AVANT GOTHICA WITH VSA

We’re excited to share an interview from our Athleisure Mag Summit Series which gives you an indepth look at a brand that we have had the pleasure of including in our photoshoots from celeb covers, model editorials, and even wearing it personally with a number of looks. Virgins Saints and Angels is a brand that includes a number of accessories that tell an array of stories and adds visual texture to whatever your style may be!

We sat down to talk with Cheryl “Finn” Finnegan, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Virgins Saints and Angels. We talk about the origins of the line, the assortment, her design process, and essentials you need as you begin to build your own collection.

ATHLEISURE MAG: I have to say it is such a pleasure to be able to chat with you finally for this Athleisure Mag Summit Series Virtual Event! This series allows us to talk with great fashion brands that I know our readership and community should know about. Having them hear from the brand, learning about their assortment, and what we can expect from them in upcoming seasons! As you know, I have been a fan of your brand for the past 2 decades from wearing it personally when I’m out and about, for TV segments and also including it in our photoshoots for Athleisure Mag!

In talking with you right now, I am wearing the first ring that I ever received from your collection as that in itself is a full circle moment as it was the first piece that I wrote about for a blog that I started back in 2004 and how was I to know that in 2011, my boyfriend who I am still with who is a Co-Founder of Athleisure Mag, would not only buy this ring without knowing that I knew about it, but he ordered it through Ylang23 which is a retailer that I knew and would talk to off and on when I was working on my site! They knew me and thought it was such serendipity and then around that time, I was in Santo Domingo designing my collab line with Sebago as we were were preparing to launch the collection on HSN and I ended up meeting the leather team that supplied leather for your belts because their company was supplying the leather for my shoes!

CHERYL FINNEGAN: Oh my gosh thank you so much and I just think the world of you!

AM: Same! It’s a brand that I have loved ever since I knew about it, it’s what I wear every single day and I love everything about it. I just want to say thank you for creating it and your aesthetic is something I appreciate and I really love that you are taking the time!

CF: Of course!

AM: So prior to launching Virgins Saints and Angels, I’d love to know about your background because I know you are a fashion veteran as you worked in marketing for Levi Strauss and Co.

CF: Yes, I have been working in fashion since I was probably 16!

AM: Same!

CF: Yeah, starting out in the local department store and moving on from there. I worked with Levi Strauss and I had the best title on the planet! I was called an Image Consultant!

AM: Ok, that is the best title!

CF: It is the best title! I loved handing that card out! So, I was in charge of going out and checking out boutiques. I was searching out for places for us to be in. So I was always on the cusp of what was happening. So when I moved down to San Miguel I originally started doing these plastic woven bags. They were super cute and I reinvented the whole plastic bag in the mercado and I had to brand it because I am a marketing person.

The branding in these plastic bags – I couldn’t sew anything in there and it was cheesy to glue something in there. So I had the weavers who were prisoners, they did that job in the prison system in Mexico – I had them weave the little ring in there and I did a key fob.

AM: Ah I’m seeing where the DNA of VSA came from the minute you said that and now I know why the brand also has key fobs!

CF: Then that key fob turned into a belt buckle which then turned into a ring and then a rosary and that is how it all began!

AM: Yeah, I always wondered what was the piece that sparked everything else – this is fascinating because it’s an extensive assortment that has an array of pieces that speak to each other inside of the collections as well as those adjacent to it, but I couldn’t figure out where it started and what the root was.

CF: Right! I was making these little itty bitty key fobs and I had a sweet little logo under resin and then Fred Segal was buying the bags. But one day he said to me, “do you think that you could just sell me some of the key chains?” I thought that was great because the bags take up major bulk right?

AM: Yes!

CF: So most of the cost of the bag was the shipping. So I thought, I could ship 100 key chains in a little box. So then I started putting in the religious imagery in them. Then I had cute little hangtags on them so it would be Adam and Eve and the cute little tag would say, “They always look better than they taste” or something fun about the Virgin of Miracles or whatever. I had these cute little tags on them and Fred Segal went crazy over them! I was just selling them as fast as they got in and then eventually, it turned into a belt buckle. Literally, I was walking down the street in LA with my belt buckle and Laurence Fishburne’s (Matrix franchise, John Wick franchise, The Amateur) relative stopped me and asked me what I was wearing and I told her that I had just made this belt buckle and it was my prototype. She said that she had to have one and I just took it off my body and I sold it to her!

AM: Oh my God, that is insane!

CF: Then I thought, I think that I could be onto something!

AM: The pieces are so iconic. When we had Lala Kent from Vanderpump Rules as our cover for our MAY ISSUE #29 in 2018, she wore one of your crowns for the cover.

CF: Yes – insane.

AM: It’s just amazing the responses that you get when you’re wearing them even in the wild. On days where I’m running between editor’s appointments and showrooms and I’m just rocking leggings and a top but I have my VSA which takes it to another level, I do get stopped and you have mini conversations about them and it’s so fun to engage with people in that way.

What is your sourcing process like? I do like the elements in the pieces an San Benito and then the Magdalena – where do you get all of these things from?

CF: Well inspiration is local, I mean you’re in Mexico. When I first got here, I didn’t get it. I come from the Midwest –

AM: Same!

CF: Right, your religion is private.

AM: Same! That’s how I was raised too!

CF: I’m from near Chicago.

AM: I’m from Indianapolis originally and obviously, I’m in NY now. But I totally get it. Like growing up there you’re religious, but it’s not something that I would just throw out in conversation.

CF: It’s reserved right?

AM: 1000%

CF: In Mexico, Guadalupe is on every other tattooed man – it’s just very visible. I found it interesting and then I started looking into it more and then I started adding in this Gothic kitsch. I was definitely more of a punk goth chic when I was young. I had the spiky hair and black that was my thing. I definitely have a bit of those elements in every piece that I do. The Magdalena was that ability to wear a rosary and to wrap it around. I particularly love the belt buckles and to me, those were it! That was my go-to piece that I was known for and every celebrity would wear the belt buckle and be pictured in it and you would see it! An earring you may not see necessarily, a ring you may not see, but a belt buckle – you’re going to see that.

AM: I do love the Gothica style of it. I always say that there is this noir/macabre feeling in the pieces that are pleasantly moody where it’s not fully leaning in that direction but you get that essence. I’m not a preppy girl by any means, although I growing up that is how I dressed – hello Midwest. But, I love that I feel when I wear them that it grounds the look, it gives an edge to it. It feels approachable, it has visual texture, and there are always great conversations around the pieces and it goes on for minutes! You see a cross, then there is an interesting design, or some other fun element.

CF: I know! It does kind of push the limits! I will never forget when I was in San Francisco, I was in a store and a woman came in and she told me that her parents had a dining room and it was all in black velvet and had Jesus and Mary in it as they were very religious. This woman was wearing her Virgin of Guadalupe belt buckle and she felt kind of dirty wearing it there – ha! It definitely pushes something.

AM: It does push the limits but you have created this world from the jewelry to the campaign imagery that you put around it that creates a cohesive story and what it means to be in that space. Sometimes our shoots end up popping up so quickly that I may not have time to reach out to your team to put a request in for something that is in a new collection or an archive piece and I will shop my personal VSA collection to bring it to set as it adds that element of drama.

CF: Oh honey! We’re so happy to work with you!

AM: Of course sometimes when there is a tight window you have to make do! You had a cameo set that we pulled a couple of years ago and I had requested various pieces from it as I wasn’t sure how we were going to have it with our model and by the time I saw the looks, I realized that they all needed to be worn together as we shot it at the Algonquin Hotel here in NYC.

CF: Oh yes! I loved that!

AM: Your team was great to work with to get that going. And between the dress and the layers of statement necklaces and the earrings this Cameo Noir moment just really came together. My team was like, wait all of this together and I’m like the whole thing!

CF: You’re too cute!

AM: Where do you start in your design process? Being where you are in Mexico, walking around definitely must be something for the senses and crazy inspiration.

CF: My new collection is just coming out and it’s called Brigid. So, Brigid took me back to my original roots. So when I was first introduced to San Benito, I was in Ireland. I saw the Celtic cross and I remembered being in San Benito and seeing the San Benito Monastery. That was the Celtic cross and I have Celtic roots. So Brigid takes me back to the first trip in Ireland when I was first introduced to that Celtic cross in a town called Kildare. Killdare happens to be the town where Brigid is. I wanted to do something that was very Irish and I started looking back into it and the famous Celtic cross in Ireland is in Kildare and Brigid, she is the only Goddess who is also a Saint. So she is a pagan Goddess and a Saint at the same time.

AM: Interesting!

CF: She is all 4 elements. She is Air, Water, Fire, and Earth.

AM: Now it makes sense with the images that you sent knowing that!

CF: Exactly right? So, I’m tying things back to my Celtic roots but yet, it is so very Mexican inspired for the pieces. All of my pieces are handmade!

AM: That’s another thing that I love about your brand! It already comes out with that heritage aspect to it due to how it is crafted. It is polished not like something that is mass produced, but in a way where you feel that an artisan made it and it is passed down to you. Every time I put it on – even if it is a new piece or one I haven’t worn in a while, you have this feeling that is warm and as if it something that you have had for years.

CF: You need to come down here and come down to the workshop!

AM: I want to come and see this, I would probably freak out!

CF: All of my clients that come to the workshop, they always say, “you don’t charge enough for your pieces.” They are blown away!

AM: I have to say that I have always felt that your pieces are a great price point; however, you have all the people that are making it by hand –

CF: It’s a lot! I have the same workers for 25 years.

AM: Really?

CF: Yes, the same people! They are the best of what they do. They love when I bring a magazine photo in and show them. They love seeing Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus or a number of the people that have worn their brand. They all have their little alters at their work stations. They really put a lot of love in what they do.

AM: When you make a collection each season like Brigid, how long is that process from concept to finish?

CF: It’s a lot. It can take – Brigid is coming out on Feb 1st and what we do is that we always wear the pieces beforehand. So after awhile in wearing a piece, you can see how it feels and you may say, this isn’t right. So we have to change and we have 2 pieces that we are right now in the process of getting ready. For Brigid, we have been working since Oct on this. It takes a long time and as a designer, I’m working all of the time. You don’t just stop your brain from being creative right? Every time you are looking at something, you’re saying, how does this translate?

