HER ROAD TO RIO

The Olympics™ are just around the corner and in addition to seeing our favorite athletes compete, it's also a great time to see former Olympians who have taken on new roles. We spoke with Nastia Liukin on the road during the Olympic Trials to talk gymnastics, commitment and her role as a commentator for NBC during the games at Rio!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Growing up in a family of Olympians, how did this craft your interest in the sport and how did you get into it?

NASTIA LIUKIN: Well, believe it or not, my parents didn't even want me to do gymnastics. They knew how hard it was and they just wanted their one and only child to be happy. But for me, my happiness came from gymnastics. I never wanted to leave the gym. I fell in love with the sport at such an early age.

AM: As someone who trained from an early age, how did this affect your outlook on life in terms of commitment, dedication etc?

NL: Commitment and dedication where both two major factors that helped me achieve my goals. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I had to be committed in order to achieve those dreams. Nothing would be handed to me. I was never the strongest gymnast, so I had to work extremely hard on conditioning in order to perform a lot of the skills.

AM: What was your training like heading into the 2008 Olympic games and how did you maintain balance while you were at the games?

NL: Training heading into the 2008 Olympics ™ was pretty intense. 7 hours a day, 6 days a week (sometimes 7 days a week) depending on the competition schedule. I really didn't think or do too much else besides training, physically therapies, extra cardio or conditioning. My life revolved around the Olympics that entire year, and most years as well. But specifically 2008. 

I didn't want to look back in September of 2008 and think what if, what if I would have trained more, done more routines? Those thoughts started to haunt my mind, so I made sure to not let them creep into my mind too much.

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AM: As an athlete, you never know where your career will go, since then you have created clothing lines and been a spokesperson for other brands, how exciting has that transition been and do you have other projects coming up that you can tell us about?

NL: To be honest if you would have told me that 10 years ago, I would have never believed you. I started gymnastics because I had such a huge passion for the sport. It was never to make it a career or build a brand, or even win gold medals. I loved flipping, and learning new skills. It all gave me a thrill. Now at 26 years old, I look back at everything I have done and continue to do and am so thankful for it all. But, I do have to say it hasn't all been handed to me. I feel like it’s a full-time job trying to continue doing what I’m doing with my career and I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing people in the industry that have helped shape my career into what it is now. I am working on a few projects that I’m so thrilled to be working on, but for now I have to keep them a secret.

AM: We've listened to you commentating on the Men's and Women's Gymnastic Trials and know you are doing this throughout the games, how exciting is it to be the NBC Commentator for Gymnastics?

NL: I was so honored when NBC offered me this role. To be able to continue being involved in something I love so much has been incredible. It has definitely been a learning experience and with each time we are on air, I learn more and feel a little more confident. This is now my fourth year, but there is nothing like an Olympic™ Games. So I’m extremely excited for Rio!

AM: Going into Rio, who are your favorites for the US Men's and Women's team that you can't wait to see - who should we be watching out for?

NL: Simone Biles, without question, is the heavy favorite on the women’s side. She has the chance of winning 5 GOLD medals in Rio. Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas are trying to make their second Olympic™ Team and have a great shot. So it will be a very fun competition on the women’s side.

On the men’s side, Sam Mikulak is the favorite for the US. He is the 4 time National Champion going into the Rio and will be competing in his second Olympic™ Games.

AM: As a gymnast who has competed on the Olympic™ stage, do you share any words of wisdom to the gymnasts that you share with them when you've been traveling with them?

NL: Most of them don’t need too much advice. They are more prepared, physically than they will ever be in their lives. But mentally, it’s important to stay calm and treat it like any other competition. Also, enjoy it. It goes by so quickly, you blink and it’s over.

AM: What are you looking forward to in Rio (whether within the gymnast category or outside of it)?

NL: Definitely the gymnastics but also getting a chance to see the other sports. When I was in Beijing, I didn't get that chance to go to other events, so I’m looking forward to that. I also love trying to experience the culture of every city/country I visit.

AM: What's it like when you've been on the circuit with the gymnast as a broadcaster?

NL: Well the current group of athletes I’ve known them and even competed with most of them. So I really have to remove myself from being friends with them and just do my job as an analyst. Of course I’ve been in their shoes, so I know how it feels when someone is a little too negative or could say something that really puts you down. I feel like there is a difference with analyzing something, even if it’s a fall, and being negative.

AM:  What do you do in terms of your personal training and how is it different than when you competed?

NL:  Well it’s definitely quite a bit different now. I used to train 7 hours a day, 6 days a week. Now I workout about 4 times a week for about 30-60 minutes, depending on my schedule. I’m on the road a lot so that makes it difficult, but not impossible. I love mixing it up. Pilates, yoga, spinning, circuit training.

AM: How do you stay balanced with your busy schedule to ensure that you take the time that you need for yourself?

NL: I always make sure to take time in the morning, even if I have a busy day ahead. I like waking up extra early to have my coffee, get in a workout, even if it’s only 20 minutes. That keeps me balanced and make me feel great the rest of the day too.

AM: What's your personal style (items that you would wear when running errands, heading out to brunch and/or for a night out on the town)?

NL: As much as I love dressing up for events, red carpets and photo shoots, my day to day life is definitely athleisure wear. From the gym to running errands to brunch, I love Stella McCartney for Adidas. She’s one of my favorite designers both in the sports world and fashion world.

Read more from the July Issue

AS I AM: THE LIFE & TIME$ OF DJ AM

'AS I AM: THE LIFE AND TIME$ OF DJ AM' looks at the meteoric rise of Adam Goldstein aka - DJ AM. He was  a talented DJ and changed the game by increasing the payscale, establishing the field in the celebrity world and more. While he created a platform, he never forgot his friends and those that he felt made him better as a professional. He truly believed his mantra of "starving the ego, to feed the soul." But behind the fame, he was a man that coped with his own issues rooted in his sense of self and escaping deep unresolved portions of his life. 

In addition to telling the story of DJ AM from birth to death and his love of music as a genre, this film has a number of interviews with luminaries in the industry whom he worked with: Mark Ronson, Samantha Ronson, Steve Aoki, Paul Oakenfold, Diplo, and A-Trak to name a few. 

Throughout the film, you hear from DJ AM himself talking about his influences, his performances and thoughts on the DJ world at large. More importantly, you see how he amassed his empire as a seven-figure DJ which, included collaborations, appearances in films, co-founding a DJ management firm, Deckstar (co-owned by Steve Aoki) and his work in DJ Hero.

