EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has become an increasingly discussed topic in men’s health, especially as awareness grows around hormonal balance, aging, and quality of life. While often associated with bodybuilding or athletic performance, TRT is a legitimate medical treatment designed to address clinically low testosterone levels. Understanding what TRT Torrance is, who it’s for, and what benefits and risks it carries is essential before considering it as an option.

What Is Testosterone and Why Is It Important?

Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testes in men and, to a lesser extent, in the ovaries in women. It plays a crucial role in developing male sexual characteristics, maintaining muscle mass and bone density, regulating fat distribution, supporting red blood cell production, and influencing mood, energy levels, and libido.

Testosterone levels naturally peak in early adulthood and tend to decline gradually with age—often about 1% per year after the age of 30. For some men, this decline is mild and causes few symptoms. For others, testosterone levels fall below the normal range, leading to a condition known as hypogonadism.

What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

TRT is a medical treatment that aims to restore testosterone levels to a normal, healthy range. It is prescribed for men who have both low testosterone levels confirmed by blood tests and symptoms that significantly affect their well-being.

TRT does not “boost” testosterone beyond normal limits when properly prescribed. Instead, it replaces what the body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Men with low testosterone may experience a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, including:

• Low sex drive and erectile dysfunction

• Chronic fatigue or low energy

• Loss of muscle mass and strength

• Increased body fat

• Depressed mood or irritability

• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”

• Decreased bone density

• Reduced motivation and confidence

Because these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions, proper medical evaluation is essential before diagnosing low testosterone.

Forms of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

TRT comes in several forms, and the right option depends on lifestyle, preference, cost, and medical guidance:

1. Injections – Administered weekly or biweekly, injections are one of the most common and cost-effective methods. They can cause fluctuations in hormone levels for some individuals.

2. Topical Gels and Creams – Applied daily to the skin, these offer steady absorption but require care to avoid transferring testosterone to others.

3. Patches – Worn on the skin and changed daily, though some users experience skin irritation.

4. Pellets – Implanted under the skin every few months, providing long-term, stable hormone release.

5. Oral or Buccal Options – Less common and used selectively due to absorption and safety considerations.

Potential Benefits of TRT

When appropriately prescribed and monitored, TRT can provide meaningful benefits for men with low testosterone, such as:

• Improved energy and vitality

• Increased libido and sexual performance

• Enhanced muscle mass and strength

• Reduced fat mass

• Better mood and mental clarity

• Improved bone density

• Overall improved quality of life

Many men report feeling more like themselves again once testosterone levels are restored to a healthy range.

Risks and Side Effects

Like any medical treatment, TRT carries potential risks. These may include:

• Acne or oily skin

• Fluid retention

• Increased red blood cell count

• Breast tenderness or enlargement

• Reduced sperm production and fertility

• Testicular shrinkage

There is ongoing research regarding TRT and cardiovascular health, prostate health, and long-term safety. Current evidence suggests that TRT can be safe when properly monitored, but it is not appropriate for everyone—particularly men with certain cancers or untreated sleep apnea.

Who Should Consider TRT?

TRT is intended for men who have clinically diagnosed low testosterone and related symptoms. It is not recommended for men seeking quick performance enhancement or anti-aging benefits without medical necessity.

A proper TRT evaluation typically includes:

• Multiple blood tests taken in the morning

• A review of symptoms and medical history

• Assessment of underlying causes such as obesity, stress, sleep disorders, or medications

In some cases, lifestyle changes—such as improved sleep, weight loss, exercise, and stress management—can naturally improve testosterone levels without hormone therapy.

The Importance of Medical Supervision

TRT should always be managed by a qualified healthcare provider. Regular follow-ups and blood tests are necessary to ensure testosterone levels remain within a safe range and to monitor potential side effects.

Self-medicating or using testosterone without a prescription can be dangerous and may lead to long-term health complications.

Final Thoughts

Testosterone Replacement Therapy can be life-changing for men with genuine testosterone deficiency, helping restore energy, confidence, and overall well-being. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should never be approached casually.

If you suspect low testosterone, the first step is a thorough medical evaluation—not assumptions based on symptoms alone. With proper diagnosis, personalized treatment, and ongoing monitoring, TRT can be a safe and effective option for the right candidate, for more information visit- https://menshealthclinictorrance.com

POST WORKOUT SCROLLING IS WHERE CASINO STREAMERS WIN PEOPLE OVER

So once the last rep is done and the timer stops, the real ritual often starts with a thumb swipe on your phone.

In that hazy window between wiping off sweat and diving back into normal life, you are not hunting for heavy information, you are looking for something that lets your brain float a little.

That is where casino streamers quietly slide into the mix, offering quick hits of color, sound, and story without asking much from you.

They sit right beside your fitness apps and playlists, turning cool down time into a blend of light suspense, background chatter, and low effort fun.

This article looks at how that simple post workout scroll is evolving into a new kind of recovery ritual.

Scrolling for relief: how post-workout downtime shifts our focus

In that small pocket of time after a workout, your body is winding down, but your brain is still buzzing.

Your heart rate is dropping, sweat is drying, yet your mind has not quite rejoined the rest of your day.

That is why grabbing your phone feels less like a bad habit and more like a bridge.

You are shifting from effort to ease, from structure to drift, and you want something that matches that in between mood.

Heavy reading or long videos feel like too much right then.

You want something visual and moving, but low pressure, almost like background conversation you can dip in and out of.

Casino streams slot neatly into that gap.

The spinning reels, quick reveals, and simple win or lose moments give your brain small bursts of focus without asking you to think hard.

You can watch a bonus round build, check a message, stretch your legs, then glance back without feeling lost.

The social layer adds another hook.

Live chat, running jokes, and the streamer reacting in real time make it feel a bit like cooling down in a busy gym where everyone is loosely tuned to the same thing.

In that half present state, your attention slowly shifts away from reps, times, and targets toward stories, personalities, and chance.

That is where exercise routines and digital entertainment quietly blend, turning recovery into a softer kind of focus rather than an abrupt stop.

The Pull of Live Personalities: Why Streamers Like Dice Girl Stick Around in Your Feed

From there, it is a small shift from watching spins to noticing who is actually running the show.

After a hard workout, the energy you want is human, not just visual noise, which is where a familiar face starts to matter.

Streamers build that pull in tiny, repeatable ways.

Their greetings, catchphrases, and little rituals at the start of a bonus round feel strangely reassuring when you are lying on a mat or slumped on a bench scrolling.

Someone like Dice Girl is not just spinning slots, she is hosting a room you drift in and out of.

The jokes with regulars, the way she reacts to near misses, the mock drama when the balance drops, all of it turns the stream into an ongoing story you feel quietly looped into.

You might not type in chat, but you still follow the arcs in your head.

Was today a big win day, a comeback story, or a quick flameout with a laugh at the end.

Over time, that story thread becomes the reason you tap her thumbnail again after training.

You are not thinking I need casino content.

You are thinking I wonder what she is up to tonight.

That is when it stops being random background and starts becoming a ritual, a familiar voice that bridges the gap between effort and the rest of your evening.

When games become community: How casino streams reshape social recovery

Once that familiar voice pulls you back in, you start to notice it is not just you and the streamer anymore.

The chat is moving, throwing out one liners, emojis, and strange little phrases that would make zero sense to anyone outside that room.

After a heavy lift or a long run, it can feel good to sit on the sidelines and just watch those micro dramas play out.

A near win, a bonus round, a sudden loss, and instantly the chat swings from groans to laughter to that shared all caps scream.

Lurkers sit in the background, quietly scrolling, while a smaller group keeps the temperature warm with reactions and running jokes.

What starts as noise becomes a kind of low pressure hangout, where you can join in or stay invisible and nobody takes it personally.

It mirrors the vibe of a good studio class, where people high five between sets but do not demand anything from you.

Only here, the sweat is over and the stakes are emotional, not physical.

That light, collective buzz takes the edge off the solitary side of recovery.

Instead of collapsing alone into your phone, you are winding down with a roomful of people who are also somewhere between work, workout, and whatever comes next.

A new entertainment routine: slot play, recovery, and athleisure culture

From there, it is a tiny step from shared chat jokes to a full-blown recovery ritual.

The same way people plan their playlists for a run, they start to plan what they will watch while they stretch, hydrate, and scroll.

Casino streams slide neatly into this gap because they feel light but not empty, social but not demanding.

You can drop in mid spin, catch a quick rush, then zone out again while you towel off or queue up your next week of workouts.

For a lot of athleisure minded people, that mix fits how they already live.

Gym bag, shaker bottle, comfy set, and a stream humming in the background becomes its own uniform for winding down.

The games themselves keep evolving in the background, too.

