page 58). Discover the formula for successful organizing (page 49). Find ways to introduce terracotta into your home décor (page 52). Superfood-based recipes are sure to get your diet back on track (page 70).

Atmosphere shifts are underway thanks to Capricorn and Aquarius (page 80).

In with the New

As 2022 knocks on our doors, with it comes the opportunity to view the coming year with fresh eyes. Embrace new habits, try new things, form new relationships, contemplate new perspectives, accept new self. Let’s resolve to make this our best year yet.

PHOTOGRAPHER DON DIZON

­—28— JAN | FEB

DAVID MANNING Publisher, Owner

EDITORIAL Editorial Director LAUREN BARISIC Interiors Editor ERIN MELKONIAN Health & Fitness Editor DINA JUVE Features Editors ELISABETH ROSS and ANN T. SULLIVAN WHITEHURST Astrologer SHARI SCHOPP ART Design Director PHENG MOUA Social Media Director SYDNEE STOTTLEMYRE BURKE Contributing Photographers ROWAN DALY, JAIME DILLMORE, DON DIZON JAIRUS GALLIMORE, JIM JORDAN, ELLIE KOLEEN, JASON LEUNG, ALYSSA STROHMANN EMID DESIGN GROUP and UNSPLASH BUSINESS Regional Marketing Director CAROL DEFENDIS Sales Executive EMMA TOSTE Accounting Director DEE ANN LINKER Legal Counsel GONTORWON BORH Please submit all advertising inquires to information@cvlux.com.

Letters To The Editor: We want to hear from you. Please submit letters to: CVLUX, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720 or e-mail to information@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 lauren@cvlux.com. Please allow six to eight weeks for a response. CVLUX is not responsible for unsolicited material.

CVLUX is published eight times a year by Modern Living Publishing LLC, 7797 N. First St. #172, 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. CVLUX 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.

REMARKABLY CARMEL

ENTER TO WIN! Visit www.CarmelPlaza.com/CVLUX for your chance to win ONE of the following: Wine Tasting For Four, Dinner For Two, A Carmel Plaza Tasting Experience for Two Nestled in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Plaza is home to one-of-a-kind fashion finds and specialty national brands, distinctive restaurants, gourmet shops, wine tasting rooms and more—in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.

Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro • Anthropologie • Arhaus Studio • Bottega Veneta • Cos Bar Dutch Door Donuts • Janie & Jack • Links Club Virtual Golf • Rise + Roam Bakery & Pizzeria Tiffany & Co. • Three Notable Wine Tasting Rooms & More!

Ocean Ave & Mission St | Carmel-by-the-Sea | Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea 831.624.0138 | CarmelPlaza.com

facebook.com/shopcarmelplaza

@carmelplaza

­—30— JAN | FEB

Contributors New Year

Dina Juve

Sydnee Stottlemyre Burke

Dina has been in health and fitness for over twenty years. Her health and wellness brand and methods utilize a mind, body, and soul approach to physical health, allowing her to help her clients create the bodies and lives they desire. Though based in California’s Central Valley, she is globally known as a fitness guru, transformation expert, weight loss specialist, and meditation teacher, and she has also worked with dozens of high-profile clients and celebrities across the world.

Sydnee, a Midwestern transplant who settled in the Central Valley, started her media journey as a multimedia reporter in Mid-Missouri. Since then, she has gained agency and in-house experience leading social media and influencer campaigns for national brands. In 2021, Sydnee launched Sydnee Burke Solutions, where she enjoys using her expertise to craft social media strategies and content for local brands hoping to grow their online presence.

Health & Fitness Editor

Social Media Director

­—31— JAN | FEB

Contributors New Year

Ellie Koleen Photographer

Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work, and you can find her traveling any opportunity she gets to capture stories for her clients. Over the last four years, The Fresno Bee has named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards.

Don Dizon

Erin Melkonian

Don is a portrait and still-life photographer based on Fresno, California. He was a nursing major from Fresno City College, and while waiting to get in the nursing program, he continued to take photography classes. There he fell completely in love with photography. Capturing the right moment only takes one shot. But it is much more than that! You need to have the right lighting, angle, and expression to get the perfect photograph. Over the years, Don has mastered the art of capturing the moment.

Erin runs a collaborative design firm, EMID Design Group, specializing in healthcare, hospitality, and residential interior design, in Fresno, California. Seeing the world through an artistic lens has allowed Erin to experiment in a number of different styles.

Everything she does with a space is deliberate. Every piece has a purpose and has been thought about (from color, to position, to scale) in order to create the most unique and personal spaces for her clients.

Photographer

Interiors Editor

­—32— JAN | FEB

SOCIAL affair

Ten Year Anniversary Gala

TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY GALA Benefiting Made For Them Made For Them’s Ten Year Anniversary Gala was part of a two-day celebration, which honored the organization’s work fighting human trafficking. Held on Thursday, December 2nd in The Hanger at Hugh’s Ranch at Kindsvater Airport, the red carpet welcomed guests in cocktail attire for a night filled with dinner, a dessert dash, and silent dancing.

Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, served as keynote speaker, while Oliver Baines and Liz Harrison emceed the event. For more information about Made For Them, please visit www.madeforthem.org.

CARRERA "I've learned not to take time for granted. What drives me is knowing that the clock is ticking."

7685 N Blackstone #108, Fresno (559) 449-7590 ThinkRogers.com

­—34— JAN | FEB

SOCIAL affair

10th Annual FORE! The House Golf Tournament

��th ANNUAL FORE! THE HOUSE GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley The 10th Annual FORE! The House Golf Tournament was a record-breaking success thanks to the generosity of its sponsors, staff, and volunteers. Nearly $200,000 was raised for its beneficiary, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley. Held on Monday, October 25th, the sold-out event hosted 148 attendees at Copper River Country Club. Caroline Collins, KSEE24 Sunrise anchor, hit long drives for the charity as the “Pay The Pro” and served as the emcee for the day. For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley, please visit www.rmhccv.org.

Get the smile you want from the Dentist you can trust!

L U X U R Y · A W A R D S

2 0 2 1 · W I N N E R

At Fresno Smile Makeovers, we have been hard at work redesigning and recreating our office to provide you and our team with a safe and healthy environment.