It’s very interesting and I love it. I sit with the workers, I don’t hand them a sketch. I sit with them while we are making the pieces. I don’t have my cell phone with me or my laptop, I sit with them and I say, let’s do this and let’s do that. Then, they give me ideas, and we do it together.

AM: I did the same thing with my shoes as there was so much to learn by being able to talk with the artisans that have been doing this for years. I was able to share my vision, how I wanted the leathers arranged and then to watch them put it together, offer directions and adjustments to make a beautiful collection that I sold on HSN. So being in Santo Domingo and to have that experience really opened my eyes to craftsmanship. They knew that product and it was a pleasure to work with them. They knew that leather better than anybody, they knew about the last and so many components of the shoe.

CF: Yes! I have to say that it is very different than going to a factory in China where they are throwing things in a machine and spitting it out. There was a period where there was a copy cat of mine and they were making it in China and you could tell that it wasn’t the same.

AM: You knew the difference! Just the weight alone. It always surprises me that the pricing of your collection is so reasonable and then when you think about the hand made element as well, it’s amazing that your prices aren’t higher.

CF: People know once you start wearing it and playing with it. Our pieces in addition to being hand made are also hand polished. In this industry, when people say handmade – what does that mean because there could be elements that are and others on a machine. I do such a volume that I am fortunate that I am able to keep the prices at where they’re at. That definitely helps and we have a nice kind of flow to our factory – I don’t call it a factory I call it an atelier. We have about 13 people who work with us and every piece has its own hand antiquing. I don’t like that usually in jewelry when you antique it, they throw it in a black pot and they tumble it. I don’t like that. I like to brush it on by hand and I tell them where I want it to be more intense and where I want it to be less intense.

AM: Oh wow that explains something else I have always wondered. It’s yet another little detail that I am learning about you and the brand! I always noticed that it wasn’t the same all over in terms of my rings as I have more in this category than other portions of your line. So I will see certain parts of the ring will look one way or another when I am turning my hand or picking something up. I just thought that my skin was making it do that!

CF: There is a designer that wore my cuff to death in the shower, swimming in the ocean and I ran into her in NY and I said Nicole, would you like for me to replate that for you? It was black! And she was like, it’s my natural patina piece – my personal patina! I was like ok!

AM: Oh wow!

Who would you say is the VSA customer if you had to put a person in a category or categories?

CF: I know! There is the woman that I think she is that is this punk rock cool chick. But it’s so difficult because we have people from Miley Cyrus to Maria Shriver to Marilyn Manson. It is the most bizarre brand. A marketing company will come to me and say who is your customer and I really know that we are all over the board. We are being included in the upcoming season of Euphoria –

AM: Oh yeah, that’s huge! It’s their 3rd season!

CF: Yeah and they’re using my pieces all over! Yeah! So I have that kind of client and I have no idea as I have never seen that show.

AM: I did try to watch it but I feel like the show the cast when it first started they were like 16 but they’re definitely show the cast going through it. They’re drinking, doing drugs, navigating relationships. For me, watching younger kids do that isn’t for me versus seeing the same thing done with adults. But it is an acclaimed show and I know people really love it! I mean Zendaya (Challengers, Dune franchise, Spider-Man franchise), Colman Domingo (The Four Seasons, Fear the Walking Dead, Sing Sing) – so now I feel like I need to get on that train.

CF: I know! I have to watch it.

AM: So now that VSA is in it, I have to support it.

CF: You’re not going to see Zendaya in it but it’s another main character –

AM: Could be Sydney Sweeney (White Lotus, The Housemaid, Eden) as I know she is in it.

CF: I don’t know, but the main character is going to be wearing a signature rosary as that is her thing. You’ll see a belt buckle and you will see everything. I don’t want to say too much but I am excited.

I have also had a number of programs contact me as there is this whole witchy aesthetic that has been going on lately. When VSA started, Passion of the Christ came out, The Da Vinci Code so there was a lot of the religious thing, then we moved into Disney because there was Once Upon a Time –

AM: Yes! Loved that show and the pieces for that were huge as that was such a major collab with Disney!

CF: I fit in with those things personally. Then things got a little boring and now there is this whole witch thing going on. So there’s a movie called Forbidden Fruit that they chose my pieces for and then there is this new series that they are filming in Canada right now and I sent them 150 pieces. They went crazy for everything!

AM: I would love to see them in White Lotus, I don’t believe they are in production just yet. When they were filming in Thailand for S3, I was reached out to by someone working with them and they were looking for designers to partner with. I don’t know if it was for the show or for promotional items that would flow coming off of that and I told them then that they should talk with you and that I would be happy to connect the 2.

CF: Love it! I will tell you that my team is so professional and you have worked with them so many times. We say that we will have it on X date – we do, we have the return label, everything is packaged clean, we do what we say we will do. I don’t know how many people in the industry do that.

AM: Not a lot! Many times I have the request with a buffer and you’ll have some people still missing that window – so crazy!

CF: They’re kind of taken back at how easy it is to work with us!

AM: Oh yes, you guys package it nicely and everything is just ready to go. I find that in this business even though some people don’t do things to standard, when you are not a massive brand or with a massive firm or whatever the case may be, you have to be more on point and easy to work with so that you can continue to navigate and I always appreciate when people take care and pride in what they do! It’s about the details and the follow through!

CF: I also have this immense archive!

AM: I was just going to ask you about that!

CF: It’s massive – it’s crazy! So this program called The Body that is coming out, they shared the storyline and I told them that I would pick all of the pieces so they could give me direction. I gave them my mood board with all of the pieces. The pieces I showed them were not on the website. I can just pull from the archive and it’s so fun and most people don’t know that I do head pieces – I have thousands! I’m not going to put them on my website. People don’t necessarily want to spend a $1,000 on a headpiece that they will wear once.

AM: But it is there should they want it!

CF: It’s been so much fun and I can’t believe that I have had this life.

AM: Your photoshoots are productions in themselves and I get it as we do a number of them here at Athleisure Mag. What is that like as they are immersive and they have such a storyline and you had one that always comes to mind which was a Last Supper motif.

CF: I know! That one was so controversial. I would have surprise photoshoots with my team and that one was a team photoshoot.

AM: Oh wow!

CF: They didn’t know it was going to happen we were just eating like we normally do. I do them at my house, so I have the MUA sneaking in, the costume guy, the hair guy – everyone is setting up. So I let everyone know this is it – the Last Supper photoshoot. I have Mariana there with her long black hair naked, covering her breasts with the black tears and huge belt buckle. We have 12 women dressed super elegantly with the hairdos and I wanted a crystal turkey – the food had to be crystalized! We have so much fun with these shoots and they are all at the office or at my house!

AM: I always enjoy seeing your campaigns, photoshoots, and videos. There have been times that I have used them in terms of creating my moodboards for a shoot or concept. It’s art and it has everything in there.

CF: I go outside of it. When I do Marie Antoinette, she’s going to have the white makeup on and we’re going to go all out. Forget about the hybrid! I’m the real deal!

AM: What do you feel are the 3 key pieces that someone should have if they are just starting our their VSA collection?

CF: Ok, well for certain my Magdalena which is a multi-beaded piece that is super versatile and the first necklace that I designed! It’s still in the line and still my #1 piece. Lady Gaga wears it, Madonna wears it, everyone! That was the necklace that Britney Spears put me on the map. Then when she was going through that period of time where it was about Save Britney Spears was all over the Internet. She decided that she was going to pose naked on the Internet with only my necklace – she is like Maria Magdalena reincarnated. Lady Gaga wore it for her half time show and people choose to wear my pieces during key moments. Miley Cyrus wore that necklace for forever. It means something to them.

I would definitely say a VSA ring. I would also say a belt buckle. These are great statements. A lot of people think that with a belt buckle you have to have a skinny waist – no you don’t. You can wear your belt buckle high on the waist if you want our buckles are big it’s somehow an illusion!

AM: I tell people it’s a look that should be incorporated.

CF: Those 3 items the Magdalena the beaded necklace, the buckle, and the ring. My rings are statement pieces as you know – don’t be afraid of them!

AM: I say that too. You get used to wearing them and I don’t leave the house without them! I would feel weird leaving the house without them. The few times I do, they are probably in my bag waiting to be put back on. I workout in them and they sit in the little ring tray when I am getting my nails done.

CF: It’s like protection.

AM: I do feel that they are a bit like armor when I put them on. I have had them for so long and I like being able to choose a nice arrange of rings as I tend to wear 4 and always 2 from VSA. The fact that you have archives I do want to dig into those as a few years ago I was looking through that with one of your team members because we thought a project was going to take place and I couldn’t believe pieces I was drooling over that I had never seen on the website.

CF: Oh yeah the archive!

AM: Right and to your point, I was like we need to go to San Miguel because I can only imagine!

CF: You and Paul need to come down you would have so much fun! I love how versatile the pieces are the people that love this brand. I remember when Tim McGraw was in a photoshoot and he was styled in various pieces. The shearling coat was Dolce Gabbana and the best photo of all is a full page shot of him in his lounge chair in his office. He had his belt buckle on – VSA belt buckle and his hat and his favorite denim shirt and the credits said that the buckle was designer’s own. He was so proud of wearing that piece. I don’t care that he didn’t say my name –

AM: I remember seeing that picture and looking at the credits and I knew it was VSA!

CF: Yeah! That’s the thing – he chose that outfit because that was the picture and he looked so relaxed and so great.

We get phone calls and emails of people claiming that the pieces have done something to save their life – it is bizarre. We had a woman from NYC call the office and she was crying. She told me that she was weaing the Guadalupe belt buckle in Central Park and walked up to a woman crying on a park bench. She put her hand on her shoulder and said can I help you? The woman looked up and saw the belt buckle and said, “you just did.” The woman on the bench had prayed to Guadalupe asking for a sign or she would end her own life.

AM: Oh my.

CF: I mean, we were all crying by the end of that story. It was just amazing and we get these stories. People from Patagonia that had a life changing event that happened while wearing the necklace and now they aren’t going to take it off. You can’t believe some of the things that we hear and there is a power behind it.

