MYVEGAS presents: Luxury Life Magazine

HOSTING THE PERFECT

DINNER PARTY

IN THE

CREATING YOUR OWN BACKYARD

PUBLISHER

10115 W. Twain Avenue, Suite 110 Las Vegas, Nevada 89147

PUBLISHER/OWNER

MARK ALAN SHAFFER

702.792.2378

Mark@LuxuryLifeLasVegas.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alan Torres

Blair Spear

Crystal Stoney

Don Caddette

JazzyAds.com

Jaqueline Andrea

Joshua Aldana

Larry Cunningham

LuxLife

Welcome to Luxury Life Magazine! I’m Mark Shaffer and proud to present you with our newest edition to our family of fine magazines. Luxury Life is for you and the lifestyle you have earned. To us here at Luxury Life Magazine, we believe the luxury lifestyle is filled with opulence and characterized by indulgent experiences including the finer things in life from traveling to exotic locations to dining at the finest restaurants. Living a luxury lifestyle also often involves a level of exclusivity. This may mean being a member of exclusive clubs or events or having access to exclusive products and services.

But a luxury lifestyle is not just about material possessions. It also includes a level of personal freedom and choice. Luxury means being able to choose how you spend your time and being able to indulge in your passions and interests. It also involves taking care of oneself and living a healthy, balanced life. This may include practicing self-care, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and surrounding oneself with positive influences.

Overall, a luxury lifestyle is one of comfort, extravagance, and personal freedom. It allows individuals to indulge in their passions and interests, and to live a life of abundance and prosperity.

At Luxury Life Magazine, we are proud to showcase the best that Las Vegas has to offer and hope your life of luxury is the best it can be! If you have any thoughts or suggestions for Luxury Life Magazine, or know a great company that should be in these pages, please feel free to email me at your convenience, to Mark@LuxuryLifeLasVegas.com.

Michael Fields

Rick Vierkandt

Richard Datuin

Romana Rovic

Sandra Cardenas

Studio N Inc.

Suade Studios

J. Tyge O’Donnell

Yvette West

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adam Sternberg

Amy Elizabeth

Angela Proffitt

Anthony Lai

Brenda Damian

Claire Friday

Craig Kagel

Daryl K. Jones

David Tutera

Debrah Pierce

Donna Sicoli

Erika Kimble

Dr. Evan Allen

Gady Medrano

Gaye Cote

Jack Woodcock

Jacqueline Del Rosario

Dr. Jim Wright D.D.S.

Joel Jarvis

Lark Gould

Lawrence Bronaugh

Linda Burns

Lisa Marie

Lori Nelson

Marie Mortera

Megan Mathis

Meghan Leigh

Melissa Torres

Michele Polci

Michelle “Roxy” Davis

Monica Jackson

Rosario Grajales

Sarah Moninger

Shawn Tempesta

Simmone Park

Tammy Kincaid

Tamra Trainer

Tom Warden

Toni Spilsbury

Veronica Meter

Luxury Life Magazine does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political views or military status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our clients, staff, volunteers, subcontractors and vendors. The views expressed or held by those featured in Luxury Life Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of Luxury Life Magazine, it’s publishers or its employees.

In the event of any errors or omissions on any ads or articles in this issue, will be cured in a future issue at publisher’s discretion. Any materials submitted after publishing deadline are not guaranteed to make the current issue.

CREATING YOUR OWN BACKYARD PARADISE

You love your home. You love your pool. However, you feel as though your backyard isn’t living up to its full potential. You have the space and you have the design sense. So, where do you start? What’s the first step to take to create your own backyard oasis? A few factors to consider would be safety, freedom or range of movement, and most notably, sensory immersion. With these factors in place, it's possible to feel like you're on a vacation without ever leaving your home.

CHANGE THE LANDSCAPE - Implementing design elements that engage all of the senses simultaneously creates a fully immersive experience that is conducive to fun and comfort. What we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch is what constructs our reality. By adding plants and colorful flower arrangements to the design of your backyard paradise, alone, you can achieve this. Plants and flowers are visually stimulating, fragrant, they attract birds and butterflies, and they provide shade to the area. Changing the landscape of your backyard should be high on your priority list.

COMFORTABLE SEATING - Creating an area dedicated to relaxation and comfort is essential to the creation of any backyard oasis. Outdoor seating options can range from large beach chairs to outdoor sectionals. It is not unusual to find outdoor seating with built-in storage compartments as well. Another option would be elevated tables and stools. This option may save space and allow you more control with placement. It is important to note that comfortable seating should always be in close proximity to the amenities of the outdoor space.