Sam Namdarian D.M.D. The Cosmetic Dentist who teaches other Cosmetic Dentists!

Invisalign | Veneers | Full Mouth reconstruction | Implant Restorations | Crowns | Bridges | Fillings | Sleep Apnea Treatment and More!

Dr. Namdarian is a member of the Frontier Institute where he now serves as clinical instructor to Dentists attending their cosmetic courses. Dr. Namdarian uses the latest in Cosmetic Dentistry Techniques and Technology, including Caries Detector, Intra-oral Cameras, Itero Digital Impression Scanner, and Full Digital X-Rays including Panorex and Cone Beam CT scanner. Dr. Namdarian achieved post-graduate certification from UCLA Dental School and he is a member of numerous professional organizations, such as Fresno Madera Dental society and: 7770 N Fresno St. #105 Fresno, CA 93720

(559) 431-1772

fresnosmilemakeovers.com

­—36— JAN | FEB

LUX looks Lifestyle Trends

Nat + Noor Lulu Clip Set in Mauve $12.00 from www.thefoundrycollective.com I’m all about the curtain bang trend right now, but sometimes I need a cute way to keep my hair back.

Pop into the local, female-owned Clovis boutique, The Foundry, for their selection of hair clips.

Staub Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 4-Qt. $300.00 to $320.00 from www.williams-sonoma.com If you love the smell of Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn, you’ll love this Stovetop Potpourri recipe. Just simmer lemons, rosemary, cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla on low heat for that ultra-cozy home scent.

LITTLE LUXURIES Social Media Director Sydnee Stottlemyre Burke

Kuumba Made Fragrance Oil in Amber Paste $10.90 from www.kuumbamade.com

I’ve been stopped time and time again by strangers over this resin-based perfume. It’s an earthy, sensual delight with notes of honey, nutmeg, and pine.

And for the price, you can’t beat it!

Orangetheory Fitness www.orangetheory.com

Efficient, energizing, and stress-busting—I’ve been an avid Orangetheory-goer for over a year, and I’m a big believer in this total-body group workout.

Check out the Clovis and Fresno locations!

The Shredded Chef by Michael Matthews $29.99 from www.amazon.com

Eating healthy is good, but eating tasty is great. My husband and I love these easy-to-follow recipes for satisfying, energy-building meals that don’t skimp on flavor. My favorite?

The Triple Berry Crisp!

s ' t e L ! y t r a P

T

he Central Valley’s most anticipated event is back! Voting is now closed. Winners will be announced at the Luxury Awards. We look forward to seeing you all there! For more information about this year’s party, visit www.cvlux.com.

WHEN + WHERE Friday, January 21st, 2022 6:00 P.M. to Midnight Hilton Ballroom DoubleTree, Downtown 2233 Ventura Street Fresno, California 93721

LUX award

Nominees

HOSPITAL

COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTERS KAISER PERMANENTE KAWEAH HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER SAINT AGNES MEDICAL CENTER VALLEY CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE

COSMETIC/PLASTIC SURGEON HEDIEH ARBABZADEH, MD Women’s Plastic Surgery MAZIAR BIDAR, MD Eye Medical Center of Fresno MARK CHIN, MD, MPH Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery JAMES KNOETGEN, MD Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics KAYE RIOLO, MD Riolo Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

COSMETIC DENTIST

MICHELLE ASSELIN, DDS, FAGD, FACD, FICD Fresno Dental Professionals ARTASHES AVAKIAN, DDS Professional Dental Care HUGO CORONADO, DDS Cosmetic Dentistry, Implants & Orthodontics J. ART MIRELEZ, JR., DDS, FICOI, FAGD Mirelez Wellness Dental SAM NAMDARIAN, DMD Fresno Smile Makeovers

MEDICAL SPA

ASPIRE MEDISPA AWAKEN AESTHETICS & ANTI-AGING BODY DEL SOL AESTHETICS ESTEEM MED SPA KISS ME MED SPA

SALON + SPA

ADRINA MARTINS SALON INTRINSIC LA PEAU SPA PREEN A BOUTIQUE SALON RE:TREAT COLOR + HAIR DESIGN STUDIO

DEALERSHIP

BMW FRESNO FRESNO ACURA HARON JAGUAR, LAND ROVER & VOLVO MERCEDES-BENZ OF FRESNO MICHAEL CADILLAC

SHOPPING CENTER FIG GARDEN VILLAGE MARKETPLACE AT EL PASEO PARK CROSSING RIVER PARK VILLAGGIO

JEWELER

DERMATOLOGIST KATHLEEN L. BEHR, MD Behr Laser & Skin Care Center JANE F. KARDASHIAN, MD Golden State Dermatology MARKÉTA LÍMOVÁ, MD Intelligent Skincare CARLOS PAZ, MD Paz Dermatology LESLIE STOREY, MD Valley Skin Institute

GIANNI FINE JEWELERS ORLOFF JEWELERS ROGERS JEWELRY CO. SCEPTRE & SASH AUTHENTIC LUXURY THE VAULT FINE JEWELERS

BOUTIQUE

THE FOUNDRY IN SEASON A LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE OOH LA LA REVIVAL 23 SCEPTRE & SASH AUTHENTIC LUXURY

FINE GIFTS + DÉCOR HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE JUDE’S RSVP STYLE VERDALEE VONDA’S

HOME FURNISHINGS

AMMONS DESIGN & HOME DÉCOR BRICK & MORTAR FASHION FURNITURE HEMISPHERE HOME POTTERY BARN

COMMUNITY

CLOVIS COPPER RIVER RANCH OLD FIG GARDEN RIVERSTONE DEVELOPMENT TESORO VIEJO

BUILDER

BONADELLE NEIGHBORHOODS DE YOUNG PROPERTIES GRANVILLE HOMES McCAFFREY HOMES WATHEN CASTANOS HOMES

LUX award

Nominees

CONTRACTOR/ REMODELING SPECIALIST

DODSON BUILDERS CONSTRUCTION INC. ICON CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN J & J QUALITY CONSTRUCTION INC. NELSON-DYE REMODELING SPECIALISTS RFMC CONSTRUCTION, INC.

