Joli Magazine | Issue 1 | 2021 by Joli Magazine

I SS U E 1 , 2021

THE A RT OF REFIN E D LIVING

From French Burgundies to Napa Cabernets, international winemaker

Soul Soothing Streaming SiteS Sound healing, new moon circles and Kundalini at your fingertips

Jean-Charles Boisset brings his passion to the palate

Craving Culture

Round up of OC’s best outdoor artworks

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Silver Linings

Rita Goldberg Editor in Chief

t’s amazing to think of all the things that can happen in just one year - or, in the case of this past year, all the things that could not occur. In the beginning of quarantine, what we thought would be a brief setback, tempered by the opportunity to master banana bread, turned into an ongoing lifestyle that could never feel like “the new normal.” But even deep in the trenches of this historical time period, flickers of silver emerged. Communing with nature, connecting with loved ones (even through a computer screen),

JOLI MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1, 2021

and embarking on the journey of self discovery, are just a few of the treasured pleasures that have brought us joy when we needed it most. Like many, as weeks turned into months which turned into an entire year, I realized how much I took for granted and how much I missed. I did however recognize the importance of family unity and the sanctuary of my home. This past year, home has become the centerpiece of our lives. In this issue, veteran home builder, Julie Laughton, talks about the home design project that reimagined her client’s beachside retreat. We also hear from Kim Stopak, of Carlsbad Interiors, about the importance of discovering and incorporating your authentic style into your living space. While many homebodies took this year to optimize their dwellings, others focused inwards using newly launched streaming sites. Whether you have discovered a passion for meditation, kundalini or sound healing, the Emerging Trends column offers guidance on ways to sooth your soul. If you’ve honed your baking skills, take a

stab at creating Chef Diana Stobo’s dark chocolate quinoa cake (recipe in this issue). This delectable confection, a celeb favored staple at The Retreat, Costa Rica Wellness Resort & Spa, is gluten free, grain free, dairy free and refined sugar free. It is healthy, delicious and, mood boosting - the best benefit of dark chocolate. As the flicker of hope of returning to the life we used to know broadens to a light at the end of tunnel, many of us will look back with a bittersweet remembrance of this unique year. Although I look forward to live performances and lively celebrations, I will continue to maintain appreciation for the love of my family, the greatest source of comfort, and the simple pleasures that I have revisited, from curling up with a good book to relearning a few of my favorite sonatas. Time to “just be” has been this past year’s unique gift, a silver lining to embrace, as we begin to return to the life we knew. n

T H E ART OF R EF INED L IV ING

PUBLISHER /FO UND ER

Jolie Adams jolie@jolimagazine.space ED ITO R IN CHIEF

Rita Goldberg rita@jolimagazine.space ART D IRECTO R

Lee Offenhauer SENI O R GR APHI C D ESI GNER

Jill Keith SO CIAL M ED IA M ANAGER

Alicia Mendez ED ITO RIAL CO NTRIBUTO RS

Shana Blair Beth Fhaner Julie Laughton Julie Lobel Jenny Peters Brent N. Robbins Richard Stein Diana Stobo VI CE PRESID ENT O F D ISTRIBUTI O N

Wesley Adams PH OTO G R APHER

Tony Florez BEAUT Y CO NSULTANT AND ST YLIST

Lois Kinsey

Visit jolimagazine.space for on line coverage of special events throughout Southern California. For advertising please call 949.283.5420 or contact us at jolimag.co@gmail.com Copyright 2018 by Blackbook Production LLC. All rights reserved. Reproductions in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Joli, Joli Magazine and The Art of Refined Living are registered trademarks of Blackbook Production LLC 19891 Beach Blvd #404 Huntington Beach CA 92648.

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS

Beth Fhaner

Julie Laughton

Jenny Peters

E D I TO R I A L CO NTRIBUTO R

ARCHITECTURAL & INTERIOR DESIGN COLUMNIST

EDI TOR I A L CO N T RI B UTOR

Orange County-based writer and editor, Beth has a strong background in covering culture and trends. Her impressive career has included stints at The Recording Academy (Grammy Awards), Borders Group, Westways magazine and the now-defunct Pages magazine. A Michigan native, she has lived in SoCal for more than 15 years, and when not chasing down a story, she enjoys travel, film, art museums, live music, and spending time at the beach.

Licensed interior designer, certified custom kitchen designer, space planner and licensed general contractor, Julie has completed well over 500 remodels. From the smaller historical beach cottages all the way to mega mansions, there is no limit to her custom design abilities. Her philosophy is “It all starts with a good plan.” As a one-stop shop, she offers a seamless Design Build process to her clients turning their dreams into reality. She serves all of Orange County and the beach communities. Julie is also President Elect of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.

As a longtime freelance journalist, Jenny covers beats that range from entertainment to lifestyle topics. She writes on film, television, music, travel, restaurants, wine, design, architecture, beauty, spas, cars, fashion and celebrity events for USA Today, AARP, New York Magazine and numerous other domestic and international outlets. She is a founding and voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association. Over the years, she has also served as the editor in chief of Brentwood Magazine, Bel Air Magazine and Scene Magazine.

Susan Irby

Brent N. Robbins

Shana Blair

E D I TO R I A L CO NTRIBUTO R

FI N A N CI A L COLU MN I ST

EDI TOR I A L CO N T RI B UTOR

With credits that include hosting and producing, Susan is an award winning media personality as well as an accomplished author and public speaker. Susan’s particular area of expertise centers around empowering others to optimize their personal health and nutritional needs. She is a recognized Food Healing Nutrition expert who advocates mindful healing and an active lifestyle.

With over 30 years of advisement experience, Brent Robbins brings a sophisticated voice to his article on wealth management. His extensive knowledge in the financial field encompasses asset protection strategies, tax planning with international business experience, investments, insurance and more. In this issue, Brent explains the benefits of incorporating an insurance policy into your investment strategy to mitigate risk while ensuring the security of a sound financial plan.

Newport Beach Native Shana Blair brings an ingrained local perspective to her coverage of on-trend products and services. As founder of her creative brand studio - The Tropics, (www.liveinthetropics.co/) Shana is usually busy creating compelling content and effective marketing initiatives to launch and grow brands. When she is not busy writing or designing her unique brand of sleek, modern websites, Shana enjoys practicing yoga, cooking, and chilling at one of her many favorite local beach spots.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 28 HOME DESIGN It all starts with a good plan 29 PROFILE Meet French Vintner Jean-Charles Boisset 34 FASHION Vintage whimsy

60 TASTE Recipe and review 64 EMERGING TRENDS Soul soothing strategies

Fashion Wearable works of art add whimsy to your wardrobe

Features 26 DIALOGUE Q&A with fashion curator Deanna Frieze

In Every Issue 12 CHECKLIST New and noteworthy

14 INDULGENCE Get in the glow 15 CULTURE Outdoor artworks to explore

Journey

20 JOURNEY Book your safari

Schedule your bucket list Safari trip

23 JOURNEY Wine country awaits

JOLI MAGAZINE

ISS UE 1 , 2021

T H E A RT OF REFINED LIVING

Renowned French Vintner

Jean-Charles Boisset and Award-Winning Musician

Soul Soothing Streaming SiteS Sound healing, new moon circles and Kundalini at your fingertips

John Legend launch Napa wine collaboration

Craving Culture

Round up of OC’s

ISSUE 1, 2021

This issue’s cover From his beloved French Burgundy to his complex California Cabs, renowned international vintner Jean-Charles Boisset satisfies discerning wine connoisseurs.

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best outdoor artworks

Location JCB Lounge, Yountville, Napa Valley Photographer Jeffrey Moanalani

Refined Living 44 WEALTH MANAGEMENT Fiscal advice from the expert 46 DWELL IN STYLE Find and design your perfect home 56 HEALTH & BEAUTY Feel great and look great

CHECKLIST

Featured favorites to check out and check off your “must-try” list. Hard Bubbly Collection by Fun Wine

Looking for a new libation to toast your next celebratory event? Try the new Hard Bubbly Collection by Fun Wine. These carbonated flavorful wines are lighter in alcohol content, lower in calories, gluten-free, and manufactured in a vegan-certified plant, making them a delicious and healthier alternative. With flavors that include Peach Passion Moscato, Cappuccino Chardonnay, Espresso Cabernet, Coconut Chardonnay, and more, you are bound to find your favorite beverage among the collection. An added bonus is the beautifully artistic packaging created by acclaimed artist Miguel Paredes. Each bottle makes a perfect table scaping enhancement while the set makes a unique gift. www.funwine.com

CHEL Body - Bian Stone Body Gua Sha

True radiance starts beneath the surface, which is why holistic beauty regimens such as gua-sha and lymphatic drainage have shifted from popular trends to ingrained institutions. The CHEL BODY Bian Stone Body Gua Sha takes this wellness practice to the next level in natural wellness. This sleek body gua sha tool that fits in the palm of your hand actively rids the body of unwanted fluids and inflammatory toxins beneath the skin’s surface. Crafted from ultra-smooth Bian Stone, an ancient healing stone that naturally heats the body for faster blood circulation, CHEL visibly reduces puffiness, minimizes cellulite, and enhances skin’s overall appearance and tone. It’s no wonder CHEL is loved by some of the most influential names in wellness, including top fitfluencer, Melissa Wood Health. www.chellbody.com | @chel_body

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CHECKLIST

It’s Muchos

We all want to look and feel our best! For most of us, that starts with our health and cleaning up our eating act. Fortunately, Newport Beach’s Tyler Hosseini has made that easier and more enjoyable than ever with It’s Muchos, a premium dressing and condiment brand made with only fresh, natural ingredients. This flavorful condiment features a roasted jalapeno puree, garlic, fresh lemon, and EVOO and works as the perfect dressing, marinade, and compliment to any dish. A flavorful favorite amongst in-the-know locals, It’s Muchos has become the go-to add for salads and sandwiches, or as a marinade to zest up the vibe of any healthy recipe. It’s Muchos is currently available for online local delivery. Mention Joli for a special offer. www.getmuchos.com @Its_muchos

