N3W YOU

KATRINA SCOTT + KARENA DAWN

FITNESS TRAINERS + CO-FOUNDERS

TONE IT UP

THE GOOD

We have our Tone It Up Challenge going on right now (you can sign up HERE for a free starter pack!). It’s basically 6 weeks of total body toning workouts paired with the day-by-day 6 Week Meal Plan to bring fitness results to the next level for 2017! 

THE BUZZ

We have something really big coming up in late 2017 that we’re getting super excited about! We’re announcing all the deets in March, so make sure to follow both of our Instagram accounts @KarenaKatrina and @ToneItUp for more info to come ;)

We also came out with 8 brand new workouts called BODY LOVE and 3 of them are with one of our fave fitness icons Jillian Michaels!! They’re absolutely amazing routines that kick some major booty and torch calories.

KAITLYN BRISTOWE + SHAWN BOOTH

THE BACHELORETTE

THE GOOD

2016 was a BIG year. We moved to Nashville TN as a newly engaged couple. Living in music city, I was able to meet many talented song writers, and singers who have helped me pursue my passion in singing. It led me to hosting on the red carpet for the 50th anniversary of the CMA’s where I got to meet incredible  artists.

We have also been fortunate enough to start CitySTRONG, an indoor/outdoor group workout that takes place in cities all across the country. We’ve teamed up with our good friend Erin Oprea, who is also a well known trainer here in Nashville TN. It’s all about getting a good workout, but more importantly, having fun! A portion of the CitySTRONG proceeds go to a charity called “Creativets” which we are very passionate about. It helps soldiers overcome PTSD when they come back from overseas by pairing them up with song writers to help them create music. We are proud of that and have met some amazing people from that organization. Our platform has allowed us to have a voice with many different charities, meet incredible people who make a difference, and hear a lot of inspiring stories.

THE ADD

I think when it comes to resolutions, one that stands out to us is being more in the moment. We are all so caught up on our phones, and dealing with the pressure of being a public figure, that we always feel “on.” I think another thing we would love to do is work with more charities and make the world a better place. That is the stuff that evolves and makes us happy. Instagram is fun, but making a difference is rewarding. I know we love to say we will plan a wedding this year. But again, we don’t want it to be because of the pressure or expectations we are under from being on TV. We want to make sure it's when we are ready. Just because we don’t have a date, doesn’t mean we don’t love each other any less. We are busy. And hopefully in 2017 we can start to plan. 

THE BUZZ

I’m excited to announce my podcast. I have been brainstorming, and plotting for a while now on how to make it unlike any other. I always have a lot to say, and I like to make people laugh. I feel like I am meant for it. Who knows who will show up on there, but I’m hoping some people I've always wanted to get to know. I have also been co-writing songs, and recorded my first one the other day. I am proud of it and can’t wait to share it with everyone who believes in me. 

Shawn has been working SO HARD on his fitness and being the best trainer he can be. He is getting new clients all the time, and is also training for an IRONMAN that he will take part in this year. Now THAT’S an ambitious goal for 2017. I've never seen someone so dedicated in my life. You can tell it is his passion. He is extremely knowledgable when it comes to nutrition, health and fitness. Shawn has his own meal plans that he customizes to each person who orders one. It's not about a fad diet, he creates a healthy and achievable lifestyle. Whether you are a mom on the go, someone doing fitness competitions, or even just wanting to live a healthier life. There is something for everyone. 

He has been working every single day on his website that will be coming out soon for people to get on board. His passion for fitness is what inspired him to start CitySTRONG.com, where we get to meet people across the country and inspire them to be their best selves. 2017 is going to be a great year.

DAGMARA WOZNIAK

TEAM USA OLYMPIAN 2016 RIO BRONZE FENCER

THE GOOD

2016 was a memorable year for the books for so many reasons. It was a combination of the best moments in my life as well as some truly difficult times. I was able to qualify, compete, and medal at the 2016 Olympic Games. At the same time all this was going on I was going through some of the worst injuries I have dealt with in my career. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but that's life and instead of getting upset and feeling defeated, I never stopped hustling and never stopped putting one foot in front of the other. It was a time in my life that I felt I was tested emotionally and physically and it just made me grow more comfortable with who I am as well as understanding what I’m capable of.

THE ADD

This year I have decided to train and heal differently by slowing down. Athletes think stronger, faster, harder is the best way to go but at some point your body will shut down on you. One goal is to focus on clean eating that will help my body recover and heal faster from intense workouts and practice. Another goal is to improve my ability to be more self aware and strengthen my mindfulness in such a fast sport like fencing if you are worried about what has happened or what will happen, then you lose and I think that relates a lot to everyday life. You can’t be worried about losing a job for example or not getting an interview if you didn’t try to go for it. People tend to focus on beach body mode or losing weight for event and end up freaking out and binge eating. If you just take it one meal at a time, one meal at a time, one workout at a time, one becomes 2 and that becomes 5. Before you know it you went consistently for a month eating healthier and working out more. Making plans is necessary, but when taking steps towards it be in the moment and appreciate the handwork and everything that is going on at that point in time.

