Arroyo January

January 2020 | Health and Wellness

Fine living in the greater Pasadena area

Ringing in the New Year Right BECOMING A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER YOU

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arroyo VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 01 | JANUARY 2020

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS 11 FROM OBESE TO BEAST How one man changed his life with food and is on a mission to help others on their journey to wellness.

—By KAYLA RUTLEDGE

14 OUTRUNNING CANCER How the marathon journey of a Pasadena runner saved his life.

—By KAYLA RUTLEDGE

24 CLEAR YOUR MIND Chuan Spa at the Huntington is making mental health a priority this year while utilizing traditional Chinese therapies.

—By KAYLA RUTLEDGE

26 TIMELESS INTENT Toad the Wet Sprocket brings rejuvenated life to the music scene.

—BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

28 TURTLE BAY RESORT One writer’s getaway experience to Oahu’s North Shore.

—By LESLIE A. WESTBROOK

DEPARTMENTS 08

FESTIVITIES MOVE Barre and Yoga Health and Holiday Bazaar

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HOME AND DESIGN It’s Fitness Time

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THE LIST Cheeseburger Week, Santa Anita Park Bulldog Derby, Pasadena Bead & Design Show and more.

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CULINARY CUPBOARD Organic Gluten-Free Coffee Chocolate Muffins

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH Lavender Martini 01.20 ARROYO | 5

Editor’s Note

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ith 2019 in hindsight and a year filled with possibilities and potential for happiness ahead, this issue is geared around giving our community the tools to make 2020 the best year yet.

Health and wellness can take many different forms, and in this issue we have explored the various ways to put your physical and mental well-being first.

If music is your favorite way to unwind, an upcoming Toad the Wet Sprocket concert is sure to get you on track to well-being.

A meal preparation business created when its founder lost about 200 pounds after learning about healthy eating habits is sure to get you excited about broccoli and Brussels sprouts. To keep things sweet, this issue also features a recipe for a lavender martini and directions for guilt-free organic gluten-free coffee chocolate muffins.

If welcoming the New Year while working out is more your style, an inspirational story about a Pasadena-based runner and survivor of liver cancer is sure to put the pep in your step. An overview of available gym options for all types of athletes will also get you excited to sweat it out.

If improving your mental health is part of your resolution this year, take a look at the happenings of Chuan Spa, a perfect place to reset for the New Year.

And for those ready to dive into something totally new, a review of one writer’s stay at the Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii is sure to rev up your adventurous engine for the year.

So, start anew with us, and see how you can make this year your happiest and healthiest yet.

—

Kayla Rutledge

arroyo

fine living in the greater pasadena area

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco -Karasinski EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kayla Rutledge ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Richard Garcia CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Bilderback, Léon Bing, Martin Booe, Michael Cervin, Luis Chavez, Richard Cunningham, Tommy Ewasko, Noela Hueso, Kathleen Kelleher, Frier McCollister, Jana J. Monji, Srianthi Perera, Brenda Rees, Jordan Riefe, Kayla Rutledge, Ilsa Setziol, John Sollenberger, Nancy Spiller, Leslie A. Westbrook ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Chase, Rick Federman, Javier Sanchez ADVERTORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Bruce Haring OFFICE MANAGER Ann Turrietta

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TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine V.P. OF OPERATIONS Michael Hiatt CONTACT US ADVERTISING zac@timespublications.com EDITORIAL krutledge@timespublications.com PHONE (626) 584-1500 FAX (626) 795-0149 MAILING ADDRESS 50 S. De Lacey Ave., Ste. 200, Pasadena, CA 91105 ArroyoMonthly.com ©2020 Times Media Group All rights reserved.

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MOVE Barre + Yoga

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MOVE Barre + Yoga in Pasadena hosted its second Health and Holiday Bazaar. The family–friendly experience was focused on promoting health and wellness to community members of all ages. More than 20 local vendors showcased products and services, and a portion of the proceeds were dedicated to Elizabeth House, which aids in the effort to end homelessness and abuse in women and children.

(Photos by Luis Chavez) 4

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1. Torry Meisner, Debby Kumar and Amanda Glassman from Pasadena MOVE Barre Yoga host the bazaar.

2. Brittany Howell, owner of Coloramala, shows off a Colorama create kit.

3. Mericia Alcaraz is a North Hollywood resident and owner of Melrie Jewelry Sisters.

4. Matthew Norris, owner of You Had Me at Helado, serves handcrafted ice cream.

5. Kristin Culverwel is the owner of Wish Wellness Custom Aromatherapy.

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FROM OBESE TO

Beast HOW A ONCE-OVERWEIGHT MAN HAS MADE A BUSINESS OUT OF EATING WELL STORY BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE

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n 14 months Karapetyan went from obese to a healthy 200 pounds after learning about the impact food can have on weight loss and wellbeing. Now, he’s helping others struggling with food do the same.

Growing up, Karapetyan always saw himself as “the fat kid.” When things got hard, he binge ate. That is, until he decided that carrying around the extra weight was more difficult to deal with than the emotional turbulence he was enduring.

