Bliss Babe March/April 2017

MARCH/APRIL 2017

SoDo

The GO-TO for YOUR elevated casual dining experience

FALL IN LOVE IN EL DORADO WINE COUNTRY

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MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

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MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

EXP 4.30.17

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CONTENTS

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Forever Hope, Fur-Ever Friends

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Resilience Happens When Prosperity Begins with Passion

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Jessica Lynn Bringing Reike to Reno

10 Time to Organize

Lessen Your Clutter & Lower Your Stress 11

INKASE Sends Your Period Supplies to Your Door Getting Rid of the Dust & Drama

13 REAL. LIFE. FASHION. 14 Three Reasons to Move to Reno-Sparks 15 Chip Bowlby:

The Face of Development in Reno 17 SoDo: The Go-To for an

Elevated Casual Dining Experience 20 Thoughts from the Real Shari

by Shari Fitzpatrick 21 Pearls of Romance after the Honeymoon 22 Spring Bridal Styles, A Caliber Above the Rest 25 6 Budget Tips Every Bride Should Know 26 Swarowski & Sand 28 Fit for the Wedding 29 Listen to your Body to Prevent Workout Injuries

MARCH/APRIL 2017

SoDo

The GO-TO for YOUR elevated casual dining experience

FALL IN LOVE IN EL DORADO WINE COUNTRY

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Bridal Bliss

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ON THE COVER Natasha’s World Jewelry is worn

by Erika Pinto and Kat King Makeup and Hair by Caliber Salon in Reno, NV Hair: Tres Benzley Hair asst: Krysta Lovan Makeup Artist: Krista Puett

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36 30 Colin’s Corner: Choosing the Best

Catering Team for your Wedding 31 In Search of Alternative Wines 33 Springtime in Death Valley National Park

Lake Tahoe: Eradicator of Winter

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34 El Dorado Wine Country Map 36 A Toast to Champagne 37 The Sierra Foothills Somm:

Say “I Do” to Wonderful Wine!

38 Wine Bubblies Art & Weddings 39 Bella Vista: A Love Story 40 Feel The Warmth and Sip the

Wines at Sentivo Vineyards

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41 Make Your Love of Wine

Help Surviving Military Families 42 The Gold Cadillac Love in a Glass 43 Midtown is City Life 46 A Season, A Reason 47 Roll Mountain Creamery - Dorinda Chocolates 48 Domestic Child Sex Trafficking Getting to the Heart of the Matter 49 Mentors Matter 50 Ricci Kilgore, Paralympian Takes

Disability to New Heights 51 Meet Bell Gold, Local Slopestyle Skier 52 American Airlines & Cystic Fibrosis

Foundation Search for a Cure on Skis 54 Three Non-Profits Enrich Lives of Local Skiers 55 Lyndsay Slocumb Adaptive Athlete

Challenges Physical and Personal Limits 56 Cannon-Glow from the Inside Out 57 Wedding Picks - Bliss Babe Picks

Ulta Beauty & Whole Foods

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FROM OUR PUBLISHER

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Photograph by Kiley Howard

hether you’re tying the knot this year or planning for your future walk down the aisle, this issue of Bliss Babe Magazine is proud to feature some of the best local and regional wedding venues, bridal party destinations, caterers, bakers, teams of stylists and stories that will inspire love and unique ideas for that perfect day!

In addition, we are also excited to feature an amazing editorial on the 5-Year Anniversary of SoDo restaurant located in Reno. SoDo is THE go-to place for YOU that features a whole new menu specializing in health-conscious meals and caters to those who want to dine on great food but also keep their health and waistlines in check! Besides, SoDo also is home to a great bar with local spirits and boasts a welcoming atmosphere that is exceptionally inviting. Whether you’re in board shorts and flipflops or a tailored suit, you can rest assure you’re gonna fit right in!

Thinking of calling Reno home? Peruse pages 14 and 15 to find out why so many others who have made the leap are happy they did!

Skiing takes another twist down the hill with amazing stories about local paraplegic skiers who are defying the odds and setting new records!

Of course, we love our friends and neighbors in El Dorado Wine Country, and we encourage you to take the trip to make new friends and enjoy the hospitality of the winemakers. The drive this spring will be beautiful along Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50.

Oh, by the way locals, did you know the GSR hosts Wine Wednesdays at The Reserve? Yep! Right here! Small plates, too, or treat yourself to fine dining across from The Reserve at Charlie Palmer! Maybe we’ll see you there!

Happy Spring and congratulations on your engagement! We hope you love this issue of Bliss Babe Magazine as much as we loved putting it together!

LESLIE MCCARROLL

Yours Truly!

Leslie McCarroll Publisher Leslie@Blissabe.com

Publisher Leslie@Blissabe.com

BLISS CREW

DEBBIE MCCARTHY aka About Town Deb Business Development

DIANE BEALL

Creative Director

EMILY REESE Editor

Subscribe now to the premier women’s lifestyle magazine for Nevada and California BILL O’DRISCOLL Editor

BLISS CONTRIBUTORS Sherri Aikin, MSN Yvette Auger Bobby Baum Natasha Bayt Clayton Beck (Photographer) Tres M Benzley Heather Cannon Melissa Castaldy Michael Christian Martin A. Cody Katie Coombs

Ashlee Cuneo Morgan Dawn Ric De La Rosa Meghan Di Rocco Britton Griffith Douglass Shari Fitzpatrick Jeff Glass Jennifer Harrington, APRN Danny Heinsohn Jessica Lynn Dudson Rachel Karry Katie Knapp-CFD

Molly LeGoy Dana Leonard Leslie McCarroll Debbie McCarthy Britton Murdock Craig Nelson Dr. Erin Oksol Mike Owen Jackie Peacock Leslie Peek, APRN Danell Perlman Brooke Rose

Kylie Rowe Kelly Rush Chef Colin Smith Mena Spodobalski Elisabeth Thompson Andi Tyrell Dorinda Vance Anastasia Warren Kathryn Weiss Jeanne Wontkowski, PT, MPT Chrisie Yabu

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Debbie McCarthy • Clayton Beck Creative-Clayton Beck and Nick Sorrentino Tony and Tricia Shell - Bliss Babe Magazine - El Dorado Wine County Distribution Kelly Rush - Distribution Coordinator

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FIND EVERYTHING BLISS FROM:

• Finest hidden wineries • Personal trainers • Fashionistas • Spas • Staycations • Healthy recipes from local chefs • Meet some of the most inspiring women from around the world!

BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. BE REMEMBERED. 1 YEAR (6 issues) $24 2 YEAR (12 issues) $38 SUBSCRIBE NOW! BlissBabe.com

About Town Deb

BY DEBBIE MCCARTHY & ELISABETH THOMPSON

FOREVER W HOPE, FUR-EVER FRIENDS

Photo by Michael Roach

hen our military veterans return from combat, many of them are accompanied by an unwelcome addition to their everyday lives known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. It affects approximately 1 in 3 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and can impact them for the rest of their lives. Another unfortunate fact is that nearly 40 percent of those suffering with PTSD won’t seek help. This has resulted in approximately 20 veterans per day taking their own life.

Like many Americans, these numbers don’t sit well with the folks at Taysia Blue Rescue in Omaha, Neb. — a nonprofit that strives to save the lives of Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. That’s why, in 2017, Executive Director Jackie Roach announced the launch of Huskies and Heroes, an outreach program aimed at helping homeless dogs and U.S. veterans to partner together in hope.

“We envision a program that will help some of these dogs that would otherwise be euthanized,” Roach said. “And at the same time, (the dogs) partner with veterans who would benefit from learning dog training skills, and who would also have the benefit of having a four-legged buddy who needed them — who counted on them to have their back.”

Many of the dogs brought to Taysia Blue Rescue have challenges of their own, whether it be surviving abuse or abandonment, or presenting with

difficult personalities. Like our soldiers, many of these dogs are traumatized and misunderstood and need someone willing to invest time in helping them heal.

As a high-energy breed, huskies require regular exercise and stimulation to avoid becoming restless or destructive. Huskies and Heroes hope that time, attention and exercise will benefit both the dog and the soldier training them.

“Over the last six years, we’ve saved nearly 600 dogs from being euthanized in shelters,” Roach said.

“We believe that, by having our veterans work to train the dogs, they will both be set up for a better future.”

With no shortage of dogs or veterans desperately in need, one of the biggest challenges facing their program is a lack of resources. Currently in need of a permanent facility and regular transportation, Huskies for Heroes is hoping the community will help them in making this a success story.

“The bottom line is, we are asked to help take in dogs that need some extra training, patience and care but many of our foster homes don’t have the resources to give these dogs what they need,” Roach said. “We need help, the dogs need help – and maybe in the process we can help someone else regain their sense of purpose, trust and love.”

For more information, visit taysiablue.com or huskiesandheroes.com.

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RESILIENCE HAPPENS WHEN PROSPERITY BEGINS WITH

PASSION

BY CRAIG NIELSON AND DANNY HEINSOHN

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anny Heinsohn was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor the day after he graduated from the University of Nevada in May 1999. The tumor that originated in his brain was the size of a racquetball, and he faced a median survival rate of five years.

He was just 23 years old with plans to backpack across Europe and move to Colorado or Arizona to begin a career as an electrical engineer. Instead, Danny endured three craniotomies followed by 12 months of chemotherapy and several years of seizure complications, depression, cognitive therapy and social reintegration.

After he completed his final month of chemo, Danny stepped in to participate in a bicycle spinning class. He fell in love with the opportunity and thought, “What better way to start my new life than to motivate people, feel great after a good workout, get paid, and on top of it all, play my own music.”

This new-found passion became the driving force of things to follow in Danny’s life, and that was his focus as he navigated through recovery.

At the time of his recovery, the dot-com bubble burst and the country went into recession.

The only possibility of getting a job in his field of study was with five years of practical work experience. Times were tough. Danny had to start over.

When he began teaching cycling classes in 2002, he met the owner of a start-up company.

Seth Sheck, the owner of ACCESS Event Solutions, said, “Dude, you play kick-ass music. You should take over this class.”

Over the next several months, they had conversations about music and the bands they loved. Then in August of that fateful year, Seth asked Danny, “What do you do and what do you want to do?” At the time, Danny worked in the garden department at Lowe’s. Seth invited Danny to the shop that day and offered him a job as his sales assistant in the concert touring industry.

Over the next several years, Danny carved out a nice niche for himself. Through relentless focus and dedication, Heinsohn developed and managed a prestigious portfolio that included the biggest names in professional sports and corporate sponsorship: the New York Yankees,

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Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Blackhawks, San Francisco Giants, Boston Bruins, NASCAR, OKC Thunder, Kentucky Wildcats, Texas Longhorns, Southeastern Conference, the awards show, Danny met Meb Keflezighi, the Red Bull, winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon.

Nike, Toyota, Today, in his 16th year of remission, Danny MillerCoors, is a nationally recognized sales coach and and GoPro were motivational speaker. His passions became his a few clients on brand, Resilience Happens, which will launch his short list. this summer.

At the same time, Heinsohn began reinventing Join Danny and My Hometown Heroes his career path. The local endurance community on April 21, 2017, for an esoteric experience for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society embraced you won’t want to miss. For the second Danny’s story and over the course of the next consecutive year, MHH is delighted to partner eight years, Danny became a motivational with Euphotoria, a community platform for speaker, cycling coach, triathlete and marathon therapeutic expression through photography. finisher, and raised over $125,000 for the cause.

Reno native Bridget Rosscup has over 20 Then in 2010, came the opportunity of a years of film and photography experience, and lifetime. her vision for Euphotoria was brought to life in Danny Heinsohn, a model of resilience Danny decided to celebrate his 10th year 2016. Euphotoria promises to impress in 2017 of remission from brain cancer by competing with over 100 unique prints from several local in an Ironman triathlon and started his own and national photographers, live music, fine foundation. An Ironman triathlon begins with a wine, delicious bites and a projected attendance 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike tour, of 250 to 300 people. and concludes with a marathon 26.2-mile run.

Euphotoria will be hosted at one of Northern Heinsohn’s community of supporters rallied Nevada’s most elegant event spaces, Dolan behind his efforts and together they raised over Lexus, from 4-7 p.m. You won’t want to miss the $10,000 in celebration of the decade milestone. check presentations for the MHH scholarship His foundation is called “My Hometown Heroes” along with the amazing talent of our local (MHH), a scholarship fund for young adult photographers. cancer survivors. Since 2011, MHH has awarded Visit www.myhometownheroes.org for 37 scholarships of $1,000 and $5,000 to collegedetails. For information to arrange coaching bound cancer survivors from across the country. or speaking engagements with Danny, After the publication in 2014 of his book, please visit www.dannyheinsohn.com “For A Reason,” Heinsohn became the inaugural recipient of the OM Foundation award in Dallas CRAIG NIELSON MA, CPC is a at the National Sports Forum. He was then Professional Coach, Speaker, and Educator who invited to speak at TEDxReno and the Baltimore helps women who are insecure with self-doubt Ravens Partner Summit, and in November of to become fully empowered with self-confidence. that year he was recognized in Las Vegas with Learn more at myinternalimage.com the SportsTravel Humanitarian Award. During

JLYNN REIKI:

Raising Vibration Through Natural Healing

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Photo by David Marshall Fleming

BY JESSICA LYNN HUDSON

hen I was a little girl, I felt very connected to the Universe. For hours, I would lie in the grass and stare at the clouds; I always considered them my angels in the sky.

I remember one day my mother called for me and came out to find me in the field behind our home. She cried out hysterically when she saw me sitting in the midst of dandelions surrounded by honeybees. I held one dandelion in particular with a bee nuzzled upon it. When my mother asked what on earth I was doing, I looked at her as if she should have known: The bees are my friends, Mom! That was a long time ago. Then at 28 years old, like many others living in this world, I had lost my childlike innocence and grown tough from what life had thrown at me. At that time, it seemed like I had worked so hard only to have lost everything in an instant; my job, my family ties were in knots, my relationship was being pulled apart from stress and the very floor I stood on felt like the cracks were multiplying and I would soon face my doom.

The magic of youth seemed lost and all that

was certain was the rent was due and bills needed to be paid. That’s when Reiki changed my life. When the Universe sends you messages, it’s up to you to listen.

So, what is Reiki, you ask? The type of Reiki I practice is called “Holy Fire”. Rei means Spiritual Wisdom and Ki means Life Energy.

Reiki is not a religion and it is not massage. It is a Japanese technique practiced for thousands of years using Source Energy to heal the body, mind and soul. The process allows the body to repair itself, the mind to let go of mental blockages, and brings the client to a peaceful, meditative state of relaxation.

I have strong love and passion for people, which is why I’ve pursued this path. In January 2017, I opened my Reiki practice: Jlynn Reiki, at the Institute for Inspired Living at 85 Washington St. in Reno. It’s the very place in which I received my Second Degree Usui Holy Fire Reiki Certification. It is my goal through Reiki and through writing to help heal others naturally and be a part of the shift to raise the vibration of our community and our world.

JESSICA LYNN HUDSON is a UNR 2008 Reynolds School of Journalism alumna who traveled to Reno in 2004 to pursue a career in journalism. She has recently joined the Bliss Babe family as Spiritual Health and Wellness Guru/ Writer where she can put her passion for journalism and spiritual healing together to help educate and raise the vibration of our community.