Studios like Tom Horn Gaming are constantly tweaking themes, pacing, and visuals so that a slot feels punchy and readable even on a small phone screen between sets or during cooldown.

Bright symbols, quick feedback, and simple mechanics make it easy to understand what is happening without giving it your full brain.

So recovery starts to look less like doing nothing and more like a softer, looser kind of play.

You are off the treadmill, but you are still riding little waves of anticipation and release, now with a hoodie on and your feet up.

Over time, that blend of movement, rest, and low key spectacle can feel like one continuous routine rather than separate parts of your day.

Beyond the Scroll: Reflection on Balance, Boundaries, and New Rituals

Which is exactly why it is worth pausing to ask what role this new ritual is playing for you.

Some evenings, that post workout scroll with a stream in the background really does feel like the perfect bridge between effort and ease.

On others, you might notice you are not unwinding so much as numbing out, chasing one more spin when your body is already asking for bed.

Thinking about it this way, the question is less whether casino streams are good or bad and more about how consciously they fit into your wider routine.

Do they leave you feeling lighter, seen, and ready to move on with your night, or wired, restless, and stuck to the couch.

Simple boundaries help here, like tying streams to a specific window of time or to a clear signal that the session is over.

Maybe it is one water bottle, one protein snack, one favorite streamer, then phone face down.

When you treat the scroll as an intentional cooldown rather than a default habit, you give yourself room to keep the fun parts and quietly drop the rest.

Balance starts in that small act of noticing what actually leaves you feeling recovered.

THE 9LIST 9M3NU | HANDROLL BAR ROLLING

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Paul Farkas

Read the DEC ISSUE #120 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST 9M3NU | Handroll Bar Rolling in mag.

HOW CUSTOM PINS AND PERSONALITY TO ATHLEISURE AND CASUAL WEAR

Over the years, athleisure and casual wear have become more functional, comfortable, and interesting in their design. However, it can still feel like your athleisure looks a little too boring for your liking. Sure, it might feel great against the skin or be a perfect fit for that post-work gym workout, but it lacks that spark of uniqueness that shows your personality.

The good news is there is a very simple way to turn your athleisure wear into something more exciting (without purchasing more clothes, that is): by adding your own custom pin.

What is a Custom Pin?

A custom pin is a small, personalized badge that you can easily pin to your clothes. It has its own shape and design, with you having control over the final result. For example, you might want a pin in the shape of your dog’s breed, a football team’s logo, or your name. There are so many designs to play with, so anyone can find something that works for them and their personality. If you want to discover all the different types of custom pins you can get your hands on, visit lapelpinnow.com.

Of course, people wear custom pins with all types of outfits, but they are particularly great for adding personality, specifically to athleisure and casual wear – here’s why.

An Eye-Catching Addition

Traditionally, athleisure and casual wear have a minimalistic kind of design. Most people want comfortable, streamlined clothes for working out in, after all. That’s why a custom pin makes the most sense when attached to casual attire, as it will be against a more mundane backdrop and therefore will stand out a lot more!

Versatility in Placement

Another great thing about custom pins is that you can place them anywhere you like on your clothes. Then, if you get bored with where it is, you can always move it around again if you want to!

It puts you in complete control of how your athleisure wear looks. You might like to display it in full view of everyone in front of you by having it on your chest, or you may prefer having your pin on the cuff of your top for a flash of personality.

Choose Your Own Design

Custom pins undeniably add personality to athleisure and casual wear because it’s all about choosing your own design! There are so many designs to choose from to make the final outfit represent exactly who you are. The pin could show your favorite sports team, a food you love, or even your brand’s logo! There’s no limit.

Adding Texture and Color

Casual wear often only has one or two colors and textures. A custom pin adds personality by introducing a new color and texture, bringing life to the outfit as a whole. A custom pin can add a pop of any color you like, depending on your preferences. Then, you have a choice when it comes to texture, although a metal sheen offers a great look against cotton.

STRENGTHEN YOUR FITNESS + LIFESTYLE GOALS

We’ve gotten the lay of the land in terms of 2026 and rather than thinking about resolutions, we’re looking at how we can maintain the lifestyle we want! A large part of that does include our fitness. There are many reasons why we workout whether it is reducing our weight, adding muscle to targeted areas, maintaining mobility, or simply enjoying the fact that you’re doing something for yourself to maintain what you already like about your physique!

As we think about workouts we have been doing as well as those that we want to add to what we do - we also know that it is essential for us to strengthen those activities with our nutrition and hydration as well! The act of working out is an array of activities, tools, etc that keep us engaged so that we keep coming back and that it gets to that stage where we can’t imagine navigating our day or week without it. To keep that momentum going, doing this activity also allows us to focus on our workout gear, apparel, tracking devices, your favorite studios whether in person or on a streamed platform and whether you will also do this with friends to maintain accountability.

On top of all of that, many find it helpful to also have supplements that continue to aid us in our efforts. We have talked about creatine before and how it is beneficial to you as a system between working out and fueling your body. Lean Creatine is the newest product that Naked Nutrition launched and it comes in Raspberry Lime and Unflavored. It’s always nice to have options and we also feel that finding the perfect vessel is another way to get excited about adding this to your routine so that you have that total workout.

Whether you take your creatine before working out or after, it’s about choosing a consistent time that works for you. Naked Lean Creatine aims to provide strength, power, cognitive health, and lean muscle! In using this product you can also enjoy knowing that you won’t have water retention and bloating that tends to come from creatine. The Creatine HCL powder has 750 mg of Con-Cret® Creatine HCl with Cactinea™ organic prickly pear extract (for natural water balance), a natural powerhouse for maintaining water balance that helps you look lean and feel light while building real muscle. Lean Creatine contains electrolytes as well as being enhanced with magnesium, sodium, and potassium for optimal creatine absorption. This allows the ability to have maximum performance, visible definition and zero discomfort so you can enjoy your gains without having to sacrifice aesthetics as well as improved muscle and cellular hydration. You’ll find that it is ultra-soluble and has no grit and your gut will not have issues. There are also no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. It is also vegan, gluten free, and GMO free. it is suggested that you take 1 scoop per 100lbs of bodyweight daily for consistent results. As is the case with all workouts and supplements, results depend on your training consistency and nutrition.

PHOTO CREDIT | Naked Nutriton

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.

WEDDING DÉCOR: HOW TO USE CANDLES TO ENHANCE YOUR BIG DAY

A wedding can look polished without feeling over-designed. Candles help you get there. They add warmth, soften hard edges in a room, and make photos look richer. Even simple spaces feel more inviting when the light comes from a flame instead of an overhead fixture.

If you are ordering bulk candles or sourcing bulk wedding candles, the key is planning placement and purpose first. Think in layers. A few candles that do one job well will beat dozens placed without a plan. The goal is a clean, intentional look that feels effortless.

Start With Your Lighting Plan Before You Buy Anything

Candles work best when they solve a real décor problem. Identify the spaces that need help. Many venues have bright ceiling lights, dark corners, or awkward transitions between areas. Candles can smooth those issues by adding low, flattering light where guests actually look.

Map your key zones. Ceremony aisle, altar area, cocktail tables, bar, escort card table, guestbook, and reception tables. Ask where the room will be dim and where it will be bright. Then decide where candlelight will support the mood. This approach prevents overbuying and keeps the design tidy.

Match candle height to what guests need to do in that spot. Dining tables need enough light to read menus and see food. Lounges and hallway corners can stay moodier. The same candle that looks perfect at the bar might feel too dark for a place setting. Planning by zone makes every candle feel intentional.

Choose Candle Styles That Match the Setting and the Season

Shape changes the entire look. Tapers feel formal and architectural, especially in pairs or clusters. Votives feel romantic and classic. Pillars feel grounded and modern, especially when grouped in different heights. Floating candles feel airy and work well around water features or in clear bowls.

Season matters. Summer weddings often look best with lighter wax colors, clear glass, and breezy spacing. Fall and winter events can handle deeper tones, heavier holders, and tighter groupings that feel cozy. Outdoor settings usually call for thicker candles that hold up in wind, while indoor ballrooms can handle more delicate styles.

Wax type affects performance. Quality wax burns cleaner and stays more stable. Cheap candles can tunnel, drip, or smoke, which shows up on linens and in photos. If you want the look to last through speeches and dancing, pick candles known for consistent burn, strong wicks, and sturdy shapes.

Build Table Layers That Look Expensive Without Feeling Busy

The best candle tablescapes have breathing room. Start with one anchor element per table, like a floral piece, a greenery runner, or a simple linen texture. Then add candles as supporting light, not the main clutter. A good rule is to keep the surface useful for glassware and plates.

