BETTER TO GIVE THEN RECEIVE WITH MADISON PREWETT

We first got to know about Madison Prewett on The Bachelor Season 24 as she got to know Peter Weber. Although they ultimately didn’t find love together, we loved how she was passionate about basketball and specifically Auburn Basketball (we enjoyed seeing her dad who is the Director of Operations for the men’s basketball team), her commitment to her faith, her focus on giving back and even voluntarily leaving after being a runner up on the show! So when we found out that this holiday season that she is lending her voice to World Vision! We wanted to find out more about their gift catalog, how it assists those in need and how we can come together to help others whether they are here in the US or elsewhere around the globe.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is that you love most about the holiday season and how will you be celebrating this year?

MADISON PREWETT: Obviously my favorite part about this season is that it’s a season full of - well at least how I was raised and how I have been so fortunate - is that it is a season of being able to give back and to be able to celebrate it with the people that are closest to me. That’s why I think that it’s so cool to be able to partner with World Vision. This is something that is so dear to my heart and something that I am so passionate about. My family is also passionate about this and every single year, we’re asking ourselves, what can we do to help those that aren’t able to do that same experience of being able to celebrate with those that they love or really just to celebrate in general. So I think that it’s so perfect that I was able to really connect with World Vision at this time especially with everything going on at this time with the pandemic. There are more kids living now in poverty and you can give - we all can give gifts that can change lives. So I think that that is really what I love and what I am excited about this holiday season.

AM: You have partnered with World Vision. Can you tell our readers about this organization?

MP: Yeah! World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization and they work all over in nearly 100 countries - including the United States. That’s something that is so amazing to me as it’s just not something that is overseas, but is also something that is right here! They provide people the tools so that they can overcome poverty and that is something that I really love about World Vision. They aren’t just handing over whatever, they are actually walking through it with these people, they’re training these people, they are empowering these people to really create change for their lives. It’s not just handing them something, but it’s actually creating that change for them right here and for the legacy of that family that they are going to be able to create.

AM: Tell us about the World Vision Gift Catalog and their focus on giving a gift to change a life. Can you tell us about the gifts that they are offering to change lives?

MP: You can buy gifts like goats, alpacas, emergency food kits and there are a bunch of gifts that you can give beyond symbolic gifts. You can also do tangible gifts that you can give as well. There are handcrafted gifts like jewelry, candle holders, ornaments. I’m wearing one of their rings now which is known as their Circle of Hope Ring by Sadie Robertson Huff. I love jewelry so this is just something that is so easy for me to wear and to want to give people. The most popular gift at World Vision is the gifting of animals! You can buy a goat for $85 and I think that it is one of those things that here, you’d say, “why would you want to buy a goat?” But it’s actually so beautiful because you can really transform not only a home and a family’s life, but an entire community. Because those goats multiply and it’s more than just them cooking a goat and eating it right? But the goats can provide up to 16 cups of milk a day and they also not only provide milk for their families, but they can also sell that milk and also help those that are around them. So for $85 you can provide a goat and it’s just something that can really change these people’s lives and their futures forever.

AM: These gifts, in terms of the catalog, do they exist only during the holiday season or can people contribute year around?

MP: You can definitely contribute year around. Right now the way it works is that you can go to WorldVision.org and can choose a gift and then you can just browse the catalog, order the gift and then you just purchased something that is making a difference. You can also honor a loved one by giving a gift that is in their honor and in their name which makes it more personalized. You can definitely do this year round but right now is just such a great time in that you are already buying gifts and are already getting presents under the tree and spending money during this time. So why not give a gift that is purposeful and is making a difference?

AM: We're currently watching Tayshia Adams on The Bachelorette and we're pretty excited about The Bachelor with Matt James. I enjoyed you on your season of The Bachelor what was that like for you and what have you been up to since we saw you on Season 24?

MP: The experience was full of a lot of highs and lows. I think that I really learned a lot about myself and just coming off the show, I was able to have a new perspective on a lot of things. Now I have this new platform and I want to be able to do what I can especially in this time where there is a lot of loneliness, poverty and division and be able to be a part of something that is bigger than myself. So that’s why really since then, I have been focusing on what I can do to find out my purpose, how I can help and doing a lot of speaking, writing and partnering with amazing organizations like World Vision. I just want to be involved with the ways that I can help in the midst of everything that is going on and that’s why I love World Vision for everything that they are doing to help people in this time during the pandemic in the US with family emergency kits that are filled with essentials that people can purchase for $75. It can feed a family of 5 for up to a week which is really amazing. All these families are desperately in need and it provides essentials like masks, hand sanitizers and things like that. To be able to be a part and to help with things that are going on all over the world but also right here in the United States.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHAT WATCH DO I GIVE TO A WOMAN?