MORTGAGE LENDER

MICHELLE BRUNN Peerless Lending ELIAS DELGADO Platinum Home Mortgage LISA FLORES Homebridge MICHELLE GLASS Sierra Pacific Mortgage TOBY PETRUCELLI The Toby Team at Premier Mortgage Resources LLC

CASINO

CHUKCHANSI GOLD RESORT & CASINO CLUB ONE CASINO MONO WIND CASINO TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO TACHI PALACE CASINO RESORT

BAR

ELBOW ROOM BAR & GRILL FIVE MANHATTAN STEAKHOUSE & BAR MODERNIST CRAFT COCKTAIL BAR QUAIL STATE

REALTOR

IVETTE CHAVEZ Western Pioneer Properties VICTORIA GREER-SHERLOCK Sherlock Homes Real Estate Group LAURA MATHER The Mather Method at London Properties SEAN & CHELSEA SOARES The Soares Team at Iron Key Real Estate PAUL TATARIAN Tatarian Group at Gentile Real Estate

WWW.CVLUX.COM

DINING

13 PRIME STEAK THE ANNEX KITCHEN THE LIME LITE MAX’S BISTRO & BAR PARMA

HIDDEN GEM

ANNESSO PIZZERIA ELDERWOOD MOCHUELO OGGI COSI SI MANGIA TRELIO FOOD & WINE

LUX award

Sponsors

­—45— JAN | FEB

Uplifted An Interview with Dr. Ben Talei Editorial Director Lauren Barisic Photographer Jim Jordan

Dr. Ben Talei isn’t your average plastic surgeon. The California native is the product of many impressive universities and medical facilities, including the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California San Diego School of Medicine, University of Menéndez Pelayo, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Vascular Birthmark Institute of New York.

Dr. Talei is dual board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Having returned to California, he is now fully integrated within the Beverly Hills community. In addition to being a member of the Beverly Hills Health & Wellness Committee, Dr. Talei is also on staff at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Talei is the advisory chair for the Los Angeles County Medical Association.

At his Beverly Hills Center for Plastic & Laser Surgery, Dr. Talei continues to refine cutting edge techniques in plastic and reconstructive surgery, which sets him apart as one of the most skilled surgeons of the day. His work is as uplifting to patients as it is inspiring to fellow doctors. Visit www.beverlyhillscenter.com to learn more.

LB What originally drew you to the fields of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery?

BT From the age of five, I always knew I wanted to be a doctor.

At first, I wanted to be a heart surgeon, then a neurosurgeon, and then I finally decided to become a head and neck cancer surgeon.

Head and neck cancer surgery is extremely complex and delicate.

As a cancer surgeon, I also specialized in the reconstruction of cancer surgeries. However, after a few years of people telling me they had cancer, it finally took its toll on me, and I decided at that point to focus more on reconstruction instead of the actual cancer treatment. The more time I spent with the plastic surgeons, the more I realized how much I love the detail, difficulty, and intricacies involved in facial plastics.

journeys. Cosmetic surgery, when done properly, has become something that people are proud to show off and talk about, and they have fun sharing it with others going through the same process. In the past, this was not the case due to plastic surgery having a terrible stigma.

After specializing in facial plastic surgery, I also decided to specialize in pediatric plastic surgery and vascular birthmarks. This way, I was still treating tumors, but now they were benign tumors and mostly in kids.

LB Tell us about the Modified Upper Lip Lift.

BT The Modified Upper Lip Lift, also known as the Deep Plane Lip Lift, is a technique that I developed about seven years ago to address all the negative issues we have seen with lifting over the past 50 years. This technique is what made lip lifts popular all around the world. The evolution of my technique is the Cupid Lift, which is an acronym I used to describe the design of the lip. I am now able to alter the curvature and character of the lip more than ever before.

LB In what ways are these fields different now from when you first began practicing?

BT Cosmetic surgery has become much more accepted and popular over the last decade. Social media has really helped bring natural procedures to light with all types of patients sharing their

LB What are your most requested procedures for both facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries?

BT The four most requested procedures people seek me out for are the Deep Plane Facelift, Weekend Neck Lift, Lip Lift, and Brow Lift. I have developed unique methods for these procedures that patients from around the world travel to the United State to see me [for].

LB What new and/or advancing procedures are you most excited about currently?

BT The Weekend Lift is an impressive procedure for internal neck lifting that I wish I could do on myself. The only problem is I am the one who developed the procedure and there are not many people who would be able to do it on me. With this procedure, you can get a massive neck lift without removing any skin, and all the incisions are hidden behind the ear.

I have also developed new techniques for Deep Plane facelifting that is being adopted across the country. One specific technique called “the Mastoid Crevasse” is truly a game-changer.

LB How do you adapt your methodology from patient to patient?

BT When I analyze a patient, I start thinking about the things I would like to do to them to make an impressive before-and-after photo that I would be proud of. I weigh that against what I think they would like for me to do for them and why it’s essential. It is really important to be able to meet your patient and treat them practically. Not everybody wants the same thing.

LB How does your approach stand apart from the norm?

BT The techniques I use are much more advanced than 99% of what you see around the world. Although in surgery, everything is an evolution and rarely has a doctor invented anything new on their own, several of the techniques I use are truly unique, and I love teaching others my discoveries. I am able to get the biggest changes possible in the most natural way.

LB How have you evolved with your career?

BT I try to improve my surgical techniques every opportunity I have. At the end of the day, I’m always proud of my results. But sometimes, the little voice in my head says that they are inadequate and that I can do better. I am my hardest critic because I consider myself a perfectionist.

Through my evolution, my screening process has become more meticulous. Having a healthy rapport with my patients is especially important because I genuinely form bonds with them and want them to have the best experience and results possible.

@DrBenTalei @drbentalei @DrBenTalei

organizing your

Space Steps to Help You Achieve Peace of Mind, Meaning, & More Interiors Editor Erin Melkonian Photographer EMID Design Group

O

rganization: it’s a common term. Most people take this to mean arranging things/your belongings/work in an orderly fashion. I have always been skeptical of this notion, as I never found this practice providing me much solace in my day-to-day life. A drawer neatly divided, with perfectly placed pairs of scissors, plenty of writing materials, and countless note cards, is just as anxiety-inducing for me as a messy drawer full of such stuff.