THE BUZZ

I recently got signed to Nike and I’m IN LOVE. I have always loved the company and its clothing so now to be a part of the family feels right. I got some things in the works so I can’t disclose them yet, but keep following me and check out my road to success! As of now, I’ve committed myself to training for 2020 Tokyo and I can’t be more excited about it. I love being an athlete and representing the US and I plan on doing it for as long as I can.

EDM TWIN DJ'S MIRIAM + OLIVIA

NERVO

THE GOOD

2016 was ace! We were able to travel the world on many exciting tours through The America's, Asia, Australia, and all over Europe, played around 200 shows at some of the biggest festivals and nightclubs in the world, hosted our own NERVONation shows at Ushuaia in Ibiza and SLS in Miami, continued our biggest residencies in Las Vegas at Omnia and Wet Republic, and Ushuaia, Ibiza. We were able to connect with so many incredible fans that showed their love and support at every single show and also towards our releases.  We launched our own record label GOT ME BABY! Records, had a Billboard Dance #1 with People Grinnin’, released so many special songs, explored a virtual reality 3d music video with “Did We Forget”, had exciting collaborations with Timmy Trumpet, Kylie Minogue, Savi, Amba Shepherd, and Nicky Romero - among others, and reached the DJ Mag top 100 poll as highest ranking females.  On a personal level, we have become very close with the team of people we work with, creating our own little family and we were lucky enough to to take our brother on the road with us for three months where we built some everlasting memories. We can only hope 2017 is as special and we are very grateful for the good times in 2016!

THE ADD

Any creative person will tell you that they struggle with evolving and balance. You see, our jobs are all encompassing so we are “on” 110% of the time. This can work against finding down time, but we need this “down time” to come up with new ideas, so I guess you could say it is a constant battle. In 2017, we will keep trying to find the perfect balance. 

Like every year, we will continue to keep pushing boundaries, to keep growing musically and explore different genres.   We are releasing a more pop record in February through BigBeat, Warners, which may or may not connect with our fans, but to us, we are excited about trying something new. Prioritizing studio time is also super important for 2017. We need to set aside time to be creative in order to fulfill our creative aspirations so this will be a major focus for us.

Giving back to charity is also a goal for 2017. In the past we have been involved in Breast cancer charities. We chose Breast Cancer because our mother survived it, but we are also interested in some other charities which we hope to work with this year. 

THE BUZZ

2017 is going to be another very busy year for NERVO!  Aside from working up our label - GOT ME BABY! Records, we have some special collabs coming with DVBBS, Danny Avila, Quintino - to mention a few.

We teamed up with some people in the business to launch our own management company called 25Eight Entertainment and we will be announcing some new artists and clients that we are working with in 2017 and beyond.

Our NERVONation shows will be back at Ushuaia in Ibiza, as well as Miami for Music Week and also taking it to the slopes in Austria, Solden.

From March onwards, we are back on a heavy touring schedule and are super excited about playing Lollapalooza in South America. 

LACEY STONE CELEBRITY FITNESS TRAINER + 

CELEB TRAINER ON E! 's REVENGE BODY WITH KHLOE KARDASHIAN

THE GOOD

This year was a huge year for me professionally. I got cast on Khloe Kardashian’s new docuseries REVENGE BODY, set to premiere on E! January 12th, 2017. I’ve been working in the fitness industry my entire adult life and I’m so excited for the world to see this show, because it’s not about extreme weight-loss it’s about health and being the best you can be from the inside out.
 
I traveled to Fiji for 2 weeks and spent that time meditating, reconnecting with my heart, and enjoying some long overdue quality time with 3 of my best friends. Being successful is RAD, but if you don’t take time to celebrate and reflect on your successes you miss  
out on the joy of achieving them.

My program 8 Weeks To Change Program has helped so many people find big time fitness results and increased happiness in their personal and professional lives. Because of this the Program has gotten a lot of national attention from The Steve Harvey Show, The Doctors, & E!

THE ADD

In 2017, I’m looking to expand 8 Weeks To Change Programs across the country and create a virtual environment which allows me to help people in all parts of the world find their inner athlete and the courage to be who they were born to be. 
 
I’m also looking to complete my first book and continue to spread the message that fitness isn’t about the scale, it’s about finding health from within.