How to choose a watch for a woman? If you have come to this question is that at least you have clear what to give; A watch is a guaranteed successful gift but we have some tips to help you choose the right watch.

Aspects to keep in mind to give a watch:

Budget:
Luckily nowadays the budget will allow you to access certain brands, materials, finishes; but there are "low cost" brands that offer all kinds of styles at very affordable prices, for example Marea, Mark Maddox (Viceroy), Calypso (Lotus); brands created by major manufacturers such as Lotus or Viceroy. In all of them you will find options for all styles of women.

Age:
The age of the person to whom you are going to give a watch is important but not decisive, since not all women of an age have the same styles; But if there are some age ranges to consider as watches for girls, there are a variety of models markedly childish, or with colors and sizes that especially call attention to girls; even the communion watches we can say that they are models for girls, since from then on the girls tend to like younger models.

The style:
It is the most important factor to keep in mind when we are going to give a watch; In the first place we have to know the tastes and the style of the woman; It is true that there are many styles and women who use different styles depending on the occasion, if we identify that style well and we have a clear chance we will have an easy choice of model.

There are several styles but we will summarize by classifying them in the following groups:

Sport / Sport:
They are models with clear sports inspiration, normally employ very marked shapes and colors, offer features or functions oriented to the practice of sports (chronographs, lap counters, timers) but also offer resistance to water or shock. In this case, it would be a perfect gift for a woman who practices sports, who goes to the gym and likes to wear a watch, or who usually dresses with a very sporty style.

Casual:
The casual models are those we use daily, which offer us the functionality of the watch and an aesthetic appropriate to our style but neither too bold, nor too elegant.

Classic:
A classic style watch such as Breguet watch is simply a style that probably draws more attention to an older woman, but depending on the tastes and fashions can also be an option for a young girl. In classic styles, materials and finishes are usually used, such as gold, ceramics, which bring that elegant and classic look.

Vintage / Retro:
The models with vintage look differ from the classics in that they are usually adaptations or watches inspired by classic cut but adapted to some kind of trend.

Fashion:
Fashion style watches are very associated with fashion trends, they tend to be styles with a touch of fantasy, colors, stones, eye-catching spheres; usually daring watches. We can find models with very specific or identified colors. It is a good gift for that woman who changes the watch model frequently, who uses it as a fashion accessory and constantly combines it with her style.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

MIND YOUR MANNERS WITH LIZZIE POST

We're coming back to another season where we will be attending a number of weddings during the fall. There are a number of things to consider as a guest from gift giving, attending events and more. Regardless of the type of wedding you're attending there is still an etiquette to be aware of. We sat down with Lizzie Post, great-great granddaughter to the iconic Emily Post, to find out what we need to know about wedding season as guests as well as those that are in the bridal party. In addition, she shares some great ideas on the rules of attending a wedding even in an age of social media where we're eager to post our best wishes to the happy couple.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell our readers a bit about your background and your connection to Emily Post?

LIZZIE POST: I have been working at The Emily Post Institute (the business Emily founded in 1946 to allow her work to carry on through her family) for the past 11 years and Emily was my great-great-grandmother.

AM: What would you define as expected elements at a wedding whether for a casual or a glam affair?

LP: No matter how you get married, there are usually two people making a promise and some form of a celebration. Whether that’s a big party or the couple driving around to their friends and family and showing the marriage certificate from the courthouse, it matters not. What matters is that two people have made a commitment to one another and how they want to share and celebrate that is up to them.

That being said, most people have an exchange of vows followed by a party and that party has a typical routine of a cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. (Speeches and toasts, first dances, bouquet tosses, and cake cutting are all typical elements, but not mandatory by any etiquette standard. Cutting the cake does carry with it the traditional rule that once the cake is cut, guests may leave. If you leave this element out of a wedding it's nice to have

something in its place to let guests know it’s okay to leave. (Though, most guests will simply do so once they are ready to end the night.)

