MODWOMAN MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER, PATTI STANGER

MODW How did you start match making?

PATTI My grandmother and my mother did it locally in New Jersey. Not for money, but for the local temple and I guess it was in my blood. My first match was my best friend in the 7th grade.  

MODW Do you find that your career interferes with your personal life?

PATTI Yes, I get judged based on the show and my toughness which I’m completely not like in my personal life. It’s rough for dating, men kind of think you know it all and they don’t give you a chance and it scares a lot of people away.

MODW What/who has been your favourite match?

PATTI I think it’s the proposal we had this season. Because that wasn’t really his type and I just felt that David was going to find the girl I picked for him very interesting but I didn’t know if he was going to go for it because it physically wasn’t the look. But they ended up getting engaged. So that was really exciting. I think its always my recent match that is my favourite match.

MODW What would be your dream vacation be?

PATTI Oh my god, a beach. I'm such a beach girl. A lava flow and a beach. I've always wanted to go to St. Bart's and I haven't done that yet. So I'm dying to do that, or Greece, or even Bora Bora. I haven't been to those three places so...

MODW What advice would you give to your 21 year-old self knowing what you know now?

PATTI Don’t have sex unless you get monogamy. If I knew now what I knew in my 20s, I would rule the world. Madonna move over. Seriously. I mean the things I did in my 20’s; I was just a friggin idiot. Learn about the chemistry between men and women. There's an Apnea of Love book out. Which really is an old book but it really explains a lot. Learn about courtship. Wait for the right guy. Don't give it all away. Don't go rushing to college to lose your virginity. If you're a virgin, wait. I lost my virginity on my 18th birthday, because I didn't want to go away to school a virgin. I would just wait. Wait for the right person. Because it sets the presidence for the rest. 

MODW Share with us one of your most memorable moments in your life…


PATTI I think my most memorable moment is something that didn’t really last. But it was really beautiful. I met someone on a plane and it was love at first sight. Don’t laugh. He's married to someone else now. He's called me since but it didn't last. And he told me on the second date that he loved me and that he wanted to marry me. I just felt like it was long distance. Long distance killed it. I mean I'm not saying long distance relationships should give it up. But it was really pure. And we had sex, it was kind of condalini sex, I went outside my body. It was just a beautiful, very short term relationship. But it taught me a lot about myself and sexuality. 

MODW What is your favourite "beauty" product?

PATTI I am a huge skincare junkie! I am using the clarisonic machine. I got it when nobody got it. And I actually bought a pro recently. You can only get those in the aesthetician offices. And I’m really into the new Bobbi Brown brightening scrub or facial cleanser. But I’m a fan of La Prarie. I have loved La Prarie since I was 23. I have lots of cool tricks. Like were obsessed with Buxom lip gloss. It really puffs your lips up. I love the Dior spray because we airbrush everything, but I designed a make-up line. So we are coming out with our own products, because there’s a lot of things I see are missing in the market place. I don’t see a lip gloss that puffs up your lips but gets rid of the lines on your lips. I see a lot of paraffin’s in the spray. There’s not a lot of sprays in the market and theres no bronzer spray. We are working on conturing, eye drops. Theres A LOT OF little tricks we use. Theres a new venom out that’s called Peptide Mobilizer. Its got snake venom in it and it gets rid of the dark circles. I’ve never seen anything like it. No concealer has done it, no powder, nothing. This thing is off the charts. My dermatologist recommended it. And I was like alright I’ll try it (because I try everything). And it works like a charm. Im going to New York for fashion week and I'm walking in red, for the heart association. Then, the last 2 days I'm working on my make-up line, which is going to launch on my show. So we're really excited about that. We get complemented on the makeup all the time for the lips and the eyes. Im not kind of Kardashian with the overly smokey eye. Theres a lot of things were going to tweak. Were going to give you minis so you can put it in your purse so you don’t have to have a junkie thing when you go out at night. Theres a lot of cool stuff were going to do.

MODWOMAN ANIMAL ACTIVIST AND ACTRESS OF TRUE BLOOD - KRISTIN BAUER

MODW  Tell us about your childhood, how did you begin your journey?
KRISTIN  I grew up in Wisconsin. It was a very traditional up bringing. Family dinner every night at 5:30 pm. Lots of nature, animals and not much TV or movies. My family is about doing stuff, mainly out doors. 

MODW   We understand you have been writing a book over the past couple of years, when can we expect it? Who would play the lead in a film reenactment?

