THE LADIES OF ABUNDANCE + COMPANY SHARE THEIR FAVORITE RECIPES PLUS 2025’S TOP SKINCARE AND BODY SCULPTING TRENDS
LE PETIT PALI TAKES OVER THE BRENTWOOD INN
Newly Built: 13164 Boca De Canon Lane
Happy New Year!
For many of us, January is a time that is full of excitement. As everyone returns to town from their holiday travels—or even just reemerges from a relaxing break here at home—there is an undeniable energy in the air as we are presented with a chance to reset, establish new horizons and determine upcoming goals to pursue.
Here in Brentwood, health and wellness is always top of mind, and it was so much fun to explore this theme for this issue. I am so grateful to have so many incredible partners that I could call on for expert advice, like my friend—and top Hollywood facialist—Vanessa Hernandez, who shares her favorite new skincare trends, and Victoria Kseniya Simon of body sculpting studio Contourology, who reveals her secrets for bouncing back after the holidays (think lymphatic drainage, EMS therapy and infrared sauna). We even explore wellness as a real estate phenomenon with Blair Chang, co-founder of The Agency. These days, nearly every new house that hits the market comes complete with a private gym, sauna, massage room and more so it should come as no surprise that wellness is reportedly the fastest growing sector in the industry.
Of course, true wellness comes from within, nourishing both the body and soul. Dana Kotler and Claudine Watt of Abundance + Company certainly understand this—their intimate cooking classes, held at Claudine’s magical home, are all about connectivity, community and, naturally, good food. Plus, they are a lot of fun. I loved chatting with these two best friends as they shared some of their favorite healthy recipes for our cover story.
Also, be sure to check out our feature on Le Petit Pali, the charming new bed & breakfast that has taken over the historic Brentwood Inn, and get an inside look at the opening party for the Regent Santa Monica Beach, a luxurious oceanfront oasis at the former Loews hotel (with an incredible Guerlain spa). It is so wonderful to see new energy being breathed into both of these iconic properties—a true testament to our community’s eternal allure.
EBERSTEIN, PUBLISHER
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Amanda Eberstein | amanda.eberstein@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Laura SanchezQuan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Katy Schneidrrman, Gregory Dava, Dimitri Saint Ambroise, Bryan Goldberg/BFA, Jess Koehler, Felipe Reina
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
inside the issue
Health-focused
Le Petit Pali Brentwood breathes new energy into
Abundance + Company teaches
along with a healthy dose of self-care
Hollywood esthetician Vanessa Hernandez’s top skincare tips for 2025
BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES
REALTY REPORT
LINDA FERRARI Director, Global Luxury Division
Equity Union Luxury Properties
RECAP
90049 RECENT SALES
BRENTWOOD MARKET - 5 YEAR REVIEW
city scene
1: Younes Atallah, the general manager of the Regent Santa Monica Beach, celebrates at the hotel’s grand opening soirée. 2: Guests filled the impressive porte-cochère of the 167-room oceanfront luxury property, which marks the Regent’s return to the Americas after three decades. 3: Ayesha Curry, whose lifestyle café Sweet July is part of the hotel, with her mother, Carol Alexander. 4: Actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul flank James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, who helm’s the hotel’s main restaurant, Orla. 5: Georges “Monsieur” Coupet. 6: Sam Edwards and Emily Tierney. 7: Dancers and other lavish entertainment created an unforgettable ambiance.
Photography by Dimitri Saint Ambroise
1: Grover Rad founder and designer Lizzie Grover Rad fêted the launch of her latest collection with an intimate dinner at her Brentwood home. 2: The beautiful al fresco tablescape. 3: The evening was filled with fashionable friends such as Tania Sarin Araradian, Angela Fink and Dianna Cohen. 4: Camilla Marcus, Rad, Noora Raj Brown and Nausheen Shah. 5: Sara Walker, Chazz Inniss and Claire Khodara. 6: Guests admiring the pieces, which incorporate elaborate prints (historical etchings, oil paintings, vintage photographs) and are intended to be wearable art. 7: Pablo Rivera and Victoria Delafuente.