STRUCTURAL - Canopies, gazebos, cabanas, and large retractable umbrellas are all great structural options to implement in the design of your at-home paradise. A fire pit can add to the texture of the space, while engaging your senses as well. The flare of the flame, the crackle of the wood, the heat emanating from the pit,

all do their part to draw you into a sensory experience, connecting you to the space. Lighting is also of structural importance in this regard. Lighting sets the ambience, and ambience sets the mood.

WATER SOURCE - An alternate water source such as a small pond, or even a fountain will provide for constant movement and resonant sound in the environment you create. The sound of moving water is one of the most relaxing sounds that we can experience as humans. The reflective properties of water allow it to spread light and cast shadows. The movement of the water adds to the energy of the space.

COOKING STATION AND BAR - An Outdoor kitchen and bar can be used as another way for people to be drawn into their environment. The smell of food cooking and the taste of cocktails completes the experience, and engages the remaining senses. Coupled with comfortable seating, your outdoor kitchen and bar space can feel like an exclusive lounge. Temperature control solutions would be helpful in this area, as well. Using misters in the summer and heat lamps in the winter allows you to feel as if its always the perfect weather in your personal paradise.

PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER - Once you have made changes to your landscape, chosen your seating and arranged it comfortably, added structural elements for shade and energy flow, and developed your outdoor bar and grill, it is time to share it, Hosting private events and parties is the perfect way to see the functionality and comfortability of your new personal paradise. This is where any unaddressed safety concerns would be revealed as well. How do your guests interact with their environment? Are they at rest, or in motion? Is their motion restricted? Answering these questions will help you to make modifications to the space as you go, allowing for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

ylee Dean of Kylee Dean Designs laments that for many, Interior Design is viewed as a simple task of picking fabric and paint, or simply renewing a space with a splash of color.

For Kylee and her Team, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The nearly twentyyear luxury design veteran views design as an intimate journey, the marriage of a space to change and the will of her client, of bending the room or rooms into something more beautiful, of transforming an area into a compelling, fulfilling aesthetic.

The resulting effect can be incredible for those who get to experience the new space.

It doesn’t happen by accident. Kylee works closely with architects, builders, contractors and engineers to maximize talent and optimize outcomes. She says with a gleam in her eye that she loves designing secret spaces, including all things taboo. More on this subject will require a one on one with Kylee who asserts that confidentiality is guaranteed for her clientele.

Kylee’s clientele shows a pattern…they are professionals within their own industries, understand the value of time and trust that Kylee and her Team will manage their project with impeccable detail. Her design Team is known for delivering white glove, concierge level service to her clients, helping to manifest the best luxury experience and avoiding what can too often be a stressful endeavor.

The artistic journey always begins with an initial contact (walk-in, email or phone) where The Team assembles important client and project information for the principal designer. After that, every project requires a two-hour consultation during which Kylee and her assistant walks through the project room by room, gathering information and defining a specialized scope of work. When a client chooses to hire Kylee Dean Designs, they will receive an email update every Monday and the firm endeavors to keep all projects on time and on budget.

Whether it’s a massive penthouse project like her signature work on The Strip, a modern new build from start to finish, or a luxury redux in one of the better edges of the valley, Kylee is eager to change spaces and lives with her vision for something more beautiful.

SELLING YOUR HOME

Homeownership has been touted as the best way to increase your personal wealth. However, for all its moving parts, engaging in transactions such as buying or selling a home can seem overwhelming. Although every transaction is different, there are steps one can take to ensure things progress in a way that is advantageous to all involved. This applies especially to the seller.

LISTING YOUR HOME - Many real estate specialists agree that the simplest and most expeditious way to sell your home is to employ the services of a listing agent. According to RocketHomes, listing agents are responsible for representing the seller in a real estate transaction. That includes advertising the property, creating listings and researching pricing using comparative market analysis.

PICK YOUR PRICE - It is imperative that a seller knows certain facts concerning the value of their home, and are aware of the trends happening in the current market. These are the two main factors to consider when deciding at which price to list your home. Square footage, number of rooms, appliances and type of fixtures installed, (as well as other factors) all play a part in how you set your listing price. Also, the median selling price for homes in your general area affects your listing price, as sellers seek to remain a viable option in a competitive marketplace.

REPAIRS - Planning your upgrades and repairs in a prioritized manner will ensure that you only make repairs or replacements in a way that adds value to the home, and increases return on investment. A cost effective approach would be to focus on the major improvements that need to be made, as opposed to something as trivial as backsplash tiles, for instance. This approach prevents you from wasting time and money on repairs or renovations that may not even be necessary. Properly preparing your home for sale will not only add to the value of your home. but it also helps with the staging of the home, which in turn helps with the marketing of the home. This allows buyers to see the potential of the home at events such as showings and open houses.