KRISTIN  I have. I need to get back to it, it's been slow as I have been so lucky to be busy acting. I am really writing fairly close to home for the lead character so I think I would certainly be well cast. But there are so many actresses I admire. I would watch Patricia Arquitte read a phone book. I hope to have the book in presentable shape this year. I just need to carve out the time somehow. It's about a girl in Hollywood and half of it will be true, I will just never be able to tell which half.

MODW  You are an artist of many things, how long have you been painting?

KRISTIN  Since junior high. I have had about 10 years of schooling in art since high school. I just love it. 

MODW  Tell us about some hurdles you had to overcome on your journey that has made you who you are today.

KRISTIN  Oh boy. There have been some highs and some lows.  Loss has been a blunt teacher. Loss of loved ones sure changes ones perspective. For me it made me cherish and respect life much more, all life, not just human and not just people I know. I have also had many successes and many failures in love and work-like most of us. And that did create, I hate to admit, probably a good balance in me. The hard times knocked me off balance enough to let other kinds of information about life in as I was more raw and therefore more open. One is really present and hungry for information in the tough times. I have read many, many spiritual books in those times. I certainly got a wider view of the way I see and do things. It does seem that people who have had every blow cushioned, every jam fixed for them... can be terribly lost with no idea where they fit in to this life in a useful way. I used to joke that growth is over rated - And I am really enjoying not having the big fires to put out anymore, and am able to focus more on the things I want to say and do. I guess the bottom line is a balance — leaning more towards the harmony end than the rip your heart out end — and to pay attention in the good times too — keep learning.

MODW  A typical day for Kristin Bauer? 

KRISTIN  Up too early, hitting snooze for ever,  lots of green tea,150 emails a day, an hour reading on environment and animals which ends up leading to writing emails and letters or making calls to some politician or company who could be doing better and then venting about it on Facebook (The Van Stratens) and Twitter (@Bauervanstraten). Sometimes it's an on set day, which are always a combination of fun, waiting, acting, and great costumes. I go to the gym on non work days. I walk the dogs. And at night I basically just keep going and going on the computer with those Earth/animal emails until my husband comes in and says, that's it now, time for bed.

MODW  Women that are personal inspirations to you?

KRISTIN  People who know their purpose and do it, who stand strong. Of course - Jane Goodall, Ayn Rand, Rosa Parks... But there are so many who we don't know their names — in animal rescue so many ladies work tirelessly helping others for dogs in Africa, for the environment and building gardens in NYC, starting a 'love your brother' movement... The list is thankfully extremely long. I hope someday to feel like I am one of these women.

MODW You look absolutely stunning, do you follow a beauty regime?

KRISTIN  Thank you! I do. And I always switch it up — there are many great lines now that are not full of chemicals or tested on animals. Every night I layer a bunch of creams and serums, mainly by MyChelle, L'Occitiane, Dr. Weil's for Origins, Adonia and Dr Haushka - at least this month. Next month I'm sure I'll try something else in that I hear about. (To check your products for animal testing go to caringconsumer.com or AAVS.org)

MODW What skin care products do you like?

KRISTIN  I like so many. Right now I'm using for makeup Bare Minerals and have just discovered another cool company called Youngblood mineral cosmetics. I just had to try them, right? And I love it.

MODW Favorite retreat or place to getaway? What are must haves when you travel?

KRISTIN  I travel a lot now. I literally dream of Africa, my husbands home. I also love Northern Wisconsin. I like trees, land and lakes. My husband likes the ocean. So we go to Northern California which satisfies us both, like Carmel. I never fly without my pashmina for warmth and my Brookstone neck pillow as flights are the only time I can totally rest. 

MODW  First record you ever bought?

KRISTIN  I think...well, I totally remember still one of the greatest albums that I have played to death - The Police, Synchronicity.

MODW  What handbag are you carrying right now?

KRISTIN  A Steve Madden black vegan bag.

MODW Style icon?

KRISTIN  Marilyn Monroe

MODW  Book that changed your life?

KRISTIN  Atlas Shrugged for the first half of my life and now, East of Eden. They both somehow define my mission statement.

MODW  Who would you sing a duet with?

KRISTIN  My husband, Abri.

MODW Animal rights is an important part of your life, have you always been an avid believer and supporter?

KRISTIN  I grew up with many animals and have always been taught to enjoy and respect life. I have an awe of nature whether it be trees, a river, a lake - to my family there is no difference between the neighbors back yard and the ocean, which is really just someone else's backyard. Causing someone else's suffering is something I am looking to not do, daily. 