If I were to choose one word to describe how I’m looking to live my life in 2017 it would be FEARLESS. I'm going to actively work at being the best I can be everyday, forcing myself to live life consistently outside of my comfort zone. Being fearless involves tremendous courage and to be courageous you must be confident in the unknown.
 
In order to grow my business and stay on top of what’s hot and what’s not, I’ll be hiring several more people to work on expanding my brand. That involves me learning to delegate and not be such a perfectionist control freak (hahahha). 

THE BUZZ

Some of my personal resolutions involve not being so hard on myself and learning to be more flexible and adventurous outside of work.

Last year Khloe Kardashian selected me as one of her go-to celebrity trainers on her new E! Show Revenge Body. The show premieres January 12th on E! 
 
I’ll being doing a fitness retreat in Bali with 14 lucky people looking to change their lives from the inside out. 
 
I’ll also be doing some clothing collaborations with Carbon38, which will launch in February 2017.

See more from the Jan Issue 

LANDMARKS & SOUND

Sometimes it's all about immersive experiences that allow you to escape. We took a moment with Producer/Director/Creator Daniel E Catullo III to talk about his new series Landmarks Live in Concert on PBS which is Great Performances x Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown x Sonic Highways which will release two episodes this month with additional destinations and artists starting in June. We talked about how he came up with this show, his background and how he got Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer, Chad Smith as a host!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We are so excited to talk with you about the show and had a great time at the launch at the Dream Hotel Downtown! We love telling stories, music and travel - so the fact that this new show has all of this is really phenomenal!

DANIEL E CATULLO III: Thank you so much for recognizing what we are doing. I'm just so damn passionate about what we are doing and it has been a long road and I am really happy that you see that!

AM: Tell us about your background and what led you to creating this show. Your roll is massive as the creator, director and producer - what do you do and how did this get to PBS?

DEC III: I have been in the industry for about 25 years. Believe it or not, I started out as a roadie years ago after college. I was in the music business for years and all through the 90's I traveled with hundreds of bands from Guns and Roses to Live to Extreme. In the late 90's I met a nice couple Michael and Glenis Gross. Glenis became my partner and Michael (her husband) produced Ghostbusters, Kindergarden Cop and Twins and all of these really big films.

Glenis and I became partners and she brought me in on the industry on a business level. The first thing that we did was to buy a concert theater together called the Ventura Theater and I was a promoter for a couple of years. It was a tough business, because back then they were starting to do all of the roll ups - Live Nation was just beginning and it was funny because when we sold the theater, I told Glenis, "Ok I corrupted you into music - take me into film now," which was kind of a joke - but we were actually going to start a film company that focused on low budget features. This is around 1999/2000, I told her that I knew all of these bands and that I believed that this DVD thing was doing to take off. Remember that in 2000 DVDs weren't really there and people still had VHS. So we came up with an idea to do music DVDs that was quite a risk. I went to Universal and all of the major record labels and said I want to do these music DVDs for all of your artists, I will fund it but I want to own the copyright. They all said I was freaking crazy, but I could do what I wanted because if I was gong to fund it, then I could have it. So we got the sign off on the label and we started to do bands. We started off with a lot of rock bands - Godsmack, Marilyn Mason and The Cult. The next thing I know, music DVDs go from selling at 1500 units to 200K units to 500K. In 2003 I did Rush in Rio and it sold like 2M copies.

The risk took off! All through the 2000's I was doing live concert DVDs. I was pretty fortunate as I have done over 200 live DVD concert specials. I have really enjoyed the mix of people as I have done everyone from Rage Against the Machine to Mariah Carey to Etta James - it's really all over the map. I did Dave Matthews Band in Central Park and when I was doing that whole thing, I always had an idea to do a TV series because one of the things that fascinated me about music on TV, is that when our parents grew up, music programming was really family programming.

Families would gather around the TV set to either watch American Bandstand or Ed Sullivan Show and they watched it for the music artists. It was something that everyone had in common and somehow there has been this disconnect. This has been happening over the past 30-40 years as new genres have started to come in. It's very seldom that parents share the same musical taste as their kids. I'm just like, how do we bridge this gap and create something that is kind of like this appealing thing to everyone. I started thinking of ideas for shows and sort of took a break from music around 2011 and started doing documentaries and got pretty heavily involved in the doc business. I started understanding a whole other level of filmmaking and worked with some of the world's biggest documentary filmmakers. The first one I produced was called The Square and it went on to getting an Academy Award nomination and won a few Emmy's, Sundance and went on to Toronto and the second one I was involved with as a producer won Sundance again.