AM: What are people doing now to add their own touch?

LP: Pretty much any and everything! Whether that’s a grand entrance to the ceremony, or labeling the tables at the reception (themes include: superheros, cocktails, authors, movies, destinations, foods, books, bands…) you name it and a couple can personalize it to their style and needs for their big day. One piece of advice: Ask yourself if this element of your wedding is necessary to you feeling married on your big day. It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole when planning a wedding and feeling like every decision has to represent you and your partner and be an amazing expression of the two of you. It doesn’t. Pick and choose what will really make you feel married and let the rest of it (maybe that’s napkin colors, or the variety of appetizers, or the size of the lights hanging in the garden bar area) just be whatever works.

AM: What are great wedding gifts to give?

LP: So many ideas! Mainly, keep the couple and their interests in mind. I partnered with Marshalls this wedding season because I absolutely love getting inspired to give a wedding gift off the registry. (I usually look at the registry to get an idea of color or style.) At Marshalls I often put together a basket of things for the couple. If they like to cook, some cookware and specialty ingredients or a set of serving ware (platters, trays, plates, bowls – choose what works! - and serving utensils) and one of my favorite recipes written out on a nice card – which you can also find at Marshalls! They have great stationery for thank you notes too! Picking out the items is fun – and I'm always pleasantly surprised by what I find!

AM: Times change but what wedding etiquette stands the test of time from the bridal side and the attendee side?

LP: The couple should always spend a moment with each guest. Whether it’s a receiving line, or visiting tables during the meal, or just making the rounds and being diligent about it, it’s important that the couple gets to connect with each guest and thank them for coming.

For guests, RSVPing appropriately is one of the most important things. RSVP. Period. Whether you are attending or not you must let your host know. Most hosts are trying to figure out headcounts for vendors and it’s crucial to get the right number both for financial and logistical reasons. Guests should never add plus ones or extra guests (children included) to their RSVP unless those people have been specifically indicated on the invitation. (“Ms. Christine Williams and Mr. Kamal Metta & Family” means the kids are invited. “Ms. Christine Williams and Mr. Kamal Metta” with no indication of family are being invited as a couple not as a family.)

AM: Are there new rules regarding etiquette?

LP: No, there really aren’t many “new rules” in wedding etiquette. While it’s not a rule, one thing that is emerging is phone-free weddings and not posting tons of wedding pictures before the happy couple has a chance to.

AM: Tell us about your partnership with Marshalls and how this is fitting for wedding gifting?

LP: I have been very excited to partner with Marshalls this wedding season because it is one of my go-to places for wedding gifts. Everything is always new and fresh when I go in and with all the different departments it’s easy to find something special for the couple that I’m excited to give. One of my favorite gifts this summer has been luggage and travel accessories! Everyone thinks to give to the honeyfund, but luggage ends up being a real lifesaver when it comes time to pack!

AM: Does Marshalls have a registry and if not how can brides be kept in the loop on items that they can cross off their list?

LP: Marshalls does not have a registry, but it’s perfectly appropriate to shop off registry (the registry is there as a suggestion and to help guests who might have a hard time thinking of a gift). This is one of those awkward etiquette places where practicality tries not to step on the toes of surprise. If you don’t send the gift immediately, you can always let someone close to the bride know that the item has been purchased at another store and therefore to remove it from the registry. It’s a little awkward telling the couple themselves and then not sending the gift until after the wedding (or bringing it to the wedding). Instead it’s fine to the let the mother of the bride (or the appropriate alternative) or a member of the bridal party know, and ask that they let the bride and groom know the item has been taken care of.

If you send the gift immediately after purchasing, then the couple will receive it and know to cross it off the registry list. You can add a note with a gift receipt if you’d like letting them know it was purchased off registry, that way they know to remove the item from the registry.

Don’t worry too much about repeated gifts, the couple will likely have to deal with a few returns anyway.