Knots Sustainable Style

Sustainable chic is an aesthetic that’s here to stay. And Newport native, Clemmie Anderson of Knots, is doing her part to make sure you look stylish while protecting both the planet and yourself. Based out of Laguna Beach, Knots is an environmentally conscious accessory brand taking everyday disposable goods and creating stylish, sustainable pieces. From reusable hair ties featuring fashionable colors and scalloped detail that double as stylish bracelets, to their wildly popular face masks, made with 100% cotton and natural fibers, incorporating stylish vintage-fabric patterns, Knots is bringing an effortless cool factor to the conscious lifestyle scene. Because of their environmentally friendly, smallbatch production, Knots offers special fabric customization and personalized embroidery options. Knots has earned an adored reputation in sustainable gifts for small businesses, special events, baby showers, and more. Joli readers can receive 20% off their first order with code JOLI20 at checkout. www.shop-knots.com

@SHOPKNOTS

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INDULGENCE

Making Faces Skincare Studio RADIANT SKIN FOR THE WIN NEWPORT’S DESTINATION FOR PREMIER SKIN CARE BY SHANA BLAIR GOLDBERG

ucked away in plain sight off of Newport Beach’s iconic Dover Drive, a quaint cottage studio resides as the premier skin care destination for a fresh-faced clientele of luminous locals and dialed-in Southern California residents. Making Faces Skin Care Studio offers an advanced array of skin solutions, servicing the needs of women, men and teens of all skin types and conditions. The studio features state-of-the art equipment technology performed by expert aesthetician, Georgia Vlanti, and a suite of transformational skincare products and highly-personalized skin consultations. With clients seeing dramatic improvements in their skin even after their first visit, there is visible proof in Making Faces Skin Care as Newport’s primary aesthetician abode. Come expecting a luxurious, spa-like experience while receiving personalized treatment plans specific to complexion concerns and longterm skin goals. Making Faces Skin Care’s founder, Georgia Vlanti, brings over 30 years of skin treatment experience, along with a dedicated passion in treating her clients’ unique skincare needs, ensuring top-tier client service and noticeable results in their skin. Receiving her Skin and Body Care certification from London’s esteemed Town and Country Beauty School in Knightsbridge, Vlanti exhibited her expertise in acne and anti-aging procedures and therapies. She went on to receive an advanced diploma

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from the International Therapy Examination Council in aesthetics, a prestigious degree credited to those distinguished in exhibiting high achievements in skin theory and proven demonstration in exceeding the practical qualifications, principles and ethics in practicing skin care. Vlanti’s seasoned experience, extensive knowledge in skin science, and education in leading skincare technology has proven remarkable results for both her business and her clients. Her treatment expertise lies predominantly in perfecting skin of the various common skin conditions. Treatment results range from clearing oily, acne-prone, discoloration and reactive sensitivities, to dramatically improving the effects of aging skin, sun damage, sagging skin and wrinkles. In 2014, Vlanti furthered her passion for skin care by developing her own skincare line, en.core. In her mission to create the most-effective, clean skincare line possible, she collaborated with highly selective groups of prestigious skin care labs and advanced chemists who share her vision in delivering high-performing,

result-driven skincare products that are free of harsh drug solutions, harmful preservatives, and inflammatory additives. The en.core skincare collection sources product ingredients only from nutrient-rich minerals and high-performing plants, never using petroleum or any animal ingredients, a common additive in many skincare products. All en.core products are 100% vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, and are rich in multi-functional antioxidants, clinically-tested peptides, powerful plant extracts and scientifically proven bio-effective sources. “We rigorously measure and extensively qualify every single product ingredient, ensuring it meets our gold standard in order to receive an en.core product label,” Vlanti shares on en.core’s development process. While en.core skincare products are utilized during skincare treatments at Making Faces and available for purchase in studio, they are also available to order online. Not sure where to start in your skincare journey? Clients can book virtual consultations with Vlanti where she can address your current skin condition, discuss your areas of concern, and prescribe an en.core skincare regimen and studio treatment plan to achieve your complexion goals. Now that you’re in the know, time to get in the glow. makingfacessalon.com makingfacessalon.com/discover-encore To book a virtual skin consultation and learn more: georgia@makingfacessalon.com

CULTURE

OR ANGE COUNT Y OFFERS

An Abundance of Outdoor Art BY RICHARD STEIN PRESIDENT CEO | ARTS ORANGE COUNTY

ired of singing the COVID-19 blues? Craving a stroll among some inspiring works of art but the doors to your favorite museums are still locked or limited in capacity? Eager for a respite from the virtual arts

world to enjoy something up close and personal? You don’t have to look far: here are six places in Orange County where you can safely go to experience outdoor displays of public art—on foot and by car. Ranging from pop art and kinetic sculptures to colorful murals and works by some of the world’s most renowned artists, these public art installations offer a great excuse to get out of the house and into the fresh air. They offer abundant opportunities for you to take selfies you can post. The open air spacing makes this activity ideal to safely enjoy with your friends.

Costa Mesa’s Arts District Sculptures Thanks to the vision and generosity of the Segerstrom family, more than a dozen works by some of the world’s most famous artists may be viewed on the plazas, grounds, and lobbies of South Coast Metro’s high rises and arts campus. These include the extraordinary California Scenario by Isamu Noguchi, the artist’s imaginative depiction of the vast and varied terrain of our state that offers a serene, contemplative environment for visitors. The Arts District also displays works by iconic artists Richard Serra, Henry Moore, Jean Dubuffet, Joan Miro and others. www.southcoastplaza.com/art-tour/

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CULTURE

Sculpture Exhibition in Newport Beach Civic Center Park (More than 20 works of public art) Launched in 2013, following the opening of the new Civic Center, the park was designed by landscape architect Peter Walker, who also co-designed the World Trade Center Memorial in New York City. His design for the 14 acres included ideal sites for the placement of sculpture, and though its first “inhabitants” were figurative concrete white larger-than-life rabbits (a children’s feature Walker included), the City Arts Commission developed a program to exhibit as many as twenty varied works at one time by artists submitting from all around the nation, each displayed for two years. Phase V was installed in July 2020 and Phase VI sculptures will be installed in June 2021. Find a locator map and complete descriptions of the works on the MyNB app by clicking on Discover NB/Civic Center Tour/Sculpture Exhibition. www.newportbeachca.gov/government/ departments/library-services/cultural-arts/ sculpture-in-civic-center-park-exhibition

Santa Ana Public Art Walking Tour (21 stops) with Audio Guide Santa Ana remains a hotbed of creativity that is home to everything from indigenous and folk arts to the cutting edge. It has also been fertile ground for public art—more than 70 works are on display, a few dating back more than 50 years. Some projects are City-sponsored and others the brainchild of individual property owners. Murals depicting the life of Santaneros and local history abound, including those by “the Godfather of Hispanic Artists” Emigdio Vasquez. www.pocketsights.com/tours/tour/Santa-Ana-Discover-Santa-Ana-Public-Art-2729

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CULTURE

Oropeza Sculpture Garden at the Nursery by Southwinds, 7000 Marine Way, Irvine Longtime LA gallerist and art dealer Lisa M. Berman transplanted herself in Orange County just a few years ago, and her latest project has been this exhibition of works by ARTPRIZE winner Daniel Oropeza and other international artists including Jon Seeman, Craig French and Doyle Reno, with artworks on display throughout this five acre nursery located near the Great Park. www.facebook.com/events/the-nursery-7000-marine-wayirvine-ca-92618/preview-oropeza-sculpture-garden-at-the-nurseryby-southwinds/721277674950794/

City of Laguna Beach Public Art with Google Map (More than 90 works of public art) The City of Laguna Beach has a robust art in public places program, and in recent years has expanded it to include temporary installations to augment its large collection of permanent artworks. www.lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/art/findart.htm

City of Brea’s Art in Public Places with Interactive Map (More than 175 works of public art) The City of Brea has one of the oldest art in public places programs in California--and the largest collection of permanent public art in Orange County. The works are spread throughout the community. www.breasartinpublicplaces.com/home/interactive-map/

ooking for a deeper dive into Orange County’s more than 600 works of public art? Check out Arts Orange County’s listings at www.sparkoc.com/public-art/

Richard Stein is President & CEO of Arts Orange County (ArtsOC), the nonprofit countywide arts council and official local arts agency of the County of Orange. It maintains an inventory of art in public places located throughout Orange County among its many other programs and services. ArtsOC also provides management services to the City of Newport Beach for the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park. For more information, visit https://artsoc.org/

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

JOURNEY

Wanderlust

in the time of Covid BY JULIE LOBEL

WILL WE EVER TRAVEL AGAIN? THE ANSWER: A RESOUNDING YES! THE DAYS OF SOMETHING LOVELY DISCOVERED BY CHANCE, LIKE STUMBLING ON A WATERFALL IN COSTA RICA, WILL BE BACK. ALL OF THOSE HIDDEN TROUVAILLES WILL BE YOURS AGAIN FOR THE TAKING. HAVE NO FEAR MY FELLOW VOYAGERS, TRAVEL ADDICTS AND GYPSIES.

won’t sugar coat it for you though, Covid 19 has thrown a huge wrench into carefree travel. For many people, travel these days is fraught with second-guessing, extra research and plenty of confusion by way of logistics, travel restrictions and safety. The travel industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus – with estimates of over $24 billion lost as 825,000 jobs have been wiped out and more the 8.2 million visitors stay away from the United States alone. But with the storm clouds come a silver lining. Without the steady stream of cruise ships, the canals of Venice have become clear for the first time in centuries; pollution around the world has dropped dramatically and cities that had been trampled by over tourism are recovering. Travel experts say that when the world recovers from the rampant spread of this pandemic, the industry will come back stronger than ever! And when the world starts moving again, it will be in a new and better way. Although travel will look a little different in the future, wanderlust in all its forms is going to be the fast pass to finding our way back to the world again, and back to the people who give carefree travel its authenticity; from the family-owned restaurant chefs to the drivers, hotel concierges, locals, and guides who make travel so worthwhile.