PRICING: 1 hour $65 30 min $35 For an appointment, email jlynnreiki@gmail.com and for further information visit jlynnreiki.com 775-342-5556

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Lessen your clutter & lower your stress

BY KATIE DILILLO COOMBS

I

am a mother of a blended family with seven children, so it is probably easy for you to imagine how much “stuff” we can accumulate in our home.

There are a total of eight people living in my house (the oldest is off to college) and that means eight pairs of shoes, dirty socks, backpacks or work binders, and endless laundry from regular clothes to sports uniforms. As with us, here are some tips you can use to help keep your household from feeling too cluttered all year long: Develop a system for what you are going to do with everything in your home. There are four options for every item, and if it helps when you are cleaning, you can use stickers on items or have bags for things you no longer need. For items you aren’t going to “Keep,” you can quickly decide to Donate, Trash or Sell. If you make a commitment to go through each room every quarter, you can spend a small amount of time eliminating clutter with a system all the children can easily follow as well. We try to make it a fun experience for our kids, and we all do it together.

The garage is always a stress point for most people and the same system above is helpful. If you commit to cleaning out the garage twice a year, you will be amazed at how your stress is reduced when you pull into your organized space.

Clothes in closets can be a huge clutter issue for all ages.

During the quarterly cleaning of each room, take the time to organize the closet by color so you know what items you need and what items you have duplicated. A great way to decide if you should be keeping clothing is to turn the hang-

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ers backward at the beginning of each quarter and then when you wear something, hang it up normally. If you continue to notice an article is remaining on a hanger that was never used, it becomes an item to sell or donate. It is also important to go through drawers quarterly and donate or sell items you know you don’t wear or have outgrown.

If you have school-age children, insist that after completing their homework they place their shoes and backpacks in the same place in their room. It is always a stressful morning looking for a missing shoe or book. Simply putting things in the same place will eliminate this problem. We have our children make their lunches and put them in our outside refrigerator. In the morning, they easily grab their shoes and backpacks and then grab their lunches on the way to the car. It eliminates all yelling or stress and keeps the house free of seven backpacks lying around.

If you move to a new home, that’s the perfect opportunity to purge items you don’t need. We use the Keep, Donate, Trash, Sell system when we moved in the past, and we do it prior to moving so we don’t bring things to the new house that we don’t need. Moving is a daunting task; however, it can be very satisfying to move with only the things you need and then commit to starting your quarterly clean-out system. Our house, even with all the people, is always pretty tidy, and it is very easy to keep it that way.

Good luck to you and your family in 2017 implementing some of these systems that can really lower your stress and make things easy to find. The more organized you are, the more time you end up spending doing fun things together instead of cleaning or searching for lost items.

INKASE sends your period supplies to your door

BY BOBBY BAUM

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e have one goal, which is to give you peace of mind. You will never again reach into an empty box or make a mad dash to the corner store to buy tampons.

INKASE has taken the worry out of period supplies: as a once-amonth delivery service that ships what you need, when you need it, right to your door. Plus, you get a PMS: a pre- or post-menstrual surprise (because you’re an independent girl who gets to choose) with every order!

Whether you are juggling school, work, family or just a hectic social life, INKASE will always be in your corner. You will never again have to ask your man to pick up your monthlies, or have to deal with him getting the wrong size of tampons with the dreaded cardboard applicator, which leads to that unnecessary pouting from your significant other.

We know you have to deal with enough when that time of the month pops up, and we think that you deserve something sweet. So, we send Ghirardelli’s dark chocolate to our members along with each package. We know that sending you something sweet won’t make everything better right away, but we can guarantee that it won’t make it any worse.

Check out our monthly service at www.inkase.com and choose between four different packages that include Kotex Click tampons, liners and Ghirardelli’s chocolate squares. We don’t think you should be stuck with anything that you don’t completely love, so we won’t ever have you sign a contract.

We can’t wait for you to join our family!

GETTING RID of the DUST & DRAMA

BY ANDREA TYRELL

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t’s time to open the windows and brush the cobwebs out of your closet. While you are sorting your clothes into donation piles, have you thought about your internal cleaning? With the stress of the holidays over and done with, soak in the springtime sunshine and focus on improving - spring cleaning - yourself.

Start your cleansing by evaluating your thoughts. I am especially hard on myself, so this spring I’m flipping my negativity into something more positive. Pessimism, cynicism and comparison, no more. I start the morning by repeating to myself: You are happy. You are going to have a great day.

Sure, there are some days where I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I want to be miserable. That’s when I think of the cliche phrase, “Fake it until you make it.” I put on some happy jams to lift my spirits. If I’m in the privacy of my home, I do a silly dance to raise my endorphins.

Another thing to do is change up your routine. Last year, I started every morning by checking my social media platforms. Now, I start my day with a run and an NPR podcast (it helps that I deleted Facebook). I also started recording how I’m spending my time and what tasks I choose to focus on.

I’m eliminating one bad habit each day that doesn’t serve me in a positive and forward direction. This is also the time when I evaluate the relationships in my life: Are certain people beneficial to me or are they dragging me down?

Just like your house, you don’t need to overhaul everything to see a brighter picture in your life. As you clean, you will awaken to possibilities and joy you hadn’t noticed hiding under the dust bunnies of life.

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VISIT SOASURROGACY.COM OR CALL 702-425-5588 REFERRALS ALSO WELCOME

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REAL. H LIFE. FASHION.

BY BRITTON MURDOCK

You can purchase Ellison designs at the BLFT events. Check biggestlittlefashiontruck.com for events, and don’t miss out on Ladies Night at Liberty Food and Wine Exchange every second Thursday of the month from 5:30-8 p.m.

Photo by Taylor Kern

ow often do you buy clothes that have a designer’s name on them, yet you are completely clueless as to who the person is behind the name? You buy a shirt that says Michael Stars or J. Crew and you know nothing about them, what they stand for, or whom they design their clothes for.

When I was looking at brands to carry in the Biggest Little Fashion Truck, I wanted ones that would support women and their clothing needs.

Ellison apparel is just that. Ellison is a wholesale-only retailer, creating designs that are specifically for women with full lives. Some designers intend their clothing to be worn by the elite, celebrities and those living in a different reality than us. As women, we don’t have time to be constricted, uncomfortable or distracted by our clothing. We have to get stuff done and be able to move freely throughout our day. We walk a fine line between wanting to look our best and performing our best. What we need is clothing that will allow us to do both. Ellison is the brand that all women need in their closets and in their lives.

I had the opportunity to meet Ellison at her location in the LA fashion district. When I walked into her store, I immediately thought it was a high-end retailer due to the quality of the clothing, and I was surprised when I saw the

prices. She is currently on the brink of big things, and I have a feeling this extremely talented woman will be seeing her designs in every bigname retailer across the country. She has been designing for 10 years and creates every piece to be practical and comfortable, but also stylish.

She sets herself apart from other designers because of her brand’s motto, which she puts on every tag: “Ellison is a women’s clothing brand based upon empowering everyday women to realize they are actually quite extraordinary. We believe in creating high quality, comfortable, practical, and chic everyday clothing for women of all shapes and sizes. We believe in optimism, positivity, and empowering women to bring out the best in themselves and each other.”

How awesome is that? Ellison stands for all things positive while bringing together the worlds of luxury, quality, affordability and wearability -- truly encapsulating it all. Ellison’s pieces are exactly what women are looking for when they are purchasing clothing. She supports women of all ages and body types, and she makes the clothing for women who spread happiness and empower each other.

SO, WHAT DO YOU SAY, LADIES? Let’s wear Ellison, look great, feel confident and build each other up.

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THREE REASONS to Move to Reno-Sparks

BY KYLIE ROWE

Recently, I was hired to start the first residential real estate corporate relocation department in Northern Nevada. Nancy Fennell, president of Dickson Realty, created the position to meet the demand our region is experiencing.

Reno and Sparks have never been hubs for relocation, but our area is changing and it’s largely due to the more than 47,000 people the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) expects to move here between 2015-2020.

You can’t forget that we are also the airport landing zone and city connector to Burning Man, which influences many of the 191 pieces of public art and the 283 events held each year, including Artown, an entire month (July) dedicated to art in Reno.

Reno-Sparks truly is the whole package, a great place to live and do business. The tax incentives, business climate and entrepreneurial ecosystem might attract new businesses which bring jobs. But the requisite talent make the choice to live in our area because the art and culture is woven into the fabric of our community.

Kylie Rowe is the Vice President of Corporate Relocation at Dickson Realty, an ambassador for Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe.

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Photos provided by Dickson Realty

There are countless reasons to move to Reno-Sparks, but here are my top three: Entrepreneurship According to The Kauffman Foundation, Reno-Sparks was ranked the most entrepreneurial community in the U.S. We rank in the Top 10 most business tax-friendly states and have more per capita startups with five to 49 employees than any other metropolitan area of our size.

Since 2013, the start-up density in our area has grown largely as a result of investments such as the $5 million that Eren and Fatih Ozmen gifted to open the University of Nevada-Reno’s Entrepreneurship Center, the half-million dollars Switch gave to build out the university’s Innovation Center, and the regular contributions EDAWN gives to build programs that connect entrepreneurs with mentors.

Jobs EDAWN conservatively projected 52,000 new jobs by 2020, with a significant portion of talent acquisition at Tesla/Panasonic. Although the ramp-up for hiring at Tesla is not yet in full force, the innovative energy company will employ 6,500 people at the gigafactory located in the Tahoe Regional Industrial Center (TRI). The TRI Center will also be home to the Switch SUPERNAP, which in addition to its own employees, will house 5,000 people from client companies such as eBay, Xerox and DreamWorks.

Lifestyle It’s certainly not all business in the Biggest Little City. Our backyard contains Lake Tahoe, the “No. 1 Lake in America,” according to USA Today. The Weather Channel ranked our region the No. 5 “Top Spot for Winter Vacations,” and National Geographic pinned Reno among the Top 10 emerging ski towns. Livability.com marked us as No. 9 out of 100 best places to live, and according to WalletHub.com’s food culture analysis, Reno is No. 6 out of the top 150 foodie towns.

CHIP BOWLBY:

The face of development in Reno Interview with Chip Bowlby

By Britton Griffith Douglass Photo by Caroline McDermaid, The Abbi Agency

R

eno has seen incredible development these past few years. After enduring a deep recession, particularly in the real estate market, our community has open its doors and set out the welcome mat to many investors and redevelopments. One, Chip Bowlby, has taken a leading position in transforming Reno with his company, Reno Land Development. Their purchases have included notable Northern Nevada properties such as Rancharrah, the Park Lane Mall site and even land near Boomtown at Verdi.

This growth is significant for Reno Land Development and the region. Demonstrating tremendous desire and effort to make Reno a better place with projects that have the community’s attention—like redevelopment of blighted areas, incorporating affordable housing in residential plans, and donating funding to the school district to assist with developmental financial constraints— they encourage and lead by example. Reno Land Development’s trailblazer, Chip Bowlby, has built a strong and vibrant team in this community-driven company, and they are positively affecting Reno with their vision.

QUESTION: Your team has an incredible chemistry and fluidity in working together. You seem to perfectly complement one another with different avenues of expertise, and also a great rhythm in making large projects happen quickly and efficiently. What would you say the “magic” is to creating the team you have, including Thomas Merschel, Chuck Reeves, Bradford Smith, Brett Bates and Sherry A. Wagner?

ANSWER: Like any successful organization, RLI is comprised of skilled professionals who are passionate about bringing their vision to reality. Our leadership team has been working for more than three decades to create special communities throughout the West.

Each of us takes great pride in the communities we create, with hopes to spur a lasting legacy with each of our projects. Because we have been working together for a long time, we trust each other, and we know we can rely on the expertise that each of us brings to the company.

I have an expertise in financing, land acquisition, city and county approvals, product design, repositioning and marketing. My partner, Thomas Merschel, excels in entitlement processing and civil design with a tremendous resume in California development. Chuck Reeves brings more than 25 years of real estate development experience, with emphasis on high-end golf communities. Bradford Smith brings 40 years of experience throughout

California in development design, county and city approvals, land sales, on/off-site pro forma, budgets, contracting and management. Paris Fruscione has spent his career specializing in full resort creations and management. Paris led the charge to bring Martis Camp to life. Brett Bates is a licensed CPA and brings 15 years of experience in construction and real estate development working in the national defense industry and with a Fortune 500 company. Sherry Wagner manages all entity formations, corporate insurance programs, all property acquisitions and sales, human resources, company system — and much more. She is the heartbeat of our company and ensures smooth operations. Lastly, John Sather is a brilliant architect and visionary who led development at Martis Camp. He is invaluable to the development of Rancharrah.

My partners and team are a group of very talented people from diverse backgrounds who share a common vision. Above all, our commitment and trust in one another is the glue to our unbeatable team.

Q: You and your team have donated money toward schools in the same neighborhood as a development project you are responsible for, and were also listed as a supporter of the S.O.S. (Save Our Schools) campaign on the November ballot to provide funding for the infrastructure of schools.

In your own words, how do you see that our region’s education system and infrastructure for our children affect, harm or improve our economic development?

A: Both for the short term and the long term, excellence in education is one of the most important issues we face. Over the short term, the quality of our schools is an important factor in our community’s ability to recruit the companies that diversify our economy. A family considering relocation to Reno or Sparks is going to look closely at the quality of our schools. We want to look our best. And over the long term, there is no question that the jobs of the future will demand well-educated and skilled workers.

A capable workforce is important to the region’s economic future, and a good education will be increasingly important to the economic well-being of families. Reno Land recognizes that our company has a substantial stake in ensuring that our educational system is the pride of the community. We hope other companies will join with us and step up to do their part as well.

Q: As a board member of EDAWN, you know that Mike Kazmierski and his team have projected nearly 50,000 new residents to Reno in the next 10 years. What three things do you believe the City of

Reno, Washoe County and State of Nevada need to focus on to make this growth a positive evolution?

A: In order: 1) We need to plan well, striking a realistic balance that envisions an attractive community that meets the needs of all residents, from young working families to affluent retirees; 2) We need to hold ourselves to high, but practical, standards at every step of the way; 3) We always need to ensure that the community infrastructure, from water lines to streets to good schools, is robust and will meet the needs of a thriving city.

Q: Reno has begun building a new logo and image; commonly we see the #BELIEVE being used as promotion to bring business, workforce and art to our city. What made you believe in the potential of Reno three years ago, today, and what do you think you would say three years from now?

A: Three years ago, we saw a community that had growing confidence in itself, a confidence that comes from taking some hard knocks and becoming stronger as a result. The basic elements of a strong community — superlative location, positive leadership, a diversifying economy — were very attractive to us three years ago. Looking forward, I hope that we can say that we planned well for the changes in our community, and I hope that we are proud of the way that we have brought those plans into reality.

Q: We have so much potential as a region, most notably the “live, work, play” aspects of our community. What do you incorporate in your life for the categories live, work, play?

A: My wife, Christina, and I raised five children, each of whom is an accomplished athlete and scholar.

As a family, we made a commitment a long time ago to serve our community, and we have grown stronger together as a result of that commitment.

Christina and I often play golf at Montreux Golf and Country Club where we live, and we enjoy bicycling.