AM: I always feel settled when I wear them it’s putting on those last elements to take on the world like armor.

CF: Listen to us!

AM: I’ve always felt that when you wear an accessory and especially when it comes to jewelry and that skin to skin contact, there is what the designer intended by designing it and then it merges with who you are as a person and then it becomes like a totem in many respects. You wear it every day, stories and moments in time are being associated and there is something there.

CF: I think jewelry does that way more than a sweater or something of that nature.

AM: Totally! I think it’s like when you walk into someone’s home, you feel a vibe because you are in the space of the inhabitants that eat, sleep, and live there and the home becomes an amplifier of the energy and sentiments that are there.

CF: Exactly.

AM: So the pieces that you’re wearing, because it is everyday and next to your skin – it is a thing.

IG @vsa_designs

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 56 - 65 Virgins Saints and Angels | PG 73 - 75 Paul Farkas

Read the DEC ISSUE #120 of Athleisure Mag and see AVANT GOTHICA WITH VSA in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | DESIERTO AZUL

We sat down with Fabrizio Cavallo, founder of Desierto Azul located in Baja California Sur in Mexico. This resort focuses on the conscious traveler - someone who moves through the world with intention. They choose destinations, accommodations, and experiences that align with their values. It’s about curiosity and connection, but also about impact. They seek places that honor nature, support local communities, and encourage deeper presence. At Desierto Azul, they see their guests as people who aren’t just looking to escape, but to return to themselves, to the earth, and to a slower, more thoughtful rhythm of life.

There's something about Baja California Sur. It's raw and rugged, yet deeply serene, where the desert meets the sea making for a unique atmosphere. The Baja Vibe is unhurried, soulful, and grounded in simplicity. Todos Santos, embodies this energy: a creative enclave that blends surf culture with a rich artistic spirit and a strong sense of community. It’s a place where the beaches are still untouched, dirt roads give way to beautiful boutique hotels, and giant cacti rule the desert.

Desierto Azul is rooted in a 360° approach to conscious living, one that nurtures the body, respects the earth, and creates space for inner quiet. Every element here, from our toxin-free design to our plant-based culinary experiences, invites a gentle reset.

The founders merge acrchitecture, natural materials, and healing through food for their guests to enjoy in an effort of conscious, sustainable living. This petite hotel is designed with care, authenticity, and reverence for nature.

This hotel has 4 rooms which allows for an intimate experience. They are desugned with natural materials, organic textures, and calming tones that mirror the Baja landscape. All rooms have private terraces that include hammocks, desert and pool views, organic cotton bedding, pour-over coffee sets, and organic snacks in the mini fridge.

There is an onsite gluten free and dairy free bakery called PanVero that features a variety of baked goods such as muffins, cookies, and focaccia, all made using whole flours like chickpea, almond, oat, brown rice, and sorghum as well as elixirs, smoothies, and fresh juices, ensuring your wellness experience starts from what you put into your body.

Their open-air Plant-Based Cooking Studio, is the heart of our nourishment philosophy. It offers an immersive, hands-on workshops centered around whole, nutrient-dense foods. It's not just about learning recipes it's about reconnecting with the way we feed ourselves. You'll come away with a new understanding of plant-based living, rooted in flavor, intention, and joy.

DESIERTO AZUL

Camino a, Las Playitas

Las Tunas, 23300 Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

desiertoazulbaja.com

IG @desierto.azul.baja

PHOTO CREDIT | Ricardo Farias Arauzo

Read the JUL ISSUE #115 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Desierto Azul in mag.

CRAFT COCKTAILS WITH THE STARS | CHARLES JOLY

In our JAN ISSUE #97, we caught up with Charles Joly, globally acclaimed mixologist where he shared what it was like to create and pour Johnnie Walker Blue Label craft cocktails as the Official Spirit Sponsor of the 75th Emmy® Awards. We kicked off Awards season speaking with him and we wanted to circle back with him as Tequila Don Julio was a proud partner of the Governors Ball, the official after party of the 96th Academy Awards. We wanted to find out about what it was like for him to pour at one of the biggest after parties of the season and he also shared recipes that we can enjoy for the red carpet moments that we enjoy year around!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What does it mean to you to be the official bartender for the Governors Ball, the official post-Oscars after party?

CHARLES JOLY: Each year that we're invited back to create cocktails for this amazing event is an incredible honor. You hear this being referred to as "Hollywood's Biggest Night" quite a bit. We take that to heart! Each of the artists in their respective fields are being recognized for their expertise and passion. For many of the attendees, this may be a once in a lifetime nomination. How cool is it to show up with the celebratory cocktails made just for that night, a superb lineup of tequila and a world class crew of bartenders to help throw the party?!

AM: We always look forward to the Oscars and as many people enjoy hosting their own viewing parties with friends or even if it's solo, how can we make sure that our cocktails are star quality?

CJ: You can definitely sip along with the stars and make these cocktails for your next celebration. While we definitely pull out all the stops, we also always provide easy, at-home recipes for cocktail enthusiasts to make at home.

When it comes to your cocktails, the end result will only be as good as the ingredients you put in. Tequila Don Julio is the perfect foundation for each of the drinks.

Be sure to use fresh juices and take an extra moment to look at simple details: use an attractive glass, use a thoughtful garnish etc.

In the end, taste is wildly subjective. Use my recipes as a guideline, then feel free to adjust to your (and of course your guest's) taste! Don't worry if you don't have every exact ingredient on hand. Get creative and don't be afraid to make little substitutions.

AM: Based on the drinks that you served for the 96th Oscars, what would you suggest that we pair with these drinks as we enjoy them at home?

CJ: The sky's the limit when it comes to food-cocktail pairings. If you'd like to stick with the idea of Mexican flavors, you can't go wrong with a spread of salsas, tacos al pastor and refreshing aguachile.

AM: What did you serve at this year's Governors Ball and which spirit will you be highlighting?

CJ: Tequila Don Julio is in the spotlight! The lineup of bottlings from the brand is more exciting than ever. We'll of course be showcasing the Tequila Don Julio Blanco, which shows the spirit in its purest form. I was also happy to explore cocktails with some newer releases, including Tequila Don Julio Rosado and Alma Miel. The icing on the cake is Tequila Don Julio 1942; everyone's eyes light up when they see this bottle on the bar.

The cocktails are all inspired by the idea of Modern Mexico and range in style from familiar, bright and refreshing (It's Showtime - Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Pineapple-Cilantro, Pink Peppercorn, made by Isra Baron) to sparkling and celebratory (Written in the Stars - Tequila Don Julio Rosado, Guyaba, Watermelon, Rose Champagne) to an elegant Martini (Round of Applause - Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel, charred corn & epazote infused vermouth, cacao bitters, charred corn husk-salt rim).

To showcase Tequila Don Julio 1942, I created a special pairing and signature serve. We worked with an artisanal chocolate maker, Sleepwalk Chocolate, to create a truffle with a mole center and 1942 infused cacao nibs. All of this is lightly smoked with palo santo wood in front of the guest.

Here are signature Don Julio recipes below co-created by Charles Joly and Mexico’s Bartender of the Year Israel Barón.

1942 ENCORE

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 oz Tequila Don Julio 1942

• Paired with mole-flavored chocolate truffle bite with gold flakes

PREPARATION

First, pour Tequila Don Julio 1942 into a stemmed Sherry glass. On the side, serve the mole-flavored chocolate truffle bite.

ROUND OF APPLAUSE

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 oz Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel

• 1.5 oz Herb-Infused Bianco Vermouth

• 10 drops Chocolate Bitters

• 3 dashes Orange Bitters

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled Coupe glass.

IT'S SHOWTIME

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco

• 1 oz Pineapple Coriander Tincture

• .5 oz Agave Nectar

• .5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1 oz Pineapple Coriander Tincture

• .5 oz Agave Nectar

• .5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

PREPARATION

Combine Tequila Don Julio, pineapple coriander tincture, agave honey and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain over large ice cube into Collins glass rimmed with salt and pink peppercorn.

WRITTEN IN THE STARS

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 oz Tequila Don Julio Rosado

• .75 oz Guava Syrup

• 2 oz Organic Watermelon Juice

• .5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1.5 oz Chilled Rosé Champagne

PREPARATION

Combine Tequila Don Julio Rosado, guava syrup, organic watermelon juice and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a Coupe glass. Top with chilled rosé champagne.

IG @donjuliotequila

@charlesjoly

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Mark Von Holden, A.M.P.A.S. for Tequila Don Julio

Read the MAR ISSUE #99 of Athleisure Mag and see CRAFT COCKTAILS WITH THE STARS | Charles Joly in mag.

THE DESCENT | LAURA MCGANN

Prior to the release of Netflix's The Deepest Breath, we had the pleasure of watching the screener for this documentary film that not only brings us into the world of freediving, the relationships between freedivers as well as safety divers, but the dedication and the complete use of the athlete's body when they are competing. We are introduced to Alessia Zecchini who is known as the Deepest Women on Earth at 123 meters, 38X Freediving World Record, and 17X World Champ. We also meet her safety, Stephen "Steve" Keenan who was passionate about this sport as well as protecting the freedivers who continue to trailblaze in this sport.

For those that may not be aware, we wanted to give a bit of background on the sport as well as some terminology. Freediving is the practice of holding your breath when diving underwater without the use of breathing equipment, such as a scuba tank. This takes on more meaning when you realize that prior to Alessia winning the 2023 AIDA Oceanquest Philippines in Camotes Island, she broke a world record in the Bifins discipline during the 2023 Secret Blue International Depth Competition in the Philippines by achieving a 109 meter dive in 3 mins and 38 seconds. She broke her own 2-day old record of 107 meters set on a 3 min 26 sec dive in March and surpassed the previous AIDA record by a 10meter margin. Her world and Italian records are definitely astounding and even more so when you realize that this is done by simply holding your breath as depths are being navigated!

In this sport, there are blue holes which are a large marine cavern or inkhole, which is open to the surface and has developed in a bank or island composed of a carbonate bedrock. They can be an oasis in an otherwise barren seafloor. Blue holes are diverse biological communities full of marine life, including corals, sponges, mollusks, sea turtles, sharks, and more.