But wasn’t organization supposed to be the answer to knowing where all your belongings are, so you spend less time searching for that one paper clip you need, or can feel relieved that your home has the perfect space for each one of your possessions?

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things I owned, I began cutting the clutter. What I discovered was a revelation.

I once had over 20 pairs of scissors in my home—I would keep buying more because every time I needed a pair they seemed impossible to find. I thought that if I had more scissors in my home, the time it would take me to find one when I needed it would be less; my life would be less stressful. Instead, I found that although my house was overflowing with scissors, I still could never quite predict where I might find a pair. My house was simply being overrun by a surplus of this home essential.

I asked myself, “What would I do if I only had one pair of scissors?” One pair for the entire house, one pair to share with

three kids and two adults. I decided to try it out, and the results were an eye-opener. With only a single pair of scissors for our entire household, I realized that the scissors were consistently put back in their original place after use. The time spent looking for one of the 20 was eliminated, and I didn’t have to waste money buying more of the same. In essence, what was achieved was better “organization,” more free time, and money saved.

Admittedly, though, one pair turned out to be a bit too little for my family of five. We settled on having three: one pair in our kitchen drawer, one in our playroom (where the kids do a lot of art projects), and one in our master bathroom. This brings me to the importance of finding the right number or quantity, not just having less. The extra steps it took to walk from the playroom to the kitchen (where the kids also do art projects) entailed wasting time, and seldom were scissors returned to their original location between these two spaces. Keeping a pair of scissors in the playroom also was logical and mitigated the downside of having only one pair while upholding the benefits of having less.

Scissors are one item that we all have, and finding the perfect number for your dwelling seems easy enough… But how do you do this for all the items found throughout your entire home? It can seem quite overwhelming. Every journey is different, but based on trial and error, here are four steps that I have found work wonders when organizing your space.

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Tackle like objects, not entire spaces.

Photographer Jairus Gallimore, Unsplash Several years ago, I read that if you want to be successful at decluttering your home, you must pile up all similar items in the middle of your home and go through them all at one time. For way too long I ignored this idea, and would declutter room-by-room or space-by-space.

To give you an example, when I had an hour here and there, I would take that time and go through just my son’s dresser, without taking into consideration his full wardrobe—I mean, I only had an hour, and I didn’t want to turn his entire room upside down if time was of the essence.

What actually happened was that I would still keep too many pairs of shoes, sweaters, etcetera.

I ended up going through all his clothes several times in a matter of months. If I had simply spent some extra time sorting through like objects (first shoes, then sweaters, for example), instead of his entire wardrobe, from the beginning, I would have saved so much time and been able to get rid of the excess with more clarity. Employ the same method for office supplies, toys, hobbies—for everything, in short.

2

Design a cohesive wardrobe.

Photographer Alyssa Strohmann, Unsplash With all your clothes in a large heap, begin by picking out some of your favorite pieces. Proceed by carefully selecting items that coordinate with your go-to picks. Be okay with letting go of items that aren’t cohesive with the majority. What you will accomplish is a closet full of items that match perfectly. This also makes getting ready in the morning a cinch.

3

Make open shelving beautiful and functional.

Photographer Jason Leung, Unsplash

4

Having too few is just as bad as too many.

Photographer Unsplash

Attaining the right amount of stuff for you and your family takes critical evaluation and deep knowledge. Therefore, every item should be carefully considered for its value, beauty, and overall usefulness in your life. For some, a bookcase full of books may be overwhelming.

For others, the collection is greatly valued for the enjoyment of reading and re-reading these favorite stories, and for the sweet, musty aroma of the printed pages.

We are all different and unique—there is no one-size-fits-all. When you take the time to evaluate the purpose of your material items, you will achieve meaning, peace of mind, and more.

As an interior designer, I find that many of my clients tend to over accessorize open shelving. They fill them with picture frames, collectibles, and random décor items, all in the hope of creating a beautifully rich scene. Their efforts often fall short. My suggestion is always to keep it simple.

In a kitchen, open shelving can be used for conveniently located bowls, live plants, or a pretty herb garden, and those few cookbooks which you turn to frequently.

Terracotta Drama Interiors Editor Erin Melkonian

This season, we are taking our style cue from the rich, warm hue of terracotta. Terracotta clay is one of the world’s oldest building materials, dating back to 7,000 BCE with the Greeks and 10,000 BCE with traditional Chinese pottery. Its literal meaning is “baked earth.”

Even today, terracotta is still widely used. You can see this natural material in the form of pots and decorative tiles, among other things.

The brownish red nature of this substance ranges in color from deep red to rust orange and even pink. There is no shortage of ways to implement this earthy, trendy shade in your world—from paint and wallpaper to interior accessories and permanent features, find your own way to introduce this timeless color into your home décor.

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LUX looks Home Trends

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10 1. Crate & Barrel Full Moon Clay Vase by Leann Ford $29.95 from www.crateandbarrel.com 2. Cedar & Moss Venus Long Sconce in Blush and Brass $309.00 from www.cedarandmoss.com 3. Farrow & Ball Red Earth $8.00 to $142.00 from www.farrow-ball.com 4. Nood Co. Pill Basin – Surface Mount in Clay $1,090.00 from www.noodco.com 5. Hygge & West Bloom Wallpaper in Dusty Rose $225.00 from www.hyggeandwest.com 6. Bludot Bonnie 72” Sofa in Copper Velvet $2,199.00 from www.bludot.com 7. Normann Copenhagen Junto Vinegar Bottle Terracotta $25.00 from www.normann-copenhagen.com 8. Hawkins New York Stonewashed Linen Bedding (Queen) Essential Set in Rust $494.00 from www.food52.com 9. Fireclay Tile Mesa $29.00 to $50.00 from www.fireclaytile.com 10. West Elm Rio Cache Pots, Set of 3 $89.00 from www.westelm.com

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LUX looks Beauty Trends

INNER BEAUTY

Beauty begins from within. With a little help from a handful of supplements, your inner beauty will radiate outward in no time! Just remember, consistency is the key to noticeable results.

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Beauty sleep is no joke! Make it a priority.

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Hyaluronic acid does visible wonders topically, and its powers are tenfold when taken internally.