Work in groups, not singles. Three to five candles clustered at varying heights look purposeful. Mix glass and metal holders for contrast, but keep the finish consistent across the reception. If you use gold, stay with gold. If you use black, stay with black. Consistency keeps the room looking curated.

Protect sightlines. Guests want to talk. Tall tapers can stay to the edges or in the center when the arrangement is narrow. If you want tall candle drama, use slim holders and avoid wide floral mounds. Low votives spread light evenly and photograph beautifully from every angle.

Highlight Your “Moment” Areas With Candle Placement

Some spots deserve extra attention because they appear in photos all night. The sweetheart table, cake display, and entry table are prime examples. Candle placement here should frame, not compete. Use pairs on both sides to create balance, then add a few shorter lights in front to soften shadows.

For the ceremony, candles can define the aisle and draw focus to the front. Use weighted holders and secure bases, especially on grass or uneven flooring. Keep the spacing consistent so the aisle looks clean and symmetrical. If the venue has a strong view, leave the view open and let candlelight guide the eye.

In transition areas, candles help guests move through the event smoothly. A few candle clusters near doors, signs, and hallways make the space feel finished. These small zones often look forgotten. A little light here makes the entire wedding feel more polished.

Keep Safety, Venue Rules, and Weather From Ruining the Look

Safety planning protects your décor and your schedule. Confirm the venue’s policy early. Some locations require enclosed flames, LED-only candles, or specific holder types. Build your design around those rules instead of fighting them at the last minute.

Outdoor weddings need extra care. Wind will knock over tall tapers and can make flames flicker in photos. Use glass hurricanes, heavier holders, and thicker pillars. Place candles lower and closer together so they stay stable. If it is hot, keep candles out of direct sunlight so they do not soften or lean.

Assign a candle manager. This person checks wicks, lights candles at the right time, and replaces any that burn down too early. A simple schedule helps, like lighting ceremony candles ten minutes before guests arrive, then lighting reception candles right before introductions. That keeps the look consistent through the night.

Create a Clean Candle “Recipe” So Setup Is Fast, and Results Stay Consistent

A candle recipe is a repeatable plan that your team can follow without guessing. It includes how many candles per table, which holders go where, and how the spacing should look. This prevents a patchy look where some tables feel full, and others feel empty.

Standardize the key pieces. Choose one or two holder styles and stick with them. If you want variety, vary height, not chaos. For example, keep the same glass style but use three heights of votives. Or keep the same metal finish but change the taper length. Small shifts read as intentional.

Test one complete table before the wedding day. Set it up at home or during a venue walk-through. Take photos in daylight and low light. If it looks busy in photos, remove one element. If it looks flat, add height through holders rather than adding more items. A quick test saves hours of stress later and leads to a cleaner, more elegant finish.

HOW TO REMAIN ACTIVE WHILE TRAVELING

Travel is one of life’s great joys, but it can also bring about long flights, delays, jet lag, and overstimulation, which can leave you feeling sluggish. However, there is one fantastic way to combat this: being active! While you’re on the move, incorporating this at every stage of your travels not only boosts your energy and mood, but it also helps you make the most of every destination. Here are a few practical yet enjoyable ways to keep active no matter where you are.

Plan Active Adventures

Instead of defaulting to passive sightseeing, choose activities that naturally get you moving. Go for a hike in a local nature reserve, rent bikes to explore a city, or join a walking tour that takes you through neighborhoods and historic sites. These experiences let you connect more deeply with your destination while keeping your body engaged.

Schedule Short Movement Breaks

Travel days often involve long stretches of sitting, whether on planes, trains, or in cars. You can’t exactly go on a hike or bike ride to get your body moving, but you can set a recurring reminder on your phone to get up and stretch every hour. Quick, short walks around the terminal, stair climbs instead of elevators, and simple in-place stretches can make a big difference in circulation and comfort.

Choose the Right Shoes

Comfortable, supportive footwear makes a huge difference when you want to remain active while traveling, particularly if you’re keen to walk miles a day. Chances are you are going to be if you are exploring local areas and sightseeing. Travel shoes that offer stability and cushioning help reduce fatigue and keep you going longer. These are the best travel shoes on the market, designed for comfort on the move. Make sure not to miss out on getting essentials like this before you jet off around the world.

Pack Portable Workout Tools

You don’t need a gym membership to stay active. Small items like resistance bands, a jump rope, or even a yoga mat can easily fit in your suitcase and be used in your hotel room or at a park. Plenty of quick bodyweight workouts require zero equipment and can be done in 10–20 minutes.

Use Active Transportation

Wherever safe and practical, try to walk or cycle instead of taking taxis or rideshares. Yes, public transport often involves stairs and walking between stops, which naturally increases your step count, but choosing the walking or biking option gets you even more active. Even choosing to walk to nearby restaurants or shops adds up over the course of a trip. Plus, it could save you money, which is never a bad thing when traveling.

Try Local Fitness Classes

Many cities offer drop-in fitness classes. This might be yoga in the park, outdoor boot camps, dance classes, and more. These not only provide movement but also a chance to meet locals and other travelers. Check community boards, apps, or your accommodation’s front desk for recommendations.

Stretch Before Bed

It can be tempting to crash after a long day, but a short stretch routine before bed helps relieve muscle tension and should improve your quality of sleep. Focus on areas that carry stress during travel, like your hips, lower back, and shoulders.

Make It Social

Traveling with others? Suggest activity-based plans like beach volleyball, paddleboarding, or an early morning jog. If you’re solo, though, why not join a local meetup or group activity? You will find that social engagement adds motivation and makes staying active more fun.

CAR RENTAL SCAMS EXPOSED: THE TRUTH ABOUT FAKE DAMAGE CLAIM

Car rental scams keep growing in numbers, especially those with fake damage claims. You might return your vehicle in perfect condition and still get a notification about damage you never caused. Many of us know these horror stories, and some have lived through this nightmare.

Rental companies now hold drivers responsible for any damage to their vehicles during rental periods, even if the driver couldn't control the situation. To cite an instance, see how some companies use AI-powered vehicle scanners that create false damage claims. These lead to customers getting bills worth thousands of dollars for non-existent damage. The situation becomes worse as customers battle these false damage claims. They spend weeks on phone calls and emails just to prove they did nothing wrong.

This piece exposes the common tactics behind car rental damage scams. You'll read real stories from travelers who fought back and learn practical steps to stay protected before, during, and after your rental. We've included everything a renter should know about rental car damage and ways to contest claims.

How Rental Car Damage Scams Typically Happen

Rental car companies run damage scams that follow predictable patterns to trap travelers who don't suspect anything. The most common scam happens after you return your vehicle. Companies used to check cars right away, but now many wait hours or days to look at returned vehicles. That delay creates a gray zone where claims get harder to verify and easier to push onto customers. If you’re being billed for damage you can’t tie to your rental window, treat it like a documentation fight first, and a fraud problem second. ConsumerShield can connect you with qualified legal representation in your area if you need help protecting your rights.

These companies have started using AI-powered scanning systems that compare thousands of high-resolution pictures taken before and after rentals. Hertz says their scans show no billable damage 97% of the time. However, customers across the country keep getting surprise bills for tiny scratches or damage that doesn't exist.

There's another concerning practice where companies charge for "invisible damage" they say they found during post-return cleaning. One company's statement reads: "The vehicle receives a full inspection once the exterior is washed... in the proper lighting of our maintenance bays".

On top of that, companies might blame weather damage without any proof. A customer had to pay $3,000 because the company decided he "must have been near a hailstorm".

The biggest problem is that some companies use damage claims as a way to make money. Some rental locations keep charging different customers for the same unrepaired damages, which turns minor scratches into "invisible cash cows".

Real Stories of False Damage Claims

The numbers tell only part of the story - real people have endured unreasonable car rental damage claims. A consumer advocacy group reveals that all but one of these four renters face unjust rental car damage charges.

A driver's experience in Denver illustrates this problem perfectly. He received a $3,000 bill several weeks after returning his car. The rental company's explanation was based on weather data that placed him near a hailstorm. They had no inspection report or photos from the return to support their claim.

A traveler's experience in Amsterdam reinforces the importance of thorough documentation. He carefully recorded every dent on his damaged Suzuki, including a scuffed wheel. The agents tried charging him for wheel damage until he showed them timestamped photos.

These accounts demonstrate that documentation is a vital defense against rental car false damage claims.

Steps to Avoid and Fight Back Against Scams

You need to take proactive steps to protect yourself from car rental damage scams before and after renting a car. Prior to accepting the vehicle, take timestamped photos and videos of every angle to document its condition. Make sure to capture the undercarriage, windshield, bumpers, wheels, and interior. Smart travelers record the walk-around inspection while staff members are present.

