The Code of Style December Issue

The

Code of Style M AG A Z I N E December 2019

Women Bringing THE HEAT This December

Cassie SCERBO Festively Fierce

r e t n i W

Naughty or Nice?

TRENDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

wonder laLALand

Model: JESSICA BELKIN Cosmetics: JAZZY FRANCE Photographed by GRAPHICS METROPOLIS Makeup by JOEL SEBASTIAN Creative Director: TASH GREIZEN Location: THE GERRY BUILDING DTLA

Fold it up!

yee-si.com

NYC Ins: yeesi_nyc

ON THE COVER CASSIE SCERBO IN WINTER LALALAND 13 FASHION

Whats trending NOW this Holiday Season

14 BEAUTY

Everything you need to know about cosmetic injections!

20

CASSIE SCERBO

Read her story as an Activist and Actress

52

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Top moves to lift your butt!

56 FOOD

Recipes for the sweet-toothed!

61 TRAVEL

10 reason to visit Nice, France!

26 FEATURE

Celebrating Jezlan Moyet, Miss Ireland Universe Krystal von Seyfried & More!

40

FILBERT KUNG EDITORIAL

REGULARS EDITORS LETTERS 9

Shoot with Celebrity Designer Rocky Gathercole

HOROSCOPE

46

46

DECEMBER HOROSCOPE

MIND & BODY

52

Look to the stars baby!

49

DEAR BFF

Oui Oui Sex in Paris!

50

MIND & BODY

The

Code of Style M AG A Z I N E Published December 2, 2019 Editor-in-Chief RÄ’INE GODARD Editor-at-Large TASH GREIZEN Executive Digital Designer Sophie Barnes Assistant to the Executive Digital Designer Sydney Sylvers Assistant to the editor Elle Northalle Lee Q&A Features Karina Safaoui Emily Ekman STYLE & WARDROBE Stylists - Sophie Barnes Joey Galon Nikko Panti Kit Tran Style Director-at-Large Mike Sam DESIGNERS Eman Alajlan Apolla Jewelry English Clientele Collection Joey Galon Maison Louella Mercedes Brunelli Farah Al Mesbah Timelapse Co. PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Krick Filbert Kung Dylan Perlot Kit Tran ASSISTANT TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER Mitch Guerrero Alexander Garrido EDITORS Julia Rees - Senior Travel & Style Jefferey Robertson - Senior Visit SoCal Jannet Carrera- The Heart of Dance Amber Richele - Senior Visit NorCal Yoni - Senior Dear BFF Albert Maldonado - Featured Chef COVER STAR Cassie Scerbo FEATURE Krystal von Seyfried PUBLICIST NOW PR LA

Letter From The Editor

Rēine Godard The Code of Style Magazine is back with a remarkable issue! If you’ve been consistently following us, you should have gained clarity of the essence of each previous issue and the concept behind this magazine. We are passionate about creating a world where readers are engaged, enlightened, educated, and imparted. In all issues, we pick a particular topic and try to uncover what it truly depicts.

These topics cut across the areas of lifestyle and entertainment, generally.

We emphasize the positive and human aspects of adapting to a new way of life. In creating our debut issue of The Code of Style, we are bringing fresh thinking, a more diverse, and inclusive approach.

As the Editor-in-chief of this prestigious magazine, I love to share my passion for writing and reading with you, life enthusiasts and avid learners.

We are ecstatic to present to you our December issue loaded with rich and irresistible content which contains World Travel, Health & Beauty articles, and the Ultimate Gift Guide! We have creatively crafted these articles to tell the story of the month.

Also, at this time of the year, we must see what’s new from various parts of the world. It is time to make great decisions for your holidays. First, our goal is to help our readers gain a broader insight from a millennial

perspective, but we must share useful and helpful information as well. For this reason, our research is meticulous and enthusiastic in order for our readers to share in our delight.

Reading is one of my strong suits! It is a form of relaxation and a go-to source of knowing what’s new. I am excited to share my passion with you and also help you learn more about the world. In every issue of our magazine, we feature stars who are making a difference in their various endeavors. This month, our cover star is American actress, singer, and dancer, Cassie Scerbo.

Cassie is a huge activist and creator of the organization of Boo2Bullying.

She is popularly known for her role as Lauren “Tanner on Make It or Break It.” I hope that with every issue, we can create a place to foster empowerment, get inspired, raise awareness, and have you find opportunities to better yourselves and your communities. I believe that there is something for everyone in this issue. So, we’ve given you a platform to develop yourself, wouldn’t you like to tell us what you think? What do you like and what is missing? Get in touch with us, and we’ll see how to deliver better in our forthcoming issues. Buckle up, sit tight, and enjoy the ride to a whole new world.

“Good Reads, Good Life”

Photographed by Sarah Krick

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR AT LARGE

Photographed by Noel Daganta

Welcome to the December edition of The Code of Style, which features women we are celebrating. We remain committed to women empowerment, as we see not only their beauty but the qualities that make them who they are. As we celebrate the holiday season, we also celebrate peace, unity and love. I would like to share with you this issue that will give you the confidence to be the best version of yourself.

I would like to introduce our cover feature Cassie Scerbo. Cassie is a Hollywood actress and an advocate of several causes she strongly supports. We admire her strength and commitment but despite her tough exterior she shares warmth and thoughtfulness at the heart of her accomplishments. She will truly inspire you with her vision and resilience.

As we end this year, we want to express our gratitude for all your support and love. We look forward to new beginnings and to continuously celebrate women globally.

Always keep that glow and sparkle!! Best wishes!!

Love,

X Tash Greizen

Trending

Bewitch in Black I’m a great fan of dresses and you can’t go wrong with a LBD. You can choose how much to dress it up or down, and you can even make some last minute changes when you arrive at the party!

For example, pop a statement necklace or some dressy earrings in your bag and when you arrive at the party if you feel underdressed just add some bling.

You can dress it up with a sparkly clutch and some heels too!

Two of the most iconic black dresses are the “Givenchy” black gown, worn by Audrey Hepburn in the opening scene of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the “revenge dress” worn by Princess Diana when her estranged husband Prince Charles gave a television interview in which he confessed his infidelity with then mistress Camilla Parker-Bowles.

T’is the Season to be Glam - How to Perfect Your Party Look

By Julia Rees, Senior Style Editor

It’s that time of year when the Christmas parties are fast approaching and the thorny question of what to wear rears its ugly head.

Uttering the words “party outfit” is enough to make some people run for cover or curl up in front of the fire with their two favourite guys ‘Ben’ and ‘Jerry’.

From office events to family reunions, as well as catching up with friends you haven’t seen for a while, there are plenty of reasons to ‘glam up’.

But, there are also plenty of potentially stressful situations, from negotiating the office politics, bumping into significant ‘ex’ others, family get togethers with aunts and uncles you didn’t even know you had, to friends dropping in unexpectedly.

So, it’s not always that easy to decide on what to wear and how formal/dressed up/casual to be. It’s a thin line between boring and over the top!

The key to not letting party dressing seem stressful is to be prepared. So, that means starting to think sparkle and sequins now, and start to inject a little of your personality into your party style. If you can’t have fun with fashion at Christmas, when can you?

If you don’t know where to start or, in fact, hate the thought of having to really consider what to wear at all, then here are a few ideas of outfits to give you some inspiration for the festive season, and to take you from the office Christmas party through to New Year’s Eve!

Dress it up!

I love an occasion to ‘glam it up’, so I will always reach for a dress, but don’t worry if this is not your style, I’ve got you covered too!

I’m going to kick off with my favourite glam looks.

Instead of hiding away, Diana pulled herself together, dressed up in this daringly short and off-theshoulder sexy dress, held her head high, and made a public appearance at a party hosted by V anity Fair . The dress by designer Christina Stambolian has since been dubbed “the revenge dress.”

Rachel from @ chic_glam_style styled the dress below (from @ rienbypennyvomva) perfectly with these metallic boots, and the belt is the perfect finishing touch.

Glitter in Gold If you can’t wear gold at a Christmas party, when can you ? The dress below exudes glamour and elegance.

Gold is a metallic bright color that goes well with all skin tones, but if you are using it as the primary color of your outfit, then accessorizing it may become a little tricky.

As it makes enough of a statement in its own right, keep all your accessories simple so that the dress is the focus of your look.

It seems obvious but the most important accessory you need to pull off this party look is confidence! You may be able to keep a low profile in a simple LBD or your favourite jeans, but a gold dress (especially if it is a sequin dress) simply demands attention and will place you firmly in the spotlight.

Or you can opt for a metallic gold skirt, which Len from @thelenparentstyle styles perfectly in the example above, pairing the sparkly gold skirt with a neutral beige bag.

Sparkle in Silver Silver dresses are both glamorous and elegant, but when styling a silver dress, simplicity is key.

Like gold, silver makes a statement on its own, so the last thing you need are big, overpowering accessories that outshine the dress.

Make sure to stick with cool tones and keep your jewellry simple. Diamonds and rhinestones compliment silver perfectly as they add even more sparkle and shine to your dress - but make sure to keep them small and delicate.

Len from @thelenparentstyle paired this stunning silver dress with a small leather mini clutch from @dolorey_official. This clutch is perfect for a special event and the gold design and pink tone gives it just the right amount of glitz.

Revel In Red We all love a red dress for a special occasion, and a woman in a red dress exudes power, confidence, passion and sex appeal.

In fact, men are statistically proven to spend more money on a date with a woman who wears red, and it is definitely an attention-grabbing colour that will make you the leading lady!

The full skirt and stunning sleeves make this Mariella pleated midi dress from @ khaite_ny a perfect choice for the holidays.

It’s perfectly styled by Len from @ thelenparentstyle, with matching accessories and lip colour.

This dress is such a show-stopper, and the flattering cut makes it a perfect choice for the holiday season.

However, if you want to wear this in the day, just throw a black jumper over the top and pair with some boots for a dressed down version!

Party in Pink Pink is a combination of red and white, so combines the passion and power of red with the pureness and softness of white. It represents compassion, nurturing and love. The deeper the pink, the closer it is aligned to red.

It is a perfect choice for a party look as it’s fun, flirty and signifies happiness and joy.

Many women are put off wearing pink, because they fear the stereotypes associated with it, but pink can be ultra-sophisticated and stylish, and with all the different nuances of pink, there is a shade that suits everyone.

This ‘Velvet Kiss’ wrap dress from @rienbypennyvomva doesn’t make me think of Barbie at all!

It’s All in the Details Sparkly Heels Since it ’s the festive season you can never have enough sparkle or shine. So why not dress up your outfit with a great pair of heels?

The simpler your outfit, the more you can experiment with heels. Consider pairing bright metallic shoes with a simple LBD. From silver to gold to multi-coloured glitter, metallic heels will give you that extra twinkle in your step.

Statement Jewellery Some carefully selected jewellery can also transform your look - just remember that less is more and don’t overdo it. You don’t want to look like someone mistook you for the Christmas tree and hung too many decorations on you!

Again, the simpler your outfit the more your jewellery can make a statement.

These pieces from A dornMonde will add sparkle to any outfit, and their Fall Collection is appropriately called “Bling Bling”.

Make a Statement in a Suit If you’re not a fan of party dresses, and/or the party takes place during the daytime, you may feel more comfortable choosing glamorous separates.

You can pair an elegant pair of dressy trousers, or a dressy skirt with a glamorous silk or sparkly top.

I recommend black, wide leg trousers or a lace, pencil skirt as this classic silhouette is very flattering and glamorous, and you can then dress up or down with a sparkly top or a simple silk shirt.

Similarly, a dressy skirt with a simple black top has the same impact.

Images courtesy of AdornMonde

Dress Up Your Jeans However, if you prefer to look like you ‘just threw this old thing on’, or don’t want to look too ‘done’, you might feel more comfortable pairing your jeans with a sparkly top/ silk top / ruffles or feathered top.

