Rolls-Royce celebrated the success of the Olympic Games at the closing ceremony on August 12 when three Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Drophead Coupés sported newly-designed badges for the first time in the company’s 108-year history. The new badges, designed by the Rolls-Royce bespoke design team, replaced the traditional double R for the first time since the company was founded in 1904. Rolls-Royce’s Kristina Marchitto shares her excitement about some changes in this timeless classic automobile.

Julie Leventhal: Rolls-Royce was launched over a century ago in 1904 and continues to hold its place as a top-tier luxury brand. What makes this car such a timeless automobile? 
Kristina Marchitto: More than the experience of driving one, what makes Rolls-Royce truly unique is the level of detail, craftsmanship, and engineering put into building each one. It’s this consistency throughout the past century that has built the brand and what keeps our customers coming back for repeat purchases. The Rolls-Royce bespoke program was designed so that we can customize each car to the exact specifications of each of our owners. As we like to say, our customers’ only limit to personalizing their vehicle is their own imagination.

JL: Can you tell us about the future plans for developing the brand?
KM: We will bolster our social media presence, and I am currently seeking ways to best utilize that landscape in a brand-appropriate way. 

JL: The new Phantom Series II line was launched in May and is available this September in showrooms. What would you like to highlight about the series?
KM: The new 2013 Phantom Series II encompasses the entire Phantom family. Phantom, Phantom EWB, Phantom Coupé, and Phantom Drophead Coupé. At Rolls-Royce, we have personal relationships with nearly all of our customers, so when they told us quite clearly not to make drastic changes to Phantom, we listened. What we did do was make some slight aesthetic changes to the front end and some necessary upgrades to the technology, maintaining the classic elegance of the original Phantom models. We’ve also become the first automaker to feature LED headlights as standard, and we improved the efficiency of Phantom by 10 percent. 

JL: An exciting element to the Rolls-Royce dealerships is the lounge, where customers can configure their car using samples from the manufacturing plant at Goodwood, West Sussex, England. Can you tell us more about this?
KM: The Bespoke Configurator Lounge in our new showrooms brings Goodwood to the client. It’s very common for customers in Europe to travel to Goodwood and spend the day mulling over the hundreds of options in our paint, leather, and wood shops. Since traveling to Goodwood may not be convenient for everyone, the Bespoke Configurator Lounge brings this opportunity to the client and allows the client to sit with a sales representative to go through the various leather, paint, and veneer options in a location closer to home. Being able to see and touch materials and then visualize them on the configuration screen allows each customer to create his or her perfect car.

JL: You recently held an exclusive event in Pebble Beach, California. What made this event special, and will you be showcasing any events in New York?
KM: At the Concours d’Elegance in August, we unveiled our latest product, which is a highly bespoke collectors’ vehicle called the Phantom Series II Coupé Aviator Collection. Specially designed to honor Rolls-Royce’s history in aviation and heritage, only a limited number of Phantom Series II Aviator Collection cars will be produced worldwide. Each car will feature custom paint mixed specifically for Aviator and interior design elements to evoke the sensation of being inside the cockpit of a plane. These events allow Rolls-Royce to interact with our customers on a direct level, while giving them the opportunity to experience the timeless luxury and performance of Rolls-Royce first-hand. It’s also important for our potential customers to understand and experience the things that set Rolls-Royce apart from all other brands and make it the number one manufacturer of luxury goods. You will see us at unexpected venues this year throughout the city and, as always, the Hamptons is a natural fit for Rolls-Royce.

With fall right around the corner, remember Miami’s white sands and turquoise water as you plan your cold-weather getaways to fun in the sun. When cold breezes arrive, pretend there’s one more summer Friday and take an afternoon flight to Miami. Try this plan for a 48-hour escape to the Ritz-Carlton South Beach:

Friday
1 p.m. — Settle in.
Arrive in the exquisite Art Deco lobby where a friendly staff is prepared to tend to your every need. You’ll be personally guided to your room. I recommend an oceanfront club-level room, complete with plush bedding, luxurious bathroom, and private balcony with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic. Your personal concierge will provide his direct contact number so that you can reach him at any time regarding what to do, see, and experience in South Beach. Then, head to the Club Lounge for complimentary champagne, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres as you settle into this swanky resort. Audrey in the Club Lounge is sure to handle all of your activities, restaurant reservations, and spa requests. The club level experience at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach is unlike any other VIP treatment: guests are treated like royalty.

3 p.m. — Get to Know the Area.
Grab your bikini and explore the beach. Gazing off into the ocean is a perfect way to unwind. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and admire the Art Deco architecture of the Ritz-Carlton and surrounding resorts. This prime location in South Beach is centrally located for the best shopping, restaurants, and nightclubs.