Apps like DAMAGE iD and GoCertius help improve your protection by creating legally certified digital evidence with qualified timestamps and location data. These digital certificates create a presumption of veracity that can shift the burden of proof during disputes.

At pickup, make sure staff writes down all existing issues in a detailed damage report. Get clear answers about damage protocols and keep all your paperwork.

Take time to think about insurance - your personal auto policy might cover you, among other protections from premium credit cards that include rental insurance benefits. You should verify the exact coverage to avoid any gaps.

When falsely accused of causing damage, ask for the Vehicle Incident Report with all photos right away. Match these against your documentation and challenge the charge calmly but firmly. If problems are systemic, reach out to company executives through proper channels - start with customer service before moving up to higher management.

Credit card chargebacks should be your last option since rental companies might send unpaid debts to collections.

Conclusion

Car rental damage scams have become a major threat to travelers worldwide. You need to know about these deceptive practices before renting a vehicle. In this piece, we've shown how rental companies think over delaying inspections, employ AI scanners with questionable results, and keep charging for the same unrepaired damage.

The stories that spread show a troubling pattern. These companies wait days to claim damage, show little evidence, and blame weather conditions without any proof. Their customers struggle to fight these false claims.

Your best defense is prevention. Taking timestamped photos and videos before leaving the lot creates solid evidence of the car's condition. Apps like DAMAGE iD and GoCertius are a great way to get legally certified documentation that can move the burden of proof back to the rental company.

Knowledge is your strongest shield against these predatory practices. Stay alert during your entire rental period - from inspection to return - and keep detailed documentation. Fighting false damage claims takes persistence, but good preparation will substantially improve your chances of winning.

Note that rental companies expect customers to give up the fight. Your detailed records and steady persistence could save thousands of dollars and protect future renters by stopping these deceptive practices. Next time you're at a rental counter, you'll have the tools and knowledge to avoid becoming another damage scam victim.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | BRESCA

As we close the year, we know that this time of year is one where we spend even more time celebrating various moments and enjoying eating at phenomenal restaurants that only enhance the memories that we share with friends, family, and colleagues! In this month’s Athleisure Mag, we make our way to DC to sit down with Owner/Chef Ryan Ratino to talk about Bresca, their tasting menu, and what we can expect when we swing by for our next visit!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve had the pleasure of chatting with you before for with Jônt and Ômo by Jônt which is also part of Hive Hospitality. Currently, your restaurant group is now tied for the most Michelin-starred concepts of any hospitality group in America (4) and the 2nd group with the most Michelin stars (5) in America (with Thomas Keller having the most), what does it mean to you to have these distinctions?

CHEF RYAN RATINO: I have always had the utmost respect for the guide and the chefs who are highlighted in it - it means so much to me, our teams, and our restaurants. The designation is globally known, and it is one of the benchmarks in the industry. It is a reflection of our hard work and tenacity in this industry.

AM: Bresca has had 1 Michelin star every year since 2019! How do you balance navigating your goals, interests, and needs for the restaurant with those elements that involve maintaining the Michelin star?

CHEF RR: It is a validation that our hard work has paid off, year after year. Receiving the star year after year enables us to be more creative and more attentive to details - it just makes us better at what we do; and that for me, is balance. I also enjoy time off playing golf and fishing and have always been into physical fitness when I need time away.

AM: In looking at your mission for Hive Hospitality, you are focused on pioneering the future of hospitality, delivering exceptional experiences, and practicing environmental safety. Why are these so important to you?

CHEF RR: It is a pillar of the our company to inspire our guests - as well as give back to the industry and lead by example. While we are driven by passion, it is important to me and our teams to push the envelope a little further with hard work - one of the Midwestern values that were instilled in me from a young age.

AM: What cuisine is offered at Bresca and what ingredients or spices are indicative of it?

CHEF RR: Seasonal, plus the most responsibly sourced and finest ingredients from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, while using cooking techniques rooted in France with a touch of regional influence.

AM: Tell us about the ambiance of the restaurant and what diners can expect when they come in?

CHEF RR: Fun - the most important thing of all - as well as personalized warm service. The restaurant is buzzy & lively - the chatter of the guests and the dining room teams working together is the music of a french bistro.

AM: Tell us about your 3 Course Menu!

CHEF RR: The three course menu is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, where we feature some of the local farms what we have worked with for years, as well as inspiration from my childhood favorite snacks and inspiration from my home state of Ohio.

AM: On your A la Carte menu, what are 3 items that we should have our eye on?

CHEF RR: Rohan Duck à la Presse (when on the menu -a signature), “Smoke in Chimney” Trout, Berkshire Pork tenderloin, and Brioche stuffed Amish Chicken.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should have our eye on?

CHEF RR: Bananas for Coffee, Oyster-tini, and Buttered Beet Manhattan.

AM: Tell us about your wine program.

CHEF RR: Our wine program includes some of the very best wines from around the world - and our sommeliers taste every single day to find the most interesting, plus the ones that work best with our food. We have had relationships with some of these producers for years.

AM: What should we know about Restaurant Week and what can you tell us about the menus that will be available during this time?

CHEF RR: We’ll be offering Restaurant month starting on Friday, January 2nd to February 1st, with exclusive 3 and 5 course tasting menus, each one designed to showcase the season’s boldest, most expressive flavors.

AM: Will there be events coming up that we should keep an eye out for as last month you had the Bresca Wine Dinner Series?

CHEF RR: Stay tuned:)- follow us at @brescaDC on Instagram.

IG @brescadc

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Rey Lopez

Read the DEC ISSUE #120 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Bresca in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | CARMEL RETREATS

Carmel Retreats opened its doors in 2020, after owner, Barry Shimo Farb navigated his own journey with cancer and realized how deeply restorative it was to spend time on this property. Guests told him, “I didn’t know how exhausted I was until I exhaled here,” and he felt that during his own recovery. He wanted to create a place designed around that moment — where the surroundings are healing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of those rare places where nature and creativity comes together. This village sits beneath a veil of Monterey pines and ocean fog, and there’s a calm that you feel within minutes of arriving. The air smells of sea salt, woodsmoke, and blooming jasmine. Artists, writers, and wanderers have come there for a century to find clarity and inspiration - and that spirit is still alive.

Many people are living at a pace that our bodies are not designed to sustain. Recharging is not just an indulgence, but it’s maintenance. Barry believes that when we step out of our loops and into a quieter environment, our minds reorganize, our creativity resurfaces, and our emotional bandwidth expands. He believes that rested people make better decisions, show up more fully for the people they love, and feel more at home in their own lives.

There are 2 historic cottages: Cuddle Doon and Wee Hoos are private sanctuaries. They’re filled with soft natural textures, warm lighting, and handcrafted details that encourage you to slow down. You’ll find a fireplace, spa-inspired bathrooms, deep reading chairs, and quiet corners for journaling, meditation, or simply listening to the ocean in the distance.

Guests receive a curated wellness welcome basket, a personalized retreat guide, locally roasted coffee, organic teas, aromatherapy blends, yoga mats, and a weekly ritual schedule designed to help guests unwind the minute they arrive.

Retreats can be tailored to your own rhythms. Guests can enjoy guided meditation, breathwork, yin yoga, forest bathing walks through the pines, sound healing, journaling prompts, cold-plunge moments at the beach, and evening reflection rituals by the fireplace.

For couples or small groups, they also offer intention-setting ceremonies, relationship-centered practices, and creative expression sessions like photography walks or intuitive sketching. Everything is designed to meet you exactly where you are.

We like an initiative that they have known as Postcards for Healing. Anyone can nominate someone in their life who is coming through illness, grief, or major life transition to receive a free 2–3 night stay at Carmel Retreats. They use the “trapped dates” between bookings — nights that would otherwise sit empty — and turn them into an offering of rest, dignity, and care. It’s a way of letting the property give back to people who need a soft place to land.

CARMEL RETREATS

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

carmelretreats.com

IG @carmel.retreats

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Carmel Retreats

Read the DEC ISSUE #120 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Carmel Retreats in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | SEABA

Heli-skiing with SEABA is about small group, high-touch adventure in some of the most expansive, untouched terrain on the planet, with guides who migrate to Haines each winter specifically because this zone delivers the kind of lines people dream about.

We spoke with Nick Trimble, Co-Owner, Founder, and Logistics Manager, as he has been involved in the ski and snowboard industry for over 30 years.

Heli-skiing is using a helicopter as your “chairlift” so you can access big-mountain backcountry terrain that you simply cannot reach at a resort. Instead of lapping groomers or crowded bowls, you’re flying into remote alpine zones, landing on ridgelines, and skiing or riding long, sustained pitches of untracked Alaskan powder.