I would opt for sophisticated dark blue or black jeans and pair them with:

A sparkly metallic top

A silky top

A velvet top

A transparent, sheer top

Ruffles or a feather-embellished top

A top with puff/ statement sleeves Alternatively, you could opt for an elegant silk or satin kimono, such as the “Amertine Kimono” from @ rienbypennyvomva , worn open over straight-leg jeans. It’s also a perfect solution if you’re going out straight from work, as you can just add the kimono and some heels at the last minute.

Other tricks include playing with accessories to dress up your look.

Make-Up This is the time you can have fun with your make-up, especially for an evening event. Try a gold eyeshadow and/or a bright, red lip!

I hope you find these tips helpful and that you have a fun, festive period.

With love from France and see you next year!

Julia x

BEAUTY Everything you need to know about Cosmetic Injections One way to reduce the prominence of wrinkles and facial lines, as well as to prevent the appearance of new lines and wrinkles on the face is the administration of cosmetic injections. Dermal fillers, such as fat implants, collagen and hyaluronic acid in the body, and botulinum neurotoxin toxin are some of the most common substances found in cosmetic injections. However, before deciding to go for that procedure, here is everything you need to know about cosmetic injections.

Types of Cosmetic Injections Dermal fillers: These include fat implants, collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Fat Implants Lines and folds in the skin can be made less prominent by adding volume to the underlying areas of wrinkled skin. This is because the leading cause of facial lines and wrinkles is the reduced volume of lipid tissues underlying the skin as the years go by. A fat implant is often the cosmetic injection of choice because it involves taking fat from a part of the body itself and depositing it as a dermal filler where it is needed and therefore does not include the introduction of a foreign substance.

Collagen Collagen gives the skin elasticity and resistance.

It is the main protein of the connective tissue and constitutes approximately 35 percent of the protein content of the entire body. Collagen injections are usually used for skin and bone reconstruction in burn patients. In mammals, collagen is the most abundant protein. However, as the skin ages, the collagen content in the skin reduces due to the decrease in protein production. An increase in the level of collagen content, achieved by administering collagen in a cosmetic injection, can restore the youthful appearance of the skin.

Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is naturally abundant in youthful skin. Also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, it is present in body tissues. Hyaluronic acid participates in the repair of skin tissues by stimulating the production of collagen. When it binds with water, it moisturizes the skin. The distribution and functions of hyaluronic acid in the skin change as the years go by, making the skin prone to wrinkles and facial lines. A cosmetic injection of hyaluronic acid can restore the hyaluronic acid content of the skin to optimal levels. They fall under the category known as dermal fillers. This is a name that encompasses substances designed to be injected underneath the surface of the skin. Other materials that can be used in dermal fillers are Polyalkylimide gel, Calcium hydroxylapatite, Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) and Polylactic acid.

Botulinum toxin injections Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic substance produced by the gram-positive anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It causes botulism and is not a dermal filler like the three mentioned above. It blocks the release of acetylcholine, a chemical neurotransmitter that transmits messages from the brain to various parts of the body, between nerve endings and muscle fibers at the cosmetic injection site. This immobilizes the underlying muscles of wrinkled skin so that the lines and folds become less prominent. This type of cosmetic injection is more common than dermal fillers, and this article covers a lot of common questions from people looking to undergo this procedure.

Who should administer cosmetic injections?

Botox injections are performed by health professionals, therapists, doctors, nurses and technicians trained with Botox Cosmetics. A qualified doctor who has experience in cosmetic treatments and expert knowledge of facial anatomy should always administer a cosmetic injection. This is regardless of the type of cosmetic procedure that is injected. This will ensure that injections are made exactly where necessary to obtain maximum benefit. The same doctor will also be the best qualified to determine which substance should be used in the cosmetic injection treatment of an individual.

Possible side effects of Cosmetic Injections Allergic reactions may be experienced as a result of a cosmetic injection of collagen. In the case of hyaluronic acid injections, there may be pain, infection, allergic reactions and scar formation. For Botulinum toxin injections, there may be a headache, flu-like symptoms, temporary drooping of the eyelids, nausea, strabismus / double vision, eye spasms, facial pain, redness at the injection site and muscle weakness. These are the most common side effects observed in cosmetic injection treatments. Eyelid drooping occurs when Botox is injected near the eye muscle and can last several weeks.

How is Botox cosmetic injected?

Since this is not a very complicated procedure, patients don’t have to be admitted to a hospital. Health professionals and technicians who have training in this procedure can perform them on an outpatient basis in a spa or clinic.

When Botox Cosmetic injections are done to treat lines or wrinkles on the face, there is no downtime involved.

Are the injections painful?

No, Botox cosmetic injections are done with fine needles, and most people may not feel anything. Before the injections, the face is rinsed, and the area that needs treatment is marked. Some people feel apprehension for needles, and in such cases, the therapist can apply topical local anesthesia to numb the area. Injections are done after a few minutes, and there is little or no pain.

How many injections are needed?

The number of injections depends on the area to be treated and the severity of wrinkles and lines. On average, most people require between 2 and 6 needles to get a cosmetic result. However, it is not uncommon for some people to receive 10 or more doses.

How is the recovery?

In most cases, once the injections are made, there is no recovery period. The injection site area may feel a little sore for a few hours. There may be slight redness, but otherwise, it is difficult to know if one has had Botox Cosmetic injections. Shortly after the procedure, you can resume daily activities or even get back to work. Preferably for the next 12 hours after taking the injections, the injection site should not be rubbed or massaged. This can cause Botox to transfer to other areas of the face.

How fast do the effects appear?

The effects of Botox injections are not immediate. The complete cosmetic result is not seen for at least 7-12 days. In some cases, it may be shortly before. When the effects occur, the transformation of the face is quite apparent: it has no wrinkles. You will know that the botox injection was successful as soon as you feel the wrinkles fade away and the sagging skin is significantly improved.

Are Botox injections permanent?

No, unfortunately, no one has found a treatment to reverse the signs of aging. There is no fountain of youth anywhere. Botox erases lines and wrinkles, but the effects are not forever. In most cases, the results of Botox Cosmetic injections last between 2 and 4 months. So, you have less than five months to enjoy the younger skin feel. Repeated doses of Botox injections are necessary to maintain the cosmetic benefit.

Before and after taking Botox injections: Taking

Botulinum toxin injections is an uncomplicated procedure. There is nothing special to do before taking it, except on the orders of your doctor. However, after the process, you should not engage in strenuous exercises or place your head down for about five hours. Instead, keep your head up and do not apply ice to the injected spot.

Before and after taking dermal fillers: When taking

dermal fillers, typical side effects are bruises and swelling Therefore, you should make sure that you don’t have a necessary appointment or event for at least 48 hours after the procedure. Clear your schedule to allow for a full recovery. Before taking the Hyaluronic acid dermal filler, it is advisable to stay away from aspirin for at least two weeks before the procedure. Experts believe that aspirin and fish-oil supplements are blood thinners which could increase the possibility of swellings or make them even nastier. Do not take a dental checkup just after getting a filler. Since fillers are considered foreign substances, the bacteria released into your mouth when your teeth are cleaned could travel into your bloodstream and increase the risk of infection.

All About Cosmetic Injections!

Tips to ensure safety with Cosmetic Injections Do not do it yourself: Injecting foam insulation around an

outlet with air currents is one thing, but injecting yourself with a botulinum toxin product is quite another. Consumers should be aware that participating in DIY laser treatments or cosmetic injectables carries a large amount of risk versus reward. Consumers interested in injectable cosmetic procedures should always hire a professionally trained doctor to administer these treatments. Make sure that your doctor has completed a comprehensive training program in cosmetic injections.

Do not go for cheaper products: Cosmetic injections are not cheap, and there are a lot of adulterated versions in the market.

Therefore, you should make sure that you are aware of what your doctor is about to inject you with. On the vial, check for the three-dimensional hologram under a desk lamp or fluorescent lamp which proves that it is an FDA-approved product. Do not go for a cheaper option just to save a few bucks. Instead, take as long as you need to save up for the right type of injection. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Do not ignore your instincts. The damages could be irreparable.

Cosmetic injectables should be prescribed by a doctor Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are substances controlled by the FDA and can only be sold to doctors authorized for administration. Not only is Botulinum toxin injection harmful to the recipient, if in the hands of untrained personnel, but it can also be hazardous. Professionals in cosmetic injections undergo training on how to properly dilute the concentrated product, administer correctly to the appropriate muscles and use the proper dosage for each muscle they are injecting.

Know the risks There are risks associated with using cosmetic injections, especially botox. Make sure that the benefits and risks are explained in consultation with your doctor. If you have any underlying medical conditions, these should be fully disclosed to the doctor. Your doctor should also be aware of any medications you are using, including vitamins and medications, gotten over-the-counter. Botulinum toxin products should be administered in the right environment using sterile instruments. Places such as private homes, shopping centers, conference rooms, and hotels are not medical settings and can be unhealthy. Medical offices are probably the safest place to administer such injectables. There aren’t many spas, people’s homes or hotel rooms that have the same standards of cleanliness and emergency care as the doctor’s office!

Choose a doctor who is fully trained in all cosmetic injection results A million things can go wrong or not as expected. However, a doctor that is appropriately trained on all outcomes will immediately know what to do. Seek medical practices where “the staff is trained in sterile procedures to prevent contamination, reuse of needles and infections. Also, in the rare case of an allergic reaction, [be sure] staff and doctors are trained in resuscitation measures and have emergency medications available.

Go with an old picture When going for a cosmetic injection, it is mostly because you would love to look as young as you did a few years ago. The best way to give your doctor a full insight into what you want is by going along with an old picture of yourself. The phrase “a picture speaks a thousand words” is very accurate. All the doctor needs to do in this scenario is take a look at the picture, and he would have a more accurate depiction of what you want than if you brought a picture of your favorite celebrity.

Final words All in all, looking pretty is an excellent investment. Therefore, it is vital to do it right. Go in armed with the correct information and also willing to ask further questions. Depending on the cosmetic injection you opt for, make sure that the price is within a reasonable range. In the end, you will come out looking years younger and radiant.

SNAKE SKIN

CHLOÉ Wave Snake Embossed Chelsea Boot $1060 at Nordstrom

ANYTHING RED

GIVENCHY ‘Mini Antigona’ Sugar Leather Satchel $1790 at Neiman Marcus

A SWEET FRAGRANCE CHANEL Coco Mademouiselle Twist And Spray Set $85 at Chanel

LIP GLOSS IS POPPIN’ FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Set $42 at Sephora

LIPSTICK

PATRICK TA Monochrome Moment Silky Lip Creme $24 at Patrick Ta

SKIN PRODUCTS

EMBRYOLISSE Lait- Creme Concentrate $28 at NET-A-PORTER

BOOTS FOR DAYS

LOUIS VUITTON Star Trail Ankle Boot $1,650 at Louis Vouitton

EYE CREAM

LA MER The Eye Concentrate $225 at LA MER

“RED LIP CLASSIC THING THAT YOU LIKE”- TAYLOR SWIFT CHANEL Rouge Allure Lipstick Shade: 837 Rouge Spectaculaire $45 at Chanel

HOLIDAY GLAM

PERFUME

YVEST SAINT LAURENT Mon Paris Eau de Parfum Set $150 at Nordstrom

FANNY PACK

PRADA Small Nylon Belt Bag $670 at Neiman Marcus

SCARF SEASON

BURBERRY Women’s Classic Giant Check Cashmere Scarf $470 at Saks Fifth Avenue

KYLIE COSMETICS Complete Holiday Collection Bundle $320 at Kylie Cosmetics

SELF CARE

SEPHORA Where is the Pengui n? Mask Set $25 at Sephora

EYE CANDY

KYLIE COSMETICS Shimmer Eye Glaze –Good At Being Naughty $20 at Kylie Cosmetics

On Cover: Photographed by KIT TRAN Makeup by YUNA MIN Styled by NIKKO PANTI On Scerbo: MAGANO (@mangaanoofficial) Location: THE GERRY BUILDING DTLA

Photographed by KIT TRAN Makeup by YUNA MIN Styled by NIKKO PANTI Digitech: MITCH GUERRERO Assistant: ALEXANDER GARRIDO On Scerbo: (to the left) STEPHANIE RUIZ, MAISON LOUELLA (to the right) ENGLISH CLIENTELE COLLECTION, TIMELAPSE CO.