If you have yet to see this documentary film, you can stream this now on Netflix, but this interview may have spoilers. We sat down with the film's director, Laura McGann to find out about why she wanted to share this true story, bring this sport to life, show how one trains to do it, and to transport us to phenomenal locales around the world.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What drew you to want to direct The Deepest Breath and how did you find out about this story?

LAURA MCGANN: Look, I love the sea and we moved to live by the sea because we love swimming all year around and it gives me a lot. I’m a better person for the sea for sure!

So I suppose, that I would be attracted to anything about it and I remember seeing it in the Irish Times and I didn’t know what freediving was and I had to Google it. I was met by these incredible images of humans behaving more like dolphins and holding their breath for what felt like forever. It was kind of like learning that there was a group of people who had cracked the code on flying and that they had just learned how to fly! I was like, what? So it started there and then I learned more about Steve and Alessia, that’s when I really felt like, oh God this could be an incredible story, an incredibly cinematic documentary and if I were possibly able to tell it in the moment, and go on their journey with them – Alessia the World Champion freediver and Stephen Keenan an expert safety diver and their lives are just so incredibly dramatic and also just really inspirational. Just seeing that if you just live your life a little bit differently, follow your dreams – what it is that you can end up doing!

AM: When we first heard about the movie, there was a general sense of what freediving was but the first 5 or 10 minutes of actually watching your film, you get the depth of the intensity of what the film as well as what the sport is about! It really puts you in awe about all the things that have to come together to compete in this with holding that breath and really using your body as an instrument.

How did you immerse yourself in being able to really know about what the sport is and to get those moments so that as a viewer, you’re able to translate those anxiety filled moments as you’re watching it?

LM: Well, I suppose I came to this not knowing anything. It was really a long time before I would see a freediver with my own 2 eyes! It would actually be years, about 3 years and so the free divers from all over the world, held my hand and spent many an hour explaining to me over Zoom on what they did, why they did it, how they did it and how it all was. Then eventually, the first place that we went to where I saw Alessia dive was in fact the Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt. One of our participants in the film, Kristof Coenen, he describes it as like putting his head in the water for the first time and holding his breath and all the shit from daily life just vanishes. I was at the Blue Hole and I looked in the water and I saw all of the little fish and the coral and I was only up to about my hip, but then I swam about 5 meters out and then all of a sudden, it just drops like a cliff for about 100 meters deep from 1 meter to 100 meters – just like that! It was an incredible blue, the kind of blue that calls you down and so getting to see that for myself, experience it for myself, I think it was really important as the filmmaker that I could kind of grasp something from it and try to bring that onto the screen.

AM: From an organizational standpoint, the way that the film reveals itself is really interesting and it tells a deeper story. You have so many people that talk throughout this film. How did you coordinate it all as it must have been massive?

LM: I suppose that part of it was that we had the pandemic which stopped us from doing a lot, but it also allowed us to do a lot as well in terms of the research and being able to spend so much time talking to them. It allowed us the time to really sit with the story and I would use our Zoom transcripts to piece together, kind of as a script to see what people were saying and to figure out the best way to tell this story in the most compelling way and to try to figure that out. And really, just to do it justice.

AM: What’s the big story that you want people to walk away from in terms of having the freediver and having the safety diver, what is it that we should be getting from that?

LM: I suppose that one of the things is to open people’s eyes up to what humans can actually do as that’s just fascinating! To watch that play out in someone’s life, to see them develop the skill, but it’s also like, 2 people that had this wild streak, this curiosity for the life and this world and just living their life in a way that was different from the way that it was expected or would have liked from their parents. Going on that journey with them is a bit like living vicariously through Steve and Alessia and doing something that maybe a lot of us would not be brave enough to do, but perhaps should be!

AM: We’re taken on a journey of a number of locations in this film. What were all of the locations?

LM: Oh my God, it was incredible! Freedivers know how to choose locations and they were more like that of a Bond film! So we started in the Blue Hole in Dahab and we went to Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island in the Bahamas – it’s a 200m sinkhole. It’s just stunning. We went to a number of cenotes (Editor’s Note: Cenotes are a natural pit, or sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bed rock that exposes groundwater. This term originated in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, where cenotes were commonly used for water supplies by the ancient Maya.) in Mexico. I didn’t even know what a cenote was and looking at some of the footage from Daan Verhoeven, he’s a freediving cinematographer – I had seen these incredible images. Our main image is of Alessia swimming up towards the light in a cenote and I remember seeing images like this from Daan and asking him, “Daan, what’s this?” He explained that it was a cenote in Mexico. So it was just such an incredible learning curve for me. Then, filming off of the Caribbean Sea off of Mexico as well with the freedivers along with incredible freediving cinematographer Julie Gautier, she would with the safety and the divers, dive down to 30m, pop back up, show me the shot, I would be holding onto a noodle on the surface and I’d say, “that’s great Julie, could we just do that one more time, slightly different?” She’d say yes and pop back down to 30m and then come back up again. It was like having a fleet of dolphins on our crew. That’s what it was like!

AM: What was your favorite moment of this production?

LM: Oh God, there has been many really! Many moving moments. I would struggle now to name 1. It was in the Blue Hole in Dahab and as I said, it was our first shoot and it was my first opportunity to see what it was all about and it was swimming out over that cliff like I was saying to you. There was that moment when I was looking down at the fish and then it broke down and away into 100m. It was just this blue that went on for forever! It looked more like you were looking into the sky or something and you could see for 30 or 40m. You could see fish and that was just a moment that I will never be able to forget for my entire life! There were core memories made there in that moment.

AM: What was the most difficult part of this production?

LM: For me, I would say, getting it right. It was really important to me, not just as a filmmaker, and as a film that people would be able to get something from and enjoy. But for the people that are in it. It was just really important to me that Peter, Steven’s dad and his family, Alessia and her family were happy and felt like it reflected their memories of what happened and that it was true and it was fair. That was something that was always at the forefront of my mind and it was really important.

I wouldn’t say that it was a difficult thing, I would say that it was extremely important that we would have to look after.

IG @netflix

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Netflix/The Deepest Breath

Read the JUL ISSUE #91 of Athleisure Mag and see THE DESCENT | Laura McGann in mag.

SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY | DANIELLE LOMBARD

It's always great to enjoy something that has added benefits to help others! With Earth Day being this month and an ongoing focus on sustainability, we connected with Danielle Lombard who we were first introduced to on the 21st season of The Bachelor and again when she was on season 4 and 5 of Bachelor in Paradise. In addition to being on the show, Danielle is focused on sustainability and doing what is necessary to benefit the Earth in a number of ways. We talk about how we can be sustainable in a number of ways as well as her partnership with Astral Tequila through their This Round's For The House which supports the Adobe Brick Project. She shares how we can participate and how it benefits Jalisco, Mexico.

ATHLEISURE MAG: You’re very passionate about sustainability. How have you incorporated that into your life and why is that so important to you?

DANIELLE LOMBARD: I’m really passionate about sustainability just because, I have a very deep appreciation for nature and I think that over the last few years, I have become really aware of the negative impact that we have on it. Especially during the lockdown and COVID, I bought a National Park pass and I was driving around to all of the National Parks. I just realized that this is something that I love so much and that I don’t want to lose it. So what are the things that I could do at home to help diminish my footprint. I think that I do that because I compost all my food waste now, I shop consignment and vintage as much as possible, I upcycle when I can and I just try to join a lot of neighborhood recycling programs – recycling my empty beauty products and supporting sustainable brands such as Astral.

AM: We love that. For someone who has not started their journey and maybe overwhelmed as there are so many things to do and ways to go about it, they may be looking for easy or simple ways that they can get to the starting line. What would you suggest to them?

DL: I mean I always tell my friends just "re" as much as you can in recycle as possible – as much as you can! I mean, I bring my reusable bags to the grocery store as opposed to getting a plastic bag. I can just use my reusable shopping totes. I always carry around my refillable water bottle instead of buying a plastic water bottle. And if you’re out and about, you can always ask for your bartender to make you a cocktail with Astral so that you’re supporting a good cause.

AM: Tell us about the Adobe Brick Project. I think that it’s really interesting and that they are building homes in Jalisco, Mexico. In addition to tell us about this, why did you want to partner on this with them?

DL: As you know, I love sustainability and I try to implement those practices as much as possible. Astral asked me to be part of their Earth Day initiative which is promoting the This Round's For The House, which is all the bottles that are being purchased are going towards the Adobe Brick Project. With that, they are using all of the upcycled adobe bricks to create homes is Jalisco, Mexico which is where their tequila is produced. So, I like that they are giving back to their community. This Earth Day, Astral is going to announce that they have 10 homes being built right now.

AM: That’s amazing and it’s really cool to see that by enjoying your favorite tequila shot or cocktail you can assist in this initiative. I’m assuming that you have a favorite recipe as well!

DL: I do! I did a trip with them in Joshua Tree which was wonderful! We had a mixologist help us create cocktails based on our signs. So, I’m a Capricorn and I’ve been addicted to this cocktail ever since. It’s called the Saturn Moon. It’s with Astral Tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice, agave, ginger beer which is one of my favorite mixers and then we also muddled a handful of fresh blueberries!

AM: That sounds really refreshing!

DL: It’s amazing and one of the favorite drinks that we had!

AM: I’m a Virgo and even I would want to drink that one!

DL: Ok, I’m a Virgo Moon! The blueberries were really a nice touch.

AM: We enjoyed seeing you on The Bachelor and The Bachelor in Paradise. What was your biggest takeaway from your time on the show?

DL: Oh wow, I think that for me, going into it, I had recently gotten out of a very unhealthy relationship where I was very codependent on this person and spent several years building up their career and life. When I left, it was just this process of rediscovering myself. I validated the fact that I was glad to leave the relationship and that it was a good decision. I left with a new sense of independence and who I was as a person and what my values were. I also left with some of the most amazing friends that I now talk to every single day!