At age 15 he rode his bike nearly everywhere and switched his diet from anything and everything to solely salads and water. The weight came off quickly, and Karapetyan managed to keep it off until a few years later when tragedy struck. A house fire burned away everything that brought him comfort and stability—his dog, his possessions and his motivation to stay healthy.

“It was all out the window, so I started eating food. Not just to satisfy hunger, but to make me happy,” Karapetyan says.

And it did. Food releases serotonin, a chemical in the brain that triggers a person’s pleasure center. Before he knew it, Karapetyan was putting weight he lost when he was 15 back on faster than ever.

“First I gained 5 pounds and it was, ‘Oh life happens.’ Then it was 10 pounds, then 15 pounds, 20, 25, 30 then at some point I stopped caring,” says Karapetyan, who was 420 pounds at his heaviest. continued on page12 01.20 | ARROYO | 11

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After his personal life and health crashed and burned because of his weight gain, Karapetyan says he tried “every crazy diet out there.” He watched weight loss shows and attempted to get on one.

“They didn’t take me, but I was like ‘I can crack this, I just have to do what they’re doing,’” he says.

“The first thing I did was got a personal trainer expecting to do these really intense workouts, but actually his first lesson was in food and it just changed everything I knew about health. I hadn’t realized that losing weight wasn’t about burning a crazy amount of calories, really it’s about saving yourself from those calories from the get go.”

His trainer suggested he sign up for a meal-prepping service, but Karapetyan says most of the meals, though healthy, “tasted like cardboard,” even after jazzing them up with sauces.

Karapetyan learned more about nutrition and kept his clean eating habits in check out of his own kitchen. He went on the win the Gold’s Gym Challenge and $10,000, which he used to launch a big idea.

“I began sharing my recipes and cooking for others, and it blew up overnight on social media and the Muscle Up Meals really just formed itself,” Karapetyan says.

Muscle Up Meals, a meal preparation service, creates entrees to meet the needs of every lifestyle and body type with food that ranges from small to large portions and includes balanced, low carb and keto diets. The meal delivery or pick-up system keeps obtaining healthy, premeasured food at the convenience of every customer.

The menu is updated weekly and includes organic vegetables and highquality meats that are typically locally sourced.

“When I was gaining the most weight I was working 16 hour days, seven days a week, running a marketing business with national and international clients, so I totally understand how hard it can be to make eating well a priority when you’re busy,” Karapetyan says. “That’s the beauty of Muscle Up Meals, everything is thought out for you, all you have to do is enjoy the food.”

“I mean even if it’s just to get the ball rolling for you, I’d just try it out and see what happens. You’d be surprised how your whole world comes into color when you put the right things into your body.”

Muscle Up Meals

45 N San Gabriel Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107 626-773-8773, orders@muscleupmeals.com

Prepped meals people are excited about

Muscle Up Meals serves a variety of meals including almond chicken bites, ancho espresso rubbed chicken, bacon-wrapped egg cups and beef pepper steak.

Adam Karapetyan lists below his most popular dishes.

Vanilla Chia Parfait

Perfect for breakfast, this parfait is one of the most popular Muscle Up Meal menu items. Delicately sweet and topped with strawberries and mint leaves, this prepped breakfast is a treat.

Beef Pepper Steak

Lean skirt steak marinated and seared to juicy perfection, complemented with peppers and a secret low carb sauce to give the dish a kick.

Chicken Chorizo Street Tacos

Lean ground chicken tossed in a savory house chorizo mix, homemade pico de gallo, vegan sour cream and vegan cheese sit atop a low carb tortilla for a healthy taste of flavor from south of the border.

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Cancer

OUTRUNNING

HOW THE MARATHON JOURNEY OF A PASADENA RUNNER SAVED HIS LIFE

STORY BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ

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n on a cold, rainy morning in March 2000, 30-year-old Phil Shin set out to finish his first marathon.

Unbeknownst to him at the time the run would ignite a lifestyle of health and fitness, and one day save his life.

“I hadn’t trained at all, and I had never pinned a bib to my chest before so I really had no idea what I was doing,” Shin says. “But that day I crossed the finish line was the best and hardest day of my life.”

He mostly walked 26.2 miles in about six hours during his first race attempt. “I didn’t think I’d ever do it again, until I did. I still wish I could wipe that time from my record.”

However, he pressed on and his penchant for running kept not only his weight at bay, but symptoms related to liver cancer. Take this story goes deeper out.

‘The fat kid’ From youth to adulthood, Shin was sedentary. Describing himself as “the fat kid” in high school, Shin gained the infamous “freshman 15” in college. He spent his young adult life developing friendships going to bars and he thought running was a punishment for his unhealthy habits.

“It took me moving in with the woman who later became my wife to really get it together,” he says. “I needed to find friends through things that moved me forward and kept me healthy, so I joined a running group for fun.”

In 2005 the running bug, and a bit of self-competition, crept up on Shin. “I was running because I enjoyed it now, and while most of my runs were shorter, I was in the right headspace to be more competitive with myself. I knew I could do better than that horrible L.A. Marathon five years prior.

“The second time around I finished about a half-hour faster, which I was ecstatic about, but I said, ‘OK, I did it, I’m done now.’” Shin returned to regular short runs with his group after his muscles recovered.