CASSIE SCERBO Her Fight To Kick Bullying To The Curb You have historically been depicted as the ‘mean girl’ in your roles; from Lauren Tanner on ‘Make it or Break it’ to Brooke in ‘Bring it On: In It To Win It’. Can you tell me about how these roles have impacted you and drawn you closer to the anti-bullying message?

Growing up I had dealt with everything from bullying, to stalking, to death threats. I was taught to speak up and to hold my head up high, in turn I used these negative experiences as my fuel to pursuit my dreams. It made me that much hungrier for success. When these dreams started turning into my reality and ironically I ended up playing the role of the bully, I realized not only how much destruction bullying can cause to the human spirit, but how most times the person who is doing the bullying is massively hurting.

“Hurt people, hurt people.” It was then that I felt this dire need to open up this conversation. To break the silence. I wanted to teach those hurting that they’re not alone and that help is always available, and to teach those being bullied that they’re also not alone, that we’ve all dealt with different bouts of hatred, adversity, and that there is always a way to turn negative scenarios into positive ones. It’s all about perspective.

Is it challenging to separate yourself from the pressures and negativity that can be brought on by social media?

Absolutely. I believe that with all large and influential platforms there are negative aspects as well as positive, the yin and the yang! Once again, everything is perspective. We can choose to use these platforms for positive reasons and to curate change for the better, or we can allow them to amplify our insecurities by comparing ourselves to others. I know that this is easier said than done so it definitely takes willpower. I’ve learned to remain grateful for all of my personal blessings and have recognized that social media is,

for the most part, a highlight reel. I’ve talked with many influential people who are on social media who you’d think are the happiest people on Earth, living the most lavish lives. However, more times than less, this isn’t the case. They’re being paid by sponsors to create this visual or they’re simply doing it to help boost their self-esteem, relying on likes and visibility.

None of this is truly fulfilling and I think we’re all starting to realize it. I’ve noticed more and more people expanding on their truth.. on mental illnesses, struggles and hardships. I think being honest and authentic is the most admirable thing one can be and I strive to be better at this every day.

2019 has been a turbulent year, what experiences have shaped you the most?

I feel that every year has it’s ups and downs. This year I’ve had many groundbreaking moments and realizations both positive and negative. I’d say one of the main things that has shaped me as a human are my friends over at the Unleashe organization. You are much of who you surround yourself with and I am so inspired by all of the incredibly empowering work Unleashe does. I’ve truly found an amazing group of women whom I cherish and look up to. This year Unleashe teamed up with my organization, Boo2Bullying, and created a photo campaign shedding the labels others shame us with, or ones we perhaps plague ourselves with. The campaign turned into a world-wide success and I can’t wait to be a part of the Love Storm campaign they’re now starting with AnnaLynne McCord, fighting the unjust war against humanity that is sex trafficking.

The Code of Style is all about representing and empowering dynamic women everywhere; can you recall a particular moment this year that influenced your growth and evolution as a woman?

On Scerbo: Dress: M.T.S.Z, (@mtsz_style) Shoes: JF LONDON (jflondon_walkoffame)

On Scerbo: FARAH AL MESBAH, MAISON LOUELLA

Meditation! I recently attended a workshop called “The Soul Shift” and found myself in awe of the beautiful experience Destiny Rael and Colette Carlsson lead. I learned the importance of staying true to my foundation and what serves the deepest level of who I am as a person, in turn allowing me to better serve others. As a friend told me just yesterday, impact is the absolute best form of love. Being more aligned with my purpose and authentic self, allows me to better serve and connect with others. This is the woman I want to be.

What is the best gift you have ever given someone?

If we’re talking materialistics, I once bought an ex a beautiful baby grand piano. However, I do my best to connect with people on the daily - strangers, students, people who reach out to me on social media and so forth. I truly feel I have talked multiple people out of serious forms of self-harm and depression, and to me that is the most gratifying feeling in the world. I love people. And it is an honor to connect with as many other beings as I can throughout the duration of my life.

Any quirky holiday traditions you can’t imagine life without?

My family is quite unique! There’s always fun, quirky traditions in our family but most recently we ditched our annual cookie baking night for a pizza competition.. cookies are great and all but I mean.. PIZZA. Nothing like it. At least to us Italians.

So Cassie, are you on the naughty or nice list this year?

I think the nice list! .. but you’ll have to ask Santa to confirm ;) LOL.

On Scerbo: EMAN ALAJLAN, MAISON LOUELLA

What can you tell us that will surprise the readers?

As outgoing as I am, I’m a major homebody at heart. For my 29th birthday two of my best girl friends and I went to Vegas, and on the second day/night we didn’t even leave the hotel room! The trip was completely hooked up with so many wonderful accommodations I was so grateful for, but instead we ordered three different pizza deliveries - breakfast, lunch and dinner, and stayed in our pajamas watching movies...and it was my favorite part of the entire birthday weekend. I suffer pretty big time from social anxiety. I love to simply be in the comfort of my family, best friends and pajamas when I’m not working. For someone with a big personality it can come off quite shocking, the nerves that go through my body in an unfamiliar setting. Luckily, I’m good at pulling it off and I’m always grateful for any invitation, but especially when I’m at an event in LA, I take my pictures, say thank you to those who have invited me, and make my exit as soon as is proper. Home is truly where my heart is.

Are there any trends you want to see left behind in 2019?

Janties! Look them up and let me know your thoughts!

What are your hopes going into 2020?

Sky is the limit! I’ve recently decided to dabble between multiple fields as I love to continually expand on new ventures. My most recent endeavors consist of producing and my new podcast “Two and a Half Girls” with my best friends Laura Samuels and Brett Collins. I’m the type of person who needs multiple things on my plate in order to feel accomplished. I hope to see all of these new projects flourish as well as my forever love of the arts - acting, singing and dancing. And of course, all of my aspirations with philanthropy and activism. cheers to the roaring 20’s! Let’s do this!

Photographed by KIT TRAN Makeup by JOEL SEBASTIAN Styled by SOPHIE BARNES, KIT TRAN On Moyet: LOTUZ JAKARTA, ENGLISH CLIENTELE COLLECTION, MERCEDES BRUNELLI , APOLLA JEWELRY Location: THE GERRY BUILDING DTLA

Photos courtesy of Liberty Netuschil www. thelifeoflibs.com

J E Z LAN M OY E T Spotlight on Jezlan Moyet, Host and Producer of Good Morning LaLa Land So I know that you co-created and are the host of the daily talk show Good Morning LaLa Land. Can you tell me about Good Morning LaLa Land and what it’s like being the host of your own TV Show?

Good Morning LaLa Land is America’s first live-streaming daily talk show…. with over 400 live episodes and 3000 guests, this show is a community of dreamers and believers committed to sharing their talent and light with the world. I’m excited to announce my next project, EverTalk LIVE, your daily dose of happiness and Hollywood. This is the flagship show of EverTalk TV, on Apple TV + ROKU, your home for talk. Our mission: to inspire, empower, and entertain.

How did you end up pursuing a career as an entertainment + lifestyle correspondent and working in the broadcasting media industry?

From playing dress up as Marilyn Monroe, hosting make believe talk shows in the basement, to earning my B.A. in Broadcast Media & French. My journey took me all over the world as a student, as a model, from the runway, to the red carpet.

Can you tell me a little bit more about how you got started with your career as a host and how you ended up where you are today at Good Morning LaLa Land?

One wears many hats while making their dreams a reality. The struggle is real, albeit mine was quite glamorous at the same time. I knew I had to live ready, that meant honing my craft and having just the right dress on stand by. After ‘proving’ my skills as an entertainment reporter (covering junkets, premieres, set tours, and interviewing hundreds of celebrities), I’d spent years cultivating my network, which, as many say, is your net worth. And timing is everything… cue Good Morning LaLa Land.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? Do you have a favorite holiday drink?

Vin Chaud (mulled wine)… After a winter in Europe and a crazy ski trip in Switzerland, vin chaud is like a warm blanket for my soul. It’s become one of my favorite seasonal traditions.

What is your favorite winter fashion staple?

It’s all about the coats and booties… faux furs and sequins… colorful makeup and playful hair… I can’t pick just one staple after all… its a mood.

Who has been the most interesting and/or inspiring person you’ve interviewed throughout your career?

Why? I’ve had the honor of meeting some of the most celebrated icons of our time, creating memories, hearing their stories (on and off the record), toasting to their success and tearing over their losses…. a fist bump with Tom Hanks, an embarrassment with Marlyn Manson, an Oscar celebration with Damien Chazelle, tacos with Damon Wayans, or star struck with Meryl Streep… stars of the past, present and the future. I’m humbled and honored by each and every one of them.

Coming from Michigan, did you always know that you wanted to end up in Los Angeles one day?

I had my eyes set on Hollywood as long as I can remember, the West Coast was calling my name. I often say, I was born and raised in MI, but I grew up in LA. This was the place I could be fully self expressed, my most elegant and eccentric self. Where I could live everyday in the sunshine, make mistakes, learn from heartbreaks, and create a life most only dream of.

What does women’s empowerment mean to you? #WeRiseTogether. It is my mission to live a life that proves miracles exist, dreams come true, and girls are capable of anything at any age.

In your opinion, what do you believe are the qualities that an empowered woman has?

An empowered woman has strength, elegance, intelligence, resilience, and above all, grace. She walks in her own light, and she shines unapologetically.

Can you share your personal icons of empowerment, women who inspire you, and what sets them apart from others?

Oprah has been one of my biggest inspirations. As a true icon of women’s empowerment, she has maintained her integrity and stayed true to her authentic self for decades. She has led conversations and communities that created positive change in the world.

Are there any practices that you partake in that help you feel more empowered as a woman? If so, what are they?

I’m almost religious about my nightly and morning routines, positive affirmations over face masks and serums daily. Beyond that, I’m trying to be more consistent about incorporating sound and meditation into my rituals…and practicing the power of the positive “no.” Let’s just say that I am a “yes” girl.

Setting my intentions and honoring my boundaries have been very empowering recent lessons in life.

Is there anything else you think readers should know?

My glass is always half full, as they say…. I’m wildly optimistic, rarely practical, a believer in magic, and a lover of rosé. And I wanted to share that je ne sais quoi with the world. So I am excited to announce that the first edition of my signature namesake, Moyet Rosé, is now pouring. Visit moyetrosé.com to order now. Cheers xx

On Moyet: ENGLISH CLIENTELE COLLECTION, MERCEDES BRUNELLI, TIMELAPSE CO., JEWELRY BAR , MAISON LOUELLA

On Moyet: ALBERTO MAKALI, MAISON LOUELLA

Photographed by TIFFANY TRAN /@heespeare Makeup by SUMMER SUN / @summer_sun_beauty

C R Y S TAL S WI T H K R Y S TAL Written by Krystal von Seyfried, Featured Writer As the Yuletide month of December comes upon us, we are urged to open our hearts to being totally giving, loving and joyful not only to our friends and family, but to everyone we come across. December and the Holiday season in general is a special time indeed - whatever religion or belief system one identifies with, everyone can agree that festivity is alive in the air with a palpable shift in energy.