IG @AwesomeEtiquette

Read the latest Athleisure Mag issue.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Your mom and mother figures are meant to be honored every day; however, Mother's Day is a great way to pull out the stops and we have some items that we feel are perfect to give her!  

| STOKKE® My Carrier | NOT YOUR MOM'S Apple Pie Beer | PULSE™ Personal Lubricant  Warmer + Dispensary | LOVE BUDS His and Hers Earbuds |  VINEBOX Memership Wine | TRILOGY Certified Organic Rosehip Oil | MONTELLE Gatsby at Midnight Plunge Bra + Thong | PARROT POT Self Watering Smart Pot |  

Read more from Athleisure Mag and see the Mother's Day Gift Guide in Mag

LIGHTS, CAMERA, SWEENEY

Alison Sweeney has literally grown up on TV from her first commercial at the age of 5 for Kodak, various shows and then in 1987, she came to the soap opera, Days of Our Lives which she spent over 2 decades as Samantha Brady. She is also known for her roles as the host of NBC's Biggest Loser, Hallmark's Murder She Baked and more. This Daytime Emmy and Soap Opera Digest Award winner and nominee continues to share her love of life in Food Network's Kid's Sweet Showdown as a host (she has hosted and co-hosted various Food Network specials).

We took a moment to sit down to talk with this Soap Opera queen to chat about her Food Network special, how she keeps a healthy mindset, what she's up to for the holidays and her personal style.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've been fans of yours for a long time as we got our first glimpse of you as Sami! How have you crafted your career to take on so many roles and opportunities beyond those of just the Soap Opera world? 

ALISON SWEENEY: Thank you for being fans! Growing up on a soap opera, where we learned so much dialogue each day, taught me how to be in the moment and how to plan. That upbringing has helped me throughout my life as I now tackle various roles. I make a point to continually push myself, but always to keep it manageable with a schedule and to only look at what’s next on the list. By focusing on what I’m doing in the moment, I’m able to give it my undivided attention before moving onto whatever is next. Plus, as my kids are getting older, I’m able to accomplish much more during their hours at school and with after school activities.
 
AM: We're Food Network fans for sure, how did Kid’s Sweets Showdown come about and what can we expect from this show?

AS: As followers of mine on social media know, I love to cook at home and I’m a big fan of Food Network. I’ve hosted several specials for the network so when they asked me to host Kid’s Sweets Showdown for the holidays, I jumped at the opportunity. 

AM: Being healthy is a mindset, but it's also about making a time commitment, how are you able to do this during the holiday season especially with children and so many other responsibilities?

AS: My family and I are incredibly active and we view the holiday season as a time to get out and do so much more because we don’t have limitations with work, school and other responsibilities.

Whether it’s taking a hike or skiing down the mountain, it’s a great time of year for us to have fun while still being healthy

AM: Outside of the holidays how do you stay healthy from favorite meals, workouts, etc that you do?

AS: I love cooking at home and with my kids helping me. I think by making our own meals, we’re more aware of what we’re eating. Our go-to favorites are shrimp and veggie kabobs that my kids and I prep and my husband grills. For workouts, nothing beats a long run with good music and it’s a great way to explore neighborhoods or cities if I’m traveling.
 
AM: How did the partnership with Arm & Hammer Spinbrush come about and why are they a perfect stocking stuffer?

AS: I’m a big fan of Arm & Hammer products and believe in having a strong and confident smile so when Arm & Hammer approached me about working together to raise awareness of their Spinbrush and toothpaste, it was an organic fit as they’re products I already used and a daily routine my family and I are committed to. Plus, who doesn’t love a fresh toothbrush for the new year! It’s a great stocking stuffer and one that my kids look forward to each year.
 
AM: With the holidays, it's literally almost 6 weeks of so many activities - do you have any traditions and how will you be spending it?

AS: My family and I always disappear to the mountains for some time in the snow. We love being first on the chair lifts and last off the mountain before curling up by a fire. 
 
AM: What's your holiday style suggestion from what you would wear to a holiday brunch, holiday activities with your kids, Christmas and New Year’s Eve - do you have any go to staples?

AS: I love to have a sparkly top or shoes to be extra festive over the holidays. I also learned a great tip years ago which is to carry a handbag so one hand is always full, providing less opportunity to
graze the food at holiday parties.
 
AM: When the holidays are over, how will you bring some much needed zen and centering back into your life as you embark upon the new year?

AS: My family and I are creatures of habit so the first day of school is the first day we return to our normal routines and get back in the mode of school and work. The holidays always give us a great time to take a break so when the day comes, we’re ready to tackle life again in the new year and to make every day count.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Food Network