Getting to Know McKenzie Westmore

You may recognize McKenzie Westmore from her 10 year run as "Sheridan Crane" on NBC's popular daytime drama Passions but that isn't all she is best known for - an actress, television host, wife, mother and fitness and health enthusiast are a few more titles she holds. Currently, she is host of SyFy's new special effects and make-up competition series FACE OFF - a new show we are loving. 

McKenzie also has quite the background in personal training and nutrition as a health, beauty, fitness and nutrition enthusiast! What else could she add to her full multi-tasking plate? A line of wellness products! McKenzie has created a line to enhance the health, beauty and well being of women everywhere. 

We are thrilled to share the lovely Mrs. Westmore with our readers as she truly is an inspiration of how you can do it all! 

{1} You do it all -- you hold so many titles. How do you manage it all?

Some days I wonder myself! Honestly, I am a very organized  person but even still it’s not easy and it’s always a juggling act. I am always making notes in my phone for the day of what needs to be accomplished, making sure Maddox is taken care of at all times! 

{2} Many of us watched you for years on Passions. Do you miss that chapter in your life? Do you have a favorite episode you filmed?  

There are certain aspects that I miss from my Passions days but am thrilled with where my life and career are headed now. As or a favorite episode I would have to say the first Tango between Luis and Sheridan.  It was really the first time seeing the sparks between the characters and my first time dancing on television, which scared me to death but I loved it! 

{3} Congrats on your new show, Face Off! What can you tell us about the new competition series? 

Face Off is a competition/elimination series exploring the world of special-effects make-up. The contestants are given a certain amount of time to create their own original works of art ranging from full body paint make up on models to creating their own horror villain. Not only does the show incorporate effects make-up but it will also include a wide range of skill sets. It all ends with one winner and one grand prize that will launch a career.  

Each episode brings something new and exciting.  If you have ever asked “How did they do that?” or “How did they make that?” in a movie or television show then FACE OFF is for you!

{4} Besides the new show you are working on developing a line of wellness products. Can you tell us a little about that?  

I’m working on a series of products for beauty, health, nutrition and wellness.  I'm very excited about these products because they have been inspired by my family's rich history, knowledge, and legacy as pioneers in the world of Hollywood make-up arts.  

{5} What can we find in your make-up bag?  

Oh boy!  What cant you find! I love trying and testing out new products but my staples are a bronze primer to start.  I’m not big on foundation since it’s so heavy on the skin and I love a more natural look so I use a tinted moisturizer with spf, mineral powder.  

As for my signature colors, I always stick with a pink blush and pink eye shadow with either brown or black eyeliner and use either white or light blue on the table of my eye to brighten them up.  For lips its usually just gloss and now I Love Lip Fusion XL!  It has totally pumped my lips naturally! 

{6} With background in personal training - what do you always tell your clients? Do you have a favorite work out?  

I always stress the importance of a well-rounded workout that is based in cardio and weight bearing moves.  I’ve always been a big fan of yoga because it not only is so great for the body but for the mind and soul too!  One of my all time favorite yoga practices is HP Yoga by Steve Ilg. 

{7} For those who always can't get to the gym - what do you suggest they do in their own home? 

When it’s a rainy day and I'm home I do a combination of yoga based moves as well as jumping jacks, pushups, jogging in place…etc…you really can get a great workout in wherever you are with simple tools we all have in our home.   Even when Maddox was a baby I would incorporate him in my workouts holding him close doing squats and such.  

10 THINGS WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT MCKENZIE! 

I’ve really been an open book most my life so here goes… 

1. I trained in opera and am a coloratura soprano.  I love to sing to this day! 

2. I am a trained equestrian rider in English and Gymnastics on horseback. 

3. I can raise one eyebrow and wiggle my ears.

4. I hate liver and onions.

5. I could live on sushi! 

6. I’m an expressive person and communicator and a huge pet peeve is when someone doesn’t pay me the same respect.

7. I first acting job was at 14 months old in a Bold Detergent commercial. 

8. My favorite color is turquoise.

9.  My favorite cars are a ’57 Chevy and Mercedes Gull wing.

10. I love to bake and make a mean cookie! 

Love her right? We do! Make sure you follow McKenzie on Twitter and tune in to Face Off on the SyFy channel, Wednesday at 10pm! 

Workin' Out Fabulously

By Candace Cabrera Moore

The New Year is finally here, and if you're anything like me, you're feeling the effects of indulging over the holidays. Now is the perfect time to get into the gym and sweat off the cookies and cakes and cocktails...the only problem is what to wear?! Lululemon Athletica is a fantastic brand for yoga and workout wear. The Canadian brand's quality is not to be outdone, and their careful design and materials ensure you will feel no chafing, rubbing or uncomfortable seam. To top it off, the cuts and styles available guarantee that no matter what your body type, you will feel as fabulous as you look. My favorite pant is the wunder under crop. It hugs your body in all the right places, and Lululemon's signature luon material is so comfortable- designed to wick away sweat and let your body breathe. Who could ask for anything more?! 