8 p.m. — Enjoy Florida’s Flavors.
Step outside the Ritz-Carlton and onto Lincoln Road. A variety of restaurants await you, from international eclectic spots to intimate cafes. Looking for a unique combination of Japanese and Brazilian cuisine? Sushi Samba is the place to go. Its samba dromo roll is mouthwatering (600 Lincoln Road, sushisamba.com). If you prefer a comfort meal, head to TiramesU for the risotto al frutti di mare (721 Lincoln Road, tiramesu.com). Treat yourself at one of the delicious gelato stores after dinner.

Saturday
10 a.m. — Soak It Up.
Enjoy prime time under the sun in South Beach by treating yourself to all the Ritz has to offer. Private day beds strewn poolside ensure a peaceful day of soaking up rays and catching up with your travel companion. Allow the Ritz’s handsome tanning butler, Miguel Pando, to make sure you’re safe in the sun while he protects you with sunblock. Then, indulge in gourmet light-bites and beverages to stay hydrated. Spoil yourself rotten!

2 p.m. — Enjoy Oceanfront Dining.
The Ritz-Carlton DiLido Beach Club is one of the only oceanfront restaurants in South Beach. Flavorful dishes created by master chef Andrew Balick include a decadent selection of fresh seafood complemented by a long list of small plates to share. You might still be stateside, but you’ll feel islands away at this sandy oasis.

3:30 p.m. — Indulge Yourself.
Finish off the afternoon with a trip to the spa. A variety of soothing treatments are offered at the Ritz, but take advantage of a unique experience. The Rhythm Massage combines the distinct essence and culture of Miami using Latin-inspired music to create a total feeling of relaxation or energy. You can either choose upbeat music or sensuous beats, and a massage style to match.

9 p.m. — Simplify Decadence.
Estiatorio Milos (730 1st Street, estiatoriomilos.com) values great food more than anything else. It offers the best the world has to offer, from seafood to wine. Dishes are prepared simply to preserve the flavor of each ingredient and retain the nutritional value. Milos is one of the swankiest spots in South Beach.

11:30 p.m. — Be a Night Owl.
It’s time to hit the town. Located just down the street, the FDR Lounge at the Delano Hotel (1685 Collins Avenue) is a subterranean cocktail spot. Consistently filled with well-known DJs and a well-heeled crowd, it’s the perfect place to soak in the culture of Miami, let loose, and boogie down.

Sunday
Noon — Leave with a Smile.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach offers a stylish brunch every Sunday, with an endless offering of seafood, omelets, desserts, beverages, and more. Even kids have their own dedicated selection to choose from. So, chow down as the weekend isn’t complete without indulging one last time before heading to the airport and returning to work on Monday.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach located at 1 Lincoln Road is Miami’s prime destination for a breath of summer in any season. With its customer service, club level lounge, celebrity guests, and luxurious surroundings, it’s the place to be in South Beach.

Authenticity is a rare find these days but Kevin and Danielle Jonas are brimming with it. It’s the considerate way they interact with those around them, the sweetness to their demeanor, the way that — even after Kevin’s worldwide fame and success — they have put down roots in their home state of New Jersey instead of opting for the bright lights of the city or another celebrity enclave. And what best embodies their unbridled sweetness is the love they share. When I first met Kevin and Danielle on set, I couldn’t help but be awestruck by how enraptured they are by each other —  holding hands and generally being the happiest of lovebirds.

Danielle is the beautiful girl next door —  an ordinary New Jersey girl who is now living an extraordinary life. And she hasn’t changed a bit. She is as grounded as can be. A former hairdresser, she immediately started sharing beauty tips with the magazine’s glam-team. She needed to be reminded that she is one of the cover stars. I’ve been fortunate to work with a number of level-headed stars, but I can’t help but think Danielle might have the most adorable down-to-earth attitude I have ever seen during any cover shoot. She truly is a reluctant Cinderella — happily surprised by everything around her but still having a bit of trepidation. Holding her hand at all times was Kevin, “How is it going?” he checked in with Danielle during each dress change. He showered her with words of love and encouragement, leaving even the stylist sighing. Apparently that’s the Jonas Brothers’ magic: they know how to make the girls swoon, even when they’re off the market.

Unlike his wife, Kevin is an old hand at fame, photo-shoots, and the limelight. In 2007, the Jonas Brothers guest-starred on an episode of Hannah Montana that broke cable records with a whopping 10.7 million viewers. After making such a huge splash, Kevin and his brothers filmed the movie Camp Rock for the Disney Channel, and several world tours later . . . the rest is history.