Photography by Bryan Goldberg/BFA
1: Baby2Baby co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Nora Weinstein with husbands Jamie Patricof and Brian Weinstein at the 2024 Baby2Baby Gala. 2: Guests included Miranda Kerr, Mindy Kaling, Ayesha Curry, Jessica Alba, Ciara, Kelly Rowland and Ashley Graham. 3: Charlize Theron was honored with the prestigious Giving Tree Award. 4: Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. 5: Paris Hilton and Michelle Monaghan. 6: The evening raised more than $17 million to support the nonprofit’s mission to provide basic necessities to children living in poverty. 7: Elliot and Sofia Richie Grainge.
Photography by Getty Images for Baby2Baby
SOPHIE DANCE WESTSIDE PLAYERS
Youth Theatre
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FINDING NEMO (SPRING 2024)
WILLY WONKA (FALL 2023)
1: Co-chair Mark Freeman at the 4th Annual FACT for Phase One Pickleball Social, held at Mulholland Tennis Club. 2: Brooke Lande and Jodi Meadow with Phase One founders Alberto and Stacy Valner. 3: Joy Liefeld playing at the event, which raised more than $275,000 to help fund Phase 1 and II cancer clinical trials in 2025. 4: Marc and Deanne Lebowitz, Lois Jacobs and Jeremy Lebowitz. 5: Josephine Atluri of Mindful Wellbeing Pathways with Angie Banicki at an evening she hosted for Dr. Karen Tang, author of It’s Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told). 6: The festive display. 7: Dr. Tang signing copies of her book.
Photography by Felipe Reina (images 1-5) and Jess Koehler (images 6-7)
business monthly
Monarch Athletic Club Brentwood
Monarch Athletic Club is much more than just a gym: the cutting-edge company is reimagining the health and wellness experience by providing unlimited access to personal training, physician services and physical therapy in a premiere luxury facility. Membership at the Brentwood location—open since August 2023—includes full medical screenings, body composition analysis, one-on-one workouts and access to top-of-the-line amenities that include a sauna, cold plunge, IV therapy and more. 11611 San Vicente Blvd., Suite GF4; 424-246-9594; monarchclubs.com
Comfy Dental Studio
With the founding of Comfy Dental Studio, Dr. Sara Sabokpey is bringing spa-like wellness and a holistic approach to every-day and cosmetic dentistry. Guests to her beautiful Beverly Hills location are greeted with rose-infused water, cozy slippers and robes and meditative sound therapy in a private room. Services include everything from basic cleanings, teeth whitening and X-rays to surgical procedures, dental implants, porcelain veneers, IV drips and ozone therapy. 9730 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-499-2048; comfydentalstudios.com
AirSea Packing
Moving or looking to ship something special? AirSea Packing is a family-owned and operated business that offers the ultimate white-glove logistics, storage and delivery of luxury goods. Providing the utmost in reliability, professionalism and discretion, the company has branches all over the United States, including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Dallas and Chicago as well as London and Paris—most recently announcing openings in Colorado and the Côte D’Azur. airseapacking.com
Want to be featured?
Sophie Dancewear
Beloved Brentwood dance studio Sophie Dance West recently launched a children’s clothing line, Sophie Dancewear. The darling collection began with a vision for the softest, coziest puff-sleeve dance dress, with a crew and jogger set to match, and now there are bralettes, shorts and more exciting launches planned for 2025. All pieces are manufactured in Los Angeles featuring quality materials and a beautiful pastel color palette. 13050 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 201; 323-219-5930; sophiedance.com; sophiedancewear.com
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ALC Beverly Hills by Bureau Namas
Local architecture firm Bureau Namas has recently unveiled its first-ever commercial project: the stunning new ALC boutique in Beverly Hills. The luxurious space blends organic textures and materials in a rich, Californiainspired palette to create a calming, harmonious atmosphere that echoes the modern, sophisticated style of the Los Angeles-based fashion brand. 352 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills; 424-322-1804; alcltd.com; bureaunamas.com
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The Little Nell Celebrates 35 Years
In honor of its 35th anniversary, Aspen’s most iconic hotel, The Little Nell, is offering a trio of in-room wellness amenities for the winter season. Dr. Barbara Sturm has curated an après ski package consisting of her Glow Drops, signature Sleep Well smoothie and chilled scented washcloths, while Bryte Balance Unwind offers a selection of teas, tips for unwinding and Petite Plume silk eye masks. Meanwhile, the Peloton Concierge Program delivers a bike to your room with a private lesson from a cycling pro. thelittlenell.com
Wellness Wonderland
Health-focused real estate is the industry’s hottest new trend
In recent years, as wellness practices have become increasingly mainstream, this trend has naturally segued into real estate. Perhaps fueled by the pandemic— which greatly accelerated the way we think about the home and how one’s built environment affects our overall physical and mental health—wellness real estate has become the fastest-growing sector in the United States’ already booming wellness industry, according to the Global Wellness Institute. Naturally, Los Angeles is at the forefront of this movement. “In the luxury segment, wellness is important to most buyers,” says Blair Chang, co-founder of The Agency. “Most of the homes now have gyms and saunas with the new builds and we are now seeing both hot and cold plunges and massage rooms.”