We won Sundance two years in a row and the cool thing that happened is 1. I still had an interest and was missing music and 2. I saw another side of filmmaking and that I needed to take my show idea and make it into the docuseries, while adding in lifestyle, travel etc with the music. I realized that if we hinged on the lifestyle doc side that I could make something that would appeal to my parents, myself and my kids. That's when we started screwing around with it and for the past 3 years we have done nothing but this. We took $2M of our own money and this is the only thing that we have worked on the show. We shot a couple of pilots and the first thing that we had ever done with the show, I shut down Grand Central Terminal for a few hours and brought the Scottish band CHVRCHES in and that was the initial pilot. We then took that concept and tweaked it again and did Alicia Keys (this aired Jan 20th). It was a never-ending process that brought it to what it is now and there was a lot of input from a number of people - probably well over 200 people have worked on the past 2 shows and it has been a really great process in getting our 2 shows. I think we have the magic sauce now. About a year and a half ago, we started aggressively meeting with TV networks - about 20. One of the things that I was pretty adamant on and why it took so long to get to a deal was I didn't want to sell the show, as I wanted to retain ownership of the show. I would meet with the network and they wanted to acquire the show and give me a big check - but let's face it not to sound like a dickhead but I didn't want them to fuck the show up and turn it into a variety show that would canceled after one season. I have done enough music stuff that I wanted to stay in control of it and to be the showrunner. Literally, we were turning down big offers and interestingly enough, originally our first choice was to work with PBS, but they didn't have a slot for us! They wanted me to go to American Television and get a syndication deal and I didn't want to do that so we walked away from them. 

So we went back to other networks and almost signed with them and then Stephen Segaller from WNET (NY local PBS channel) - a big champion of the show, told me that the network wanted to get behind us for this show. He knew they could secure a national spot for the show as right around that time, Downton Abbey had just gotten canceled and there were a number of spots available. I was like, now PBS National is knocking down our door. I mean if you look at the history - the most successful music shows are on PBS. Great Performances, Live at Lincoln Center, Austin City Limits etc all of these shows are 40 seasons deep!  The average network if you have a big show, it's on for 5 or 6 seasons. If we wanted to build something that could last forever, then PBS was the natural home and it's the most flexible from a creative standpoint. At the same time, it's in almost every home in America! We have the opportunity to bring the younger demo into the show and this network. This past week has been awesome because when they started promoting the show, the execs at PBS have seen the response to Alicia Keys and they see that millennials are having an interest in this. Even cooler, they're starting to give me a longer leash so I can do what I want to do! We're all over the map! I have everyone from will.i.am to Andrea Bocelli but that is the challenge is that I can do a show with him in it and get a 16-year-old to watch!

That's why we have Chad Smith as our host - he has a wide demo that likes him. He can be very compelling interviewer that I would enjoy watching and he is also hip and fun enough that a 16-year-old would enjoy watching him! His job is to bridge the gap and so when we are in Venice, Italy filming behind the scenes on Bocelli  - we'll make sure that we have enough in there that a millennial will enjoy watching it! It really is a travel show.

AM: Was Chad always your idea in terms of the host attached to this show?

DEC III: Yeah I love Chad. I worked with him years ago and did a DVD live concert film for Chickenfoot (the rock supergroup with vocalist Sammy Hagar/ex-Van Halen,  bassist Michael Anthony/ex-Van Halen, guitarist Joe Satriani and drummer Chad Smith) and he was a blast. When we were trying to figure out what to do with bonus features and everything, Chad is such a goofball - I gave him a microphone to go out with people in the street to mess with them. This was back in 2009 and I loved what he was doing and I told him that I wanted to do a show with him. Matt Pinfield who was one of the initial hosts and is one of my best friends is an EP who also developed the show. When we did the search for a host, the first call we made was to Chad. At the time, Chad had a web show called, "In Conversation With". I was like I know you want to do that, but you have to hear me out on this concept and come into my world. I knew he would be happy with it. Interestingly enough, there was a massive feeIing of concern from the network and sponsors because they thought of him with the picture from the Red Hot Chili Peppers with the sock. They wondered if he was going to be crazy and I said, "trust me, he will be great". They even had language in my contract that it wouldn't be valid until I showed them footage of Chad. Now, they are the biggest Chad Smith fans in the world. 

Chad is so cool because he is a music buff. He is just as happy to interview someone like Brad Paisley (his episode airs on Jan 27th) as he is Alicia Keys. He has something in common with all of them because he listens to and appreciates an array of music and he knows how to connect. Even though Chad is older than me, the cool thing about the Chili Peppers is that they have managed to stay relevant and to connect with the younger demo even though older people love them as well. I am so happy with our choice and wouldn't change it for a million years!

AM: Why are you doing 2 episodes in Jan and then releasing the rest in June?