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JOURNEY Now is the best time to plan that trip of a lifetime, and as a seasoned traveler who has facilitated trips all over the world, first on your bucket list should be an awe inspiring safari. Forget simply watching Out of Africa! Go into this extraordinary continent and experience a real life changing adventure. From developing a more open mind or building a daring attitude, to sampling new cuisines or spending less time glued to your smartphone (guilty!): it all counts. Without a doubt, a trip to Africa will stay with you forever. During this worldwide pandemic and the onslaught of COVID-19 there has never been a more important time to work with a professional Travel Advisor at a reliable travel company. As countries slowly begin to reopen their borders, the vast number of rules and regulations that have been introduced to the traveling public has never been higher and it all changes so quickly. A personal favorite Safari company that consistently WOWs all of the clients I have sent their way is Micato, a luxury Family owned and operated Safari company. Micato Africa founders Felix and Jane Pinto are native Kenyans who live in Africa. Leading a group tour there was one of the highlights of my life. I led a group of 17 travelers to East Africa including Kenya, Tanzania and Nairobi, where we visited a school and saw first-hand what giving back really means. Many safari outfits give back to the community, but few take it to the extent of Micato Safaris. The company focuses on a variety of charity needs in the communities that it serves. For example, through the Micato-America Share program in Kenya, travelers are assured that a portion of their safari payment is dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished women and children living in the Mukuru slum of Nairobi—people who have been made even more vulnerable by the HIV/AIDS pandemic—by providing educational and economic opportunities to those who need it most. For every Safari sold, a child is sent to school. Micato matches orphans and vulnerable children—many of whom have lost one or both parents to the HIV/AIDS pandemic—with generous Micato travelers. My family and I, along with the few others we traveled to Africa with, were so moved by the work that we witnessed first-hand, that we decided to sponsor a child named Musa. We are still exchanging letters three years later. Visiting this school with my children was an unforgettable experience for us to share and we cherish the letters we receive from Musa. His triumphs

are our own and there is no better feeling than knowing we are a helping hand in education as a path to achieve his dreams. That said, ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Welcome to Kenya where you will dance exuberantly with the Maasai Mara tribe and experience the gorgeous coast to the vast savannah. For the true nature-lover, nothing compares to these spotted plains. The acacia trees on the savannah are more than worth their scattered interruptions along the horizon, especially when you spot a giraffe nibbling its leaves. A typical day on Safari, begins with coffee and a biscuit being delivered to your luxurious and very romantic tent by your camp attendant (occasionally accompanied by a monkey or two perched on his shoulder). After a lavish break-

fast at the camp you prepare for your morning game drive where your driver and accompanying tracker will describe the drama being laid out in front of your eyes in the African bush. Be prepared for fascinating scenery seen from a very cool jeep. The abundance of wildlife becomes a daily thing in Africa. My favorite being the Zebras. To me, they were so majestic, yet so relatable. They were definitely the most social animals in the Mara. We spent four days with a Masai guide who told us tales of his childhood growing up in the bush. He shared many of the beautiful lessons that the Maasai pass down through generations.

A game drive in Kenya feels like you’ve just stepped into a picture (or a polished national geographic video)- savannah grassland as far as the eye can see, migration of wildebeest and zebras (if you time it right), prides and honey mooning lions basking in the sun and if you’re lucky, you will even see a live kill: (which we did !) And just when you get used to being in the midst of a world completely removed from civilization, you arrive at a magnificent spot in a remote area where you are greeted by an elegantly scaped table complete with all the accoutrements including fine china and cutlery. Champagne is waiting (served in crystal glasses,

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

Planning a 2021

AFRICAN SAFARI? HEADS UP… Savvy travelers are booking NOW!

no less), along with a michelin worthy meal, exquisitely prepared just for your private group. At the end of the day, after the afternoon game drive, you can reach out and practically touch the sunsets. The indigenous out door tents at the many safari camps we stayed in were elegant and cozy, offering a perfect space to process the beauty of nature. Four Seasons Tanzania where the elephants will cozy up to you at the edge of an infinity pool is an extraordinary spot for the next leg of your journey. Tanzania is one of the top places in the world to see by hot air balloon. An hour predawn drive through the bush to the launch site is a de-

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light in itself. Herds of thousands of seasonal migrating herbivores stream out for miles behind and ahead as far as the eye can see. What a climax to our trip! This safari will inspire a new appetite for life as well as appreciative conversations with your family, friends and fellow travelers, all high on the adrenalin rush that comes from witnessing the glory of nature. As a travel specialist, I have experienced the services of countless tour companies, but the Micato Safari was the best experience I have ever had anywhere in the world! It was absolutely flawless. n

Now is the time to plan and book. The majority of safari lodges and camps in Africa are small – anywhere from 3 to 12 room. The most sought after ones are often fully booked more than a year or two in advance. t CONTACT:

Julie Lobel Leisure Travel Specialist Worldwide Cruise & Travel, Inc.

949.303.8370

www.worldwidecruisandtravel.com

JOURNEY

ROAD TRIPPIN’ TO CALIFORNIA’S

Cozy Wine Valleys BY JENNY PETERS

s we all put 2020 into our rear-view mirrors and look down the road for a better life in 2021, our thoughts turn to getting away. Away from our homes, back out into the world for an easy vacation that still keeps us safe; so what better way to escape the routine than to take a road trip to some of California’s cozy, less-visited wine valleys? With 139 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), those regions designated by the United States government as being distinctive places to grow grapes and make wine, Californians have a wonderland of choices. For this road trip, we’re heading up the SoCal coast (and the 101 freeway) to three of our favorite spots, each featuring top-notch wineries, restaurants and other fun stops along the way.

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JOURNEY

Santa Ynez’s Bucolic Charm The Santa Ynez Valley AVA, just north of Santa Barbara, is famous for being part of Sideways, the movie that brought Merlot to its knees and uplifted Pinot Noir. Make Buellton the center of your experience by staying in one of Flying Flags’ kitschy-yet-luxe airstreams or wine cottages, then head for Hitching Post 2 Restaurant and Winery, where Hartley and Ostini have been making much-admired Pinot Noirs for decades. We suggest their top-of-the-line 2016 Julia’s Vineyard Pinot for a rich, jammy taste or the less-dear 2016 Cork Dancer Pinot for a dark-berry flavored quaff. Don’t miss Industrial Way, where you can book a private taste at Buellton’s Margerum Wine Company, check out the Figueroa Mountain Brewery for unique beers (the San Roque tastes like coffee and chocolate) and BBQ offerings and dine at Industrial Eats, where Jeff and Janet Olsson are creating world-class meals centered on their craft butcher shop, wood-fired ovens and locally sourced ingredients since 2014.

San Luis Obispo’s Cool Scene Further up the 101, aim for a stay in San Luis Obispo (aka SLO). This cool college town is smack dab in the heart of two AVAs, the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande, giving it a winning combo of hip restaurants and shops, fun hotels and excellent wines to try. Choose the Kinney Hotel SLO, where its outdoor patio’s focus on fun is pandemic friendly; from fire pits to heated pool to Leroy’s Pub with good food, it’s a perfect SLO home base. In town, take the time to visit the mission and its beautiful gardens, built in 1772, then stroll the city’s small downtown area to find Bubblegum Alley, which has to be seen to be believed. Dine at Novo Restaurant and Luna Red for excellent, locally sourced meals and don’t miss the eye-popping Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop if you’ve got a sweet tooth (or even if you don’t!). Enjoy the year-round cool sea breezes and warm days here, the setting that creates outstanding Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Rosés. Visit beautiful Tolosa Winery, whose 2018 Edna Valley Primera Pinot Noir is a breathtaking mélange of slightly spicy red-fruit flavors and try Baileyana Winery as well. Their 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir is light, bright, and full of fruit-forward flavors of peach and strawberry.

JOLI MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1, 2021

JOURNEY

Paso Robles’ Perfection Just another 30 minutes up the 101 from SLO is Paso Robles and the AVA that was established in 1983. Since then, this extensive wine region has made its name by producing big red wines, from Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon to Rhone blends featuring Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. Now boasting 11 AVAs, Paso visitors can also sip perfectly made white wines from the region as well, like Chardonnays, Rosés, Viogniers, Roussannes and sparkling bubbles. Get settled at The Lofts at Paso Market Walk, a brand-new Vrbo vacation apartment rental spot that’s complete with a food-andshops marketplace below, or choose the luxurious Allegretto Resort, a gorgeous, art-filled place with rooms overlooking their vineyards (and a spa, too). Allegretto is just down the road from Bruce Munro’s Field of Light at Sensorio, the astonishing art installation made up of thousands of illuminated spheres. Open Thursday to Sunday, a visit to Sensorio for an evening is worth the road trip north. And Paso is packed with top-flight wine experiences, too. Head to the sky-high Daou Vineyards & Winery, where the views are as wonderful as the wines. Enjoy their outdoor terrace with a tasting that blends wine and perfect culinary pairings, and don’t miss the Eye of the Falcon Reserve Cabernet blend. Nearby Adelaida Vineyards (also part of the Adelaida AVA) is another top-tasting destination; try the Anna’s White Rhone blend for the HMR Estate Signature sparkling wine on a warm afternoon on their patio. Be sure to meander along the various byways of Paso to discover other beautiful classic wineries: see the award-winning Cass Winery, have a sumptuous lunch or snack at the Cass Café and check out the new Geneseo Inn, nestled in the vineyards and made of repurposed storage containers. Make an appointment at Chateau Margene to sample luxurious reds and ports, try the lovely Sentio Bordeaux-bland red at Summerwood Winery and be sure to stop to taste the wine and pat the giant boar at Eberle Winery. Conclude your road trip with a satisfying meal at Cello Restaurant in the Allegretto Resort, where you’ll discover what just might be the best filet mignon (grilled in an oak-filled pit) you’ve ever tasted. It’s so good you just might want to extend your road trip to have it again. n **Note that due to the continuing pandemic, all places mentioned are practicing safe distancing and outdoor-only dining; some might not be open until restrictions are lifted. Please call/check their websites before you go. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY PETERS, ANDY GORDON AND COURTESY OF DAOU VINEYARDS, ALLEGRETTO RESORT, AND FLYING FLAGS

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT

Dialogue With Deanna Frieze FOUNDER/OWNER:

SUNNY DAYS BOUTIQUE MEET DEANNA FRIEZE, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF SUNNY DAYS AND SUNDAYS, THE SUCCESSFUL SIX-UNIT RETAIL BOUTIQUES KNOWN FOR SIGNATURE BRANDS AND STYLES THAT IMBUE THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LIFESTYLE.

