The GOODS Magazine - April 2014

APRIL 2014

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GOODS team EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER Omarr Olasewere

contributors BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR

WRITERS: Lindsey Washbourne, Rachel Gallenberger,

LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

Smith, René Salvador

Lindsey Washbourne Lindsey@thegoodsmagonline.com

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Johnique Woods Johnique@thegoodsmagazineonline.com

MANAGING EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Solomon Osayande Jr. Solomon@thegoodsmagazineonline.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jessica Krantz Jessica@thegoodsmagazineonline.com

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Vanessa Barnes Vanessa@thegoodsmagazineonline.com

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Racquel Yarborough racquel@thegoodsmagazineonline.com

Cyrillynn Chen Cyrillynn@thegoodsmagonline.com

LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

Syltoya Sterling Syltoya@thegoodsmagonline.com

COPY EDITOR

Friar Tux Shop, Johntae Bennett, Brandee J, and Trish Sanderson, Iselle Design Studio, Johnique Woods

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kamo–Photoart (Kai Moog), Nikki

on the cover PHOTOGRAPHER: René Salvador MODEL: Natalia Fulton

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FASHION CONTRIBUTOR

Ashley Zubrai Ashley@thegoodsmagonline.com

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GROOMING OUTSTANDING ORIGINALITY DEFINING STYLE PHOTO BY ONE-STAR-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM MODEL CRISTINA MARIA SARACUT

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in this issue FEATURED ARTICLES 10

STYLING SECRETS, REVEALED

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A NEW FOUND QUEST

14

BRIDAL MAKEUP TIPS

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LOVE’S FIRST KISS

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MEN’S WEDDING STYLE

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THE PERFECT SLICE

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WHY HIRE A PLANNER?

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ISELLE DESIGN STUDIO

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SPARKLE BRIDAL COUTURE

100 LIFE AFTER THE WEDDING

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NATURE FASHION

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Styling Secrets, Revealed What the salon should be sharing...

By Lindsey Washbourne The salon experience is always a pampering, relaxing time. You sit down, wait for the magic to happen and leave looking like a goddess. But once you get home, shower and wake up the next day, the magic is gone. How did they do it?

Something that is lacking far too often from the salon experience is the vital one-on-one tutorial of how to care for and recreate your style at home.

Unfortunately, time is of the essence this lesson is usually the first to go. It’s time to master the basic rules to keeping your hair closer to “day of” as opposed to “day after”:

The Right Way to Shampoo

over your scalp, it’s just going to undo all of the cleansing your just did. Gently work conditioner through the bottom of your hair and rinse.

Wet Hair: What to Use Hair is in its most vulnerable and delicate state when it’s wet. It can stretch, snap and fray much easier than when your hair is dry. Freshly washed hair is usually in need of some detangling, especially if your hair is long and/or fine. Be sure that you are starting the detangling process at the ends of your hair and slowly working your way up. If you begin to detangle from the root, down, you are sure to overstretch your strands.

Use either a wide tooth comb or a “Wet Brush;” each of these options allow your hair to separate while detangling and won’t put too much tension or strain on your hair. Your patience through this process will be well worth it.

It seems like a no brainier, right? You’d be surprised how many do it wrong. Shampoo and Conditioner are essentials to our shower routine and it’s important to know what each product is really for. Shampoo is design to cleanse and clarify your hair, but hair is never equally “dirty” for roots to ends. Oil and buildup usually lives at the scalp, so concentrate your scrubbing here.

Before applying, emulsify the shampoo in your Your stylist has done part one of their job if palms with a little water to get the suds going. No they’ve recommended a good product regimen need to scrub down the hair strand – this will only to use at home, but have they shown you how to rough up and fray the cuticle. As you rinse, the use it? Hopefully when you are in their chair, they suds will run down your hair and clean it just right. allow you to feel, use and experience the product Conditioner is designed to replenish moisture under their guidance. If not, you’ll need a few and strength which is most needed through the tips to decipher your drawer full of potions on mid-shaft and ends. If you dump conditioner all

Product Placement

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your own. Ask yourself, “What is this product supposed to do?” If you’re using something intended to add volume and body, whether it’s a spray, lotion or mousse, concentrate the placement of these toward your root area.

Start application at the crown and work your way toward hairlines. If it’s a smoothing balm, serum or oil, be sure to stay away from the root and start on the mid-shaft and ends where your hair needs the most lacquer. Hairsprays and shine sprays? Keep them at a 12” distance from your hair to be able to control even distribution.