What makes heli-skiing with SEABA different is scale and intimacy - the terrain footprint stretches roughly 250 nautical miles from Southeast Alaska up toward the BC/Yukon border, but the operation itself is deliberately small, with a maximum of 4 groups per helicopter and a 4:1 guest-to-guide ratio. That means as a guide, it’s possible to tailor lines, pace, and objectives to each group, so customers feel like they’re pioneering first single descents tailored to them rather than following a conga line down a single run.

SEABA chose Haines because it has a rare combination of coastal snowpack, steep relief, and relatively easy access. The maritime influence builds deep, stable snow on the classic Alaskan spines and ramps people see in films, while the town itself remains a low-key, authentic Alaskan community.

From a guest’s perspective, Haines is appealing because it feels like a genuine adventure basecamp: you’re looking straight out at the mountains you’ll be flying into, watching weather move through the fjords, and then 20 - 30 minutes later, you’re standing on top of them. The fact that SEABA’s permit area extends far beyond just one valley, and links up with partnering zones, gives our guides multiple weather and aspect options to find good snow even when conditions change.

On an all-inclusive SEABA trip, the idea is that once you arrive in Haines, almost everything tied to your ski logistics, safety, weather, and terrain is handled for you so you can focus on why you traveled there in the first place, having the best ski day of your life. A typical day starts with breakfast, followed by a guide-led safety briefing and daily conditions update, then a short transfer to the helicopter staging area where groups cycle through flights for multiple runs.

Back at base, the all-inclusive approach covers lodging arrangements in Haines and meals tied to the package, plus ground transfers associated with the ski program, but guests still have flexibility to explore local restaurants and the town on their own.

SEABA

PO Box 307

Haines, AK 99827

seaba-heli.com

IG @seabaheli

PHOTOS COURTESY | SEABA

Read the DEC ISSUE #120 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | SEABA in mag.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING AN EVENT SPACE IN OCEAN CITY

Planning an event in Ocean City can be an exciting endeavor, whether you're organizing a corporate conference, wedding reception, or festive celebration. This coastal Maryland destination offers numerous venue options, but making the right choice requires careful consideration of several key factors. Understanding what to look for before signing that contract will help ensure your event runs smoothly and creates lasting memories for all attendees.

Understanding Capacity and Space Layout

The first consideration when booking any event space is whether it can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Don't just look at the maximum capacity number provided by the venue. Ask about different layout options and how they affect the space available for dining, dancing, or presentations.

Consider the flow of your event when evaluating the layout. Will guests need to move between different areas for cocktails, dinner, and entertainment? A venue that looks spacious in photos might feel cramped when tables, a dance floor, and buffet stations are added. Request detailed floor plans and, if possible, visit during a similar event to see how the space actually functions.

Evaluating Location and Accessibility

Ocean City stretches for miles along the Atlantic coast, and the location of your venue matters significantly. Consider where most of your guests will be staying and whether the venue is easily accessible from major hotels and accommodations. Parking availability is crucial, especially during peak summer months when the town swells with tourists.

Think about guests with mobility challenges as well. Is the venue wheelchair accessible? Are there stairs that elderly guests might struggle with? If you're planning an event during the busy season, factor in traffic patterns and travel time, as getting from one end of Ocean City to another can take considerably longer than expected.

Checking Availability of Amenities and Services

Different venues offer varying levels of amenities, and understanding what's included in your rental fee versus what costs extra is essential for budget planning. Some venues provide tables, chairs, linens, and basic audio-visual equipment, while others offer only the bare space. Ask about kitchen facilities if you're planning to have catering, and confirm whether you're required to use in-house services or can bring in outside vendors.

Climate control is another critical amenity, particularly in Ocean City where summer humidity can be intense and shoulder seasons can bring unpredictable weather. Ensure the venue has adequate heating and air conditioning for your event date. If you're looking for the best venue for a holiday party in Ocean City, MD, you'll definitely want to confirm that heating systems are robust enough for winter celebrations.

Reviewing Vendor Policies and Restrictions

Many venues have specific policies about which vendors you can use, and these restrictions can significantly impact your event budget and vision. Some spaces require you to use their preferred caterer or in-house food service, while others allow you to bring in any licensed vendor. Understanding these limitations upfront prevents unpleasant surprises later.

Ask about alcohol policies as well. Can you bring your own beverages, or must you purchase through the venue? Are there corkage fees? What time must the bar close? These details affect both your budget and the overall atmosphere of your event.

Considering Seasonal Factors and Timing

Ocean City is a seasonal destination, and the time of year you're planning your event dramatically affects both availability and pricing. Summer months bring premium pricing and require booking well in advance, but they also offer beautiful weather and the full coastal experience. Off-season events often come with significant discounts but may mean some local attractions and restaurants are closed.

Weather backup plans are essential for venues with outdoor components. Does the space have an indoor alternative if it rains? What's the deadline for making the call to move inside? Don't assume good weather, even in summer, as coastal storms can appear quickly.

Understanding the Complete Cost Structure

The advertised rental rate is rarely the full story when it comes to event space costs. Request a detailed breakdown of all potential charges, including security deposits, cleaning fees, overtime charges, and service fees. Some venues charge by the hour with strict end times, while others offer full-day rentals with more flexibility.

Ask about payment schedules and cancellation policies. Understanding when deposits are due and under what circumstances you can receive refunds protects you from financial risk if plans change unexpectedly.

Making Your Final Decision

Booking the right event space in Ocean City requires balancing multiple factors including budget, location, amenities, and timing. Take time to visit potential venues in person, ask detailed questions, and read contracts carefully before committing. The extra effort invested in the selection process pays dividends when your event day arrives and everything unfolds exactly as you envisioned. With proper planning and the right venue choice, your Ocean City event will be one that guests remember fondly for years to come.

HOW HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY SUPPORTS TISSUE REGENERATION

When your body suffers an injury or develops a chronic wound, it launches an intricate healing process that relies heavily on one critical element: oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, supercharges this natural healing mechanism by delivering pure oxygen at pressures higher than normal atmospheric levels. This innovative treatment has transformed how medical professionals approach tissue regeneration, offering hope to patients with wounds that refuse to heal through conventional methods.

Inside a hyperbaric chamber, patients breathe 100% oxygen while the chamber pressure increases to two or three times normal atmospheric pressure. This combination allows oxygen to dissolve into blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and other bodily fluids at much higher concentrations than breathing normally would achieve. The result is a dramatic increase in oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, jumpstarting cellular repair processes that may have stalled.

The Science Behind Oxygen and Tissue Regeneration

Oxygen serves as the fuel for cellular metabolism and tissue repair. When tissues become damaged through injury, surgery, or disease, they require significantly more oxygen than healthy tissue to heal properly. Unfortunately, compromised blood flow often accompanies these conditions, creating a problematic cycle where tissues need more oxygen but receive less.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy breaks this cycle by saturating the bloodstream with oxygen that can reach even poorly perfused areas. This oxygen-rich environment stimulates fibroblast proliferation, the cells responsible for producing collagen and rebuilding tissue structure. Additionally, elevated oxygen levels trigger the formation of new blood vessels through a process called angiogenesis, establishing improved circulation that supports long-term healing.

The therapy also enhances white blood cell function, giving your immune system a powerful boost when fighting infections that commonly complicate wound healing. This is particularly valuable for diabetic ulcers and other wounds where infection poses a serious threat to recovery.

Conditions That Benefit from Hyperbaric Treatment

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has proven effective for a surprisingly diverse range of medical conditions. Diabetic foot ulcers represent one of the most common applications, as diabetes often causes both poor circulation and nerve damage that impair natural healing. Many patients who face potential amputation find renewed hope through HBOT combined with comprehensive wound care.

Radiation tissue damage, a unfortunate side effect of cancer treatment, responds remarkably well to hyperbaric therapy. The treatment helps regenerate tissues damaged by radiation, reducing pain and restoring function months or even years after radiation exposure. Similarly, crush injuries, compromised skin grafts, and severe burns benefit from the enhanced oxygen delivery that HBOT provides.

Chronic bone infections, or osteomyelitis, also show improved outcomes with hyperbaric treatment. The increased oxygen levels help antibiotics work more effectively while supporting the body's natural defenses against stubborn bacterial infections.

What to Expect During Treatment Sessions

A typical hyperbaric oxygen therapy program involves multiple sessions, often ranging from 20 to 40 treatments depending on the condition being addressed. Each session lasts approximately 90 to 120 minutes, during which you'll rest comfortably inside a clear chamber while breathing pure oxygen.