AM: That’s amazing. We always love when we interview people whether they were competing or they were The Bachelor/Bachelorette, we just had Michelle Young a few months ago and we always like talking about the group chats and who’s in it. Who are the people you talk to?

DL: Oh yeah! It’s pretty wild because after you get off this show, it’s such a unique experience. It’s really nice to have those group chats to share what you’re going through right now, because no one else really knows. Even in past seasons, everything from each house there is always some tea that happens, but I talk to Raven, Alexis and Jasmine. Those are my core girls that I’m still friends with every day. I just had a canceled flight in Dallas and I went over to Alexis’ house and spent the night.

We're always on a mission to find our next favorite cocktail and Danielle's Saturn Moon, sounded refreshing. We're going to share with you the recipe for Saturn Moon and whatever your horiscope is, Astral has a series of Astralogical recipes for you that's in line with your sign or your tastebuds.

SATURN MOON

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

1.5oz Astral Tequila Blanco

.5oz Fresh Lime Juice

.5oz Agave Nectar

A Handful of Blueberries

Ginger Beer

HOW TO MAKE IT

Combine first three ingredients into a cocktail shaker and muddle lightly. Add ice, shake and strain into an ice filled glass and top with Ginger Beer.

IG @daniellellombard

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Andrew Ho

Read the APR ISSUE #88 of Athleisure Mag and see SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY | Danielle Lombard in mag,

IN THE OFF SEASON | SEBASTIAN LLETGET

The holiday season has a lot going on from wrapping up the year, a number of events and this year, we all got to watch the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the biggest soccer event in the world! We got to catch up with MLS FC Dallas midfielder, Sebastian Lletget to find out about how he got into the sport, his passion for the game, his predictions as we talked with him when there were 8 teams left in the tournament, his partnership with Old Parr Whisky and how he has spending his time in the off season!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We are huge fans of soccer and are excited to talk with you! When did you fall in love with soccer and when did you realize you wanted to do it professionally?

SEBASTIAN LLETGET: Oh my God, man you’re taking me back! I think like most, my story really started with my dad and his background is full Argentinian. I don’t know if some of your readers would know, but the Argentinian fan base is just that people really live the game and it’s so different! For me, it started at a very very young age. I think that as soon as I could understand my father’s words or his actions, soccer was a starting point in our relationship! As young as 2 years old when you’re really starting to walk and play and it only got more competitive. I think that the story is interesting too because you live in a country – I mean when you think of the story of soccer in the US, it has come such a long way as there used to be such minimal opportunities! So kind of carrying that passion without it being supported by the 4 walls that I grew up in, when I would leave home it would be about baseball, basketball and all of the American sports. To see how much it has grown now here is truly beautiful thing.

AM: You played previously for LA Galaxy, NE Revolution and you’re currently with FC Dallas, what did you like about this 2022 season?

SL: Man, I loved this season! I think individually for me this season, I just learned so much because you go from being at a place for 6-7 years here in LA and then sometimes you need a breath of fresh air, new opportunities and something to spark your career again and to spark your love for it. I think that I reached that point here. As much as I loved it in LA and New England gave me that opportunity and I go there, you know things kind of work their way out the way that they are supposed to and I thought that I would be there for the rest of my standing contract and then 4 or 5 months later, an opportunity comes up and I get to go to Dallas and I take that! I always try to tell young kids that you just have to learn how to adapt and pivot. It’s probably one of the biggest lessons that any player can kind of learn because you can’t plan anything in this sport!

AM: Absolutely!

What are you looking forward to next season?

SL: Oh man, now that I signed a new deal, I’m so blessed and grateful to be part of the club for a consistent basis for the next few years – for me, it’s always going to be to win a championship. I won things with the National team last year, it was a very successful year, but I never won anything on a club level. So that’s definitely on the top of my list. I think that to do that with Dallas and the culture that is being built there, it’s a very very exciting time. So that’s my goal!

AM: We’re all glued to the World Cup! At the time of this interview, we still have a few days ahead of us! What are your predictions that we should be thinking about as we head into the last days?

SL: Oh my God! Isn’t it a crazy one? There’s been a lot of amazing stories right? It just keeps getting better! It’s crazy to think that we’re already at 8 teams. For me, tomorrow is a big day right? For my family, for the household – especially when Argentina played Mexico it was very much so divided because my fiancé, Becky G, comes from Mexico, my family is Argentinian!

AM: Yeah, separate rooms for awhile until everyone cools down haha!

SL: Haha I know right? It’s going to be tough because Argentina plays Holland. I mean, that’s the game that I am looking forward to. That’s going to be the biggest test! I do hope that Argentina does go all of the way and I think that someone like Messi deserves it. I think what he had done for the game and I just hope that that story gets written!

AM: Obviously, I’m used to the World Cup being in the summer time. So when it takes place, I’m pulling clothes for our cover shoots and then you’re popping in and out of the bars to see how everything is going! This year, it’s kind of cool that it’s during the holidays and we can have our watch parties and take it to the next level. You’ve partnered with Old Parr Whisky for their Golden Moments Campaign. Can you tell me why your brands were synergistic to get together and what’s a go-to cocktail that we can enjoy while we’re hanging out with friends and cheering on our teams?

SL: Yeah, I think that the partnership with Old Parr couldn’t have come at a better time. Like you said, just the serendipity timing between the World Cup and the holidays and then partnering up with a whisky brand like Old Parr, it just all goes together so well. What really drew me to the brand is how intertwined Old Parr is with the Latin community. Obviously, my background is that I come from Latin America so that’s what really brought me close to the brand. I’m just really happy that it all worked out and as far as a cocktail that you can enjoy, my signature cocktail is called Off the Pitch! It’s actually really good and I’m not just saying that!

That’s where we are at the moment and we have definitely enjoyed some whisky in the off season and again, because it’s my off season, I get to really have a good time! Because during the season, I have to be very on it, so this was perfect timing.

AM: With the holiday season being in full swing, how are you spending it because it is your off season as well!

SL: I don’t know if it’s me getting older, I feel like I used to go a little more crazy and being everywhere. But now, I’m just like waking up at home. You turn 30 and things start to change! It’s the little things I swear! Just being with family, my fiancé and her family! It’s been a beautiful time. Watching soccer and connecting with people that you don’t always get to connect to on a normal basis. With this career, you have to sacrifice a lot to get anywhere and it’s the same in your industry! I’ve just been using that time wisely!

AM: Outside of soccer, you’re also an entrepreneur what are some projects that you’re working on that you would like our readers to know more about?

SL: Aww man! That’s a really good question! There’s a lot of things that I’m working on kind of on the low. Now that you ask, I’m working on my first venture capitalist fund. That’s a really exciting time because I’m just a big advocate to breaking barriers. For athletes, especially in this country and in the MLS, we have always been told to stay in this box and you can only just be there and work around that space. But I’m just like, somebody’s got to go in a different direction and to break barriers and to break those generational patterns you know what I mean? So that has been my goal and I think that this is a way that I can change that. I can fund really amazing projects and of course, there’s money and stuff, but it’s also about changing people’s lives and giving opportunity to those people that are coming up under me and that’s really my goal. I’m still at the starting point, I’ll be honest. But I am learning and it’s definitely a fun and exciting time!

OFF THE PITCH

INGREDIENTS

1.5 oz Old Parr Aged 12 Years

.75 oz of Mango Liqueur

.75 oz of Ginger Liqueur

.5 oz Lime Juice

GARNISH

Spicy Mango (Candied Mango rolled in chili salt)

GLASSWARE

Rocks Glass

HOW TO PREPARE

In a shaker add 1.5 oz Old Parr Aged 12 Years and remaining ingredients and top with ice. Shake and strain into an ice filled glass. Garnish with a spicy mango using a cocktail pick and enjoy.

IG @theylovedaboy

PHOTO COURTESY | PG 70-72 + PG 147-149 9LIST STORI3S FC Dallas | PG 75 Courtesy of Sebastian Lletget |

Read the DEC ISSUE #84 of Athleisure Mag and see IN THE OFF SEASON | Sebastian Lletget in mag.

TURN ON THE LIGHTS

"You can't know where you are going, until you know where you have been." This quote always seems to take on more meeting when we find out the varied paths that people get to where they want to be. We sat down with Lights (Warner Bros Records) to find out how she got into the industry, her upcoming tour next year, her new Skin&Earth album, which also includes a series of comic books, her favorite travel destinations and how she defines balance as a songwriter, performer, wife and mother.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you get into the music industry – tell us a little bit about your journey.

LIGHTS: That’s a loaded question! I started out having no idea about how to get into the industry and I don’t think that anybody does. And there really isn’t one specific way to do it. I
think at the beginning, I had a pretty skewed view of how it was to be done and how it would pan out. I did music because I loved it and I started writing songs when I was 11 – I had my little
8-tracks and I started producing when I was 13. By the time I was 15, I had multiple albums of music and at that time, it was before MySpace, Peer Volume or YouTube and there was no place to put it. You actually did have to have a way in. So I enter contests like songwriting
contests, local singing contests and stuff – just to see what would happen.

Randomly, my way in came. My mom worked at Walmart. She was an employee, so you could be in the flyer. We took a picture which they selected and we had the opportunity to be in
the flyer. The photo I sent in had me with a guitar and they picked me. They came to my town and shot some pictures of me and a few other locals for the Walmart flyer. I got $30 and modeled their turtleneck – it was great. So the makeup artist said, “oh the picture that you sent in with you in the guitar – do you actually play?” I was like, “Yeah, I have a whole EP.” I was like 14 or 15 at the time. So he asked me to sing for them and I did a Mariah Carey song in the trailer and he asked me to bring the EP by his hotel, which I did and then he brought it to his friend who was in the industry that happened to be coming into the area later that summer for a
festival and he ended up becoming my manager. We worked on the music for a couple of years and then shopped it to the labels and then a couple of years later, I got a development deal with Sony and then I made some connections in the industry and 2 years after I was dropped from the development deal, I got signed to publishing which is songwriting for TV shows as well as working on my own music with sessions with other writers.

At this time MySpace came along and that’s when I was able to put my stuff up and everything changed. It wasn’t the label that launched my career but an online platform that allowed other
people to have access to me. Then Old Navy used a couple of my songs in their campaigns and that is when other people found out about me and then I got signed on from there at 19 with Warner – everything went from there!