Summer finds us boating at Lake Tahoe. My work is demanding, but the recreational opportunities and the relationships that we have built with many friends help keep my life in balance.

Q: The Rancharrah and Park Lane developments have started to inspire a lot of hope in the town.

What gives you hope for a bright future for yourself, our city and our world?

A: People are good, and people share the desire to leave the world a better place. Whenever we create shared visions and harness the energy of good people, we will build successful companies, cities and global communities. I know I sound like a Pollyanna, but there truly is nothing that can stop good people who are committed to a good vision. I BELIEVE IN RENO! MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

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SoDo: THE GO-TO FOR AN ELEVATED CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE

OWNER AND EXECUTIVE CHEF

JOEL GIANDALIA

BY KELLY RUSH PHOTOS BY CLAYTON BECK 16

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There is a wild claim often tossed around that 90 percent of restaurants fail within their first year in business. That’s not actually true. It’s closer to 60 percent within three years. Still, that’s not a remotely healthy statistic.

It’s very exciting to be celebrating SoDo’s 5th anniversary, especially in post-bust Reno, a city not known for its cuisine scene until recently.

Owner and executive chef Joel Giandalia got his start in the Midwest grilling hot dogs in a swim club at age 13 and spent his high school years making doughnuts in Kansas City. He has run the gamut of the restaurant business, from Applebee’s to a Burlington Northern Railroad dining car to Bully’s to the Eldorado, and then some. He’s truly done it all. In between, he’s been a handyman and a golf pro, and has worked in construction and home sales. But he’s always ended up back in the kitchen.

His career kicked into high gear when Charlie Palmer came to the Grand Sierra Resort. With a nothing-to-lose attitude, Giandalia put in an application and a few days later received a call from Sabrina, the V.P. of HR, and then from Charlie Palmer himself.

Joel said, “We talked on the phone candidly for 30 minutes and he said, ‘Alright, I’ll have the guys get back to you.’

Nobody called so I had blown it off. Then six weeks and a day later, Sabrina calls up and says, ‘We need you tomorrow.’”

Over time, Giandalia developed back problems. After eight years as a GM with Charlie Palmer, having successfully launched, managed, and transitioned the GSR property, and opening restaurants across the country, his back finally gave out. He was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery and was out of work for three months.

At the time, Joel was engaged to now-Reno mayor Hillary Schieve. On March 1, 2012, Hillary’s sister, KOLO-TV 8’s Amanda Sanchez, mentioned that she had lunch with Alex, the owner of Hill Street Grill, and that he was looking for some help.

Joel had never heard of the place but gave him a call and met with him that night. He thought Alex was looking for a consultant but he was actually looking for an operator.

“Lo and behold, a week later, we inked something up,” Joel said. “I started this place with $27,500 and I spent all of that in 14 days. Then I started into the American Express cards. Nobody was going to give me a loan. Basically, I funded this place with some money from Alex, he put in some money too, but it was all on AmEx cards.”

Risky business, to be sure, but it worked! Joel didn’t get paid for the first 16 months SoDo was open. They paid back the debt and built up some savings, then opened Events Plus in the space next door. That was a smart move because business spending is more consistent than personal spending, and as Reno has grown, so has SoDo’s meetings and events business. It’s also perfect for all kinds of celebrations, parties, and weddings, and it’s one of the only event locations in the Midtown/Downtown area with its own parking lot as well as a lot of nearby curbside parking.

The thing about SoDo’s success that Joel makes very clear is that it’s definitely not just about him. What he really loves about it all is the relationships - with the community, their customers, and his staff, all 19 of them, including servers Tyler and Wilson, bartender Nikki, and new chef, Erika.

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CHEF CHRIS COWELL

“The thing I love the most is investment in relationships. Like when I came in today and saw Suzanne Pennington at table 18.

I’m hanging out with friends and I’m at work. I can’t even say it’s work. I also love the empowerment. If we want to change something, we change it. We don’t ask anybody, we just do it,” Giandalia said.

The SoDo staff is a huge part of what makes it work so well.

CHEF CHRIS COWELL is a big piece of the SoDo puzzle. He chose culinary because he wanted to snowboard during the day and enjoyed a diverse, successful snowboarding career. Despite having joined the team this past November, the impact of his expertise has a much longer-range feel.

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Like Joel, Chris has some serious training and experience. He worked at PlumpJack under Keith Luce, as President Bill Clinton’s chef at the White House, and for Michelin star restaurateur Mark Sullivan. He has really tuned up the menu with fresh ingredients and fresh ideas.

Cowell said, “I’m usually here at 9 a.m. and leave by 9 p.m. six days a week. Whenever you build a menu, you want to have a lot of ingredients that are going to cross over. If you have one ingredient used in one dish, you’re going to end up throwing it away. I had to figure out how to cross-utilize in different dishes, change it up, and not have it look the same.”

MANAGER

KAT KING

MANAGER KAT KING is another key player. She has worked in restaurants since she was 20 and has been at SoDo for two years. After Joel, she’s “The Guy” and handles scheduling, reservations, and bartending, is a host, deals with all the distributors as well as bookings for Events Plus.

She’s the (always smiling) face of SoDo. She loves it, she loves people, and it shows!

“Our customers are amazing. We really do have great people who come in, regulars who we see a few times a week. It’s just awesome. I love having regulars!” she said.

Kat also talked about SoDo’s ambiance, saying, “You don’t have to come in all dressed up to the nines to have good food. You can, but you don’t have to. You can come in very casual and still get amazing food.”

Of course, the food at SoDo is the pinnacle. The motto is “Extraordinary Food With Exceptional Service,” and it’s absolutely what they do - consistently. Joel insists on it.

“I love making food and tasting food, but the thing I find the most rewarding is making it consistent. I have a big issue with every time you go to restaurants you have a different plating or different meal every time you go there,” he said.

Whether it’s lunch, bar bites, happy hour, dinner, a cocktail party, or a catered event, you can consistently consider SoDo your go-to for a delicious, classy, top-notch experience every time!

CHEF ERIKA PINTO Looking to expand her horizons, brand new CHEF ERIKA PINTO just started at SoDo fresh from a five-year stint as former executive chef at Hidden Valley Country Club. She is young, bright, and will be an incredible addition to the SoDo team as sous chef to Cowell. She will also be taking on the role of growing Events Plus and the new off-site catering business.

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Don’t wait for a Holiday to show your Love

A

very nice lady asked me today how my Valentine’s Day was. You know, the day which is supposed to be the highlight of every romantic relationship. Mine was spent knee-deep in orders, fragrant boxes of berries and chocolates everywhere with the phone ringing off the hook. I was able to give my tired husband, Clay, a quick kiss as I headed out the door in the cool darkness.

In the midst of my busiest day of the year, it came to me that every minute of every day is a gift, and with it comes the ability to show love to another human being. In fact, some of the best moments in life happen when you send a sweet gift because it’s simply Wednesday.

And your husband has a job to go to. And your kids are healthy. And there is a roof over your head.

I had to thank God for placing me here to make a difference in the balancing act of mom, business owner and wife. As I looked around, I could see that every package was sent with love and urgency and needed special care, just like the givers and receivers of all the packages.

So, the lesson I would love to share with all readers is this: Don’t wait for a holiday; this is it, folks. Look around, and bless those in your life today with whatever you have. And if you can’t think of anything, there is always fresh berries and chocolate made with love. Thanks!

- Shari Fitzpatrick

Shari and her husband Clay will celebrate their 25 year wedding Anniversary April 11th.

Learn more about their 35 year love story in Shari’s Inspirational Book “Berried In Chocolate”

from Shari with Love

www.BerriedInChocolate.com

BIG CHEFS, BIG GALA

Saturday, April 8, 2017 5:00-9:00 PM at the Grand Sierra Resort.

Enjoy an evening of fine wine and an exclusive menu prepared by 30 of our area’s most talented chefs, led by Thierry Bregeon, Asst. Exec Chef, Grand Sierra Resort Christian Christensen, SÜP Josh and Whitney Deri, Blend Catering Sergio Romero, The Twisted Fork

All proceeds benefit

Individual Tickets $150 • Tables of Ten $1500 WWW

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T H E J U N G L E R E N O COM

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(775)-352-3202 • www.bbbsnn.org

Pearls of Romance after the Honeymoon

BY SHERRI AIKIN

SHERRI AIKIN is a Fellow of Integrative Medicine, NursePractitioner, Sex Counselor, Mindfulness Facilitator, and Life Coach. Her unique synthesis of degrees and certifications provides an expertise in the field of mindbody wellness. She specializes in sexuality, hormonal balance, nutrition, mindfulness, prevention and promotion of overall health and well-being, affirming the beauty and vitality of a whole and complete life for her clients. sherriaikinhealth.com

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So, you’ve chosen your beloved and envision a life filled with many dreams about how to keep your love vibrant. Ideas of romance flood your mind and you contemplate how to keep it spicy. Yet most likely, before you walk down the aisle, you’ve encountered some of the notso-romantic feelings.

Also, you and your partner may each approach romance differently; one may like romantic dinners and the other a soothing foot massage.

While your love languages can certainly help your beloved understand your romantic predilection, there are more primal aspects to being human that we all share. Understanding our primal roots and how to engage this deep, romantic system will help you navigate the romantic waters after the honeymoon.

Stella Resnick, researcher and sexologist, writes about these primal urges of erotic love and how to keep our love lives long term. They really are quite simple in theory and at times seem quite difficult to keep as a partnered practice. I suggest practice because keeping the romance alive requires you and your partner to engage in your marriage with intention and with action.

The intention is to keep the romance lively, while action - referring to practice - ignites this erotic zone, enhancing bonding and attachment.

Dr. Resnick’s research elaborates on this primal neural system. The nervous system is wired for connection. We can cultivate this connection daily through three specific practices. These actions promote the turning toward the relationship and alert your partner that you are interested and available.

The first is empathic touch. When empathically touched, our skin sends vital signals to the brain, calming and soothing our system and letting us know we are safe. The next action is eye gazing. When turning toward your partner and looking him or her in the eyes, it promotes neuro-hormonal chemicals within your body, letting you know you are seen and that you matter. The last action is kissing. Kissing releases various hormones and immune factors that keep you bonded and healthy.

Practice these three primal, erotic messages daily and see for yourself just how vitally romantic your marriage becomes. So, here’s to a life-long romantic marriage!

MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

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SPRING BRIDAL 2222

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STYLES A caliber above the rest

Model Credit: Chanika McCombs Madison Kapitz Carilyn Hoffman Sara England

Bridal: Elizabeth Henningson (Deja Vu Bridal) Labels

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S

Slip into a dream, where the dewy, overgrown fields surround the budding trees of Spring, and the gentle breeze carries an exhilarating promise of love. As the bride arrives, the trees settle their leaves, the grass pauses in awe, and her groom holds his breath, fixating on her form. The world pauses for her, and she confidently accepts the spotlight. Like a goddess of the Spring, she glides down the aisle.

This bridal season whimsical waves, subtle bohemian influences and romantic yet off-beat accents capture the stunning subtleties of every bride’s unique beauty. Caliber Hair & Makeup Studio reveals the strength of beauty and love with authentic bridal looks for Spring 2017.

The photo credit: Nick Sorrentino Hair by: Tres M Benzley Makeup by: Krista Puett Caliber Hair & Makeup Studio Reno, NV Bridal Gowns provided by: Labels Consignment Boutique & Deja Vu Bridal Models: Madison Kapitz (brunette) Carilyn Hoffman (brunette) Sara England (read head) Chanika McCombs (brunette)

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Planning a wedding can quickly become overwhelming. Balancing opinions and budgets can get dicey. After successfully planning a 200-person wedding for $20,000 and living to tell the story, I feel obliged to pass on lessons learned.

6 BUDGET TIPS every bride should know

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Decide what matters most to you. Oh, and him, too.

The first order of business when planning your budget is prioritizing. What are the absolute must-haves at your wedding? For my best friend, it was her favorite local band. My sister needed a venue for 300 mostly out-of-town guests. I had to have a glampsite??. Whether your priorities are as costly as a perfect venue or as affordable as a music list, they establish what is non-negotiable.

Build these items into your budget first, deduct the costs from your estimated overall budget, and then you know what you have leftover.

Hold your ground when you have to Wedding planning is a microcosm of marriage. Is your mother-in-law insistent on having expensive bouquets? Ask her to pay because it is out of your budget. You might gain respect by communicating your stellar money-crunching abilities. Besides, boundaries are best set from the beginning.

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Don’t believe everything you read The $300 billion global wedding industry is built on the “necessary” gifting and traditions bloggers spout. Don’t be one of the chumps who fall for the gimmicky “must-have” gifts, party favors or photos. Guests look to you to take the lead for your own day. Nobody cares about the bubbles. And trust me, nobody remembers.

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DIY does not mean done for less Before committing to making centerpieces or gifts, check the costs of a project.

Crafting is one of the most expensive hobbies during wedding time. For your sanity and pocketbook, sometimes it’s worth it to buy.

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Time is money Money isn’t the only thing you’ll need to budget. Time is crucial and between the highlights of the bachelorette party, showers and dress shopping, it slips away fast. Make a calendar and plug your to-do list into the weeks you have left before your wedding date. Assign deadlines. Check a manageable number of to-dos off each week so you’re less stressed on your wedding week.

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Taking to tech Our best plans often blow up in the face of reality. If cash is too tight for comfort, there are several financing options available today to brides and grooms.

Financial technology companies have entered the lending space to help in events like these. Companies like LendingClub.com, BridalLoans.com and BoonFi.com offer financing for everything from event rentals to dresses and jewelry. When a monthly budgeted cost is more manageable than paying for everything up front, it’s worth checking the terms.

By Brook Rose, Director of Communications Bristlecone Holdings MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

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Swarovski & Sand In the deep deserts of Northern Nevada, about a forty-five minute drive beyond the small town of Fallon, the landscape shifts from rocky, sagebrush laced terrain to rolling, gigantic sand dunes as far as the eye can see. To witness this natural phenomenon in person is to surrender to the elements: piercing sunlight, torrid winds, and unforgiving sand that shifts away from any animal that tries to step upon it. The National Park Service reports that these dunes exist in less than one percent of the desert in North America, making them as rare and precious as a fine ruby, emerald, or diamond.

“A sort of perfect storm of circumstances led us to the sand dunes for this photo shoot,” photographer and designer, Clayton Beck, said. “I had been dreaming of this gown for my friend Natasha. We had searched everywhere for a fabric the shade of Dragon’s Blood, something that would look like it could take flight if the wind picked up too hard.”

Once the fabric manifested itself and the final stitches were pacing through the industrial sewing machine in Clayton’s studio, the phone rang.

“Natasha called to let me know she had received a special item to celebrate her trunk show with the Spanish designers UNOde50,” Beck said. “They had sent her a beautiful, limited edition sterling silver necklace with a blue swarovski crystal set in the center.” But there was a catch. “She only had access to this couture piece of jewelry for a few short days.”

The duo enlisted the help of Natasha’s mother, Kazue, and loaded Clayton’s gown, a treasure box full of jewelry, and as much photo equipment that would fit into his Jeep Grand Cherokee, and set off toward the sunrise.

“You can’t really understand how difficult it is to climb a gigantic sand dune until you really try it,” model Natasha Bayt said. “Let alone in a couture gown, and forget it in heels!”