When did you open your first retail store and what inspired you? I opened my first boutique 17 years ago after having a successful career as a women’s clothing rep. I knew that with my strong background in the wholesale end of fashion and manufacturing contacts, I would be well positioned to transition into the retail end of this business. How did you grow from starting with one store to your current holdings of six? I started by carrying one line - Fresh Produce - which I had repped, and due to its success, opened more stores. I eventually rebranded to include a wider array of personally curated merchandise. I offer great brands, at a range of price points, that appeal to a multigenerational clientele that values the Southern California casual lifestyle but is uncompromising when it comes to quality. My product mix, which ranges from cozy comfort local brands such as Z Supply and Bella Dahl to limited edition collectors’ fashion such as Magnolia Pearl, is an important key to the success of my stores. Of course, successfully operating six stores is only possible with the help of my amazing team. I am thankful and fortunate to have an incredible staff.

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What else do you attribute to the success of Sunny Days? I take great care to create a certain vibe in each of my stores. The decor, the merchandising, the ambiance is all designed with intention to create a special shopper experience reminiscent of a salon style atelier. What do you do when you are not busy running your business? I am very philanthropic minded and have worked with prominent international aid organizations such as Mending Kids, which has performed needed surgeries to residents of impoverished countries. I have even taken two orphan children from Guatemala under my wing and provided them with support. I consider them to be my adopted children and feel very close to them. What is next for you? I have merged my two passions - philanthropy and fashion retail - to launch Freedom Beads, a jewelry line that is created in Guatemala by local artisans who benefit financially from the endeavor. It is currently sold in my stores and I am in the process of expanding distribution. n

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

HOME DESIGN

Personalized Kitchens that make

The Ultimate Statement

ersonalizing homes for clients to match how they live is a focus of mine on every project, whether it is ground up construction or a remodel. Combining my design and construction knowledge, along with my ability to run the job from start to finish as the general contractor, offers clients a seamless approach to getting their dream homes. The kitchen is the center of the home and one of the rooms that needs the most personalization. It not only has to be durable, but it also has to reflect your style and how you live while functioning for you on a daily basis. Since the kitchen is where you host family and friends, you also want the room to make a statement and be a space that everyone wants to spend time in. The remodel of this kitchen in a house on the Balboa Peninsula was inspired by the homeowner’s love of the beach. I set out

JOLI MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1, 2021

BY JULIE LAUGHTON

to bring in color and natural light while also opening up the space of the home. All of the colors are inspired by the ocean with a feel of the Mediterranean and Hawaii. The floors are made of mango tree wood. The backsplash is one hundred percent a statement for the kitchen. Backsplashes are the accessory to compliment the countertops. I used a custom gemstone countertop and a backsplash tile that shimmers in the light just like the sun shimmers across the ocean. The surface of the island is quartz and real gemstone crystal with a hint of amethyst. The color ranges from the vast blues found in the ocean to hints of lavender found in the amethyst in the stone. The island also functions as a place for seating and a divider from the living spaces. The client did not have a formal dining room or a separate home office space. So what

we did was take the office out of the bedroom space and put it in the kitchen. A courtyard originally existed off the kitchen. I took space from that original courtyard exterior and brought it inside to double the size of the kitchen. By enclosing the courtyard exterior portion of house, I was able to add a custom rooftop deck and a third-story viewing deck. Creating a multi-functional space in the kitchen allows the room to be used 24/7 when it is not being used to cook in. It can provide a specialized office space, reading and lounging space, coffee break area, and a place to gather for conversation. This is all accomplished through space planning by providing the appropriate seating and work area. The multiple uses of this space along with the focal point of the island’s material make this the ultimate personalized kitchen. n

PROFILE

JEAN-CHARLES BOISSET:

A Man on a Mission BY JENNY PETERS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BOISSET COLLECTION

PROFILE

hen Jean-Charles Boisset gets an idea, it’s hard to stop his mind from turning that notion into reality. Boisset is the charming Frenchman behind some of the world’s most respected wine producers, beginning with his family’s estates in Burgundy and continuing today in California’s Napa and Sonoma valleys. His first mission, beginning back about 30 years ago, was to collaborate with his sister Nathalie to transform their family wine holdings in the Côte de Beaune/Côte de Nuits appellations in Burgundy into a force in the global wine business. Together, they took their parent’s legacy to the next level, creating Domaine de La Vougeraie as the Boisset Collection’s flagship French winery; today, that and 16 other wineries make up the French side of the business. Boisset’s goals extended beyond simply making good wine, to an ever-striving passion for crafting a premium level of quality and sustainability into every wine the Boisset Collection creates. That is why, over the years, he’s ensured that the family’s estate vineyards in France are all organically and biodynamically farmed. “Climate change is actually my favorite topic of all topics,” Jean-Charles Boisset explains in a wide-ranging recent conversation with Joli Magazine. “We all have to be very involved, this whole idea of climate change, global warming, is so important in our world.” That focus on protecting the planet extends across the pond all the way to California, where Boisset has built both a business and personal life in the last decades. In 2003, he purchased DeLoach Vineyards in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the first of his organic/biodynamic American wineries; a few years later, back in Europe (in 2006), he met his wife-to-be, Gina Gallo, the head winemaker and scion of E&J Gallo Winery, the largest family-owned winery in America. The power couple married in 2009, have twin daughters who are now 10 years old, and, somewhat surprisingly, keep their wine empires completely separate while their lives are naturally intertwined. Boisset says, “We live mostly in Napa – and Burgundy. But Burgundy this year has been very minimal, because of the plague.” Fires have also beset Napa in 2020, which have not, fortunately, affected the Boisset-owned wineries and vineyards. “We have always been surrounded by the flames this year, but lucky they haven’t come in,” he ruminates. Fire came close to engulfing Boisset’s beloved Buena Vista Winery, which he purchased

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in 2011. The first premium winery in the state that opened in 1857, the 2017 Nuns Fire licked the edges of the historic buildings where Boisset has created a chic fantasy environment (don’t miss the Champagne Room when the coronavirus restrictions are finally lifted). “We saved it,” he says with a catch in his throat. “This was a big deal.” Especially since Buena Vista was part of his personal mission to help keep historically important places intact and thriving. “Buena Vista Winery is my favorite. I toured it when I was 10 years old and

I fell in love with it. That was the winery that was the dream of my life. I always wanted to acquire it, because that’s what American history is all about.” Boisset’s California vision also encompasses Raymond Vineyards in Napa’s Rutherford AVA. He purchased that historic property in 2009, implemented organic and biodynamic farming there and added his signature stylish elements to the tasting rooms and beyond. It’s also where he has a wildly successful collaboration with singer John Legend known as LVE:

PROFILE

Jean-Charles Boisset with LVE: Legend Vineyard Exclusive Co-Founder John Legend

Legend Vineyard Exclusive. “Jean-Charles is charismatic, he’s energetic, he’s got a flair – a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’!” Legend told us back in 2018 at the Beverly Hills launch party for the label’s new Rosé. “Once we started talking and hanging out in Napa, we came up with the idea for LVE and here we are, with our fourth wine.” The innovations and partnerships that JeanCharles Boisset considers his latest missions for the 2020s are an eclectic assortment, ranging from a pandemic-influenced shift to virtual

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BOISSET COLLECTION

tastings, anchored by the JCB Live video/podcast broadcasts he hosts, airing new almost-daily conversations with a wide range of wine-loving guests, many renowned experts of oenology and others from the worlds of entertainment, sports, culinary and more. All that while still continuing to make and ship wine from all his wineries direct to consumers, to retail outlets and restaurants, too. Meanwhile, he’s also branched into the world of what he calls “wine lifestyle accessories, which are “all of the things that are

creations of creativity that come from the world of wine, inspired by wine – crystal glassware, silver, dishware, perfume and more.” Throw in JCB Spirits, including three vodkas – one infused with truffles – and gin created from distilled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, and then add his “Alchemy of the Senses” book devoted to “exploring the art of living,” and it’s pretty obvious that whatever mission this modern Renaissance man named JeanCharles Boisset sets for himself, he finds a way to make it happen. n

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

THEPERFECTKITCHEN

WILLIAM FREY CONSTRUCTION Designing and Building your Custom Kitchen and Home Remodel

___

Complete from Design to Move-in ____ 949.929.9722 WilliamFreyConstruction.com CA License #930130

FASHION

Wearable

Creations Creative

eatured in this issue’s fashion spread, is the whimsical, vintage-fairy tale inspired collection by Magnolia Pearl. Each item is uniquely crafted as a limited edition, wearable work of art. The line of clothing, developed by Robin Brown, features iconic styling, attention to detail, and high quality construction to create versatile, timeless, free flowing pieces to pair with a lifestyle of passion and originality. With great attention to detail, the pieces are limited run and constant production, as opposed to seasonal or biannual. The fabrics and materials used are naturally occurring and developed globally, as well as vintage and antique. The clothes are individually crafted to meet any need or desire from comfort to sexy. Each piece is a rarity with exceptional craftmanship. Magnolia Pearl is favored by art collectors and other individuals who value and imbue creative expression.