For the month of December and the general Christmas season, I am bringing to the forefront one of the most well known gemstones - Ruby! This crystal is one of the four precious gemstones, alongside Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond. Fun fact - Ruby and Sapphire are actually both varieties of Corundum, the hardest mineral right behind diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale. Being a precious mineral, ruby is very strong energetically and boasts serious healing capabilities! Ruby stimulates not only the heart chakra (Anāhata), but the root chakra (Mūlādhāra) as well - two chakras that I think are extremely important in general, but especially so during the Holiday season, when we need to stay both open hearted and grounded. In accomplishing these personal goals, I find ruby to be an extremely powerful ally.

Whatever anyone’s belief system is, it has inarguably become a worldwide tradition for people to give Christmas gifts to one another during the month of December as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, or Īsā bin Maryam. Though much ink (and blood) has been spilled over this man, corrupting much of the world’s history about who he actually was, one thing is clear - his Sacred Heart in life.

A very strong stimulant of the heart chakra, ruby helps our hearts become more Christlike - not only open and loving, but extremely strong in fortitude against all manner of evil. Compared to other heart chakra crystals which simply “open” the heart, I have found that ruby acts as armor for the heart as well. With the many potentials for heartbreaking, traumatic situations in our modern life, we now need as much protection of the heart chakra as we can get.

With an open heart, it is important to stay grounded as well. During the Holiday season, I (along with many others) can get so caught up in getting gifts for others that I can lose sight of reality and get totally ungrounded, suffering mood swings and the like. Trying to make sure everyone else has a good Christmas at the expense of your own mental health doesn’t accomplish anything for either party - it leaves one side malnourished every time.

Luckily, ruby stimulates the root chakra in a palpable way, imparting vigor and fearlessness like that of a warrior. Ruby is a precious stone for a reason, and it is not to be approached lightly - this stone was worn by royalty throughout the ages for a reason. Serious fortification and strength comes with the precious gemstone of ruby, protecting one against mood swings and psychic attacks.

(Psychic attack sounds like a strange term to the uninitiated, but is actually a much more common phenomena than most delude themselves into believing.)

My favorite place to keep ruby is simple - close to my heart chakra, in the middle of my chest. When my ruby is around my chest like this, I feel it activate my heart chakra and travel down through my solar plexus and sacral chakras, finally ending with my root chakra rooting into the planet. With my ruby around my neck, I feel fortified and strong but soft, open and loving at the same time - all traits ascribed to Christ time and time again. With or without the assistance of ruby, I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday season, staying grounded and open hearted through all forms of stress. Cheers!

Love,

Krystal

AP O L LA J EWE L R Y Exclusive interview wth the owner of Apolla Jewelry, Mikhaela Viktoria

When did Apolla Jewelry start? What was your inspiration for breaking into the jewelry industry?

I grew up in the Philippines with my mother who’s business was a jewelry store. She is my inspiration. Raising me as a single mom while running a business, it was through her store that she was able to provide the means for our living. This also exposed me to gold, various jewelries, diamonds and gemstones ever since I can remember and that is where my fascination with such materials and items and the artistry in putting them together comes from.

Early on I found myself having an enthusiasm in learning about gold purity, a diamond’s quality, the various types of gem stones and how valuable and personal they can be to an individual because every single person has a birthstone which has its own meaning behind it. I knew someday I would want to design and sell jewelry through my own business. After moving to the US, I began a plan to accomplish this goal. In 2017 I initially started by selling mostly readymade jewelry on the web via sites like eBay. This grew and by 2019 I was selling them through my own website while on the side making custom pieces here and there when I could. It was then that a friend of mine came into play.

Andrew Napier, a prolific filmmaker and producer of an Oscar winning film, as well as a painter and metal sculpture artist, saw some of my custom work and was very impressed. He became interested in what I was doing and my ultimate goals. Then one day he pitched me a brand concept called Apolla. I loved it and together we decided to officially start this company.

What is your most popular jewelry piece? Why do you think that is?

The “Moon and Stars” necklace. Made with 14kt gold and white diamonds it’s very simple yet elegant. It can be worn in formal or casual occasions. I believe both these aspects, the versatility and simplistic elegance of it, made it quite popular.

Why do you think that Apolla Jewelry stands out from other jewelry brands?

As of now, in regards to what we are custom designing, we are more focused on the art, the people and their emotions over profit. We’re in a re-branding and learning phase and we have some very unique plans ahead that I’m very excited about but can’t discuss quite yet.

Where do you sell Apolla Jewelry? Are you able to purchase it from somewhere other than your website?

Our website ApollaJewelry.com but once in awhile we join fashion and jewelry trade shows.

What is your personal favorite jewelry piece? Why? The “Flora and Fauna Leaf” necklace. It was inspired during a trip I took to Cape Cod. I was walking to the pier when I noticed this vine plant that formed into an utterly bizarre shape, yet in an unique and beautiful way. I imagined a jewelry design of it hanging around one’s neck. I played around with the color of the leaves using various colored gem stones. The three stones on it are the birthstones of loved ones who are no longer with us. (Citrine - November, Aquamarine - March and Ruby - July). Wearing it makes me feel that they are with me and that I’m not alone. I wore this on my very first trip to the New York Fashion Week. I was very anxious and nervous but then this piece caught the attention of designer Nicole Miller and that made me feel really good. The thought of my people behind the necklace also continued to keep me at easy and calm me down during stressful situations. This piece has a very personal touch and special meaning behind it.

What words of advice do you have for any designers trying to make it in the jewelry industry?

Patience and determination. Be brave and bold in your creativity AKA go outside of the box. Importantly learn to hustle your butt off! More patience and determination. Be your authentic self and learn to transmit your energy into your artwork in a way that it will connect with people. Also patience and determination.

How do you want women to feel when they are wearing Apolla Jewelry?

I want the women who wear Apolla to feel that from the moment they buy it, they have this very rewarding “intrinsic” feeling, that brings them a certain energy or emotion. I think the type of women who buys jewelry for themselves are usually those who have business confidence, financial independence and self esteem. I want the Apolla women army to be like that. To be able to make a personal, professional and even a sentimental statement. I strongly believe that jewelry reflects who a woman is and how she is able to achieve her goals in her life, love and career. Apolla symbolizes grace, empowerment, hope, love, elegance and confidence. Most of all I want them to feel fantastic!

Is there anything else you think that readers should know?

As I alluded to earlier, 2020 holds exciting things for Apolla. We’re transitioning into a new phase, image, and strategy that will be extremely unique in our field. Stay tuned.

Photographed byFILBERT KUNG Makeup by JOEL SEBASTIAN

Celebrating Mis Featuring M

Photographed by FILBERT KUNG Model: MISS UNIVERSE IRELAND Makeup by JOEL SEBASTIAN Styled by JOEY GALON On Miss Universe Ireland, Fig O’Reilly: ENGLISH CLIENTELE COLLECTION

ss Universe 2019 Miss Ireland

On Miss Universe Ireland: JOEY GALON\

On Miss Universe Ireland: ENGLISH CLIENTELE COLLECTION, NMD DESIGNS

Model: YOLI LARA Photographed by FILBERT KUNG Designed by Celebrity Designer ROCKY GATHERCOLE Makeup by JOEL SEBASTIAN

This month, Mars is making opposition with your Sun. This Just like in November, Saturn is still making a aspect brings unbalanced energy square with your Sun. A higher concentration of that was building up in you, and now responsibilities and hard work are awaiting you this month. have to express it. Find a way to express Even if this aspect is a hard one, it can teach you an important energy since that is what stops you from ac lesson - find your priority and stick to it. Remember that patience and your goals or just being happy with yourself. Be persistence pay off when Saturn is around! This month, relationships may careful at the end of the month, sinc the goddes of feel like a battlefield, and you may feel completely powerless. Until November making a square aspect with your Sun. This period is a 21st, Venus, the goddess of love, is making a square with Sun, and your need for love insecurities that will evolve into anger and possibly ruin and affection is going to be increased. Be careful with money this month, since you may be a with people close to your heart. It is better to enjoy time bit reckless. After November 21st, your love life, as well as finances, will come across a much better the combination of these two transits is active. But, don’t w phase. New connections formed while this transit is active are going to help you advance in astrology is on your side! You are confident and enjoy your career. From November 10th, your mind will be clear, and your ideas will be practical professional goals If you manage to stay optimistic, and useful. Communication is successful, and you can share your thoughts in the to really shine in your career this month! Saturn is manner that everyone around you will understand them. In the first week of it will require some hard work to enjoy the the month, Mercury is still making an inconjunction with your Sun, this month. You may receive recognition causing you troubles in the field of communication. It is best if since your coworkers notice how hard you avoid making important decisions in the first week and devoted you are! Use this opp of the month. as much as you can, and leave personal relationships aside for a while.

Saturn is still making opposition with your Sun and testing your strength and patience. You probably feel tired of this, and you want it to stop. But, Saturn won’t let you

have something without tears, hard work, and sweat! Try meditation if you haven’t already. See what your priorities are, what is more relevant to you, and when you choose, stop wasting your time on something that is blocking your way to success. Watch out for lack of discretion and self-control this month. You may be trying too hard to achieve your goals, but you can’t go faster than it is possible. Slow down, listen to what others have to tell you. Especially in the first week of the month when Mercury will positively influence your communications. You will have a keen intuition and will be sensitive during this month. This month, the best way to enjoy yourself is through art and spiritual activities. In the second half of the month, you may be unsure of your thoughts and emotions since Mercury and Venus are making an incojunction with

Sun. Inconjunctions are extremely tense aspects, you may feel inadequate

and conflicted during these aspects. It is like what Sun represents is not well understood by the energies of Mercury and Venus.

This month, Mars - the god of war, is in your sign. You will be a This month, Saturn and Sun are not the bit dramatic because of this. On the best friends. Saturn will bring more obligations to you, other hand, you will be passionate and and you will be forced to work harder so you can leave this strong sexual urges. This aspect strengthe year knowing what your priorities are. Diligence and constant effort ego, so you will try to achieve your goals no will bring you rewards after this period of hard work. Period of tension people try to say to you. You can’t always win, so in romantic relationships will last until December 21st. Try to stay calm until this if you notice that arguments with loved ones start to period passes since you will be glad that you have waited. From December 21st Venus your energy constructively, you can achieve your goals! will be gentle with you. Your world will seem more appealing, and people will see you as be increased during this month, so use it as a positive outlet kind and calm. They will enjoy being in your company, and this is going to increase your self-confidence.

You can be more purposeful and helpful this month. You You will be more creative than usual during this period. Since Mercury is making a sextile require extra effort since you are aware that hard wo with Sun from December 10th to 29th, this will be a busy period for you. You will be best way to achieve your goals! Don’t let this opp engaged mentally, your mind will experience clarity, which will immensely help in your fingers, since Jupiter is on your side. You will communication. You can express your ideas and start new projects that will be approach to everyday life and will be more beneficial for your career and place in society. Jupiter is also making a usual. At the end of the month, Venus is square with your Sun, and even if this aspect can create some with Sun, and unnecessary interactions uncomfortable situations, it might give you a drive that you ruin your Christmas spirit. Try spen need to make progress in this month. Try something some time on your own from new and fun.

December 21st so you can end this year in peace.

After almost 30 years, Saturn is entering your

sign and will try its best to make the next year the greatest one for you! Even if this is considered to be one of the most malefic planets in our solar system, it can bring great rewards since Saturn rules your sign and is inclined to help you. Saturn pushes you to face your responsibilities. Your strength to remain calm and patient is tested and you may feel more restricted than usual. Your past wounds and forgotten duties are coming to the fore, and you are forced to face them. As a result, you may feel isolated from the rest of the world. This period can indeed be a hard one for you, but if you invest your efforts into overcoming this, your future self will be proud! Also, the luckiest planet in astrology, Jupiter, is going to end this year in your sign, which is a glorious opportunity for you, and this will ease the pain that Saturn may cause. The next year should be in the shades of hard work, but remember that it will pay off. Until November 21st, Venus, the goddess of love, is going to be in your sign.