Fish gelatin, fish oil, evening primrose oil, and vitamins E and A will hydrate and nourish dry skin.

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Nutrition specifically designed to promote healthier, thicker, stronger hair, lashes, and brows with daily use.

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A combination of digestive enzymes and probiotics will help resolve acneic or blemished skin, often the result of internal imbalance.

The Nue Co. Debloat+ $45.00 from www.thenueco.com Keep your gut happy and that inner happiness will manifest externally, too!

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Collagen is the glue that holds everything together, and this one boosts its synthesis for improved skin tone and elasticity with ceramides and vitamin A.

It’s all about the experience.

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LUX looks

Au Naturel Beauty Trends

Embrace your natural beauty! Try using products that will simply enhance your features. With a fresh face, bright eyes, and just a kiss of color, you can look picture perfect with minimal effort.

Olio E Osso Lip and Cheek Balm in No. 2 French Melon $28.00 from www.revolve.com Use the same tinted balm on both lips and cheekbones to add just a flush of color.

Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara $28.00 from www.nordstrom.com

For an effortlessly wide-eyed look, pick a mascara that’ll lengthen and volumize your lashes in a single swipe.

PCA Skin Sheer Tint Eye Complex Broad Spectrum SPF 30 $66.00 from www.nordstrom.com

Tinted undereye serum will naturally awaken your lids in a way that’s difficult to achieve with traditional concealer.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Chocolate $23.00 from www.nordstrom.com The key to a natural brow is acknowledging that it’s not a single color—try layering shades.

Tom Ford Beauty Brow Perfecting Pencil in Blonde 02 $43.00 from www.net-a-porter.com

The presence of freckles suggests you aren’t wearing a drop of foundation, so add back a select few with a brow pencil.

Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow $29.00 from www.amazon.com

Warm up your complexion with a universally illuminating golden cream.

Illamasqua Beyond Liquid Highlighter in OMG $30.00 from www.revolve.com

You can make your eyes appear refreshed by using a highlighter in place of a shadow.

Also, dab a bit at the corner of your inner eye to instantly brighten peepers.

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SETTING

PRIORITIES

How to Set the Tone for a Year Aligned with Personal Values Health & Fitness Editor Dina Juve

Let’s make this the year we prioritize our personal values instead of making superficial goals. This will help us stay on track and not give up when the going gets tough. It’s worth taking some time to define what our personal values are and their importance to us. They can serve as a roadmap for decision-making and prioritizing the allocation of our time and energy. Knowing our priorities will help set the tone for the year.

I’m going to show you how to identify your personal values and why prioritizing them will bring more meaning to your life.

The past few years have felt pretty somber with all the heartache, loss, and unknowns encountered in the wake of the pandemic. We have learned some tough lessons.

Some days seemed better, like some sense of normalcy was getting restored, but then, unexpectedly, another tragedy would happen.

These couple of years have challenged almost everyone in some way. One of the ways we cope with devastation is trying to find the reason for, meaning behind, and lessons learned from our experiences. During this pandemic, I finally realized what the most important things in my life truly were: personal values.

What are personal values?

Personal values are different for everyone. Your personal values ought to be very important to you. Not others, YOU! It is not about the things we think we should do, but things we know we should do because we feel good when we do them.

· ·

Personal values help form our personality, our character. When we are true to who we are and what is most important to us, things seem easier. Life goes smoother. We are more productive. We not only want to do the things that are important to us but we are also excited to do them. Our personal values help guide our decisions, and influence what we do, say, and think.

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Personal values usually start developing during our childhood. Each of our cultures, experiences, religions, mentors, backgrounds, and environments play a certain role in this. Sometimes, the negative things that happen to us also influence our personal values—the latter can then help us decide what we do not want in our lives.

Personal values may also change as we age, meet new people, and have more complex encounters. Life’s lessons help us find our way, inspiring and motivating us to define our values through personal experiences.

Do you know what your personal values are? Asking yourself these questions can help. Quickly answer the following questions without overthinking them.

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What things, people, and places could you not live without?

When are you the happiest? At that time, where are you?

Who are you with?

What do you worry about the most? Does something keep you up at night? If so, why?

What do you want to change about yourself, others, and our world?

Which stories inspire and motivate you? What kind of movies do you watch? What type of people do you like to be around?

Write the answers down so you can refer to them later. If answering all of the above questions is too complex for you right now, try taking them on incrementally.

Another exercise that helps us define our personal values is to consider the words below. Of these, write down the words that jump off the page at you. Some aspects that others have listed as personal values include: · · · · · · · ·

Family Health Love Religion Safety Friendship Independence Peace

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Success Security Career Travel Honesty Wealth Spirituality

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Maybe nothing comes to you right away—that’s okay. Some of us take more time to mull these questions and/or words over. It is alright if nothing resonates with you at this moment, but don’t stop. Push yourself, if need be, to keep an open mind. You never know when you will have an “aha” moment.

It is not uncommon for personal values and beliefs to intertwine, also. As long as they help you stay true to the things that are important to you, make you feel happy, and bring meaning to your life, I would consider it a personal value.

Make personal values a priority.

The next step for you would be to work on aligning your personal values with your priorities. I have found that you are more likely to be successful if you can answer these three questions.

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2.

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Are you clear on what your personal values are?

If they are important to you and you truly value them, you are more likely to follow through and not give up.

Are you confident that the personal values you selected are of utmost importance to you?

Do not allow others to convince you that making your personal values a priority is not worth it.

When you think of your personal values, are they so strong and embedded into your core that no one, no matter how hard they try, can change your mind about their significance?

Staying true to knowing your personal values is always worth the effort, even if the nay-sayers in your life are distracting you.

Again, make a note of your answers. Our personal values can change, as mentioned earlier, too. If that happens, just go back and revise your answers to these questions with your new values in mind.

I believe we have the power to create what 2022 will look like for ourselves. By doing the exercises above, you are already setting your intentions in motion, which will set you up for success. We have to be ready for anything and everything. When more of us are prepared to fight back the negativity of the past few years with positivity, the stronger we will become (individually and as a community) to change the tone of what the next year will look like. Don’t give away your power. I have no doubt that you can prioritize your personal values this year.

Did you know?