A prime example is Chang’s current listing at 414 S. Cliffwood Avenue in the heart of Brentwood Park. Built in 1987 and formerly the home of Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and his family, the residence has always been one of the area’s most elegant estates. In 2023, Emanuel sold the property to Sean Kia, the co-founder of real estate investment firm Tides Equities, who
headed up a meticulous renovation. Now, the 6,890-square foot main residence and 2,800-square foot guest house is a veritable wellness wonderland, filled with all of the bells and whistles. The luxurious primary suite (one of seven bedrooms) boasts a massage room and serene spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub. Outside, the lush, landscaped gardens frame resort-style amenities that include a sparkling pool, jacuzzi and cabana, as well as a two-person barrel cedar sauna. The guest house, meanwhile, offers further options for leisure, including a professional-style home theater, wood-paneled billiard room and an expansive gym filled with top-of-theline equipment and a Pilates reformer. And, perhaps most impressive of all is the home’s full-scale sports court, complete with a Lakers logo. The court can be used for basketball, naturally, or can be transformed to play the most LA game of all: pickleball.
414 S. Cliffwood Avenue is currently on the market for $25.5 million. For more information, contact Blair Chang, 424-230-3703, blairchang.com.
“In the luxury segment, wellness is important to most buyers.”
A full-size sports court
The impressive home gym
A cedar barrel sauna
The resort-like backyard
The wood-paneled billiard room
A soaking tub in the primary bath
A WELCOME RECEPTION
ARTICLE BY AMANDA EBERSTEIN
Since opening in 1947 on a winding stretch of Sunset Boulevard, the Brentwood Inn (originally the Brentwood Motor Hotel) has served as an iconic symbol of the community and an old-school homage to Los Angeles’ historic car culture. And although long considered a convenient option for visiting family and friends— and, according to a well-placed source, the Secret Service when Kamala Harris was in town—over the years, the storied motor
Le Petit Pali Brentwood breathes new energy into the historic Brentwood Inn
Le Petit Pali Brentwood's inviting front desk
“Brentwood is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Los Angeles and feels like a perfect setting for Le Petit Pali.”
lodge, which once welcomed guests such as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, had lost some of its luster. Now, LA-based hotelier Avi Brosh of Palisociety—a unique collection of hotels and residences throughout the United States—has transformed the property into Le Petit Pali Brentwood, an enchanting 25-room inn layered with genuine charm, comfort and unexpected luxury.
“Brentwood is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Los Angeles and feels like a perfect setting for Le Petit Pali and our vision for the brand,” Brosh explains of the new bed & breakfast concept, which debuted in July 2023 with two hotels in Carmel-bythe-Sea (locations are also planned for Laguna Beach and St. Helena). “It’s sophisticated and stylish, but with a relaxed sensibility and point of view that very much embodies the comfortable, charming, low-key luxury we are bringing to life.”
This sentiment is embraced the moment one enters the grounds, where the classic exterior has been updated with the brand’s signature forest green paint, striped awnings and prominent new sign. Upon walking into the intimate reception, guests are greeted with an inviting front desk, roaring fireplace, eclectic vintage-inspired furnishings, a curated library and patterned wallpaper-adorned walls. An adjoining exterior patio enveloped by greenery features a central fountain surrounded by Adirondack chairs and French bistro-style dining tables and chairs. You might be right on Sunset, but Le Petit Pali Brentwood feels worlds away.