With the help of Venus, you may attract money or enter new relationships that bring some financial benefit. You can express your creativity in the first half of December.

Try to avoid unnecessary laziness since Saturn is not going to like it.

you this hieving especially love, Venus, is playground of your relationships on your own while orry, the luckiest planet in working towards your you will have a chance on your side too, but gifts of Jupiter or promotion working ortunity

You may feel a bit confused during this month and have no idea where to even start since some problems may be too overwhelming. Slow down when you think this way, take your time and don’t make hasty decisions. The problems this month may be hard to notice and accept.

You may need to change your behavior, to end some partnerships or phase of your life in order to feel fresh. Remember, when you let go of something old, you open yourself to something new. This process is rewarding and will make a good base for the period that will come in the next year. Even if the process of accepting and trying something unknown can be painful, your decisions today are going to make your tomorrow much more enjoyable! From December 10th, Mercury is making opposition with your Sun. This aspect causes disagreements and stress in this already hard time. People see you as egotistical and rude, and you feel like they don’t understand you. Try to find a compromise and avoid arguments. Also, entering some new projects is a risky move right now.

The last week of the year is harmonious when it comes to love life.

You are friendly and attractive to your romantic partner.

From the beginning of the month, Venus is in a positive aspect with your Sun, making everything in the world seem pleasant and beautiful. This period is colored in harmony, and you will not have much stress during this time. Interactions with co-workers, family, and partners are pleasant and smooth. This is an excellent time for dating since you feel beauti ful, and shine with kindness, and everyone sees it. In the first half of the month, your energy levels will be increased as well as your confidence which at tracts people around you. This is the time to push harder something you have been planning for a while. Start a new project, change your job, but be sure to do it before December 10th since Mercury in a square with Sun will stand before your way.

This beneficial period for love life will last until December 21st, and after that, Venus moves into incojunction with Sun and becomes a bit irritated and not sure where to go. Mental activity and contact with others are increased, but there is a tension in these fields. You will be hiding your real opinions, and people will feel that something is not right. This is not a good time for making important decisions, even if it is a part of the year where we want to start something From December 10th to 29th, Mercury will be new and become a better in your sign, which is a positive thing! Mercury brings version of ourselves. mental sharpness, bright ideas, and much communication with people. If you have the desire to express some of your ideas and thoughts, this is the best timing. Visit friends, go on a date, arrange a business meeting - everything will turn out as planned since you can think and speak clearly. From December 21st, Venus is making sextile with your Sun, which will increase possibilities for enjoying harmonious love life but also for improving your money income. You can express your feelings with the help of Mercury, and now with Venus, you really want to do that! Social circumstances are favorable for you, and you can end this year enjoying Christmas spirit with your friends and loved ones. Gifts, new relationships, warm and cozy party with friends - it sounds like the most beautiful time of the year?! However, you may still feel the tension since your Sun is in hard aspects with Neptune and Uranus, but since these planets are slow, their transits last longer, and you may not feel it strongly as those of faster planets like Venus and Mercury. You may lack confidence from time to time and try to escape responsibilities. You may change your social group or the way you express yourself.

Mars in a square with your Sun creates a strong influence on you in this month. Aggressive energy brings frustration and tension into your intimate connections, but also into a relationship with your co-workers. Try not to force your desires onto people around you, they will not react well! You would do better

if you try to see the situation from their perspective, then you would realize that your frustration is not caused by their actions. Try sports as a way to use this energy positively, you will be surprised by results! Venus’ message this month is to keep your standards high and don‘t accept anything less than you deserve. You will have a strong need for entering romantic relationships, but there is a danger of unrequited love if you try too hard. From December 10th to 29th, Mercury is making a trine with Sun This aspect is beneficial and makes your thoughts in harmony with your plans. You can express yourself clearly during this transit, so this period is suitable for negotiations and making decisions in both personal and business life. Since this is the only positive aspect in December, try to make the best of it!

have ns your matter what try to slow down arise. If you direct Sex drive is going to for your enormous energy. enjoy spheres of life that rk is the only and the ortunity slip through have an enthusiastic friendly than in a square might ding

You will end this year with the blessing from the goddess of love that will enter your sign on December 21st. This will allow you to express your loving nature and creativity fully. Since Venus is the goddess of beauty, it will help you to feel more beautiful and to radiate your spirit so you can attract people that feel the same way. This is an excellent time to spend it with family, friends, and your loved one. Christmas spirit is coming to you earlier than you thought. If you want to spend some money to improve your appearance, this is the best timing! However, the beginning of the last month of the year is not going to be magical. Mercury will be making a square aspect with your Sun and will bring you some friction into the field of communications. You may be nervous and impatient. The best way to avoid arguments is to count to ten before you speak since you may say something that you didn’t mean. If you try to be funny, someone may find it offensive. If you decide to cheer someone up, they may feel even worse. Mars is also making a square aspect with your Sun this month. Be more empathetic with your co-workers, your family, and friends. You have a tendency to feel like people around you are attempting to hurt you, but what is the real story behind that is that your worst enemy is

you.

Saturn is making a sextile with your Sun this month.You currently can be more purposeful and steady. You enjoy areas of your life that require a little extra effort knowing that you have the ability to work towards your goals. Since Jupiter is also making a sextile with your Sun, energy is usually abundant during this phase. You are sparkling and feel confident in achieving your life goals. You enjoy an enthusiastic approach to life as well as feelings of kindness towards others. It is essential that you make the most of the opportunities presented in this month, and not let them slip through your fingers since this period is beneficial for you. The only possible problem could be caused by Mercury in square to your Sun. Your mind can be restless during this period which starts on December 10th and ends on December 29th.

Your thoughts are ego-centered, and you are not aware of the problems and feelings that people have. However, you still have a strong need to deliver your ideas to those around you, but you can’t find the right way to do so. You want to be heard, but you lack the desire to listen to what others have to say.

Mars is in trine with your Sun, and this will emphasize your leadership abilities and help you to make the right decisions regarding your career.

DEAR BFF,

Written by Yoni, Senior Editor- Mind & Body (Dear BFF) I recently had the pleasure of traveling to Paris and what do ya know? Just as they say, it’s a city of love, or may I say satisfaction. Although this was a quick trip full of food, fashion, fun, and very handsome men, on my last night I found myself leaving a spa at 4:30 am. Leaving with an experience I’ll never forget.]

You might be asking yourself what kind of spa is open until 4:30 am. Ok, let’s rewind! On my last evening in Paris, my friend Tiffany and I stopped by a black fashion experience featuring stunning pieces from black designers. One being the talented and beautiful designer and producer Adama Paris.

Following the fashion show, Tiffany and I casually sipped on a few glasses of wine and decided to head out with new friends, Brittany and John, who we just met to head to a lounge. Yes, we picked up new friends at a snap of a finger, which is usually the start of a great night. Put your judgments away. Especially since things get even more interesting from here.

Just before leaving for the club, John, a handsome, hip, and seasoned 40+-year-old Parisian mentions experiencing oral pain and requested to stop at his place so he could medicate before continuing the evening. I did a quick internal prayer asking God to protect me from being a version of the girl from the Taken movie, and next thing you know we were in an Uber... to a stranger’s apartment... in an unknown area of Paris. Baby Jesus, please don’t take me tonight was what I repeated during the half an hour ride to his home.

We arrive at the apartment and my initial observation was how clean the place was - serial killer clean. Baby Jesus - please keep my prayer in mind - I have so much more life to live! Over the next hour or two we pre-gamed, Tiffany and Brittany enjoyed skinny cigarettes and John attended to his tooth. Brittany plays with the idea of visiting a spa. Mind you, it’s definitely 12:30 am, and also - awkward much? Who wants to get massages at this hour with people they just met? *Insert head-scratching emoji* In no time Brittany explained that this spa was not going to grant you your typical massage - unless that’s what you want.

Okay - you have my attention! She subtly expressed that the spa is a sexual experience, but you don’t have to participate in anything that you don’t desire. I can’t help but be curious after someone says that - my dog ears were standing at attention. It didn’t take much convincing and a few moments later the gang was on the way to the spa.

We were in the Pigalle district, a former red-light district infamously known for strip clubs and sex shops. walked into Moon City, an adult entertainment spa, and nothing could have prepared her for what was next. After paying the entrance fee we made our way to undress in the co-ed locker room. All patrons were provided a towel, sarong, and a bracelet with a small pouch for the keys for our lockers. Everyone undressed and put on their sarongs. I will admit this made me feel a bit uncomfortable and took a lot of time to warm up to the idea. Though I’ve been in American spas where I was nude, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into which was very unnerving. Eventually, I placed my faith in Baby Jesus, tied my sarong as tight as I could and we made our way into the spa.

The first room we entered looked like a typical lounge. There was a long bar against the wall, couches, tables and festive music. Imagine your typical club - just with men and women

Oui OUi Sex in paris barefoot in sarongs. After a couple of drinks, we head to the area with the jacuzzi. Everyone undressed and hopped in the jacuzzi completely nude. Though being nude in a jacuzzi with roughly 20 people isn’t necessarily my cup of tea, neither is provoking my ph balance so I spectated from the outside looking in. Phones were prohibited beyond the locker room, so I was a bit bored while waiting for the rest of the group. A couple of men came by to engage in banter, but considering my nerves I kept things short.

Finally, the group exits the jacuzzi, freshened up, and we continued roaming through the spa. There were saunas and steam rooms, and benches to relax. It wasn’t couple’s night at the spa, but there were many couples who were looking for a great night. Continuing to explore we notice many rooms with small windows for those outside the room to peek in and explore what was happening in the room. At that moment is when I realized exactly what type of “spa” we were experiencing. It was an environment where couples looking to spice up their relationship with other couples or maybe just one additional person would explore. After speaking to one young lady, sometimes she visits the spa with her significant other and she will enjoy other patrons while her partner watches with appreciation without joining in on the fun.

We continued on our path. In a couple of hundred feet, the unexpected happened. We saw an open room that didn’t have doors with many people appearing to be gazing at something intriguing. As we get closer I can hear what’s going on before I can see it. We hear moans from several voices. We approach the scene and we notice a large cushioned bed with a woman on each side. Each being caressed by a man while having sex with another. I had to blink a few times to completely process what was happening - live sex in front of my face. The men were very sensual while being sexual, and both used protection. It was interesting to share this intimate act with approximately eight other patrons. Everyone in awe - both men and women. I heard the chatter of interest. The chatter of patrons hoping they could also experience the same with the women who we were all watching. Eventually, the women who were in the act orgasmed and both walked away with one of the men who were experiencing them.

In awe, I went to the bar for a drink. While sipping my cocktail one of the women of the hour joined me. She was curious about me.

She wondered what brought me to visit. She questioned if I would ever participated in an experience at the spa. She expressed that she is very sexual and often comes to the spa with her partner for new encounters with both men and women. She especially enjoys Moon City as the clientele is selective and the crowd tends to be attractive.

I learned about her sexual freedom while she learned about how prude I tend to be. As with all good things, I looked at my watch and realized that it was 4:30 am and this night must too come to an end.

A few moments later I met up with my original group, changed into my clothes, and walked out of Moon City into the Pigalle streets as if nothing ever happened. What a night.

Dear BFF suggests exploring any new experience with discernment and clear judgment. Dear BFF and Yoni are not responsible or ​liable, directly nor indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with this article.