DEC III: It took us 9 months to get our contract. No one thought it would take that long honestly so we just went into production early last year. It's how it ended up and for Alicia we wanted the episode to coincide with the launch of her record. Unfortunately, the way it worked, we have to do things in order so you had to do your TV deal and then do your international deals, then your digital deals and then your sponsors. Unfortunately to get them all aligned and processed it takes over a year. 

When I talked with PBS, I knew there were some slots in Jan, and suggested we tease out two special one off presentations episodes to the world so they can talk about it and know what it is. There will be some people that will say "oh another music show on PBS" but this one is really different. When the official series runs in June, people will know what to expect. We wanted to show viewers and sponsors to see their reaction. We don't consider ourselves a music series, we're more travel based. My goal is to go after the millennials and it's a learning curve. Unfortunately, the way music shows have performed in the last 20-30 years, that variety category got very dull and dry. 

You're judged by a genre and if you want to get interest for your show you have to show them and let them see why you're different. Honestly, we were so damned excited, we couldn't wait any longer!

AM: How did you decide on the artists?

DEC III: It's interesting. Alicia, I have worked with 50 times, so she is a friend.  I wanted to do a show in New York and there is no one in the world who encompasses this city than her as she is New York. When I was developing it, I was doing other projects with her and during lunch I would talk to her about it and she would say that is dope and I  told her I wanted her to do it! She was amazing as she stepped up to do it, not once but twice - actually three times. We did a show on the Circle Line,another at The Apollo and an interview with her. Then Brad Paisley came around, because I went to West Virginia Univerity and both Brad and I have a connection there because I'm an alumnus and he is from the area and we both support the University. I have an endowment at the university and I was down there for a dedication of the new football stadium that I helped build and I was like I was to do a show there so bad! I went to the President of the university and explained that I wanted to do a show there to give exposure to the university to let the world know. It was suggested that Brad should do it and they had been trying to get him to do something there for awhile. They had been trying to get him there for 10 years and I knew I was going to figure it out so I reached out to his management and no one would call me back. Weirdly enough, I was at Sean Penn's party for the Golden Globes and he has a Haiti benefit. I also have a Haiti charity as well called Global Adolescent Project. Anyway I'm at the party and who am I sitting next to? Brad Paisley and we hit it off right away and I told him about the show. He said he would have his manager call me on Mon and he did, and we put together an organic show which turned out to be the biggest party thrown at the univeristy. It was a show for 30K people, we paid for everything and it was a free show. I can't wait for that episode to air on Jan 27th!

Throughout the show, we highlight all of these amazing historic landmarks over the world. People can look at it and get why we are there as we have the Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower etc, and then they will be like West Virginia University? Viewers will say how is a football stadium a landmark, but when they watch the episode, they will see that the stadium means the world to that state, because there isn't anything else there. The stadium is a landmark there and it was so cool to showcase my alma mater. Then Bocelli, I'm a music buff and so I was hanging out with Dave Bryan (keyboardist for Bon Jovi) and he lives by me in NJ and we were hanging out in an apartment in NY and he gets a call at midnight as I was about to drive back to NJ and he asked me if I wanted to hang out with Bocelli for dinner. I was like it's midnight and he explained that he just finished hs concert at the Garden and that they were heading to a restaurant. So we go to La Cirque and they shut the restaurant down and it's Bocelli and his family. I hang out with them and had such a great meal as he was charming and his wife was lovely. I said that they should be on the show and I ended up working with him twice as he did my show as well as an ice skating special that took place in Verona. They're wonderful people and any chance I get to go to Italy I jump on it. A lot of the artists are through friends or people that I have worked with before. Especially before your show airs, if you want to have a big artist, it is going to be through friends and family. 

Now that the press is hitting, we're getting blitzed. We're having over 70 artists that have submitted and record labels are reaching out. I have a meeting next week at Sony. I'm glad that PBS is giving me more of a leash to book younger acts especially with them seeing the results of Alicia Keys. We are doing Sting in Sweden on June 16th and we're going to start finalizing the rest of the lineup. 

AM: Have you finished production on this season?

DEC III: NO, we're only 4 shows in and have 8 more to go! We go back into production the end of next month and will shoot through June. After the two that are being shown this month, we only have 2 in the can (will.i.am and Andrea Bocelli). All the other shows are being shot when we're back in production. We will do one every other week and once we get into production mode it's pretty easy. We get our team together, we spend a week in each city and you'll see that after the first two episodes, there is a lot more travel in them. A lot more interactive travel so you'll see kind of like in Anthony Bourdain that Chad is walking around, going to restaurants and seeing landmarks with the artists. We were a little handcuffed with Alicia and Brad because we couldn't get Chad to be with them as he was touring with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and it was crazy scheduling along with deadlines via PBS so, we had to shoot those episodes a little differently. In the future, Chad will be at the show, we'll see the city with them and it will be very Anthony Bourdain like. We're Great Performances X Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown X Sonic Highways.

