The end of the year is a ton of fun. Lots of holiday parties to attend, lots of family and friends to see. But it can also be a lot of stress. Lots of Christmas shopping to get done, lots of last-minute deadlines to finish up.

I’ve been feeling the grunt of hard work lately, with my entire body wounded tight like a knot.

That’s when you know it’s time to go to the spa!

I checked in at Bliss Spa at the W Hotel in Hollywood and was hooked up with an Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow for my entire body. It was (for lack of a better word) bliss.

After changing, I was offered some yummy champagne and crackers and cheese.  Then, I was led to the massage room where the treatment began.

I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of a newbie at this whole body treatment stuff and it’s definitely a vulnerable state to be in.

Think about it, you’re naked and a specialist is dripping warm oil luxuriously all over your body.  Then, the exotic lime and ginger salt glow scrub is brushed on.  I kind of felt like a chicken getting ready to get baked.  (But in the best way possible!)

All of my anxieties subsided once I got on the massage bed.  Elemis is known for some of the most exotic and indulgent spa-therapies for face and body and it was definitely an unbeatably relaxing experience.  Catering to all my senses, I got to smell and feel the tranquility of the Elemis spa treatment for an entire hour.  It was far too short, if you ask me!

Bliss is also offering take-home versions of Elemis’ skin and body treatments available in all of its 15 U.S. locations and internationally in its London spa. I walked away with a goody bag full of them which I will be trying out over the next couple of weeks.  Updates coming up!

For more information on Bliss and Elemis spa treatments, check out here and here.

Former ER writer Shannon Goss, in her third installment of a continuing series, talks about life as a modern Asian American hapa woman.

I am not the person you want to hang something on your wall. Sure, I can hold up a frame, but if you ask me to hammer in the nail, be prepared to see your fabulous piece of art at a jaunty angle. Or, as I like to call it, wabi sabi.

Years ago, my parents introduced me to this Japanese worldview. Difficult to translate, it’s essentially the art of finding beauty in all things imperfect, which is in essence, all things. You, me, the chip in your favorite coffee mug, and everything that hangs on the walls of my humble abode are wabi sabi.

Since incorporating “wabi sabi” into my vocabulary I have found it to be a useful and convenient way to explain away the areas where I’m less skilled. Less useful is the word “mantastic,” which despite my best efforts I have yet to work into my everyday vocabulary.

New plants not evenly spaced? Wabi sabi.

Crack in my ceramic napkin holder? Wabi sabi.

Off-center lettering on a homemade card? Yup. Wabi sabi.

Brett Favre returning as a Minnesota Viking? Okay, that’s mantastic. However, his interceptions? Wabi sabi. I realize this isn’t exactly the correct usage, but it does illustrate that the Wrangler-hawking quarterback isn’t perfect. Although I think he made that abundantly clear when he threw the ball to Tracy Porter in the NFC title game last January. Note to the non-football fans: Porter was on the other team.

Regardless, I love the idea that we (Hall of Fame bound athletes included) are imperfect beings surrounded by imperfect things (in his case a less-than-perfect offensive line) that are meant to be accepted and celebrated (Viking fans would disagree on this one). As someone who has spent years attempting and subsequently failing at perfection, this is a relief.

Another aspect of wabi sabi is the acceptance of life’s impermanence. Whether it’s relationships, championships or my favorite Lily McNeal sweater, everything is transient. I should mention that my sweater’s life was cut short thanks to an absentminded laundry maid (me) who accidentally threw the sweater into both the washer and dryer.

Accepting my imperfections and life’s impermanence is not something I do gracefully and based on Favre’s return to the NFL, I would say he and I have that in common. The difference is that 300-pound men try to prevent him from doing his job whereas I only have to stare down my own psyche, which, while it may feel like a linebacker, is not. But then again, I also don’t have 64,000 screaming fans encouraging me. The enthusiasm of one loyal dog does not provide the same rush.

But I will continue to work toward this allusive acceptance of all things imperfect.

As it says in Taro Gold’s book, Living Wabi Sabi, “Appreciate this and every moment, no matter how imperfect.” But for the sake of my pals who are Viking fans, I hope those imperfect moments are less frequent than they were last year.

– Shannon Goss

Come join Audrey Magazine for the Spring 2011 launch of Anh Volcek’s debut collection for her women’s wear line L’une at Los Angeles Fashion Week.

French for “one,” L’une is about becoming one with your clothes, and to that end, Volcek creates a line of dresses that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. The Parsons School of Design honor grad honed her old world draping techniques in Paris from a patternmaker who worked for Dior and Louis Vuitton, before fine tuning her skills at the couture house of Koji Tatsuno and Lapidus. The Vietnamese American designer, who was born at sea on the Pacific Ocean in 1975, has also worked at Calvin Klein, Nautica and Gap.

Missed Audrey’s Night Out, or just want more fashion? Join us at L’une’s debut this Thursday, October 21! Just RSVP at rsvp@lunecollection.com.

