"My fantasy is to have a whole zoo of animals in my backyard," says Ostrosky Stern, shown here with her English bulldog, Bianca.

By Josie Rubio

VIVmag cover model Beth Ostrosky Stern, wife of Howard Stern, became involved with animal rescue and adoption organization North Shore Animal League America five years ago when she was asked to volunteer her time to model couture gowns while carrying puppies down the runway for their annual Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon. “I wouldn’t leave the runway until every animal was adopted,” she recalls.

Now a regular visitor to the shelter, Ostrosky Stern says her first stop is to see the adult pets, whose owners in many cases have passed away. “They’re living the later part of their years at a shelter, and it’s so heartbreaking, because they’re often the most perfect dogs,” she says.

Animal rights activism runs in Ostrosky Stern’s blood. Growing up, her family rescued dogs, cats and guinea pigs — she and her siblings even paid visits “for years and years” to a few baby chicks that were sent to a farm once they grew into chickens. “When Howard and I started dating, we had a fantasy of getting a dog together. I didn’t even know of any pet stores because that wasn’t an option growing up,” she says.

Ostrosky Stern ran the New York City Marathon last fall in an effort to raise more than $300,000 for North Shore Animal League. Her favorite moment? Being greeted at the finish line by the shelter’s staff and volunteers, as well as Stern and his youngest daughter, Ashley. “I think Howard was pretty shocked that I wasn’t even sweating,” she says. “It was like an adrenaline rush.”

For more on Ostrosky Stern’s work with charitable causes — and to see photos of her with her adorable English bulldog Bianca Romijn-Stamos-Ostrosky-Stern-O’Connell — click here to check out VIVmag’s July/August cover story!

"Loving what you do is the secret to happiness," Kirsebom says. "It gives you energy at work."

By Gabrielle Gayagoy

Discovered when she was just 13 years old in Stockholm, Sweden, by Ford Models co-founder Eileen Ford, supermodel Vendela Kirsebom has spent more than two decades gracing the covers of countless magazines, including Esquire and Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, and modeling for brands such as Almay, Elizabeth Arden and Victoria’s Secret. Now, at age 42, the 5-foot-8-inch beauty looks as stunning as ever — and she feels better than ever too.

“I’m in a good place in my life,” Kirsebom says. “And I think the secret really is to love what you do.”

Bouncing Back
Kirsebom’s passion for her work helped her stay grounded during what was perhaps the toughest period of her life. Having split from her husband of 11 years in 2007, Kirsebom says of that time, “I wasn’t really sure how I would deal with it.” After juggling questions of what would be best for her two daughters, now 11 and 9, Kirsebom reconciled herself to remaining in Oslo, Norway, so that her children could be close to both parents. During this time, Kirsebom was steeped in her role as host of both Norway’s Next Top Model and Sweden’s Next Top Model, the Scandinavian spinoffs of America’s Next Top Model.

“It was a good thing for me to start working where I actually live instead of always traveling,” says Kirsebom, who now puts her vast experience (which includes writing, acting and jewelry design) to use mentoring the shows’ contestants.

Over time, Kirsebom has created a new life for herself, and now she even has a steady beau. “I have a new boyfriend who’s been in my life for over a year,” she says. “One of the reasons I think we hooked up is because of food. He’s a great cook.”

Taking Care of Herself
Food fanaticism is a prerequisite for members of Kirsebom’s inner circle. She says she loves swapping recipes and preparing meals from scratch using fresh ingredients. “Right now, I’m on an Indian trip. For Easter, we made a really great lamb korma, and then we made a chicken that was marinated in yogurt and spices for 24 hours. You could eat it with a spoon!”

Kirsebom’s repertoire also includes homemade meatballs (Swedish, of course) and Middle Eastern favorites like hummus. “I got my interest in cooking from my mom and also my grandmother. Now my daughters are very interested too. They like making cakes and desserts.”

To maintain her svelte figure in spite of her kitchen adventures, Kirsebom says she sticks with regular meal times — 6:30 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. She also runs, practices yoga and goes horseback riding with her girls. “With work and with kids, I don’t have time to exercise as much as I used to, but I try to do it three times a week. Sometimes it’s more like twice.”