AM: Who are some of your favorite artists that are going to be participating, but that you haven't shared with us yet?

DEC III: It's one I can't announce - we have one of the biggest bands in the world that is one of my favorites, but as we are still going through contracts I can't say, but I can say that they will be in Jamaica! That one and I am doing a huge show in Cuba, both are super great!!! We have some big ones coming up and it's surreal as I have worked with so many artists in my life. But now it's really cool as I can pick and choose who I want to work with! Sting's manager was at the party last night and she was telling me how excited he was to be at the show. We're honored to have him at the show. 

We have a behind the scenes reality show being done on us which is kind of funny but we're like a traveling circus and I bring my wife and kids with me. My daughter is 12 my son is 5 and they were brought up around this and I have pictures where they sit in the TV truck with me and my daughter has met Alicia Keys a few times now. My daughter got to bring 10 of her friends with her backstage to hang out with her and my daughter has directed on her own and she is actually a better music director then I am! She has a real eye and when I brought them to Italy with me, I took her on a remote camera and I had Ben  (he does Super Bowl halftime, U2 and the biggest shows in the world) and he was like she's better than he was. The kids today have a great eye and to be able to do this with my family - my wife works with us and to bring people to great places to meet the artists and to  have the next 6 months to go around the world - I am so stoked! My kids get to see different cultures and as I think about it, I should give my daughter a producer credit because she's 12 and I ask her opinion all the time to see if she gets what she's seeing, if she would watch it etc because if you can't connect with the kids then you're screwed.

AM: You must be so excited from all of the feedback that you've been getting!

DEC III: Yes, if you're going to play the long game and want to have the longevity of 30-40 years, PBS was the right fit for what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. Now we're seeing the love from them and it will be the beginning of a very long relationship. They know that if they have a show that the public reacts well to, they don't care about the ratings, they will keep it going. They are about delivering quality programs. That is without a doubt - the best choice that I made and I don't regret it. Some people - investors wondered why I made that choice and I was happy to give them all the reasons why it was a sound decision. 

They are phenomenal partners. I kid you not, go look at Great Performance's and they have put a social media post up about Alicia Keys every 20 mins for the past 5 days straight! It's just crazy.

PHOTO CREDIT Courtesy of PBS/Landmarks Live in Concert

See more from the Jan Issue 

THE ART OF THE SNACK | GREENS ARE KEY

Lifestyle holistic guide and host of the onine cooking show, Eat with Intention, Cassandra Bodzak has a new book that illustrates her focus on wellness - EAT WITH INTENTION. It combines recipes, a bit of background on them and meditation together, which makes for a balanced book to refer to as you make a number of the tasty treats. It's a book that definitely focuses on the mind, body and soul while leaving you great items to share with family and friends.

 
GROUNDING SALAD

When we are ungrounded, it feels like chaos; all the thoughts in our heads are swirling, we don’t feel solid or at peace, and we don’t make the best decisions because we’re not thinking clearly. By connecting back to nature and eating more root vegetables and warm foods, we bring ourselves back to a steady, more powerful place. Roasting vegetables—especially root vegetables—gives them a grounding energy, which has an incredible power to connect us back to the earth’s core. This salad is a great balance of both: it not only quenches the desire for the greens of a salad, but it also includes hearty roasted veggies, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes, along with lots of great spices, to bring you back down into your root chakra.

DOWN TO EARTH MEDITATION

Ideally, you would do this meditation on a nice patch of grass or perhaps sitting on the beach; however, you can still connect yourself to the center of the earth in just a few minutes right in the comfort of your home. Find a comfortable place to sit in easy pose close
your eyes, and start focusing on your breath—in through your nose and out your mouth. Bring your attention to where you are sitting on the floor and imagine a thick rope extending out of your being, all the way down and around the core of the earth, anchor-

ing you to it. Feel that rope crystallize and strengthen, all the way from the base of your spine into the earth’s core.  Take a moment to really embrace this connected, anchored, and supported feeling, knowing that you are being held so powerfully by this planet, and then carry that with you throughout your day. Sit anywhere from 3 to 20 minutes. When you are ready to re- lease and end the meditation, gently move your fingers and toes, rub your palms together, and place them over your eye sockets as your slowly open your eyes and expose them to the light.