The experience is generally painless, though you may feel pressure in your ears similar to what happens during airplane descent. Technicians will teach you simple techniques to equalize this pressure. Many patients read, listen to music, or simply relax during their sessions. If you're considering this treatment, consulting with expert wound care doctors near me can help you understand whether HBOT is appropriate for your specific situation and what results you might expect.

Combining HBOT with Comprehensive Wound Care

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers powerful benefits, it works best as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Proper wound cleaning, debridement of dead tissue, infection control, and appropriate dressings remain essential components of successful healing. Nutrition also plays a crucial role, as your body needs adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals to build new tissue.

Medical professionals typically integrate HBOT into a broader treatment plan that addresses underlying conditions contributing to poor healing. For diabetic patients, this means optimizing blood sugar control. For those with circulation problems, it may involve vascular interventions to improve blood flow.

Long-Term Outcomes and Success Rates

Research consistently demonstrates impressive success rates for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in promoting tissue regeneration. Studies show that diabetic foot ulcers treated with HBOT have significantly higher healing rates and lower amputation rates compared to conventional treatment alone. Many patients who had exhausted other options find that HBOT provides the breakthrough their bodies needed.

The therapy's effects extend beyond the treatment period, as newly formed blood vessels continue supporting tissue health long after sessions conclude. This lasting improvement in tissue oxygenation helps prevent wound recurrence and supports overall tissue vitality.

Conclusion: A Powerful Tool for Healing

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy represents a scientifically validated approach to accelerating tissue regeneration and healing stubborn wounds. By harnessing the power of pressurized oxygen, this treatment addresses the fundamental cellular needs required for repair and regeneration. While not appropriate for every situation, HBOT has earned its place as an invaluable tool in modern wound care, offering renewed hope and improved outcomes for patients facing challenging healing situations.

WHERE TO FIND COMFORTABLE STAYS IN ARUBA WITHOUT OVERSPENDING

Finding the perfect place to stay in Aruba doesn't have to drain your vacation budget. This Caribbean paradise offers numerous accommodation options that balance comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family adventure, understanding where to look and what to consider can help you secure an amazing stay without breaking the bank.

Understanding Aruba's Accommodation Landscape

Aruba's tourism industry has evolved to cater to travelers with various budgets and preferences. While luxury resorts line the famous Palm Beach area, the island offers many alternatives that provide excellent value. The key is knowing which areas offer the best combination of affordability and accessibility to beaches, restaurants, and attractions.

The island's compact size works in your favor when choosing accommodations. Even if you stay away from the beachfront properties, you're never more than a short drive from pristine shores. This geographical advantage means you can prioritize comfort and value over location without sacrificing your beach time.

Exploring Direct Rental Options

One of the smartest ways to find affordable accommodations is by searching for Aruba rentals by owner, which often provide better rates than booking through large hotel chains or third-party platforms. Property owners who manage their own rentals typically have more flexibility with pricing and can offer personalized recommendations for your stay.

Direct rentals also give you access to full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and living spaces that hotels simply can't match at comparable prices. This setup is particularly valuable for families or groups who want to save money on dining out while enjoying more space to relax together.

Timing Your Visit for Better Rates

Your travel dates significantly impact accommodation costs in Aruba. The island experiences peak season from mid-December through April when North Americans escape winter weather. During these months, prices soar and availability becomes limited.

Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May through early December. You'll find substantially lower rates, fewer crowds, and still enjoy Aruba's famously consistent weather. The island sits outside the hurricane belt, making it a reliable destination year-round. Even the rainiest months see minimal precipitation compared to other Caribbean islands.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

Eagle Beach and Palm Beach may be the most famous areas, but neighborhoods like Oranjestad, Savaneta, and Pos Chiquito offer authentic experiences at lower price points. These areas provide easy access to local restaurants, grocery stores, and beaches without the tourist markup.

Staying in residential neighborhoods also gives you a genuine taste of Aruban life. You'll shop where locals shop, discover hidden dining gems, and experience the island's warm hospitality beyond the resort bubble. Many of these areas are just a 10-15 minute drive from the main tourist beaches.

Maximizing Value Through Amenities

When comparing accommodations, look beyond the nightly rate to assess true value. Properties with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and complimentary beach equipment can save you hundreds of dollars during your stay. Preparing even half your meals at your rental significantly reduces vacation costs.

Air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi, and parking should be standard considerations, especially during summer months. Some rentals include bicycles or snorkel gear, eliminating additional rental expenses. Always read recent reviews to ensure amenities are well-maintained and accurately described.

Booking Strategies That Save Money

Flexibility in your travel dates and length of stay can unlock significant savings. Many property owners offer discounts for weekly or monthly rentals, making longer stays more economical per night. Mid-week arrivals often cost less than weekend check-ins during peak season.

Communicate directly with property owners when possible. They may offer discounts for repeat guests, last-minute bookings, or extended stays that aren't advertised publicly. Building a relationship with an owner can also lead to insider tips that enhance your entire Aruba experience.

Making Your Decision With Confidence

Before finalizing your booking, verify the cancellation policy and payment terms. Reputable owners provide clear contracts and secure payment methods. Check that the property has positive recent reviews and responsive communication from the host.

Don't hesitate to ask questions about the neighborhood, nearby amenities, or anything else that matters to your comfort. A good property owner wants you to have a wonderful stay and will gladly provide detailed information to help you prepare.

Conclusion

Finding comfortable and affordable accommodations in Aruba requires some research, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By exploring direct rental options, choosing the right neighborhood, timing your visit strategically, and focusing on value rather than just price, you can enjoy an incredible Caribbean vacation without overspending. The island's natural beauty, friendly culture, and perfect weather will make any well-chosen accommodation feel like paradise.

HOW BUSINESS OWNERS CAN MAXIMIZE CREDIT CARD REWARDS STRATEGICALLY

Running a business comes with countless financial decisions, and one of the most overlooked opportunities is the strategic use of credit card rewards. While many business owners use company cards for everyday expenses, few are maximizing the full potential of their rewards programs. By taking a thoughtful approach to credit card rewards, you can essentially give your business free cash flow, travel perks, and valuable benefits that directly impact your bottom line.

Understanding the Difference Between Business and Personal Rewards

Business credit cards typically offer rewards structures designed around common company expenses like office supplies, internet services, and advertising. Personal cards, on the other hand, often excel at dining, groceries, and general travel purchases. Smart business owners recognize that they can leverage both types of cards to maximize returns across all spending categories.

The key is knowing which expenses to run through which card. For instance, your business card might offer 5x points on shipping costs, while your personal card gives you 3x on dining. If you're taking a client to lunch, you'll want to consider which card actually provides better value for that specific purchase, while keeping proper expense documentation for tax purposes.

Creating a Strategic Card Portfolio

Building an effective credit card strategy starts with selecting the right mix of cards. You don't need a dozen cards cluttering your wallet, but having three to five carefully chosen options can cover virtually all spending categories at optimal rates.

Consider pairing a flat-rate cash back card with category-specific bonus cards. This ensures you're never leaving rewards on the table, regardless of what you're purchasing. Many business owners find success with one premium travel card for major expenses, one cash back card for everyday purchases, and one or two category-specific cards for their highest spending areas.

Consolidating Your Rewards Management

Managing multiple cards becomes significantly easier when you can view everything in one place. For Chase customers, learning how to link Chase business and personal accounts through their online banking platform provides a unified dashboard for tracking spending, payments, and rewards across all your cards. This consolidated view helps you spot opportunities and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Beyond just Chase, most major banks now offer apps and online portals that let you monitor multiple accounts simultaneously. Taking an hour to set up these connections can save you countless hours of juggling different logins and statements throughout the year.

Timing Your Spending for Maximum Impact

Strategic timing can multiply your rewards earnings. Many cards offer rotating bonus categories that change quarterly, while others provide elevated earning rates during specific promotional periods. Mark these dates on your calendar and plan major purchases accordingly.

Additionally, consider the timing of annual fees in relation to signup bonuses and benefits. If you're planning a significant purchase or business expense, opening a new card to capture the signup bonus can yield returns that far exceed the annual fee. Just be sure you can meet the spending requirement naturally without forcing unnecessary purchases.

Leveraging Employee Cards Wisely

If you have employees who make purchases on behalf of your business, employee cards can extend your rewards earning potential. Most business credit cards allow you to issue employee cards at no additional cost, and all spending counts toward your rewards balance.

Set clear spending policies and limits for each employee card, but don't be so restrictive that you miss out on earning opportunities. The key is finding the balance between control and rewards optimization.

Converting Rewards Into Real Business Value

Earning rewards is only half the equation; redeeming them strategically is where real value emerges. Cash back is straightforward, but points and miles often provide better value when redeemed for travel or transferred to partner programs.