The party shot all throughout the day until the last stretches of sunlight began to wane away, but they still had not quite captured ‘the shot.’ As the sun inched closer and closer to the horizon, Natasha, Clayton, and Kazue were approached by a group of curious ATV riders who had spotted Natasha’s jewelry glimmering in the distance. Upon realizing that she was not in fact a desert mirage, they offered to drive the party to the top of the highest dune, a feat they could not have accomplished on foot. The team loaded up onto the roaring vehicles and zoomed up a mountain of sand, where they reached the perfect zenith. Almost as soon as they dismounted, the sun hit Natasha just right, and her entire body, clad in shimmering fabric and exotic european crystal, lit up like the Northern Lights.

With a sense of overwhelming accomplishment, the party popped open a bottle of champagne. As they watched the sun set over the horizon they knew they had finally found that moment of beauty they had been searching for.

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Clayton Beck MODEL: Natasha Bayt MAKE-UP ARTIST: Gina Tarantino FASHION: The Catalan Gown

by Clayton Beck Creative (www.ClaytonBeckCreative.com) Necklace, Bracelets, and Rings

by UNOde50 from Natasha’s World Jewelry (www.NatashasWorldJewelry.com) Article Written by Ric De La Rosa (www.DeLaRosaProductions.com) Special thanks to Kazue Kurebayashi for the behind the scenes photos!

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Photo by: Ari Nordhagen of Amen Photography

FIT

Y

for the

BY MENA SPODOBALSKI

WEDDING

our wedding day is not only the biggest party you will ever throw, but for many it’s also the biggest audience you will ever stand before.

Nothing will make you feel more confident than being comfortable in your own skin.

Here are my top five tips for getting you fit and confident for your special day.

1. Set a plan in motion. How long do you have until the big day? What is your ultimate goal? Lose weight, gain muscles, get lean, look gorgeous and confident in front of your guest and the camera?

Whatever the goal, write it down.

2. G et on a clean-eating meal plan. Learn what foods will jumpstart your metabolism and what foods will help you lean up. Once you know that, start prepping your food.

Have clean meals and snacks ready so you are never skipping a meal or reaching for a quick fix when you are in a hurry.

3. Get into a workout routine. High-intensity interval training is the new go-to for many because it works! Thirty minutes of sprint work, or a Tabata workout, can give you more bang than an hour of steady cardio! Want gorgeous toned arms for that strapless dress? Lift weights! Nothing can tone and add muscle faster than lifting weights. Hire a trainer to help you

with form and the best exercises for your body. If you’re on a tight budget, visit youtube.com and learn on your own.

4. Stay hydrated. This will not only improve your overall health, but it will make your skin glow and improve your metabolism too! Try mint leaves with berries in your water bottle for a refreshing taste that will keep you drinking all day!

5. Get your fiancé or your bridesmaids in on your plan. A partner can make the difference between success and failure!

Not only will they hold you accountable, but you are all on a mission to look and feel great on your big day! Motivation and inspiration are keys to your fitness journey!

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We'll help you prove it.

775.827.1995 • evokefit.com • 895 E. Patriot Blvd. #108 • Reno NV 89511 28

FREE T-SHIRT WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR GROUP FITNESS OR 1-MONTH TRAINING ❤ MARCH/APRIL 2017

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY to prevent workout injuries

By Jeanne Wontkowski, PT, MPT, Northern Nevada Medical Center

JEANNE WONTKOWSKI graduated with a Masters of Physical Therapy in 1993 from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. After graduate school, she participated in a threeyear residency program in Norwegian Manual Therapy specializing in spine and joint mobilization. She has practiced in Michigan and Indiana before moving to Reno in 2000. Her primary focus through the years has been outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, manual therapy, and aquatic therapy. She helps patients of all ages—children to seniors— and enjoys learning from them

Overuse injuries happen when there is not appropriate time to recover from your workouts.

W

ith New Year’s resolutions in full swing, it’s time to discuss injury prevention. All too often, well meaning “get fit” plans get derailed by small, nagging pains that turn into bigger problems. Injuries can be from a traumatic incident, like a sprained ankle while doing Zumba.

But more often, injuries occur with repetitive overuse.

This happens when the frequency, duration and/or intensity are advanced too quickly for one’s body to adapt. Thus, the shin splints, low back pain, shoulder pain.

For example, trying to “get fit” quick and joining a CrossFit program with a high-intensity workout every day when you haven’t worked out on a regular basis for months. The frequency and intensity may be too much for the untrained individual.

Fitness at any level starts with consistency and dedication to your routine. Be honest with yourself about your current level of fitness. Yes, you may have played sports in high school or run that 10K, but how long ago was that? Studies show that you begin to lose gains from lack of strength training in two to three weeks. Aerobic declines will start after 12 days of no training.

Being consistent is important, but there’s the other side. Too consistent? Overuse injuries happen when there is not appropriate time to recover from your workouts. Rules for strength training are 48 to 72 hours between sessions for muscles to recover. It doesn’t mean you can’t strength train every day but you need to vary your muscle groups. Most reasonable strength training programs are three days a week with 48 hours in between.

For activities such as cycling, running and walking, most overuse injuries occur with choosing too-high frequency before your body is ready. If you are new to cardiovascular training, start slowly. Train with 30 minutes of moderate activity three times a week with days off in between. More advanced cardio buffs can train for 4-6 days a week, varying their intensities throughout the week. Remember to cross-train and take days off when you feel fatigued. If you are following a training program, remember it may not fit your needs. Listen to your body first.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Strive for a better you. Physical fitness is a lifelong project, and it will have its highs and lows. Even after lapses, you can always start back and reap benefits.

If injuries become unmanageable and last longer than a few weeks, seek advice. A script for physical therapy can be obtained from your doctor.

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COLIN’S CORNER

BY COLIN SMITH OWNER - ROUNDABOUT GRILL

Photo by: Debbie McCarthy

CHOOSING THE BEST CATERING TEAM FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY For all your catering and party rentals needs for your wedding, Roundabout Catering & Party Rentals is your one stop resource. To book an event or get a consultation on party rentals, please call 775-747-2090.

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aking your special day stand out can be an overwhelming goal. In addition to selecting the venue that fits your personal style, the colors to fit your theme and your perfect wedding day attire, your guests will remember the wedding cuisine you serve more than anything.

Catering at your wedding has become one of the most important aspects of planning. Making the right choice for a wedding caterer can make or break your day. Here are some helpful tips in choosing the best catering team for your nuptials.

Referrals, Referrals, Referrals

As with most professional services, finding the right catering for your wedding takes diligent research, and starts with great word of mouth. Ask your friends or family who recently tied the knot if they can pass along a referral for their wedding catering company. Also, if you attended an event where the food was stellar, don’t be shy in asking for the caterer’s information. Word travels fast, and you will be able to find a handful of great options simply by asking around.

Make sure the caterer you choose is fully licensed and insured. A really experienced caterer should be doing at least 25 weddings a year. A long track record and lots of references are good things. That means the staff is trained in weddings and wedding etiquette, and qualified to make your event shine.

Make Sure They Can Save Your Date One of the most common struggles in planning your wedding day is coordinating schedules with venues, photographers, and most importantly, the company or individual serving your wedding cuisine. Even with outstanding referrals from friends or family, the catering company needs to be booked in advance for your chosen date. When making your selection, make sure you get confirmation that the wedding caterer has enough time to prepare prior to your wedding.

If You Want Something Unique, Make Sure They Can Deliver Brides are getting more creative with their wedding menu selections. Even though a personalized wedding menu can make your day that much more special, not every wedding caterer will be able to meet your demands for food items. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, even if there are dietary restrictions.

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If the catering company is not able to deliver your specific food choices, it is OK to seek out a wedding cater who can. One of the coolest things I’ve been able to create recently was a full North Beach deli for a late-night snack and a street taco vending station at a reception. Both are unique, fun and highly personalized.

What’s Trending As a chef, I am seeing a great deal of more interesting vegetable preparations in wedding menus. A good example is roasted fennel and cauliflower gratin with brown butter croutons. Wedding parties and guests are still loving the incorporation of local and seasonal vegetables, and enjoying tasty takes on marinades, vinaigrettes and salsa.

Also, we are seeing a re-emergence of beef. Chicken is still the menu leader, but beef is catching up.

One of the things I love using are global ingredients. Bold spices, and Korean, Thai or African-inspired touches can bring life to a menu. People are more educated on flavor and food trends, so they can experiment with more aromatics in their dishes with spices and spice blends to infuse a great deal of flavor. Cumin, allspice, coriander and ginger are some examples on what’s being incorporated into these types of dishes.

Lastly, in order to really deliver a quality end result, an excellent caterer should have the proper holding equipment for heating and infrastructure so your food stays hot. The food should be cooked just prior to service, not hours before and brought over in hot boxes.

Tasting is Key The only way to truly know if your wedding catering choice is the best fit for you is to set aside time to sample the menu.

During your visit, you should have ample time to customize your menu based on your preferences and speak with your caterer about your desires for the big day. A catering company that is not willing or does not have time to schedule a tasting (or two) may not be the best choice for your wedding day.

Roundabout Catering & Party Rentals is a totally inclusive service. We have experienced professionals at every stage, from phone call to cake cutting. There’s nothing we cannot handle as far as quality, efficiency and volume.

The process of choosing your wedding caterer should be an exciting task when you have the right tools that will ultimately set apart your big day from the rest.

MOROCCAN BISON OSSO BUCCO/ ORANGE GREMOLATA

BY COLIN SMITH OWNER - ROUNDABOUT GRILL 4 pieces Durham Ranch Bison Osso Bucco 4 ounces Smoked Bacon 1 each White Onion 4 ribs Celery 1 each Carrot 1 cup Red Wine 4 cups Beef Stock 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme 2 tablespoons Flour 3 tablespoons Cooking Oil 1 tablespoon Moroccan Spice Blend 1 cup Farro 4 cups Chicken Stock 1/2 cup Peas 1/2 cup Roasted Butternut Squash 1 tablespoon Butter 1 pinch Salt/Pepper 1 piece Leek 1 cup Water 1 tablespoon Butter 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt 2 tablespoons Parsley Leaves 2 tablespoons Leeks, Slices 1 each Orange Zest 1/2 cup Poached Fennel 1/4 cup Poached Lobster Mushrooms 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil Season Salt/Pepper on Osso Bucco, Dredge in Flour and Sear on both sides Remove from pan and add vegetables sauté till soft and add red wine and beef stock. Simmer and add back in Bison Cover in foil and braise for 3 hours at 325 degrees.

Place Farro in chicken stock and simmer for 1 hour Sauté Peas and Squash in Butter and add Farro. Season with Salt/Pepper

DEMI GLAZE

Reduce stock from Osso Bucco and paint the Osso Bucco with sauce

GREMOLATA Pick parsley leaves and put into bowl with Orange Zest, Fennel, Leeks and Lobster Mushrooms Toss with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Salt and Pepper Place butter and water in pan with salt and bring to a simmer. Cut Fennel into small slices, each one smaller than the other blanch for 4 minutes Place butter and water in pan with salt and bring to a simmer. Cut Leeks into 3 pieces, each one smaller than the other blanch for 8 minutes.

In search of

ALTERNATIVE WHITES

BY MICHAEL CHRISTIAN

A

lmost all wine drinkers have some experience with the more common white varietals. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio are the big three, but it’s worth venturing out into some of the lesser-known white grapes. Here are three that are worth exploring:

PINOT BLANC Pinot Blanc is a full-bodied white wine that is often treated in a similar way to Chardonnay in its production with oak aging and malolactic fermentation. Most of the old-world Pinot Blanc comes from Northern Europe, while most of the U.S. supply comes from California. Pinot Blanc offers fruity aromas, often of apple, citrus or stone fruit, and floral characteristics. If you like Chardonnay, look for French Pinot Blanc. If you like Sauvignon Blanc, look for Austrian or German Pinot Blanc.

TORRONTÉS As Malbec is the main red wine grape of Argentina, Torrontés is the primary white. Torrontés is a fresh, aromatic wine with moderate acidity, smooth texture and mouthfeel as well as distinctive peach and apricot aromas on the nose. It doesn’t age that well and should be consumed young. Typically, Torrontes is very affordable and makes a great summer quaffer when you want to drink something cheerful while enjoying the sunshine on your patio.

MUSCADET Muscadet is a region rather than a varietal. The varietal of grape that goes into wines from the Muscadet region is Melon de Bourgogne. Muscadet wines are often light bodied and almost always dry with very little, if any residual sugar. Fresh and crisp and with a hint of saltiness. Muscadet wines are known for pairing particularly well with seafood in general and oysters in particular. Since the wine comes from a fishing region, this makes sense. If you like crisp Italian Pinot Grigio, you may like Muscadet.

Fine Vines CHEESE AND WINES

6300 Mae Anne Ave #3 • 775-787-6300 • FineVines.net MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

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You are a Woman who does it all.

Mother, wife, daughter, friend, career.

Maybe you’re even a grandmother now?

Be True to Your Heart Your Life Matters to so Many Work in partnership with your physician to: Manage your blood sugar Get your blood pressure under control Lower your cholesterol if it’s too high Learn what your family’s medical history may mean for your heart health Keep your heart beating strong: Exercise regularly Eat healthy Speak to a nutritionist about “heart healthy” recipes. There are so many!

Don’t smoke Lose weight, if recommended by your physician Statistics from the American Heart Association Did you know?

An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular disease?

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women?

Eighty percent of heart disease and stroke events may be prevented by lifestyle changes and education?

2375 East Prater Way | Sparks, NV 89434 775-331-7000 | www.nnmc.com Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northern Nevada Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 170121 1/17 ❤ MARCH/APRIL 2017 32

Northern Nevada Medical Center is accredited by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. When it comes to your heart, our goal is to deliver enhanced, expedited quality care from ambulance to discharge.

Know the Symptoms As with men, women’s most common symptom is chest pain. But the following symptoms can sometimes be especially common in women. stomach, back and jaw pain unusual fatigue lightheadedness nausea cold sweat vomiting shortness of breath Because women are so used to caring for everyone else, they may sometimes brush these symptoms off as the flu, feeling stressed or just feeling “under the weather.” It’s important for women to listen to their bodies and take any signs seriously.

Be true to your heart. It means so much to those who love you. …

Learn More: nnmc.com/heartcare

A SPRINGTIME VENTURE to Death Valley National Park

BY DANELL PERLMAN The mountains were still white with snow and the air was crisp when we packed our motorcycle for a quick three-day trip to marvel at fields of wildflowers in a national park I’ve never visited before.

I had no idea what to expect, but was so excited to actually see this place -Death Valley National Park, the hottest, driest and lowest-elevation national park in the USA - instead of just looking at the big sign from the highway.

We headed south on U.S. Highway 395, and as I found out, sitting on the back of a motorcycle gives you the freedom to really view your surroundings from a whole different perspective.

Lunch along the way meant stopping at the famous Schat’s Bakery in Bishop. Thank goodness there was no room on the bike for any custard eclairs.

Our overnight stop was the Best Western Plus Frontier Motel in Lone Pine. There, we enjoyed a heated pool, beautiful western-themed rooms and breathtaking views of 14,495-foot Mount Whitney to the west, the highest peak in the 48 contiguous states.