JOLI MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1, 2021

for the

Spirit Available At Magnolia Pearl www.magnoliapearl.com Sunny Days 127 Avenida Del Mar • San Clemente Sunny Days 109 Glassell • Orange Sunny Days 73580 El Paseo • Palm Desert Sundays 323 Marine Ave • Balboa Island Sunny Days 269 Forest Ave • Laguna Beach Photographer • Tony Florez Model • Sonia Enriquez Stylists • Dora Orgell and Lois Kinsey Hair • Lois Kinsey Make up • Michelle Fong

FASHION

Available At Magnolia Pearl www.magnoliapearl.com

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

Turquoise Necklaces: Debra Covern

Available At Magnolia Pearl www.magnoliapearl.com

FASHION

Available At Magnolia Pearl www.magnoliapearl.com

FASHION

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Brent N. Robbins, CPA 44

JOLI MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1, 2021

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Indexed Universal Life Insurance as a Hedge to Stock Market Declines BY BRENT N. ROBBINS CPA, MPRA

n an uncertain economy it is more important than ever to make sure your investment strategy addresses risk mitigation objectives. As a long-time tax advisor to savvy affluent clients, locally and internationally, I often discuss an indexed universal life insurance policy (IUL). The primary reason to buy life insurance is for the income tax free death benefit. But an IUL also provides three major tax advantages over other financial instruments. The death benefit is income tax free. The accumulated earnings are tax deferred. Loans and withdrawals from the IUL are income tax free. An IUL does not have penalties or additional tax for accessing your available cash value prior to age 59 ½ and does not require minimum distributions when you reach age 70 ½. This provides significant benefits over traditional retirement plans. An IUL is indexed to the stock market not invested directly in stocks and therefore does not lose value with stock market declines. The IUL provides life insurance coverage with stock market-like performance and a zero-downside risk. If the stock market goes up in value your investment increases, while if the stock market declines your investment remains the same. IUL’s are indexed to specific stock market indexes like the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average or Russell 2000. If the stock market has a year like 2008, when it dropped 37% or like the recent coronavirus crash where the market dropped 35%, the investment value in the IUL remains unaffected. If you have $100,000 invested in

the stock market and it drops 35% you lose $35,000 and end up with $65,000. The same $100,000 cash value in an IUL would remain at $100,000. If the stock market increases you make money with an IUL, but not as much as you would if invested directly in the stock market. This is the price of a guarantee to not lose money in market declines. An IUL is purchased with after-tax dollars, but the earnings build tax deferred (the earnings are not taxed each year as the income s

In an uncertain economy it is

benefit and tax advantages, various riders can be added to the IUL such as long-term care insurance, chronic illness accelerated death benefit and waiver of premium from disability or loss of income from injury or illness. With a huge deficit, continued spending for the COVID-19 fallout and reduced tax revenues from a struggling economy, tax increases are anticipated. This adds to the benefit of an IUL since the loan distributions will not be subject to taxation upon withdrawal. Warren Buffett says that the first rule of investing is to never lose money. The second rule of investing is not to forget rule #1. An IUL does not lose money from stock market declines. Timing the market is tough. Most investors buy high and sell low.

more important than ever to make sure your investment strategy addresses the risk mitigation objectives. t

is earned). The money withdrawn from the IUL is normally not taxed since it is taken as a loan against the policy value. At death, the income tax free death benefit pays off the loans. In addition to the income tax free death

Brent N. Robbins CPA, MPrA has over thirty years of experience advising high net worth individuals, domestic and international businesses and has extensive experience with real estate, insurance and investments. t

5015 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.376.6505 Office 949.929.4192 Cell brent@robbinsco.com CA Life Insurance License #0D82475

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

DWELL IN STYLE

Take Charge of Your Destiny in 2021 BY JULIE LAUGHTON

ow we live and work was affected permanently in 2020. This new year will be the hallmark of some of the biggest changes individuals will ever make. Whether you were forced to make changes or decided to do them, it can turn out to be positive. It gives you a chance to make adjustments as needed. Maybe it dawned on you that you want to make a career change, but didn’t have the downtime or the courage to make it happen. In my case, I made my career change years ago as a female entering the man’s world of construction. It was not done back then, but it changed my life permanently and was the best thing I ever did. When I began my career working for the top five developers in New York City in the 80s, I was thrown into the deep end presenting entire projects and working with developers one on one. I was always the only woman in the group plus I was twenty to thirty years younger than everyone there. Those experiences were the foundation that sent me on a wonderful career path. Eventually, I moved to Southern California and entered the residential arena, adding CKBD (Certified Custom Kitchen and Bath Designer) to my interior design repertoire. Working with homeowners directly on remodels was a big eye opener. I noticed that on job sites there was a lack of communication and cohesive-

JOLI MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1, 2021

ness between all the parties involved servicing the client’s needs. I then realized that if there was one person who could draw the plans accurately, run the job with precision and order and be the client’s point person from start to finish, all of the problems could be solved and a stressfree, productive environment could be created. To become that person back then, all I needed to do was add licensed general contracting to my services. At the time, I didn’t know any other female general contractors. It was unheard of yet if felt like it was my calling. If I got my general contractor’s license I knew I could bring order and discipline to the entire home remodeling process, which then would become streamlined with only one point person for the client to communicate with. Taking my design career and combining it with getting my general contractors license was the best thing I ever did. It was a game changer. Even though there still are very few licensed female general contractors, the number of women working in the construction industry is growing. Organizations like NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) and AWA+D (Association for Women in Architecture + Design) assist in bringing our community together and offer support to women in construction-related fields. It is a place where we can share experiences with our peers and ask questions to other professionals in our field. I am happy to have been a forerunner in this industry to set an example of positive change for

women in construction. My favorite part of my job is standing in the dirt and getting it done. Celebrating over thirty years as a woman in the Design Build business is monumental. Doing what I have done proves that women can be leaders in construction. My career path is unique and is proof it’s possible. This past year it was an honor to be featured as the female contractor working with hosts Maureen McCormick and Dan Vickery on their new HGTV show Frozen in Time, which will air in 2021. I am also working on a book that will help

homeowners navigate through the remodel process. The message for the new year is to choose your path without fear. Follow your calling, do what you love and be you with pride. There are really no obstacles. They are only stepping stones to success. Make your dreams a reality in 2021.

Julie Laughton Design Build www.julielaughton.com 714.305.2861

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

DWELL IN STYLE

Pure Elements Water PROVIDING A HEALTHIER AND MORE CONVENIENT HOME LIFESTYLE, IN TRYING TIMES, ONE DROP AT A TIME BY SUSAN IRBY

hat started out as a simple concept to integrate clean, purified water throughout the home has now grown into a full-scale custom “Total Property” filtration and salt-free conditioning system. This system addresses water quality throughout, including the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, pools, spas and even landscaping. At the same time, these specialty water systems have a proven track record (greater than 99%) for preventing pinhole leaks in copper plumbing. Over 41 years later, since his early days at USC, Pure Elements Water founder and CEO Rick Allen shares his passion for health and the environment by improving water quality utilized in homes day after day. And Pure Elements Water continues to provide essential services during this pandemic when health and safety are at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

JOLI MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1, 2021

DWELL IN STYLE Creating a living environment where people can feel safe and confident in the quality of the water used throughout the entire home has always been Pure Elements Water’s mission, yet, it has never been more important than today. “Research and water testing show aggressive chemicals and toxins in water are more prevalent than ever before,” shares Rick. “Our systems utilize custom-designed filtration and proprietary salt-free water conditioning to protect homes from chloramines, chlorine, carcinogens, heavy metals, and other toxins that are known to be harmful to health and the environment.” Everyday activities such as bathing, cooking, drinking and all water consumption are highly impacted by exposure to harmful carcinogenic contaminants. Pure Elements Water systems eliminate these toxins from the bathing experience and kitchen, as well throughout the entire property. These systems utilize a special technology that protects inside the home and ensures the beautification of pools, spas, and landscaping. “For drinking water, the pH generally measures slightly alkaline between 7.6 and 8.0,” says Rick. “Quality water is available from every faucet in the home, without requiring a drinking water system under the sink or bottled water.” Each Pure Elements Water system is custom designed for the water conditions in your municipality and addresses the current water needs in your home. “It takes great effort,” says Rick. “The result is the finest water quality and peace of mind for our clients. Generic water systems simply cannot compare in performance or water quality.” Throughout the years, Pure Elements Water has formed relationships with municipalities, fostering sustainability by greatly reducing the reliance on plastic water bottles which can take over 1,000 years to degrade. Over 45 billion plastic bottles go into landfills each year. Pure Elements Water also provides an effective alternative to old fashioned salt-based water softeners, which are very damaging to the environment. Because of the emphasis on green technologies, homeowners, builders, plumbers and municipalities have embraced this eco-friendly approach. One of the most exciting benefits of the Pure Elements Water systems is in the prevention of pinhole leaks in properties with copper plumbing. “The health implications of PEX plastic tubing and epoxy linings are still unknown, especially in our aggressive water conditions.” explains Rick. “We are very proud of the fact that our custom filtration and saltfree water systems have proven effective in the

Special media is hand-picked for each custom-built system.

Systems are designed around the specific water quality in each home.

Proprietary salt-free technology eliminates the need for old fashioned water softeners.

prevention of pinhole leaks, without the need for expensive and disruptive re-piping.” With over 14 years without having a further pinhole leak reported as being caused by chloramines after these systems were installed, Pure Elements Water systems effectively also solve hard water damage issues. As a company, Pure elements Water follows the latest information regarding water quality issues and is consistently following new testing capabilities to detect chemicals and carcinogens. Additionally, the company is uniquely positioned to react quickly to health concerns as they arise. Two new carcinogenic categories include “Forever Chemicals” PFOS/PFAS, and pharmaceuticals. Health and alternative care professionals and their patients partner with Pure Elements Water to improve the quality of water as part of their regimen for optimum health. Healthy wa-

ter is critical in any battle with serious disease. Rick states, “I stay in contact with top engineers around the country and have strong relationships with health and wellness experts to stay informed of leading health concerns.” The company utilizes all Covid 19 protocols, and many systems are designed and ordered without personal visits (normal procedure, as Pure Elements Water designs and ships systems across the country via phone order). “It is a very rewarding business, as what we do has a positive impact on lives daily.”

Pure Elements Water, LLC 2503 Eastbluff Drive (Ste 206 B & D) Newport Beach 949.537.2525 www.pureelementswater.com www.stoppinholes.com

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

DWELL IN STYLE

Q&A with Summer Perry of Surterre Properties

Left to right- Bianca Avila Small, Summer Perry, Jessie Holechek, Sara Taylor

Since the onset of the Covid 19 Pandemic, life as we knew it has been greatly altered and wrought with challenges. But despite these challenges, real estate powerhouse team Summer Perry Group of Surterre Properties has seen an unprecedented boom in demand. In this Q & A, Summer Perry talks about overcoming home selling hurdles and the steps taken that resulted in one of the group’s most successful years.