‘Blindsided’ On his 40th birthday, the runner decided his diet needed to match his running habits. After seeing improvements in his performance because of his better eating habits Shin decided to give the marathon another try, this time in Malibu.

“I ran it in under five hours, and I was supercharged,” he says. “I decided right then I was a distance runner, and made a proclamation to myself, and no one else in case it didn’t work out, that I wanted to get good at it.”

“So, I ran with it, but that decision saved my life and I didn’t even know it at the time.”

In April 2018, Shin and his family switched health care providers to get his son new hearing aids. During an introductory checkup with his new primary care doctor, Shin’s doctor requested he had new bloodwork done.

“I have dormant Hepatitis B inherited from my mother, but because I was in good shape and running a lot, my previous doctor said he wanted to skip my next blood test and do it next year. My new doctor said, ‘hey, I don’t know you and I just want to check for myself.’

And I’m so happy he did,” Shin says.

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The test returned with high protein levels, a strong indication of a tumor.

After more testing, Shin was redirected to a hematologist who determined the cause of the abnormality was liver cancer.

“When he said the word ‘cancer,’ I mean I didn’t break down but I certainly went numb,” he says. “I felt like my entire body had just gone white. I felt like I was at the pinnacle of health in my life. I was trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I was eating right. I mean I was blindsided.”

Doctors determined he didn’t have symptoms because of the mileage he was racking up on his weekly runs. It also expedited his expected recovery time after surgery, which was scheduled six weeks after his diagnosis.

“Everything was happening so fast and my wife and I were just running on pure adrenaline,” Shin says. “Neither of us had experience with cancer, so those six weeks between my diagnosis and surgery flew. There was no time to be upset or sad, we just had to act.”

Shin was five weeks ahead of the doctor’s predictions and was back to running just three weeks after surgery and fully recovered in a month.

“And I credit all of that to running,” Shin says. “I went in with a healthy liver because of running, it just had cancer in it.

So it was a superfast turnaround.”

After surgery, Shin spent time with his family, enjoyed his work and continued to train to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which he did just five months after having the cancer removed.

A month after achieving what Shin says is one of his greatest accomplishments, he relapsed.

“That’s when I broke. I wasn’t symptomatic, but between the ears I was a train wreck,” Shin says. “As a marathoner, you know you’re going to face pain and it’s a hard journey to get to the

finish, but mentally you train for discomfort. You’re ready for it. So, I played every mind game I knew from running to convince myself it was all good. My wife saw past that and was just the rock I so desperately needed.”

Because the surgery had not kept the cancer at bay, Shin’s only option was a liver transplant.

Due to his athleticism and age, he was told the wait on a transplant list would be about two to three years, or until his health rapidly declined. Shin says it was then he knew he would have to find a live donor.

“I don’t think a lot of people know they can donate a piece of their liver.

So I was caught in this horrible position where I not only had the cancer come back, which was a bummer, but now I had to go around asking people if I could have some of their liver and quickly everyone found out my cancer was back,” Shin says.

“I would walk the halls of work and I would just get the cancer pity look because most people who don’t have experience with cancer think it’s a death sentence when it returns. That’s where running was absolutely critical for me, because or not for running doesn’t care how bad of a day, you’re having for how sick you’re feeling. It’s going to treat you as good as you treat it and that’s it.”

So, he ramped up his running, going farther and faster.

Within six months of relapse, Shin ran four marathons. He qualified for the Boston Marathon twice, beat his best L.A. Marathon course time by 20 minutes, and ran the London Marathon, part of the Abbot World Marathon Majors.

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Lets say Strength In Numbers’ Along with running, Shin found comfort in his best friends.

“The three of us are really a bunch of idiots, so their humor really kept my spirits up. When one of them (Mark Murphy) got really into running it was great because we got to support each other on so many levels.”

Shin believed he was helping Murphy train for his first half marathon.

He had no idea Murphy submitted an application to be Shin’s donor, and after finding out he was the perfect match, was told to get in the best shape possible in preparation for surgery.

“He flew out here for a consult on his own dime, but I thought he was just here to visit. And we actually ran around the Rose Bowl together and I thought it was for his race training, but he was actually getting ready for surgery,” Shin says.

In August, Shin discovered he had a donor.

“In one of our idiot text exchanges, he asked what the latest was with my donor, and I said all I knew was that they were evaluating someone. And he said, ‘That’s weird, because they already confirmed with me that I’m your donor.’”

Shin was in tears when he shared the news with his wife, and a month later the two lifelong friends were side-by-side in hospital gowns joking around before sharing the experience of a lifetime.

‘Taking the Future in Stride’ Just 12 weeks after surgery, Murphy ran a half marathon. He is in good health and is running, although his return to the sport is a little slower because of the doctor’s plan for recovery.

This month, Shin will run the Pasadena Half Marathon. He’ll run the Boston Marathon in April and, of course, the race that started it all, the L.A. Marathon in March.

“I have been so fortunate throughout this whole experience. Even though I am cancer free, I am still running because as soon as you stop and migrate to a sedentary lifestyle, you’re letting cancer catch up with you.”