Yield: 2 Servings 

Ingredients

5 tablespoons (75 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 baby potatoes, sliced (I prefer the
colored ones, but any kind will do!)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
2 teaspoons onion powder, divided
½ cup (44 g) quartered Brussels sprouts
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1 shallot, thinly sliced
¼ cup (31 g) sliced carrot
2 teaspoons slivered almonds
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 cup (68 g) chopped kale
1 cup (29 g) spring mix salad

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C, or gas mark 7). Lightly grease 2 baking sheets with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, combine the potatoes, oregano, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, and 1 teaspoon each of the salt, garlic, and onion powder and mix until thoroughly coated. Transfer the potatoes to one of the prepared baking sheets and roast for 10 minutes, or until the edges turn crisp and golden brown. 

3. Meanwhile, combine the Brussels sprouts and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a small bowl and toss with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Arrange them on the other prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or
until the edges turn crisp and golden brown.

4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add
the sliced carrots, almonds, turmeric, curry powder, and ground coriander, reduce the heat, and lightly sauté for several minutes, until the shallots and garlic are browned.

5. Divide the kale and spring mix between 2 individual serving bowls. Add the roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts, and then finish with the carrot mixture.

FOCUS POTION

Distractions are everywhere these days, especially with smart phones and social media vying for our attention throughout the day. My daily focusing weapon is always my meditation and reciting what I’m here to do. What’s your mission statement? I’ll give you a hint: For all of us, at its core, it is being a living example of love incarnate. When we adjust our focus through our divine purpose, we have a lot more power when it comes to steering clear of mindless distractions. This potion is a bit of a secret weapon of mine for days when shiny objects are getting the better of me. The sweet combination of grapes with the alkalizing punch of kale and celery perks you up while magical rosemary focuses all that good energy in the area you need it!

DIVINE PURPOSE VISUALIZATION

Sit in easy pose with your eyes closed and focused on your third-eye point (the space between your eyebrows). Take long, deep breaths in through your nose and out your mouth. Feel your body come into a calm balance. Now, bring what your purpose on this planet is to the top of your mind. If you are unclear of what your purpose is, use “I am here to be love,” because that is all of our main purpose. Allow it to be your mantra for a few moments, letting it roll around your head, down your spine, and through your breath flow. Now bring to mind what this would look like to you. How do you behave? How do people around you feel and act? What’s the ripple effect in the world? Allow these images to flood your mind for the next 3 to 5 minutes before bringing yourself back to your original purpose statement, taking a deep breath in, holding it, and releasing it.

Yield: 1 Serving

Ingredients

3 celery stalks
2 cups (134 g) baby kale
1 cup (150 g) grapes
3 drops rosemary essential oil
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, to garnish
1. Put celery, kale, and grapes into a juicer and juice into a large glass. 
2. Stir in the rosemary oil, garnish with sprigs of rosemary, and serve immediately. 

RADIANCE JUICE

Roald Dahl famously said: “If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” I couldn’t agree more. Beauty starts from within and permeates outward. Thinking thoughts that nourish your soul and eating foods that nourish your body are more effective than the most luxurious makeup money can buy. You can’t fake true radiance. This juice is packed with nutrients that will get you glowing from the inside out! Pineapple juice promotes healthy skin and helps prevent acne; watercress is also great for your overall health with its high levels of vitamin C; and cucumber has cooling and moisturizing properties.

RADIANT HEART MEDITATION

In this exercise, we are going to pull energy into our heart center and allow it to saturate every cell of our being, filling us with light and allowing our inner radiance to pour outward as it overflows.

Begin by sitting in easy pose and breathing long and deep. Close your eyes and focus on your heart center while using your hands to slowly and steadily pull the energy surrounding you into your heart. Your hands should stay at heart height and move from the sides of your body inward, as if you are catching a ball and bringing it into your heart. Feel the light in your heart expand and grow brighter with each motion. Continue for at least 3 minutes, gradually building up to 11 minutes. Take a deep breath in and bring your hands into your heart, right palm on top of left. Feel the energy pulsing through your heart center and allow it to distribute throughout your entire being. Imagine it filling up each cell with its loving light energy. Exhale.

Yield: 1 Serving

Ingredients

½ cup (17 g) watercress
2 cucumbers, peeled
2 limes, peeled
1 cup (166 g) pineapple chunks

1. Starting with the watercress, juice all the ingredients into a large glass. 

2. Lightly stir and serve immediately

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Cassandra Bozak

See more from the Jan Issue 

ATHLEISURE MAG; JAN 2017

Our Jan Issue, the Anniversary issue is out tomorrow but you can take a peek now, right here!

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Paul Farkas

NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER DAY

INGREDIENTS

2 cups whole milk

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon chopped peanut butter cups

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large saucepan, heat the milk until it is hot (not boiling). Whisk in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth then whisk in the peanut butter and 1/2 cup peanut butter cups until melted and smooth. Divide between two mugs and top with peanut butter whipped cream (recipe below) and remaining 1 tablespoon peanut butter cups.