The hotel’s 25 newly designed guestrooms feature a cozy yet contemporary palette, with taupe-washed original brick walls, natural jute rugs, reclaimed oak hardwood floors, vintage art and layered textiles. Options range from standard Queens and Kings to
The LLP Suite
Top: The lobby features vintageinspired furnishings and lighting
Bottom: The idyllic outdoor patio
deluxe rooms with terraces to the 525-square-foot LLP suite, a one-bedroom haven with a full kitchen that can be adjoined with a neighboring guestroom for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom residential-inspired hideaway. Outdoor patios are washed in sunlight and feature lounges and potted plants. Amenities include Diptyque bath products, Bellino fine linens, plush robes and slippers, Marshall speakers, SMEG mini fridges and a curated mini bar featuring locally sourced items. And although there is no restaurant, a carefully considered complimentary breakfast basket is delivered to guestrooms every morning, with pastries from nearby Clark Street Bakery, seasonal fruit & yogurt, Ojai’s Marmalade Grove preserves and La Colombe coffee. Come evening, fresh baked cookies put a finishing touch on the day.
With its prime location set amidst Brentwood’s residential neighborhoods, yet down the street from the Getty Center, bustling Brentwood Village and even the beach, Le Petit Pali remains a perfect choice for visiting loved ones, or even a staycation, as well as people who want to explore this beautiful community that we are so lucky to call home.
Le Petit Pali Brentwood is located at 12200 Sunset Blvd.; 310-400-0080; lepetitpali.com. As an exclusive offer for readers, book directly on the website using code BRENTWOODLOCAL to save 10% on the hotel’s best available rates.
baked cookies are delivered every night
Floral wallpaper in the reception
body rock
Five tips to bounce back after the holidays, from the experts at Contourology
“The holidays are a time for celebration, family and—let’s be honest—a little indulgence,” says Victoria Kseniya Simon, the CEO and founder of Contourology, a popular body sculpting studio located in the heart of Brentwood Village. “All of those rich meals, extra sweets and late nights can leave us feeling bloated, sluggish and less than our best.” As a busy mother-of-two and Brentwood resident herself, Simon understands firsthand how tough it can be to balance the post-holiday bounce back while juggling day-to-day life. Which is why she has created a quick, easy and effective five-step plan exclusively for Brentwood City Lifestyle readers that incorporates Contourology’s cutting-edge modalities and treatments. “Follow these tips to feel lighter, healthier and more toned in no time,” she says. “Let us help you start 2025 ready for whatever comes next.”
STEP 1: LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE SUIT WITH INFRARED
“Our lymphatic drainage suit is an excellent way to kick-start your body’s recovery,” Simon says. This 30-minute treatment combines gentle compression and infrared heat, encouraging lymphatic flow to reduce bloating, promote circulation, release trapped fluids and stimulate the body’s natural detox process. Benefits: Infrared heat also helps aid digestion by gently warming the core and stimulating the system. You’ll feel lighter and notice immediate improvements in bloating and fluid retention, setting the stage for faster results.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTINA VASILENKO
STEP 2: INFRARED SAUNA
“This isn’t just any sauna!” Simon explains of Contoulogy’s relaxing jade sauna bed. “It works by using gentle infrared rays that penetrate deep into the skin, encouraging detoxification and boosting your body’s calorie burn.” The heat promotes a soothing sweat session and has the added benefit of burning around 600 calories in a single 30-minute session.
Benefits: Besides calorie burning, infrared heat reduces stress, boosts immunity, soothes sore muscles and helps your body recover quickly. It’s perfect for supporting weight loss while providing a moment of much-needed relaxation, especially after a busy holiday season.
STEP 3: LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MANUAL MASSAGE WITH WOODEN SCULPTING TOOLS
“For a more hands-on approach, we offer manual lymphatic drainage massage using advanced Brazilian techniques and wooden sculpting tools,” Simon says. This specialized technique promotes the release
Victoria Kseniya Simon, the CEO and founder of Contourology
of fluid buildup and improves the body’s natural drainage processes. Contourology’s skilled therapists use rhythmic motions to reduce swelling, improve digestion and help eliminate bloating.