JOLI MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1, 2021

How has the pandemic impacted the home selling industry? The overwhelming force driving prices in the California real estate market is the shortage of available housing. The Coronavirus pandemic, as impressive as it is, isn’t going to solve our housing shortage. Once the virus has passed and we’re all moving on with our lives, there still won’t be enough homes for the people that want to buy them, and prices will snap back more or less where they were when this all started. Real estate prices are determined by two things, supply and demand. Supply is the number of properties for sale, and demand is the number of ready, willing and able buyers that want those properties. Right now, buyers are paying premiums for homes that can accommodate their new at-home lifestyle. This includes homes with more outdoor space, dedicated offices, and multiple living areas. The pandemic mixed with historically low interest rates has fueled a very active real estate market that will continue long after we return to “normal.” What specific challenges have you faced when showing homes and how have you dealt with these challenges? A specific challenge that we face when showing homes now is when the listed home is owner or tenant occupied. It is important to remember that everyone is entitled to feel safe in their own home, so we work hard to ensure that safety. Private showings that have been spaced

out have replaced open houses and broker previews with multiple people coming in and out of a home. This ensures that we can follow social distancing guidelines and clean the house before each viewing. Every person who goes in and out of a listed home now is also required to sign Coronavirus disclosure forms that state they have not been in contact or have any symptoms themselves before entering. Extra organization and precise scheduling is required to overcome some of the new challenges in place.

purchase vacation homes while international travel is prohibited. Locally, many investors have pulled money out of the stock market and are looking for income producing properties for short term or long-term rentals. Our clients are also relying on us to find homes with additional yard space, office opportunities, and surprisingly less open floor plans to create some divide between work, school, entertainment, and dining that is now all happening at the same time in the same place.

What about safety protocols? Have you had any challenges in that category? The California Association of Realtors has put some great protocols in place to keep everyone as safe as possible. PPE equipment such as masks, booties, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes are required. The challenging part is having to enforce these rules with the buyers, inspectors, or other agents who come into the home. It can be an awkward conversation to tell someone to pull their mask over their nose or to hand sanitize before entry, but as long as it is in the best interest of our clients we are happy to do so. Who is buying - what is the typical home seeker looking for these days? In Orange County, we are seeing buyers from the Bay Area and Los Angeles County looking for homes closer to the beach to find an active, outdoor lifestyle. People who are usually international travelers are settling down to

How’s the inventory - is it a buyer’s market or seller’s market? Sellers definitely have the upper hand in the current market. With low interest rates creating a high supply of buyers and low housing inventory, we are seeing multiple offer situations becoming the norm. Just recently we launched a listing with 50 showings in three days that yielded 10 offers and an accepted price well over our listing price. This doesn’t mean that buyers should give up or try to snatch the first opportunity they get. Make sure a home is right for you whether there are 1 or 20 offers on the table. How have you been able to find homes for your clients? Because of low inventory, we need to work harder to find our clients the perfect home. We send letters to homeowners asking if they would consider selling and knock on doors in specific neighborhoods we know our clients Continued on next page

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

DWELL IN STYLE

want to live in. Having conversations with friends about life, business, etc. has also opened the doors to opportunities. Everyone wants to know how the market is doing, and their ears perk up when they hear how much they can get for their home now, which leads to the topic of selling and moving up. Since our team has over 25 years of real estate experience, we have built relationships with other real estate agents. Having those connections has been crucial during this time because many agents have “pocket listings” they will share with us or vice versa. Many times, this works out well for all parties. Agents are working together now more than ever to get creative for their clients. Any specific stories to illustrate your solution oriented approach concerning client needs? I gained a client who felt unfairly represented. We were able to help this client who had been looking for two years by connecting with other brokers in our area. We were able to find an off-market opportunity that offered the perfect home to buy for our buyers and allowed the sellers to also move to a home that better suited their needs. Agent to agent relationships are more important now than ever. Sellers are realizing they can potentially get record prices for their homes if we can also help them find the right place to go next. What’s the continued outlook for 2021 in your opinion? We expect continuing increase in home values between 5-7%. In order to do so, interest rates will have to stay low. No one wants to see housing go into a crisis. We’re at an all-time high in Orange County and with the overwhelming demand, we do not see this changing any time soon. n

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DWELL IN STYLE

Meet the Team

In late 2013, Summer created a concierge team of REALTORS® known as the Summer Perry Group that is highly focused on providing excellent customer service. Her core team includes Jessie Holechek, Bianca Avila Small, and Sara Taylor, plus affiliates Robert Milliken and Barbara Roppolo. Summer Perry

s a broker associate with Surterre Properties®, Summer Lynne Perry brings a unique blend of perspective and vision to coastal Orange County real estate. Summer holds a business administration degree from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and a Light Construction and Development Management (LCDM) certificate from the University of California, Irvine (UCI). Prior to joining Surterre, Summer honed her expertise for home quality and design as the regional design gallery director for K. Hovnanian Homes®, a Fortune 500 homebuilder. In 2008, she was honored to work alongside one of Newport Beach’s most sophisticated design teams, Melinda and Fari Pakzad, where she was the operations manager for EBANISTA®, a superlative collection of extraordinary furnishings and objets d’art. With both K. Hovnanian Homes and EBANISTA embracing a deep commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Summer naturally transitioned the same equivalent objective into her career as a broker associate. As a Southern California native from Hermosa Beach, former Balboa Peninsula resident, and current Port Streets homeowner, Summer possesses a comprehensive knowledge for the coveted oceanfront lifestyle that only a local can be romantic yet lucid about. Through dedication, drive, and focus, Summer earned a full athletic scholarship to play Division I volleyball in college—and that same competitive spirit continues to drive her today. Summer Perry

949.375.9074

Sperry@surterreproperties.com

Bianca Small

Sara Taylor

s a real estate professional, licensed real estate broker, and Orange County native, Sara Taylor offers a diverse wealth of knowledge when it comes to real estate. She holds a BS in from Cal Poly SLO in business with a concentration in finance and appraisal. Sara also has her MBA in finance from Pepperdine University. Prior to focusing on residential real estate, Sara worked for many years in commercial real estate, focusing on finance and asset management for some of Orange County’s most renowned and premier real estate developers, including The Koll Company. A current resident of the Port Streets, a mother of two children in elementary school, and a stepmom who helped raise an additional three, Sara is also aware of the various family demands, dynamics, and needs that must be considered when searching for the ideal home. Sara wholeheartedly believes in giving back to the community as well. She has been an active member of the Harbor View Swim Team, Andersen DEANS, and the Andersen PTA, as well as a member of the parent council at Newport Center United Methodist Preschool. Sara’s education, experience, and local knowledge of Orange County’s vibrant and varied neighborhoods, combined with her sophisticated real estate background and genuine passion for helping home buyers and sellers, distinguishes her from other professionals in the field and makes her an ideal agent working in the residential sector today. Sara Taylor

949.478.7818

staylor@surterreproperties.com

Jessie Holechek

ianca Avila Small is a Newport Beach native who specializes in working with buyers and sellers in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and the surrounding areas. She prides herself on her ability to help clients find their ideal “new home” and investment opportunities that produce a profit from the start. Bianca currently manages several rental properties, including long-term rentals and short-term vacation rentals. Bianca believes giving back to the community and schools is the best gift and is actively involved in fundraising for Saint Joachim School, Orange County Rescue Mission and Operation Underground Railroad. Bianca is a Newport Beach native who is fluent in Spanish. Prior to joining Surterre Properties, she was a marketing specialist and manager at her family’s business, Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant. Bianca holds a degree in business administration and psychology from the University of San Diego. Bianca and her husband Nate own a home in Eastside Costa Mesa where they raise their two young sons and a rescue dog.

Laguna Beach native who was raised by real estate professionals, Jessie Holechek offers a wealth of knowledge when it comes to buying and selling properties. Having called 17 different coastal Orange County residences home, Jessie has been immersed in the art of flipping homes for as long as she can remember—a fact that renders her incredibly well suited to help clients succeed in one of the most competitive luxury marketplaces in the world. As an alumni of Princeton University who graduated with a degree in architecture, Jessie brings a unique point of view for her clients who are looking to make changes to a home or a builder looking for someone with an understanding of building to sell their creations. A talented young woman with an outstanding work ethic, Jessie is quickly becoming one of the industry’s most respected young agents. “I feel fortunate to go to work every day with a passion for the job I am doing,” she says. Jessie loves being able to meet and work with a diverse group of people and being part of the process of helping her clients find their dream homes.

Bianca Avila Small

Jessie Holechek

949.413.1403

Bsmall@surterreproperties.com

949.999.4856

jholechek@surterreproperties.com

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DWELL IN STYLE

Carlsbad Interiors

BRINGS VERSATILITY AND SOPHISTICATION TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BY RITA GOLDBERG

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DWELL IN STYLE

ith the launch of Carlsbad Interiors, celebrated interior designer Kim Stopak brings her keen eye and decorating talent to Southern California. Long hailed as the “go-to-gal for all things home” by affluent and discerning residents of suburban Washington D.C., Kim brings sophistication combined with the ability to translate the lifestyle of her clients into each project. “After a 25-year career in Maryland, it was time for a change and Southern California, with its elegant coastal vibe, was the perfect place to expand my passion for home design,” Kim shares. Kim admits she has enjoyed the coveted way of life along the coast of California and has especially relished the opportunity to create the interior visions that reflect this locality. “There is a casual sophistication here that I find so inspiring,” tells Kim. “Back East, my clients did a lot more formal entertaining with home space requirements to accommodate. But here, its all about the outdoor living and a clean, coastal feel.” Kim is versatile and her talent transcends all styles - the mark of a truly gifted designer. Most often requested style is minimalistic, according to Kim, whose clientele appreciate the clean lines and uncluttered feel of both contemporary and traditional minimalism. Creamy fabrics and textured neutrals dominate today’s most popular design trends, according to Kim. She has embraced a wide spectrum of signature styles to the delight of clients, whose tastes range from whimsical bohemian chic to timeless classic. When it comes to decorating, Kim’s mantra: “nothing is off the table and good taste is always the centerpiece.” Another hallmark request is the revitalization of interior spaces. “I get calls from empty nesters who are ready to rethink those teen bedrooms that have been untouched and underutilized for years. Even family rooms will serve different needs as a family matures. A home should be about how you live day-to-day. Responding to that need is always my most important priority.” Clients of Carlsbad Interiors can take comfort in an experience that gives voice to their visions. In fact, they are encouraged to be active participants in the outcome of their homes. “A lot of homeowners don’t really know their preferred aesthetic so part of the process is discovering and honing in on what sort of look will make your house feel like ‘your home’. I am happy to accompany my clients to their PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY FLOREZ AND COURTESY OF CARLSBAD INTERIORS

favorite furnishings stores or the design center, where as a licensed decorator I have access, to identify what draws them. Most people have a style, even if they don’t always know what their style is. For those who have confidence in their design journey, I am available to advise on space planning and curating a finished look. I am as versatile as my range of design when it comes to working with clients.” Although she is relatively new to Southern California, Kim has been quick to embrace the “giving back” culture of her community and redirects a portion of proceeds from each project to her favorite charity, the Community Resource Center (CRC), dedicated to facilitating the safety, stability and self-sufficiency of low-income and episodically homeless households, including victims of domestic violence. “I feel it is important to give back. I am very fortunate to work with an affluent, high-end clientele but also want to be mindful and responsive to those in need - now more than ever.”