AM: We never figured that Walmart would play into this story!

L: You never know where your break is going to come from! The most important thing is to do what you love and to take the opportunities that present themselves. You never know where it
will lead to! With that said, many people ask me what way they can get into the industry and I tell them that they have what they need right in front of them as the access is online to get your music out there!

AM: We’re beyond bummed that we missed your show here in NYC earlier this month, but what can we expect when we go to a Lights show and what kind of music is it that you are doing?

L: It’s really about putting my shows into a story arc and that’s even more imperative now with the comic that comes with the record as we will be implementing that into the next tour. It's an emotional journey and it starts out energetic as I want to make sure that everyone is comfortable and singing along. My favorite part is to see that in a show and then I like to break it down to more of an intimate tone and then end it on a high note. Set lists are always really well thought out. People should come ready to dance and ready to sing and of course there are cool lights – literally, which is really cool.

AM: What is your personal style in terms of dressing at your shows versus out and about with you and your family?

L: It’s interesting how I dress for a show isn’t too far from how I dress day to day, it’s just more amped up. It’s more extreme and over the years, I have come to know that how I dress really affects how I walk and how I am on stage. I need to feel empowered and I need to feel like a woman. It’s somewhere between Lara Croft from Tomb Raider with short shorts and big boots – I always wear big boots and big socks even in the summertime. I love a crop top that channels my whole Anime Manga face with the bright hair. I like a little spice of fantasy mixed in with a bit of a warrior.

AM: Obviously you are extremely talented, how did the comic book into this portion of your music as well?

L: I have always loved comics and have been reading them for years. I think that comics, like music is one of those forms of entertainment that all the fans want to become the creators.
Once you read comments you want to make it, you want to try it – to create the content. I have always wanted to do it and it has been a dream of mine for a long time. Part of that dream has
been wanting to see out in that world a music comic project, by a woman. It just didn’t exist and there were a few things here and there and even with dudes, it wasn’t that common. So I
wondered, when is a girl going to do this? One day I was like, “why can’t it be you – get to your computer girl!”

I shrugged off the fears of not knowing how to do it as I think that is one of the major factors that holds us back from doing what we want to do because we feel that we don’t know how
to do it. I just taught myself how to do it! I did the research, I got the books - went online and watched webinars and tutorials and I just had to start from somewhere. I have seen my dreams come true in putting this together over the last year. It’s just been amazing. I did a lot of work – I write it, draw it, render it, color it, package it and ship it! I send it to the publisher and it’s from my heart and mind and it’s so cool to see it all come together!

AM: That is so cool so do you go to Comic Con with this?

L: Yeah! I have always gone to Con as a fan and last year I was at Toronto Fan X which I have gone to for 10 years as a fan. This year, I was there as a guest with a professional pass and people were CosPlaying as my character! It was so awesome!

AM: This is so inspiring and once again, we’re bummed that we didn’t see you tour!

L: Well, when we came through the fall last year, it was a shorter set as we were supporting Paris but next Feb/March when we come through, it will be a full production experience and a
full set! It will be directly related to the comic.

AM: Obviously you travel a lot, what are some of your favorite places that you love going to?

L: Oh one of my favorite cities to go to is Amsterdam! Everywhere you look is an Instagram shot – it’s so scenic and there are flowers all over the place. It’s gorgeous and I have even more of an appreciation for it especially doing the comics – as an artist now. You have to do studies and backgrounds in art and lighting. I’ve noticed things in the environment that I would have never noticed before like the way a shadow falls – so you notice your surroundings more and Amsterdam is one of those cities that everywhere you look it’s picturesque and inspiring. Another area is Mexico – I love the beaches and it's one of my favorite places in the world.
I grew up traveling and last year, my husband and I went to Thailand and explored the jungles and then we went to Tokyo – that trip itself was a bit of a catalyst that made me really want to
do the comic and a month later I was drawing!

AM: We love Tokyo, being there really changed the way we looked at things for sure!

L: I know – when I got there I was like, “I want to do music and have it played here – how can I make this happen?” So, we have Giants in four different languages and Japanese is one of them!

AM: This holiday season, are you doing a lot of performances, will you be doing festivals for 2018?

L: Yeah it’s going to be a festival summer this year I think and our tour is 2.5 months in the spring with the festivals in the summer and then touring in the fall. The final issue of the comic comes out next month and then we will be packaging it into a graphic novel and then will tour on that in comic shops which will be some pretty cool stuff on that as well.

AM: Clearly your busy, how do you take time for yourself – are you a yogi – what do you do?

L: I do a bit of that. It’s all just balance. I’ve learned a lot over the years and still have a lot to learn about getting work done and taking time. I mean it’s not about saying I’m going to work here this week and then take time out here on this day. There was a time in my life, that I thought that was the way to do it. Instead it’s more like, today I am going to work 4-5 hours and then have dinner with my kid or spend some time tonight to do whatever. Everyday is in
front of you so you need to take the time daily you need to do the work but you need to take the time. I mean life moves and we spend so much of our time waiting for life to happen and
it’s right now and we need to enjoy it while getting stuff done.

AM: What would you like to share with Athleisure Mag’s readers that you may not have been able to share?

L: I’d say check out the album …… it’s my Opus and the greatest thing that I have done so far and I’m proud of it. Listen to the music on its own, read the comic on it’s own and then do so
together – it’s a totally augmented experience and check out the Instagram page @SkinAndEarthWorld – it’s a map of the world from within the comic and its interactive - click through the various accounts and explore the world and go to different locations and find hidden song clips. It’s just a fun way to experience the world without having to pay for anything right now.

LIST OF MUST-VISIT SPOTS TO SEE IN BAJA CALIFORNIA

Baja California, a peninsula is located in the westernmost region of Mexico. It is a paradise in disguise. Topographically, Baja is a unique as well exciting place to visit. Situated between vast and deep Pacific Ocean and abundant Gulf of California along with Sea of Cortez to the East.

There are many sun-washed beaches around the region. Also, you will get to see some exotic Blue Whales in and around Baja California. You might be thinking about the budget, right? But no worries! Grab a discount code from Dealslands so that you earn hefty savings from your every purchase.

There are many prehistoric paintings being engraved on the walls of the cave, migratory whales, immaculate beaches, and tropical oases, and lot more of exciting attractions that make up the list of the must-visit places in Baja California.

Sierra de San Francisco Rock Paintings

If you are in quest of fantastic and eye-striking rock art and photographs at Baja California, then it is at Sierra de San Francisco caves, in the municipality of Mulege. Rewarded by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site, the carbon dating of the painting reveals that the paintings and the drawings date back to over a thousand years, some of them may be even over 7,000 years ago.

This is a series of approximately 250 caves, which are located in the El Vizcaino bio reserve. The drawings are estimated to have been carved by the Cochimi people. These people were the original ethnos of the area. The paintings were often engraved with black, along with the images of tools, animals, human, and the rituals that are being followed.

Vacation Rentals

As far as the Baja Californian vacation rentals are concerned, Baja California has excellent facilities including lodging, transport, and fooding et al. If you are searching for an affordable option, then there are many Travel stories that are available so that you can easily reserve your seat for Baja California without any hassles.

There are also many vacation rental available where many recreational packages included. Along with these facilities and much more, this tourist spot of Mexico also promises for some of the palatable and stomach appetizing cuisines of the nation.

Fun Activity of Baja California

There are many activities available in Baja California viz. Mountain Biking, Hiking, Trekking, and lot more. This is due to the long strip of mountain chains that are found in the peninsula of Baja. Some of the well known and famous mountain ranges include Sierra de la Giganta and Sierra de La Laguna as well.

You can also get to enjoy other sports and seaside activities. These include para sailing, wind surfing, whale watching, and lot more.

Baja California Attractions

There is much other Californian attraction which will mesmerize you to the fullest. The Cabo Pulma National Park, located in the city of Cabo San Lucas, is a heaven for the nature lovers and hardcore scuba drivers. Also, includes the 20,000 years old reef.

Isla Espiritu Santo, or Holy Spirit Island so called, is located in the Sea of Cortez along with the being named under the UNESCO World Heritage Bioreserves. This is the 12th largest Island in Mexico, which can be explored on bare foot as well.

There is a list of other attractions in the Island which includes La Ventana, Balandra, Laguna de San Ignacio, El Mogote, Todos Santos, and a lot more.

So when you plan your next trip to Baja, then make sure that you have enough time with you so that you can visit all these places and attractions without any haste.

GRAPHIC HISTORY

All eyes are on the recent collaboration of 1800 Tequila X PUMA X Sam Rodriguez Sneaker that continues the heritage of the PUMA Clyde sneaker by the iconic sports brand. We chatted with artist, Sam Rodriguez about being approached for this project and how he blended his graffiti style along with Mayan and Aztec aesthetic to put his twist on this shoe.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background as we know you're a self-taught graphic artist.

SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ: My name is Samuel Rodriguez and I am an artist based out of San José, California. My work has shown in public spaces, museums, companies, galleries, the internet, and editorial media. For a number of years, I was self-taught through graffiti, until I later decided to expand my studies through the pursuit of a Bachelor in Fine Arts at California
College of the Arts. I have since blended what I absorbed in both experiences to create my style and figure out the next steps in my career

AM: How have Mayan and Aztec art influences been important to the designs that were incorporated into your sneaker?

SR: The Mayan and Aztec language are indigenous to Mexico so I thought it would be a good starting place. However, I also did not want to simply repeat what they did as it would have been out of context to this time period and project. Using this influence as a starting point, I thought about how they were communicating messages back then and asked myself how that could look through my perspective today. That’s why you see modern typography, graffiti,
and hip-hop style headwear weaving throughout the illustration. What I like about this project is that it pairs together indigenous, home-grown ingredients with contemporary ones.

AM: Were you a fan of the Clyde sneaker prior to you working with PUMA?