We sat down with producer/director Kevin Kerslake (who has produced a number of music videos that include Nirvana, Joan Jett, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots; documentaries, live productions, mini-series and more) to find out about the monumental task of creating this documentary, what he aimed to achieve by releasing this film and the greater message at large that he wants to provide to DJ culture, fans and others that are struggling with demons.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to take this project on?

KEVIN KERSLAKE: It's funny - Adam lived the life of 10 men in half the time that those men get. He died at such a young age and there was a lot of story to tell. And as you know, in a film, you don't have a lot of time either. But there are so many aspects of his life that are alluring from a film/story standpoint. Historically, he changed the game in music and culturally. All of those various components are enticing and would be to any filmmaker.

But the thing that pushed me over the edge was that we have lost some really incredible people over the years to this deadly cocktail of fame, celebrity and substance abuse. Andrea, AM's mom, had reached out to me a year before, and  at the time I said no as I was concerned that since she reached out to me then I wouldn't be able to tell the full story and the truth. Ultimately, I lost a friend and it felt like we couldn't keep having this story happening. I went to AM's mom and said that we have the power to help stop that streak of great artists that are lost to the world. I let her know that I was on-board as long as we told the story and the truth from the inside and the outside. As long as I could tell the story and get final cut without having to sugar coat it, then I was on board to tell the story. AM lived such an explosive life that I think the personal life of someone is what turned the corner for me. 

AM: How close were you to AM when he was alive? 

KK: My interaction with him was purely professional as I did all the film and video for Insomniac. Adam played their events so our encounters were strictly backstage and I never hung out with them. I actually think that although I knew his past and certain facts of his life - it was in your face (tabloids, journalism and as a figure in the music world), that objectivity that I had is probably what made the film more legitimate in a way. Even people who knew him didn't know certain aspects of his life because he didn't share it with them or they didn't care to know/ask. The logical aspect of this, in terms of doing research and being able to go into it without a personal agenda, is pretty critical for any filmmaker I think. 

Even when there are stories that I have been asked to tell, I know my own limitations when I have known the artist. It's like talking about your own family member. You get blind to certain truths that are important to share.

AM: There is so much information when you're watching the film as a lot comes from him, how long did it take in terms of pre-, production, and post?

KK: To the day, it almost took 4 years to make! The first thing we did was to go through his laptops and desktop. There was so much material that we estimated that in the end we had over 100,000 stills, 10,000 video clips, 100's of mixes, letters and text messages that he had saved. In a sense, there was no pre-pro we just put things together. Documentaries are made in the edit. They don't follow the normal production pro- cess. You just start putting things together. Early on, we were given an audio element that was critical to the story. It was the Share that he did on his 11th sober birthday.

AM: Seeing that audio run through the film really struck us, we didn't think that people could have access to things that are said in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

KK: Adam put a recorder in his pocket and he did a Share at the meeting. He really tells his story. This film is really DJ AM from the inside- out. He narrates his own autobiography and like you, I thought that this might be (due to anonymity in AA) crossing a threshold. But in further research, I found that there was an entire network of Shares that were available. People who were unable to attend meetings but needed the inspiration that they provided could access them from downloads online to get the assistance that they need.

AM: In addition to his Share, the meditation video was another dynamic element in the narrative.

KK: It's funny, when you see these relics of what he used to bring him peace, they are very evocative of his state of mind. It showed what he yearned for that he didn't have living a life on the road or in the city.

AM: Documentaries pay homage to the person but, you see DJ AM providing tributes to a number of his friends within the DJ world is that something that you planned?

KK: What that said to me was, that he cherished his relationships and was a man for others. He was selfless in that regard. It tells you a lot about someone when you know who their heroes are. DJ Jazzy Jeff was really a central figure in his life. Just as a fan and someone who just has a great heart and is so solid.

AM: What do you think of what AM would think of the state of music now for DJs and doors that he opened?

KK: There is some speculation involved of course, but I think that people are pretty dialed into him within the scope of the music industry. He would be one of the biggest DJs on the planet still and would have gotten into production. He would have followed where that world was going when DJs started to produce more. Who knows where the Travis Barker and AM collab would have gone. Would they have added more people in the band?  Would it have been more of a visual spectacle? That's more speculation too. 

I think that what impressed me about Adam is, he was just a fan of music and I think that his ability to see the virtues of all sorts of genres, the power of music and how it was able to bring people together and move people. I think that would have continued on. The dark underbelly of that is what DJs are doing. A lot of sets are preprogrammed and maybe he would have been able to highlight some of the weakest aspects of where DJ culture is going and to arrest its slide into a bit of a robotic sense.

AM: What were your goals in creating this movie and how did that correlate to the expectations of those within the DJ culture and fans at large?

KK: This film exceeded my expectations, to be honest. My intention was to dive in and tell the truth and the whole story of AM, his musical impact and import as well as the story of his personal life. Once we got into certain periods of his life and found out there was an episode or circumstance that he had to plow through - they entailed a lot more adversity than what I was aware of and even his family and friends. Once we uncovered his secret stuff, the story took on great dimension and in the end you have a real sense that you know him and that you have lost a friend. It's someone that should still be here walking amongst us. 

When you do a film, it involves a lot of things. Obviously, it includes story, structure, tone, laughs, tears and all of that. I think that my intention was to hit all of those different corners in AM's universe, but to do it in a style that had a certain fidelity to what he did musically. The film is a mashup in its own right and could pinball all  over the map with a velocity that he spun. I feel that the film does that and with what I am seeing in terms of the reaction to the film, it's super rewarding.

AM: As the person who dedicated 4 years to the film - what do you do after this - take time off or go into the next project?

KK: Throughout my career, I have been fairly promiscuous with style. I can go from a miniseries to a music video to a documentary to a commercial to still photography. This is the longest time that I have been on a single project. It's also the most difficult job I have ever done politically, emotionally, financially - it brought everyone (especially me) to their knees. 

In the past few years, we started putting the finishing touches on it to get it out to the world. I have been working on various projects as well. Releasing a film entails a lot of work as well and it's not like I am not working on it anymore. Now that we made it, it's making people aware that they can see it and share it with friends. This is less a commercial venture than extending Adam's legacy forward and it takes work and we're still working hard on getting it out there.