Don’t miss the Alabama Hills area (where many westerns were filmed) and do stop by the Lone Pine Film History Museum.

From the moment you enter Death Valley National Park, you are transported to a whole different landscape - very moonscape, I must say.

You want to stop at every vista point you lay your eyes on. But time is of the essence, so you drink in the views at high speed and feel the temps rise in the valley.

You have to stop at Panamint Springs restaurant for a break. I think this spot has the biggest beverage selection west of the Mississippi, and you will hear so many foreign accents. We stayed overnight at The Ranch at Furnace Creek, and be sure to visit the Borax Museum next door.

Don’t miss sunset drinks on the beautiful veranda of the Furnace Creek Inn followed by dinner in their restaurant.

“It’s springtime. That means time to explore more and get out!”

More on Death Valley National Park: www.nps.gov/deva

LAKE TAHOE: Eradicator of Winter Lack-of-Travel Blues Around here, we’ve had an epic winter so far, and while you now know me as the Goin’ 80 Girl, sometimes the winter weather dashes my travel dreams.

Our area is noted for its unsettled — and often vindictive — weather patterns.

Knowing this, I generally suspend get-away plans between January and April.

My restrictive travel diet during these months often leads to overwhelming urges to binge. Sometimes I plan for future trips in hopes of curbing my appetite. But when that’s not enough to satisfy, a spontaneous trip to Lake Tahoe will usually hit the spot.

Tahoe truly is a wonder of my world. While traveling in France, if asked where we were from, “Reno, Nevada” generally elicited blank stares. However, an excited recognition lit up all manner of French faces when I uttered the words “Lake Tahoe.”

The reaction made me think maybe it’s not just MY world where Tahoe is revered.

When I’m feeling cooped up and antsy to get away, the clean air and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe are my refuge. Even a few short hours in the Tahoe Basin leaves me feeling as if I’ve had a traveler’s treat.

Of course, I am the HUNGRY dater, so I love that Tahoe has become a place of fantastic food and drink — most of it local. The SOLO traveler in me loves that despite its upcoming reverence in the food field, Tahoe still maintains a down-home feel where being alone is never judged.

Even if you have to travel far and wide to get there, trust me when I say that Lake Tahoe is worth the trip through the snow. And hey, stay tuned for some more specific recommendations for awesome places to feed your stomach while the extraordinary beauty of Lake Tahoe feeds your soul.

THINGS NOT TO MISS ON YOUR VISIT:      

The sand dunes near Stove Pipe Wells (breathtaking) Stargazing at Zabriskie Point Dante’s View - here we got to see fields of wildflowers.

Artists’ drive and artists’ palette 20 Mule Team Canyon A fternoon drive to the historic town of Amargosa. Do the tour offered at the hotel that includes a visit to the famous Amargosa Opera house (it’s magical).

GOIN’ Solo Style

with the HUNGRY DATER

BY MOLLY LEGOY

MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

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El Dorado

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300 Main St, Placerville, CA 95667

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3550 Carson Rd. Camino, CA 95709 Tasting Room Hours: M-F: 9-6 | Sat: 9-9 | Sun: 9-4

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2120 Four Springs Trail Placerville, CA 95667 Open Daily, 10am - 5pm, Except major holidays www.mirafloreswinery.com

34

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To Carson Pass

Plymouth

Map not to scale

To Jackson/Yosemite

CONSISTENTLY WINNING Gold, Double Gold Best of Class and Region

The Grapefather “Never underestimate wine from a man confident enough to go shoeless in a magazine ad.”

Nello Olivo a.k.a The Grapefather

Placerville, California

THE HISTORIC CARY HOUSE HOTEL In the heart of California’s Gold Country wine region, the Historic Cary House Hotel has been a popular respite since it first opened in 1857. Through the years it has hosted many leg-endary guests including Mark Twain, Buffalo Bill, Bette Davis, and Elvis Presley. Conveniently located in the center of town the hotel offers 38 uniquely designed rooms and suites, each with all the modern conveniences.

Some suites feature sitting rooms and kitchenettes. Yet The Cary House retains its historic charm with a fully functioning original elevator that is over 100 years old and intriguing antiques and memorabilia in the lobby. Many beautiful weddings, gala parties, family reunions, and other celebrations have taken place in the hotel’s banquet facility, and there is a conference room ideal for small meet-ings. Wine tourists are drawn to the charming, secluded courtyard with a fountain and ivycovered brick walls where they can relax over coffee or a glass of wine.

530.622.4271 • caryhouse.com 300 Main St • Placerville, CA 95667

miraflores

643 Bee Street, Placerville 2 blocks from Hwy 50 530-409-5603

Miraflores proudly stands as a premier winery in El Dorado County—with unparalleled natural beauty and wines that complement the bounty of the land.

MIRAFLORES WINERY 2120 FOUR SPRINGS TRAIL PLACERVILLE, CA 95667 530.647.8505 • OPEN DAILY 10AM TO 5PM www.mirafloreswinery.com MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

35

A toast to

Champagne!

BY MIKE OWEN

T

here may be no more iconic element of a wedding celebration than the Champagne toast. We’ve all seen it in any number of forms, from tearful and heartfelt missives to traditional sayings, or even drunken mumblings by the best man.

The origins of the wedding toast are murky, but many cultures have a tradition of raising a cup in celebration of an event or to honor their hosts or guests. The word “toast” has to do with the need, in the Middle Ages, to put pieces of toasted bread into glasses of (bad) wines to make them taste better.

Thank your stars we don’t have that problem any longer!

Although we think of any wine with bubbles as “Champagne,” trademark laws now limit the use of that phrase to refer to the wines grown and produced in the Champagne region

of France. There are other sparkling wines produced in France that are NOT called Champagne. In Spain, they use the term Cava and the Italians use Prosecco. In California, the names used are typically Sparkling Wine or Bubbly. For those who do not imbibe, there is a wide range of non-alcoholic sparking juices out there. So, there is no excuse for someone NOT to participate in a wedding toast!

The prices for toasting wine can range widely from grocery store bubbly at $5 per bottle to vintage Dom Perignon at $50 per glass.

Interestingly, the more expensive offerings – true Champagne – have unique yeasty, bread-like flavors and higher acidity that most folks can find jarring. Advice?

Don’t spend the big bucks on Champagne if you are not a wine geek hosting a wedding ceremony attended by wine geeks. Bubbly selected for a wedding should be soft and a bit sweet,

so grandmas and hipsters alike can join in and enjoy the toast to the future of the bride and groom.

How much bubbly will a wedding celebration require? Glad you asked!

Guests (over 21) will each need 3 ounces of the sparkling liquid in their glass for a proper toast. Each bottle contains 25.4 ounces of wine, so you’ll need a bottle for every eight people – and perhaps a bit more for the next glass after the toast! A very classy way to pour the wine for the toast is out of magnum bottles (1.5 liters), as the folks who make Champagne love this bottle size the most.

Got sparkling left over after the event? First, good planning! Next, explore the art of the Mimosa! The starting point is always adding orange juice to taste. We suggest that Guava juice may be the Next Best Thing, as it adds a perfume element to the drink and doesn’t carry as much acidity. Feel free to experiment at will! Prost!

775-348-0868

www.renotahoelimo.com 36

❤ MARCH/APRIL 2017

Mike is the founder, CEO, and El Jefe of Crystal Basin Cellars and Bistro in Camino, CA crystalbasincellars.com

Trust in the experience of Reno Tahoe Limousine for all your personal or business ground transportation needs.

Our fleet is equipped to handle any size transfer from weddings, to conferences, airport trips, wine tours, ski trips, charters, and more!

CPCN 1101 * MC 258670 * TCP 8185P

THE SIERRA FOOTHILLS SOMM

BY ASHLEE CUNEO

Say “I Do” to Wonderful Wine!

A

h, weddings. A time of love, joy and laughter. And I’m sure, if you are anything like me, you know the chances of increasing love, joy and laughter at your wedding include lots of delicious wine flowing continuously into glasses.

Deciding which wines would best accommodate your guests’ palates might seem slightly overwhelming.

Well, have no fear because it’s a lot simpler than it sounds. Just gear up with a few of these key tools and I promise your family and friends will love what’s in their glasses!

First, before determining what kind of wine you would like to have, approximate how much you will need. The worst scenario is running out of vino before the night is over. Typically, the general rule of thumb is one bottle per guest plus a little extra to be safe. For example, if you have 100 guests, I would recommend purchasing 120 bottles and depending on your budget and palate, staying well below $20 per bottle is ideal.

As far as the type of wine, there are many ways to go about determining what to pick. Choosing wine based on order of events at your wedding is a great way to keep the beverage list organized.

As guests begin arriving, offer two options of either white or red. Keep these wines light and fresh so as not to overwhelm your guests at the beginning of the evening.

You want the party to last all night! I recommend a crisp, unoaked wine such as an Italian Pinot Grigio or even a Spanish Albarino for something fun and unique.

Typically, these two varietals are also lower in price so you can stay within your budget. In addition, they are pleasing to both the novice wine drinker’s palate and the more seasoned wine drinker’s as well. For light reds, Grenache and French Cote du Rhones (blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre) are great options for price and crowd-pleasing flavor profiles.

If you are having a sit-down dinner, offer one additional type of wine to the two styles already being poured. This next wine would be one that is specifically meant to pair with the menu you have chosen. If you are having beef option, a heavier red such as an Australian Shiraz (Syrah) and a Spanish Rioja (Tempranillo) are great wallet-friendly options. Chicken and fish will pair great with the lighter whites and reds you have already been pouring earlier in the evening.

Finally, one of the most important wines of a wedding: The Bubbles. It’s truly not necessary to blow your budget on expensive champagne. There are plenty of beautiful sparkling wines out there that will knock your guests’ socks off. Spanish Cava, Italian Prosecco, French Cremant de Bourgogne, and California sparklings are all unique wines that will enhance the festivities!

CHEERS & HAPPY WEDDING DAY TO YOU!!

Article by Ashlee Cuneo, “The Sierra Foothills Somm” Sommelier, & General Manager of Miraflores Winery, transplanted from Sonoma County and exploring all the hidden gems the Sierras have to offer!

MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

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Wine Bubbles

ART & WEDDINGS

BY ANASTASIA WARREN

A

t Camino Plaza in Northern California, you’ll find all you need for a fulfilling experience of wine, champagne, cider, art, and great atmosphere… not to mention a wonderful venue for wedding showers and bridesmaid events.

Tom and Pamela Findleton own Findleton Estate and Winery, the Findleton Pub, and the Sparkling Fin, located within the plaza. Pamela is an artist first, and she has figured out how to combine the family wine business with her artistic endeavors, creating a wonderful experience for all.

“I would always make time for my artwork – it was therapeutic,” she said. “When you’re an artist, it is part of breathing.”

When the two got into the family wine business with Findleton Estate and Winery, it only seemed fitting to create their own beautiful labels for their personally crafted wines. For years, Pamela and her family made home wine. In turn, she sketched out different ideas for coinciding labels. When it came time to release their first wine, she paired it with a mermaid label she had created, which is still one of her favorites today.

Pamela manages the property, runs her art business and gives art lessons… to name a few of her many successful endeavors. Her husband, Tom, focuses on creating the wines, while their daughter, Angela, runs the wine tasting and wine club. As is typical in family businesses, they all are hands-on and help where they can.

Using her artistic aptitude, Pamela and Tom then created Findleton Pub and the Sparkling Fin – something that makes the experience stand out. Upon entering, you will find a sparkling wine tasting room called the Sparkling Fin. Decked out in pink, copper and an exquisite design, the room is everything you need to enjoy sipping sparkling wines and champagne from all over the world. Need a change of scenery? Go 38

❤ MARCH/APRIL 2017

FINDLETON ESTATE AND WINERY/FINDLETON PUB AND THE SPARKLING FIN 3500 Carson Road • Camino• CA

530-957-7310 530-644-4018 Photo by Debbie McCarthy

through the next door to Findleton Pub, an establishment with a western and speakeasy feel specializing in food and hand-crafted local beers and ciders, making this stop perfect for couples to experience their favorites.

These venues also offer the perfect space for brides to bring their bridesmaids for showers, events, and even a small reception after the wedding. Brides can purchase personalized champagne labels, champagne glasses made by artists, and gifts for her bridesmaids ranging from specialized bracelets to beautiful hair accessories.

The creativity Pamela uses when creating her businesses, as seen in the Sparkling Fin and Findleton Pub, stems back to her work in the arts. Her favorite part of pairing art with business is the relationships she makes, the people she does business with, and the brides she helps with their special day.

“It’s a good outlet, and I get to see the people who buy my artwork, which is really important to me,” she said. “I try to make a difference in my artwork and give my work a good home.

I know that’s true because they’ll see things in my paintings that I don’t, and it touches them in different ways.”

Findleton Estate and Winery is a family-owned business, voted “Best Kept Secret in El Dorado County.” They strive to produce high-quality wines at affordable prices.

They were voted favorite winery and Pamela was voted favorite county artist five years in a row.

One thing is certain: Findleton Estate and Winery, and the Findleton Pub and Sparkling Fin, are your stops for the fusion of art and wine and an excellent atmosphere for a day getaway or to enhance your wedding experience.

BELLA VISTA

A Love Story

T

his is the story of two of the most beautiful people I have had the privilege to get to know over the years, Bob and Kathleen Ash. The Ashes - Kathleen, a mother, wife, and visionary with the help of her husband, Bob - built one of the greatest inns in northern California: Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast.

The Ashes have been self-starters, entrepreneurs in the making, since they were young. After college, Bob served in law enforcement and has worked most of his career as a contractor. Kathleen has worked numerous jobs, from flight attendant to manicurist. Along the way, she discovered her passion for serving others. Hospitality was her career and the people she got to serve became her education.

If she has learned one thing about being a wife and mom and working several service jobs, it is having a passion to take care of others.

It was not clear until many years later

that nothing was wasted; every life experience for the Ashes was adding up to something great. Bob’s path as a contractor was aligning with a joint purpose. Destiny had brought together “the beauty and the builder” to create something wonderful.

In 2005, the Ashes decided to purchase a beautiful place in Gold Country, Calif. They knew this was the beginning of an elegant home, a place of beauty, to be shared with others.

The back side of the home overlooks one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in El Dorado County: the American River winding through the hills of Coloma and the original gold discovery site of 1848 that set California on its path to becoming a state in 1850. In 2007, in the gold country of California, Bella Vista B&B was born.

Today, Bella Vista has hosted visitors from all of over the United States and across the world. Its charm, construction, and beauty are the reflection and years of work and dedication by a couple who had a

dream which became an experience for all of us to enjoy. ~~~~~ “In all my years as a contractor, the greatest thing I ever built was a loving family.” -- Bob Ash, co-founder of Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast “We all have one or two things we do well. We need to recognize areas we are not as qualified in and surround ourselves with great people who have complementary talents. It’s okay to delegate, and often necessary, to take businesses to the next level. Also, create a company people love and view as their own. Treat teams like family. Serve guests like extended family that come to visit, wanting to return again.

At Bella Vista B&B, hospitality is at the core of our values. It is not just an extension of our business, it’s the purpose and heartbeat that makes our place what it is today.”

