Issuu

The Rebirth of Beauty Boss

INDIE LEE

JA N UA RY 2 02 4

PENTHOUSE

LIBRARY

WINE ROOM

M O D E R N C O A S T A L C U I S I N E

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Health & Wellness A new year is upon us, and with it the opportunity for a fresh start and new aspirations. Our approach in this issue focuses on fostering realistic and sustainable improvements in your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. As such, we’re showcasing motivational places and faces to inspire long-term positive change that will put you on the path to your best self! Highlights of our January issue include a sit down with Michele Zipper and Deb Ross, co-founders of The Well Center in Armonk, who share how their collaborative efforts bring together a comprehensive and personalized approach to integrative medicine and holistic healing. We visited Jess DeLoughry, founder of Social Spot, and she’s letting parents in on best practices for nurturing emotional wellness in children. We had a blast talking about dating and relationships with renowned Relationship Expert and Celebrity Matchmaker Amy Laurent, and last but certainly not least, we have the honor of featuring clean beauty trailblazer Indie Lee. From building her brand to surviving a brain tumor and beyond, her story is both emotional and empowering. If you’re hesitant to take that first step toward better health, or a better relationship, or a better you, remember that it’s our everyday choices that truly impact progress. We hope you’ll take a chance and discover your most fabulous life in this exciting new year!

January 2024 PUBLISHER

Dana Cifone | dana.cifone@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Barbara Accetta | barbara.accetta@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amy Laurent, Jess DeLoughry, Angela Broockerd C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Bahareh Ritter, Emma DeLoughry, Indie Lee, Janie Jones

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

DA N A C I F O N E , P U B L I S H E R @BEDFORD.CITYLIFESTYLE

AD DESIGNER Evan Duevall LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Bedford City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Bedford area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Bedford City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

20 26

Featured

20 26 30 6

Queen of Hearts

Relationship Expert Amy Laurent's advice for singles & couples in the New Year

30 On the Cover

Departments

Clean beauty pioneer Indie Lee, founder of Indie Lee skincare, at Waveny Park in New Canaan.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Healthy LIfestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Family Care PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Expert Help PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Skin Care BEAUTY

Self Care WELLNESS

Locals Only LIFE + CULTURE

Events

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

The Rebirth of Beauty Boss Indie Lee Beauty brand founder Indie Lee talks brain tumors and new beginnings

It’s Time to Follow Your Gut

Are you just tired or is your body trying to tell you something?

21 Questions with Tara Cannistraci

A lighthearted Q&A series spotlighting local personalities

Photography: Indie Lee

CA L I FO R N I A C LO S E TS G I V ES BAC K Kindness and compassion bring the spirit of this special season to life. This year we are looking for a family in the Westchester area who may benefit from the donation of a California Closets custom storage solution in their home. If you know of a family in need, please nominate them by sending a few sentences about their story to marketing@caliclosets.com. Stay tuned for the reveal coming soon.

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1: Author and Integrative Dietician Esther Blum (second from left) spoke on women's health at Duchess. 2: Netflix star and Plant Coach author Nick Cutsumpas signs books during his plant arrangement workshop. 3: Chef Daniel Boulud (with Elena Oliver, Chef Andrea Calstier, Sebastian Silvestri) visits North Salem's Cenadou. 4: Best-selling author Fran Hauser (with Lindsey Stanberry) launched Reflect & Reset, an intentional living journal. 5: Jenny Indig (left) and honoree Bisa Butler, artist, at the Katonah Museum of Art Gala. 6: Chroma Fine Art Gallery celebrated a showing that included artist Carol Bouyoucos. 7: Lower School students of Rippowam Cisqua enjoyed visiting with animal friends from Westmoreland Sanctuary.

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Interested in Building an Emotionally Resilient Child? Best Everyday Practices from Social Spot founder Jess DeLoughry ARTICLE BY JESS DELOUGHRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA DELOUGHRY

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D E L O U G H R Y

The most critical stage of human development is from birth to five years old. Children will absorb everything their caregivers emit, directly influencing their future. Here are four essential everyday practices to raise emotionally resilient children:

BE YOUR BEST SELF.