For more info

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ARROYO HOME & DESIGN SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

IT’S FITNESS TIME The New Year means a new commitment to getting back to the gym

By Bruce Haring

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ook to your right and look to your left at your gym this January.

You will probably see some people you didn’t see before.

January is the month when many people decide it’s time to pay the fiddler for the overindulgences of November through December, so they join a gym. That leads to a flood of wellintentioned newcomers who will make your local fitness center a tad crowded in the first month of the New Year.

Don’t worry. If history holds any lesson, the newbies won’t last long. The Fitness Industry Association estimates that 12% of gym members sign up in January. But most people quit or stop going

in 24 weeks.

Even those who decide to hang in there and keep their membership aren’t necessarily going to clog your way to the Stairmaster. While 45 million adults have gym memberships, about 80% don’t go that often.

That’s the reality of the situation, and it’s worth contemplating if you’re really serious about this gym business, or it’s just a momentary fantasy born of too many cookies at Christmas.

But if you are among the serious group contemplating joining a gym, or maybe investigating a new workout space that’s closer to work or home in hopes of motivating yourself continued on page 22 01.20 | ARROYO | 21

—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

continued from page 21

to visit more often, there’s no shortage of opportunities and venues in the Pasadena area.

There are luxury gyms, mass-market outlets with lower costs, and even outdoor boot camp workouts. There’s also the local YMCA and nearby parks that have hiking clubs or offer spaces where you can work out.

And if you’re really cost-conscious, there’s no shortage of workout videos available online, many of them offering free fitness encouragement.

HOW TO EVALUATE

If you’re looking to join a commercial establishment, make a list of things that are important to you. If you must have cycle classes, a place to shower, strength trainers, and a place to socialize once your workout is over, it behooves you to find a gym that offers these amenities. Nothing is worse than unmet expectations.

Wondering what the atmosphere is like in your local fitness establishment? Check out the social media reviews and comments from current members to catch the vibe of the place. People don’t hold back when evaluating their experiences in semi-anonymous settings, so you’ll likely get a good sense of what it will be like to be a member that goes beyond the glossy brochures and online presentations.

Keep in mind that there are also deals to be found online.

You can use sites like Groupon to find discounts or package deals on everything from boot camps to gym memberships, and many come with introductory periods. It’s a great way to test your commitment to an establishment before signing up for the long-term.

Many gyms also offer discounts if you are someone who uses the gym during off-peak hours or only takes classes.

There’s a lot of wiggle room in the dance between facility and customer, and often they will come back to you with a deal. The good news: January is highly competitive for sign-ups, so some of the best deals of the year are available this month.

PLACES TO WORK OUT IN PASADENA

Yes, you can walk around the block or go to the park and do a few push-ups. But most people prefer to join a place where there are classes, fellow fitness enthusiasts and a structure that offers amenities like showers, spin classes and more.

Here’s a sampling of commercial gyms in the Pasadena area that you can explore as you make your fitness decisions: EQUINOX: (Pasadena, Glendale): This top-shelf establishment claims it isn’t a gym, it’s a club. It offers personal training, classes in yoga, cycling and barre. New members get unlimited classes, a fitness assessment and personal training session. You also get a luxe locker room with eucalyptus towels and a juice bar.

GOLD’S GYM (Pasadena): The granddaddy of the fitness industry, they’re still going strong in locations throughout Southern California. Group and personal training are available at the local shop, a Boot Camp, and exercise classes. There’s even a Kid’s Club.

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

BASECAMP FITNESS (Pasadena): Group cycling at its finest.

They’ll put you through 60 minutes of warmup, intensity, then cool-downs.

PLANET FITNESS (Temple City, Alhambra): You’ve no doubt seen the numerous TV announcements–$10 a month, no long-term commitments. And for those looking to get back on the fitness horse, there’s a policy of the Judgment-Free Zone.

Workout and enjoy without any pressure.

BREAKTHRU FITNESS (Pasadena): The community is the secret sauce here. The atmosphere is clean and welcoming. “We are not a big-box corporate gym where you become just a membership number,” it claims. “And we are not an only do one thing studio. We provide the best of both worlds. Stop being a number at a strip mall gym or driving all over town, paying high studio prices.”

SANCTUARY FITNESS (Pasadena): It’s “Peace through Perspiration” at this venue. You can indulge in a strengthfocused HIIT class, a fat-melting boxing class, or a mindcalming yoga class—all with no commitment.

24 HOUR FITNESS (Pasadena, Glendale): Sure, it’s mass market.

But lap pools, handball courts, and sauna rooms are part of the packages you can access. And if you’re a frequent traveler, you can get a deal where you can visit any of the locations in any city you visit, which is great for road warriors.

ORANGETHEORY FITNESS (Pasadena): All you need is an hour, claims this focused gym. Their total body workout paired with the “science of the Orange Zone” ensures you maximize your 60 minutes. It’s all about guidance, not guesswork, and the professional coaches will be there to make sure you get the most out of your membership.

PASADENA STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING (Pasadena): A private training facility with a combined 17,000 square feet of space.

Personal training, boot camp and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are among the highlights here.