According to www.forbes.com, virtually every study tells us that around 80% of the New Year’s resolutions get abandoned by the end of January/beginning of February.

Maybe we’ve been approaching resolutions all wrong all along?

This time around, let’s try something different, something truly new, by aligning our priorities with our personal values. Let’s go into the new year with a new tone of determination and a nothing-can-stop-me attitude.

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new mom

new

year Features Editor Elisabeth Ross Photographer Rowan Daly Production Marque PR Stylist Michelle Wu Hair Diane Dusting Makeup Saisha Beecham

There’s a lot of “new” happening in actress Toni Trucks’ life right now. Obviously, it’s a new year. Her starring role as Lisa Davis on the CBS hit series SEAL Team brings with it a new challenge every week. She’s becoming a new mom, which means experiencing a new body. There’s also the question of new priorities, given her new attitude with motherhood. But what isn’t new is Toni’s service-driven heart at the foundation of all that she does.

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t seems befitting that someone who is service-oriented would be drawn to playing a military role, but the connection Toni initially made with Davis ran deeper. “Sometimes when I read too much shoot-’em-up stuff I just kind of zone out,” admits Toni. “What I loved about the SEAL Team script is I immediately cared about all the characters. And what I loved about Davis, in particular, is what an expert she was—there was no hesitation in her. She was just so confident, good at her job, and knew it. And not knowing a ton about women in the military, I’m like, ‘Yes, of course that’s who these women are.’ It just seemed like such a wonderful person to try on their shoes and see the world from their perspective.”

Every week, SEAL Team attempts to portray authentic stories about the United States military while showing reverence to the fact that it is a living, breathing, growing, and changing entity. As of 2020, the Council on Foreign Relations estimates that “women represent 16 percent of the enlisted forces and 19 percent of the officer corps.” “Obviously, that’s wildly outnumbered,” recognizes Toni. “I just thought, these are stories that we’re not telling, and they’re an important story to tell.”

Playing a servicewoman, Toni grasps that this minority has its own challenges. “The women have their own living, breathing obstacles within the military and I was so interested in seeing how one navigates that professionally, personally. The toll it’s taking on their body, their mind. And so, I was really excited to play Davis for all of those reasons and, hopefully, do these women proud around the world!”

Embodying Davis for five seasons has allowed Toni to reveal and better understand her character’s inner workings as well as her own. “Over time, I think I have seen, not dissimilarly from Davis, that the relationships that you make along the way can really serve you not just professionally, but they’re serving you and your health as a human being.” Serving others can be as helpful to them as it is gratifying to oneself, and Toni has always prioritized giving in various facets.

Among her many charitable works, the actress recently partnered with Military Made for the Toni Trucks’ Special Holiday Gift Box, which launched in October 2021 and partially benefits Hiring America Serves. Military Made’s “whole initiative is to engage,

support veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses,” she shares. “I think sometimes on TV and in movies, we get this really tunnel-vision view of what the military is, what it looks like, the people that are involved in it,” she imparts.

“Women are often excluded from that narrative, and also the diversity is excluded. So when I was introduced to Military Made, I thought, ‘What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate people that have made the transition from military life into entrepreneurship!’

Also to highlight how wildly different they all are,” she emphasizes, in addition to “how their creativity is being harnessed post-military, active-duty. And some of them, actually, are still active-duty, but you see the interest and the creativity go so far. And I just love the whole concept, being able to, also, obviously support small businesses.”

The box featured a wide variety of products and fell under a family-centered theme designed to bring people together. Items for everyone included an outdoor game, a television gift card, a cookbook, and a children’s book with a matching stuffed animal.

There were even pet treats! Not to mention, there were a couple of self-care indulgences for him and her, such as shaving soap and holiday-inspired tea. Military Made drives revenue back to the veteran and military community, yet the spirit of supporting small businesses reiterates Toni’s service-mindedness, too.

“I have a Midwestern spirit,” Toni explains. “I grew up in a tiny, tiny town called Manistee in Northern Michigan, and so much of, I think, our love language in the Midwest tends to be acts of service,” she rationalizes, referencing the “What can I do for you?” mentality.

“You don’t come to a party empty-handed, you know? There’s lots of baking involved,” she chuckles. “Like, it’s really how you express yourself, and I’ve discovered that it is this balance of doing for others but then making sure you’re carving out time for yourself, and although my sort of automatic pilot is to do for others, I find that I require solitude to truly recharge my battery.”

Taking care of others starts with taking care of oneself—on whatever level or in whatever manner one so requires. In true introvert fashion, Toni possesses an innate ability to recharge from within, but prioritizing necessary me-time is what allows that to happen. For Toni, self-care includes embracing quiet solitude as much as favorite products. Pregnancy entails giving up a lot of

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things that would traditionally fall under the self-care umbrella, yet Toni’s wellness routine hasn’t changed much, as she has followed an ingredient-conscious beauty regimen for some time.

“I already was using a very clean brand by a woman named Linda Ross for my normal everyday skincare. Linda Ross really heavily, heavily vets everything for just extra junk in products,” explains Toni.

“At work, we use pretty clean products.

And in my everyday life, I’m not a person that normally wears makeup every day, so it hasn’t been too hard of a transition,” Toni goes on. She’s a “wash my face, do the moisturizing, and then put on some Fresh [brand] lip gloss,” kind of gal.

I spend so much of my day where people are kind of manipulating me,” she says, referring to getting prepped with the hair, makeup, and wardrobe departments on-set. “They spend an hour on my face.

They spend an hour on my hair. And then I’m wearing somebody else’s clothes all day. So there is this kind of wonderful relief on days off, where I really go off the model of leaving myself alone.” Even Toni has to remind herself, “You are just fine the way you are today. You don’t need any extra zhuzhing.”

T

oni clearly embraces her person—mind and body—in countless ways. An avid Pilatesgoer, she has taken to prenatal Pilates in recent months. “I love Pilates so much! It just makes me feel strong and stretchy. And to go into Pilates and to realize that some new force in your body has come in and stolen all of your core muscles is shocking to me!” she laughs. Even after graduating to the point of needing help to put on socks and shoes (which Toni humorously refers to as her real-world Cinderella moment), she’ll miss this nine-month chapter of her life.

“It’s been great! I haven’t had any wild food cravings. I have just been really enjoying it.

And now, as I approached the end here, I am … really going to miss this. I really want to enjoy this time. It’s nice to never be alone, in a way. I know that kind of goes against what I said before,” she acknowledges, “but I’ve got this new normal of even when I’m alone, I’m not alone. I’ve got another heartbeat in me. This little boy moves around. He does a somersault every once in a while, and it’s a really wild, wonderful, magical experience.”

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DRESS BY SERAPHINE @SERAPHINEMATERNITY EARRINGS BY MAHRUKH AKULY @MAHRUKH.AKULY.JEWELRY

Toni and her boyfriend, actor and comedian Brandon Phillips, have learned firsthand that new babies come with a lot of new equipment, so her compulsive list-making tendency is making the preparation process a bit more manageable. “We’re checking off a lot of lists, but I don’t know if it’s truly sunken in how our lives are going to change,” she concedes. The couple discovered an app that’s basically the Tinder equivalent for finding baby names. “So you keep getting names, and swiping left or right on them, and if you and your partner match, they let you know, which is so funny!”

The anticipation of meeting her little boy is something she’s truly relishing. “You always hear people say that everything will change in an instant,” Toni begins. “I always think of the Grinch, at the end of The Grinch, where they say his heart grew.

I just keep waiting, and I’m excited about that. I’m excited for my mind and my heart to be totally blown. Like that whole perspective shift … I’m excited about that sort of paradox shift. Your whole world changes, and I think all of the relationships in your orbit change.”

A

t the start of a new calendar, in Toni’s experience, “everybody says, ‘What are your resolutions?

What do you want to do different?’” Speaking of one of her cousins, “we send each other our resolutions with some sort of loose accountability that’s never panned out.”

But this year, “I am really looking forward to … emotionally having it not be about me and going into a new space that is more family-centered,” the new mom shares.

“I think also, as an actor, we are the sum of our experiences. So you’re always getting better because we always have new experiences to draw on. This is a monumental experience that I would have never been able to truly draw on from before. So, I’m very much looking forward to how this shift will impact my work, as well—how I’ll grow as an entertainer and as an artist because of what’s going to happen so soon into this new year. New year, new attitude, new energy. I think you just can’t help but be changed by that, and I’m really choosing to have all those changes be an exciting notion.” The year 2022 will certainly give love a new meaning for Toni Trucks.

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Superfood Reset Editorial Director Lauren Barisic Photographer Don Dizon

Ready to get back on track foodwise? We are, too. But eating clean doesn’t have to be so boring! This selection of recipes features some of our favorite superfoods, including spinach, mushrooms, pineapple, mango, sweet potato, leeks, ginger, and, of course, lots of garlic. Superfoods are foods rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, fatty acids, etc.) considered beneficial to a person’s health. So, make sure to harness these plant superpowers for yourself!

The New Year brings with it a health reset, which also allows for a bit of creativity with tried-and-true food favorites.

You don’t have to give up pasta—just use rice noodles as an alternative. Want a taco? Try a lettuce cup. Steer clear of starch, but don’t bypass the orange spud. And what we’re calling toast is basically an open-face grilled cheese—an easy way to cut your bread intake by half. Be inspired to cook for both your health and taste buds!

Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Pineapple Mango Salsa SERVES 4

1 lb. shrimp (shelled and deveined) 1 head butter lettuce 2 cloves garlic Avocado or olive oil Garlic salt Black pepper

Instructions Begin by preparing all the vegetables. Dice the pineapple, mango, red bell pepper, and shallot. Chop the cilantro. Zest and juice the lime. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl, then toss them together with chili powder, as well as garlic salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to marry for at least 30 minutes, preferably in the refrigerator overnight.

For the Pineapple Mango Salsa ½ pineapple 1 mango ½ red bell pepper 1 shallot ½ bunch cilantro 1 lime ½ tsp. chili powder Garlic salt Black pepper

Set a medium saucepan to medium heat. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Mince the garlic. Add enough oil to the saucepan to cover the bottom, then add in the prepared shrimp, garlic, garlic salt and black pepper to taste, and cook to desired wellness.

Rinse and pat dry the butter lettuce leaves. To assemble the Shrimp Lettuce Cups, place the butter lettuce leaves with the cup facing up, add a spoonfull the Pineapple Mango Salsa inside, followed by the shellfish on top.

Sweet Potato & Leek Soup with Fontina Toast SERVES 4

3 cups chicken stock 2 sweet potatoes (large) 2 leeks 1 inch of ginger 4 cloves garlic 3 sprigs thyme Avocado or olive oil 1 tbs. salted sweet cream butter ½ tsp. white pepper Garlic salt Black pepper

For the Fontina Toast Rustic bread Fontina cheese Salted sweet cream butter

Instructions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into small cubes. Toss them in oil before spreading them out on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the cubes with garlic salt and black pepper to taste before roasting them until tender (about 45 minutes).

Prepare the remaining vegetables. Rinse the leek thoroughly before finely slicing it.

Peel and chop the ginger. Mince the garlic. Strip the thyme.

Set a large pot to medium heat. Add the butter and a bit of oil to the bottom. Once the butter is melted, add in the leeks and garlic and sauté until wilted. Remove about a quarter of the sautéed leeks and set them aside. To the large pot, add in the ginger, thyme, and roasted sweet potatoes. Once they are fully incorporated, pour in the chicken stock. Add the white pepper, as well as garlic salt and black pepper to taste. Let the Sweet Potato & Leek Soup simmer for about 20 minutes, then use an immersion blender to emulsify the mixture until smooth.

Set the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil. Slice and toast the rustic bread.

Spread the toast with butter, place it on the prepared baking sheet, then shred Fontina cheese on top. Broil the Fontina Toast until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Ladle the Sweet Potato & Leek Soup into bowls, top it with the remaining wilted leeks, and serve with the Fontina Toast on the side.

Brown Rice Penne with Spinach & Mushrooms SERVES 2

1 cup brown rice penne 1 bag spinach 1 cup mushrooms 1 white or yellow onion 2 cloves garlic Avocado or olive oil Parmesan cheese Chili flakes Seasoned salt Black pepper

Instructions Begin by setting a large pot of salted water to boil. Set a large saucepan to medium heat before you prepare all the vegetables.

Next, slice the mushrooms and onion, and mince the garlic. Add enough oil to the saucepan to cover the bottom, then toss in the prepared mushrooms, onion, and garlic, as well as seasoned salt and black pepper to taste. Stir occasionally. Once the onions become soft and fragrant, add chili flakes to taste, then put the spinach on top and cover the saucepan to wilt it.

While the spinach wilts, boil the brown rice penne as directed. Once cooked, add it directly to the saucepan and allow it to marry with the spinach and mushrooms.

Serve the Brown Rice Penne with Spinach & Mushrooms and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

­—74— JAN | FEB

Light

LUX looks Fashion Trends 1

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green

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Go green in a new way. Don’t be afraid to layer a ribbed bra under something that can be unzipped just enough to give intrigue. Quilted shorts are a fresh take on leather—pair them with a bag, flats, and jewelry that exude evening-vibes to make your loungewear unexpectedly edgy.

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Your goals are my goals and I’ll always make you a priority.

­—76— 1

LUX looks

JAN | FEB

featherfrenzy Fashion Trends

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Dressy can be comfy, too. Try a slouchy fit trouser in a glistening fabric. Feathers are always a good idea, especially when paired with relaxed-fit cashmere knitwear. You can even keep your glasses on—just dress-up the look with a statement earring and conversation bag for effortless glitz.

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1. Gissa Bicalho Bag Acrylic Handmade Hands $611.00 from www.wolfandbadger.com 2. Rosantica Scorpio Crystal Fringe Clip-On Earrings $345.00 from www.luisaviaroma.com 3. Lapointe Funnel-Neck Cashmere-Silk Sweater w/ Feather Bustier $1,450.00 from www.neimanmarcus.com 4. Lapointe Sequin High-Waist Trouser $1,350.00 from www.neimanmarcus.com 5. Miu Miu Eyewear Mu01qv Red/Top Transparent Red Glasses $332.50 from www.italist.com 6. Dee Ocleppo Satin Bow-Detail High-Heel Sandals $468.00 from www.farfetch.com 7. Dolce & Gabbana Calfskin Belt with DG Crystal Logo in Red $545.00 from us.dolcegabbana.com

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­—78—

Marled JAN | FEB

LUX looks Fashion Trends

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MOMENT Redefine the sweat suit with luxurious textiles. A leather baseball cap won’t scream “bad hair day” even if that’s what it’s hiding. Swap slippers for shearling sandals—kudos if they’re in an unanticipated color combo.

Mixed metal jewelry will add unfussy polish 3 and further the outfit’s juxtaposition.

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­—80— JAN | FEB

LUX lifestyle Horoscopes

COSTARS Astrologer Shari Schopp @shari_starlight www.eyeonastrology.com

Capricorn

Aquarius

December 22nd to January 19th

Your imagination and intellect provide opportunities for ambitious goals to manifest. Boundless energy will motivate you. Schedule downtime for self-care.

Capricorn, represented by the sea goat, exemplifies an ambitious melding of authority and responsibility strengthened by vigor and passion. This cardinal earth sign is a disciplined taskmaster noted for being a cautionary realist, excellent time manager, and great organizer. For pragmatic wellness, try Frankincense aromatherapy and Swedish massage.

Pisces

Conscious Clay Shoppe Astrology Collection Earrings $28.00 from www.consciousclayshoppe.com

February 19th to March 20th

Internal positivity and inspiration will make your dreams a reality. Be with supportive individuals to remain centered and focused on integrating your vision into existence.

Aries

March 21st to April 19th

To transcend your limitations, trust your instincts and explore what drives you and your beliefs. Doing this will help you as a leader. These renewed perspectives motivate and energize you to complete projects.

Taurus

April 20th to May 20th

Envision collaboration with others to create an enriching environment for accomplishing your goals. This steady influence can heal people in your inner circle.

January 20th to February 18th

Gemini

May 21st to June 21st

Take a break from mental overload by slowing your breath. This mental clarity will help you come to terms with surfacing emotions, sort out priorities, and assess your resources.

Cancer

June 22nd to July 22nd

Go with the flow. Be impartial in dealing with complicated family and friend dynamics. View obstacles as a lesson in staying mindful. Shedding outworn patterns allows for a more perfect world.

Leo

July 23rd to August 22nd

Fires ignite your creative desires, but energy resources may get depleted.

Therefore, stick to your health routines.

You’ll find fulfillment in cooperation and compromise when your contributions are shared.

Virgo

August 23rd to September 22nd

Negotiate your needs and understand what’s needed to be productive. Creative muse is activated by your intuition, awakening fresh perspectives for new opportunities.

Authenticity and commitment with the groups you belong to will be beneficial and deliver security and practicality for all. Share your inherent skills and objectivity with friends who need those abilities. Aquarius, the humanitarian water bearer, is also independent, group-oriented, and visionary. This fixed air sign has a penchant for unexpected breakthroughs and chaos, which can lead to unusual situations, wingnuts for friends, and detached relationships when unchecked. Try acupuncture or reiki for an alternative healing experience.

Libra

September 23rd to October 23rd

Happiness lies in balancing work, life, and relationships. Work hard, be patient, and clarify what needs your attention to shift the equilibrium toward birthing something new.

Scorpio

October 24th to November 21st

Detaching yourself from concerns that hold you back will help redirect your plans. Staying independent and focusing on your material well-being allows those new strategies to evolve.

Sagittarius

November 22nd to December 21st

Energy surges and flashes of inspiration from dreams inspire your creative drive.

Be sure to document them for later.

Courage for the grunt work ahead is needed to manifest those exceptional ideas.

ShopCVLUX.com Curated by the editors of CVLUX.

White Balanced Explore the fashionable world of CVLUX. With the New Year comes the opportunity for a new look, and Shop CVLUX is ready to help. Refine your existing wardrobe, build upon favorite pieces, and don’t be afraid to try something new. From winter whites to bold blacks, it’s time to lay the groundwork for a balanced closet before 2022 really gets going. The LUXlife is all about embodying the very best version of self and circumstance, so dress accordingly.

Discover at shopCVLUX.com