Kirsebom has a decidedly European attitude when it comes to aging — she says she’s happy with her natural look and not fearful about getting older. But, she adds, “I don’t mind plastic surgery on others. People have to do whatever they feel comfortable with, as long as it’s something you choose and it’s not a husband or somebody else who’s choosing for you.”

Model Mom
Empowering women to call their own shots is an issue that’s important to Kirsebom. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the past 13 years, she’s traveled to places such as Bangladesh, Bolivia and India to help raise awareness about girls’ education. “After I had my own children, the issue became even more important to me,” Kirsebom says. “If you can’t read and you can’t write, you’re so handicapped with everything.”

As a mom who cares deeply about education, loves to whip up home-cooked meals for her children and manages a successful career that continues to evolve, Kirsebom certainly deserves a happy Mother’s Day. And we can’t think of a more perfect person for VIVmag’s May/June cover!

Click here for more on Vendela’s favorites.

Credits
Photography: Ondrea Barbe
Model: Vendela/Ford Models
Styling: Kristina Ferrante Coleman
Hair: Kevin Woon at Woon Salon/Jed Root Inc.
Makeup: Susan Giordano for giordanobeauty.com/Kramer+Kramer
Clothing: Monique Lhuillier cocktail dress; Vera Wang necklace; Olivia Morris for Barbara Tfank high-heel sandals

Vendela Kirsebom keeps her skin looking luminous with Secrets de Sothys face cream.

VIVmag’s May/June cover model shares her personal picks for stressing less and staying gorgeous. Her favorites:

BOOK
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (Knopf, 2008)
“Larsson is an amazing Swedish writer who died of a heart attack when he was 50. His books have sold worldwide and you can’t put them down. You start reading it and it’s like you can’t eat, you can’t drink, you can’t do anything: You just have to read.”

FACE CREAM
Secrets de Sothys Global Anti-Age Destressing Cream
“I started using this when I turned 35 — it’s for older skin. It’s definitely worth finding a good cream and not doing what I sometimes do, which is buy something because it’s in a beautiful jar. You have to get samples and test what works for you.”

PICK-ME-UP
Cappuccino with whole milk
“I love my espresso in the morning with whole milk — I make the foam and everything. I don’t like it with skim. For me, real stuff is the best.”

STRESS RELIEVER
IKEA candles
“I love candles. Sometimes I burn a lot of them, so it’s better to buy cheaper ones.”

HAND CREAM
Eau Thermale Avène Hand Cream with Cold Cream
“It’s a French brand you can actually buy in the pharmacy. It’s really good and I think they have a lot of great products, including sunblock for the face.”

Click here to check out Kirsebom’s interactive fashion spread in the May/June issue!

Credits
Photography: Ondrea Barbe
Model: Vendela/Ford Models
Styling: Kristina Ferrante Coleman
Hair: Kevin Woon at Woon Salon/Jed Root Inc.
Makeup: Susan Giordano for giordanobeauty.com/Kramer+Kramer
Clothing: BCBGMAXAZRIA dress

Colds account for more doctor visits in the United States than any other condition, according to the American Lung Association. Adults get two to four colds per year, mostly between September and May. If you’re an optimist who sees the glass of orange juice as half-full, that means we’re more than halfway through cold season. Here, four tips for making your cold more bearable.

1. Break out the (eye) glasses. Colds affect production of outer-eye fluids, causing dry eyes, says William Benjamin, O.D., Ph.D., professor of optometry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He recommends reducing contact-lens wear while you’re sick to reduce irritation, and swapping daily-wear contacts for extended-wear. But you might as well don your specs for ultimate comfort — you don’t really want a crystal-clear view of yourself when you have a cold anyway, do you?

2. Skip the hot toddy. The alcohol in this traditional cold remedy can cause dehydration. Instead, opt for broths, tea and water, says Winnie Yu, author of What to Eat for What Ails You (Fair Winds Press, 2007): “The extra hydration will help minimize congestion and keep the mucus from becoming too thick.” Recent research from Cardiff University’s Common Cold Centre in Wales found that hot drinks provide immediate relief for runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and fatigue. The study involved warm fruit juice, so try heating up some apple cider or make some noncaffeinated tea.

3. Tickle your funny bone. Laughing hurts when your nose is raw and sore, but according to a study from Oak Crest Health Research Institute, the anticipation of laughter reduces stress hormones that are potentially detrimental to the immune system by up to 70 percent. Keep that immune system in check with The Little Cold Book (Quirk Books, 2005), which promises to keep you entertained for the duration of your cold, with home remedies, movie suggestions and how to figure out who to blame for your current misery.

4. Veg out with veggies. “Feeding a cold isn’t a free pass to eat whatever you want,” Yu says. She recommends fruits and steamed vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli and red peppers. Though dairy products increase mucus production in some, yogurt that contains probiotics has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of colds. The antioxidant minerals selenium and zinc, which help immunity, can be found in eggs, chicken and whole grains, Yu says.

It’s true that Americans are tightening their belts in response to grim economic conditions. A Harris Interactive survey found 71 percent of adults plan to spend less this holiday season. But that doesn’t mean charities will be Scrooged: 49 percent of survey respondents also said that they plan to make charitable donations as a gift. Looking for a worthy cause so you can follow suit? Here are 10 organizations that get the thumbs-up from Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator.

1. Action Against Hunger This organization commits itself to saving the lives of malnourished children and families, especially those affected by war, conflict or natural disaster. It also ensures communities access to clean drinking water and sanitation, implements health programs, works for humanitarian advocacy and creates infrastructure for self-sufficiency and sustainable solutions. Click to give.

2. American Architectural Foundation Since 1943, this nonprofit has inspired and educated individuals and communities about the effect architecture has on quality of life and well-being. Programs include Great Schools by Design, an initiative to improve the quality of school design in the United States, and the Mayors’ Institute on City Design, a program to improve the livability of American cities. Click to give.

3. American Hiking Society For the outdoorsy type, consider a donation or gift membership to this group that promotes and protects hiking trails through outreach, education and by working for policy and legislation. The $30 Gift Membership includes American Hiker and Backpacker magazines and discounts on hiking gear. Click to give.

4. Cancer Research Institute The only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to scientific and clinical efforts leading to the treatment, control and prevention of cancer, the institute’s goal is to find immune-based approaches to beat the disease. Click to give.

5. Equality Now This groups works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls worldwide, bringing attention to rape, domestic violence, reproductive rights, trafficking, genital mutilation and political participation discrimination. The Women’s Action Network is made up of more than 35,000 members in 160 countries who protest human-rights violations against females. Click to give.

6. Jumpstart This charity pairs low-income preschool children with college mentors for one school year to develop literacy, language and social skills. Bonus: Donations of up to $5,000 made through December are matched by a Jumpstart board member. Click to give.

7. National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts This foundation assists emerging artists at critical junctures in their education and careers in music (classical to popular), dance, film, photography, theater, writing and visual arts. Its youngARTS program has bestowed $6.4 million in awards and $80 million toward college scholarships, helping up-and-coming artists realize their dreams. Click to give.

8. Surfrider Foundation Started in 1984 by a group of California surfers, the foundation now has 80 chapters worldwide working for clean water and beach access and preservation. A Holiday Gift Membership ($44) includes a limited-edition Surfrider Foundation organic T-shirt or tote, a sticker and six issues of Making Waves. Click to give.

9. World Wildlife Fund A donation to this group is the perfect gift for an animal lover. Since 1961, the WWF has worked to protect animal habitats and endangered species and promote sustainable approaches to natural resources. Those who donate $75 or more will receive a WWF ornament. Click to give.

10. The Young Women’s Leadership Network This group creates single-gender public schools and college-access programs across the country. The YWL Girls’ Schools provide first-rate education and the CollegeBound Initiative, which now serves 5,000 students in 10 urban schools, specializes in increasing college enrollment and financial aid for low-income, inner-city students. Click to give.

The majority of lung-cancer victims (60 percent) are not current smokers; they either had quit or never smoked. Yet sufferers are often met with a lack of support or sympathy because people often believe that they have brought it upon themselves, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for people affected by the disease. “It’s not just a smoker’s disease,” says Kay Cofrancesco, the alliance’s director of external relations. “We want to shift the paradigm.” While smoking increases lung-cancer risk, it’s not the only cause. Secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas and other harmful airborne materials are all believed to play a role. In addition, some researchers attribute a higher incidence of lung cancer in women to higher estrogen levels.

Early diagnosis is difficult because the symptoms of lung cancer are similar to other common illnesses, and many sufferers don’t experience them until they reach the late stages of the disease. If you have a history of smoking or a first-degree relative with lung cancer, or have been exposed to harmful materials, talk to a physician and discuss early detection strategies. After a physical exam, your doctor will likely recommend one of the following diagnostic tests:

Chest X-ray This is the most common test for lung cancer, but unfortunately, small tumors are not always visible on the two-dimensional image.

Computed tomography (CT) scan Also known as a CAT scan, this test can detect small tumors and help your doctor determine where the cancer may have spread.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Magnetic fields are used to create clear images that will spot tumors in tissues, muscles, nerves and bones.

Thoracoscopy A surgical procedure that explores the surface of the lungs and the chest wall lining.

To learn more as well as find a helpful list of questions to ask your doctor, log on to lungcanceralliance.org or click here to assess your risk with this web tool.

Like a cocktail party, a cheese tasting works just as well for intimate get-togethers (a book-club gathering or end-of-week work celebration) as it does for larger events (such as an anniversary or birthday party). The three party-planning principles listed below are the same no matter how many guests you are entertaining; just add some wine and a few condiments, and you’ll soon be ready to take your friends, family or co-workers on an edible adventure they will remember long after they leave your living room.

1. Choose up to five interesting cheeses
“Any more than five cheeses and the palate becomes confused,” says Los Angeles-based cheese expert Barrie Lynn, founder of The Cheese Impresario.

For variety, you may want to pick a cow’s-milk cheese, a goat cheese and a sheep cheese. But you would do just as well with a tasting featuring several types of blue cheeses or a grouping of cheeses from the same geographic region, like Wisconsin. A little goes a long way when it comes to this flavorsome food, so count on just 4-6 ounces of cheese per person.

2. Round out your buffet spread with an  assortment of condiments
These can include wildflower honey, artisanal jams, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and unusual breads and crackers.

3. Pop open a bottle of bubbly
Italian Prosecco can stand up to just about any cheese. A grown-up nonalcoholic sparkler that’s herbal-based, like Britain’s Aqua Libra, is also a nice touch.

ONLINE RESOURCES

No cheese shop near you? Check out these terrific links:

For more about cheese, visit wisdairy.com. This educational site offers complete information on how cheese is made, including a video so you can learn all about the process.

Or shop online at one of these fine cheese retailers:
Artisanal Premium Cheese
The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills
Murray’s Cheese

Don’t crash diet. If you fast in the weeks before your trip, you’ll just end up slowing your metabolism, which leads to rapid weight gain when you start eating normally during your trip.

Stroll around the airport. Nix the moving sidewalks and stroll laps around the terminal when you have a roller bag. Window-shop while you kill time. Anything to make up for the calories you won’t burn sitting on a plane.

Bring healthy snacks for the flight. Nuts, protein bars or fruit are great choices. Or eat a satisfying meal, such as a sandwich or salad, prior to departure.

Drink water. Hunger and thirst can feel similar, and since air travel dehydrates you, drink plenty of water before and during the flight. And minimize alcohol and caffeine consumption on travel days.

Plan snacks ahead. If your hotel has a fridge, find a local market and get some cottage cheese and fruit to snack on. Bring nuts, fruit or energy bars when you go sightseeing.

Live a little! Feel like having dessert or wine? Skip the bread and potatoes. Splurge on regional food items and house specialties, not chips or junk food.

Skip sugary beverages and cocktails. Margaritas and daiquiris contain up to 500 calories and can easily pack on 1-2 pounds a week. Is it really worth it? Treat yourself to one on your first day; then avoid drinking your calories for the rest of the trip.

Stay true to your eating plan. Stick with protein-based meals and snacks, high-quality carbohydrates and reasonable portions most of the time.

Get extra physical activity each day. Swim, snorkel, bike the countryside, go for walks after dinner, go dancing.

Back home, go food-shopping ASAP. It’s important to get back on track with your nutrition program right away. By filling the fridge with healthy food as soon as you return, it guarantees you’ll stick to your plan.

According to Washington, D.C.-based Sherry A. Marts, Ph.D., there are two ways the brain responds to smoking: the physical changes that the drug elicits in the brain, and the psychological craving for the act of smoking. It is the second component that women struggle with the most. “It’s often the feel of the cigarette in the hand or the taste of smoke that triggers more cravings in response to the environment,” Marts says. In other words, the act of smoking becomes a larger factor in the addiction than the nicotine itself, which explains why a nicotine patch alone might not be enough to kick the habit.

An estimated 75 percent of the United States’s female smokers say they want to quit. So how do you do it? Consider these three options, Marts suggests:

Prescription antidepressants. Short-term use of antidepressants has been shown to lower anxiety levels that drive addiction; see your doctor for more information.

Counseling and group support. Finding others who are going through the same battle as you can make all the difference, and having a counselor guide you through the process is a great motivator. For help in your area, call the American Cancer Society’s toll-free hotline at (800) 227-2345 or log on to cancer.org, or the North American Quitline Consortium website at naquitline.org.

Employee assistance programs. Many employers offer smoking-cessation programs or can direct you toward a support group; ask your human resources department for more information.

1.  In the shower, spend 2 minutes massaging shampoo into your scalp. “Working from the nape to the crown, put both hands on your scalp and move the pads of your fingertips in a circular motion,” says Jessica Galvan, the Beverly Hills, Calif., hairstylist who gave Victoria Beckham her signature bob. The jury is still out on the claim that scalp massage promotes hair growth by stimulating blood circulation, but massage will help the scalp shed dead skin cells-cutting down on dandruff-and, hey, it feels good.

2.  Using a wide-tooth comb, distribute conditioner through your hair for three to five minutes while you’re still in the shower.  “You want to make sure that you get conditioner on every single strand,” says Galvan.  First apply the conditioner to your ends, which is the oldest, most damaged hair, then to the midshaft.  What’s left on the comb can then be applied to the roots.

3. After shampooing and conditioning, wrap a towel around your head and wait 5 minutes before putting on leave-in conditioner, straightening balm or other pre-styling products. Your hair’s cuticle is like a sponge, points out Christyn Nawrot, national training director for Phyto haircare products. If it’s already saturated with water, it won’t be able to drink in any added products.

4.  Don’t put a tool-a brush, a comb or, especially, a blow dryer-to your hair until it is 70 percent dry, says Nawrot, making it less vulnerable to damage.  In a hurry?  Hold your blow dryer 3 to 4 inches over the crown of your head, and wave it back and forth for 3 to 5 minutes, while ruffling your hair with your fingers. Then, start styling.

5. Style your hair completely dry not 90 or 95 percent dry. “It’s essential to get your hair absolutely bone dry,” says Nawrot.  “Or within an hour your hair will droop, lose volume or frizz up.” When you think your hair is dry, don’t stop. “Instead, put your dryer on a cool setting,” advises Nawrot, “hold it a couple of inches from your head, and, for 3 to 5 minutes, run your fingers through your hair, smoothing out the strands.”

6.  Don’t use a flat iron or curling iron until your hair is 100 percent dry. If it’s still damp, a telltale sizzle will let you know you’re frying your hair. But what you can’t hear, says Nawrot, is that you’re creating stress fractures in your locks that will lead to breakage, sometimes midway down the hair shaft.

7.  As a final touch, add shine and control with two drops of a smoothing serum or a spritz of a weightless, non-tacky spray or definition and texture with a pea- to hazelnut-sized dab of pomade or wax.