Heightened emotions of stress and anxiety directly impact children. Be your best self by increasing awareness of how your feelings influence the language and behaviors that you model for your children.

APPLY A GROWTH MINDSET.

Society fosters an expectation for immediate results, but the path of sustainable progress is not paved quickly, nor is it linear. Slowing down exhibits personal growth and helps your child feel grounded.

MAKE TIME FOR AUTHENTIC CONNECTION.

Authentic connections are formed when you meet children where they are. This creates a safe environment for your child to lead the way, which gives you a better understanding of their strengths and interests.

DISPLAY CONFIDENT COMMUNICATION.

Building confidence and effective communication skills is essential. Children feel capable and empowered by seeing you embody your best self, practice a growth mindset, and cultivate authentic connections throughout your community. Social Spot provides specialized support for children, families, and educators to strengthen relationships and thrive in all settings. socialspotwellness.org

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QU E E N o f HE A RTS With the new year upon us, it’s a perfect time to focus on creating change in our relationships. If you’re single, you may be wondering how to find a truly fulfilling, healthy relationship. For those who are committed, how do you and your partner do the work to sustain a healthy, passionate, tangible couplehood? Making conscious resolutions within your relationship (or your quest for one) can keep you from falling into the same patterns and instead, ensure that you elevate your dating or love life to a higher level. If you prioritize what you want, the best and most fulfilling relationship could be on the horizon for you in 2024. So, how do you make it happen?

SINGLES: CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE.

Spot the recurring, limiting beliefs that you have about yourself and/or your ability to find true love. Love yourself first. Practice being hopeful.

LEARN FROM PAST LESSONS IN DATING.

Take steps to acknowledge the patterns in your dating decision-making that continue to not serve you. It’s a choice – make a proactive commitment to date differently.

CHOOSE OPENLY, YET WISELY.

Be open to those who don’t check ALL your boxes, but create a list of 6 of the most crucial traits and characteristics that your future partner must have – and stick to them. With

EXP E RT H E LP | P RO FES SION AL SE RVICE S

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ARTICLE BY AMY LAURENT

Relationship Resolutions from Celebrit y Matchmaker and Relationship Expert A my Laurent

each consecutive date, take the temperature of your 6 must-haves and use them as a compass. You can avoid wasting A LOT of time by not accepting a date with anyone who doesn’t accurately embody or meet those criteria that you KNOW are deal-breakers.

STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR PEOPLE.

People will tell you early on who they are through their actions. Take accountability for yourself if you have turned a blind eye or made excuses for bad behavior. Also, stop making excuses for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with spending a year casually dating if that’s what you want. However, continuing to casually hang out with someone you know doesn’t work for you in the long term will take up space and energy in your life, and theirs, blocking you both from meeting the right one.

“My clients have time to date. They just don’t have time to date the wrong people”. - Amy Laurent CHECK IN ON YOUR PARTNER’S FEELINGS.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF, ALWAYS.

Communication and respect are the key to a healthy relationship and the glue that holds a bond tightly together.

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And remember what you’re thankful for.

EMBRACE SOMETHING THAT YOUR PARTNER LOVES AND YOU DON’T.

A huge part of being a good partner is being willing to try new things and embrace your partner by opening yourself up to something that they enjoy.

REMIND YOUR PARTNER WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT THEM. We often forget that our partner needs positive reinforcement. You may feel they already know, but your partner needs to hear it, so if he/she is looking great that day, tell them! If your significant other is doing something helpful, tell that person how much you appreciate it. If he/she is working hard, mention to your partner how proud you are.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SIMPLE MOMENTS.

A car ride, a coffee date, a movie on the sofa; it’s vital to make time to reconnect.

TAKE PRIDE IN HOW YOU LOOK FOR EACH OTHER AND TAKE INTIMACY OUTSIDE OF THE BEDROOM.

A different part of the house or a change of venue can be all it takes to make romance fun again!

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The Rebirth of Beauty Boss INDIE LEE

It’s happened. On a chilly Monday morning at The Reading Room in Katonah, sitting across from Indie Lee, founder of the clean beauty brand of the same name, I reached peak interview - I made Indie Lee cry. “I really didn’t expect this,” she exclaims while sliding out of her seat to go find a tissue. As she meanders over to the counter, she calls back over her shoulder, “but I needed it!” And that’s the real Indie Lee in a nutshell: a findthe-silver-lining-and-embrace-the-moment optimist so full of life that it’s hard to believe she once had only six months left to live.