Xo, Yoni

t r PSYCH OF OF ea PSYCH H e DANCE DANCE h T of e c n First Things First [Real-Life] a D

Written by Jannet Carrera, Senior Editor- The Heart of Dance

Have you ever felt a need for a new experience? Have you ever felt discouraged to take a dance class? Have you ever been in a situation where you had to downplay your success?

Have you ever experienced feeling like you’re not good enough? Have you ever stopped yourself from pursuing a path you really wanted? The list goes on forever. Right? Above all I am here to remind you to make sure you continue experiencing and creating your own story.

Don’t be afraid to feel the love, pain, and beauty of life. First, embrace change and be open to possibilities by doing something that you don’t normally do. Secondly, if you find yourself seeing crisis; see it as an opportunity for growth. Lastly, I hope you dance.

What is Psych of Dance?

You might be asking yourself what is Psych of Dance… well I am welcoming you to an exclusive first-look into a mind, body, soul therapeutic program for the human spirit. Psych of Dance is dedicated to changing lives. Focused on individual feedback to learn, experiment, perform, release and thrive. As a result, it will transform you from the way you think to the way you express yourself through movement. Intensive group discussions and improvisations are placed in the program in order to explore aspects of true authenticity. My passion for psychology and dance is what inspired me to merge both worlds in this life changing program.

Tell me more...

Many don’t know this about me but I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. The first week I started my Masters Program in Psychology, I dropped out. That is to say to pursue dance, singing, commercial modeling, and everything in between. In addition, I always loved performing. I did it growing up with my cousins at our family celebrations. We would choreograph, direct showcases, rehearse, styled each other and so much more. I loved seeing the joy and smiles on our family faces. As a result, I always felt this sense of complete bliss when performing. I lost myself. Therefore, I had to learn to trust the path and embrace life’s challenges as both blessings and lessons. I had this urge to connect with a power greater than me. I wanted to make a difference through the work I did.

“Dancing is more than just moving body parts; it is a pathway of expressing your deepest inner thoughts.

-Normani Kordei Hey Siri define Psychology?

The scientific study of the human mind and its functions especially those affecting behavior in a given context. Why is psychology important you might ask? Well I believe it is the root of understanding the human mind. I believe learning psychology, allows us to understand more about how the body and mind work together. Essentially, learning psychology helps us in large part because it can explain why people act the way they do. In addition learning the different areas of Psychology can help you gain a richer understanding of life itself. I was always intrigued with the human mind. I felt a need to learn to understand people. My instinct was always to enrich, inspire and empower those around me. Therefore educating myself to the best of my ability has been a non stop learning journey. It’s my fulfilling purpose in life.

Hey Siri what are the benefits of Dancing?

Dancing allows you to express yourself and have fun. There’s something about dancing and music that always seems to help you take all of your cares away. Wether its your favorite song playing on your playlist. Maybe its the song that gets you going to the gym. Or perhaps the challenging dance moves in dance class that you enjoy learning. Regardless of your reasons, research shows dancing can improve your mental health by boosting your overall happiness. That is to say, it also improves your mood, lowers your stress, anxiety and a form of depression reduction. The physical, emotional and mental health benefits of dancing are endless. Dance changes you. It really does transform you instantly. Dance requires you to trust yourself and when you do that.

You’ll see…

In my DNA...

I had a moment y’all when my creativity was awakened.

That moment that not only gave me more meaning to my career but it completely took over me to trust the process and really learn the dance of life. The feeling that woke up inside me felt like an out of body experience. Psych Of Dance was imprinted in my heart from then on. Literally my whole life flashed right through my eyes. I was completely in shock when it happened. I knew at that very moment, I had to relentlessly make this program not only life changing but it needed to serve a higher purpose to anyone and everyone. Ive always felt instantly empathetic to people’s feelings and am always searching to find ways to help. Therefore it has been a non-stop awakening to a new season in my life.

Why do you call it Psych of Dance...

Because when it came to me, it was during a very difficult time. I felt overwhelmed, confused and I was stuck in a rut creatively. I was going through emotional and physical pain. That is to say I felt I was going crazy y’all. Mind you, for the past ten years I’ve been practicing and applying gratitude/ journaling so religiously that its been one of my coping mechanisms in my life. Therefore, to know that my morning meditation exercises weren’t helping, I knew something was wrong. I took a step back, let myself feel the funk. I had to pay attention and analyze the problem of my feelings. After that, I decided to then dance it out to express, get lost and escape my reality for awhile or whatever emotion that was draining Jannet away.

As a result, I began to do some research. The scientific research and information I kept finding about the benefits of dance and psychology of the mind were endless. In a 2013 article “Dance Psychology” Dr. Peter Lovatt states that “In my lab I have carried out studies into the effects of different types of dancing.

What I found is that different forms of dancing can help people solve different types of problems.” Dance, music and re-learning the study of Psychology not only led me to develop more self awareness. It dared me to embark a journey inward in order to create a program that represents everything I’ve learned along my journey for many years.

Where do I sign up?

Are you ready to welcome the year of 2020 with a flow of positive vibes?

Are you ready to take your mind, body and soul experience to the next level?

Are you ready to claim your power for the year of 2020 and make it your best year yet? Psych of Dance is a brand built for those who go as far as it takes to discover and transform their emotional, psychological, and spiritual state of being through therapeutic movement. Connect with me personally by clicking PSYCH OF DANCE (on www.thecodeofstyle.com) to learn more about the program. Limited space available, the first 15 students to sign up will receive one FREE 1:1 dance session! The launch will take place on JANUARY 11, 2020 in Irvine, California.

Take a closer look...

From experience, training our awareness requires so much discipline, commitment, and patience. But none of us should have to do it alone.

When we commit to a journey inward, we begin to know ourselves better. I BELIEVE we each have something unique to offer that is uniquely ours. I created Psych of Dance to help us become so in tune with our own natural creative flow, that we become unstoppable.

“What is Dance Psychology?” writes the remarkable Dance Psychologist Peter Lovatt in Dance Psychology. Dance/ Movement therapy is defined, according to the Dance Therapy Association website, as “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive and physical interaction of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and well-being” ( p. 19) Therefore, my friends I will not stop creating and building for a higher purpose. How can I stop when research and studies have shown us day in and day out how dance and psychology can improve our lifestyle?

Before I go and dance, I would love to share some daily mantras. Cool. Say it with me:

I STAND IN MY POWER. I STAND WITH THE POWER IN MY HEART. I STAND WITH THE POWER OF WHAT I BELIEVE IN. I STAND WITH THE POWER OF MY ANCESTORS. I STAND WITH THE POWER OF HEALTH. I STAND WITH THE POWER OF MY VOICE. I STAND WITH THE POWER OF MY CREATIVITY. I STAND WITH THE POWER OF MY STORY.

Images courtsey of Jannet Carrera, Ryley Clement, Photographed by James Jin, Pinterest, PetaPixel

MIND & BODY Top Moves to Lift Your Butt Nothing great comes easy and you can add a well-toned and lifted butt to that list. Not to worry, you can have a peach of a butt as long as you adequately perform some proven moves to get those muscles firm. Usually, a lot of fat burning and even strength training exercises are required to get things going in the right shape. However, with a lifted butt the goal, you’d be surprised to learn that other areas including your thighs, torso, and hips in general, need some work, culminating in the perfect show-off butt.

No doubt you’ve looked at a couple of people including celebrities and your next-door neighbor and wondered how they got it done, or wished you had a butt like theirs. Well, it’s an open secret that the moves you’re about to read about works wonders for your butt. As you perform them, try not to be uptight or restricted in routine. Spice things up a bit, add some flair and mix things up, after all, efforts are geared towards lifting that butt. Now, here are some moves to get cracking!

Squats Did you just go “Wow! I thought about that”? The fact is squats aimed at lifting the butt never get old. It’s a wonderful exercise that helps to tone and lift your butt. Your overall lower-body strength is also given a good edge because it’s strengthened as you perform squats. Also, it’s simple, and depending on the variation you want to perform such as the squat with a kick-back or something more advanced like the single-leg squat, you can use this format to perform the move effectively: Stand and ensure that your legs are shoulder-width apart.

Here, you might want to tighten your stomach muscles for balance and have your feet facing forward. With your palms touching, place your hands close to your chest. Bend your knees and slide down to a squat as if you were going to sit and stop with your thighs parallel to the ground. Your weight should be on your heels as you squat downward rather than forward. You can perform in front of a mirror the first few times so that you can confirm your posture. As you get to the bottom, rise again squeezing your butt. You’ll feel your upper thighs and glutes firm-up as you stand. Do about 10-20 reps. You can also add weights to the routine to increase intensity.

Body Lifts Body lifts really help to get your butt lifted. Not just because it is an awesome exercise that makes you use suspension straps that work your glutes to no end, it also covers every inch of the vital areas linked to your butt including your hamstrings, core and your glutoral muscles. Again, it’s a favorite of many fitness experts who use it to help willing clients. Thankfully, it’s something you can do on your own because let’s face it, not everyone can hire a suspension trainer to help out. However, you can get a stability ball to cover for that.

Here’s how to get it done: 1. Take a position lying faceup with your heels forming foot cradles under an anchor point.

2. Keep your arms extended by your sides. Press through your glutes as you lift your lower back some inches off your mat.

This forms the base of the move.

3. Pull your heels to your glutes as you try to lift your hips higher. Then go back again and perform doing at least 2 steps of 15 reps.

4. You can mix things up for more impact on your butt by doing some runners - bending a knee at a time or stepping up the intensity with more sets of reps. Be careful not to overdo it especially if you’re just starting off.

Plié Who would’ve thought that one of the most popular movements in the dancing art of ballet would turn out to be such a nice way to lift the butt? The plié does more than help you bend and straighten your knees. It’s ideally suited to help you get a well-formed and lifted butt. Of course, you might have the initial idea that the move is easy to pull off and not as effective.

But that’s hardly the case with the plié. Yes, it’s a no-fuss move (who wouldn’t want that?) but as simple as it is, the toning, firming and lifting you receive would appear more than anything you expected. You can perform this move with ease by following these steps:

Fitness 1. Stand with your toes pointing out and legs a bit wider than shoulder-width. Your arms should be out and straight in front of you.

2. Lower into a squat, go back up and repeat again. Try to go as low as you can on the squat without allowing your knees to go past your toes.

3. Make sure your tailbone is tucked under with your glutes contracted. Also, your torso should be tall.

4. Do for a minute and pause at intervals especially at the bottom of the squat. 10-15 reps can go a long way to lift your butt.

Single-Leg Front Raises For a nice butt-lifting move, it’s easy to fall in love with something that has an all-inclusive sort of package. That’s what the single-leg front raise compares to because your thigh will receive a nice, strong stretch, your glutes will have all shades of firmness and you get to have the balance necessary to effectively lift your butt. Further, a positive you can look forward to is this move requiring little coordination to get things going. Here’s how you can do it with a dumbbell in tow! While standing, shuffle your feet to a hip-width distance apart. Hold a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand. Bend either leg, in this case, your right and raise it to about 3-4 inches off your mat. Have both arms extended in front of you at chest level with palms downward-facing. With arms straight, raise your left arm above your head and maintain the position for 3 counts before returning to the chest level (height). Alternate arms and switch legs as you do at least 8 reps on each.

Lunges with Arm Reach Lunges are one of the most common and powerful moves to strengthen and tone the lower body and of course, lift your butt.

Adding ‘arm reaches’ to it makes your butt all the better for it.

As you reach forward with your arms at the knee-height level, the impact on the hip flexion increases thus making your glute muscles the focus of the move. The glutes get lengthened at the top and bottom of your butt to give it that lift you want. It’s easy to perform as well and you can do it this way: Stand tall and have your feet approximately hip-width distance apart while your arms should be extended at chest height. Put your right foot forward as your body weight comes down on your right leg. Lean forward at your waist and reach out to knee height with both hands. Go back to a standing position by pushing your right foot into the mat with your body assuming a starting position. You can do several reps as you switch legs.