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If you have yet to see AS I AM: THE LIFE AND TIME$ of DJ AM, visit their site to see where it airs in your city as additional theaters will be added throughout the summer. 

Read more from the June Issue

#SUMM3RFRIDAY + ULTIMATE #SUMMERFRIDAY CANCUN GIVEAWAY

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

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

Read more from the June Issue

GRAZE ON THIS

Around the offices of Athleisure Mag. we're always on the go checking out locations, coming back from set, or just being out and about. When you don't know what your schedule will be like or you need positive protein around you, Graze becomes the perfect item to include in your bag! We love that once you purchase a box, you receive 8 pre-packaged containers that include a mix of sweet and savory. The individual containers let you know what it is, the ingredients, calories etc. Whether you wish to share or eat alone, this is the perfect healthy snack that can go from work, the gym, your flight and more. You're bound to have some serious favorites and you can order and gift these boxes within the regularity that works for your lifestyle!

Photo Credit: Christina Emilie

Read more from the June Issue

WIN THIS | YOU + 2 AT MOON PALACE RESORTS GOLF & SPA RESORTS

We're thrilled to announce that yesterday, we kicked off an amazing giveaway via our partnership with Palace Resorts. From now through Sept 5th, you can enter our giveaway. We will select one winner who will be able to bring 2 friends (all 18+) with you to enjoy a 3 night/4 day stay at Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resorts in Cancun within a one (1) Deluxe View Room.

On Sept 6th, we will select one (1) winner at random. Please note that the giveaway includes one (1) Deluxe View Room (all three of you would enjoy staying in this room), access to the amenities of the all-inclusive elements of the resort (this does not include an array of amenities and activities that have additional fees, ground transportation to/from the airport including your home as well as the resort nor is airfare covered to/from the resort).

For more details about entering this giveaway as well as information on what this trip entails click here to find out about the ULTIMATE #SUMM3RFRIDAY. You can still enter to win our weekly giveaways via our #SUMM3RFRIDAY series as we kicked it off during Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ULTIMATE #SUMM3RFRIDAY

ENTER ULTIMATE #SUMM3RFRIDAY

WEEKLY #SUMM3RFRIDAY 

WIN THIS | SUMM3RFRIDAY WEEK 2

The second week of #SUMM3RFRIDAY giveaways kicks off - congrats to last week's winner! This week is another grouping of brands (some will flow throughout the season and others will pop in depending on the week). Click the above link to enter and remember, the 1 winner that is selected will also be able to gift 2 of his/her friends. Each week, we will have 1 winner in NYC and 1 in Miami. Each city may have different partners who are participating in that week's giveaway.

This week's giveaway includes BCBG Max Azria, Dove, The Loop and Victorinox.

Read more from the May issue

IN OUR BAG - SUMMER WEEKENDS

The unofficial Summer Weekend starts on Memorial Weekend. That means heading to the Hamptons, Malibu and more for long weekends. All you need are the perfect go to items to keep you looking refreshed. As always, we have a few items that you need to pop onto your list if you have yet to do so!

| Voyager Weekender EDDIE HARROP | Optic White High Impact White Toothpaste COLGATE | Optic White Toothbrush + Whitening Pen COLGATE | Lisse Luxe Hair Turban AQUIS |  All Bright Cleansing Face Wipes BOTANICS | HubPlus MYCHARGE | Gravity Mud GLAMGLOW | Blister Plasters COMPEED | Sea Lily Jasmine Sugar Scrub MAYFAIR SOAP FOUNDRY | Final Spritz Body Mist Lavendar Fields YOU ARE AMAZING |  Acai Berry Lip Balm BURT'S BEES | Screen + Device Cleaner WHOOSH! |

TRAILBLAZERS - MIKE DUNN

Athleisure Mag tapped technology icon, Mike Dunn to start our new series on Traiblazers, devoted to giving a spotlight to innovators that rock the boardroom and hit it hard in sports, and lifestyle activities while on trips or away from work.

Mike's background is truly impressive, he has more than 30 years experience scaling top technology platforms for fast-growth companies. He is currently the Chief Information Officer of VER, a leading global entertainment services company. He was CTO of TrueCar, helping them to go public in 2014. Prior, he served as CTO of Hearst Interactive Media, the venture capital arm of Hearst Corporation; Corporate CTO for Time Warner; founding CTO for Dell Online; and technology executive roles with Turner and Hanna-Barbera. Mike makes frequent public speaking appearances on such subjects as technology due diligence, the semantic web and online video technologies. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: What got you interested in outdoor activities and how often do you get to do them?

MIKE DUNN: I grew up an army brat, living on numerous bases around the world, including the West Point. I spent lots of time outdoors as a kid, since the officer’s neighborhoods on bases were pretty safe places for kids. West Point is a very wooded campus, with tons of hiking trails, so I got into hiking and exploring at a very young age. 

I try to do some form of outdoor activity multiple times a week. My favorites are mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking and surfing.

AM: What are your favorite activities and what were the difficult aspects learning them?

MD: I started surfing when I was 12. When my dad did his second tour in Vietnam we lived in Hawaii and then he was stationed there right after, so we ended up living in Hawaii for over 5 years. Normally we moved every 3 years. I took to surfing quickly and it came naturally. I loved the power of the ocean, and the adrenaline rush that came with surfing, especially big waves. I also use to ride my banana seat bike all over the dirt trails around the island of Oahu, a precursor to my mountain biking passion.

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I started mountain biking in the 80’s when I lived in Los Angeles. I was playing ice hockey at a pretty high level and riding a bike to stay in shape between practices and games. LA streets didn’t have many bike lanes back then so it was really dangerous on the roads. I saw one of the early mountain bikes in a local bike shop and decided to get one to get away from cars. It was a rigid steel framed bike with no shocks and cantilever brakes, it's very old school compared to today’s modern mountain bikes, but so much fun to explore LA trails.

Snowboarding I picked up later in life when we moved to New England, but it came pretty easy to me, given my surfing background, so I progressed quickly. I was mountain biking from the spring to fall but only playing hockey in the winter and I was looking for something to fill the adrenaline and exercise gap.

My two boys were little and they also took to snowboarding quickly. It's a great family sport because you spend time in the car getting there, time in the cabin together and then on the lifts. We love it. All three require a lot of practice and commitment. Speed and balance are critical but so is managing progression, thus it's not about getting ahead of your capabilities. The gold medalist Olympian Ross Powers held a camp in Vermont every spring that my youngest son would attend. Ross coined the phrase “easy stylin'” to remind kids to progress with your abilities while still challenging yourself to improve. It’s a great lesson that works for all the extreme sports I love.