Bethenny Frankel --- THE Skinnygirl CHEF’S TEN ESSENTIAL KITCHEN RULES (PLUS we are giving away 2 of copies of her NEW book!)

THE SKINNYGIRL DISH: Easy Recipes For Your Naturally Thin Life is the next step on the Skinnygirl journey and helps you get in touch with your inner chef while putting an end to the anxiety about what and how to eat.

With her nonstop Skinnygirl lifestyle, Bethenny empathizes with people who don’t have the time, patience or energy to cook. In THE SKINNYGIRL DISH, Bethenny walks readers through her kitchen, her cooking philosophy, the way she prepares for special occasions, or for a simple every day snack or meal. Throughout “the dish”, she inspires readers to use what they have, substitute empty calories for healthier ingredients, and create an endless array of simple, delicious, and creative dishes in their own kitchens, rather than limit themselves to someone else’s recipe. This is cooking the Skinnygirl way!

THE SKINNYGIRL DISH is divided into three parts:

• Part one teaches readers how to feel more confident with their cooking, how to stock their kitchen, how to cook by using what they have, and how to think like a chef. Bethenny also shares common cooking mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Part two contains recipes, amusing stories, tips for meals, snacks and drinks, and suggestions for how readers can tailor the recipes to their own needs and desires.

• Part three features chapters on Skinnygirl-style entertaining for special occasions and holidays. She also includes tips for personalizing recipes contributed by Chef Bobby Flay and stars from Top Chef.

THE Skinnygirl CHEF’S TEN ESSENTIAL KITCHEN RULES

From The Skinnygirl Dish by Bethenny Frankel

Rule #1 - Don’t Be a Hero

When convenient, use nonstick cookware instead of stainless steel. Use a quality broth instead of homemade stock. Buy pizza dough from your favorite local pizza joint.

Don’t be afraid to save time when it won’t significantly affect the outcome.

Rule #2 – Use What You Have

Substitute leeks or shallots for onions or scallions, dried herbs for fresh, basil for oregano, walnuts for onions, broccoli for zucchini, chicken for fish, etc.

Rule #3 – Something’s Got to Give

Taste should be your first priority, but being healthy can be delicious. Vegetables sautéed or roasted in oil taste richer. Bread is delicious with a bit of butter or olive oil.

Rule #4 – Embrace the “It Ain’t Worth It” Moment

Don’t torture yourself about every detail of a recipe. Step back and realize when it just isn’t worth the aggravation. You won’t want to cook if you don’t enjoy cooking.

Rule #5 – Taste As You Go

Good cooks always taste their food as they cook it. Amateur cooks simply follow a recipe, mix it all up and pray for the best.

Rule #6 – Mise en Place – the French Cooking Term You Should Know

“Put in place.” Pre-measure and put all ingredients into small ramekins or glass bowls. Line them up in the order you need them.

Take out all the tools you’ll need before you begin cooking.

Rule #7 – Memorize a Few Basics

Memorize a few key basics, like how many tablespoons are in a cup or whether you can bake muffins without using eggs. That way you won’t keep running to the Internet.

Rule #8 – Presentation is Everything

Garnish your dishes with brightly colored raw vegetables or herbs.

Contrast colors in your salads, and between main and side dishes.

Put fresh flowers on the table and light candles.

Rule #9 – Utilize the Leftovers

Use recyclable containers, label, and arrange leftovers into meal-sized portions. Be creative with recipes and substitute ingredients with what needs to be used.

Rule #10 – Minimize Clean-Up

Bribe friends and family with their favorite food. Bribery is perfectly acceptable if used for good, not evil – and cleaning your kitchen is always good.

In Naturally Thin Bethenny taught readers, “Your diet is your bank account.” In THE SKINNYGIRL DISH, she says, “Food is like your wardrobe.” It’s easy to open the closet and say that there’s nothing to wear, just as it’s easy to open the refrigerator and say there’s nothing to eat. With her famous wit and real-world sensibility, Bethenny shows how to start with the classic, base ingredients – the culinary versions of the perfect pair of jeans and the little black dress – and take risks, be daring, accessorize, and remember that even when eating healthy… variety is the spice of life.

We want to you to have your own copy for your coffee table or book shelf so we are giving two readers the chance to win YOUR very own copy! In a sentence below, tell us just why you can’t LIVE without Bethenny’s words of wisdom. Don’t forget to leave an email address too!

*All comments must be received by Monday, January 18th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly. Open to U.S. residents only.*

For more information on THE SKINNYGIRL Dish please visit: www.bethenny.com or www.simonandschuster.com