MARKETING - According to REALTORS, 74% of agents grow their pipeline using social media, namely, Facebook. Similar to any other business endeavor where there is a product involved, no one will know your house is for sale if you don't advertise it as such. Using resources such as Zillow, LoopNet, etc, in concert with terrestrial efforts to sell by yourself and your agent, ensures that you reach the broadest audience. As with any business, word-of-mouth, albeit when in the correct circles, still goes a long way in spreading awareness that your property is on the market. Marketing online as well as offline and diversifying your marketing efforts is the best way to proceed.

CONSIDERING OFFERS - Once you've properly marketed your home, chances are you'll start to receive offers. You and your agent should be in constant communication during this phase of the process. Depending on the climate of the market, some of those offers may come in over listing price. For those who make an offer below listing price, you have a few options. You can come back with a counter-offer, you can flat out reject the offer, or you can make the decision to just accept the offer. Whatever you decide, make sure you are well informed by seeking the counsel of your agent or an attorney.

Las Vegas is home to one of the fastest growing and most competitive markets in the nation. With so many real estate transactions happening each day in Las Vegas, it is important that each buyer or seller finds a realtor they can put their trust in. For the past 17 years, Chip Madsen has been a top producing agent, gaining respect and trust in all he works with. Whether it’s residential, industrial, land, office space, or retail, Chip has a successful and proven track record of handling it all. Recognized and awarded for the fourth year in a row as one of MYVEGAS’ Top 100 Real Estate Professionals and Top 100 Men of Success, Chip proves that success is not given, it is earned and accomplished through passion and hard work.

Living and loving Las Vegas since 1997, Chip has gained a lay of the land, particularly in the luxury home market and commercial space. But before luxury homes and attending showings filled his days, Chip was the director of sales for a $500 Million-dollar telecommunications company and learned quickly that trust and communication will get you very far in the business world. Now in the honorable position of assisting home buyers and sellers, Chip loves to build relationships with clients and help them build one of the most personal and important investments a person can make in their lifetime.

As part of the Ivan Sher Group, a top producing team in the state, Chip and his team of 14 agents have sold over $750 million in Real Estate in the last year alone. Chip’s real estate career has truly been one to watch, and his life outside of Real Estate is just as fruitful. His golf game is continuously unmatched, and he is also part owner of a winery in Washington. He is blessed with his beautiful wife, Jessica, stepson, AJ, daughter, Ivy Rose, and recently welcomed a new member to their family in 2020, daughter, Peridot. Chip’s passions have led him to great successes in Real estate, in his entrepreneurial opportunities, and his growing family. MYVEGAS is proud to name him- yet again- as one of our MYVEGAS Top 100 Real Estate Professionals.

LESTER "CHIP" MADSEN

chip@isluxury.com

702.420.3332

LIC. #S.0073912

@chippness

LUXURY APPLIANCES FOR YOUR HOME

What categorizes an appliance brand as luxury? The simple answer is that they are obviously more expensive, but why? Luxury appliances are made from more durable materials than others, they are engineered more painstakingly, and are designed with user-friendliness in mind. There are several categories of home appliances, most of which are for the kitchen. The following are the top luxury appliance brands as well as a brief summary of why they are most known.

THERMADOR - Thermador has been a luxury appliance brand for over 100 years. Now owned by Bosch, the Thermador brand specializes in cooking appliance equipment such as ovens, ranges, cooktops, refrigerators and dishwashers. Prices for these appliances can range from $11,499.00 for a full size refrigeration unit to $4,999.00 for a refrigerator complete with WIFI and internal water dispenser

SUB-ZERO/WOLF - According to their website https://www.subzero-wolf.com, In 2000, Sub-Zero introduced Wolf cooking appliances, bringing professional temperature control into the hands of home cooks with an impressive fifty-product launch. Refined by more than eight decades of commercial kitchen experience, the technology, durability, and design of Wolf make it the ideal kitchen companion to Sub-Zero.

VIKING - Founded in 1987, the Viking Range Company is a commercial and residential kitchen appliance manufacturer owned by the MIddleby Corporation. With two-year warranties and fiveyear limited manufacturer coverage, Viking’s products come fully

protected. Viking products also have special features for added value. For instance, Viking stoves have a durable porcelain finish that resists food stains. Most Viking dual fuel range ovens and select gas range ovens have a self-cleaning feature.

MIELE - Miele produces domestic appliances including laundry appliances; vacuum cleaners; dishwashers; rotary irons; built-in convection, steam, speed ovens; hobs (cooker hoods, cook tops); free-standing and built-in refrigerators, freezers, wine coolers; and coffee systems. Miele is represented in many countries/regions with its own subsidiaries and importers, and is considered a high-end luxury brand globally.