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Clear Mind YOUR

CHUAN SPA IS HELPING MAKE MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY THIS YEAR STORY BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE 24 | ARROYO | 01.20

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ost people associate health with physical fitness, but the team at the Chuan Spa at the Langham Huntington is spreading the message that enduring health starts with mental well-being.

“I think in 2020, as well as years to come, people will see a much larger focus on overall wellness and not just fitness and nutrition,” says Holly Edgi, Director of Spa. “With social media, phones and the overall busy lifestyle most Americans live, self care is not just a luxury, it’s becoming a necessity to provide overall balance in people’s lives.”

Unlike the common spa experience, Chuan Spa offers personally catered traditional Chinese therapies that focus on balancing the body’s energy centers.

After taking a short survey, therapists identify a guest’s element (wood, fire, earth, metal or water) to unlock and address subconscious imbalances in their lives using techniques like acupressure, breathing rituals and select teas.

Each element is associated with an organ. For example, therapists would suggest a massage focused on the lungs for those who fill out a survey and identify metal as their element. After their massage, the guests receive further information on how to keep the energy unblocked.

“There’s definitely some skepticism for first time guests trying this out, but afterward we always hear how transformative the experience is,” Edgi says.

Another option is for guests to simply have a conversation with their therapist about what brought them to the spa, like stress or tension, and have a catered experience based on specific needs, she says.

“We always have people who are looking for the traditional Swedish massage ($160 for 50 minutes, $230 for 80 minutes) or athletes who want that deep tissue massage ($180 for 50 minutes, $260 for 80 minutes), but we encourage people to try out the traditional Chinese therapies,” Edgi says.

The spa also offers other unconventional-yet-effective services for stress relief and mental health. The Comfort Zone Tibetan Sound Ritual ($295 for 80 minutes) utilizes a crystal bowl for sound bathing while incorporating relaxation techniques and breathing that stimulate vitality and contribute to the elimination of toxins stored in the body. The popular Chuan Ritual package encompasses the Chuan Harmony massage ($205 for 60 minutes, $275 for 90 minutes) focused on energy balancing. The Chuan Yu facial ($230 for 75 minutes) uses a jade stone roller and guasha to flush out toxins in the face and direct positive and healing energies, and a refreshing scrub to detox the skin of the harsh Southern California elements in the air.

No matter which offerings guests choose, Edgi says the spa serves as a place to detox from the stresses of life.

When guests first walk into the spa they pass through the “Moon Gates,” which symbolize the entering of a “realm of relaxation.”

Soft music and dim lighting set the tone for a stress-free environment and experience. Delicate tapestry line the massage tables, which are surrounded by intricate wood workings, and koi fish dance on the ceiling of each room.

“The spa is such an important component in offering mental and physical well-being. In today’s busy world of work, families, cellphones and computer usage and Los Angeles traffic, the mind is almost always being stimulated,” Edgi says.

“Allowing even just one hour to turn off the mind and let you drift away, reset the body and recharge is great. In addition, the physical benefits of a massage or facial aid in detoxification, muscle relaxation, enhanced sleep and a better mood.”

Edgi encourages people to utilize the New Year to make their mental health a priority, to step away from stressors and enter the world of relaxation, leaving with a more peaceful and healthy state of mind.

Chuan Spa

1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena 626-585-6414, langhamhotels.com

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Toad the Wet Sprocket is drummer Randy Guss, singer Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols and bassist Dean Dinning.

Timeless

PHOTO: Courtesy of Toad the Wet Sprocket

INTENT

TOAD THE WET SPROCKET FINDS RELEVANCE IN 2020

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

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hen Toad the Wet Sprocket’s 1990s hits like “Walk on the Ocean” or “Fall Down” come on the radio, they can not help but sound fresh.

Bassist Dean Dinning says that was the intent when the quartet wrote the songs.

“We tried to make music that was timeless,” says Dinning, who is also a backing vocalist and keyboard player.

“It’s really not of any particular era. When we came out on so-called ‘alt radio,’ the most ‘alternative’ thing about us was the band’s name.”

Laughs aside, Toad the Wet Sprocket is still–34 years later–keeping it simple with an electric guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonies, bass and drums.

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“That goes all the way back to The Beatles and the Rolling Stones,” he says. “The lyrics are reflective and introspective, and the music makes the songs sound a little happier than they are. All those flavors blending together make them stand outside of any particular time period or maybe even genre.

“People think we sound country and some all the way over to pop.

There’s nothing holding us back.”

Toad the Wet Sprocket will bring its sound to The Rose in Pasadena on February 1. Dinning is impressed the show is selling so well as Toad the Wet Sprocket needs a “home base in Southern California.”

The Santa Barbara band is pleased with its 30th anniversary tour and, Dinning admits, the musicians—guitarist Todd Nichols, singer/rhythm guitarist Glen Phillips and drummer Randy Guss—are having more fun than ever before.

“That’s the main thing people can expect from our shows,” Dinning says.

“There are some moments when we’ve worked in some elements from some of our very earliest songs—from ‘Bread and Circus’—thrown in the middle of another song. It’s a really good summation of our whole catalog.