But I digress. Indie and I are happily sipping on hot Mint Mocha lattes while chatting casually about topics both serious and not, from the challenges women face in our healthcare system to the rising cost of manicures and how to treat well-water-damaged hair (she swears by dpHUE ACV Hair Masque). At 52, her skin is bare of makeup and glowing – “I have really great skincare,” she laughs when I say so, referring to her namesake collection – and she generously brought me a goodie bag filled with it. Within minutes, I

Brain tumor fighter and beauty brand founder Indie Lee’s powerful path of new beginnings

ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY INDIE LEE

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

feel as if I’ve known her forever and am oversharing tidbits of my life in one of those moments when you hear yourself speaking yet can’t stop. Thankfully, she gets it – she’s been oversharing details of her life since November of 2008. At the time, Indie was Lisa, a 37-year old married mom of two young children and an accountant for HBO. “Lisa was safe and conservative and always wore beige,” says Indie a bit jokingly. “I had never thought about changing my birth name but life had other plans,” she tells me. The ‘other plan’ was a brain tumor diagnosis, uncovered by an MRI after Indie abruptly began losing vision in her left eye. “I’d been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis just a few months prior, and that had been a shock to me because I was a young, healthy person – growing my own vegetables, exercise, no smoking” says Indie. “But a brain tumor…..” She trails off mid-sentence. Doctors told her to get her affairs in order and spend time with her kids, ages 5 and 8, informing her that she would no longer be with them by the spring. The tumor, which was not a candidate for surgical removal, was believed to be environmentally derived. Grasping for answers, her doctor posed the question, “What do you use on your skin?” Indie was flabbergasted. “I hadn’t thought about the fact that skin is an organ and absorbs what we put on it, but of course it does,” she says. “Nicotine patches, cbd patches, salicylic acid patches, all of it is being absorbed, and so are serums, lotions, perfumes, the list goes on.” It was the wake-up call that launched Indie Lee the brand. Its first retailer was Beehive in Mount Kisco. “I knew nothing about retail and was so grateful for their support,” says Indie. Henri Bendel came calling after that, followed by Anthropologie, Blue Mercury, and finally, Nordstrom. “I’m so proud to say that they approached us,” she shares. Back then, there wasn’t a lot of clean beauty on shelves. “You could have launched as a successful, standout brand without sharing your diagnosis and all that goes along with it, but you chose to connect your story in the most vulnerable and authentic way,” I muse, sharing my thoughts. “You chose to live out loud with a not-sopretty diagnosis in an industry that was still superficial, and I find that so brave.” Cue Indie’s tears and peak interview. After she returned to the table with a tissue in hand, she explained that she’d been so wrapped up in the business of the business this past

“EVERY DAY THAT I CAN WAKE UP AND BE HERE, DOING WHAT I LOVE, SURROUNDED BY THE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT I LOVE, IS A DAY WORTH CELEBRATING.”

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BE D F O R D

year, including a bittersweet farewell to her South Salem home of almost three decades, that she’d forgotten why she began. “Thank you for reminding me,” she smiles. “Can I bottle you and put you in a cream so I can feel this good every day?” We laugh. Today, Indie Lee is available in 2,000 doors worldwide as a COSMOS-certified beauty brand pioneer, and is integrating and developing the concept of Green Chemistry. “We hold our products to the highest ethical and environmental standards,” says Indie, whose bold transparency in her own life is the cornerstone of her brand ethos. In the midst of creating a clean beauty brand inspired by her brain tumor diagnosis, before the big retailers, there was still the matter of the tumor itself. It was inoperable, largely due to its precarious placement on her brain. “I named it Herman and would tell him to get out of my body,” chuckles Indie. “I’m a big believer in the power of positive thinking.” Indie became determined not only to live each numbered day with as much passion and joy as possible, but also to secure a different prognosis – one that would allow her to survive. While her children were at school, she poured over research, studied environmental toxins, and met with doctors near and far. Five and half months passed. With possibly only two weeks left to live, her phone rang. A doctor at NYU offered to perform the risky operation but warned Indie that she had less than a 50% chance of making it through the surgery. She leapt at the chance and waited more than another month for the procedure. When the day finally arrived, it was April 22, 2009. “Welcome to the rest of your life,” were the first words Indie’s surgeon spoke to her post-operation. “We got it all.” Indie had been keeping her extended family updated through a private blog that she’d launched as a way of communicating news of her emerging beauty brand and her brain tumor. She’d landed on the blog name Independent Lisa, a nod to manifesting her tumorfree outcome, but that was too long “and boring,”