Benefits: This massage not only feels amazing but also shows instant results. You’ll see a visible reduction in swelling and a more contoured look in targeted areas. It’s perfect for individuals who want a quick yet impactful treatment that provides both relaxation and body-sculpting benefits.
STEP 4: LIPO LASER WITH RF (RADIO FREQUENCY)
According to Simon, “Contourology’s Lipo Laser with radio frequency treatment provides a non-invasive solution for those stubborn post-holiday pounds.” This cutting-edge modality targets and shrinks fat cells with lowlevel laser energy, while also tightening the skin, targeting specific areas and leaving clients looking more sculpted and toned without any recovery time.
Benefits: Lipo Laser with RF is ideal for treating areas that often show holiday weight gain, such as the abdomen or thighs. It’s painless, effective and allows you to get back to your routine immediately. People love it for the quick results and convenience.
STEP 5: EMS (ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION)
“EMS is like a workout without the sweat!” Simon explains. “It’s fantastic for those looking to re-tone their core, glutes or thighs.” By sending powerful electrical pulses to specific muscle groups, this treatment causes instant contractions that tone and strengthens muscles while helping to burn calories.
Benefits: EMS not only helps with toning but also boosts your energy levels, making you feel stronger and ready to jump back into your fitness routine. Sessions are efficient, meaning you can achieve great results in a short amount of time—a lifesaver for busy people with packed schedules!
Contourology is located at 11636 Barrington Ct.; 213-667-0708; contourologyla.com. To kick off the new year, the studio is offering 50% off for new clients on their first session. Mention “ Brentwood City Lifestyle” at booking to redeem.
EMS therapy
The infrared sauna
Elevate Your Space, Elevate Your Life SANCTUARY SAGING
Sanctuary Saging is a specialized service that designs meaningful rituals using sage, palo santo, crystals, and intention setting. This service is perfect for setting a positive tone in new homes or offices, celebrating milestone moments, and honoring new beginnings.
603.546.5538 mindfulwellbeingpathways.com jo@jatluri.com V @josephineratluri
all together now
ABUNDANCE + COMPANY TEACHES FARM-TO-TABLE COOKING ALONG WITH A HEALTHY DOSE OF SELF-CARE
After meeting when their children were in kindergarten, Dana Kotler and Claudine Watt quickly bonded over their shared love for cooking and entertaining. Over the years, as they spent countless hours preparing meals for their friends, the idea for boutique cooking school Abundance + Company was born. Their three-hour classes— set at Watt’s home by the Brentwood Country Club—have quickly gained a cult-following. “Like us, our food is fun! It’s relaxed and completely attainable,” says Kotler. “We want to make our friends feel special through the food we make and vibe we create.”
Combining the feel of the English countryside (Watt is a native Londoner) with the warmth of the Midwest (Kotler hails from Michigan), the classes are filled with noise and laughter, with every session ending with a shared meal at a long communal table. “Abundance + Co is not just a cooking class, it is a form of self-care,” says Watt. “It is a warm, welcoming environment that nurtures both body and soul.” And with fresh, seasonal ingredients pulled right from the farmers market, the meals are also deliciously healthy. Here, three of their favorite recipes.
Dana Kotler and Claudine Watt of Abundance + Company
Photo Credit: Katy Schneidrrman
SMOKY ROASTED CHICKEN + POTATOES + LEMON
“This is our absolute go-to when people ask us “What should I make for dinner?” Watt says. “It’s easy enough to make for your family on a Tuesday night, but special enough to serve to guests on a Saturday.”
ingredients
• 4 bone-in skin-on chicken breasts
• 5 large potatoes
• 3 red onions, cut into large chunks
• 1 large fennel bulb, quartered
• 3 lemons, juiced (don’t throw away the actual lemons—after juicing you will use them!)