We play the new stuff and all the hits, but we’ve tweaked some things to make it more fun.”

Nichols’ guitars, Dinning says, leaves enough space for him to do what he feels necessary.

“We don’t tend to load up the songs,” he says. “They’re just good arrangements and I think that’s always been the core of the emotional quality of the songs.”

Those tracks are carrying over into teens and those in their twenties.

More “kids” these days are taking lyrics over mindless beats.

“We used to see people bringing their teenage kids or whomever to the show,” Dinning says.

“We’re starting to get the next generation. Now, oddly enough, young people are coming without their parents. I have a 16-year-old daughter at home. She listens to Blur and Oasis. The kids don’t care what decade anything is from anymore. They just want to find good music and they’re willing to seek it out.”

Toad the Wet Sprocket

9 p.m. Saturday, February 1 The Rose, 245 E. Green Street, Pasadena Tickets start at $28 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com

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Turtle BAY Resort FAMILY FUN ON OAHU’S NORTH SHORE

STORY BY LESLIE A. WESTBROOK

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ynnette, a librarian, and her just-retired husband, Mario, traveled from Melbourne, Australia, to celebrate Mario’s 60th birthday in Hawaii. We met in the elevator on our first day at Turtle Bay Resort in Kuhiku and she was pleased to know there were laundry facilities on the third floor. The couple booked five nights at the Oahu resort located on the world-famous North Shore of Oahu, and they brought “the kids” along — their two young adult children, Rebecca and Michael.

This is not unusual: as I explored the grounds upon arrival, a nursing mother sat by the resort’s casual pool overlooking a favorite local surf spot and a pod of youngsters happily played in the sand at another one of Turtle Bay’s many kid-friendly areas. In fact, the resort closed its child care center for lack of interest: everyone wants to hang out together and indulge in the multitude of activities offered.

From a gentle protected beach for swimming, to horse stables and trail rides along the sea, to two 18-hole championship golf courses and 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, there is something for everyone. There’s hula, surf and stand-up paddle boarding with a dog, tennis and even ukulele lessons. All ages will find plenty to do (or not do) at this super family-friendly retreat that also appeals to couples.

The property encompasses nearly 1,300 acres on the island of Oahu’s North Shore—providing plenty of room to spread out and enjoy.

Mario and his son planned to play golf together the next day (on his American time birthday); the night before the family splurged on dinner at the most upscale of the resort’s restaurants that include Pa‘akai (North Shore farm with sea-to-table cuisine); Lei’s Lei’s at the golf course (we heard rave reviews from other guests) and Roy’s Beach House for lunch/dinner. The Lobby Lounge has

pastries, fruit in the morning and cocktails at night with an ocean view. There’s even a nightclub with live music on site that is popular with locals simply called Surfer, The Bar. With a lovely view of the sea, from our fifth-floor hotel room in one of the 410 ocean view guest rooms, my sweetie Phil and I planned a full day ahead of our short two-night stay: he went off to explore hiking trails and practice gi qong; I decided to check out the hula class. We agreed to meet up for ukulele lessons at 8:45 a.m. From there we were off and running.

Joining our a small group for free ukulele lessons was a couple from Minnesota celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, a young permaculture farming family from New Zealand: 9-year-old daughter, Lacey, and her mum, Lynore Oakley, engaged in the class; while dad looked after their curly redheaded youngest family member, 4-year-old River. A mom from Berkeley with Erica, the Colombian nanny to her to daughters, strummed along as well, while the two daughters were elsewhere with their other mom. Another family with adorable 7-year-old, culture sharing cousins Emily, from Long Island and her cousin Ina, who lives in North Korea, were meeting in Hawaii for a family vacation with their Korean grandparents. Ina was a natural and as it turns out, has a ukulele at home.

The ukulele, originally brought to the Hawaiian Islands from Portugal, our teacher Alii Pukahi told us, means “jumping” and “flea” because the immigrant Portuguese played the instrument so fast that their hands resembled jumping fleas.

In less than an hour, we all learned to strum and sing along two songs: “You Are My Sunshine” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”

Turtle Bay is also a fine place for romance. I came with my ocean-loving partner and we discovered plenty of quiet places to stroll and enjoy the mesmerizing aqua colored waves with repeating sets of hypnotic foamy white waves breaking.

We enjoyed a casual lunch at The Point poolside bar with great, albeit windy, Pacific views—tasty kalua pork tacos for me, Ahi salad for him. Our friendly local bartender offered up great off-property island tips, including the huli huli chicken, shave ice and mochi balls in the historic town of Haleiwa (we stopped at Ray’s on

our way back to the airport for chicken to go).

The resort also gets a lot of repeat business, like the “Star Trek” TV producer who was visiting for the umpteenth time with his wife. He ordered something at the bar called a “Monkey’s Lunch,” a blended drink with bananas, Kahlua and Bailey’s Irish Cream, that probably rings in at about a million calories.

“I drank 10 in a row once,” he bragged, but then lamented, “that was a long time ago and I gained 15 pounds!”

I doubt it contained more calories than the Lava Flow my local friend Lori insisted I try: a piña colada made with half and half with strawberry syrup swirled throughout the refreshing mix that mimicked Madame Pele trapped in a cocktail.