With all this wild success, the fact that Kevin was drawn to and stayed with a down-to-earth girl like Danielle Deleasa says a lot about him. Even through the ups, downs, and rollercoaster ride that is fame, he didn’t get lost but stayed grounded and, most important, found love. But of course, relationships are never easy. Kevin confided that “in any relationship there are obstacles when balancing it out with a busy schedule. Getting to know someone that you’re dating is always interesting, especially when it’s the one you’re supposed to be with. It just works itself out.”

And so their love story did work out. Danielle, who met Kevin when she was on vacation with her family, said, “It really does feel like a fairytale. Doesn’t everyone deserve that? We take things that aren’t really normal for others and have make it our normal. I think that’s the case in many relationships. I didn’t set out to marry a pop star or an actor. I just fell in love with Kevin! My advice: follow your heart.”
These two have certainly followed their hearts and have recently embarked on a whole new adventure. This new page is Married to Jonas, a reality television show for E! Kevin and Danielle hope that audiences tuning in will learn that they “are a loving family and genuinely care about each other. And that we come from a faith-based family and that not everyone in New Jersey is flipping over tables!”

Besides giving New Jersey reality shows a whole new look, these two have a very sweet silly side. Over lunch, Kevin said that he one day may take up racing cars because he “has a need for speed” and if the two could go back in time they would like to witness Abraham Lincoln delivering his Gettysburg Address. Or hang out with the rat pack. Until then, their goals are to have children, tour the world, and feel love every day.  “To have a loving marriage, to raise a family together, and to be able to tackle every moment that comes along!” is the plan shared Kevin. So far, so good!

Kevin and Danielle Jonas just keep rocking and rolling. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for them and I’m looking forward to watching it unfold on their new show.

It’s just after 1 p.m when reality TV star Ramona Singer answers my phone call. Still in her pajamas, she’s been working from home all morning. She explains that she has a full day. She’s not arrogant — just busy. In a few days, Singer will fly to Denver to do a presentation and wine signing, and she’ll then move on to Aspen before spending two weeks in the Hamptons with her husband and daughter. “It’s better to be busy than not,” Singer says.

“I’m not three people,” she continues. “I wish I were.” Acknowledging she’s a control freak, she is seemingly stressing out over her appearances in Denver. Yet after a few moments, it becomes obvious that what appeared to be anxiety dripping from her voice is instead excitement. Anticipation. Her words sprinting out at an Olympic rate, her synapses firing from all ends, one thing is clear about Ramona Singer: her life is hectic — to some, perhaps even chaotic — but she wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.

Known to many for her unfiltered exchanges on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City, Singer comes off in casual conversation as more than a mere provocateur. “My best creation . . .
my best accomplishment,” she beams, “is my daughter, Avery. She’s my pride and joy.” Listing her daughter’s achievements — she’s an A-student, gives back to her community, is president of her school’s AIDS society, is vice president of the Model U.N., and she studied business at Oxford — it becomes obvious that the enthusiasm and utter elation she feels for her daughter’s accomplishments trump anything on her own resume.

That is not to say, however, that Singer looks at her accomplishments with even a tinge of melancholy. “I’ve always enjoyed business,” she relates. “I really have. I get pleasure from it. I like taking something and making it successful. It gives me a lot of joy.” Whether it’s her True Faith Jewelry, her Tru Renewal Skin Care, or her new Ramona Pinot Grigio, her level of exultation is almost palpable. The secret to life, Singer implicitly conveys, is simple: do what makes you happy. For Singer, though, it seems that essentially everything in her life gives her some measure of happiness. Be it family, business, or charity — she speaks with unrestrained verve about it all.

The correlation between her happiness and her success should come as a surprise to no one. And it’s hard not to think this cocktail is due in part to her temperament. “I’ve always beaten my own drum,” Singer admits. “I think one of the reasons I’ve been so successful is I just look ahead. I don’t look to see what other people are doing. I’m just all about what I’m going to do. I’m not looking to see: what is she wearing? what is she doing? No, I compete against myself and no one else.”

It’s this kind of self-confidence and determination that allows Singer the freedom and willingness to take on new projects, no matter how different or sensitive they may be. After I ask Singer about her reality show — “the wildest ride I’ve ever taken in my life” — I ask her about her charitable efforts to combat domestic abuse and to fund schools in Africa. Addressing the former, Singer’s voice lowers and its strength is resonant: “People don’t like to talk about domestic abuse. It’s almost the way people do not want to talk about alcoholism. Domestic abuse is so prevalent in our society. It’s under everyone’s radar, yet it affects everyone of all ages and races and all income levels. I grew up with it and I witnessed it, and that’s probably one of the reasons why I am so outspoken and why I am a strong woman.”