AM: What are some key and advanced skills and mindset needed? How long does it take to hone in on these skills?

MD: All three of these activities require an understanding of the natural elements. So being aware of conditions and your surroundings is key to your safety and enjoyment. The other important similarity is they require single-minded focus. When charging a wave or trails, you cannot be thinking about anything else.

AM: What advice do you have about learning in general?

MD: I’m always learning new things and trying to improve, both in my career and my outdoor pursuits. Listening to experts, researching and trying new ways to do things that improve your abilities, whether at work or play.

AM: What types of mountain biking do you enjoy most? What trails and courses do you love most? 

MD: When I lived in New England, I loved riding the hilly technical terrain, wet slippery rocks and roots. Now that I'm back in SoCal, it involves much more climbing to descend. I still like technical challenges,  so I do some technical all mountain trails as well as #xc. I don’t really do bike parks anymore, the rush of catching air off of big jumps - I’ll leave for younger riders. I do like going fast, so love finding trails where you can let of the brakes and go for it.

AM: How often have you had the opportunity to enjoy recreational/outdoor activities when travelling? What have been your favorite? What are on your bucket list to go do and explore?

MD: My favorite resort is Whistler. I’ve been there snowboarding, but not for mountain biking yet. I would like to go back one summer. New Zealand is a bucket list location that I’d like to visit since it’s got world class surfing, snowboarding and mountain biking.

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AM: Do you measure performance, progress, and personal bests when going out and riding? What is being in the zone for you? 

MD: I track myself snowboarding and mountain biking. How many laps, distance, vertical, speed, heart rate are all great data points to understand, measure and learn. In the zone is about focus, being completely in the moment for the activity. Usually, it’s required so that you’re safe, so if you’re distracted then something may go wrong.

AM: What bikes and gear do you use and what’s on your wishlist?

MD: I ride Niner bikes. I have a hardtail steel cross country bike that’s great at climbing and can descend all, but the most technical trails. Then I have an all-mountain (#enduro) full suspension long travel bike that climbs good for its size but can descend at speed any trail except possibly a jump line at a bike park.

I use flat pedals and wear five ten shoes which I think are the best #mtb shoes made. I like gear from Alpinestars and Fox a lot so I tend to wear their kneepads, shorts, shirts and gloves. Kali Protectives is the helmet I like, their enduro model has saved me many times. Falling is a part of the sport. I also wear a helmet snowboarding.

AM: What were the best experiences you have had?

MD: A trip I took with my youngest son to Whistler years ago was amazing. Today, I get to mountain bike with him a lot in SoCal, so that’s pretty cool too.

AM: What do you love about nature, outdoor activities and adventure seeking?

MD: Doing fun stuff in nature, especially  mountains. For me it's about life-balance, escapism, seeing beautiful places with amazing vistas.

AM: What was one or two of the most breathtaking views you had?

MD: Whistler is incredible, but so is Stowe in Vermont, Sugarloaf in Maine and Tremblant in Canada. I’ve never been to the top of a mountain that didn’t have a view I loved as the prize for climbing it.

AM: Have you had any bad falls? What went through your mind?

MD: Oh yeah, I’ve had many. My favorite doctor used to tell me he’d much rather treat an active lifestyle, than a sedentary one. Most recently I endo’d on my mtb while navigating a technical section at to high a speed last summer and broke my collarbone, which required surgery to put in a titanium device. I was off the bike for 8 weeks, but started riding a stationary bike after a week to keep up my conditioning.

I’ve had to have 80 stitches to close up a gashed open thigh and over 50 micro-stitches to re-attach an ear from surfing incidents and I’ve broken my ankle snowboarding. These are fast contact sports.

AM: Who are your inspirations in recreational outdoor sports? Who would you want to share adventures with?

MD: I’ve been lucky enough to be around a lot of top riders and surfers over the many decades I’ve been doing them. Jake Burton, John Tomac and Derek Ho are favorites from each sport.

AM: Have you changed your diet to help your performance?

MD: I’ve been a vegetarian for over 35 years. I’m very regimented in what I eat and drink before, during and after any extreme activity. It helps me with endurance and recovery. I always drink a lot of water and I’m kind of a beer snob, so I never drink mass produced beer, but I do enjoy a good local craft brewed libation.

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AM: Do you wear any wearables or smart clothing when riding or doing other sports?

MD: I’ve used iPhone apps to track my #mtb and snowboarding for years. Strava with a heart strap helps me understand my performance zones, plus I also use my  watch health app to see at a glance what my heart rate is in real-time.

AM: Do you see new technologies impacting the sports?

MD: HUDs are entering into goggles for snowboarding, but I don’t think I’d welcome the distraction in a sport that requires so much focus. I have a heads up display on my car and even it can get distracting. VR for trail knowledge and exposure, especially for enduro and dh makes a lot of sense. New safety technology, such as helmet designs to reduce head injuries and soft pads that get rigid on impact but don’t cause restriction during normal use are very welcome.

AM: What are some of your core principles for well-living?

MD: Live a balanced life, food is fuel but can also taste good, drink lots of water, have fun.

AM: How do you maintain work-life balance? How often do you get to enjoy adventure activities?

MD: I try to ride between 40-60 miles of mtb a week. I do this by either riding early or at night during the week and then get in two longer rides on the weekend. I try not to go more than two days without riding. My vacations are usually used for snowboarding or mtb.

SAFE SUN Q&A

Temperatures are beginning to rise and layers are sure to come off; however, SPF is not a seasonal topic only! We sat down with Rebecca Kazin, MD, of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology to chat about Safe Sun, UVA/UVB.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Why is Safe Sun important and what does it mean?

REBECCA KAZIN MD: As people start to have more outdoor activities on their agendas, you need to be aware to protect skin now, and all summer long - whether you are exercising outside or at the beach. Being aware of the the dangers of sun exposure for both skin cancer and aging concerns is paramount to protecting yourself. Sun safe means taking protective measures when spending time outdoors to shield skin from direct UVA/UVB exposure. 

AM: What should we look for what it comes to picking the best protection from the sun?

RK MD: Always choose an SPF of at least 30. SPF 30 is as high as you truly need as long as you remember to apply every 2 hours. If you have sensitive skin, physical blocks tend to be less irritating to skin. If you choose a chemical block, Mexoryl is a good UVA blocker in Anthelios.