Cora Kouchak

MODWOMEN'S RAUNCHY GIRL MARGARET CHO

Photo credit: PixieVisionProductions

MODW  Favorite moment in the last year?

MARGARET  Making a homemade trap to capture fruit flies. The one I made with plastic wrap and half a glass of red wine worked better than the exterminator visit. I know it's a small victory, but for some reason this felt really good to me. 

MODW  How have some of the difficult events in your life turned you into the woman you are today?

MARGARET  It would probably be surviving and thriving in standup comedy, which is such a boys club and there's so few women around to work with and be friends with, so it can be very lonely, but that has made me self sufficient also, so that is good too. 

MODW  What makes you laugh?

MARGARET  Really strange things, clever things, dark things - it's always surprising what makes comics laugh. It's never the obvious. 

MODW  My happy place is...

MARGARET  On the motorcycle

MODW  Describe the perfect day.

MARGARET  Pilates, my dogs, pizza and maybe a movie!

MODW  Last travel destination for relaxation?


MARGARET  Rome for pasta and lots of walking around all the Bernini sculptures.

MODW  5-star hotels or hideaways?

MARGARET  I love both, and I stay in both!

MODW  Tell us about your new DVD "Cho Dependent."

MARGARET  It's my new show with songs and all new material - funny, fun, wild - I am really proud of it. I filmed in Atlanta, which is my 2nd hometown and it was amazing to perform it there and shoot this show there. I love it. 

MODW  An inspirational female?

MARGARET  Kim Saigh - great artist, great tattooer, yoga master and boot aficionado. She is rad!

MODW  Cook or take out? Favourite Food?

MARGARET  Oh I love take out eaten in front of the T.V! Nothing better. I would say my favorite is spaghetti and meatballs!! it's a basic simple joy. 

MODW Vintage or Labels?

MARGARET I think vintage labels are the best, but usually vintage is enough. labels don't matter much. it's more about how well the garment is made, which the labels often imply. That is why they are labels!

MODW What's in store for Season 4 of "Drop Dead Diva" and when will it premiere?

MARGARET  We usually premiere in June, but I don't know what will happen this Season. We don't know until we actually shoot the episodes! I am going back to shoot the show in February. Can't wait! I love the show. 

MODW A book that changed your view?

MARGARET Cunt by Inge Muscio - essential feminist writing- she's incredible. 

MODW Something that someone does not know about me is...

MARGARET I am addicted to very dark chocolate. must be over 72% cocoa - at least!

MODW What does 2012 hold in store for you?

MARGARET  I will go back to shooting drop dead diva, and then do some touring all over for the remainder of the year, writing new material, blogging every day at margaretcho.com - many things!!!

COMING SOON.....INTERVIEW WITH MODWOMAN MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER PATTI STANGER

                                                      photo - Peter Tangen/BRAVO

MOD WOMAN FUNNY GIRL - SARA BENINCASA

MODW How did you get into the world of comedy?

SARA I was a bored graduate school student studying to become a high school teacher, and a classmate had just left her job in the talent department at Comedy Central. She noticed that I was unhappy (and, presumably, amusing) and suggested I get into stand-up comedy with all the other unhappy funny people. Around that time, I decided to take a class in sketch comedy at the People's Improv Theater, a comedy theater and school started by actor, comedian, and former Saturday Night Live writer Ali Farahnakian. My teacher, Kevin Allison of the comedy troupe The State, was so inspiring and fun that I started doing weird web videos in addition to stand-up comedy. And that was just about six years ago. Comedy has taken me on adventures from Norway to Los Angeles and quite a few places in between.

MODW Female comic role models and inspirations?

SARA Maria Bamford is just brilliant. She deserves lots and lots of money and fame, and I get happy everytime she gets some kind of high-profile mainstream gig. Like I knew that Target campaign a couple years ago must pay reasonably well, and I was thrilled for her because suddenly all these new people were exposed to how funny she is. She's so, so smart and her reputation as a comic is of a truly kind individual. I don't even know her, so it's possible she is secretly a devilish demon, but I think she's probably a good gal. And if I could morph into anyone, it would be Amy Sedaris. 

MODW How would one of your good friends describe you?

SARA Loving, creative, generous, terrible at picking up the phone and calling, great at picking up the phone and texting, sometimes navel-gazey to an annoying degree, prone to depression, stronger than she thinks she is. 

MODW If you could trade places with someone for a day, dead or alive, real or fictional, who would it be?