Want to mix things up for intensity? Add dumbbells or use a medicine ball.

Kettlebell Swing This peach of a move is actually a combination of the legendary squat and some weight. The kettlebell accentuates an already toned butt and gives it more lift since squats already help to sculpt butts. It’s on the easy side too, unless you can’t squat your own weight and add something else for more results. You can perform this move like this: With your kettlebell or dumbbell in both hands, stand hipwidth apart on your feet, with the knee slightly bent.

Bend at the hip level and lower your torso to a 45-degree angle to the mat. Your lower back should be naturally arched.

Swing the kettlebell/dumbbell between your legs.

With arms straight, push your hips forward as you swing the kettlebell up to chest or belly-button level. Your butt will thank you for it!

Clam Dig with Rotation A tight hip isn’t what you want when you’re in the process of trying to lift your butt.

Again, it doesn’t help with ease of motion to effectively perform any move. To that end, the clam dig with rotation helps to lose the tightness you experience in the hips. The outward hit rotation this move helps you perform will give you an incredible feeling.

A lifted butt is not the only positive - your shoulders and obliques also feel the impact.

Want to give it a try already? Here’s how: 1. Lie down on either side, your right side in this case and have your head cradled in your right palm.

2. Bend your knees to a 40-degree angle in front of you.

3. Hold a dumbbell measuring at least 5-pounds in your left hand and place your left elbow left side of you.

4. Raise your left leg and left arm up to approximately 90-degrees with your hips stacked and not rocking while your elbow is pressed into your side; try to hold for some seconds at the top before restarting.

5. Remember to switch sides as you aim for a lifted butt.

Bridge Pose This is a move you’ll come to enjoy and you can even incorporate it into other moves to shake things up. It helps to work out your legs, lower back and to a large extent, your butt. Who wouldn’t want that? Here’s how you can effectively perform the bridge pose move: 1. Take a position lying down on your back and bend your knees to a 90-degree angle in front of you. Ensure your feet are flat on the mat or floor.

2. Your arms should be relaxed and by your sides, as you tighten your core muscles all through.

3. Lift your butt upwards, pressing through your pelvis until you achieve a straight line with your body.

4. Squeeze your butt and pause for a second holding the bridge position. Gently lower yourself back to the mat.

5. Perform about 10 reps or more.

The Step-Up Move Sounds like a popular movie right? It’s not quite the dance move but it’s one of the best at helping you get lifted butts. This is because it comes with more benefits including increased power, strength, endurance and balance as you take on the move one side at a time. Further, it’s a basic movement people perform each day even if they don’t focus on their butts. All the main large muscles of the legs such as the hamstrings and glutes are targeted in your quest to develop a well-shaped and lifted butt.

How to perform this move: 1. Place a bench or go in front of a step and stand upright with a foot on it.

2. Your hands should be by your sides or preferably, holding dumbbells at your sides with arms straightened out.

3. Push off your top foot as you step onto the step with your feet then step down on one foot while the other foot remains on the step and repeat the process.

4. For each leg, at least 3 sets of about 10 reps would do to help lift your butt.

Quadruped Hip Extensions

Okay, things are heading to serious territory with this move. You’re bound to get a lot of muscles activated in the butt region thanks to the effect it has on your gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. Way more than some moves on this article can offer. Also, your hamstrings aren’t left out and by now, you know how important they are to having an awesome, lifted butt. Here’s how you can perform this rewarding move: 1. It’s a quadruped position so get on all fours - hands, and knees. Knees beneath hips and wrists beneath shoulders and fingers pointing forward.

2. With your core muscles engaged, gently raise your left leg while your knee stays bent with your foot pressing upwards.

3. To be safe and have an effective process, don’t slouch, sag or arch your back. You can do this by bracing your core through it and not rotating your hips. At least 8 reps on each leg will leave your butt feeling the lift.

There you go! These top moves are more than capable to lift your butt. Remember to be careful (especially with equipment) as you perform them.

Images courtsey of Pinterest, ShutterStock

Instagram: @drkamdds

Written by Albert Maldonado, Featured Chef

1/2 cup grape seed (or vegetable) oil (113g) 3 eggs 150g 3/4cup Buttermilk (180g) 1/4cup orange juice (62g)

Quick breads are one of my favorite breads to make because they’re, well... quick. For this recipe I use dry cranberries, but you can also use fresh cranberries. If you prefer not to use nuts you can omit them and add more cranberries to make up

1 tsp vanilla extract

for the difference. I also use grape seed oil because I think it

1 cup granulated sugar (200g)

emulsifies better, but vegetable oil will work just as well!

2 cups All purpose flour (250g)

Bring cold ingredients to room temperature. Grease 9x5 loaf

1 teaspoon baking powder

pan and preheat oven to 350 F.

1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

In a medium size mixing bowl combine the wet ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Oil

Vanilla Extract

Eggs

Granualted Sugar

Buttermilk

Orange Juice

1 1/2cup dry cranberries (150g)

1 cup chopped walnuts (117g) (optional)

Using a hand whisk mix until well combined. You can use an electric mixer for this step as well.

Separately, in another medium size bowl combine the dry ingredients:

Flour

Baking Powder

Salt

Ground Cloves

Baking Soda

Ground Cinnamon

Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined being careful not to over mix or under mix the batter. It’s ok if you have lumps in the batter, but be sure not to have any lumps of dry flour.

Next, add the cranberries and walnuts to the batter and fold in. A useful trick is to lightly flour the cranberries and nuts so they will not sink to the bottom of the batter!

Pour into the greased 9x5 loaf pan 3/4 of the way up.

Bake at 350 F for approximately 60-70 minutes. You can check when it is done by inserting a toothpick and checking whether it comes out clean, or for an internal temperature of 200 F when using a thermometer.

Oven times may vary.

INGREDIENTS Red Velvet Cake

Cream Chesse Icing

9 oz cake flour (255g) 1 cup sugar (200g) 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (sifted) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened and sliced into quarter inch squares (226g) 1 cup buttermilk (227g) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 3 eggs Red food color

1 stick Butter 4 oz 1 package cream cheese 8oz 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar 6oz 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice Pinch of sea salt

RED VELVET CAKE INSTRUCTIONS Bring ingredients to room temperature and preheat oven to 350 degrees Grease two 8 inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper In a medium bowl combine dry ingredients:

Flour Sugar Cocoa Powder Baking Powder Baking Soda Salt.

In another medium bowl combine wet ingredients:

Buttermilk Vanilla extract Vinegar Eggs

Whisk until well blended.

Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment mix the dry ingredients until well combined.

Add the softened butter a few slices at a time and mix on low speed until all the butter has been added. Turn up mixer to medium speed and mix until you have a crumbly texture, approximately one minute.

With the mixer on low speed add the wet ingredients slowly in three segments being careful not to splash outside the bowl. Turn mixer up to medium speed and mix until well blended and batter looks smooth, scraping down bowl as needed.

Add the red food color one drop at a time until you reach the desired color.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. You can test when its done by inserting a toothpick into the cake and making sure it comes out clean. The sides of cake should separate from pan as well.

Remove cake pans from oven let cool for 5 minutes in pan then remove from pan and place in cooling rack.

To Make Icing: Makes 2 cups Bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature.

Using a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter for about 1 minute.

Add the softened cream cheese and cream for another minute.

Add vanilla extract and mix until fully blended.

Add powdered sugar and mix until smooth, approximately 1 minute.

Add lemon juice and sea salt. Mix until well blended.

Depending on the temperature of your room you may have to place the icing in the refrigerator to cool and become firm, about 30-60 minutes.

Assembly: Using a star tip of choice and pastry bag, pipe star dollops about half inch in diameter along the border of bottom layer. Continue doing this until all of bottom layer is covered with star dollops.

Place second layer on top of bottom layer evenly. Repeat the process, Pipe star dollops around the border of the cake continuing until all top layer of cake is covered with star dollops. Sprinkle the top with red sprinkles and add berries if desired.

By Julia Rees: Senior Travel Editor

Place Massé Image Cour Image Courtesy of Hugh Rees

If you’re planning a trip to France, then make sure you include a visit to Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, on your itinerary.

With all-year round warm weather, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, a gorgeous old town, colorful local markets, delicious mediterranean food and mesmerizing views, Nice is a must-visit destination in the South of France.

Add to that its ease of accessibility, the wonderful culture and the incredible day trips that you can make from a base in Nice, then you will soon see that Nice has everything you need for the perfect stay.

Oh, and did I mention that it is the city with the most museums after Paris and that the Nice Carnival is one of the biggest party events in the world!

Here are my top 10 reasons to add Nice to your bucket list.

1. The Belle Epoque Architecture and the Museums The architecture of Nice owes much to its ‘mixed heritage’. Nice has only been part of France since 1860, when Italy reluctantly ceded Nice and Savoy to France in exchange for her help in defending Italy against the Austrians.

The Italian influence is seen in the architecture, the colors, the lifestyle and the gastronomy.

However, it was during the Belle Epoque period (from the 1870s to the First World War) that Nice started evolving into the stunningly beautiful luxury resort it is today.

During this ‘Golden Age’, (literally translated as ‘Beautiful Age’), Nice became a ‘Winter resort’ for the rich and the aristocracy, due to its temperate climate.

‘The ‘Promenade des Anglais’ takes its name from these uppercrust English (Anglais ) tourists, who would ‘promenade’ along the sea-front with their parasols.

Nice is also home to many museums, including the ‘ Musee Matisse ’, The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, called MAMAC, The Museum of Art and History and The Palais Lascaris, in the Old Town, with its collection of musical instruments.

2. The Old Town Take time to meander around the narrow streets of the ‘Old Town’, stop to taste some of the local delicacies and savour the incredible atmosphere.

The narrow alleys, colorful houses, and cobblestone streets are a treat to explore, and

éna rtesy of Hugh Rees

as well as the the touristy souvenir shops, you’ll also find shops selling leather goods, hand-crafted jewellery, local Provencal products, including soaps, perfumes, lavender sachets, local cheeses, fresh bread and wine.

There are also a large number of bars and restaurants here, so you can enjoy the local Mediterranean and Nicoise food in picturesque surroundings.

The Cours Saleya (home to the Flower Market) has a wide variety of restaurants, catering for all tastes, and just next to the Cours Saleya, LeHussard rooftop bar and restaurant is a great place for a drink. You can also eat here, but if you want to eat at one of the tables, then booking is advised.

You should also visit the Place Masséna, which is the main square of the city and strategically located between Old Nice and the newer parts of the city, at the crossroads of several main boulevards and just a two minute walk from thePromenade des Anglais.

3. The Markets The main markets take place in the “Cours Saleya”, a beautiful pedestrian square in the heart of the Old Town, which is home to the “Marché aux Fleurs” (Flower Market) a large flower and food market, every day from Tuesday to Sunday.

It’s a lovely market to walk through and admire the beautiful flower displays, and in the shade of pretty striped awnings, you can see hundreds of brightly coloured flowers, and breathe in the delightful fragrances from the multicolored geraniums, orchids, pansies, fuschias and dahlias, as well as more exotic plants.

The only day you won’t find flowers and food in Cours Saleya is Monday. That’s the day for the flea market (“ brocante” ) where you can find all sorts of things from furniture, art, jewellery,

books, vintage clothing, decoration etc.

In the warm summer evenings, Cours Saleya is also home to the evening crafts market “marché artisanal nocturne’.

Just behind Cours Saleya and in front of the “Palais de Justice”, you can find a large book market on the first and third Saturdays of the month, selling beautiful rare books as well as second-hand paperbacks.

On the second Saturday there is a craft market, and a market selling old postcards can be found there on the fourth Saturday.

4. The Iconic Promenade Des Anglais The Promenade des Anglais (the English Walk) is one of the most famous roads in France. It starts at Nice airport in the east and extends all the way around to the headland at Castle Hill in the west.

It was built by the wealthy English aristocracy who came to spend the Winter in the temperate climate of Nice in 1800s. They liked to wander along the seafront, and yet, they wanted to avoid spoiling their long, elegant dresses and their delicate silk shoes.

If 7km seems a bit of a challenge then I recommend you at least walk the part that goes from the old town to the Negresco hotel, passing through the Jardins Albert 1er and the Palais de la Méditerranée, stopping at one of the many bars and restaurants by the beach along the way.

It’s the perfect place to sit and soak up the Nice atmosphere and enjoy the views of the sparkling Mediterranaean.

5. The View from Castle Hill If you’ve seen photos of Nice, then you’ve almost certainly seen pictures from the “Colline du Château”. It’s called “Castle Hill”, as there was once a medieval castle situated here, but it was destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706.

It is well worth the trip to the top, as it offers glorious, panoramic views over the city. There are three ways you can get up to the summit.

You can tackle the climb up there: you should be aware that there are a number of stairs or a steep incline and it is quite a distance to the top, so it can be tiring.

However, the advantage of walking up is that you will pass some beautiful views on the way, such as the iconic waterfall and the Bellanda Tower viewpoint with stunning views over the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges).

Cours Saleya, Image Courtesy of Hugh Rees

You can take the elevator to the top.

This is free, but just beware of the closing time if you also plan to come down by the elevator.

You can also take the miniature train.

The miniature train will take you from the Promenade des Anglais all the way up to the château gardens, passing by Place Masséna, the old town, and the Cours Saleya before climbing up château hill.

I recommend walking at least one way, so you can take advantage of some of the viewpoints on the way.

Once you reach the top, make sure to take in the 360° panoramas, then you can relax in the lovely castle park or the café, and there’s also a kids playground with a huge rope climbing tree, slides and climbing frames.

6. The Climate and the Beaches Nice is blessed with an amazing Mediterranean climate, which means mild, short winters, and long, warm summers.

It has, on average, 300 days of sunshine per year and very few days of rain, which means most activities take place outdoors.

The only drawback (for me) is that beaches in Nice are pebbly beaches, which can be a little uncomfortable (although some people prefer pebbly beaches as you don’t get ‘sandy’).

If, like me, you prefer comfort, I would recommend paying for a lounger at one of Nice’s private beaches, which you will find all along the Promenade des Anglais.

Oh, and the advantage of this is that you also have readily available food and drink all day.

Who doesn’t love breakfast with a view?

Alternatively, you can head off to Villefranche-sur-Mer or Menton for a more sandy beach with great restaurants and shops close by.

7. The Gastronomy Unsurprisingly, Mediterranean food is the heart of the food culture in Nice and the French Riviera, and is fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

Nice has a selection of local dishes, some of which I’m sure you have already heard of, and others which I urge you to try!

Some of the key local specialities include: The great classic of Nice, comprising tuna, salad, tomatoes, other raw vegetables, green beans, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs and olives The word ‘Farci’ means stuffed, and this dish is made from vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchinis and mushrooms- all stuffed with breadcrumbs and ground meats. And I definitely recommend giving it a try! is a traditional local fast food: a sort of pancake, made from chickpea flour, olive oil, and water and cooked in copper pans over a very high heat. It’s a really delicious street food and at about 3€ a slice, there’s no reason not to enjoy it!

So, this is a sort of pizza, but without tomatoes and cheese. It’s an open tart/pizza base, topped with caramelized onions, olives and anchovies. It’s also available without anchovies.

And, if you want to visit the surrounding cities on the French Riviera, they are easily and cheaply accessible by bus or train.

Getting around the center of Nice is straight forward, as well, as there is a great public transport system, but you can also rent bikes, and you can easily walk around most attractions in the City Centre.

9. Day Trips Nice is centrally placed along the Côte d’Azur, and the good transport links (see above) make it easy to explore neighbouring towns, such as Menton, Monaco, Antibes and Cannes, or across the Italian border to San Remo.

There are many day trips to choose from, but here are a few of my recommendations: This is a smaller town, very close to the Italian border, with a pretty port, a charming Old Town and a great selection of restaurants along the sea-front.

This small village perched above the sea is one of the most beautiful villages in France, and the exotic gardens are well worth a visit. the winter residence of the Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild, with its spectacular gardens and incredible views.

The city where the famous film festival takes place every year. Don’t miss the famous “Croisette”!

Monaco is famous for its luxury lifestyle, make sure to visit the Palace, the Monte-Carlo casino, the Harbour and the exotic gardens.

10. The Carnival of Nice The Nice Carnival takes place from mid-February to early March, and it dates all the way back to 1274 but was only officially recognized in the 19th century.

In 2020 it takes place from the 15th to 29th of February, and the Place Masséna is the starting point for the Carnival parades which will turn around theAlbert 1er gardens in a loop.

I haven’t yet been to the Nice Carnival, but it is on my bucket list and is definitely a great reason to visit Nice in February.

Menton, Image Courtesy of Hugh Rees

this is essentially a salad niçoise served on a large country roll.

8. Nice is Easily Accessible One of my favourite things about Nice is how easy it is to get to, which means that planning a trip there is so simple. It is without doubt the most easily accessible city on the French Riviera, which can be reached effortlessly in a number of ways.

Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport is the third busiest Airport in France serving over 1.3 million passengers annually, and you can fly directly to Nice from all over the world.

It’s then just 7km to the centre of Nice, which is easily accessible by public transport, taxi or UBER. Secondly, there are good rail connections between the Alps, Provence and Italy and Corsica is just a short ferry trip away, and driving to Italy or Monaco is quick and easy.

Villa Ephrussi, Image Courtesy of Hugh Rees

Where to Stay?

The Hotel WindsoR is situated just behind the Promenade des Anglais and is an oasis of calm right in the centre of Nice, although the lively Old Town, the Place Masséna, the flower market at the Cours Saleya and a selection of great bars and restaurants are all within walking distance from the hotel.

This four star belle époque hotel was built in the 19th Century by B Pachiaud, an architect from the ‘Eiffel’ school, and it was transformed into a hotel at the beginning of the 20th century. It has been in the ownership of the Redolfi family since 1942.

Although it is in a busy area of Nice, it is set in a charming garden, with yuccas, lemon trees and bamboos, and there is even an aviary. It is a wonderful place to relax, soak up the sunshine and listen to the birdsong. There is an outdoor pool (open from May until October) backed by a stunning graffiti-art wall.

There’s also a Wellness Centre with a small gym, sauna, hammam and offering a range of massages.

There are 57 rooms, each of which is unique.

About 30 rooms are designed by contemporary artists and the rest are decorated with frescoes.

Some of the top rooms have balconies overlooking the garden and the pool.

The bar is open 24/7 and the restaurant welcomes guests in the evening from Monday to Saturday, offering a Mediterranean cuisine with fresh products and organic vegetables. Vegan and gluten free options are available, and the restaurant has just received the labelling title of “Maître Restaurateur.

Breakfast and dinner are served in the tropical, secluded garden in summer or around the fireplace in winter.

If you prefer to be right on the sea-front, then The 4 star Hotel Westminster is set on the Promenade des Anglais and is also perfectly located for exploring the city.

The hotel is opposite a private beach club and reduced rates are available for guests of the hotel. There is also a spa, featuring a relaxation area with a sauna, steam bath, hot tub and counter-current swimming pool.

The hotel style is an eclectic blend of old and new, with the snazzy seafront lounge and recently renovated Le Duc restaurant giving way to Belle Epoque moulded ceilings and frescoes in the Reception rooms.

I hope you have found this helpful, and if you would like to find out more abou the Hotel WindsoR, you can find a detailed review on my blog ( https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/ ).

Images coutesy of Hugh Rees

SoCal Travel

If you are familiar with South Orange County then you probably have been to the Mission Viejo Library at some point. Well you probably might not know but during the month of December they have a very cool holiday scene that is set up in the front courtyard. It’s a small and intimate setting but super charming. They have hot coco and Christmas cookies for the kids and even have a snow machine blowing “snow” all over the grass. You can hang out and just relax or even go play at the interactive remote control train setup. The kids can play in the fake snow while drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows

By Jeff Robertson Senior Editor- Visit SoCal

Welcome to the end of the year issue of The Code of Style magazine. We plan to take you through our top places to visit in SoCal for the month of December. There’s a lot to cover here and if I don’t get to your favorite places, please message me and let me know what your favorite spots are for the holidays. We absolutely love the holiday season and it truly is a magical time of the year. My family has many holiday traditions but here are four places we always visit and will continue to for years to come.

(all free!) or they can even go visit Santa!

Image Courtesy of Orange County Register

Another one of our top traditions to visit

Many of you probably know and also share

When you think of Christmas time you

during the holiday is down in Corona Del Mar

this annual Christmas tradition of visiting the

probably don’t think of waterslides and wave

and it’s a little hidden treasure that not many

Irvine railroad Christmas train at Irvine Regional

pools right? Well this next stop will give your

people know about. Staying on the theme of

Park. Every year it sells out within hours be-

SoCal Holiday a big splash! For our absolute fa-

libraries, we are now heading over to the Sher-

cause they transform their grounds into a mag-

vorite Christmas tradition we take you to Great

man Library which is just a 2 minute drive from

ical north pole wonderland filled with twinkling

Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove. Every year since

Fashion Island, in the heart of the OC. The Sher-

lights. The train takes you from their charming

they’ve opened in Orange County we have gone

man Library does an incredible job transforming

Christmas activity area to the “North Pole”, to

to enjoy their incredible Christmas festivities.

their beautiful botanical gardens into a winter

meet and take a picture with Santa. Every tree on

They have a massive Christmas tree in their

wonderland of lights and decorations. This place

the route in covered in beautiful Christmas lights

lobby, decorations everywhere, special winter

really goes above and beyond when it comes to the

and gives you that perfect Christmas spirit feel-

wolf ears and their real life size gingerbread

details of holiday decorating. It’s truly awesome!

ing. Once you meet Santa you can catch the next

house that you can dine in! The gingerbread

We can walk the grounds for hours and still find

train back and play at their activity area where

house smells incredible and is so adorably

new things to see and new ways to appreciate

they offer cookie decorating, bounce house

decorated with REAL candy. It’s such a unique

all that they’ve done. They have a “Theme”

jumping, “ice fishing” (our kids favorite), and

experience that your family will enjoy. To top it

every year and utilize their space to create

face painting. It’s so beautifully decorated with

all off they make it “snow” in their lobby sever-

different artistic ways that flow together with

lots of photo opportunities, even if you decide on

al times throughout the day and night! It’s very

the theme. Every year is unique and executed in

skipping the train. We highly recommend hang-

magical and a great way to get festive for the

such clever ways. The magical ambiance is per-

ing out in the activity area to soak up the holiday

holidays. Of course, there is also their incredi-

fectly polished off with some warm hot choco-

cheer.

ble indoor water park that will keep you busy for

late, s’mores and spirits (for an minimal charge) by an open fire. It’s the perfect balance of art and Christmas tradition.

Images Courtesy of Visit New Port Beach and Jeff Robertson

Images Courtesy of Balancing the Chaos and Jeff Robertson

days. They keep the water temp at a soothing 84 degrees and no need to bring sun-block because it’s all inside! Just Thanks again for supporting this publication and making it a success. Please reach out and tell us how we are doing or what you would like to see in the next issue.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays.

Jeffery Robertson Instagram: @deluxbbq

LA RELAXED