Aligning herself with only the most transparent and credible of charities, Singer assures me that 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to combating this prevalent domestic terror. And just as sincerity and genuineness is so obvious when she discusses her daughter, her self-assurance is back when she discusses her charities. In fact, it never really left.

It’s an overstatement to say that any one person has life figured out; none of us does, but people find what works for them. They find balance and harmony. And it’s safe to say that Singer has done just that, carving out a way of life that, for her, simply works. The joy that her daughter and husband give her enables her to approach her business ventures with the utmost enthusiasm. And the satisfaction her businesses deliver allows her to bring further happiness into her family. The net result is a life filled with genuine joy, pleasure, and appreciation.

Antonio “LA” Reid has too many career highlights to pick just one. But when asked which moment has been the most memorable, he immediately described how proud he was to accept the album-of-the-year Grammy for the musical group Outkast. He glowed in the memory, then smiling even wider, told of the time that Kanye West and 50 Cent went head to head by debuting their albums on the same day. West, with whom Reid has worked for years, was sitting in his office when the results came in and Jimmy Iovine called to congratulate Reid. What did Mr. Reid do? He passed the phone to Kanye.

Both mogul and prankster, Reid paused and said to me, “Wait one moment.” He left the office and came back with a large award for a Justin Bieber film he produced that reads “Most Successful Concert Movie of All Time.” He laughed, not taking it too seriously. There is an ease and coolness about him. And he has a genuine openness that’s unique — as if he’s reliving these moments every time he tells his tales. He brims with passion for what he does and when asked to talk about himself, he immediately described the journey, his artists, and his passion — not himself. Where I expected an ego, I instead encountered a man still inspired daily by what he does. “My work isn’t finished yet,” he told me, explaining that he has so much more to do.

But before we get to Reid’s next steps, it’s important to shed light on the beginnings of this prodigious star-grower. Reid started out as a musician and he confided that his life changed when he joined forces with creative partner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. They produced, managed, and wrote together. The two became a prolific songwriter-production duo and in 1989, through a joint venture with Arista Records, founded LaFace. The label worked with such stars as Toni Braxton, TLC, Outkast, Pink, and Toni Rich. Reid also signed a young entertainer whom you may have heard of. “I discovered Usher when he was fourteen and Usher discovered Justin Bieber when he was fourteen,” Reid said, describing the 360-degree journey, a perfect circle.

Likewise, Reid’s life has also made a professional full circle — moving from behind the camera to being once again in front of it. He described the difference between the two worlds as, “The camera looks right through you and behind you. It’s all the same to me. The only difference between doing television and sitting in my office is profanity. I say what the *&%$ all I want in my office.” And then it came: the unaffected laughter and genuineness that made me see again why this megastar and star maker is truly just a down-to-earth fun person with whom I could have a great laugh. On set Reid is exactly the same. During filming of The X Factor, he said the judges play practical jokes on each other and he described Demi Lovato as his “BFFL” and Britney Spears as his “bestie.” He is also protective of his co-judges. “What people don’t see about Britney is that she really has an amazing taste for talent. People dismiss that you can also have great taste when you are a pop star. Let me tell you something, you can’t be a pop star for this long without having taste and talent.” The secret ingredient that makes The X Factor such a success is, according to Reid, “Simon Cowell. He is funny, has magnetism, and impeccable taste.”

We paused from chatting the afternoon away to watch one of Reid’s artists, Future, premiere a new music video on BET’s 106 and Park. Whether it’s working on The X Factor or as a record executive, it’s obvious that Reid is passionate about discovering and mentoring talent. While watching his artist on the screen, Reid rocked back and forth to the music, losing himself for a moment in the sound, full of pride but also admiration. This man loves his job and loves the people he works with even more. “I am in awe of superstars,” he confided. “I am now and always have been and always will be. I love superstars.” What they are is everything he loves to discover and develop. He loves doing what he does and plans to keep doing it “until I pass the f$&@ out. There is no expiration date. I love what I do.”

When I walked out of LA Reid’s office, I felt uplifted. He has an infectious positive energy that makes a person feel as if anything is possible. Personally, I can’t wait to see what’s next for this history maker who feels that his job isn’t done. The world is waiting in anticipation of the next iconic act he will bring to bloom.

The woman who coined the word “Fergalicious” has inspired me to coin the term “Renaissance Boss.” As someone who is successfully dominating so many fields, Fergie is a true inspiration and powerhouse. She is a singer, songwriter, fashion designer, television host, actress, and now she is expanding upon her ubiquity in business by launching Voli Vodka. What makes this incredible woman so Fergalicious isn’t just her boom boom pow, but her insatiable hunger to climb to the top of every mountain.   