I was excited and curious to try the latest spa specialty—the HydraFacial, administered by the delightful and engaging Maygen, a local mother of three. I showered, visited the sauna, went to the outdoor rest area with ocean views to wait for Maygen and was offered a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. “It’s happy hour,” I was told (noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays).

Maygen went to work on my face with a sort of mini vacuum that was a painless and effective deep cleaning treatment. I didn’t notice a huge change (Phil told me my face looked “plumper”) but I did love the treatment and would do it again in a Hawaiian heartbeat.

Our last activity was a fantastic Tahitian Fitness dance class, created by Penny Toilolo from Laie, known as the mama of Tahitian dance. Her student Siona taught our class. For an hour, we swayed and swiveled our hips, gently moved our arms and built up to a frantic, sweat inducing pace complete with yelps.

We now have plenty of reasons to join other repeat visitors—to hop atop a horse, try a surfing lesson with Rocky Canon (with a dog on board) and improve our ukulele and Tahitian dance skills.

A “hui hou”—until we meet again, Oahu. For now, we will just have to practice what we learned at home and embrace the sweet aloha spirit in our hearts and souls with memories of Oahu’s awesome North Shore.

–continued on page 30

Turtle Bay Resort

57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, Hawaii 1-808-293-6000, turtlebayresort.com

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–continued from page 29

Getting there

We flew Hawaiian Airlines from LAX. One gratis turkey pastrami sandwich and two movies later we had arrived in Oahu. Hawaiian has a fleet of new planes. It is worth upgrading to Economy Plus for $80, but do not plan on reading or working on your laptop: the seat lights suck. The airline is heavily promoting the Barclay’s Bank credit card—60,000 miles after spending a few thousand in the first few months—but those on recent flights received applications that require just one purchase to earn 60,000 miles. “Just buy a bottle of water” (and pay the annual $99 fee) and you have a round-trip for free. Hawaiian Airlines, 1-800-367-5320 (available 24/7), hawaiianairlines.com

Go Local

One nice thing about the superfriendly hotel staff at Turtle Bay is their tips on off property things to do. Here are a few: We stopped at the farmers market at Waimea Falls on the way to the resort and enjoyed tasting and trying samples of everything from gluten-free banana bread to falafel waffles and potions made from native plants said to alleviate pain from arthritis and other ailments. Waimea Valley Farmers Market at Waimea Falls; Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m.; 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Hale’iwa, Hawaii.

Huli huli chicken: Only open on the weekends, Ray’s Kiawe Broiled Chicken offers rotisserie plates to go. Locals like Turtle Bay bartender Allen order both the “chopped and the whole, so I can nibble on the chopped on the way home,” he says. Ray’s Kiawe Broiled Chicken, 66-160 Kamehameha Highway, Hale’iwa, Hawaii (open Saturday and Sundays only).

Best food trucks:

Tourists stop at food trucks at famous Sunset Beach, but locals know the best food trucks are in Kahuku, a bit farther down the highway.

Crystal healing treatment:

Treatments ($60) to balance the chakras incorporating specially blended oils. A keepsake vial of moon water and crystal to “anchor one’s intentions” rounds out the experience. To book appointment visit, magikalenergy.as.me 30 | ARROYO | 01.20

ASSEMBLE YOUR CALENDAR COMPILED BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE

Glendale Holiday On Ice January 1 to January 6 Be part of the city of Glendale’s first outdoor ice rink. Festive music will play around the rink while guests get into the holiday spirit. General admission is $12, skate rentals are $5 and skate aid rentals are $8. Located minutes from downtown Glendale in the City Hall parking lot at 122 N. Isabel Street, Glendale. Visit glendaleca.gov.

The Yoga Expo LA January 4 More than 11,000 yogis and 200 brands will come together at the Pasadena Convention Center for Pasadena’s fifth Yoga Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be a wide variety of 50-minute classes will be offered for beginners, yoga experts, children and everyone in between. There will also be vegan food and beverages for purchase at the event. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. Visit theyogaexpo.org.

Regenerative Garden Design Course IMATS Los Angeles January 11 to January 12 The International Makeup Artist Trade Show at the Pasadena Convention Center features thousands of makeup artists and exhibitors from the fashion and film industries who discuss and display the best the industry has to offer to enthusiasts.

Guest speakers will include Jiro, Gary Archer and Vincent Van Dyke. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. Visit imats.net.

January 11 to February 22 Landscape architect, contractor, arborist and climate activist Shawn Maestretti will host a four-part garden design course on regenerative concepts and practices. Attendees will learn design with native and climate-appropriate plants, how to implement permaculture techniques to reduce green waste and how to nurture living soil. The Los Angeles County Arboretum is located at 301 N. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia. Visit arboretum.org. continued on page 32

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continued from page 31

Pasadena Bead & Design Show January 17 to January 19 For $10 at the door, unlock a world of artisan beads, art, clothing, jewelry and gemstones.

The event will also showcase products being offered by artisans for the first time including handcrafted hats, hand-dyed silks, artwear and eco-dyed and upcycled clothing. The Hilton Pasadena is located at 168 S. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena. Visit beadanddesign.com.