- Kathleen Ash, co-founder of Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast

BY JEFF GLASS - COPYWRITER, AUTHOR, SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR

Photos by John Broski

MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

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B Photo provided by Sentivo

FEEL THE WARMTH and sip the wines at Sentivo Vineyards

BY KATHRYN WEISS

40

❤ MARCH/APRIL 2017

eing the new kid on the block is never easy, but Sentivo Vineyards seems to fit in – and stand out – just fine.

Located in Fair Play, Calif., just over an hour east of Sacramento, it’s not just another California winery. Yes, you can spend a leisurely day with your girls in the tasting room sipping award-winning wine that fuels your tear-jerking laughter, or sit and take in the beautiful scenery gifted to you by the surrounding Sierra Foothills. However, Sentivo Vineyards is so much more than that.

Founded in 2010, Sentivo Vineyards was a collaborative family effort by Daniela and Paul Devitt, their daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Zack Fuelling, and sister and brother in-law, Michele and Scott London. Their family’s journey, while unique and exciting, gives Sentivo all the small characteristics and special details that make the winery what it is. They’re proud that family easily became the strong foundation of the winery.

“Everyone wanted to be a part of it,” Daniela Devitt said. “We all have our own strengths and specialties that we put into this winery. It just made sense that we did this as a family.”

That sentiment shows so clearly through everything they have built and the amazing activities and events they host. Since they opened their doors, they’ve hosted weddings, comfortably accommodating around 120 guests, and company parties of various sizes. Through their distinctive “modern-rustic” décor (including a homey 16-foot fire pit to cuddle up next to) that

perfectly complements the contemporary warmth that surrounds visitors, Sentivo Vineyards has really captured something special in both their facility and their award-winning wine.

Among the tastings, weddings, company parties and retreats, every day here exceeds what you hope it to be. “We just want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome,” Daniela said. “When they’re here, they get to experience our wine and learn about the local area as a wine region.”

After experimenting with the region’s land, Sentivo has really solidified its wine, boasting several awards and exceptional reviews. To add to the experience, the Cellar Wine Bar & Bistro also caters the food menu offerings that include Charcuterie, flatbreads, Panini’s and salads that can be ordered online, ready to pair perfectly with the wine.

However, that does not mean they’re settled. They continuously work to create more opportunities and activities to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. “No matter what, we just want them to have an experience and loving that entire experience,” Daniela said.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a nice picnic and wine with your closest friends for a weekend getaway, or feel love surround you like a warm hug while your favorite people watch you come together in marriage, you’ll get everything you wanted (and probably more). Because when you experience a day at Sentivo Vineyards, their signature toast tends to ring deep and true: “To friends who are family and family who are friends.”

“

If mom or dad went to war and never came back, would you drink wine to help the surviving families?

MAKE YOUR LOVE OF WINE HELP SURVIVING MILITARY FAMILIES

BY MARTIN A. CODY

A

s the U.S. military slowly withdraws from engagements around the world, the toll of these engagements lingers on. At Cellar Angels we ask the question, “Can wine lovers help?”

The answer is a resounding “Yes.” Families are torn apart when a loved one is lost, and we were surprised to learn how little assistance the U.S. government provides. The system is indeed broken and as a result, the alarming statistics continue to trend in a negative direction: 25 percent of all military families require assistance upon returning home; suicide rates based on most recent data from 2009 were 38.3

percent per 100,000 for military personnel, or 10 times the non-military average; and in 2010, communities across America identified 49,933 homeless veterans! That’s nearly 50,000 individuals who served our country and now find themselves without a home.

We, and you, can help.

Far too often, a loved one never returns and the surviving family members are left grappling with rising bills, food costs, education needs and housing assistance.

Currently, three of Cellar Angels’ 14 charity partners support agencies assisting those who served our country.

ILLINOIS PATRIOT EDUCATION FUND funds active duty military members, veterans AND their spouses via scholarships and educational grants.

MARTIN CODY President and Founder of Cellar Angels, a leading direct-to-consumer company which also allows every customer to select a charity during their transaction and Cellar Angels donates proceeds from the transaction to the charity

THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS CARE FUND is 100 percent volunteers helping provide much-needed financial services to surviving military families of those lost within the Special Operations unit.

Our most recent partnership is with the CHRIS KYLE FROG FOUNDATION. Chris Kyle became a household name when actor Bradley Cooper portrayed him in the riveting film “American Sniper.” His widow, Taya Kyle, has since established this foundation in his name to assist military personnel and first responders as the need is great.

These are three current options you’re able to support when ordering the finest wines from Napa and Sonoma Valley via the Cellar Angels website.

I invite you to leverage your wine passion and make a difference in someone’s life today via Cellar Angels. THE NEED IS GREAT -- AND SO IS THE WINE. MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

41

THE GOLD CADILLAC

LOVE IN A GLASS

BY DEBBIE MCCARTHY AND ELISABETH THOMPSON

P

oor Red’s Bar-B-Q in El Dorado, outside of Placerville in El Dorado County, is known throughout the region as the place to go in Northern California for award-winning barbecue and even better drinks. But before it was one of California’s most famous dive bars, it was just the local bar that Poor Red himself won in a dice game in 1948.

It wasn’t until seven years later in 1952 that the course of history was changed when a young, recently engaged couple on their way back from Lake Tahoe found their way to Poor Red’s looking for a special drink to toast their future with.

The bartender, Frank Cline, was happy to oblige. And after a few tries, Frank came up with, what he named, the Gold Cadillac — a nod to the beautiful new car the couple had parked outside the bar. Made up of ice, half ‘n half, white crème de cacao, and Galliano, it was like dessert in a glass.

The bride-to-be and her groom got what they

came for. They enjoyed their special drink — hers in a Marie Antoinette champagne glass, his in a tall sidecar — and they left.

Whatever became of that young couple is anyone’s guess. But the legacy they left in Poor Red’s that night has lived on in El Dorado long after they pulled out of town.

After a brief closing and a change in ownership, Poor Red’s is back, and the Gold Cadillac is as popular as ever.

In fact, since re-opening in April 2016, over 33,000 Gold Cadillacs have been ordered and enjoyed, with the lifespan of a bottle of Galliano holding at about an hour and a half. It’s no surprise that in 1999, Galliano proclaimed Poor Red’s to be the largest consumer of their product in the world.

So, next time you cruise through El Dorado (on California 49), make sure to stop at Poor Red’s and toast the one you love with a Gold Cadillac.

Isn’t love sweet?

passport 2017

Wine Adventures april 22-23 april 29-30 7

1 1 : 00AM - 5: 00PM

“The best wine evenT of The year!”

www.PassPorteldorado.com

775-789-2000 | GrandSierraResort.com

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Food•wine•music

Tickets are limiTed. Purchase yours Today!

I S C I T Y L I F E. visit us at www.midtownreno.com

NVMT License: #5338

RENO MIDTOWN MASSAGE

We know you’re eagerly awaiting warmer weather, and what better way to do that than with a luxurious massage? There’s no place to treat yourself like Reno Midtown Massage, where owner Kristine Kadel Gentile LMT specializes in Swedish, therapeutic and lymphatic massage. It’s all you really want (and need) before the heat arrives! Plus, if you mention this Midtown section, you can get $10 off your first 1-hour massage. You know you deserve it!

955 S. VIRGINIA ST., STE 219 (775) 772-8325 RENOMIDTOWNMASSAGE.COM

SIERRA NEVADA CHOCOLATE

Spring has sprung, which means more chocolate! Stop by The Sierra Nevada Chocolate Company to indulge in a few decadent Irish Cream truffles to begin the St. Patty’s Day festivities, and get all the chocolate bunnies, eggs and other tasty treats to fill those Easter baskets!

But remember, you don’t need a reason to enjoy a tasty treat (or three), so pick out some of their hand-rolled truffles crafted with only the best Guittard Chocolate. After all the beginning-ofyear action, you know you’ve earned it.

1290 S. VIRGINIA ST. (775) 323-2462

CHOCOLATE WALRUS

We’re sure you’ve got a lot planned for this lovely spring season – there’s just so much to do! The Chocolate Walrus, Northern Nevada’s premier women’s boutique, can help you feel as sexy as you can. Maybe you’re seeing Beyoncé at Coachella, which means free-spirited and spicy looks. Or maybe you’re just looking for a little something for a night in with your love (or even yourself!). No matter what, the lovely ladies at the boutique will make sure you leave feeling sexy, strong and ready to let loose this season.

1278 S. VIRGINIA ST. (775) 825-2267 TWITTER.COM/CHOCOLATEWALRUS

TRANSCEND INTERIORS Celebrate Nevada

1864

Boost your spirits this spring with one-of-akind spirits from 1864 Tavern! After heavy storms and gray skies, you’ve earned it. If you can’t escape town before summer, take your taste buds on a trip instead! Order a Red Rock Canyon to feel the heat from Southern Nevada, or sip on a Spring Creek to taste the colors of the Ruby Mountains while chatting with the bartenders. And visit their Facebook page to learn more about their upcoming Introduction to Spirits & Bartending 101 classes! “We are not Mixologists, we are bartenders!”

290 CALIFORNIA AVE. (775) 329-1864 1864TAVERN.COM

JUNKEE

Spring-cleaning just got a lot easier with Junkee Clothing Exchange. There’s no better time to make room in your closet for fresh fashion. Bring in your gently used clothing, and even get a little cash back to buy that pair of wedges you’ve been eyeing! You can even stop through to buy some vintage furniture for your home or find that perfect gift you’ve been searching for. It’s vintage and antique paradise, so you’re bound to find whatever you need – and more!

960 S. VIRGINIA ST. (775) 322-5865 JUNKEECLOTHINGEXHANGE.COM

is proud to announce the opening of their Fine Furniture Retail Showroom right next door to their store in Midtown Reno, NV - Transcend Again! Transcend Again provides an opportunity for our Transcend Interiors clients to sell their fine furniture.

Many times our clients have beautiful pieces in excellent condition that are not fitting their new design or are no longer fitting their space functionally. Transcend Again also retails model home furniture for the various Home Builders. This is a great way to furnish your second home or possibly as a way to find those pieces that can fit your design while allowing you to stay with-in your budget. There are a lot of opportunities to get some great deals at Transcend Again!

716 S. VIRGINIA IN THE STICKS SHOPPING CENTER, TRANSCENDAGAIN.COM MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

43

WEDDINGS BRING YOUR GUESTS CLOSER TOGETHER WITH PERSONALIZED PHOTO BOOTH PACKAGES!

WWW.TAPSNAP1156.COM

Before your wedding, we’ll give you a call to discuss your theme, number of guests, reception length, and your venue. We’ll then impart onto you our sage wisdom by recommending the type of wedding package we think will work for you and your budget.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Want a one-of- a-kind experience for you and your guests? Give us a call or visit our website to see if your date is still available.

Don’t worry, unlike your wedding, there’s no commitment, unless, of course, you want one, in which case, we say, “I do!”

TapSnap 1156 tima@tapsnap.net 775 453 4720

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a gift for you

schedule your relaxation now

on our one year anniversary $40 off relax package signature massage and signature facial (only $118 regular $158)

spavia offers massage facials body wraps body scrubs

waxing make-up membership spa boutique

the summit reno 775.432.6572 13925 s virginia st #206 reno, nv 89511

mention bliss to receive your $40 off

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45

Don’t underestimate the power of stylish florals

A SEASON, A REASON

I

KATIE KNAPP-CFD BUMBLEBEE BLOOMS FLOWER BOUTIQUE

always find that after the hustle and bustle of the fall and holiday season, I get a little gloomy with the long months of winter still ahead. However, I also find that the slower season is the perfect time for small get-togethers with family and friends I don’t often get to see during the busy months of vacations and school and holiday shopping.

During these gatherings of family and friends, flowers are the easiest and most often-overlooked small detail to any party. Don’t underestimate the power of how stylish florals of well-thought-out themed décor can make any occasion all the more enjoyable for your guests.

Ask your local florist to help you utilize all the best of what any season has to offer, from making a simple centerpiece for the table in your favorite dish, to tiny favors to utilize during the party and then give to your guests to take home and enjoy. Make their time with you “Bee” remembered for a long time to come.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20th-Feb 18th) FLOWER: Carnation • BLOOMING PLANT: Primrose • GREEN PLANT: Ivy PISCES (Feb 19th-Mar 20th)

From decadent gourmet chocolates to soothing candles, we build the experience to fit your occasion.

Our product partnerships are a key element in creating that one-of-a-kind look by Bumblebee Blooms.

135 N. Sierra St., Suite A-2 775-348-2799 • BumbleBeeBlooms.com

FLOWER: Freesia • BLOOMING PLANT: Cineraria • GREEN PLANT: Fern

THIS IS YOUR DAY. ARRIVE WITH A LOOK AS FIERCE AS YOUR LOVE. R AT E B I L A C E R .

L A BRID

D.

We take bridal elegance seriously. Our elite team of stylists uses cutting edge techniques to ensure you look sensational on your wedding day.

READY TO RAISE YOUR CALIBER? Visit calibersalon.com or call [775] 284.8620 and book your wedding service today!

H A I R : C U T | C O L O R | S T Y L E . M A K E U P. B L O B A R . B R I D A L .

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❤ MARCH/APRIL 2017

Roll into Rolled Mountain Creamery for a Taste of Thai

T

hai-rolled ice cream took America by storm last summer, and ever since has been an icy favorite!

Rolled Mountain Creamery, Reno’s exclusive Thai-rolled ice cream company, is in high demand. Owner Dillon Vance first learned of this delicious treat during an overseas deployment in Southeast Asia. Inspired and fueled by his own love for ice cream, Dillon brought the idea back to his hometown.

At Rolled Mountain Creamery, fresh cream is made from scratch using only the best and freshest ingredients. The cream is poured onto a frozen skillet (set at 14 degrees!) where it freezes, is chopped up and flattened out using the ingredients of the customer’s choice, and then rolled into taquito-style rolls.

This process creates a different sort of churning process that makes a rich and creamy texture you won’t find anywhere else!

Partnered with Dorinda’s Chocolates, Rolled Mountain Creamery shares space with Dorinda’s Chocolates at Riverside and South Creek shopping center. People are running to get in line for Reno’s only frozen treat that you can eat with chopsticks.

Rolled Mountain Creamery’s employee favorite-and highly recommended-ice cream is the cookies and cream. Ice cream craftsmen have mastered the art of a smooth and perfectly balanced Oreo delight. Other must-haves include the Signature Cherry, Death by Chocolate, and Peanut Butter Bomb.

No matter what you choose, there is no better ice cream in town. Perfect for a date, girls’ night out, or a daddy-daughter bonding sesh!

the perfect gift for that special someone

COME AND CHECK OUT OUR WIDE VARIETY OF CHOCOLATE GIFT BOXES We Ship Nationwide 775-432-2024 dorindaschocolates.com

SQUAW VALLEY

RENO HEADQUARTERS

1960 Squaw Valley Rd. Olympic Vallley, CA 96146

775 Riverside Dr. Reno, NV 89503

NORTHSTAR 5001 Northstar Dr. Truckee, CA 96161

MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

47

DOMESTIC CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING

W

hen people think about sex trafficking, some perceive it as a strictly overseas issue. Some may think it only pertains to adult prostitution.