she says. So she shortened it to Indie Lee. Sitting in her hospital bed post-surgery and tumor-free, “I no longer felt connected to Herman or to the old version of myself,” says Indie. Hence, Indie Lee the person was born. Fourteen years later, Indie is as effervescent as ever about, well, everything. “I’m doing calligraphy again,” she says with so much delight that I’m delighted for her – and also pretty impressed. We gush over a mutual love of charcuterie boards (which we’re gleefully sharing photos of rather than of our kids), explore the beauty of making mistakes, and talk about the healing energy of meditation. When she’s not busy being a brand boss, Indie leads workshops and speaking engagements across the country on clean beauty and women’s health. “I don’t know everything but feel like I have a responsibility to share my experiences so that women can be more empowered and informed,” she says, noting that she joined the Board of the Autoimmune Association as a way to help create change in autoimmune awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and education. She’s currently fighting a second brain tumor, which popped up a year post-surgery but, to the amazement of her doctor, has been shrinking for the last five years. I ask her if this one also has a name. “Hermione,” she grins, and I just know she’s going to beat it. “What’s your dream?” I ask. “Where do you see yourself in the future?” She smiles and takes a deep breath inward. “I’d like to be on a beautiful farm, feeling closer to the earth, and like I’m doing something that inspires people to get out of their own way and live the life they’re meant to,” she answers in such a way that I have no doubt she’ll manifest exactly that. I wonder if she celebrates her rebirth day every year. “I do,” she smiles. “But I also celebrate every day, because every day that I can wake up and be here, doing what I love, surrounded by the people and places that I love, is a day worth celebrating.” @indielee @indie_lee indielee.com

“EVERY SETBACK HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A SETUP FOR SOMETHING GREATER.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

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It’s Time to Follow Your Gut ARE YOU TIRED OR IS YOUR BODY TELLING YOU SOMETHING?

Your body is a veritable wonderland of information and The Well Center, an Armonk-based integrative medicine and holistic healing space, is the gateway to discovery. Bedford City Lifestyle sat down with founders Deb Ross, a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist, and Michele Zipper, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, to explore their whole-body approach to health and longevity. AN OVERSCHEDULED LIFESTYLE IS COMMON AND AS A RESULT, MOST PEOPLE DISMISS DISTRESS SIGNALS FROM THEIR BODIES AS IT CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING TO ADDRESS. WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THOSE WHO MAY BE CHOOSING TO PUT THEIR HEALTH ON HOLD? Deb: We want people to be empowered and to take ownership of their health. Healing can fit into a person’s life in manageable ways and sometimes a little bit goes a long way. Trust your intuition if something does not feel “right." You know yourself better than anyone else. Michele: Symptoms are not normal and when there’s something physically “off”, that’s your body signaling something. We need to learn how to listen because those signals will become louder until we are forced to listen. That’s where testing comes in, and we create the big picture of what we believe to be the root cause. That’s when we witness their "aha" moment – everything clicks. That moment is the game changer. TESTING CAN BE A SCARY WORD BECAUSE IT CAN CARRY A NEGATIVE CONNOTATION, AND ALSO BECAUSE PEOPLE MAY FEAR THE RESULTS, KNOWING THEY’LL NEED TO MAKE HARD CHANGES IN ORDER TO FEEL BETTER. Michele: Our mission is for people to feel their best. It’s important to understand that testing is an extraordinary insight into our adrenals, gut, hormones, inflammation, and more. Healing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We view testing as information to bring your body into balance.

ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE WELL CENTER

S ELF CA R E | W EL L NES S

With so much wellness information out there, bio-individuality is key and what works for one doesn’t work for the other. HOW DOES ‘ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL’ IN WELLNESS EXPAND INTO THE OTHER AREAS OF YOUR PRACTICE, SUCH AS CHINESE MEDICINE? Deb: Chinese Medicine sees each person’s health as uniquely interconnected with their mind, body, and spirit. We are trained to see patterns and root causes. So for instance, if we both have insomnia, that might present itself completely differently for each of us, and for vastly different underlying reasons. Each presentation requires different acupuncture points and herbs. The individualized nature of the medicine is what makes it so effective and powerful. Michele: That’s where TCM and Functional Health are very similar in thinking about root cause. When I think of insomnia, I wonder if it’s a parasite? Blood sugar? Hormones? Stress? Insomnia isn’t the problem, insomnia is the symptom. IT’S EVIDENT THAT YOU’RE BOTH DEEPLY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND GENUINELY PASSIONATE ABOUT INTEGRATIVE HEALTH. WAS THERE A CATALYST THAT LED THE TWO OF YOU ON THIS JOURNEY? Deb: We’ve healed health issues within our own families, starting with ourselves. We’re passionate about what we do because we’re proof that it works. Our families are proof. Our patients and clients are proof. Michele: We see people in so many types of pain. Many of my clients come to me on anxiety or ADHD medication, and that’s okay, we can provide support to dramatically reduce their symptoms by working on what’s most likely affecting them. I enjoy working with kids with ADHD because there’s usually a lot of food and gut-driven behavior.

"My mentor always says, “slow is the fast way,” meaning health and healing don't happen overnight. Meaningful and steady change takes time and commitment."- Deb

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BE D F O R D

“Change is hard at first, but becomes easy with a little mindfulness and effort. ‘I have to’ becomes ‘I get to’ when they see it’s possible to jump out of bed in the morning with energy and ready to take on the day!” - Michele

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO’S HESITANT TO BEGIN THEIR HEALING JOURNEY? Deb: The power of prevention and maintenance in healing cannot be understated. Keeping your body in balance is what prevents disease, and re-training ourselves to stop reacting to things only when in pain or crisis is crucial for a longer, healthier life. Prioritizing your well-being is key to longevity, health, and overall happiness. Michele: There’s so much that we struggle with daily – mental, environmental, physiological stress – which affect our mind and body. We need to control what we can, and taking care of ourselves is more important than ever. We are here to help guide you in the right direction. The Well Center also offers quality supplements, chiropractic care, massage, energy work, astrology, personal training, and more. thewellcenter.com

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SHOP LOCAL JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BE D F O R D

21 Questions with Ta ra C a n n i s t ra c i A LIGHTHEARTED Q&A SERIES SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL PERSONALITIES

ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA

LOCA LS ON LY | L I FE + C U LT U RE

Italian-American comedian, actress, and writer Tara Cannistraci is practicing downtime on her days off, of which there are few. The Bronx-born beauty is headlining throughout the country and Canada in support of her recently released solo comedy album, "I’m Talkin’ Here" and, alongside actor Chazz Palminteri and actress Kathrine Narducci, is a co-host of "Neighborhood Logic," an episode series on the popular Chazz Palminteri Show podcast. Perhaps you also recognize Cannistraci as the former scoreboard host for the New York Yankees, or you’ve managed to snag a ticket to one of her stand-up comedy shows. If you’re among the minority that hasn’t seen her live, she’s hitting the stage next month at Emelin Theatre. Just don’t sit too close. @tarajokes 1. What’s your guilty pleasure? HGTV is on nonstop when I’m home. 2. What do you eat for breakfast? I aim for eggs but crave anything that’s a carb! I’ve convinced myself that a paleo cookie at 9am is healthy. 3. Biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Leaving my day job to pursue stand-up comedy. 4. What was your first car? A silver Honda Civic. 5. Current favorite song? Coi Leray “Players” because girls are players, too. 6. What item of yours was your biggest splurge? My wedding wasn’t necessarily an item, but they say, if you’re only going to do it once, do it right. In my case, I could never afford to do it twice! 7. What are three things you can’t live without? Things, not people? Lip balm, pajamas, and a 20-minute power nap. 8. Something that always makes you smile? Reading nice comments from fans.