AM: Do you have brands to suggest that we should have within our sun protection rotation? 

RK MD: La Roche Posay Anthelios is a favorite. I also like Elta MD and SkinCeuticals Matte UV Defense SPF 50 because it goes on matte. For drugstore brands, I like Neutrogena. 

AM: Is there any pre and/or post prep needed when you're spending time in the sun?

RK MD: Ideally, you should apply your sunscreen 1/2 an hour before sun exposure. 

AM: What are your thoughts on suncare products that are edible that are meant for providing "natural SPF" such as Heliocare?

RK MD: I'm not sure how sophisticated this technology is right now. It needs more study to determine what level of SPF protection this is providing and how it would compare or integrate into our topical sunscreen use. 

AM: Beyond topical care, what other ways can we have the benefits of SPF beyond creams and sprays?

RK MD: Sun protective clothing - hats and swim shirts. I like Coolibar for clothing with SPF woven in. 

AM: How can we treat eyes, hair and nails to ensure that they are protected?

RK MD: Sunglasses, hats and extend SPF coverage to your fingers and hands. 

Embrace Hat Hair - The scalp is skin too and needs protection from UV rays and DNA damage. The best way to keep your scalp (and hair) safe is by wearing a hat – floppy brims offer good coverage for the face too.

Switch Up Your Part – Make sure you cover your part when you’re out in the sun and try to alternate the way your part hair from day to day to avoid one area soaking up all the sun exposure.

Explore UV Fabrics – If you’re a beach bunny, try a hat with built in UV protection from a brand like Coolibar.

Cancel Your Bi-Weekly Blowout - You may think that hair acts as a protective layer over your scalp in the summer, but your strands are susceptible to sun damage, too. Cumulative exposure to damaging UV rays causes hair to be brittle, break easily, and leaves it dehydrated and unmanageable. Give your hair a break between blowouts, especially in hot, humid weather.

Style Smart - If you must heat style, use a leave in conditioner and don’t blowdry or iron your hair without using a heat protectant first. For summer, I like the Phyto Phytokeratine Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray. It is easy to use because it is a spray on product and works to rehydrate over exposed frazzled hair.

AM: Are there times that we should avoid the sun?

RK MD: Sun is strongest from 10-2, so try to limit exposure during that time. Also if you are on medicines that make you sun-sensitive, like some antibiotics. 

AM: How many times should we apply SPF?

RK MD: Every two hours if you are in direct sunlight. On a daily basis, definitely in the morning before work. Then you can try to remember to reapply at lunchtime. 

AM: What is UVA/UVB and why is it important to use products that include both?

RK MD: They are the different wave lengths for ultra violet light. UVB is the one responsible for sunburns. UVA can cause skin cancer and premature photoaging, so it's important that SPFs cover both wavelengths. 

AM: If we have been out in the sun for too long (even when we had SPF) - what should we do to protect it during our aftercare process?

RK MD: If you have a sunburn, soothe skin with aloe to minimize irritation from the burn. 

AM: We know we've heard it before but do we really have to wear SPF even in the winter or when the sun isn't out and if your skin is darker (those who are naturally brown) - do we need SPF?

RK MD: You do need to wear SPF even in the winter, because you are still getting exposed to UV light. Same goes for cloudy days. If you have melasma, light in the office or indoors can also activate your melanocytes and perpetuate hyperpigmentation. For darker skin, pigmentation is such an issue, so SPF is still essential. Plus darker skin is still at risk for photoaging. 

AM: What are the telltale signs that we have damaged our skin due to being in the sun?

RK MD: Brown spots, broken capillaries, pink splotchy skin, premature wrinkling, thin skin, sagging skin with a leathery texture.

Read more from May Issue 

WIN THIS | #SUMM3RFRIDAY

With the launch of our May Issue, we're excited to kick off #SUMM3RFRIDAY which will take place for the next 15 weeks with weekly lifestyle giveaways that have a number of amazing brands that we have partnered with. We were inspired by everything that #SUMM3RFRIDAY represents, half day Fridays, enjoyable happy hours outside and long weekends whether you're off to the Hamptons, Malibu or wherever you jetset off too!

What makes this giveaway unique is that each winner is also able to gift 2 of their friends as a means to share the wealth with his/her besties! Make sure to visit #SUMM3RFRIDAY every week! We have a giveaway for our NYC fans as well as for our Miami fans to get your weekends and summer on the right foot.

Continue to come back as we have another layer to add to this series of giveaways that you can enjoy entering throughout the summer.

Read more from the May issue

A MOMENT WITH MONICA BOTKIER

Botkier is the quintessential NYC handbag that girls in the know love to carry no matter where they live. It's all about handbags in an array of shapes that truly work with your lifestyle. We sat down with Monika Botkier to talk bags, the collaboration with model, Cocoa Rocha and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: How does Botkier maintain its "cool girl" style as an effortlessly chic brand? 

MONICA BOTKIER: Thank you! That’s our mantra. Our girl is 'street smart chic.' She knows what she wants and has an edge to her style... always confident. We think about her in every aspect of the brand, from product design to social media. When I started the brand, I was a downtown girl living my dream in Soho NYC and that moment resonates with the modern woman no matter where she lives. 

AM: How much of a role does NYC play in the designs? 

MB: In 2013, after 10 years, we added New York to our brand name officially. There is a certain strength and attitude to the women  of NYC. We like to celebrate our city in this way, particularly in terms of style and functionality that informs our design process. New York is our muse!

AM: How much does your photographic background place into the design and/or the brand at large? 

MB: I was very focused on fashion photography as I transitioned to design, so style was a big part of that artistic expression for me. Through the years I shot some of the campaigns which was a function of being an entrepreneur and an independent brand. We were now of the first contemporary brands who would even create campaigns because that was so second nature for me. Now we have amazing teams that we collaborate with I can tell you it’s very satisfying to see the product go from sketch to sample to shoot.

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AM: What are your 3 favorite bodies in the collection for Spring '16? 

MB: Our bags are names after NY neighborhoods or streets. My favorites for S16 are the Irving Hobo, Cobble Hill shoulder and the classic Soho Tote.

AM: Tell us about your collab with Coco Rocha? 