The fact is, Northern Nevada is one of many vulnerable communities in the U.S. for sex trafficking. A recent study conducted by Awaken Reno, a nonprofit organization focusing on sex trafficking, scanned ads on Backpage, a national classified advertising website. The results showed that in Northern Nevada, 1,500 women and children a month were being advertised in the region alone.

With hot spots in the downtown Reno, Virginia City and Crystal Bay areas, sex trafficking is prevalent, according to the Awaken study.

The Reno-based National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, understands the magnitude of this issue, placing much emphasis on educating judges here and across the country on identifying the signs and addressing the needs and trauma of survivors.

As judges, they are in a unique leadership position to help ensure these cases are treated fairly and with an understanding that healthy courts make for healthy communities.

“Judges need to be educated about, and have a perspective that reflects that children captured in this industry are victims,” said Judge Egan Walker of the Washoe County Second Judicial Court Family Division and NCJFCJ board director.

“Outside of the sex industry, if an adult man has sex with a minor, it is a crime. Inside the industry, there is a pervasive bias that somehow a child loses their status as a child because they have engaged in acts that might be seen as prostitution in another context.”

The NCJFCJ passed a resolution calling for a coordinated response

48

By Chrisie Yabu

to increase the effectiveness of all justice and child-serving systems, in identifying child victims of domestic sex trafficking and exploitation at the earliest stage possible and to provide services necessary for victims to heal from trauma and related harm.

Since 2014, the NCJFCJ has held a judicial institute twice a year to provide continuing education to more than 300 judges, court personnel, justice professionals and others on this issue.

Awaken, a Reno-based organization committed to raising awareness and preventing commercial exploitation of women and children, works with trafficking survivors by offering safety and healing.

“We provide direct services and housing, and have helped more than 200 women in our community since 2011,” said Melissa Holland, executive director. “It is simply a supply and demand issue, and until that demand goes away, we won’t see an end to this problem.

Our data shows that 21.6 percent of ‘buyers’ are involved in a position of authority or trust in their communities; and 18 percent have had involvement in working with children.”

Renown Health, a Northern Nevada health-care network, and Awaken led a training last month for medical professionals, social work personnel, advocates and direct service providers. While trafficking is commonly perceived as a legal matter, it is also a public health issue.

“We have to have these conversations as a community,” said Victoria Sweet, JD, program attorney for the NCJFCJ. “Do we know how to look for the signs?

Can we identify the red flags?

We truly need to understand the complexities of trauma and collaborate on procedures and ways of working together to wrap around the right services for survivors of sex trafficking.”

The most hideous of child

❤ MARCH/APRIL 2017

abuses claim girls between the ages of 12 and 14. These young girls are at times criminalized and jailed for prostitution despite not being of age to provide valid consent. Often, there is a history of sexual and/or physical abuse, drug or substance abuse, experiencing poverty or family instability, being in foster care or a runaway youth.

Rights4Girls, a human rights organization in Washington, D.C., works to end sex trafficking and gender-based violence in the U.S. The group has worked to change the conversation by taking a position on the notion that “There is no such thing as a child prostitute.”

Campaigners have for years tried to erase that phrase from law, arguing that if a juvenile cannot legally consent to sex with an adult, neither can she willingly sell her body.

“Even though children are bought and sold for sex each day in this country by adult traffickers and buyers, it is most often the children who end up behind bars,” said Yasmin Vafa, executive director of Rights4Girls. “Despite not being old enough to consent, and despite the existence of laws that define them as victims of trafficking, each year more than 1,000 American children are arrested for prostitution – making this the only form of child abuse where our response is to criminalize the abused child. We must recognize that there is no such thing as a child prostitute – these are victims and survivors of child rape.”

“Buying sex from a child is a crime, period,” said Judge Walker.

“The most effective remedy to the problem of child sex trafficking is to stop demand for sex with children.”

As judges, justice professionals and health-care providers and the general population gain a greater understanding of sex trafficking, there will be increased opportunities to band together as a community and prevent further exploitation.

Getting to The Heart of the Matter Across compiled research from four sites in the U.S. and Canada by the NCJFCJ, nearly 40 percent of women involved in some form of sexual exploitation, including sex trafficking, identified as American Indian/Alaska Natives or First Nations. Indigenous populations in those areas represent only 2 to 7 percent of the general population.

“We can only assume that if the national rates are about 40 percent of victims, then it is clear that Native women in the state of Nevada are as much at risk as Native women anywhere else in the country. There are 27 tribes in Nevada alone,” said Victoria Sweet, JD, program attorney for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

Mentors Matter

S

BY DANA LEONARD

treetLightUSA® in the Phoenix, Ariz., area serves girls from across the U.S. ages 11-17 who have experienced sexual trauma. Through a direct-care approach, they help girls find a new way forward and become independent, confident and successful young women.

One method is through mentorship. It’s an underutilized method of guidance for youth in America today, but it can have lifelong positive effects. Oprah Winfrey once said, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”

My time at StreetLightUSA as a mentor paired with an amazing young girl has been an emotional roller coaster. But it has taught me more, and in ways that I never could have imagined.

Initially, I was apprehensive about how I would bond with this girl who has been through such terrible events. Through weekly visits, we are slowly building a connection and working on a few key goals we established early on.

She has shown me how strong people can be when faced with adversity and that these girls want to be like regular teen-agers. They like to giggle and talk about makeup or what they are learning in school.

Along with our regular meetings, StreetLightUSA provides them an opportunity to learn new skills, art, and music, gardening and physical and spiritual fitness. They work closely with counselors on staff and are very self-aware.

I know this young lady will not always like me and will try, like any teenager, to push her boundaries. But consistency is key. Just showing up, showing her that I care enough to come back week after week despite her behaviors, will set her on the path to trust. Once that trust is built, we can continue on a course toward her other goals.

Many of us have things in our past we need to work through, but with the right attitude and support team, we can make it to the other side.

Anyone inspired to volunteer or donate to this amazing organization is encouraged to visit www.StreetLightUSA.org for more information.

MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

49

R K

ICCI ILGORE

PARALYMPIAN TAKES DISABILITY TO NEW HEIGHTS

Champion Alpine Ski Racer, Flame Dancer, Hunter, Horseback Rider, Water Skier & Athlete

By Meghan Di Rocco

BY MEGHAN DI ROCCO Meghan is passionate about many things, animals, skiing, fitness, the outdoors, coffee and good food.

Her friends and family too. The order of these interests depends on the day. In between all of these things she occasionally finds time to put her thoughts to paper.

50

❤ MARCH/APRIL 2017

RICCI KILGORE

is a champion alpine skier and Olympian. She is also an athlete in many other sports as well as physical pursuits such as big-game hunting, fly fishing, horse therapy, fire dancing, archery, jujitsu, rock climbing, and kayaking.

Ricci is also a paraplegic. Her impressive resume is not something most people might expect from someone with a severe spinal cord injury.

But nothing about Ricci is typical.

Sixteen Seventeen years ago, after a terrible car accident in March of 2000, life gave Ricci lemons. Since then, she has made amazing lemonade.

Ricci admits she experienced a lot of negative emotions when she became disabled. At first, her new reality was a great struggle. Prior to the crash, she was a passionate skier and worked at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, which is still her primary ski mountain. Her strong background in skiing before her accident helped her take quickly to the mono ski. She has since skied for the U.S. disabled ski team and participated in the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver, Canada.

She credits skiing with helping her turn things around. She explains, “When I’m on the mountain, that is when I feel closest to my creator, GOD, the Great OutDoors. Being out on the mountain has played a huge part in my growth. It gave me a way to detox negativity, experience freedom and appreciate the present.”

Ricci also sees her injury as the greatest blessing and learning experience of her life.

“Physically, I’ve pushed myself to

unimaginable limits and achieved what doctors told me was once impossible, including having my daughter and becoming an Olympian,” she said. “I no longer believe in the ‘impossible.’ Skiing helped me realize that.”

While Ricci skis on a mono ski, she enters competitions just like other competitive alpine skiers. She has been all over the United States for skiing, and internationally she has competed in South Korea, Canada, Japan and Spain.”

Ricci has also skied and worked with some well-known adaptive and national ski programs, including such local and regional ones at Sky Tavern near Reno and High Fives Foundation in Truckee, which just awarded her a grant for a new mono ski.

Ricci has now been skiing for 31 years, 16 of which have been on her mono ski. These days, she loves to share her love of the sport with her family, including her 8-year-old daughter. Ricci is aware that she influences others beyond her immediate family with her skill, physical grace and upbeat attitude.

“It makes me happy to inspire and motivate others on the hill because it is mesmerizing to watch a mono carve, do halfpipes, rails, jumps, ski the powder and maneuver around the mountain in a bucket!” she said.

Ricci has taken time off in the past few years to focus on being a mother as well as her career with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. She hopes to go back and compete at the elite level. No matter what the future has in store for her, Ricci is certainly a champion.

MEET

BELL GOLD

Local Slopestyle Skier

BY MEGHAN DI ROCCO

GOLD SHOOTS FOR GOLD IN 2018 T

here is currently an entire generation of young American women who were told they could be anything they wanted to be when they grew up. Fortunately, there are millions of young women who listened. Meet Isabella Gold. Bell is a slopestyle skier from Tahoe City, CA. Bell is reaching new heights and challenging the boundaries of what is possible in her discipline. Bell first learned to ski at 2 years old. Now, at 18, her goals are much loftier. Bell aspires to be an Olympian in the 2018 games in PyeongChang, South Korea, in Slopestyle Skiing. Like her last name, Gold, Bell is well on the way for her chance at it.

Both of Bell’s parents are avid skiers. Her father was a competitive mogul and aerial skier in the 80s. Trina Gold, Bell’s mother says, “Skiing was never a question in our family, we just did it.” Bell started competing at the age of nine and nationally at age 12, on the Big Mountain Circuit.

She moved to Slopestyle at the age of 16 after almost quitting. Slopestyle skiing, which combines varying obstacles such as rails, jumps and giant terrain park features, was a better fit. Competitors are judged on their height, form and the quality and originality of their tricks. The sport provides an adrenaline rush not only to competitors but also to those who watch. Skiing in any discipline can be risky, Slopestyle is certainly no exception. One year after her switch to Slopestyle, Bell won Nationals and that was when she decided the Olympics were a realistic goal.

Now, while training full time for her Olympic quest, Bell attends Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT. Here she can train full time and work toward her degree in aviation. Bell also spends substantial time fundraising to help fund her Olympic journey. To learn more about Bell’s accolades, her competition schedule and her quest to South Korea in 2018 visit www.bell-gold.com Meghan is passionate about many things, animals, skiing, fitness, the outdoors, coffee, travel and good food. Her friends and family too. The order of these interests depends on the day. In between all these things she occasionally finds time to put her thoughts to paper.

MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

51

Skiing for a Cause:

American Airlines

Cystic &Fibrosis

Foundation Search for a Cure on Skis

B LEFT TO RIGHT: Piper Beatty Welsh, Samantha Pelican Monson, Libby Pelican Seamans

BY MEGHAN DI ROCCO Meghan is passionate about many things, animals, skiing, fitness, the outdoors, coffee, travel and good food. Her friends and family too. The order of these interests depends on the day. In between all these things she occasionally finds time to put her thoughts to paper.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

BY AAEVENTS

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y a certain age, most adults have experienced the loss of a loved one to an otherwise seemingly preventable disease. There is always hope that illnesses not now curable could one day be with the right amount of research and financial investment.

If a cure for cystic fibrosis is near, American Airlines and its annual Celebrity Ski, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis, will be largely responsible.

As an avid skier, I do not usually need a reason to ski, but raising money for an orphan disease like cystic fibrosis is better than almost any I can think of. An orphan disease is a term used to describe illnesses than affect fewer than 200,000 people. Due to their relative low occurrence, these diseases receive very little government funding. The number of people born with cystic fibrosis is small compared to the number of people impacted by more common diseases such as cancer. Due to this, private companies invest less in research.

In an attempt to fill that gap, for the past 32 years American Airlines has hosted a Celebrity Ski event to raise money directly for cystic fibrosis research. This year’s fundraiser takes place March 3-6. To date, over $36 million has been raised. Last year alone, the event raised over $1 million.

This event has everything: skiing, ski racing, auctions, on-snow clinics, incredible prizes, topnotch food, a charismatic emcee, and, of course, celebrities in a gorgeous setting in Beaver Creek,

Colo. Since American Airlines began this event, a lot has improved. The location has moved a few times, the headliners of the concert have changed, new sponsors have been added, but more important, the average lifespan for cystic fibrosis patients has increased by 10 years.

The emotion surrounding this event is palpable. For this story, I had the pleasure to talk to a variety of people who have been attending this event for almost its entire existence. Those who support this event, those who attend it and those who have been its beneficiaries are a special kind of family and have developed a unique bond.

“The people who work for and attend Celebrity Ski are like family. I look forward to seeing them all year and I am inspired over and over again by their generosity and selflessness,” said Samantha Pelican Monson.

Samantha, her sister, Libby Pelican Seamans, and Piper Beatty Welsh are three young women who have attended this event since they were young about-30 years ago. All three have cystic fibrosis. These women are the faces of this event and for many, they are the reason to return each year. The regular attendees, supporters, and volunteers have watched them grow from young children to grown women, now with their own families. Each has already far surpassed her original life expectancy due in part to the money raised each year.

Piper explains, “I feel grateful for Celebrity Ski because it gives me ongoing hope of forward momentum.”

Kimberlin Brown, renowned actress and political activist, has been attending this event for 22 years. Her favorite memory is when one of “the girls,” as everyone collectively refers to Samantha, Piper, and Libby, announced she was pregnant. Prior to the attending her first event, Kimberlin had no personal ties to cystic fibrosis but was immediately compelled to do whatever she could to help.

“The girls and this event touched my husband and me deeply. I don’t think we will ever forget that first event where we met. There are people who come to this event and don’t even ski!”

The passion surrounding Celebrity Ski is only intensified by the charismatic emcee of the event for 29 years running, Tommy Gross.

Gross is the master of ceremonies at many celebrity events across the country but feels a strong connection to the American Airlines Celebrity Ski. He insists that American Airlines is his airline. This is good news for American because Tommy travels between events and his home in Waterville Valley, N.H., often.

Despite his busy schedule, Tommy sees himself at this event well into the future.

“Hopefully we will get a cure for CF and find another great cause and cure that, too!” he said.

Like everyone else I spoke with, Tommy loves the energy of the event. He may be more responsible than most for contributing to the positive vibe, but he was quick to remind me, “Each little part of the event has its own little magic, but the money raised goes directly to research. This is science that is promoting the life expectancy of patients, and without a doubt that is far more rewarding than any concert or auction.”

He added, “Every year when the girls step on stage, it’s remarkable because they are back and another year older and they are doing well. I get the chills.”

Celebrity Ski has many ambassadors; some are official and some are not. All are advocates.

Mackenzie Rosman, now 27, was at one point a junior ambassador for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Now, she is simply a celebrity who attends the event regularly.

Mackenzie became famous as a child when she was an actress on “Seventh Heaven” playing Ruthie Camden. Mackenzie’s ties to cystic fibrosis are more personal than most. Her sister Kaitlyn passed away from CF at age 23. Mackenzie has been attending the event since she was 12 or 13 and says it is hard to choose a favorite part.

“There is so much energy in the air!” she said.

“It’s all fun, the races, the food, the concerts, but mainly all of the people who are there to help kids like my sister and show that they care. It is a very emotional weekend.”

The 2017 Celebrity Ski event is sure to be just as rewarding and exciting as in years past. Gavin DeGraw will be headlining the concert. Tommy Gross will coordinate and provide the dialogue and context for the weekend. Celebrities like Kimberlin and Mckenzie will attend and surely be touched as always by CF patients like Samantha, Libby and Piper, all of whom have directly benefited from the decades-long commitment of American Airlines, its employees, volunteers, and the dozens of sponsors over the years.

For those of us who love and are passionate about skiing, it’s obvious that at the American Airlines Celebrity Ski, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis, the skiing is simply a means to an end. Skiing is the vehicle, and the driving force is a better life and one day, hopefully in the near future, a cure for this disease. I know few people, skiers or otherwise, who would need a reason larger than this to step into a pair of skis. I’m in!

For more information on this life changing event and to join in on the fun, go to: www.aaevents.com/ski/the-cause

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THREE NON-PROFITS Enrich Lives of Local Skiers

BY MEGHAN DI ROCCO PHOTOS BY SOS OUTREACH AND RANDI THOMPSON, NYSEF

LOCAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS MAKE THE SLOPES ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE Every sport has its barriers to entry. Some are physical, some financial. Others have both. Snow sports are no exception. But three local non-profits and the women who help them operate are each aiming to knock down these barriers in their own way. Let me introduce you to NYSEF, SOS Outreach and High Fives Foundation.

HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION

High Fives Foundation is based in Truckee and was founded in 2009 by Roy Tuscany.

Roy’s motivation for High Fives came to him after an accident while training to become a professional skier left him paralyzed.

After receiving overwhelming support from his community, he wished to pay forward all the kindness he received. High Fives Foundation has since paid forward many kindnesses by contributing financial resources, promoting education and safety awareness, and being a source of inspiration in the mountain sports community.

The foundation aims to serve athletes with life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. Lyndsay Slocumb and Ricci Kilgore, who are featured in this issue of Bliss Babe Magazine, are athletes who have received financial grants from High Fives to help them pursue their athletic endeavors.

High Five’s mission is to support the dreams of mountain action sport athletes by raising injury prevention awareness while providing resources to those who suffer from life-altering injuries. The organization is proud to share its core values of human care, integrity, community, passion and kaitzen, the practice of continuous improvement.

To date, High Fives has helped more than 26 athletes continue to safely achieve their dreams in the mountains. For more information, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org

NYSEF

(Nevada Youth Ski Education Foundation) (Full disclosure: I serve on the board of this organization as the Fundraising Chair.)

NYSEF has been in existence in Northern Nevada for 30 years. NYSEF helps young athletes get on the hill by offering skiing scholarships in exchange for community 54

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service hours. NYSEF primarily works with the Falcons ski team at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe.

Additionally, NYSEF and Mt. Rose work with the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows to afford 25 children the opportunity to ski five days during the year as a reward for doing well in school and showing good character.

This program called Snowriders is overseen by board member Chris Gant of Wells Fargo Bank, and it will celebrate its 11th season this year. In 2017, the organization continues to grow and is looking for new ways to make snow sports more accessible while promoting the rich history of snow sports in the area. NYSEF’s mission is to celebrate, create, and support programs and partnerships that provide opportunities to showcase the region’s passion for snow sports. www.skinysef.org

SOS OUTREACH

SOS Outreach is a national non-profit with regional offices in Incline Village and South Lake Tahoe. SOS offers a youth development program that delivers life skills to youth through outdoor programs. The goal is to engage at-risk youth through long-term mentorship relationships. The curriculum, both indoor and outdoor, encourages responsibility, self-confidence, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion and humility.

Since 1993, SOS has served over 50,000 disadvantaged youth through its valuesbased leadership and adventure curriculum.

In order to find the children who can benefit the most from their programs, SOS partners with local school districts and youth agencies. To complete their winter programs, SOS partners with a few local ski resorts where the children receive professional ski and snowboard instruction during a fiveday program. Adults from schools, local agencies and trained SOS volunteers help coordinate. www.sosoutreach.org

THE WOMEN BEHIND THE NON-PROFITS

Behind every organization with a noble mission is a group of people passionate about the cause. Becca Lefanowicz of High Fives, Randi Thompson of NYSEF and Theresa Papandrea of SOS Outreach are no exception.

Becca Lefanowicz has been a skier since she was 3 years old, so it makes sense that she would work for an organization that supports the ambitions of mountain action sports athletes. Becca first came to High Fives as an intern and has since moved up the non-profit corporate ladder.

Currently, she is the Operations and Network

Marketing Manager. She has been employed at High Fives for four years; however, she was influenced by its founder at a younger age.

Executive Director and founder of High Fives, Roy Tuscany, was once Becca’s coach at Sugar Bowl Academy. He taught her to be a strong, confident skier. After his accident, Becca recalls visiting him in the hospital and he could only move his big toe. She was incredibly inspired by him and his will to move forward and teach others.

Today, Becca helps High Fives carry out its mission by coordinating volunteers and interns, managing social media and marketing, and overseeing operations. She understands and is incredibly thankful for how skiing can impact a person’s overall well-being since she personally feels that skiing gives her clarity. Becca is proud to work for High Fives and knows that she, High Fives and the Tahoe region are a good fit.

“Truckee is a ski town,” she said. “People have had friends, family members, friends of friends and acquaintances sustain a life-altering injury and have seen High Fives step up, give direction support and offer a community.”

Randi Thompson is fairly new to the board of NYSEF. She is currently serving as secretary. But she is not new to skiing and promoting the sport across Northern Nevada and Tahoe.

Randi grew up in Reno and has skied every season since 1977. It’s in her blood: Her father was on the University of Nevada ski team back in the 1950s. When she is not skiing, Randi is a political and public relations consultant and she uses her skills to help increase NYSEF’s profile in the community.

Randi shares in NYSEF’s goals because she is both passionate about skiing and helping her community.

“Skiing is a life sport, something you can do at 5, 50 or 105,” she said. “You can ski with a team or alone and at your own pace.”

She understands how unique our area is in terms of access to outdoor recreation. But she is adamant that further growth in snow sports is held back by a lack of promotion.

“We have easy access to several incredible ski resorts and a Junior Ski Program, but we are hindered by a lack of media attention for the sport,” she said. “Football, soccer, basketball...kids see these sports daily on TV or in video games. They are a part of their daily life. Children don’t get exposure to such things as skiing competitions, and that makes it hard to inspire them to pursue the sport.”

Until that changes, expect to see Randi Thompson doing whatever she can to get more youth sliding down the mountains of the Reno-Tahoe region.

Theresa Papandrea of SOS Outreach loves to snowboard.

After a knee injury in college, she took to the sport to fill a void. It ended up having a huge impact on her career. There was a job opening with SOS Outreach in Colorado, where the organization is headquartered, and she applied after learning about the core values and curriculum along with the outdoor component of helping kids develop self-esteem and confidence with skiing and snowboarding.

Combining her love of snowboarding and her desire to help children, she figured there was no better way to improve the lives of local kids. Today she is the Vice President of Programs and is based out of South Lake Tahoe.

“I have seen how our program changes youths’ lives and betters the communities we are in,” she said. “Our programs make a difference for kids who are at risk or underserved regardless of where they live or their background.”

Theresa believes a bit of moral guidance combined with a physical outlet is something that can have a lasting impact.

“It is awesome to introduce youth to snow sports as an outlet. It is a healthy and positive outlet for them to enjoy for the rest of their lives,” she said. “They can learn so much about themselves and can overcome things in their own lives once they realize they can learn a sport that seemed hard and scary.”

Skier, Yoga Instructor, Student, Rugby Athlete & Champion

LYNDSAY SLOCUMB: ADAPTIVE ATHLETE CHALLENGES PHYSICAL AND PERSONAL LIMITS

BY MEGHAN DI ROCCO

I

f attitude is everything, then Lyndsay Slocumb has it all.

Lyndsay is a 23-year-old college student, yoga instructor and skier who in her short life has overcome challenges and adversity in ways few people ever have or will.

Lyndsay started skiing at age 6 and fell in love with the sport and being part of a team. She also played soccer and found it to be effective cross training for competitive ski racing. Her family are also avid skiers.

In 2007, she had a horrible ski accident that changed the course of her life. Lyndsay was free skiing in the terrain park when she attempted a backflip and landed on her neck and back. The fall completely paralyzed her. She was in a coma for four weeks and had a severe spinal cord injury, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, kidney damage and bruising all over her body.

Her journey since then has been long and arduous, but she has made tremendous progress - more than doctors ever thought was possible.

After extensive therapy and rehab, Lyndsay returned to the ski slopes for the first time in April 2009. Today, she free skis regularly and is a wheelchair rugby athlete, and her yoga practice specializes in coaching special-needs children.

Lyndsay is adamant that “being patient with others starts with being patient with yourself. The way you react to situations in life is what defines who you are. Only you can change your life.”

In 2014, Lyndsay became an athlete with High Fives Foundation. (See page 54.) Through a grant, High Fives helped her acquire a wheelchair so she could play rugby. Lyndsay enjoys rugby because it helps her develop arm strength which is what is most affected by her spinal cord injury. Wheelchair rugby also offered emotional support, as it has provided her with a group of friends who understand the trauma she has been through.

Lyndsay’s recovery and rehab were anything but typical for someone with her injuries; however, anyone who knows her would not be surprised by her perseverance.

“My physical abilities are very different than they were before,” she said.

“But I would not change the experiences I have been through, as they are what has made me stronger and what has helped me develop as a person.”

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GLOWINSIDE OUT Y from the

BY HEATHER CANNON

ou have been working hard since the first of the year! Make sure you are showing off your hard work by fueling your body with these foods that will make you glow from the inside out.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. Balance your body by adding Heather Cannon B.S., M.S apple cider vinegar to your salad Owner Cannon Fitness dressings or take 2 tablespoons as a shot. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar works to balance your body’s pH and make it more alkaline. This is especially important if you are a coffee drinker.

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is so important. They need the proper nutrition filled with amino acids to repair the micro-tears from your workout. Finding a plant-based protein that is non-GMO, organic and with at least 15 grams of protein will help tone those gorgeous muscles and turn up your metabolism (burning more calories). You will definitely feel a glow when you can show off those defined biceps.

DARK LEAFY GREENS. Stay young with kale, spinach and other dark leafy greens. They contain vitamin B5, which boosts energy levels, giving you more energy for all your daily tasks including your workout. Dark leafy greens also help lower your cholesterol and promote bone health. Greens are loaded with calcium. No better way to prevent osteoporosis than loading up on greens.

WILD CAUGHT SALMON. Omega 3 fatty acids found in salmon help lower blood pressure, promote heart health and increase brain function. If that is not enough, consider adding salmon in your diet to boost moisture in your hair and skin! Plus, salmon also contains a mineral, selenium, that helps protect your skin from sun damage.

Avocados. Oh, those healthy fats that we love so much. This fruit contains monounsaturated fats which add shine to your hair and nails. Avocados are loaded with fiber and potassium sure to fill you up when hunger strikes.

COLLAGEN. No better way to start the day than adding a scoop of collagen peptide powder to your coffee! Consuming collagen powder can help reduce joint pain and strengthen muscles and tendons. Plus, let’s talk about how it strengthens your hair, nails and skin by improving elasticity, moisture and shine.

TRY THIS PROTEIN SMOOTHIE RECIPE AND FEEL THE GLOW: 1/4 cup frozen strawberries or other berries 1/4 frozen banana 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower rice 1/4 avocado Big handful of spinach or kale 1 scoop plant-based protein powder, chocolate or vanilla 1 scoop collagen peptide powder 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 8 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk (add more for desired consistency) Questions? Email heather.cannon@cannonfitness.net

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PICKS

WEDDING PICKS

By Leslie McCarroll

YOU SAID YES! And now the planning begins until the big day! We thought we’d help you out with our wedding day Bliss Babe picks from our local Whole Foods and ULTA Beauty locations. Whether it’s the cake, the flowers or the catering, Whole Foods can help make your day most memorable and stress free with so many options to choose from! And let ULTA Beauty come to your rescue before Bridezilla takes over for a little pampering before you say “I do”. You’ll want to look your absolute best on perhaps one of the most important days of your life! Congratulations to you both! You have our blessings!

SETTING SPRAY – necessary to keep your makeup in place all day and night. There are many brands that have a setting spray, but this one also has SPF so you’re protected if you’re in the sun.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Philosophy’s best-selling skin care and fragrance, so she can walk down the aisle with a beautiful, radiant complexion, while feeling amazingly clean and beautifully feminine on her special day.

BAKERY: We offer a variety of cakes for your special day and are happy to customize to suit your needs. All of our cakes are made using cage-free eggs and we never use any artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors or artificial preservatives.

We also offer an assortment of small desert options for your celebrations. We feature mini cheesecakes, cannolis, fruit tarts, mousse cups, cupcakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries (seasonal). Call to schedule a consultation to meet with our Bakery Team to discuss sweets for your special day.

IT’S A FASHION EMERGENCY! Kit includes Hollywood Fashion tape, Deoderant removing sponge, Lint removing sheets, Safety pin, Sewing needle and thread, Buttons, Adhesive buttons, Hair band, Nail file, Blister pad, Static guard, Shoe shine sponge, Stain wipe, Hypo-Allergenic earring back.

FLORAL: Our floral department offers a variety of ethically and responsiblygrown flowers. We source local and seasonal flowers throughout the year and hold our flowers to the highest quality standards, just like your wedding! We specialize in custom bridal bouquets, bridesmaids bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and centerpieces. We feature Whole Trade flowers which ensures that fair prices are paid for high quality products produced in environmentally sustainable conditions. Please call our floral specialists to schedule a consultation regarding flower designs and your needs.

WHERE’S MY CHAUFFEUR ESSIE is the ultimate color authority offering a line of superior nail polishes. All Essie nail polishes are DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde free.

PERFECT FOR PROM, wedding and shiny summer fetes, the Elle Pearl and Rhinestone Barrette anchors an up do or adds a flirty touch to any pulled-back style.

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CATERING: Your party, your way. We specialize in catering for the big day, rehearsal dinners, showers and postevent brunches. Whether your event is large or small, we can tailor the menu right down to the tiniest detail to reflect your style and meet the needs of every guest at your event. We have extensive experience in providing special menus including vegetarian, vegan and food allergen needs. Call our catering team for a consultation today.

MARCH/APRIL 2017 ❤

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LET OUR FAMILY

care for yours

No matter what your health status, having a primary care physician (PCP) can help you live healthier at every stage of life. Northern Nevada Medical Group has family medicine practitioners available in Sparks and Spanish Springs.

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5975 South Los Altos Parkway, Suite 100

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Denver Miller, MD Internal Medicine

Amanda Magrini, MD Family Medicine

Danielle Barisone, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC Adult-Geriatric Medicine

Joseph Teichgraeber, MD Internal Medicine

Molly Torvinen, MD Family Medicine

Jennifer Harrington, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Family Medicine

To schedule an appointment at the Los Altos Parkway location, please call 775-352-3080.

To schedule an appointment at the Ion Drive location, please call 775-352-5335.

Live Healthier.

Practitioners care for your entire family at every stage of life.

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www.nnmg.com