Wanna see your photo in print? This is your last chance to show us what “winter” or “the holidays” mean to you! Maybe snow angels? Maybe partying it up on New Year’s? Maybe all the resolutions you failed to keep in 2010?

Regardless, we want to see it! We want to see what “winter” (specifically, December through February) means to you, whether it’s the holidays, New Year’s, even Valentine’s Day! You just might get your photo into the next issue of Audrey Magazine!

Submit your photos that in some way reflect the Asian American experience as well as the theme of “winter.” You don’t have to be a pro, so submit your photo to editor@audreymagazine.com by October 25, 2010. To submit, please see instructions below.

We’re looking forward to seeing your work!

Submissions

Images should be in digital jpeg format, at least 300 dpi resolution and 2400 pixels on the long end. Along with each image, please include your name, location and an explanation of how your image relates to the theme. Only submit photos that you’ve taken yourself. Please do not digitally alter your photos, besides cropping and applying basic tonal adjustments. Send your photos to EDITOR@audreymagazine.com, maximum three entries per person.

Legal & Releases

By submitting, you are granting Audrey Magazine permission to publish your submitted photos online and/or in print with your photo credit. You must be 18 or older to submit; if you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian can submit on your behalf. We cannot accept photos of “recognizable” people in your photograph without a personal release signed by the person, authorizing our publication of the photo.

Stepping out with a Youtube star can be a scary thing.  I had the chance to venture out with Youtube sensation Joseph Vincent and experience first-hand what life can be like when over 95,000 people subscribe to your Youtube channel.

We were checking out the Bruno Mars concert at The Grove in Los Angeles, CA.  Mars killed it onstage, leaving the crowd pumped and excited from the free show.

Once the concert was over, a fan leaked it out that Joseph Vincent was in the audience. One “can I take a picture with you” led to another and soon, there was a swarm over the 21-years old singer. Vincent himself was surprised with all the brou-ha-ha. “Uh, Bruno Mars went that way, I think,” he pointed out. But nope, these girls wanted to take a picture with Joseph Vincent, not Bruno Mars.

The recognition didn’t end. Cameras were flashing everywhere and Vincent was getting stopped left and right. It got so bad that mall security had to escort us inside the AMC movie theater just so the crowd would dissipate.

How does Vincent handle all the attention?

“Oh, it’s fun. I love it. And none of the people are too aggressive so it’s cool. But yea, they’re really cute and nervous. They say, “I’ve seen you on Youtube, can I take a picture with you?” At first, I didn’t  know how to act but now I’m more used to it.”

Judging from the singer’s busy schedule, from his B Here tour through some of America’s finest colleges to an upcoming album in the works, it looks like the fan recognition in public places is just going to get bigger.

No matter what, the singer will still take time out to take pictures with his good friends though. (Here with his college buddies.)

Can’t get enough of Joseph Vincent? Check him out in the pages of Audrey Magazine’s winter issue hitting the stands early December. Subscribe to Audrey here.

Photos courtesy of Carmen Chan.

For those who are still tuning in with Project Runway, I am sure you would agree that this season is filled with tension between the designers.  But what makes this season exciting (at least for us!) is not only the drama but also the fact that there are two Asian-American contestants who both seem to be strong contenders.

It was definitely disappointing to see Korean contestant Ivy Higa eliminated from PR just three weeks ago.  Fortunately, Andy South from Hawaii still remained in the competition, so Asian-inspired pieces continue to be represented on the runway.  Surely he’s had his ups and downs, but who could ever forget the winning dress he made for the party store challenge, or the avant-garde look for the L’Oreal Paris make-up challenge?

In this week’s episode, South stayed true to himself and his point of view as a designer is really shining through.  It was a little nerve-wrecking when his fellow contestant, Gretchen Jones, stated his design ‘looks like the mistress you’d pay a high, high price for to have her spank you.’  He even played off the joke and said he translated his inspiration to ‘the head waitress at this tea house who does happy endings.’  But he managed to ‘make it work’ (in Tim Gunn’s words) at the end and made a little black dress with lines that really flatter a woman’s body.  I was ecstatic when Heidi told him he was going to create a collection.  However, he is among four who were given the opportunity, but only three can show at New York Fashion Week.  As much as I love South’s edgy warrior-woman looks, I’m hoping he’ll surprise us with something new in his collection!  The judges are waiting for him to design something different as well.  It’s been a while (since Chloe Dao in season two) that an Asian-American landed in the top three of Project Runway.  Go Andy!

Don’t forget to catch the next episode (Finale Part 1) on Thursday, October 21 at 9pm on Lifetime!

Remember watching MTV Cribs and seeing how stars like 50 Cent and Kimora Lee Simmons with their own theaters in the comfort of their homes? As convenient as that may sound, nothing beats the world’s first sunglasses-style video eyewear, Wrap 310 by Vuzix.

Wrap 310, featured on Oprah as one of the best new gadgets, is the only traditional-style sunglasses with a big screen experience. You can wear it virtually anywhere, and it can be connected with most portable video sources, which include iPods, iPhones and portable DVD players.