9. When do you feel most like yourself? When I’m on stage and when I’m on my couch. 10. One person you’d like to meet, past or present? Lucille Ball. 11. What’s your favorite board game? I used to love Cards Against Humanity. Is that game canceled yet?! 12. Do you consider yourself a good dancer? I do! I always say, Italians have moves! 13. What’s an item you’ve kept from childhood? My first ever pair of shoes. They’ve since gotten a little higher – and more expensive. 14. What scares you? Not living up to my full potential. 15. Favorite spot or thing to do around town? Walking in the neighborhood and looking at other houses and landscaping. I walk to the farmer’s market on Sundays, too! 16. What’s your hidden talent? Cooking. I want to go to culinary school and I’d love to do it abroad. 17. When was a moment that you felt proud of yourself? My favorite movie of all time is Moonstruck. When I was a little girl, it was the first time I saw people that looked and sounded like me and my family on a big screen. One night in the city, Danny Aiello was at my show and I knew where he was sitting in the audience. I almost couldn’t concentrate until I undeniably heard HIS laugh. It was smooth sailing on stage from that point and a real full-circle moment for me when I met him after. 18. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? An actress. 19. Food: sweet or salty? Sweet all day, every day! 20. What’s your favorite childhood cartoon or TV show? From age 6, I’d bargain with my mother to stay up to watch Saturday Night Live. 21. What’s something you’re trying to get better at? Being present.

"Growing up, I was the queen of putting on one-woman shows in my living room. Now I just have a bigger stage." JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BE D F O R D

JANUARY 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S JANUARY 6TH

The Great Holiday Train Show Horace Greeley House, Chappaqua | 12:30 PM Back for its third year courtesy of The New Castle Historical Society. Charming model trains winding through festive villages and miniature landscapes await visitors in each room. New additions feature magical Harry Potter LEGO scenes and a spectacular custom-made holiday tree train over six feet tall. Tickets are $10 at newcastlehs.org. JANUARY 11TH

Songs & Stories featuring Jeff Cohen 640 Old Post Road, Bedford | 7:00 PM An unforgettable evening of music and tales featuring Jeff Cohen, Grammy and CMT Award Nominated, 6 Time BMI Award Winning, Songwriter, Producer, and Publisher based in Nashville and London. Part of Songs & Stories hosted by Becki Davis and Thom O'Brien. Tickets are $30 at eventbrite.com and include drinks and snacks. Merch and meet-and-greet after the show. @jeffcohenmusic JANUARY 24 TH

The Big 'Pause Armonk, NY | 7:00 PM

For over thirty years, Pools Of Perfection has won the respect, trust and friendship of our customers by providing courteous, prompt and expert service and superlative design and uncompromised construction standards. Please call Christopher Carthy at 914.273.SWIM (7946) to discuss your new poolscape, pool renovation or our fixed price annual maintenance program.

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Join The Well Center founders and Wellness Experts Deb Ross and Michele Zipper along with Dr. Poonam Desai, Longevity Concierge Doctor, and Lauren Elise Rogers, Sexual Education Coach, for an evening of conversation on everything to know about Perimenopause, Menopause, and beyond. For more details including registration and location, contact michele@thewellcenter.com.

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SMOOTHIE BOWLS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES Start your day with a nutritious and vitamin-packed breakfast. Smoothie bowls are a great way to add a variety of fruits and vegetables. Top with chia or flax seeds for an extra omega-3 boost, nuts or seeds for added protein, or sliced fruit for additional vitamins and fiber. Including a hint of turmeric or ginger can aid in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can aid in cellular repair and gut health, and smoothie bowls are a delicious way to incorporate more into your day. Try this simple recipe, or create your own combination to give your health a boost.

Carrot Orange Bowl INGREDIENTS: • 1 orange or 2 clementines • ½ cup carrots • 1 cup frozen mangos • 1 cup frozen peaches • ½ banana • ½ cup vanilla yogurt • ½ teaspoon turmeric, ground • small pinch of pepper Blend all ingredients until smooth. Top with desired toppings. TOPPING SUGGESTIONS: • granola • sliced almonds • berries • ground flax seeds

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