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 bunch oregano leaves removed from stem
• Handful chopped Italian parsley for serving
directions
Line a roasting tray with parchment paper. Heat oven to 400°F. Slice the potatoes (don’t bother peeling) as finely as you can. In a very large mixing bowl, add the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chopped garlic, salt and oregano leaves. Mix well. Add the potatoes, fennel, red onion and the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat all the chicken and the vegetables with the oil mixture. Tip the chicken and potatoes into the roasting tray, arranging the chicken on top of the potatoes and the onions. Add the squeezed lemon rinds to the tray. Roast for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. If the chicken is cooked but potatoes are not browned, remove the chicken from the roasting tray, set aside and return the potatoes to the oven until well cooked through. Serve with juices from the pan and chopped Italian parsley.
“The Harvest salad is a ray of sunshine in the winter months,” says Kotler. “Packed with purple cabbage, rainbow carrots and jewel-like pomegranates, it's so beautiful!”
ingredients
For the salad
• ½ red cabbage, finely sliced
• 4 candy cane beets, scrubbed well and finely sliced into rounds
• 3 rainbow carrots, peeled into ribbons with vegetable peeler
• 2 apples, cored, quartered and finely sliced
• 1 bunch parsley, chopped
• 1 pomegranate, seeded
• 1 cup roasted hazelnuts
For the dressing
• 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon honey
directions
Mix all the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Mix all the dressing ingredients in a separate small bowl and whisk until well amalgamated. Dress the salad and toss well. This salad does particularly well when dressed in advance, and is even good the next day! Dress at least 30 minutes before eating. Pile the salad high onto a flat plate and serve.
HARVEST
“This lets us feel like we have been whisked away to the South of France,” says Watt. “We love showing people how to cook fresh fish—something they are often intimidated by, but actually is super easy and super healthy.”
ingredients
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 leeks, white parts only, finely diced
• 2 sticks celery, finely diced
• 1 fennel bulb, finely diced
• zest orange, 1 long strip
• ½ teaspoon cayenne
• large pinch saffron
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 ½ teaspoon salt
• pepper
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups fish stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 pounds firm white fish, i.e. red snapper, halibut, cod, cut into 4-inch pieces
• shrimp, shell-on, two per person
• mussels, four per person
• clams, four per person
• parsley, chopped
• toasts and rouille to serve
directions
BOUILLABAISSE
Peel and devein the shrimp, reserving the shells. Rinse and clean the mussels and clams and keep in a bowl of iced water. In a large casserole pot or soup pan, add the extra virgin olive oil, onions, leeks, fennel, celery, orange zest, cayenne, saffron and the shrimp shells. Sauté the vegetables, spices and shrimp shells for about ten minutes on a low to medium heat until the vegetables are soft and cooked through. Add the garlic and sauté for another couple of minutes. Remove the shrimp shells and the orange zest from the pan and add the white wine. Deglaze the pan by simmering the liquid for a few minutes and scraping the base of the pot well. Add the tomatoes, the fish stock, bay leaves, salt and pepper and simmer for another ten minutes or so. Add the white fish. Place the lid on the pot and on a low heat, poach the fish by simmering gently for 7-8 minutes. Add the shrimp and continue to simmer with the lid on for another couple of minutes. Now add the mussels and clams and place the lid back on. Simmer again for another five minutes until all the shells have opened and the shrimp and the fish are just cooked through. If any shells have not opened, discard. Check for seasoning, adding any salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the bouillabaisse into shallow bowls, scatter with chopped parsley and serve with toasts and rouille. Abundance +
JANUARY 12TH
Van Gogh’s Shelter: The Hospital Saint-Paul-de-Mausole
The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr. | 2:00 PM
In this insightful talk, Teio Meedendorp from Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum will discuss the history of the Hospital Saint-Paul-deMausole in Saint-Rémy, France, where Vincent van Gogh admitted himself in 1889 and created over 150 paintings. One of these pieces, Irises, is the focus of Ultra-Violet: New Light on Van Gogh’s Irises, an exhibition on view at the museum through January 19th. getty.edu
JANUARY 14TH
Visit to Bergamot Station with Artist Jill Douglas
Brentwood Art Center, 1625 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica | 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Expert artist and longtime Brentwood Art Center instructor Jill Douglas heads up this special opportunity to explore the galleries and offerings at Bergamot Station in a group setting. The afternoon begins at the BAC campus for an overview, before heading to Bergamot for a leisurely walk-through followed by a closing conversation. brentwoodart.org