DACOR - Dacor is a luxury appliance brand owned by Samsung Electronics, but manufactured in the U.S. and headquarters in the state of California. Dacor is most known for their products in the cooking, refrigeration, and dishwashing categories. Dacor ovens are said to last between 10 to 18 years, depending on the model or series. With the Dacor 48 Inch Dual-Fuel Steam Range (which includes an Integrated Griddle), owners can become their own private chef. Dacor products include advanced technology, sleek exteriors, and a design created to inspire all who step into the kitchen.

Luxury appliances bring the functionality, beauty, and efficiency of industrial or commercial products to the residential market, and enable their owners to produce like the pros. By all accounts, the increased price tag on these products is justified by the durability and technology they possess.

World famous, Chef Carla Pellegrino, is serving her finest cuisine at the finest Italian dining room, 7 days a week.

•Cuisine by Chef Carla Pellegrino

•Honorary James Beard Foundation

Chef in the Kitchen May 2009

•Family Recipes

•Elegant Dining Experience

Reservations start at 4:30pm

•Call 702.888.1144 WWW.LIMONCELLOLV.COM

Banquets and Private Events up to 300 ppl

CARLA PELLEGRINO

Award winning Chef Carla Pellegrino, once Carla Madeira, was born in Rio de Janeiro to a Portuguese father and a second-generation Italian mother. As early as age 10, Pellegrino was cooking daily, helping run her mother’s catering business. At age 16, chef moved to Liguria, Italy. In 1997, travels to the United States, where she attended the French Culinary Institute in NYC, and graduated with honors.

In May 2000, she and Frank Pellegrino Jr opened and successfully established Baldoria Restaurant on 8th Avenue and Broadway; in 2006, Carla Pellegrino led the culinary team as the executive chef to open Rao’s Las Vegas. She took the ten (10) original recipes from the legendary East Harlem’s Italian restaurant, added her own traditional North Italian cuisine and built a high volume menu concept.

Followed by other successful concepts such as: Bratalian, Bacio by Carla, Meatball Spot and Touche Miami Pellegrino has been featured on Top Chef 10, Today Show, CBS Morning Show, Fox News National, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Christmas Special (which she won), Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Beat Bobby Flay and multiple other national and local news outlets.

Chef Carla Pellegrino joins The Limoncello Italian Fresh Kitchen’s Team!

HOSTING THE PERFECT DINNER PARTY

Adinner party can either be the highlight of one’s week, being talked about and remembered for months (sometimes even years) to come, or an embarrassing debacle bringing shame to the host. The determining factor, simply put, is preparation. There are several factors that are involved in the preparation and creation of the perfect dinner party experience, and each of them are as important as the other. The following is an exploration of a few of these elements.

THEME - Whether it is a holiday get-together, a celebratory occasion, or simply an event centered around enjoying the company of friends or family, every dinner party has to include a central theme. The theme of your dinner party will dictate such essential decisions as who to invite, what will be on the menu, what the entertainment will be, and how you decorate or dress your home. For example, will you be hosting a summer pool party that will include throwing a few of your favorite foods on the grill? Will your event be a Salsa dance party including a band or a DJ? These types of considerations are imperative to the integrity of the itinerary that you have planned for your guests, and also serve to maintain the overall consistency of your dinner party.

MENU - Once a host has determined the theme of the dinner party, all other factors fall into place almost seamlessly. Not the least of which would be the menu. Before selecting which items to put on the menu, a host should consider whether they want their event to be catered, or if they are going to do all of the food preparation themselves. Also, being a good host includes being mindful of any food restrictions or allergens that may affect your guests, and incorporating these considerations into your menu. Providing alternatives such as a vegan option may help your event feel more inclusive, and in turn make your

guests feel more comfortable, as well as avoiding any health issues that may arise otherwise.

DRINKS - The drinks that you provide for your guest should be a direct reflection of your theme and should also incorporate as many guest considerations as your food menu does. It is reasonable to believe that not everyone at your dinner party will be a drinker of alcoholic beverages, therefore you should provide beverage alternatives such as non-alcoholic beer or virgin cocktails. For those who do drink, it is prudent to have an assortment of dark and light liquor, red and white wine, or a sparkling wine depending on the theme. Another decision to make is whether or not to have an open bar or to give your guests a self-serve option. For an intimate gathering, the selfserve option may fare best, while an open bar would better suit a larger gathering.

ENTERTAINMENT - Entertaining your guests with music (played by either a DJ, a live entertainer or a band), or with games of human interaction, can serve to create an atmosphere of engagement and enjoyment. The entertainment can be a catalyst by which guests can learn more about each other, while creating an ice-breaker environment for those who do not know each other at all. Whatever you choose as your entertainment, it will give all of your attendees the same focal point and ensure that they all have a great deal of fun, while giving them something to talk about later.

Whether formal or casual, intimate or large, family or friends, there are many factors that are involved in pulling off the perfect dinner event. Once you decide on theme, menu, drinks, and entertainment, the rest of the details seem to become non-stressors.