SARA Oprah. And as soon as I turned into her, I would immediately sit down and have a glass of wine and a Xanax. Just thinking about her life stresses me out. 

MODW Who would play you in a film reenactment of your life?

SARA Zach Galifianakis. We smell very similar.

MODW Most played song on your ipod?

SARA Right now, it's Florence and the Machine's "Shake It Out." 

MODW What helps you relax at the end of a long day?

SARA I lay flat on my back, take deep breaths, and enjoy the crown molding in my bedroom. 

MODW What would I find in your refrigerator?

SARA Olives, decaying kale that I never managed to juice or put in a salad, the heads of my enemies. LOL! I would never keep kale in my fridge! 

MODW Tattoos or piercing?

SARA Tattoos. Who wants something that's easily removable? I've got three tramp stamps on my lower back, because I'm from New Jersey and old habits die hard. 

MODW Go-to style staples?

SARA Black leggings, a pair of boots that stop a few inches short of the knee, and a wrap dress. 

MODW Optimist or pessimist?

SARA I'm an optimist about everything but my own chances for success in this crazy world. 

MODW People are surprised that I am....

SARA a shiksa. I'm surprised, too.  

MODW  Most proud of....

SARA (Mostly) overcoming my fear of plane travel. 

MODW Beach or snow?

SARA Oh, fuck snow. Beach beach beach beach! So long as I have access to a cool indoor area where I can nap whenever I like. 

MODW Very exciting news you just released your new book, "Agorafabulous!" detailing your experiences with agoraphobia and panic attacks, how did you take that difficult part of your life and transfer it into something so humorous?

SARA I find that the best way for me to deal with difficulties is to first feel all the feelings that come up and have a good cry, and then laugh about it. There might be a few years' space between the cry and the laugh, but so long as I get to the laugh, I know I'll be okay. 

MODW What advice would you give to others who are struggling wih agoraphobia?

SARA Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are your friends. If, like me, you can't afford expensive health insurance, check out low-cost or no-cost counseling centers in your area. Just make sure they're affiliated with the local government or a local university -- someplace reasonably reputable. No creepy fake counseling centers, ladies! One of my favorite options for folks is a university-affiliated center where psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers-in-training get their hours for accreditation.  

MODW Are there any other new exciting projects and aspirations for 2012?

SARA I'm working on a second book! This one is a YA novel, and I can't wait to get the project

MODWOMAN CORTNEY NOVOGRATZ- DESIGN GURU

              Photo courtesy of ONE1

MODW When and how did you begin your journey into designing living spaces?

CORTNEY Before Robert and I got married, We decided to buy a condemned house in Chelsea NYC, and restore it.  We earned on the job, and it was really a journey. By the end, we realized that this is what we wanted to pursue as our career and we have been designing residential and commercial spaces ever since. It has been almost twenty years! And it has remained what we love to do.

MODW How do you manage integrating your successful career in design, while raising seven kids? 

CORTNEY It's never easy. But we are lucky to have some help, and that makes it possible to do both. We have our office in our home, so that we can spend more time around the kids even when we are working. Having your husband as a partner in both the family and career makes it work even better for us.

MODW A step in the designing process that you love most of all?

CORTNEY There are so many, but seeing your final result is always thrilling. How your ideas have played out into the design of an environment.

MODW Favourite places to shop antique and vintage?

CORTNEY In New York City, Adelaide, Olde Good Things, Mantiques, Paula Rubenstein, and a day trip to the town of Husdon, New York.

MODW Close female friends? What is your favourite thing to do with your friends?

CORTNEY I am lucky to have a very close and diverse circle of female friends. I love to get together with them for a good dinner with lots of wine!

MODW Beauty regime that you follow? 

CORTNEY I have a pretty simple routine--I cleanse and apply moisturizer in the morning and the evening, and that is pretty much it. I rarely wear any makeup, except for special occasions, and then just a little mascara.

MODW Top of the Cortney Novogratz bucket list?  

CORTNEY Travel to India with my two daughters.

MODW Your favourite hangout in New York City?

CORTNEY Felix in SOHO. 

MODW Travel retreat to relax? 

CORTNEY We love to go to our home in Trancoso, Brazil.

MODW A woman that inspires you?  

CORTNEY My sister-in-law Jacqueline Novogratz, who runs Acumen, and who was recently on the cover of Forbes Magazine.

MODW A favourite part about being a mother? 

CORTNEY I love everything about being a mother. 

MODW Being a strong woman, what would you say are some of your vulnerabilities?   

CORTNEY I never focus on things like that!

MODW The last film you saw? 

CORTNEY Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I loved it.

MODW Your personal style? 

CORTNEY I have an eclectic wardrobe, It's a mix of vintage and new pieces, with a bit of a bohemian vibe, and I am a big fan of boots and color.

MODW Favorite fragrance? 

CORTNEY Classic Chanel #5

MODW A typical day for Cortney Novogratz? 

CORTNEY It starts with lots of coffee! And involves focusing my attention in many different directions, and at night, having a nice glass of wine with Robert and relaxing!

MODW Type of music you listen to? Who might we find on your playlist?  

CORTNEY A mix of different things-Dixie Chicks, Black Keys, Theophilus London, Miles Davis.

MODW Your favorite thing about Robert? 

CORTNEY He's a great father, and he has a wicked sense of humour.

MODW Throughout your journey, one of the most memorable moments?

CORTNEY Having each of my children, obviously, but professionally, finishing that first home. It gave me a ton of confidence to keep on going and pursue what I love to do.

MODW Any exciting new projects or aspirations?  

CORTNEY We always have a lot going on. We are currently shooting Season 2 of our TV show, Home by Novogratz on HGTV, working on a new book that will come out this Fall, we will have a new line of decor products coming out soon and new projects all the time. 

Cora Kouchak

MODWOMAN Jill ZARIN - An All-Encompassing Designer

MODW What inspires you?

JILL My everyday life inspires. I like to think of myself as a solution based brand. I try to create products that will make my day to day life easier and more simple. 

MODW How is it like being part-owner of Zarin Fabrics with your husband?

JILL It’s wonderful to be able to work creatively and share ideas with someone not only on a personal level, but also in business. Bobby and I don’t always agree or see things the same way, but that’s what makes a business successful. Everyone has strong points and weaknesses and luckily Bobby and I even each other out. 

MODW What do you and your husband do during your down time seeing that you both lead busy professional lives?

JILL Bobby and I love to travel. I always say to Bobby, “Life is too short. You can sleep when your dead.” We love spending quality time with our family and traveling to new places. We also love just laying in bed and watching old movies with our dog Ginger at night. 

MODW You are also a mother to a beautiful daughter, how would you describe the relationship with your daughter? 

JILL Allyson and I have a wonderful mother daughter relationship. We don’t always see eye to eye on everything, but who does? Ally is extremely talented and unique. She makes me think about things that I never thought of before and see things in a different way. 

MODW What wisdom or words of encouragement to do you try to pass on to your daughter?

JILL Always be grateful ( thank you notes are important) , think things thru before reacting and remember whatever you do or say could be on the front page of the NY TIMES so act accordingly.

MODW What are some of the biggest hurdles you have overcome throughout your personal journey that all women can relate to? 

JILL I have challenges everyday so I don't rank them from smallest to biggest, I just handle them as best as I can.

MODW Where do you find the balance between your personal and professional life? 

JILL Sometimes the line is blurred and I fall off the balance beam.

MODW We are almost entering 2012 and women's roles in business have advanced more. Do you think we still have some challenges of being a woman in the Business world today? 

JILL Men and women have different roles in society and always will. Women are moms and that will always be our number # 1 priority if one has children. Men are hunters and gathers. If we were all the same..nothing would get done.

MODW What women do you admire and why?

JILL I admire my mom, Gloria Kamen, as she has always told me the truth whether I liked it or not! 

MODW Do you have a lot of close female friends? Describe your ideal girl’s night out. 

JILL My mother told me...and it's true...you will have your most friends in your 20's when you are single, 30's will be couples with small kids, 40's you start to edit them down, 50's you are down to about 5 great friends and over 60 you are down to less than a handful as you become more selective. I am not a big fan of girls night out. Nights are for my husband. I like the "ladies who lunch" crowd.

MODW Describe your experience of being a part of the TV series New York City Housewives. What did you learn from the show? 

JILL Over 4 years I learned so much and learned to let things go and not take things so personally.

MODW What are some of your career plans going forward? 

JILL I have spent the past year developing my own Brand, Skweez Couture by Jill Zarin. It is a solution based brand to make women look and feel their best including shapewear, leggings and tights with shaping features. I already have Jill Zarin Bedding in national stores and my jewellery line will be launching very soon.

MODW How do you unwind at the end of the day? 

JILL Laying in bed with my dog ginger

MODW What is your favourite indulgent? 

JILL Pinkberry




Cassandra Principe