JANUARY 17TH
Neha Ruch x Eve Rodsky Author Event at Zibby’s Bookshop
Zibby’s Bookshop, 1113 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Celebrate the launch of thought leader, influencer and sought-after speaker Neha Ruch’s paradigm-shifting new book The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids—and Come Back Stronger than Ever. Ruch will be joined by best-selling Fair Play author Eve Rodsky for the discussion, followed by a book signing. zibbymedia.com
JANUARY 19TH
Envision 2025: Illuminate Your New Year with Intention & Insight
Private residence | 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Step into 2025 empowered and purposeful with this exclusive women’s event from Josephine Atluri and Mindful Wellbeing Pathways. In collaboration with renowned tarot card reader Angie Banicki, this afternoon min-retreat includes a group saging ritual, introspective journaling, circular breathwork, group tarot readings and instruction and vision board creation. mindfulwellbeingpathways.com
JANUARY 21ST
Common
Ground
: A Community Meal for Civic Engagement
Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. | 5:30 PM
Join renowned ceramicist Adam Silverman for the latest iteration of his buzzy Common Ground series, in this case meant to take the form of a community-focused post-inauguration meal. During this unforgettable evening of shared food and conversation, participants will utilize Silverman’s beautiful handcrafted cups, plates and bowls to celebrate American pluralism and foster human connection. skirball.org
JANUARY 25TH
Marlon Martinez and Marlonius Jazz Orchestra
The BroadStage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica | 8:00 PM
Since its inception in 2016, Marlonius Jazz Orchestra has wowed audiences across Los Angeles and solidified its position as an emerging force in the city’s jazz scene. Led by virtuoso bassist Marlon Martinez with vocals by singer-songwriter Olivia Kuper Harris, this performance will deliver a captivating blend of new compositions alongside the music of jazz legend Billy Strayhorn. broadstage.org
LUXURY LOGISTICS
VANESSA HERNANDEZ SKINCARE
BRENTWOOD GARDENS PLAZA 11677 SAN VICENTE BLVD. #305 310-849-4452 | VHSKINCARE.COM
About Face
Vanessa Hernandez is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after estheticians, with a client list that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Amber Valletta and Eiza González. Lucky for us, she operates out of a discreet jewel-box studio right here in the heart of Brentwood. “I always say facials are like going to the dentist, it’s the ongoing maintenance and consistency that gives you a lifetime of healthy skin,” says the busy entrepreneur, who is currently pregnant with her second child. Here, Hernandez shares her top skincare trends for 2025.
1. FORGET TRADITIONAL FILLER
If you’re looking for a more natural approach when it comes to injections, it’s all about regenerative medicine. There are many ways of customizing a combination of PRF (derived from your own blood and full of growth factors), stem cells, Skinvive, exosomes, neuromodulators and more to regenerate, firm and brighten a specific zone. We’ve seen really great results under the eyes and fantastic, topical stamping with AquaGold for the full face.
2. TREAT YOUR NECK
The neck should be a key part of your skincare routine, and to truly make a difference, you need to address all aspects by treating different layers. For some, applying Botox will help to elongate and gently lift the muscles to help the area appear smoother. Second, treating connective tissue with firming lasers such as Morpheus8 and Ultherapy supports the rebuilding of collagen and elasticity. Third, daily hydration and protection is key—make sure to bring the products you are using on your face down to your neck! I also love dedicated creams such as SkinMedica Neck Correct and iS Clinical Neck Perfect.
3. LAYERING LASERS TREATMENTS
Combining a textural and firming laser with a brightening laser within the same session may technically increase your downtime (about fiveto-seven days) but quickly enhance your results, giving you much more bang for your buck. There are only a few on the market that are safe to layer—some of my favorites are CoolPeel, Pico, Morpheus8 and Forma.
4. PREGNANCY SAFE SKINCARE
I’ve learned first-hand that there are now so many amazing products that are safe while growing a baby and can be incorporated into treatments. Whether you prefer all-natural holistic products, a microbiome-focused line or medical-grade skincare, there are several on both ends of the spectrum and some that fall in between. Some of my favorite pregnancy-safe brands that are also clinical and extremely effective are Vintner’s Daughter, Symbiome, iS Clinical, Reiki Natural and of course, VH Skincare.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY DAVA