Stacy Ann Ferguson of Hacienda Heights, California, always had her eyes on the prize. She began her journey down the Hollywood road early in life as one of the stars of the popular program Kids Incorporated. After her stint on that show, Fergie chose to forgo the acting route, and instead pursue a career in music as a singer in the band Wild Orchid. The group released several albums but never caught a big break. After over a decade of hard work, many would have given up. But not Fergie. She lives by the kind of inspirational quotes that you see on your Facebook and Twitter timelines. You know what I mean, right? Quotes like: “When one door closes, another opens.” And so it happened that after years of grueling work and ultimate disappointment, Fergie was approached to collaborate with the Black Eyed Peas on the song “Hey Mama,” and her world suddenly changed. The collaboration went so well that she quickly became part of the group that the world would soon come to know and love. Now that Miss Fergie is an international star, her struggle for success might seem hard to fathom.  The talent was always there, but the drive was necessary to make sure the world saw it. Fergie’s backstory teaches us a timeless lesson about perseverance — to never give up on our dreams.    

Clearly there is a deep fire that drives this Renaissance Boss forward, even today. But Fergie confides that it’s so much more than merely wanting something. It’s also the nature of the project. As a woman who likes to divide her time in front of and behind the camera, she often has to set priorities, and does so by following her heart. First, she needs to believe in a project, and then she has to see if she can make time for it. “It’s all about balance and I’m very scheduled and regimented. Every project is important and needs focus. If I don’t have time to focus on it, I won’t take on the project,” she said.  

The one fact that never changes for Fergie is that she throws herself wholeheartedly into every venture in order to make it as successful as humanly possible. As an owner of the Miami Dolphins, as a partner in Brown Shoes and Voli Vodka, Fergie said, “I always want to work with partners or brands that I truly believe in and when I can bring something meaningful to the table.” The key is to keep dreaming. “I never really stop being inspired. I’m devoting a lot of time to my fragrance business with Avon. My third fragrance, Viva, is about to launch now. I’m also focusing on all of my partnerships: the Fergie footwear collections, Wet and Wild cosmetics, Voli, Ferguson Crest Wine, and the Miami Dolphins,” she added. “As for music, I’m always writing and working on music, some of which I’m using in conjunction with my brands. We’re working on a special Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve in order to honor the passing of such a great legend.” 

Fergie’s myriad projects and nonstop commitments may have no end in sight, yet she still carves out space in her schedule to take care of herself by working out. When it comes to her active lifestyle and staying fit, Fergie is an expert. She has admitted to pretending that French fries are made of poison in order to keep herself away from these calorie-packed temptations. And this workout fiend is surprisingly candid about how disciplined and committed she is to maintaining her incredible physique. She is a die-hard healthy eater, and she works out and lifts weights every single week. Even her new brand, Voli Vodka, reflects her commitment to a healthy lifestyle. “I always thought this type of product was needed in the marketplace, and I wanted in. And not just to be the face of the brand, but to be behind it. There’s no one else who makes a product like Voli. Even the bottle design is chic. Voli is the first ever line of low-calorie vodkas with natural flavors and electrolytes. It’s a way to indulge without the guilt of indulgence, a better alternative — Where a fit and active lifestyle can co-exist with a sexy night on the town and celebration,” she explained.  

And how exactly does this Renaissance Boss manage to have a sexy night out on the town? Or — more importantly — a sexy night in with her hubby, Josh Duhamel? She gave a naughty, knowing smile and shared, “There’s always time for love — priorities, baby!” You’ve got to love a woman who knows what she wants and goes out and gets it. And just to reinforce her emphasis on balance, Fergie added, “I let my man make the drinks.” Touche, Fergie. Touche!

This Shelter Island cottage, built at the turn of the century, is the weekend getaway and winter retreat for artist Kia Pedersen. The original house was a lugubrious affair of dark weathered shingles. Small rooms crowded the two floors until a renovation turned a three-bedroom house into a one-bedroom hideaway with a yoga studio! Standing in the middle of the house is like standing in the middle of the lawn. The axial view out the French doors reveals an artist studio in the distance. This stand-alone structure and its tower is a dense pack of quizzical volumes with an uncanny presence, like a royal piece from a chessboard, as figurative and complex as its occupant artist.

The studio is a tall, thin, rectangular building with steeply pitched roofs. The details are surprisingly simple and the materials vernacular. This structure derived from the enigmatic form attenuated to exaggeration. A staircase and its glass handrails recall torii gates in Japan and the roofs of Shinto shrines — half Norman Rockwell, half Edward Hopper.

Kia adopted the house from her parents some years ago. Fond memories of long, languid summer days spent on the porch as a child playing cello while sounds from her sister Lea’s violin trailed in the distance remain so close yet so far.