INSTRUCTIONS | Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

In a large mixing bowl (preferably a stand mixer with the whisk attachment), beat the cream on high speed until it thickens and soft peaks form (when you pull the beaters straight up, peaks will form but fall over). Add the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla then continue beating on high speed until stiff peaks form (peaks will form but not fall over).

PHOTO COURTESY | Chocolate Moosey

WIN THIS | 2 VIP TICKETS TO THIS WEEKEND'S COCHON555

COCHON555 - SUN. 01.29.17

As we close the first month of the new year, we're excited to share edible news from our friends at Cochon555 who are kicking off an epic weekend full of creative food, artisanal wines and spirits, and heritage breed pork. You can suopport a good cause and attend one of the the country’s most talked about culinary events! Mark your calendar for Cochon555 which returns to NYC on January 29th at Weylin in Brooklyn! The event features five of New York City’s best chefs cooking five whole, heritage breed pigs in a friendly competition for a cause.

The 5 chefs who will participate this weekend are: Nicole Gajadhar of Saxon + Parole, Greg Baxtrom of Olmsted, Ryan Bartlow of Quality Eats, Aaron Hoskins of Birds & Bubbles, and Christopher Szyjka of Chefs Club by Food and Wine. Two notable butchers, Erika Nakamura and Jocelyn Guest round out a stellar lineup. In addition, there are two satellite competitions, the Somm Smackdown (wine/pig matching) and Punch Kings (barkeeps facing off in whole-bottle cocktail tilt).

We are going to be there and you should too! General Admission tickets are only $125 for this all-inclusive feast, VIP is $200 and gets you an entire extra hour of great eats. Grab tickets now for Cochon555 New Pork City here. Athleisure Mag is giving away 2 VIP tickets which you can enter to win (read below to find out how to enter) now through this Friday, Jan 27th at noon EST. This will give you 3.5 hours to enjoy Cochon555 this Sunday!

For those who truly want to have an epic weekend of Cochon555, you can enjoy a charity dinner taking place on Saturday.

COCHON555 - SAT. 01.28.17

Those looking to make a weekend of it don’t need to wait until Sunday, as there is an opportunity to attend an exclusive charity dinner experience the night before the big event. On Saturday, Saxon + Parole are hosting a Chef’s Course dinner called BESPOKE: An Evening of Culinary Modernity, featuring host Chef Brad Farmerie of Public, and will co-feature Michelin-Star Chef Matt Lambert of Musket Room and Scandinavian talent Chef Mads Refslund (ex. Noma and Acme), with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit Piggy Bank, a Missouri farm-in-the-making that will gift free heritage breed pig genetics to family farms in need. For an in-depth look at the Cochon555 movement, a series of stunning videos and tickets to these must-do culinary experiences, please visit the site.

Weylin 
175 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY 11211

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General Admission 
01.29.17
5PM - 7:30PM (EST)

VIP
01.29.17
4PM - 7:30PM (EST)

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ENTER TO WIN 2 VIP TICKETS

You can enter by Following us on @AthleisureMag on Twitter!

FOLLOW and RETWeet us as we will select a winner on Friday, January 27th at noon. One winner will receive 2 VIP tickets for this fun food event in brooklyn for Cochon555 on Sunday, january 29th. but you must be 21+ in order to win!

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Cochon555

TIMBERLAND TAPS VIRGIL GADSON OF SYTYCD FO SPRING CAMPAIGN

This Spring, Virgil Gadson from FOX's So You Think You Can Dance will be in the footwear campaign for Timberland. Virgil is known for his hip-hop style which he performed on the show. He will be promoting Timberland's boots that are comprised of the SensorFlex™ comfort system. (three-layer outsole that delivers constant support, active cushioning and dynamic flex.) This is in the brand's Killington Chukka (men's boot worn by Virgil) as well as Kenniston 6-inch lace-up boots (for women).

The Philadelphia native appeared on the show as both a dancer and choreographer. He is also skilled in dancing ballet, jazz, modern and tap dancing. The ad campaign will debut in the March and April issues of GQ magazine. It will also be placed in the bus, subway and digital outdoor ads in key markets.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Timberland

PARIS 2017 MENS FALL COLLECTION | DIOR

Earlier today, we saw some of our favorite looks from Dior's Paris Mens Fall Collection for 2017. A number of suiting, athleisure style and great accessories hit the runway today for an easy, well traveled look. You can see all looks from today's runway show.

PHOTO CREDIT Giovanni Giannoni

DSQUARED2 X DWYANE WADE SAKS CAPSULE COLLECTION

This spring, