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10 Things I Love About Dallas
It blows my mind when my friends in LA have never been to Dallas, Texas; this sweet southern spot is full of so much charm mixed with city living. Texas is such a gem of a state (all of us locals are a bit biased), and it has the most safe, settling feeling about it. Can I get an amen? After moving to Los Angeles, I appreciate this lovely place more than ever. I miss the gentlemen opening doors, chivalry displayed at its best, predicted traffic, and the genuine smiles you pass on the daily. I was just talking with a local here in California this week about how Southern living is so centered around quality time with people rather than the next task, trip, or adventure. Both are beautiful, but the initial seems to be extra meaningful.Here are my top ten favorite qualities about the Big D.1. The people. There is nothing like the people in Dallas; this city is truly filled with the most genuinely sweet and warm people. I feel like everywhere I go, I run into some one I know - it makes the city feel like a cozy small town in the best of ways. Not to mention, my life long friends are there as well as my family. This is what makes the city the most wonderful place in my opinion!2. I love the little neighborhoods that branch off of the city; there are so many hidden gems such as Bishop Arts District, Trinity Groves, Highland Park, Legacy, Deep Ellum, Uptown, Knox/Henderson, and Preston Hollow. These suburbs each have their own sweet personality and create such special places to call home.
3. Everything is so close by! No matter where you are, there seems to be several grocery stores within a five-minute driving span. Every thing is right at your finger tips! Also, a “far” drive in Dallas is on average twenty minutes with no traffic. #adreamcometrue4. Football is life here. For those of you that know me know that I am a huge Cowboys fan, so I love being in the city that represents this amazing football team + the stadium is my heaven. Everyone's schedules are determined around the games, and the watching parties are the most fun excuse to have big get-togethers with all of your loved ones! P.S. I loved growing up tossing the football with my dad and learning how to throw a solid spiral throw from my guy friends.5. My arm prosthetist as well as my eye prosthetist are in Dallas, and they are the best of the best! What a blessing they both have been in my life.
6. Travel is extra easy from Dallas since it is in the center of the South.7. The city is so clean. Dallas is so well taken care of; it is one of the things I appreciate most about this city.8. When I land, I feel like I am home. It is so settling, cozy, and comforting. It is very family oriented and every place is filled with the most friendly faces!9. This city is known for its restaurants and shopping. A few favorites: R&D Kitchen, Bird Bakery, Nick and Sams, True Food Kitchen, La Duni, Mi Cocina, Crudo, Sea Breeze, Eight 11, and of course, Northpark Mall + all of the cute villages for shopping.
10. I have an obsession with the Tollway. Is that weird? Lol. I know every swist and turn and the traffic patterns + it is just fun to drive. Even though I live in LA, I still thoroughly enjoy reading the Tollway update emails - I can’t help myself ha!11. Oopsies. Can I get a #11? I am so grateful for the Village Church. It was a tool and a community that helped to shape my faith. The staff feels like family, and the impact of their lives, the way they wrapped around my family during hardship, and the heart of the leadership has forever changed my life.
The Story Behind the Model: Anya Brill
The modeling industry is like a close-knit family. It is a fascinating art, as if fashion meets acting, and what's even more fascinating is hearing the stories behind the models. They seem to embrace their personal selves rather than conform to the mediocre, and that is why I highly respect this profession. Meet Anya Brill. She is progressing in the modeling world, and she shares with LOLO her journey and her beauty tips. Whether you are an artist or an accountant, her career goal mindset for the future is a framework for adoption!
How did your modeling career start?When I was thirteen, my mom signed me up for a Back-to-School Fashion Show. I fell in love with modeling the moment I stepped onto the runway. When I was fourteen I did another Back-to-School Fashion Show, and my love for modeling grew even more. I was 16 when my hobby, modeling, turned more into a career. It all started with being a Campaign model for Tess Designs here in Austin, Texas.What has been the biggest surprise about the industry?The biggest surprise I have experienced is that it is all about relationships. There has not been a lot of competition between models, but rather a lot of friendships are being built. I have also worked with many Christians, which I love, because I too am a Christian. I definitely see God's hand in my career.What is your biggest goal in your career path?I love traveling and hope to travel abroad. I see myself walking the runway in Milan and Paris. Of course, I hope to be a part of New York Fashion Week as well, and one day be signed by Elite Model Management in NYC. My ultimate goal for my career is to have my own brand name, ‘Anya’. I am looking into it now and have big dreams for the future!What is your favorite part about living in Austin?I love Austin’s fun, laid-back vibe. While the fashion here is quite casual, Austin has a growing fashion scene. This summer I walked in Austin Fashion Week and loved every second of it. I was nominated in the top five for Best Female Model: Industry Choice and Best Female Model: People’s Choice. My favorite part about living in Austin is that Austin is weird and no one cares what you look like. After a photo shoot or runway, if my hair and make up are ridiculous, everyone loves it!! I love going out after gigs!
What are the must-have items in your purse?Lip Gloss! Lip Gloss! Lip Gloss! I could not live without my lip gloss! As well as my phone and my credit card!What music are you listening to now?I love to work out to the popular hits. I really like the strength of Carrie Underwood. I love Enrique Iglesias, Skillet, LeCrae, and anything that keeps me energized.What is your favorite beauty tip?Hmmm...that's a hard one. It has to be "Less is More." I’m also a big believer in good posture; it always makes you look taller and thinner. My number one advice is to always bring a smile.
If you could follow the career path of one model, who would it be?I would LOVE to follow in the career path of Gisele Bundchen. She went from being a model for Victoria’s Secret to modeling all over the world for big designers and is now a household name. I love the fact that now she’s known just by her first name, which is also a personal goal for me! She was also a volleyball player like myself and had humble beginnings before conquering the whole world of fashion.Guilty pleasure?I have to have my hot fudge sundaes! I couldn't live without them.Who is your style icon?I really admire Rachel Bilson’s sense of style. She has really gone from being an actress to being known even more for her personal style and good taste. I would love to be known for my own style and be a muse for designers. I love fashion and hope to be a big name!