Shelter Island is a bit like a forgotten land to many unless you’re sipping cocktails on Sunset Beach. This fabulous island is home to artists and writers and celebrities who covet their privacy. Because of its isolation and the last ferry on a weekend is 1:50 AM, why would you ever want to venture off the island?

The island is a perfect haven for an artist of such an organic nature, one who creates simplicity in the compositions of her copper plate series or the bold splashes of color on reverse glass. Void of context yet full of texture, this concept inspired a solo show at the KPF Gallery in New York City, titled “Please Touch,” and the guests did just that, touching the copper plates and textured canvases. Her work leaves just enough to the imagination, is brilliant in its execution and choice of mediums, and is constantly changing as she explores and experiments with texture and color.

Her passion for sailing captured that intuitive oneness with nature when wind and rippled water inspired her next exhibition at the Sara Nightingale Gallery in Watermill, in November.

Kia studied architecture at Yale and later managed the design and construction of Polo Ralph Lauren stores in Central and South America. She gave it up to pursue her passion for painting and sculpting full time and has never looked back.

New gym shoes… Check! New workout clothes… Check! New workout playlist… Check! So you’re all set…right? WRONG! Ask yourself a simple question…. What makes 2012 different than the previous years that you’ve attempted to get in shape?

Here are common mistakes that lead to the early demise of New Year’s Resolutions. First, thinking that getting in shape is just a New Year’s resolution. Fitness is a life changing commitment; it should be part of your daily routine like brushing your teeth. Second, as soon as you make a commitment to start working out you dive in head first and overdue it to the point that you burn yourself out after one week. Third, is intimidation; You enter this environment of strange looking machines and the inevitable spandex, otherwise known as the gym, and get overwhelmed. Fourth, you’ve been going strong for two weeks working it out but then you go home and look in the mirror and get discouraged when you don’t see results. Then to make matters worse you jump on the scale and see that you still weigh the same as you did two weeks ago. Huge mistake! The fifth and final mistake is you manage to maintain a good workout plan and you’re feeling better but you still eat whatever you want.

So with that being said, here are a few tips on how to avoid these common mistakes and maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the year and the rest of your life. First, realize that getting fit is a life commitment. It should be a daily activity, even if you cant make it to the gym everyday there are several forms of exercise that can give you a great workout such as: running, riding a bike, and walking. Also, think about everything you do in your daily life and turn it into a workout such as, taking the steps instead of the elevator, get off the subway stop earlier and walk the rest of the way, stand as much as possible. Second, make a commitment of going to the gym at least twice a week. Start slowly and work your way up. Sign up for an exercise class and make a promise to yourself to go to that class, the second time you go try a different class or thirty minutes on a cardio machine. Committing to twice a week will ensure you don’t burn yourself out. Third, take advantage of the complimentary training session that the gym provides when you join. Doing this will give you an idea what to do while you’re at the gym. If you have already used your complimentary session and a personal trainer doesn’t fit into your budget make it a point to get to know the trainers at your gym, once you have established a relationship with the training staff they will be more inclined to help you and answer your fitness questions from time to time. Just don’t ask everyday.

The fourth tip is my favorite. Realize that transforming your body takes time. You didn’t gain that extra weight overnight so you’re not going to lose the weight overnight either. Do not rely on the scale to measure your progress. When you begin an exercise routine your body composition changes and there is increase in lean muscle mass which may not translate to loss of pounds on the scale, however you will feel better and your clothes will begin to fit differently so let this be your measuring gauge. Lastly, to effectively transform your body you must incorporate the following three components to your workout plan: cardio, resistance training, and healthy diet. If you choose to do one without doing the others, it will affect your results and take longer for you to achieve your fitness goals.

So I have just laid out your blueprint to maintain your resolution for 2012 and keep you going strong for the rest of your life. You can thank me later. By Rustin Steward

Can our generation create our own “IT” place? I have often wondered if my Y generation will create any new “it” places. I have come to realize that it takes about 30 years for an “it” place to develop and be truly hot, so even if we start now, we still wouldn’t have our generation’s “it” place until we are in into our 60s! That’s too long, right? But maybe that is the problem. Our generation is sort of the first generation that is so obsessed with immediate satisfaction. We can’t wait 30 years to develop our own “it” places, so we just keep heading back to the ones created by our parents to have fun! Much easier than doing the heavy lifting ourselves, only for our kids to benefit in 30 years!

So how does a place become an “it” place? What does it take? Let’s narrow it down to the best and most popular places to vacation in Europe. Like all good things in life, there are only a few. There are only a handful of these places around the world, and everyone seems to want a piece of Saint-Tropez, Courchevel, Ibiza, Mykonos, Sardinia, Mallorca, Megève, St. Moritz, Gstaad, and Bodrum.