SR: Yes, very much so, this sneaker was everything to me during my formative years. I got my first pair at age 12, the same year when I started writing graffiti. A lot of people that I looked up to would sport these. I would see Lowriders, Breakdancers, Cholos, and other Graffiti guys wearing them. Although these sneakers first became popular because of NY hip-hop, here at home we mixed them with our local flavors. For example, I would sport them with creased
jeans, Ben Davis zip ups, Derby Jacket and a flipped up Cap. There were all sorts of West Coast variations, I remember some people wearing them with Cascade shirts, hairnets and all kinds of
local styles. It’s a shoe that reminds me of good times when I was introduced to the streets, but more importantly when I began my lifelong passion in art.

AM: How did the 1800 Tequila X PUMA X Sam Rodriguez collab/partnership come about?

SR: I was initially approached by Hypebeast. I was surprised and excited when they shared the details of the project. Designing a Puma Clyde was definitely an item on the bucket list.

AM: Sneakers are definitely important in our wardrobe, but what statement besides style do you feel that your work creates in terms of creating social/historical/cultural conversations?

SR: Style is something that a person grows into. It is your personal voice, but then you ask yourself, so what? From this comes the content of the work. I use my style and life experience
to speak on social/historical/cultural conversations. Art is more interesting when it is relevant
and responds to the current time period. Furthermore, it serves as a mark in history.

Read more from the May Issue and Graphic History in mag.

HOLA MEZQUILA

Sammy Hagar has a wide range of achievements from being a member of Van Halen (as well as a number of other bands), a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, an advisor on The Voice and
having one of the most successful tequilas - Cabo Wabo.

It was a dinner out in Cabo San Lucas with his fellow The Voice co-star and friend, Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Jack Daniels (no relation to the whiskey brand, but he is the Co-Founder of Wilson Daniels a wine and spirits marketing company that at one time distributed Cabo Wabo prior to its sale to Gruppo Campari). Upon enjoying various tequilas, the restaurant owner suggested they try a mezcal (the younger Mexican cousin to tequila). The group found it to be too smoky; however, when they paired it with a tequila, a lightbulb moment took place which resulted in over 2 years of development and this produced the world's first Mezquila! Santo
Mezquila is a premium blend of two distillates 100% Blue Agave (tequila) and Espadin Agave (which produces Mezcal) - an entirely new spirit category was born.

"When Adam and I started tasting the different blends, I knew we had something special that people would love. It was only right to get the team back together and share Santo with the world," states Hagar. This "spirit band" that was united included those that were involved with the creation of Cabo Wabo.

As we noted earlier this year, Mezcal has definitely been an upcoming trend within the wellness industry in 2017. Levine describes Santo as a spirit, "that has a smooth, full agave, rich tequila flavor with a touch of smoky-sweetness that you can only find with Mezcal." This balance makes it perfect for sipping.

Read more from the May Issue and see Hola Mezquila in mag

FIND YOUR DELICACIES | FOOD X JEWELRY

Food has always been an essential; however, the culinary scene has truly exploded after the last few years with the recognition of celebrity chefs, pop up restaurants and the cross over of this space into other areas.

Our favorite meals are components of dishes from meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices. We took a moment to chat with the Co-Founder of Delicacies Jewelry, Nicolle Nelson, which brings our love of food and jewelry together with this fine jewelry, which has a portion of the line curated by Chef Andrew Zimmern who brings notable chefs to Chef's Table as collaborative portions of the line.

We talked with Nicolle about the line, how she stays inspired, how Chef Andrew Zimmern was involved with the line and what we can expect with the upcoming line. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: Nicolle, tell us about your background and how you came into the jewelry business.

NICOLLE NELSON: I did media relations for about 18 years when I (quite unexpectedly!) got into the jewelry business. I was winding down my media relations career, living in Merida, Mexico, trying to figure out what came next — and was struck with dengue fever. (As were my husband and 5-year-old daughter simultaneously. Not so fun.) While sick and feverish one afternoon, I “awoke” to a vision of a bracelet featuring a single, tiny, gleaming garlic bulb on my wrist. As soon as I recovered, I set about to create that tiny bracelet I had seen, so clearly.

That original "fever-dream" bracelet now exists as the Delicacies Garlic bracelet!

AM: Tell us about the epicurean line Delicacies Jewelry and how this came about?

NN: Delicacies is the first ever full-line of jewelry for food lovers. My husband (and partner in Delicacies) has worked with Andrew Zimmern since 2001, so we’ve definitely experienced in the full-throttle growth in the food world in the past 15 years. Food has exploded! Food personalities are TV stars and chefs have rockstar status. Why not jewelry for food lovers?

Also, people are more conscious of what they are putting in their bodies each day. But besides simply sustaining us, food has other qualities as well that we have tapped into. Food carries memories for people, and can be used to bring certain “energies” into ones lives. (Think aphrodisiacs.) 

Some of our customers have gifted pieces for loss; an onion to remind a loved one that “sometimes in life, you cry” or a tomato pendant to remind his wife of her father, who had recently passed away and planted over 60 tomato plants in their yard every year. And some pieces are bought as tokens of luck, fertility, protection from evil, and my own personal favorite, perseverance. (Check out our ingredient “mythology" on our website to see what ingredient brings what energy into your life, and why.) 

AM: What is Chefs Table and what is Andrew Zimmern's involvement with this? 
 
NN:Delicacies’ Chef’s Table is our conduit for charitable giving. Andrew, a dear friend and longtime client and now business partner of my husband’s, agreed to serve as our Chief Giving Officer, and he helps identify and contact the chefs we want to make up our Chef’s Table. Each chef chooses an ingredient to represent them and a hunger-related non-profit organization. We then donate a percentage of proceeds to these charities (10 percent of ALL proceeds and 50 percent of each of the “chef’s ingredient” pieces sold.) 
 

AM: Tell us about the chefs who have collaborated with this line and are there others on the horizon that we should keep an eye out for?

NN: We are currently reaching out to chefs now, and finalizing our year two Chef’s Table. We don’t have any names set in stone currently, BUT look for all women to be on this year’s Chef’s Table. We feel a homage to women chefs and food personalities is most definitely in order for 2017. 

Last year, we had the following chefs join us on our Chef’s Table: Chef Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn (ingredient: tomato; charity SF-Marin Food Bank), Chef Gavin Kaysen of Spoon & Stable (ingredient: shrimp; charity: Appetite for Change) and Chef Marcus Samuelsson of Red Rooster (ingredient: chicken; charity: Three Goats).

AM: Tell us about your new addition of avocado into the line!

NN: Ever since we launched, there has been an overwhelming (excuse the pun) hunger for an avocado piece. And who are we to leave food lovers wanting? It took us awhile to get the avocados right; we realized the pendant had to be a 3D piece to show both sides of this delectable fruit. The avocado comes in the Delicacies bracelet, the sterling silver pendant, the 14K gold pendant and the pave gold pendant. We've already sold out of the pave avocado pieces - we are thrilled that people like their avocado with a little sparkle.

AM: What are your favorite Delicacies that are currently available in the line?

NN: I have two! I cannot pick just one. My favorites are the ginger and the octopus. 

The ginger because I simply love the ingredient itself and use it in my Thai curry pastes that I make from scratch. 

Second, I’ve worn the octopus pendant since the first one was created. The octopus represents perseverance and it is the energy which I have needed most since I started on this entrepreneurial journey. I never could have imagined the moments of doubt that I’ve faced in this journey, and each time doubt creeps in, I feel for my octopus around my neck and it reminds me that I have overcome setbacks before and that I will continue forward.

AM: What new ingredients can we expect to be introduced in the line that is not available yet?

NN: Look for rosemary in the next couple of months. I’m excited about this one because it stands for remembrance, and is just so beautiful cast in silver and gold. 

AM: Where do you get your inspiration from?

NN: I’m a bit strange, I think, because I love walking around farmer’s markets the world over. I find them so beautiful, brimming with colors, food stalls — and piles upon piles of produce. I think fruits and vegetables are the most beautiful shapes ever created by nature, which is why our jewelry line focuses on whole, simple ingredients. 

AM:  When you're not making jewelry, do you workout - if so where, and what foods do you enjoy eating for energy versus splurging?

NN: I love working out and try and do something about 3-4 days a week. (Some weeks I’m better than others…) When I’m in the States for the summer months, I do yoga with weights. When I'm in Mexico, I do CrossFit — more recreationally than serious, I enjoy the variety of the workouts. I also take a day every so often to just run a few miles.

I love food. (I created a line of food jewelry; of COURSE I love food!!) We cook a lot at home, and do a lot of Asian foods (Thai being my specialty; I make my own paste which is quite the production!)  We also do a lot of oven-roasted meats, stuff that goes stove top to oven all in the same cast iron skillet. And of course living most of the year in Mexico we eat our fair share of tacos, which would definitely be my guilty pleasure. 

AM: What's your personal style when you're out and about versus when you're going to brunch with friends?

NN: In the daytime, I’m in jeans all day long. I’m tall, so I prefer something a bit longer on top. And I love my shawls to combat overly air conditioned spaces, most of which I’ve found in my travels throughout Mexico. At night, I prefer simple (either classic or kinda flirty) dresses, a shawl, always heels, and my Angela Damman clutch handmade from beautiful natural fibers from the Yucatan. 

Read more from the Mar Issue and see Find Your Delicacies Food X Jewelry in mag.

SCIENCE & MUSIC MERGE

Once again, science pops up and embraces a bit of pop culture (earlier this week, we shared a bit of science and Harry Potter). Researchers from San Diego State University (SDSU plant biologist Michael Simpson and former SDSU graduate student Mark Dodero) and UC Sana Cruz (UCSC Stephen McCabe) found a new and rare species of succulent that was discovered in Mexico - that was named after one of their favorite rockstars, Jimi Hendrix. The plant's name "Dudleya hendrixii" translates into "Hendrix’s liveforever.” This plant is found only on a tiny sliver of Baja California, called the Colonet peninsula.

The plant is thin, stalky plant and is less than a foot tall with succulent leaves and brilliant pinkish white flowers. During the summer it dies and then re-sprouts again in the fall. Mark was listening to "Voodoo Child" when he came across the plant and he and Stephen decided to name it after the musical icon.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | San Diego State University

#SUMM3RFRIDAY + ULTIMATE #SUMMERFRIDAY CANCUN GIVEAWAY

Throughout the summer, we're doing a number of weekly giveaways. We kicked it off during Memorial Weekend and we will continue on through Labor Day Weekend! Each week you and two friends will win a lifestyle package that all three of you can enjoy via our weekly #SUMM3RFRIDAY giveaways for our fans in Miami and NYC.