Vuzix, started by Paul Travers, is now a world-leader in video eyewear technology. They also are in the process of creating changeable lens for the Wrap 310 in an array of colors to keep you from looking like Blade.

Just comment below by October 20, 11:59 p.m., and we’ll pick one lucky winner to own a pair of these high tech spectacles, which retail for $250! Early Christmas gift anyone?

Remember, you must have a U.S. address to win. Good luck!

The 11th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival is hitting Southern California next weekend (October 21-28) with an impressive lineup of Asian and Asian American films aiming to connect audiences to the human experience though the Pan Asian media arts. The weeklong festival is jam-packed with everything including captivating panels from Youtube pioneers and Asian American stars to mixers and cast after-parties. And, lest we forget, films, films and more films!

Since its inception in 2000, Audrey has been a long-time fan of the San Diego Asian Film Festival and we think you should enjoy it too.  That’s why we are giving away 5 pairs of tickets to Audrey readers!

To win, comment below your favorite Asian American cinematic experience. This can include shorts, documentaries, musicals and music videos.  You have until Monday, Oct. 18 11:59PM to win. GOOD LUCK!

The San Diego Asian Film Festival is an annual event of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation. Our mission is to connect audiences to the human experience through the Pan Asian media arts. We’ve been around since 2000, premiering films from around the world. Our emphasis is on Asian American cinema, but we also showcase international films, along with shorts, documentaries, and animation. Along with films, patrons will be able to meet and speak with filmmakers and actors, enjoy meaningful discussions, hear live music, and enjoy nightly parties. Most of all, we pride ourselves in being a well-organized, friendly festival made of people who are passionate about life, learning…and having FUN! For more info, check out the site here.

The San Diego Asian Film Festival (http://www.sdaff.org/) is ready to open up for its week-long festivities and screenings for the eleventh time this October 21-28th. The San Diego Film Foundation behind the Festival had put together a video contest (http://sdaff.org/festival/reel-in-the-vote.php) this past summer to get people armed with a camera to create 30 second PSA’s for the promotion of API votes. To encourage submissions and voter turn-out, Randall Park, along with a string of other Asian American celebrities released this video:

Beyond Tacobell and diarrhea, in all seriousness, Randall Park shares with us why it’s critical for the API community to vote— to raise our voices to be heard tomorrow.

“I believe that there is no community without it’s voice. And anyone who chooses to not be heard deserves to have their choices made for them. This includes mute people. If the mute community chooses not to be heard, then they deserve to have the blind community speak for them. They deserve to have their signs in braille. They deserve to be provided seeing-eye dogs, free of charge. They deserve to have Stevie Wonder be the President of the United States. (Which actually would be pretty cool.) But my point is, we as a community should not be mute. Even mute people can vote. It’s a basic and essential duty. The upcoming election is critical for all the obvious reasons, but I’d argue that every election is critical. Our inaction years ago is a big reason why everything is so “critical” today. Our action today will shape tomorrow.” – - Randall Park

You can enjoy more of Randall and his funniness at this year’s Unforgettable hosted by KoreAm Journal on November 20, 2010.

If you thought the new Facebook movie, The Social Network just consisted of a bunch of dorky white guys talking about the internet, think again!

The movie also has plenty of eye candy, namely pretty (Eur)asian girls, infiltrating the scenes. The blogosphere is already all a flutter over whether these ladies are acceptable or not, objectified or not, stereotyped or not.

Whether or not the females in the film are just useless sex objects conveying a misrepresented stereotype, we know the actresses portraying the parts are anything but useless.  Let’s get to know them a little better.

Brenda Song

22-year old Brenda Song is Christy Lee, a girlfriend of one of the main characters, Eduardo Saverin, in the flick.  Within minutes of meeting Christy, she is off in a bathroom stall, giving Eduardo some…special favors in a restroom stall – something that completely contradicts the Disney Channels princess image the actress is most known for, playing London Tipton on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Song, who is Hmong, has been in the limelight since she was 5 and has more films in the works, including the indie Little Sister and The Suite Life Movie.

Malese Jow

Another tween darling, Jow’s age makes us blush a little as she played Song’s friend, Alice who gives main character Marc Zuckerburg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) the same…special favors that Christy Lee was giving Eduardo. The girl is only 19! The Chinese-Native American Jow has taken on plenty of TV roles, her breakout one being Emma Roberts’ best friend in Unfabulous.  She was also part of The Vampire Diaries’ first season. We’re not sure where Jow will pop up next but with that striking face, we won’t be surprised if it’s sometime soon.

Courtney Arndt

Model Courtney Arndt is none other than our Fall cover girl!  Still a newcomer to the industry, Arndt (who also goes by Courtney Jane) plays the “Victoria’s Secret Model” on Napster founder Sean Parker’s (played by Justin Timberlake) arms. The 21-year old Korean-German-Irish-Native American was discovered in Korea and has been modeling in Hawaii but we really just need more of her hotness over here!