How does it start? Well, an “it” place is similar to a powerful brand/product. It needs to be discovered, promoted, validated, and then advertised. It starts with the beauty of the place, first and foremost, which is discovered by a select few with an eye for charm and location. Like all prized real estate areas, the “it” place usually has some constraining geographic characteristics such as a limited amount of land or the area is hard to access. Second, it takes the right person to set the trend, to pave the way. Generally speaking, this work has been done by the most talented and artistic among us, who happen in many cases to be gay, as well as by the hippies, and then to a certain extent by certain elites with unlimited access (the most famous celebrities in the world) or unrestricted budgets (the wealthiest among us). Finally, in order to achieve “it” status, the place tends to need at least one iconic hotel, or several chic boutique properties.

Mykonos was sniffed out and then popularized by the gay community. Don’t ask me why, but they found it and unveiled it to their other fashionable friends who wanted to party, and the rest is history. Even after decades of partying, it is a magical locale. Everything about Mykonos (and all of the “it” places that I will mention) is so well known to this readership that it would be silly for me to even mention cliché places that I love.

The perfect example of a celebrity having “made” an “it” place would be Brigitte Bardot, who singlehandedly made Saint-Tropez the hottest place to be in the summer to party. Decades later, and even despite the inevitable trashy people, Saint-Tropez is still a mythical place which attracts an exceptional crowd during many weeks of the summer.

It is worth noting that this element of extravagant trashy people flocking to a lovely place is a sad constant for all “it” places at a certain stage, and which causes the trendsetters to seek out the next “it” place, hopefully…

Another example of celebrity influence is Mallorca in Spain. While it became fashionable at first because the Spanish royal family has its holiday home (Marivent Palace) there, it reached a new level when Michael Douglas took a shine to it.

In other cases, a lack of celebrity has played a role in the development of an “it” place. Disinterested in the extravagance of Courchevel and the celebrity party scene of St. Mortiz, the Rothschild family invested and developed much of Megève in the French Alps. They attracted their friends and a circle of other French families to this alpine village for its picturesque charm and village life, and the magic continues to this day, but in large part the town’s “it” status owes much to the Rothschild imprimatur.

Back in the 1960s, the trendsetting group was the hippies, who represented counterculture, free love, music, and a great time. Take for example Ibiza, which was a free-love outpost that hosted all of the biggest musicians in the wildest way that we cannot possibly imagine. Rumor has it that Bob Dylan lived in the lighthouse in nearby Formentera, partying with the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Jethro Tull, who were all regulars. Ibiza has been at the center of Western society’s music culture since 1963, which continues to this day in the vibrant music scene which makes or breaks the biggest electronic and DJ acts in the world every summer.

Sardinia could be another case study. Prince Karim Aga Khan had it all, at least in superficial terms: money, power, title, and beautiful women surrounding him. He built Porto Cervo in Sardinia in the 1960s. I don’t know if he coined “Costa Smeralda” or “Emerald Coast,” but I wouldn’t doubt it. Not that it’s not lovely, but this smacks of the ingenious branding that is required to make an “it” place, and that’s exactly what the Aga Khan had in mind. He created an exclusive holiday village for the rich and famous with high-end fashion boutiques, expensive restaurants, and luxury hotels. He served as the trendsetter and the ruler, involved in approving what building materials his friends the Agnellis could use in constructing their villas!

Where gays, hippies, celebrities, royals, and the super-rich vacation are the most amazing parties! The party people take “it” places and make them truly HOT. The reputation of the place then spreads along the chain of six degrees of separation, as the stories of amazing party nights get passed on down the line. The myth begins to develop. The brand is established. The followers of the “it” place chase the dream, wanting to be a part of the brand, and then they perpetuate the fantasy to their friends, and so on.

Is there an Aga Khan among the trendy royals out there who is going to stake his or her claim to some beautiful island and fashion it into the next Costa Smeralda? Is there a new Rothschild or other scion who is investing in a small village to protect its natural beauty for his own enjoyment, as well as the chance to attract his friends to the next hot spot? Will we ever have a bombshell like Brigitte Bardot from our generation who will make a small fishing village into the hottest summer party spot? Do they or we even have the patience to do any of this, to make something out of nothing, to enjoy the slow passion for a place as it develops and attracts our friends over 20 to 30 years?