MB: I was a big fan of Coco, her astute sense of style and social media saavy. I believe collaborations are really important for brands to keep things fresh and fun. We reached out to her and she was excited. The connection was instant, I had met her before at events around the city. She is a wonderful, energetic, super smart talent and a new mom to boot. Coco is the ultimate modern woman, our ideal Botkier girl.

AM: How do you juggle your time between business and friends/family? 

MB: The million dollar question! Female power and promise are the touch points today for any industry. We see how we still have to fight for the respect we deserve as women in the working world. The truth is you’ll always have more on your plate when you have a family and a business. You can have it all but it isn’t some retouched version of what that looks and feels like. It’s hard work and the balance comes from within accepting that it will never be perfect. I try not to be too hard on yourself and be realistic. There are only so many hours in the day. It’s important to be present in the moment you’re in. Believe in yourself, your goals and keep pushing. Give and receive love starting with yourself.

AM: With the success of your brand how do you achieve balance and stay connected/present? 

MB: Life-Work-Balance is truly a buzz phrase today and I think that's great. This means at we are collectively thinking how to achieve a healthy and happy life that isn't only about work! It takes effort to eat right, meditate and breathe through challenges. For me being grateful helps me keep perspective. I try not to get overwhelmed by media, social, news or otherwise, but to remain aware. All I can say there is no perfect formula and it takes work to maintain through consciousness. I belong to a group of creative and successful women, many of them designers I admire so having a group to lean on is also a nice way to find that balance.

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AM: How do you prepare for the Spring personally and as a brand?  

MB: I look forward and then make a list of goals. It’s a great time to refresh the vision board and make sure to recommit to New Year's resolutions like meditation, diet and exercise since summer is right around the corner! Same for the brand. We review, regroup and renew for the warm seasons to come. People feel inspired when the sun starts shining and the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time for new creative plans. 

AM: What does Balance Next mean to you? 

MB: The first thing I think of is the life/work/health/happiness/peace balance that should be a priority for everyone to feel grounded no matter what is happening at the moment. It’s the commitment to wellness which as I get older has started to become more of focus and brings me true joy.

AM: What are 3 musts for your personal time? 

MB: Sorry for the cliche but I love Soul Cycle, also Y7 yoga studio, Dr. Frank Lipman’s protein shakes for breakfast and Roman’s for a neighborhood food spot (Brooklyn Fort Greene). Music in as much of the day as possible, car, kitchen, office everywhere!

AM: Athleisure is about comfortable clothes that can transition from the gym, to brunch, meetings and a night out or jetsetting (think Bandier leggings paired with a cashmere tunic and ankle boots) - what are 3 favorite pieces that are great within your athleisure look? 

MB: Just what you mentioned above - my ideal atheleisure outfit to a T!

SHOP THE STORY

THE AQUA ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS

The road to the Olympics® is one that involves a lot of training. Many athletes train in a number of areas and the Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation's largest outdoor recreation company in North Carolina We sat down with Olympian and spokesperson/ambassador of the NOC - Joe Jacobi. In addition to winning gold in Barcelona during the summer 2008 games, he served as the CEO of the USA Canoe/Kayak and TV sports commentator for NBC. We asked about NOC for guests coming to enjoy nature as well as a place for future Olympians to train and those heading to Rio this summer. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the Nantahala Outdoor Center?

JOE JACOBI: The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the nation's largest outdoor recreation company. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based programs such as learning to kayak at NOC world-renowned Paddling School, test the latest outdoor gear, and shop at its LEED-certified flagship retail stores, or enjoy resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered accommodations.

We are also one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 23 Olympians, including two Olympic Gold Medalists, have called NOC home.

NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure.

AM: Is this center open to the public?

JJ: Not only is NOC open to the public, it was the mission of our founders, Payson Kennedy and Horace Holden, Sr., to get our guests outside and experiencing the best that the outdoors has to offer. Whether on rivers, trails, or in the air, everything that happens at NOC is geared towards showing path into the outdoors for EVERYONE.

AM: In addition to enjoying water sports, NOC also contains opportunities to lodge here - how is that beneficial to the overall experience?

JJ: I grew up in the Washington, DC area so the noise and bustle of a big city was always present. I remember the first time I visited NOC as a teenager - that full experience of peace and quiet isn't just on the river but the way you experience evening, downtime, and rest. NOC is very accessible to many cities around the southeastern US making day-trips to our headquarters on the Nantahala River or one of the other 7 rivers which are rafter feasible but the full experience at NOC is the day AND night experience at NOC.

AM: How many Olympians have trained here and what is it like?

JJ: So we can't guarantee that every NOC guest or staff member will become an Olympian but our track record is pretty impressive.  To date, 22 Olympians in the sport of canoeing have come from NOC and this summer, we are excited to send our 23rd Olympia to the Games, whitewater kayaker, Michal Smolen, is Team USA's leading prospect for a medal a the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. 

NOC is an outstanding venue in which to live and train in competitive paddlesports. There are incredible rivers that run year-around make the perfect practice courses for training; there is a deeply-committed and supportive community of high performance athletes; NOC provides flexible employment opportunities for athletes; and, you have 5-10 competitive events staged each year in your backyard, ranging from local and participatory events to national and international events such at National Championships or a World Championships. 

AM: Are there any Olympians that you are currently training that you are sending to Rio this year?

JJ: I guess I jumped ahead on this one! NOC is so excited to send our 23rd Olympian to the Olympic Games - whitewater kayaker, Michal Smolen, is Team USA's leading contender for a medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio this summer. Born in Poland, Michal learned to paddle at NOC when he was 9 years old. Today, our aspiring young paddlers (my own 15 yo daughter included!) look up to Michal as a role model on and off the water. Michal is very giving of his time, incredibly humble, and so excited to be representing the United States.

AM: How did your relationship with NOC take place and what is your role there?

JJ: I grew up training on the Potomac River in the Washington, DC area - a Malcolm Gladwell/Outlier story of sorts with the some of the most fortuitous circumstances in paddlesports. I grew up close to the training site on the river where the world champions and world medalists practiced every day with the legendary coach in the sport. When I was just 13 years old, they welcomed me into their group. 

As I progressed and the Whitewater Slalom was added to the 1992 Olympic Games program in Barcelona, my canoe partner, Scott Strausbaugh, wanted to make a full-time commitment to our training. The DC area was very expensive so we chose to move to NOC where we could extend the length of our practice sessions, add more training sessions per day, and simply engage even more deeply in our Olympic pursuit.  