Santa Anita Park Bulldog Derby January 18 Enter your furry friend as a competitor in the second Bulldog Derby at Santa Anita Park. Bulldogs and French Bulldogs have the opportunity to race for the title of Southern California’s fastest bulldog. The event will also feature Rose Parade-themed pageantry and entertainment. Event proceeds will benefit CARMA for Horses foundation and the Protecting Paws Animal Rescue. Santa Anita Park is located at 285 Huntington Drive, Arcadia.

Visit bulldogderby.com.

Pasadena Comic Convention and Toy Show Cheeseburger Week January 26 to January 31 As a nod to the invention of the cheeseburger in 1924 by Lionel Sternberger while working at his father’s roadside stand in Pasadena, local restaurants offer special menu items and deals throughout the week. Participants can also enter the Cheeseburger Challenge from January 6 to January 12, and vote for restaurants over varying cheeseburger topics. Visit pasadenarestaurantweek.com.

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January 19 Comic and toy lovers will come together in the Pasadena Convention Center’s main ballroom to admire heroes, villains, creatures and monsters who have changed several facets of cinema and media. Indie Brewing Company is located at 2350 Sunrise Street, Los Angeles. Visit indiebrewco.com

GOOD LIFE

Good Food

KICKING OFF THE NEW YEAR GUILT–FREE STORY BY EMILY CHAVEZ PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ

W

ith the New Year comes an overwhelming amount of compromise.

Choosing between sleeping in and going to the gym is hard enough, but when it comes to these organic, gluten-free coffee chocolate muffins, there is no compromise necessary.

The fiber, Vitamin E and magnesium content in almond flour brings balance to the sweet side of these muffins. Antioxidants, protein and fiber in the cacao powder plays a vital role in keeping the treat guilt-free because of its restorative properties.

When the nuttiness of the almond flour is combined with two of my go-to flavor favorites, chocolate and coffee, the decadent flavor of these muffins is raised to another level.

So put the ultra-processed and preservativeridden muffins aside, and make room for an on the go breakfast you can eat guilt free.

ORGANIC GLUTEN-FREE COFFEE CHOCOLATE MUFFINS YIELDS 12 MUFFINS. PREP TIME 20 MINUTES. BAKE TIME 20 MINUTES. TOTAL TIME 40 MINUTES.

ALL–ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

2 CUPS ALMOND FLOUR 2 TEASPOONS BAKING POWDER 2 TEASPOONS BAKING SODA 3/4 CUP CACAO POWDER 3/4 CUP CANE SUGAR 1 TEASPOON SALT 2 EGGS, ROOM TEMPERATURE 1/2 CUP MILK 1/2 CUP CANOLA OIL 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT 1 CUP BREWED COFFEE, ROOM TEMPERATURE

DIRECTIONS

PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. MIX EGGS AND ALL LIQUIDS IN ONE BOWL. ADD DRY INGREDIENTS AND MIX UNTIL JUST COMBINED AND ONLY SLIGHTLY LUMPY. FILL MUFFIN LINERS IN TIN AND BAKE FOR 20 MINUTES OR UNTIL THE MUFFINS RISE AND SPRING BACK WHEN PRESSED ON. 01.20 | ARROYO | 33

Lavender

A

MARTINI STORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL CERVIN

s winter continues into the New Year, new riffs on cocktails are well worth exploring.

At Hotel Constance, the Blu Bar is an eclectic nightspot with a variety of cocktails. Dressed in cobalt blue chairs and blue lighting mixed with the ambient light from the windows, it creates a unique and funky space. Its lavender martini is a simple concoction but allows for a floral and calming effect. The sweetness of the vanilla and the acidity of the lemon balance the floral notes of the lavender.

It is subtle but effective. Have this with its miso truffle crab salad or pan-seared sea bass. When making this cocktail at home, avoid inexpensive vodkas as they rely on artificial sweeteners and, as a result, the drink is too sweet.

Ingredients 1 1/2 OUNCE CORSAIR VANILLA BEAN VODKA 1/2 OUNCE FRESH LEMON JUICE 1/2 OUNCE LAVENDER SYRUP (RECIPE BELOW OR PURCHASE COLLINS LAVENDER SYRUP)

Lavender Syrup 1 CUP WATER 1 CUP SUGAR 2 TEASPOONS DRIED LAVENDER PLACE DRIED LAVENDER AND SUGAR IN A SMALL SAUCEPAN. CRUSH LAVENDER FLOWERS INTO THE SUGAR WITH THE BACK OF A SPOON. ADD WATER AND PLACE ON STOVE. BRING TO A SIMMER SO THE SUGAR COMPLETELY DISSOLVES, ABOUT 2 MINUTES. LET THE SYRUP COMPLETELY COOL BEFORE USING.

Method FILL A COCKTAIL SHAKER WITH ICE. ADD VODKA, LEMON JUICE AND LAVENDER SYRUP AND SHAKE WELL. STRAIN INTO A CHILLED GLASS AND GARNISH WITH LAVENDER SPRIG AND LEMON SLICE. 34 | ARROYO | 01.20