Kim Stopak Carlsbad Interiors www.carlsbadinteriors.com kim@carlsbadinteriors.com 301.335.8626

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Q& A

with Annette Richardson FOUNDER/OWNER OF REGENOC

n the heart of Corona del Mar, nestled within the neighborhood friendly business community, Regen OC safely welcomes its sophisticated clientele into its elegant clinic, known for its state-of-the-art regenerative treatments. From the well appointed and cozy space that serves as the check-in area to the private treatment rooms, the pristine and inviting facility greets guests with comforting assurance of an optimal experience. In this Q&A, Annette Richardson, Founder/Owner of Regen OC, talks about her studio, the array of treatments available and the importance of delivering an “above and beyond” level of service and ensuring the highest level of attention to the protocol details that befit the current climate.

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How long has RegenOC been open in its current Corona del Mar location - please share some history? We have been open in the Corona del Mar location since April 2019 and have been providing services since 2010 when we originally opened as OMG OC Aesthetics. What services does Regen OC offer, including newly added, state-of-the-art ones, and what are the results? We offer a full range of services including Emsculpt and Exilis to kill fat and build muscle. We also have increased our stem cell therapies designed to naturally reverse the aging process. We actually specialize in stem cell treatments and our clients have seen age reversing results that range from restored mobility to brain clarity as well as better health, evidenced through improved blood work results which typically show improved cholesterol, sugar levels, and other measurable efficacies. Who are your patients - what do they look for? We serve patients of all ages who want to feel and look their best. Our patients range from ingrained locals who live in the area to hollywood celebrities who come from the Los Angeles area. Have you seen a change in the treatments requested this past year - if so, please share your thoughts on current beauty/wellness trends?

We have definitely seen a growing trend towards not just looking younger but also feeling younger. That is why Stem Cell has become the go-to treatment for sophisticated patients who want to turn back the clock. I have seen the results with hundreds of patients who feel and look 10 years younger after undergoing this treatment. What are your most popular/oft requested treatments? The most popular treatments are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapy. These regenerative treatments show effectiveness for healing. Optimal health is at the top of everyone’s list. What protocols have you instituted to ensure safety for your clients? We have always taken the health and safety of our patients very seriously. During this period we have especially stepped up our game with patient distancing, scheduling appointments to ensure adequate time between patient departures and arrivals, and of course, sanitizing constantly throughout the day. What would you say to prospective clients seeking the services you offer? If you are wanting to take your beauty and wellness routine to the next level - with above and beyond outcomes - from rejuvenating to regenerating, we are the right place for you.

RegenOC 3838 East Coast Hwy Corona del Mar, CA 92625 877.775.7546 | omgskin.com

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Teryn Clarke, MD and Ivar E. Roth, DPM/MPH

Newport Beach Doctor Discovers a Medical Advance for Curing Chronic Pain

PAINCUR™

Lynn Doyle was ready to have a hip replacement. She did not think there was another alternative to remediating the discomfort that kept her from enjoying her bike rides and other physical activities that were part of her beloved routine. Staci Johnson tried everything to alleviate the pain from the sciatica that had been troubling her for 13 years. William Manrow had eight back surgeries but still complained of sciatica and uncomfortable stiffness in his legs.

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HEALTH AND BEAUTY Dr. Roth explains the methodology of this newly developed protocol, saying, “I am delighted with the results of this breakthrough treatment. There is a neurological connection that exists between the foot and other parts of the body, including the knee, hip, back and sciatic region. I have been able to identify the exact location on the foot where the base of the nerve can receive treatment that extends all the way up the leg and into the hip and back. The same neurological connection also exists between the hand and upper body parts. By applying treatment to the nerve endings in the hand, we have been able to remediate pain in the shoulders, neck and even the hand itself.” Jeff Goffman, a recent patient, claims his chronic thumb pain was remediated immediately upon treatment. “I tried everything, including PRP, months of rehab, and consultations with an orthopedic surgeon. The pain was so debilitating, I was ready to try surgery,” he says. “After the first treatment, it was like the pain had never even existed.” While reducing dependance on pain medications has been a significant benefit for patient Bill Manrow, of Corona del Mar, he is especially delighted with the improvement in his quality of life since undergoing the PAINCUR™ treatment. “My pain was so severe that I could not sit for more than a few minutes,” says Manrow, who, after treatment, got much welcome relief from his debilitating discomfort. “The improvement of my condition is remarkable. I recently took a road trip along the coast and was able to comfortably sit in the car for hours at a time. I can now enjoy many of my favorite activities including skiing and scuba diving.” Caroline Mounir had neck issues for over three years since her car accident. She was ready to undergo surgery but decided to give Dr. Roth’s treatment a chance. “It worked,” says Mounir. “The relief was immediate and lasting.” With the efficacy of the treatment proven over and over again, Dr. Roth reached out to his trusted colleague and respected Newport Beach neurologist, Dr. Teryn Clarke, who immediately recognized the value of this protocol and has since joined Dr. Roth to administer this effective method of pain alleviation to her patients. According to Dr. Clarke, 40 percent of the general population will experience chronic pain during their lifetime.

“I see this as a promising treatment for so many conditions, including slipped discs, pinched nerves, fibromyalgia, and a host of chronic pain disorders,” says Dr. Clarke. “It has the capability to tap into the feedback loop in the nerve, unlocking the door to a pain-free life. Best of all, this new medical technology doesn’t impair cognitive function the way long term use of pain medication does. This is the alternative we have been looking for.” So far, 100 percent of Dr. Roth’s patients claimed to have their pain significantly diminished or totally remediated after completion of the PAINCUR™ protocol. “I knew this had the potential to cure pain but even I was surprised that it has been successful on every single patient I have injected,” says Dr. Roth, whose office staff has extensively interviewed each patient to determine the treatment’s efficacy. Remediating the pain with the PAINCUR™ method is the first step of treatment for many of Dr. Roth’s patients. A very important aspect of this treatment is to also take care of the underlying cause of pain, according to Dr. Roth. “Foot, leg, knee, hip and back pain is typically rooted in improper function of the foot,” explains Dr. Roth, who has developed a unique orthotic to correct the gait and improve posture. “When the foot positioning is corrected, the hip sinks back into its socket and the back straightens out. This restored alignment remediates the stress that otherwise inflicts the foot, joints, leg and back. As a foot specialist I have worked with so many patients seeking to restore the quality of life that comes with pain free mobility. Being able to offer a revolutionary and highly sophisticated treatment option that works is truly gratifying.” *If you are suffering from pain call Dr. Roth’s office to schedule a free consultation and complimentary initial first test shot.

Dr. Ivar E. Roth DPM/MPH Concierge Podiatry and Spa 495 Old Newport Boulevard Suite 300 Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.650.1147 | www.paincur.net

DR. IVAR ROTH DPM/MPH

• Highly accredited and trained in foot and ankle surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital of Chicago with world-renowned podiatrist Dr. Lowell Scott Weil Sr. • Founding Chairman of Podiatric Surgery at Hoag Hospital of Newport Beach. • First podiatrist awarded full orthopedic privileges for foot and ankle surgery at Hoag Hospital of Newport Beach. Patient testimonials available to view on YouTube page: Paincur.

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CHEF’S TABLE

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Cake BY DIANA STOBO

Chef Owner of The Retreat Costa Rica

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aking has always been part of my life. It is something my grandmother, mother and I did together, and it sparked my love for the art. During college at UCSD in La Jolla, California, I worked in a café by the beach. I interviewed for that job by baking one of my locally famous French pastries. It was a light crusted and fluffy, custardy fruit tart I sold in batches to defray my school expenses. What made my tarts so special – and won me the job – was my use of dark chocolate. I should have known then chocolate would be a big player in my future. As a graduate student at Cornell School of Hotel Administration, I focused on professional baking and chocolatiering. Later I opened a catering business in Baltimore, where I made amazing wedding and birthday cakes dusted with light colored sugar murals and chocolate truffle sculptures. It was no wonder I made

TASTE friends easily. Who doesn’t love real chocolate? When I wrote my first book “Get Naked Fast” A Guide to Stripping Away the Foods that Weigh you Down, chocolate was still on my list of loved and healthy foods. Many of my new recipes that involve health transformations, weight loss and lifestyle goals, still incorporate rich dark chocolates. After all, the happiness and euphoria the chemicals in dark chocolate bring to a body and mind are a must in anyone’s lifestyle goals. At The Retreat Costa Rica, Wellness Resort and Spa, all my recipes are prepared by our plant-based trained chefs. The kitchen boasts some of the most interesting and delicious anti-inflammatory meals and desserts based on the premise of my first book. Everything is gluten free, grain free, refined sugar free and dairy free. I once made a dark chocolate quinoa cake for a birthday celebration for Sara Blakely,

owner of Spanx, when she was a guest. The rave reviews and awe of its savory sweet and deep dark delicacy made it a birthday celebration staple for every guest thereafter at The Retreat Costa Rica. Oh, and sometimes we make it just for fun because we love it so much! n

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Cake I N G RE D I E NTS

Cake 8 ounces dark chocolate ¾ cup coconut oil 1 1/3 cup almond flour/meal 2 cups cooked quinoa 1 cup coconut sugar 2 1/2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cinnamon 6 oz coconut yogurt (vanilla) 1 tsp vanilla powder 4 large eggs ¼ tsp salt Ganache 10 oz dark chocolate ¾ cup coconut milk 1 cup raspberries for garnish

• Pour cake batter into the greased pan and bake for 50-55 minutes. • Let cool slightly. Ganache • Reheat the water to a simmer in the pot on the stove. • Place medium bowl over the water and add chocolate. • Stir until completely melted and add coconut milk. • Drizzle the ganache over the cake, top with raspberries and serve!