Before redeeming, calculate the value you're getting per point. A general rule is that points should be worth at least 1 cent each, but with strategic redemptions, you can often achieve 1.5 to 2 cents or more. This means that 50,000 points could be worth anywhere from 500 to 1,000 dollars depending on how you use them.

Maintaining Healthy Credit Practices

While maximizing rewards, never lose sight of fundamental financial health. Pay balances in full each month to avoid interest charges that would negate any rewards earned. Keep your credit utilization below 30 percent across all cards, and monitor your business credit score regularly.

Strategic credit card use should enhance your business finances, not complicate them. With the right approach, you can turn everyday business expenses into valuable rewards that fund travel, provide cash back, or offer perks that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars annually.

HOW TO GET THE MOST VALUE FROM A GUIDED WINE TOUR

Wine tours offer an incredible opportunity to explore vineyards, taste exceptional wines, and learn from experts who live and breathe the craft. However, many visitors don't realize they're missing out on hidden experiences and insider knowledge that could transform their outing from pleasant to unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey into the world of viticulture, maximizing your guided tour experience requires more than just showing up and sipping.

The key to getting exceptional value from your wine tour lies in preparation, engagement, and knowing how to make the most of every moment. Let's explore the strategies that will help you extract every drop of value from your next wine country adventure.

Do Your Homework Before You Go

Research makes an enormous difference in your tour experience. Take time to learn about the region's signature varietals, the climate that influences grape growing, and the winemaking traditions that make the area unique. This background knowledge allows you to ask more insightful questions and appreciate the nuances your guide shares.

Look into the specific wineries you'll visit as well. Understanding their history, philosophy, and standout wines helps you focus on what matters most to you. Many wineries have fascinating stories about their founding families or innovative techniques that become much more meaningful when you've done a little advance reading.

Ask Questions Throughout the Experience

Your tour guide is a treasure trove of information, so don't hold back with questions. The best guides love sharing their expertise and appreciate engaged visitors who show genuine curiosity. Ask about everything from vineyard management practices to food pairing suggestions to local wine industry gossip.

Questions also help personalize your experience. If you mention your taste preferences or what you're hoping to learn, guides can often tailor their commentary or even adjust the tasting selection. This interaction transforms a standard presentation into a customized educational experience worth far more than the tour price.

Engage All Your Senses During Tastings

Wine tasting involves much more than your taste buds. Start by observing the wine's color and clarity, which reveal information about age, varietal, and winemaking methods. Swirl the glass and inhale deeply to identify aromatic notes before you take that first sip.

When tasting, let the wine coat your entire palate and notice how flavors evolve from the initial taste through the finish. Pay attention to texture, acidity, tannins, and body. Taking this mindful approach helps you develop your palate and remember wines you truly enjoyed, making future purchases much easier.

Take Notes and Photos Strategically

Your memory won't capture everything, especially after several tastings. Jot down quick notes about wines you loved, including the vintage, specific flavors you detected, and why it appealed to you. Many wineries provide tasting sheets, but your phone works perfectly too.

Photographs serve as wonderful mementos, but be present in the moment rather than experiencing everything through a screen. Snap a few quality photos of the vineyard views, your group, and wine labels you want to remember, then put the phone away and immerse yourself in the experience.

Connect With Fellow Tour Participants

The social aspect of wine tours adds tremendous value that many people overlook. Your fellow participants often have different backgrounds, perspectives, and tasting notes that can enhance your own understanding. Discussing what you're experiencing helps you articulate your preferences and discover new descriptors.

These connections sometimes lead to lasting friendships or valuable networking opportunities. Wine enthusiasts tend to be friendly, curious people who enjoy sharing recommendations for restaurants, other wineries, and travel destinations. Whether you're exploring Temecula wine tours or visiting Napa Valley, the people you meet often become as memorable as the wine itself.

Time Your Visit Wisely

Scheduling affects your entire experience more than you might think. Morning tours typically offer fresher palates and more attentive guides before they've repeated their presentation multiple times. However, afternoon light creates stunning photography opportunities in the vineyards.

Consider visiting during shoulder seasons when crowds are smaller and staff have more time for individual attention. Harvest season offers unique excitement, though wineries are understandably busier. Weekday tours often provide more relaxed, intimate experiences than weekend visits.

Make the Most of Your Tour Investment

A guided wine tour represents an investment in education, experience, and enjoyment. By preparing thoughtfully, engaging actively, and staying present throughout your visit, you'll gain knowledge and memories that extend far beyond the day itself. The connections you make with the land, the wine, and the people will deepen your appreciation for every bottle you open in the future.

Remember that the true value of a wine tour isn't measured solely in the number of tastings or the prestige of the wineries. It's found in the moments of discovery, the conversations that spark new interests, and the confidence you gain in understanding and enjoying wine on your own terms.

BENEFITS OF JOINING SOUTH KOREA GROUP TOURS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Visiting South Korea for the first time can feel overwhelming. Between the bustling streets of Seoul, ancient temples, vibrant markets, and the famous Korean cuisine, there's so much to experience. For travelers unfamiliar with the culture and language, joining a group tour can transform a potentially stressful trip into an unforgettable adventure. Let's explore why group tours are an excellent choice for first-time visitors to this fascinating country.

No Language Barriers to Navigate

One of the biggest challenges when visiting South Korea is the language barrier. While major tourist areas have some English signage, much of the country operates primarily in Korean. Group tours eliminate this concern by providing English-speaking guides who can communicate with locals on your behalf.

Your tour guide becomes your translator at restaurants, shops, and attractions. They can explain menu items, help you understand cultural customs, and ensure you don't miss important information at historical sites. This support allows you to relax and enjoy your experience rather than worrying about miscommunication.

Expert Local Knowledge at Your Fingertips

Tour guides in South Korea are typically locals or long-term residents who possess deep knowledge about the country's history, culture, and hidden gems. They share stories and insights that you simply won't find in guidebooks or online research.

These experts know the best times to visit popular attractions to avoid crowds, which local restaurants serve authentic cuisine, and where to find unique souvenirs. Their recommendations can help you experience South Korea like a local rather than just another tourist. You'll learn about customs, etiquette, and traditions that enrich your understanding of this remarkable country.

Stress-Free Transportation and Logistics

South Korea has an excellent public transportation system, but navigating it for the first time can be confusing. Group tours handle all transportation logistics, from airport transfers to daily excursions. You'll travel comfortably in air-conditioned coaches without worrying about reading Korean subway maps or figuring out bus routes.

The convenience extends beyond just getting around. Your tour operator manages hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, and attraction tickets. This comprehensive planning means you can focus entirely on enjoying your vacation rather than dealing with logistical headaches.

Cost-Effective Travel Experience

Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that tours of South Korea can actually be more economical than independent travel. Group tours leverage bulk booking discounts for accommodations, meals, and attractions that individual travelers cannot access.

Additionally, you'll avoid costly mistakes like taking expensive taxis when cheaper options exist or eating at overpriced tourist traps. The all-inclusive nature of most group tours means you'll know your total expenses upfront, making budgeting much simpler. When you factor in the value of time saved and stress avoided, the cost advantage becomes even clearer.

Built-In Social Connections

Traveling solo or even with a partner can sometimes feel isolating, especially in a country where you don't speak the language. Group tours provide instant companionship with fellow travelers who share your interest in Korean culture.

These connections often lead to lasting friendships and make the experience more enjoyable. You'll have people to share meals with, discuss your experiences, and take photos together. The social aspect adds another dimension to your trip that independent travel might not provide.

Safety and Security Benefits

For first-time visitors, safety concerns are natural when traveling to an unfamiliar destination. While South Korea is generally very safe, traveling with a group tour adds an extra layer of security. You're never alone, and your guide knows how to handle emergencies or unexpected situations.

Tour operators also have insurance coverage and emergency protocols in place. If you encounter health issues, lose your passport, or face any other problems, you have immediate support. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially for travelers who feel anxious about international travel.

Maximized Time and Experiences

South Korea offers countless attractions, and first-time visitors often struggle to prioritize what to see. Group tours are designed to maximize your time by including the must-see highlights while also incorporating unique experiences.

Your itinerary is carefully planned to minimize travel time between destinations and ensure you experience the perfect balance of culture, history, nature, and modern attractions. You'll see more in a week-long group tour than most independent travelers manage in two weeks.

Conclusion

For first-time visitors to South Korea, joining a group tour removes the uncertainty and stress from international travel while maximizing your experience. From language support and expert guidance to cost savings and social connections, the benefits are substantial. You'll return home with incredible memories, new friends, and a deep appreciation for Korean culture, all without the headaches that can accompany independent travel. Consider a group tour for your first Korean adventure and discover why this approach has helped countless travelers fall in love with this amazing country.