Don't forget that throughout the summer, you can enter to win a trip for you and two friends at the all inclusive Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resorts in Cancun, Mexico. We will select a winner for the ULTIMATE #SUMM3RFRIDAY on Labor Day (ground transportation, airfare, etc are not included).  Make sure to visit the links for eligibility for each of the giveaways. 

Read more from the June Issue

Paradise Found

By Kitty Bradshaw

The feeling of total peace brought me back to Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto where I spent some much needed down time. Not quite as popular as Mexico City or Cancun—Loreto Mexico offers a much more toned down, tranquil experience which resonates with travelers like myself that want to retreat from the world. This resort offers a respite that creates a stress free zone tempered at a frequency of Zen. Everyone leaves Villa del Palmar feeling light and free of any burdens or anxiety. Simply put, this resort is my quiet place off the grid.

The property of Villa del Palmar is a town within a town; a Spanish style Shangri-La of sorts. The resort spans 4,447 acres which includes a golf course, tennis court, multiple swimming pools of various sizes and visibility, full scale spa, 3 restaurants, private beach, and a reclining chair with your name on it. The elements of both land and sea come together to create a vibrancy rich in color and texture that makes it a worthy choice. Although its amenities are plentiful, I enjoy focusing on the feeling of a vacation in its truest sense and all its benefits.

FOODIE PARADISE

I pretty much ate everything that was set in front of me and then some. Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has an all-inclusive food and drink package through the restaurants and room service. Seafood, steaks, and tequila— they had to peel me away from the table by the time it was all said and done. Stand outs for me included the Chocolate Clams, Tortilla Soup, and Mexican style briskets, lobster, shrimp cocktails, and customized cocktails with each meal. Their award winning chefs created everything I could imagine. When I wasn’t intoxicated, dreaming, or working out; I enjoyed plenty of delicious meals and specialty drinks.

CULINARY OPTIONS

• Danzante Restaurant: Fine dining steak house and seafood with Mexican fusion, offering a large wine selection and a variety of cigars.
• The Market Restaurant: A brand new concept where you are able to make your own dishes! Just imagine preparing your own meal at home with the help of a chef. Open for breakfast and dinner.
• Casa Mia Restaurant: Authentic Italian food with fresh pasta and pizza. Open for lunch & dinner.
• Room Service: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight menu featuring international cuisine & snacks. 24 hour service.

GRAND SLEEPING ACCOMODATIONS

Villa Del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has 181 deluxe ocean view suites that mimic large style apartments complete with full kitchen, bathroom with a spa size, Jacuzzi bathtub (drinking champagne was mandatory while inside), and living room with 2 separate entrances. Additionally, each room had a full wrap around balcony that was large enough to host 50 people for a small party.

Each of the one, two and three bedroom suites features stylish contemporary decor perfect for romantic getaways, families seeking the ultimate in comfort and style, business groups or corporate events.

WHERE TO GO - WHAT TO DO

The Bar!!!

The #1 rule while on vacation is go where the wind blows you. To my surprise and enjoyment; the wind placed me at a bar with every turn. From what I remember during my moments of sobriety on that particular trip, I was never less than one pace away from a bartender that didn’t know my name. Aside from the obvious drinking, guests have the option to take a 2 hour Tequila Tasting course which results in a certificate of completition at the end. My experience included partaking in drinking games during final exams-- the graduation ceremony was something dreams are made
of.

Town of Loreto

The resort provides transportation to and from the Town of Loreto. Tourists can shop local vendors selling homemade goods such as pottery, blankets, ponchos, beaded jewelry, and various wines and spirits. I brought back 2 bottles of 160 proof Mexican Vanilla Crème Liqueur that can be enjoyed straight or mixed with tequila.

Del Carmen Island

Off the sea of Danzante Bay resides a private island by the name of Del Carmen Island. Guests of Villa del Palmar resort can reserve a boat to take them out to the island where they can have lunch, swim, or relax on the beach. Depending on the season you can see both dolphins and whales swim along the boat as it makes waves.

Other activities include snorkeling, hiking, San Javier Mission Excursion, tours, cruises, Sun Salutations with the resident Shaman, and Spa treatments, to name a few. Regardless if you are there to relax by lounging in a chair or immersing yourself in activities that take your mind off the world back home-- Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto resort provides customized experiences that will exceed expectations and turn you into a repeat guest. If you are interested in visiting Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, rates run as low as $119 per night (Athleisure Discount Code: FAMNOV15) through April 2016.

* All pictures courtesy of Villa Del Palmar resort at Loreto

Kitty Bradshaw is a Passionate Traveler, Brand Ambassador and Lifestyle Influencer currently splitting residences between New York, Los Angeles,
and Hawaii. When she is not busy traveling, stalking airfare glitches, giving commentary on CNN.com, or watching classic films – you can find her on the beaches of Waikiki hanging out with friends. Some of her more memorable trips can be found through the digital pages of Tourist Meets
Traveler, Black Enterprise Magazine, and YRB Magazine to name a few.

HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA MEXICO

As someone who is constantly on the go, you know that it is essential to check in with yourself in the way that suits you best. Earlier this year, our co-founders were invited to the Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya in Mexico. The primary purpose was to enjoy and share the Rock Spa which includes a phenomenal treatment that combines a deep tissue massage, music, and vibrations on the massage table. While there, they were also treated to staying on the adult side of the property know as Heaven as well as enjoying a phenomenal suite. At the time, our Style Director covered this trip for a Time Inc publication as well as another story that she ran in DJ Mag (as she is the Fashion Editor of the top EDM global publication).

It's being shared here today as we all love a #TBT and why not at a place that mixes the need to have a good time through music and partying, great food as well as proper relaxation. While on this trip, a number of pictures were shared through our Style Director's Instagram.

The Hard Rock Hotel is an all-inclusive resort that caters to families, singles, couples etc. It is highly suggested that those who have adults in their group should book to stay on the Heaven side as there are no children on this side, you have your own pools, restaurants, etc and if you would like to venture to the other portion of the property, you can do so! Upon arrival, the guide escorted them to golf cards for the Heaven check in (which was a nice way to see the property and to get a bit of a tour with our guide) - and at the check in area, they were able to see who would be performing while there, special events, book additional amenities that were not included in the all-inclusive package etc.

At this resort, all-inclusive means that you have your wet bar in your room with an assortment of non-alcoholic, beers, and well spirits in your room. In this case, both stayed in a suite known as the Deluxe Platinum Sky Terrace that has access to a balcony (which most rooms seemed to have) as well as an entire second floor terrace (perfect for couples, girlfriend getaway trips) above with a jacuzzi. In addition to being able to being able to have room to spread out, it was optimal for spectacular views outside, people watching and complete disconnection.  This also includes meals at the restaurants (as many times as you want whether you have breakfast, lunch, dinner and have snacks by the pool - or decide after dancing that you have t to hit the buffet). It's always a good idea to check about making reservations as many times you do have to let them know in advance for places that may have greater traffic flows and of course, you can go to the bars and pretty much select whatever you wish to drink without additional charges (unless it is a premium beverage). 

Throughout your stay, there are activities during the day and at night that are apart of your package while also having others that you may have to pay an additional amount for in terms of renting gear for certain water activities. Of course, one of the biggest reasons to go to this property is just to veg. One of the things that sticks out is the fact that a number of the places by the pool had chairs that were also in the water which makes for a very peaceful time - easy access to the water, the ability to be that much closer to the swim up bar and more! At this resort, having music constantly pumped into the rocks, paths and more is truly an immersive experience and it always allows you to feel like you're in a state of zen. If you're not looking to be so close to people, there are a number of cabana areas that are tucked away where you can still have the experience without feeling like you're in a large group while only being an eye glance away from one of the attendants who can ensure that you will still have your beverage or lunch!

This trip's focus was about experiencing the very anticipated Rhythm and Motion Synchronicity at the Rock Spa which is a 50 or 80 minute treatment. When entering the zen f this portion of the facility, you are taken into an ornate lounge where you can enjoy the hydrotherapy pools before any of your selected treatments. These 3 pools are meant to bring your body from its current temperature, to a very cold one, to a hot one and then one that is moderate. The attendant walks you through the experience and upon completing these areas you can rest until you are brought into your room or enjoy infused waters and light bites. It's such a contrast the pulse and constant motion of the property outside of the walls. Here you're able to turn inward in anticipation of the treatment.

Once called upon you are led into the room which has your massage table and a dome that is over your head. The treatment is a Swedish massage which really gets into your muscles. There is a soundtrack that is selected (depending on the theme of the property) that will pay during the session. What makes this so amazing is that as the masseuse works on your body, you are stimulated with the scent of the oils, the rhythmic nature of the massage that is set to the beats of the music as well as the table which enhances the beat through your body and the dome ensures that the music stays overhead. The volume, beats etc are perfectly placed that your mind goes on auto-pilot and you are transformed into a different state!

At the end, when you leave your room, you sit at a table to enjoy a specially made beverage which ties in the experience that just took place. Guests of the treatments can go back into the area to enjoy the pools, lounge area etc. Upon leaving - you can literally float back on your walk through the property to your room, the pool etc. The ability to have the mind, body and soul come together in such a perfect way is a feeling that will leave those (whether you're a veteran of massages or a newbie) ready to book this again!

When staying at Hard Rock Hotel, there is a major draw for those that are a fan of music and of course, when you're in the common areas, your room etc there are elements of memorabilia, musical aesthetic and so much more. It's highly encouraged to take some time while waiting for dinner, coming back from one activity to the next to see what is curated from jewelry by Hendrix, Blondie's outfits and so much more!

There are a number of destinations in Hard Rock Hotel's portfolio and although they all focus on music, unwinding, spa treatments and more - each location has something that is unique that ties back into the area! Take some time to check out what city speaks to you and enjoy a vacation on your own terms.