When we stepped up on to the podium at the 1992 Olympic Games as the first Americans to win gold in Olympic whitewater competition, we did so as part of the NOC community, which provided with the ideal setting, support, and leadership to excel on and off the water. 

That's what makes my current role with NOC so much fun and rewarding. I am a NOC spokesperson and ambassador. I love telling the story of our organization, our founders, the outdoors, and of course our next generation of Olympians like Michal.

AM: Will you be in Rio with your athlete?

JJ: No Rio for me this year, but we have a lot of Guest and Employee engagement opportunities with the Games here i the States, including a celebration of "Olympic Day" at NOC on June 18th of this year.

AM: Are there any milestones that NOC will enjoy in 2016 that Athleisure Mag should know about?

JJ: Not sure there is one so much as an Olympic year tends to spotlight ALL the elements of the outdoors that we serve (we were founded in an Olympic year, 1972.) On specifics, we have number of phenomenal events coming this year serving people from the high performance community to families who just want to compete together - you can check out our events here.

AM: What activities are offered at NOC?

JJ: We simply love rivers and boats in which people can propel with a paddle. Our guests choose from 8 different rivers in which paddle, raft, SUP, or float. Our Paddle School has an absolutely world class roster of instructors.  On land, at our headquarters on the Nantahala  River, we have a mountain top, over-the-trees zip line adventure include on zip that is about a 1/2 mile long - more on that right here.

Also, we prepare people via our our outdoor school for every kind of outdoor experience imaginable - not just paddling, but swiftwater rescue and wilderness medicine to name a few.

AM: Although people come to NOC for the activities, what takeaway do they get from North Carolina as a state?

JJ: North Carolina's diversity is amazing. From our shores and beaches to our mountains and rivers, the DNA of the outdoors lives in NC. My role with NOC takes me all over the state. When people see the NOC logo on my shirt, they smile, reflect, and typically share a family story about their experiences with their family and friends. It's very special to see the way NOC has touched and contributed to North Carolina's outdoor story.

The Olympics is a registered trademark.

Read more from the April Issue

Havana Motor Club

This month, HAVANA MOTOR CLUB was released nationally in theaters across the US. This movie is a character-driven story that follows Reynaldo "Rey" López García, Carlos Alvarez Sanchez, Armando "Piti" Munnet Rodriguez, Jose "Jote" Antonio Madera, Reinaldo "Tito" López Fernández, Saul Garcia, and Milton Díaz Cánter. At its core, HMC showcases the change that is racing down the streets of Havana. Cuba's premier underground drag racers struggle to prepare their classic cars for the first official car race since the 1959 Revolution.

During the 84 minutes of this documentary, recent reforms are presented including: the owning of property, allowance of small businesses, and greater exchange between Cubans, Cuban Americans, tourists, and other foreigners. These changes affect the lives of these racers and their families. One racer enlists the help of a Cuban American patron in Miami to bring in parts for his modern Porsche. His main competitor is a renowned mechanic who uses ingenuity rather than resources to create a racing machine out of his father’s 1955 Chevy Bel Air. Another racer ponders whether he will participate in the race or sell his motor — one that he recovered on the ocean floor from a ship used to smuggle Cubans off the island — in order to flee Cuba on a raft headed to Florida.

Meanwhile, the race itself is in jeopardy of coming to fruition due to factors ranging from its status as an elitist sport to the arrival of the Pope in Cuba. Through the experiences of these racers and their community, HAVANA MOTOR CLUB explores how Cuba is changing today and what its future holds in light of the Obama Administration’s recent move to normalize relations with the island nation.

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With the success of this movie that debuted at last year's Tribeca Film Festival and a recent 

screening that we attended, we wanted to find out more about how this movie came together and chatted with the film's director and producer, Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed the film and learning about these four characters juxtaposed against the changes that are taking place in Cuba - how did you decide to present the story in this manner?

BENT-JORGEN PERLMUTT: It was a process in getting this film created as there were a number of delays. As you saw in the film, there were a number of times when we were told that the race was happening and then last minute, it would be postponed or canceled - such as the Pope's visit. We spent about 4 months there, but there were months of delays. Even on the day that we filmed the race which was covered in the film, I wasn't really sure until we were there that it was actually going to happen!

When we looked at the amount of footage that we had amassed, 300 hours - a decision had to be made about how we tell the story. We decided that although we had followed a number of the drag racers that the best was was to bring these 4 men forward as they reflected distinct stories of where Cubans are. We have the man who wishes to leave Cuba for opportunities in the US, another who rejects the changes, a man who embraces what is happening and the one that embodies the everyday life of a Cuban who comes from a family of car fixers and is not affected by what is going on around him.

AM: We got to see a number of first hand accounts of the drag racing world, were there edits that were requested by the drivers and in filming this, did you feel safe during production?

BJP: We felt very safe during filming and we also took steps towards ensuring that, such as filming the races that took place during the day as opposed to at night. Many of the scenes where you see racing from inside the car, were due to our sponsor GoPro, which had their cameras from inside as opposed to having our teams in them during races. 

Some racers did have concerns with filming how they received their parts for their cars; therefore these parts were taken out. In addition, scenes involving gambling were also taken out. In Cuba, if you are caught gambling, you will serve 3 - 4 years in jail. We have shown this film at a number of festivals including the Havana Film Festival last December and it was met with a warm reception.

AM: Since filming of HAVANA MOTOR CLUB has taken place, are there thoughts of following up with them?

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BJP: We were so fortunate to come to Cuba when we did 4 years ago to film this movie as now there are many productions looking to film in the area. Unlike Cuban athletes that have been covered in films, this movie allowed the everyday Cuban to be portrayed as well as to present popular topics that are relevant right now. There have been talks to do a spinoff documentary series on the racers as a way to know their stories a bit more. Interestingly enough, the guys are being filmed for Fast and the Furious 8 which is taping in Cuba. Anthony Bourdain has also filmed with them as well. 

AM: Since the film's production and with the current changes taking place in this country, has the state of racing changed there?

BJP: Racing hasn't changed in Cuba, but the amount of money coming into the sport has. There are racers that are now sneaking in Maserattis and BMWs!

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Read more from Apr 2016

Havana Above the Handlebars, Cuba

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Late last summer, we attended an intimate roundtable that included a number of individuals within the travel industry on the topic of Cuba. At that time, we all discussed the ability to travel to Cuba without the restrictions that have existed for the past few decades. There was so much excitement and buzz in the room and we remember thinking about all the possibilities that would emerge by having this access as a traveler, for commerce and more.