D I RE C TI O N S

Cake • Preheat oven to 350F degrees. • Grease a 9-inch spring-form pan with cooking spray. •Simmer 2 1/3 cups water in a medium pot. Place a medium bowl on top of pot and add the 8 ounces dark chocolate and the coconut oil. Stir until fully melted (8-10 minutes). (Keep the medium pot and water on the stove to use later for ganache). • In a large bowl mix almond flour, quinoa, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, & salt. • In a small bowl, mix coconut yogurt, vanilla, & eggs. • Add the melted chocolate/coconut oil mixture and coconut yogurt mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.

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A Restaurant & CdM Restaurant Bring Dining Outdoors

ollywood producer McG and restaurateur Jordan Otterbein, River Jetty Restaurant Group partners behind swanky mainstay, A Restaurant in Newport Beach and buzzy hotspot, CdM Restaurant in Corona del Mar, know a thing or two about creating classy and welcoming eateries in the neighborhoods they grew up in, and through Covid they did an exceptional job of making it work both indoors and out. Since last summer, CdM Restaurant has been welcoming guests to dine on the new “pop-out” patio (opposite page, top). Once a drive-through valet parking entrance, the spacious strip was adorned with greenery and twinkling lights to create a picture-perfect backdrop to a modern SoCal evening. Shortly thereafter, A Restaurant followed suit with an impressive setup consisting of an elegant, white tent nestled behind the historic venue (right). Chandeliers were hung within and lights casting a warm glow on the restaurant’s cozy leather chairs atop a blanket of black astroturf. “When we were designing our outdoor experiences, we wanted them to look deliberate and maintain the level of sophistication and elegance our guests are accustomed to when dining indoors with us,” said Jordan Otterbein, Managing partner of River Jetty Restaurant Group. Both restaurants welcomed guests back indoors safely nearly a year ago. Serving guests inside the restaurant for the first time with their new titles of Executive Chef, Robert Gomez of A Restaurant (opposite page, left) and Elvis Morales of CdM Restaurant (opposite page, right) could not be happier. Having been with their respective restaurants since day one, both chefs were promoted from Chef de Cuisine during the restaurants’ transition period of closure to reopening. Hitting the ground running, they have been busy ever since, cooking up the dishes that

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the dishes that their loyal guests crave while putting their own unique flair on seasonal specials. “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to elevate Robert and Elvis to Executive Chef,” said Otterbein. “Robert has been with A Restaurant since we opened in 2008, and Elvis worked at A before we brought him over to help open CdM in 2019. They have been instrumental in cooking the food that our guests know and love, and we couldn’t have chosen two better equipped or more deserving individuals to lead our kitchens.” On any given night, you can find Chef Robert cooking up A Restaurant classics like the Maine Diver Scallops and House or Specialty cuts of beef. Dine like a local and stop by for his Friday special—Chicken Pot Pie. Dig into the flaky, feather-light pastry billowing atop a medley of chicken gravy and veggies for the perfect comfort food to warm your soul on a cool, California evening. Specializing in contemporary American fare, Chef Elvis perfects CdM favorites including “Dirty Pasta” with housemade rigatoni, ground duck, sage and Ricotta Salata, and BBQ Heirloom Carrots cooked in pecan butter and topped with dill and herb dressing— the ideal combination of savory and sweet, and arguably the most indulgent veggie dish you’ll ever come across. You can’t go wrong with a CdM Pizza featuring dough made from scratch daily and cooked to perfection in the restaurant’s Wood Stone pizza oven. Take a line from the locals’ playbook and make a reservation far in advance for CdM’s downstairs speakeasy-style experience, under CdM, open Wednesday through Saturday. Here you’ll find an exclusive list of expertly crafted cocktails prepared by award-winning bartender Simone Rubio and her team to pair with your favorites from the full CdM menu.

A Restaurant 3334 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach 949.650.6505 www.ArestaurantNB.com

Cdm Restaurant 2325 E. Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar 949.287.6600 www.CdMRestaurant.com

ISSUE 1, 2021 | JOLI MAGAZINE

EMERGING TRENDS

Good Vibes Only ENERGY HEALING PRACTICES SUCH AS MEDITATION, REIKI, SOUND BATHS AND MORE CAN HELP US STAY CALM AND CENTERED DURING A CHAOTIC TIME. BY BETH FHANER

here’s no doubt about it—we are living through a truly extraordinary time, and daily life can often feel overwhelming during the pandemic era. To combat the anxiety and stress caused by the upheaval of our lives during the past year, we sought out some safe, self-care products and practices that can help bring everyone a sense of peace and serenity during these challenging times.

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Mindfulness Apps Meditation-focused apps are a highly recommended way to learn mindfulness and explore other topics that can help one to feel grounded. Mindfulness apps have received a huge boost from the coronavirus pandemic, and Calm and Headspace are among the most well-known apps in this market. With the Calm app, which is recognized as the top app for sleep, meditation and relaxation, users can learn how to meditate, get better sleep, relax to music, and view video lessons on mindful movement and stretching, as well as listening to audio programs by mindfulness experts and enjoying nature scenes and sounds while relaxing. Calm app users will also find a page of resources on their website with free mindfulness tools, including breathing exercises and journaling prompts to help offer support during this uncertain time. Resource materials for kids are available, too. (calm.com) Headspace is another leader in the meditation and mindfulness space. With over 65 million users across 190 countries, the Headspace meditation app and online content offerings provide users with guided exercises, videos and more to help them achieve healthier and happier lives. Users can explore topics such as power napping, mindful eating, calming meditation and sleep hygiene. Additionally, John Legend, the celebrated singer-songwriter, record producer, actor and film producer, was recently named Headspace’s Chief Music Officer, and he’s curated a special selection of

Focus music and artists to help users with their mental well-being. (headspace.com). New to the meditation-focused apps space is the Chopra app, which was recently launched by Deepak Chopra, the renowned meditation expert and author. This app features the popular 21-Day Meditation Experiences, new daily content and access to meditation experts and whole-body options rooted in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian health practice. With more

than 400 meditations and practices aimed at one’s overall well-being, the Chopra app presents broad offerings that include wholebody options that explore mood management, relationships, energy work and life purpose. Besides drawing from the wisdom of Deepak Chopra, the app also features some of the world’s leading voices on well-being, including Roger Gabriel, Devi Brown and Jasmine Hemsley. (chopra.com/app) n

Make it a Spa Day with Outdoors Classes For those tired of being stuck at home and looking for a quick, relaxing getaway, Monarch Beach Resort’s Miraval Life in Balance Spa offers a calming respite. With new wellness and fitness programming that meets the physical distancing standards, guests can now enjoy a variety of classes, all held outdoors, including Breathe & Stretch Mindfully, Flow Yoga, Nervous System Reset Guided Meditation, Yogalates, Singing Bowls Meditation, and Yoga for Sleep, among many others. “We offer a wide selection of Yoga and Meditation classes outdoors,” says Jacqueline Berry, spa director at Miraval Life in Balance Spa. “Our vast outdoor gardens, lawns and beaches allow us to safely offer classes with ample physical distancing during the pandemic. The benefits of these classes are amplified by the outdoor

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setting, and being outdoors lessens stress and anxiety, which is critical to everyone in this challenging time. “Sunlight helps keep your serotonin levels up, which can raise your energy levels and improve your mood,” says Berry. “It also can assist with improving your sleep patterns (especially if you take a class in the early morning). Practicing meditation in nature has been shown to be easier than indoors and can be more effective in improving energy and problem-solving abilities.” (miravalspamonarchbeach.com) So, whether it’s a meditation app to center your mind, a Zoom yoga class, a distance Reiki session, or an outdoors singing bowl meditation class, these self-care practices should help to greatly reduce stress levels and bring everyone some much-needed peace and comfort, as we all look forward to brighter days ahead. n

Zoom Yoga, Reiki Healing Circles, Crystal Mala and Sound Baths For those looking to move their bodies, there are several good yoga apps on the market. One of the top picks is the Glo yoga and meditation app, which offers more than 4,000 classes on demand and on any device. Favorite classes can be downloaded, so they’re always available for your practice, and Glo also offers a schedule of live classes that can be scheduled in advance. In addition to yoga, Glo’s expert-led courses include instruction on Pilates, meditation, moon circles and much more. (glo.com) If you’re seeking a more local connection in your energy healing, several Orange County yoga studios offer distance yoga and meditation classes through Zoom, and some practices have been able to offer outdoor classes or private classes with personalized instruction. Ekam Yoga & Pilates

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(ekamyp.com) in Newport Beach offers yoga and Pilates classes on demand, so yogis can enjoy instruction from the comfort of their home. The studio hosts other mindfulness events, such as sound baths. Yoga Healing Nature (yoga-healing-nature.com) and SunSparkYoga (sunsparkyoga.com) are a few other local OC practices that offer safe, virtual and outdoor yoga and meditation classes, workshops and retreats. Mystic Reiki and Wellness in Laguna Beach offers an array of distance mindfulness classes, including Zoom Reiki Healing Circles, a Zoom Crystal Mala~Prayer Beads Workshop (includes Mantra meditation and Mala), and private Reiki classes upon request. For those not familiar with Reiki, it’s a healing technique performed by a practitioner who can channel energy by means of touch, based on the idea that life force energy flows through each of us. Kerry Walker-Collins, who founded Mystic Reiki and Wellness in 2008, has found online classes to be extremely popular with her clientele during this troubled time. “Zoom Reiki Circles have been held since this past March as a way to connect, restore and refuel our energetic bodies as well as our souls through this time,” says Walker-Collins. “We have had such amazing feedback from them that we have decided to keep them going indefinitely. Mystic Reiki also teaches Reiki both online and in private settings. Besides our Zoom Crystal Mala class, an “Animal Reiki in the Park” date is coming soon and various other spiritual workshops for mind, body and soul connection,” she adds. (mysticreiki.com) n

Home should be where you want to be . . .

Mark Lohman Photography

Eric Figge Photography

CustomArchitecture.com 949.645.5854

TONY FLOREZ PHOTOGRAPHY