I think we do. I think it is happening in three or four places around the world right now. One small place in Greece comes to mind. Another in Brazil. Another in Africa. A final one in South America. But if I told you, it might happen too quickly or get ruined by greedy real estate developers! Let’s speak in 30 years…

Long flowing dress, perfectly coiffed blonde locks, a smile that could launch a thousand ships — these are attributes commonly ascribed to a beauty queen not a warrior, but I have to inform you that Beth Stern is a fighter. She refuses to acknowledge the word “impossible.” Instead, she sees a challenge and runs toward it. What many would see as daunting or hopeless – such as the countless number of animals left homeless and in need by the recent tornado devastation in the Southeastern US – led Beth to spring into action. “There were hundreds of pets that had been lost, abandoned, and displaced. So many families that were homeless could no longer take care of their pets,” Beth tells me over lunch. “It was heart-wrenching. Kill shelters were suddenly flooded with animals, so our team at North Shore Animal League America sent emergency rescue vehicles to take hundreds of these pets out of the municipal shelters in Alabama.” You might think that after helping spearhead such a large rescue, Beth would kick off her Louboutins and get a little rest, but not so. She immediately made an appearance on Good Morning America to get the word out. “It’s not enough to rescue the pets; it’s also important to get them adopted,” she tells me. The passion in her voice is infectious. In fact, it was her love of animals that initially made me aware of the horror of puppy mills, the largest suppliers of pet store animals. Beth makes every effort she can to bring awareness to shelters and dispel common misconceptions about the adoption process. For example, there are animals of all ages that can be rescued. It’s important for the world to know that sweet, cute little puppies and purebreds can be found at a shelter, not just pet stores. The sooner people stop buying animals at pet stores, the sooner we can eradicate the misery induced by puppy mills.

Beth is doing all she can for her cause, and she is doing it in style. Recently, Beth launched a high-end jewelry line called Beth O For Bling Bone. Her designs are unassuming and delicate – making the pieces perfect for daytime wear as well as a nighttime galas. The jewelry is sold on the East End at Jennifer Miller as well as London Jewelers, and, in true Beth Stern spirit, 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the North Shore Animal League America. Of course, there are accessories not just for you but also for your four-legged partner in crime. And the question on my mind at this point is: How does Beth’s two-legged partner in crime feel about her animal crusade? “Howard is the most supportive person in my life. There is nothing I do that he doesn’t get behind 100 percent. Sometimes, I will show up at the show and he’ll help me with adoptions. During an interview with Kim Cattrall, I recently showed up with a dog that needed a home. By the end of the interview the dog was adopted.” A lot of the couple’s time is spent in the Hamptons communing with nature. They like to bike around town – Howard in a high-speed racer bike and Beth in her vintage, old-fashioned two-wheeler. Other days, they stroll along the beach and, incidentally, have rescued several animals. Upon hearing of their daily routine, the images that come to mind are more akin to Disney characters than the shock jock and buxom beauty that are often discussed and over-analyzed in the media. When I confess to Beth that her Howard sounds more like a fairy tale Prince Charming than the Bad Boy of All Media, she blushes. “Oh he’s got a naughty side,” she says. “That’s for sure.” Recently, Howard took up a new hobby, photography. “He takes pictures of me all the time. Snap, snap, snap. I’ll be in the bathtub and there he is with the camera and suddenly the pictures are up on Twitter.” She giggles like a schoolgirl gushing about a new crush, and I have to say it is really endearing to see someone so in love. “Oh, we have a new policy,” she confesses. “He can take all the pictures he likes, but I have to be able to approve the ones that he tweets out.”

It’s amazing these two can find time to spend together when they seem to be the busiest people in show business. Besides Howard’s well-known, time-consuming schedule, Beth has several new projects of her own. Beth will be starring in a television show for HGTV about designing “mom caves,” well-deserved mommy sanctuaries for busy women across America. “I’m really excited about filming,” Beth says, “The goal is to create a beautiful space where busy mothers can have time for themselves.” By this point, I’ve noticed that all of Beth’s projects are centered around positivity. “I definitely want to make people happy,” Beth says. “I find it rewarding.” And if that upcoming show weren’t rewarding enough, Beth will also be hosting Gossip Cop, a show dedicated to revealing the truth behind the celebrity rumor mill. Of course, her busy schedule doesn’t stop there. East Enders will have a chance to catch up with this girl-on-the-move over a good sweat when Beth visits Exhale Spa Bridgehampton to lead a core fusion class – it probably won’t surprise you to hear that all proceeds will go to the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons.

Considering everything that Beth has achieved is exhausting – I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like to live it. But I can say this: The world is a better place for having Beth Stern in it. There are few people who recognize the responsibility that comes with being in a position of influence. She helps those who are powerless and she sets an example for everyone who has the good fortune to come in contact with her.  We can all learn a valuable lesson about the importance of giving back and how to lead a rewarding life.