Last month, as our President, delegates and businessmen entered the country, the reality of the having an open exchange became an even bigger possibility. 

Since the President's visit, we're pleased to share two stories in this month's issue that focuses on Cuba. Above the Handlebars, Cuba - highlights the journey that Ben and Brian, of Sole Bicycles, took days before President Obama's entry into the country as they experience Cuba from 12 - 15 hour rides on each day of their trip. They rode through the pulse and culture of this country that has been self-contained. 

Next, we are pleased to share Havana Motor Club, a movie that debuted at last year's Tribeca Film Festival and is available nationwide in theaters. The film looks at racing and how a dedicated group of local enthusiasts worked to bring this national sport back after it had been banned in the 50's.

Sole Bicycles was founded by a group of friends who loved playing an array of sports. They believed in creating a great bike that had an accessible price point and was supported by a company whose brand was built on an active lifestyle. In addition to creating a great product that served a needed function, it was essential to reflect a culture around it. 

This created a school of thought where people could purchase a bike and visit the website. This serves as a hub of content and community, which is not only about being active but giving back. They have built their following by organic growth, bootstrapped and no outside help! Yet in the midst of building this brand over the past few years, they truly

believe in a "work hard, play hard" system. Those who work within the company have enjoyed participating in group retreats that serve as inspiration for new models and styles. This could include spending a month in Bali or a week in Mexico. 

This wanderlust mindset mixed in with the need to give back creates a backdrop of organic serendipity which would bring members of Sole Bicycles team to an iconic visit to Cuba.

A friend that SB works with had been quite successful creating international bike tours which allow riders to enjoy destinations by peddling through them. Due to the success 

of these groups, he wanted to do the same monthly in Cuba and needed a fleet of bikes that could host 10 people. He asked SB to supply the bikes. 

In addition to providing their bikes, the team at SB decided that it would be a great idea for them to come along (a team of 9) to experience it for themselves. 

SB is based in Venice, CA and the team flew from there to Miami to connect to their flight to land into Havana which is 45 miles from Miami. To arrive into the city, they checked in 2 hours prior to the flight and flew into Havana and upon arrival, it took them 3 hours to get through customs in order to finally reach their destination. Interestingly enough, for the total travel time to get to Havana, they could have flown into Tokyo or a number of other destinations.

This trip was not only about seeing Cuba, but to experience it first hand. The SB team decided that they would find a place to stay via Casa Particular (like Air BNB) with a Cuban family. This way they could enjoy traditional meals and have an experience that was akin to those who were locals.

During their trip, they had a schedule that was intense; however, gave the best chance to cover the area as they immersed themselves into the trip. The team woke up at 9:30am to enjoy a traditional breakfast cooked by their host family and hopped on their bikes to move from neighborhood to neighborhood where they rode 30 - 40 miles a day. They would have dinner later in the evening, and then at 8-9pm they would get back to the tour and finish their day at 3-4am - to do it all again the next day.

These 12-15 tours on wheels allowed them to see people going about their day and the shifts from one community to the next. Ultimately, they covered a total of 100 miles and most of Havana. For some, touring the city by bike was a first; however, everyone experienced a significant difference in this city.

The SB team found that they were able to focus on their experiences even more due to the lack of being connected to the internet and the phone. Less than 3% have the internet and those who may be visiting would need to go to a WiFi park for outside access or to purchase a card/phone. It was the longest that many have been disconnected. But at the same time, it allowed them to bond even more to one another as well as their guide without the distraction of making sure to update friends, followers, fans and more in real time. 

As a country that has been self contained, it has been untouched by a number of popular and consumer culture aesthetics from style of dress, cars etc that point to the 50's. As the team was out and about, they felt safe as the crime rates are low and carrying guns are illegal.

In general, as they rode through the community, they realized that it was busy, but not too  crowded. From an economic standpoint, many are employed by the government sector and additional jobs are trade oriented Currently, there are a not a lot of private businesses. 

As a matter of fact, as the team biked throughout the city, they were surprised that it was difficult to obtain a bottle of water from corner stores, carts - something that is readily available here in a number of cities whether you live in large cities or go to small towns. The ability to stop and get something when you wanted it really made the guys realize the cultural difference between where they were and how they grew up.

This trip took place as they traveled under a "People for People" status with missionary purposes for a church group. At the conclusion of the trip, they gave their bikes to a church which would allow their missionaries to pick flowers to sell to raise funds.

During this trip, as they rode through Cuba, they had the benefit of seeing the government getting ready for Obama's visit as workers paved miles of streets in Old Town Ha

vana, painting fences and fixing other elements in a mad dash as this was a few days prior to the official visit. 

In the beginning, members of the group looked at this trip as one that would be a fun vacation that would include partying, taking pictures and more. But the impact of seeing one of the few nations that have not had open access for 60-70 years was eye opening! One noted that everywhere they went, people loved seeing their bikes that were new (as opposed to the Schwin models they noticed from the 50's). At one point in the trip, they happened to go to a cigar factory which sold Cohebas. They traded one of their bikes for a box of the luxury cigars (yet the value of the box of cigars was much higher than the bike). The universal need of having something modern and new was not lost on the team. They experienced this upgraded area as well as a number of authentic places that residents have enjoyed.

Cuba is going through a change and it is not one that will be overnight. A lot of questions remain: What do open policies mean for those that are Cuban residents? How will corporations begin to be introduced into the ecosystem (a number of properties such as Starwood Hotels has begun to create a strategy for expansion in the area)? How will Cuba balance between maintaining their heritage while integrating into a modern culture? More importantly for those who live in Cuba, what opportunities will they have to start their own businesses? 

The idea that there is a "magic switch" where overnight there is an idealized setting where people will people will be able to come to Cuba, enjoy a daquiri as they sit in an outdoor cafe Instagramming their current status, is one that will take time with a lot of growing pains as they get to where they want to be as a nation, but the world will be watching.

Read more from Apr 2016

Paradise Found

By Kitty Bradshaw

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

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

FOODIE PARADISE

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

CULINARY OPTIONS

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

GRAND SLEEPING ACCOMODATIONS

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

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

WHERE TO GO - WHAT TO DO

The Bar!!!

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

Town of Loreto

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

Del Carmen Island

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

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

* All pictures courtesy of Villa Del Palmar resort at Loreto

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

HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA MEXICO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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