HOW TO AVOID COMMON MISTAKES WHEN BOOKING PET-FRIENDLY RENTALS

Traveling with your furry companion can be one of life's great joys, but finding the perfect accommodation that welcomes both you and your pet requires careful planning. Too many pet owners rush through the booking process only to encounter unexpected fees, restrictive policies, or unsuitable environments that turn their dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. By understanding the common pitfalls and learning how to navigate them, you can ensure a smooth, enjoyable getaway for everyone in your family, including those with four legs.

Reading the Fine Print on Pet Policies

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is assuming all pet-friendly accommodations are created equal. Many properties advertise themselves as welcoming to pets but bury important restrictions in their terms and conditions. Some places only accept dogs under a certain weight, while others prohibit specific breeds altogether.

Before you book, carefully review the property's complete pet policy. Look for details about the number of pets allowed, size restrictions, breed limitations, and any designated pet-free zones within the property. Don't hesitate to contact the property directly if anything seems unclear. A five-minute phone call can save you from showing up with your Great Dane only to discover they meant "small dogs only."

Understanding the True Cost of Bringing Your Pet

Pet fees can significantly inflate your vacation budget if you're not prepared. Many travelers focus solely on the nightly rate and overlook additional charges that apply when bringing animals. These can include non-refundable pet deposits, nightly pet fees, cleaning charges, or a combination of all three.

Calculate the total cost before confirming your reservation. A property that appears cheaper initially might actually cost more once you factor in a hefty pet deposit and daily pet fees. Some pet friendly cabins and other rentals offer better value by charging a single flat fee rather than nickel-and-diming you throughout your stay.

Verifying the Surrounding Environment

A pet-friendly property means little if the surrounding area isn't suitable for your animal's needs. This is especially important for dog owners who need regular access to outdoor spaces for exercise and bathroom breaks. Failing to research the location can leave you scrambling to find appropriate areas for your pet.

Check whether the property has a fenced yard, nearby walking trails, or designated pet areas. Look at satellite maps to identify green spaces, parks, or beaches where your pet can safely explore. Also, research local leash laws and pet regulations to avoid any legal issues during your stay.

Preparing for Property Damage Scenarios

Even the best-behaved pets can have accidents or cause unintentional damage in unfamiliar environments. Many travelers don't consider what happens if their pet scratches a door, stains a carpet, or breaks something during the stay. Understanding your liability beforehand prevents nasty surprises when you check out.

Ask about the property's damage policy and how claims are handled. Some hosts are reasonable and understanding, while others may charge exorbitant fees for minor issues. Consider purchasing pet damage insurance or ensuring your existing travel insurance covers pet-related incidents.

Confirming Amenities and Supplies

Assuming a pet-friendly rental will provide everything your animal needs is a recipe for disappointment. While some properties go above and beyond with pet beds, bowls, and toys, many simply allow pets without offering any special amenities.

Create a checklist of items your pet will need and confirm what's provided versus what you should bring. This includes basics like food and water bowls, bedding, waste bags, and cleaning supplies. Knowing what to pack ensures your pet stays comfortable and you're prepared for any situation.

Communicating Special Requirements

Every pet has unique needs, but many travelers fail to communicate these specifics to property owners. Whether your dog barks at strangers, your cat requires a quiet space, or your pet has mobility issues, sharing this information upfront leads to better outcomes.

Reach out to hosts before booking to discuss any special circumstances. A good host will appreciate the transparency and can advise whether their property is suitable. This dialogue also helps establish a positive relationship and demonstrates that you're a responsible pet owner.

Conclusion

Booking pet-friendly accommodations doesn't have to be complicated or stressful when you know what to look for and which questions to ask. By thoroughly researching policies, understanding all costs, verifying the environment, preparing for potential issues, confirming amenities, and maintaining open communication with property owners, you'll set yourself up for a fantastic vacation experience. Remember, the extra time spent vetting accommodations before you book pays dividends in peace of mind and enjoyment once you arrive. Your pet deserves a great vacation too, and with proper planning, you can both create wonderful memories together.

HOW AI HELPS AIRLINES AND HOTELS BOOST EFFICIENCY

The travel industry has always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies, and artificial intelligence is transforming how airlines and hotels operate behind the scenes. From predicting maintenance issues before they happen to personalizing guest experiences, AI is helping these businesses run smoother, save money, and keep customers happier than ever before.

Smarter Pricing That Adapts in Real Time

Airlines and hotels have embraced AI-powered dynamic pricing systems that analyze countless variables simultaneously. These systems examine competitor rates, seasonal trends, local events, weather patterns, and booking velocity to adjust prices minute by minute.

The result is remarkable. Hotels can fill more rooms during slow periods while maximizing revenue during peak times. Airlines can optimize seat pricing across different booking classes, ensuring planes fly full while maintaining profitability. This level of sophistication was impossible with manual pricing strategies.

What makes these systems particularly powerful is their ability to learn from past performance. They identify patterns that humans might miss, like how a concert announcement affects hotel bookings three months later or how weather forecasts influence last-minute flight purchases.

Predictive Maintenance Keeps Operations Running

Nothing disrupts travel plans worse than unexpected equipment failures. AI has revolutionized maintenance scheduling by predicting when aircraft components or hotel systems will need attention before they break down.

Airlines use sensors throughout their aircraft to collect thousands of data points during each flight. AI algorithms analyze this information to spot early warning signs of potential failures. A slight vibration change in an engine or unusual temperature fluctuations can trigger maintenance alerts, preventing costly delays and cancellations.

Hotels apply similar technology to their HVAC systems, elevators, and other critical infrastructure. Rather than following rigid maintenance schedules or waiting for something to break, they can service equipment precisely when needed. This approach reduces downtime, extends equipment life, and significantly cuts maintenance costs.

Personalized Customer Experiences at Scale

Modern travelers expect personalized service, and AI makes it possible to deliver customized experiences to millions of customers simultaneously. Travel AI systems analyze guest preferences, booking history, and behavior patterns to tailor recommendations and services.

Hotels use these insights to prepare rooms according to individual preferences before guests arrive. The system might note that a returning guest prefers extra pillows, a higher room temperature, or a specific floor level. These small touches create memorable experiences that build loyalty.

Airlines leverage similar technology to personalize everything from seat recommendations to meal choices and entertainment suggestions. They can identify when a passenger might need rebooking assistance during disruptions and proactively offer solutions before the traveler even asks.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants Handle Routine Inquiries

Customer service represents a significant operational cost for airlines and hotels, but AI-powered chatbots have transformed this landscape. These virtual assistants handle thousands of routine questions simultaneously, providing instant responses 24/7.

Modern chatbots can manage booking modifications, answer policy questions, provide directions, and resolve common complaints without human intervention. They understand natural language and context, making conversations feel surprisingly human.

When issues become too complex, these systems seamlessly transfer customers to human agents along with complete conversation history. This hybrid approach ensures customers get help quickly while freeing staff to handle situations requiring empathy and creative problem-solving.

Optimized Staff Scheduling and Resource Allocation

Managing workforce schedules across different time zones, seasonal fluctuations, and unexpected demand spikes challenges every airline and hotel. AI scheduling systems analyze historical data, booking forecasts, and employee preferences to create optimal staffing plans.

These systems consider factors like employee skills, labor regulations, and predicted customer volume. They can automatically adjust schedules when a flight gets delayed or when a hotel experiences unexpected bookings, ensuring adequate coverage without overstaffing.

The efficiency gains are substantial. Hotels reduce labor costs while maintaining service quality, and airlines ensure they have the right personnel in the right places at the right times.

Enhanced Security and Fraud Detection

AI systems continuously monitor transactions and behavior patterns to identify potential security threats and fraudulent activities. They can spot stolen credit cards, fake bookings, and suspicious account access far faster than human reviewers.

These systems learn what normal booking patterns look like and flag anomalies for investigation. A booking from an unusual location, rapid multiple reservations, or mismatched passenger information might trigger additional verification steps.

This protection benefits both businesses and legitimate customers by reducing fraud losses and preventing account compromises before they cause problems.

The Future Looks Increasingly Intelligent

As AI technology continues advancing, airlines and hotels will find even more ways to boost efficiency. The industry is moving toward fully integrated systems where AI manages everything from energy consumption to inventory ordering with minimal human oversight.

The real winners in this transformation are travelers themselves. More efficient operations mean lower prices, fewer delays, better service, and more personalized experiences. As these technologies mature, the gap between industry leaders and laggards will only widen, making AI adoption not just an advantage but a necessity for survival in the competitive travel market.