Hot Tool Rules Just because your flat iron has the ability to go up to 450 degrees doesn’t mean you have to blast it that hot. While heat is an incredible tool when styling, hair is absolutely a heat-sensitive fabric. Would you iron an expensive silk dress on the cotton setting? If you think about how much you spend in the salon, annually, your hair is just as valuable as a Vera Wang. Hair’s keratin start to melt at 451 degrees, so stay as far below this as you can. Make sure your irons have temperature settings, as opposed to a “high-medium-low” option. Most importantly, try to stay within the 250-350 degree range, depending on your hair’s texture and density. When it comes to blow drying, let nature do most of the work. Allow your hair to air dry 75% before you blast the heat on it. If you have stubborn areas (cowlicks, bangs, etc.), simply spray down those specific areas prior to your blow dry so that you have maximum control.

Conquering Cowlicks It’s a serious dilemma - bangs or no bangs? Your stylist dries them so perfectly, but you wake up looking like Kelly Kapowski. The secret is a classic wrap dry. Whether it’s in your front hairline, back hairline or crown, this technique smooths out crazy growth direction and allows hair to lay down and cooperate. Spray down the troublesome area at the root with water or even a light leave-in conditioner. Using a styling brush (a Denman is my personal recommendation) and a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle, begin to brush hair diagonally down against your head in one direction. Allow the blow dryer to follow right behind your brush, like a truck and trailer.

After a few passes, do the same motion in the opposite diagonal. Repeat this until the roots are completely dry and smooth.

The next time you sit down with your stylist, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If they’re not showing you their secrets, ask them to. You are their walking business card.

In the words of the late and great Vidal Sassoon, “If you don’t look good, we don’t look good.”

Lindsey Washbourne - lindseywashbourne.com Inspiration Manager & Tier 3 Educator - Bellus Academy Brand Educator & Master Colorist - Wella Professional Beauty Contributor - The G.O.O.D.S. Magazine

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Makeup Tips for the Beautiful Bride-to-be

By Rachel Gallenberger of Effortless Elegance

Every bride deserves to look and feel effervescent on her special day. There will be family, friends, and photographers capturing her every move with their cameras. So this is where the importance of a makeup artist comes in. The makeup artist is there to insure that the bride looks stunning and does so by implementing the proper makeup and application process. Every woman is beautiful and the makeup artist is there to enhance the unique loveliness that the bride already possesses.

Here are some helpful tips to insure that the bride remains flawless throughout one of the most important day of her life.

1. Primers Primers are applied prior to makeup application and are a gel-like substance, light-weight, and have a satin texture once applied on the skin. There are primers for the eyes and primers for foundation. Eye primer ensures that your eye shadow lasts all day and looks wonderful on you.

Foundation primer is to smooth and conceal the fine lines on one’s face and evens out skin texture. It also ensures that your foundation will not slide off your face and helps your makeup last longer throughout the day.

2. Concealer Concealer helps with hiding dark circles, age spots, and various small blemishes. It evens out skin tone and will help to give that flawless look on your wedding day.

3. Foundation Whether you decide on airbrush or traditional liquid foundation, foundation creates a uniform color that evens out skin ton and hides flaws. Be sure to blend out into the ears, down the neck, and be mindful of the dĂŠcolletage area because you do not want to potentially stain your dress. Foundation and concealer are some of the most important facets to looking flawless throughout the day when you are being photographed.

4. Waterproof Mascara Select waterproof mascara because it lasts longer and will be able to withstand your tears of joy.

5. Define your Eyebrows Shade and shape your eyebrows. Your eyebrows frame your eyes and they will look better for photographs.

6. Eyeliner Eyeliner emphasizes the natural shape of your eyes and accentuates the lash line. Make sure to invest in longlasting waterproof eyeliner to withstand tears of joy.

7. Blush Blush will help liven up your face and add a pop of color to your cheeks.

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8. Contour

13. Do Not Experiment

Contouring helps to slim the face, chisel the cheeks, and create a strong jawline. Contour the top of your forehead, the hollows of your cheekbones, jawline, and the sides of your nose.

Your big day is not the time to be experimental with your makeup. You want to emphasize your natural beauty and highlight your key facial attributes. Do not choose your wedding as the day you want to wear a new lip color you have never tried or an edgy eye shadow that looked fierce in an editorial. Make sure to hold a makeup consultation before your wedding day. A makeup consultation is tailored to your needs and wants and is a test run to see how your makeup will look before your big day. That way you can decide on how natural or dramatic you want your makeup to be.

9. Highlighting Highlighting key areas will give you a glowing look and will emphasize specific areas of your face to help create angles by capturing the light. Choose a highlighter that has various pearl shades in it and apply to your temples, along your cheekbones, the inner corner of your eyes, the dip of your cupid’s bow, on your brow bone, and the center of your nose.

10. Oil Blotting Sheets Carry some in your clutch for when you need to quickly blot not rub the oil from your face to help prevent shine. Generally oil is most prominent on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.

11. Lipstick Choose a color that is 2-3 shades bolder than what you would normally wear if you wish to stand out. Shades in the nudes, pinks, and reds family are best when selecting a lipstick for your wedding. Every woman can wear red, it is classic, and the best color if you want a vintage look. Pinks and nudes are best when you want a more natural look.

14. Color Palette

12. Skip Lip Gloss if‌

When selecting a wedding makeup color palette take into consideration a few key factors: Wedding location, skin tone, personal style, season, your wedding dress.

If you plan to wear a veil, forgo the lip gloss because your veil will stick to it.

15. Be Confident and Enjoy your Day!

THEGOODSMAG

let’s get social.

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Men’s Wedding Style:

The Top Trends for 2014

By Friar Tux Shop

A Slate Blue Suit This is a very cool new look can be dressed up or down, worn at a vintage, rustic, beach, preppy or elegant styled event, it’s very versatile! Call it azure, slate, indigo, bleu or blue, celebrities and stylists are embracing this fashionably colored suit in lieu of the typical black, grey or navy.

Distinctive Bow Ties Bow Ties are IN and they can be incorporated into any style of suit or tuxedo to add uniqueness to the look. Pictured are the Great Gatsby Bow Tie Collection with a contrast edge and the Striped Cravat Collection, available in many colors. (Both exclusively at Friar Tux Shop)

Grey with a Twist- The Grey Kristoff Charcoal and heather suits have been a wedding trend for the last few seasons. Suits with contrasting lapels are also being shown on the runways. The Grey Kristoff is a fashion-forward grey that can be worn with black or grey slim fit pants. It’s contemporary styling with a little extra detail! (Exclusively at Friar Tux Shop)

Introducing the Michael Kors Tuxedo, new to Formalwear!

Michael Kors has created their first tuxedo and it is available Summer 2014 for those looking for the finest wedding formalwear.

The super soft and lightweight 130s wool paired with slim fit styling is the perfect men’s attire for a modern wedding.

About Friar Tux Shop For more information and style details visit www.friartux.com. Friar Tux Shop offers the largest selection of suits and tuxedos for purchase or for rent on the West Coast and hundreds of tie colors. 31 Southern California Locations and nationwide fitting locations. www.thegoodsmag.co

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Why Hire a Wedding Planner

By Johntae Bennett

Why Hire a Planner?

There are many benefits to hiring a Wedding Planner, yet many couples do not seem to see the need or the value until often times after they have been married. We caught up with the Ladies at The Posh Knot, a full service Event Management, Planning and Design Firm in San Diego to get a few tips on why it is so important to hire a Planner!

The Goods: Let’s get right down to business. Why is it so important to hire a wedding planner?

The Posh Knot That is a very good question and really the magic question among couples who are trying to get married. Most couples feel that they can do everything on their own or have family members that have encouraged or even offered for that matter to assist with the planning process.

Many of which are not professionals in the industry and have only perhaps planned their own wedding or secretly planned a wedding on Pinterest (lol can easily happen).

Here at The Posh Knot we like to stress three key factors when planning your wedding and are really our mantra when explaining to our clients why it is so important to hire us.

Stress Less & Maximize Your Time Why stress about one of the most memorable days of your life? You should enjoy your special moment and not be

bogged down by logistics, coordinating vendors, or any unforeseeable mishaps. Planners are professionals, who are not only meticulous, but will help your vision and your dream, become a reality and since we are seasoned professionals, we know how to plan gorgeous weddings with a fraction of the time and effort.

Save Money This may seem counter intuitive but if you want to save money, invest in a planner. We have connections within the industry’s vendors, not to mention we will work stringently and strategically to maximize your budget.

With the wedding trends moving towards DIY, there’s no doubt that a planner will be able to make your wedding unique and tasteful even while on a budget.

Enjoy Your Wedding!

Having a planner does not mean that you will be left out of the decision making. You are the star of this show and what you say goes. This wedding is your vision; and our job as the planner is just there to assist with making that happen. We encourage you to develop themes and details with us and not worry about putting everything together.

You may have close friends or relatives who are willing to help you plan the wedding, which is great but this does not compare to a seasoned professional. Planners have networks and connections, as well as the know-how to make everything run smoothly. We can’t stress this enough, “Let your friends and family enjoy the wedding!”

If you are hesitant to book a planner, we offer and provide a complimentary consultation. You can meet with us to see what we have to offer, if this is a good fit, and make the decision based on our experience; personality and ability to make your dream wedding come true. In addition, we offer a range of services, so if you would like to plan your wedding on your own, you can even just hire a planner for the wedding day only. This means that on your big day, you can sleep better and feel calm and happy throughout the day knowing that your planner is smoothing out any kinks, and making sure that your wedding is everything you envisioned it to be.

THE POSH KNOT: We would love to hear from The Goods Couple and you can visit our website at www.theposhknot. com or email info@theposhknot.com. Make sure you mention you have “The Goods!�

Also, you can Socialize with us for inspiration at the below: INSTAGRAM: @theposhknot TWITTER: The_Posh_Knot FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/theposhknot PINTEREST: The Posh Knot

THE GOODS: How can any of our Goods Couples Reach you for a consulation or even to be inspired for their wedding?

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SPARKLE: Bridal Couture

By Brandee J

Here comes the bride… wait a minute!! I mean here comes the Kurvy Bride! Wedding season is here and a number of brides are looking for their special dress for their special day. Yes, it’s all about the dress when it comes to getting married. The food, centerpieces, and colors don’t mean a thing until the bride finds the perfect dress!

Sandra Gonzales, the Founder and Creative Director, decided to open up SPARKLE after more than 20 years in the family bridal industry. She wanted a place where curvy and plus size women could come and feel great about themselves.

“For women sizes 14-30, it’s frustrating and embarrassing when shops don’t carry sizes that fit properly or only have One thing that can be frustrating for Kurvy Brides is unflattering dresses. I know dress shopping is the bride’s finding that perfect dress. 60% of women are a size first and most crucial step in achieving a perfect wedding.

14/16 and above, but bridal stores and boutiques do not I developed SPARKLE bridal couture to offer the largest typically cater to this demographic. They usually have a selection of chic bridal gowns and stylish special occasion small section in the store with these sizes. Many times the dresses sizes 14-30. And to make it a fun, relaxing store workers look at us as if we have two heads because atmosphere so our SPARKLE brides feel beautiful, we are a size 14/16, even though this is the AVERAGE confident and enjoy a first-class bridal experience,” size of the American woman! I had this same issue when Sandra explains.

I got married over 7-years ago. “Frustration” is not even Sandra brings out the inner SPARKLE to every bride the word I would use to describe my feelings. Going from who walks through her doors. Sandra has traveled all over bridal store to bridal store was the worst experience I had the world to find the most beautiful and chic wedding while planning my wedding. I eventually was able to find and special occasion dresses for the curvy women of a dress, but if SPARKLE Bridal Couture was around back the world. Her boutique not only carries bridal gowns then, things would have definitely been a lot easier! but they also carry cocktail and special occasion dresses, SPARKLE Bridal Couture is the ONLY bridal and special bridal hairpieces, veils, jewelry, and a fabulous variety occasion boutique showroom on the west coast that caters of accessories for any special occasion. A one stop bridal to Kurvy brides- sizes 14-30! Located in Sacramento, CA experience is what you will get when you shop at Sparkle! this is a bridal boutique just for us! When I found out Most bridal gowns at SPARKLE range from $900-$3,000, about Sparkle I was very excited. It definitely made me informal bridal gowns range from $300-$589, and cocktail want to get married again just to have the SPARKLE and special occasion dresses range from $175-$299. If experience! you are on the west coast or east coast, are curvy, and are getting married you need to book your flight or get in your car and go to SPARKLE Bridal Couture NOW!

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I had the pleasure of speaking with the Founder/Creative Director Sandra to find out more about her and her SPARKLE boutique:

WHAT WAS THE MAIN REASON YOU STARTED SPARKLE? `As a curvy woman myself, I know how embarrassing it is when shops don’t carry sizes that fit us or only have unflattering styles in stock. Our family has been in the bridal industry for nearly 20 years, so I know wedding gown shopping is the bride’s first and most crucial step in achieving the perfect wedding. I was always disheartened that other shops weren’t giving “plus-sized” brides the attention and stylish options they deserved. I understood their frustration and envisioned SPARKLE bridal couture to be a modern bridal showroom where bride’s sizes 1430 could feel beautiful, confident and enjoy a first-class bridal experience. I wanted SPARKLE bridal couture to be a fun, fresh and relaxing and showroom where bride’s sizes 14-30 would feel welcomed, calm and attended to.

Our mission is to help brides sizes 14-30 look and feel beautiful, confident and fabulous. We help our brides recognize their inner and outer beauty by styling them in a SPARKLE gown that fits their curves, personality and wedding. We want our brides to “sparkle” from the inside out on their special day and everyday!

to choose from. Coming to SPARKLE is like going to 5-6 stores because we have so many choices! And our brides know their SPARKLE gown is constructed specifically for their shape. Also, unlike other shops, our SPARKLE Style team all have a fashion backgrounds or degrees in fashion, so our brides know they are working with a seasoned fashion professional who has studied fabrics, construction, fit, and design. Another unique aspect to SPARKLE is that each SPARKLE bride has a dedicated SPARKLE Stylist who will advise her one-on-one from the day she selects her SPARKLE gown to the day of her wedding.

This way her SPARKLE Stylist knows her plans, wedding vision and can help her bride achieve the perfect look.

Our brides love this attention and service! We believe our SPARKLE brides only deserve the best and that’s what we give them.

WHEN A BRIDE COMES IN THE STORE WHAT LASTING IMPRESSION DO YOU WANT HER TO HAVE?

I am proudest when our SPARKLE brides look and feel their absolute best. She will smile, savor her moment, and SPARKLE! We want each of our brides to leave us feeling beautiful, confident and to have the respect, dignity and first-class bridal experience she deserves. We want them to recognize how exquisite they are! We want our brides to relish in saying, “I LOVE my SPARKLE gown!” and take pride in being a SPARKLE bride. We want each bride to remember how she felt on the day she found her SPARKLE gown and have that moment reflected on her wedding day so everyday throughout her lifetime she believes in herself, her natural beauty and the power We are exclusively dedicated to sizes 14-30 and have the largest selection of bridal gowns and special occasion wear. she has within her to make all things possible. When she looks back at her shopping experience with us and reflects So unlike their experience at big box stores or small strip mall shops, our SPARKLE brides are at ease because they on her wedding day, we want her to remember that she SPARKLES! know they will have so many beautiful SPARKLE gowns

BESIDES BEING THE ONLY BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE FOR PLUS SIZE WOMEN, WHAT SETS YOUR BOUTIQUE APART FROM THE REST?

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WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND SPARKLE? Oh so many things! We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful SPARKLE brides and fans. We recently launched our I DO! Collection of bridal gowns, which allow our brides to customize their dress by choosing their fabric, closure and silhouette style. It’s been fun seeing how brides are making these dresses their own. Our video tutorials and decor inspiration videos on Vimeo and YouTube have become a popular resource for many brides.

And we are working on new developments in our fashion lines and expanding our reach to future SPARKLE brides throughout the country. We want to “Spread the SPARKLE!” Kurvy beauties SPARKLE is for us and us only!! Go and become a SPARKLE Bride and today tell them Brandee “Kurvy” J sent you! www.sparklebridalcouture.com.

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nature fashion

PHOTO KAMO-PHOTOART (KAI MOOG)

MODEL RIHAM AL-QAYSI

ASSISTANT DON LINDENTHAL

FASHION AVIATRIX

MODEL LILLI GERMANN

MUA CHRISTINE KOLLETH

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A New Found Quest CREATIVE DIRECTOR & WARDROBE STYLIST LAUREN ELIZABETH AIKEN facebook.com/LaurenElizabethsFashionRoom

MAKEUP ARTIST RACHEL GALLENBERGER facebook.com/EffortlessEleganceMakeup

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER DANNY SUHENDAR facebook.com/danny.suhendar1 • www.dannysuhendar.com

STORY BOARD WRITER & MODEL COACH NIKKI SMITH facebook.com/nikkispirit

PHOTOGRAPHER NIKKI SMITH

OFFICE MANAGER ASHLEY JACOBS

WARDROBE STYLIST AIMEE BRADLEY www.bruxley.com

SET DESIGN JOHNIQUE POOLE-WOODS www.theposhknot.com

HAIR STYLIST/ MUA EMALYN D facebook.com/emalyndhairmua • www.emalyndhairandmakeup.com

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Love’s first kiss

PHOTOGRAPHER RENÉ SALVADOR MAKEUP RACHEL GALLENBERGER MODEL NATALIA FULTON HAIR SHANNON HAY DESIGNER GOWN – KENNETH BARLIS DESIGNER KIMONO – GINO INTRABARTOLO

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POWERED BY

The G.O.O.D.S. Magazine now available in the iTunes store

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The Perfect Slice

By Trish Sanderson

Wedding Cake Trends in San Diego 2014

San Diego brides may have the sunshine on their sides, but no wedding is complete without the cake. Chances are the weather will be perfection, but you’ll need the perfect design and baker to complete the celebration.

A search on Yelp.com will yield dozens of local bakeries whipping up stunning layers of sweets. The talented bakers you’ll find stand behind their towering butter cream creations and we’ve got inspired insight into cake couture for the 2014 season.

Sweet Cheeks Baking Company, San Diego (619) 285-1220 Delicate blooms shouldn’t stop at your bouquet and from now until late summer, the wedding season leans towards floral for cake décor. Sweet Cheeks can create delectable English rose petals or tiny baby smatterings of flowers across stark white frosting. Ideas overflow across the website of this bakery, and their adorable baking team is just icing on the cake. Shrink your stack by ordering just a topper this year and surround it with dozens of mini cupcakes. It’ll slice cutting time so you can spend more quality time with you guests. For a cutesy favor, have the baker create eatable scrabble tiles or custom cookies spelling out your love story. Seasonal sourcing is in style too, Sweet Cheeks will snag farmer’s market berries, local lavender and cage free veg-feed eggs for your creation.

Michele Coulon Dessertier, La Jolla (858) 456-5098 Flavor trends lean towards organics, thank goodness, since that’s Michele Coulon’s philosophy. GlutenFree is huge this year – and with their Europeanstyled desserts all your guests will be happy, they’re naturally gluten-free. Innovative brides outcry for displays of French Macaroons! Dessert tables are also super fun and a great alternative to traditional slices since there is lots of variety. You’ll find a menagerie of mini desserts that are perfection for your nuptial display. We’re also seeing cakes here that are frosted, but not all the way, so you can see the layers underneath. There’s a new wedding favor trend too! Couples are ordering State shaped cookies based on where they’re from to give to their guests.

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Sumi’s Oven, San Diego (858) 676-0760 International experiences, from Singapore to New York and now to SD, provide the design inspiration that gives this baker babe an edge. If your wedding is in the spring, we suggest a whimsical concept; they dominate this bakery’s portfolio. Taste buds rejoice, the flavor profiles this year from Sumi’s are full of citrus and tart, like the lemon curd and cream or orange passionfruit. For a classic addition to the average layers of whipped cream add individual delights: cupcakes are still king and pooling around a smaller scale cake they can create a delightful effect To keep food allergies out of your wedding planning stress, Vegan, egg-less or Gluten free options are available, and they still pack a punch.

Looking for other local bakeries to create the perfect cake? Find them all and read local reviews on Yelp.com

Trish Sanderson is the Community Manager for Yelp.com. She leads a vibrant community of locals both online and off.

theposhknot.com 619.663.4TPK (4875) San Diego 214-997-4TPK (4875) Dallas

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In the spotlight

The GOODS Designer Spotlight

Iselle Design Studio My story by: Iselle Design Studio I am obsessed with dresses, especially wedding dresses. I was the bride who wore the little white dress every chance she gets ... cake tasting, make-up trials, bridal registry, bridal fairs, bachelorette party, bridal shower, engagement shoot, rehearsal dinner, etc, you name it. Of course, I had multiple dresses for my wedding, and how did I afford it all? Fortunately, I was able to design and sew them myself. I felt really special every single time I put on my little white dresses, knowing that they are one-of-akind, couture, custom fitted to me only.

After my wedding, I started getting requests from family and friends. That’s how Iselle Design Studio was born. Short wedding dresses hold a very special place in my heart. A light, modern, whimsical little white dress that a bride can dance the night away in, but still has all the glamour of a full length wedding gown. My little white dress collection instantly became popular amongst modern, fashion-forward brides. I am now designing dresses for brides all across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and many other countries.

Since then, I have added veils, headpieces, sashes, garters and ring pillows to my current collection. Even though my company has grown tremendously, every design is still made with love, by hand, one by one, in my studio in San Diego, CA. WWW.ISELLEDESIGNSTUDIO.COM WWW.THELITTLEWHITEDRESS.ETSY.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ISELLEDESIGNSTUDIO INSTAGRAM: @ ISELLEDESIGN

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In the spotlight

Small Business Spotlight:

Life after the Wedding

By Johnique Woods

First comes love, then comes marriage and then it is time to invest in your new life together by purchasing a brand new home! The Goods had the opportunity to catch up with the Fabulous Monet Love, small business owner of the premier real estate group Realtor Love and Associates in San Diego, CA.

GOODS MAGAZINE: Tell me about Realtor Love?

REALTOR LOVE: Realtor Love and Associates is a premier real estate group brokered under Coldwell Banker West serving the needs of San Diego County. We are an elite group of connected and experienced professionals that love making sure that our expertise is used to benefit our clients. For more than 13 years, Monet Love has helped individuals and families acquire homes that both complement and accommodate their individual uniqueness. As the President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers Young Professional Realist Network and San Diego Regional Recruiting Manager my knowledge of the changing needs of the Real Estate community is constantly nurtured.

GM: What sparked the interest to start your own real estate company? What is your story? Any adversities faced to start Realtor Love ?

RL: My interest came from my motivation to see smiles on a daily basis. I know that sounds funny but I LOVE people. This business allows phenomenal relationship building with colleagues and mentors that help to create the upward mobility and knowledge that business owners need.

I come from a very driven and close family. At the age of 18, my goal was to completemy undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and work in Forensics solving criminal cases. However, I began learning the Real Estate business from one of my very first mentors and I did not know that being mentored at a young age would spark my love to be an entrepreneur and business owner.

Realtor Love & Associates has been the vehicle to allow me to not just work with the community but in the community as well. The ability to understand and educate consumers on one the most important investment of their lives is what drives me to stay in the business. My goal is to be a true value to their financial portfolio.

GM: What advice would you give first time homebuyers or someone interested in selling their home for the first time?

RL: My first piece of advice would be to analyze their current situation and discover the real reason and emotion behind buying or selling. This type of internal discussion will help alleviate reservations during the process. The second step to making a successful home purchase or sale in San Diego is to consult the advice of a professional. A REALTOR has the resources and has developed strategic strategies to make the process a success. This helps you make a good buying and selling decisions that will help you avoid paying too much or buying the wrong home.

GM:

What are smart home improvements that homeowners can make to increase the value of their home without going overboard?

RL: Website: www.realtorlove.com Email: Monet@realtorlove.com

RL: There are so many articles and advice on what

Phone: 619-726-7714

to do with your home. The initial question on home improvements should be what will boost your property’s resale price by at a significant amount of the investment and time that is put into the project. For an immediate sale items that are visually appealing such as lawns, driveways, window casings and other “curb appeal� maintenance should be on the checklist. Any improvement that returns 70% or more is considered a good improvement. Items in this category include entry doors, garage doors, window replacement, and minor kitchen remodels. I provide walk through consultations with clients that are getting ready to sale to ensure that they are doing the things necessary to sell their home for the highest value possible. We make a list together and my team and I help point them in the right direction with their vision.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monet.love1#!/ LoveYourRealtor Twitter: @Realtor_Love Blog: http://realtorlove.blogspot.com

GM: There are many realtors and real estate companies out on the market, what sets Realtor Love apart from the others?

RL:

Utilizing a down-to-earth approach helps to provide clientele with a distinct advantage in the purchase and sale of real estate properties. Over the years I have learned to use unsurpassed marketing, communication and negotiating skills; in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge to help my clients. I believe that honesty, integrity and a keen eye for details is what creates a lifetime bond between my clients and I. This is the philosophy of Realtor Love & Associates, making us a powerhouse of experience and determination to change the dynamic of client agent relationships.

GM: How can one reach Realtor Love? www.thegoodsmag.co

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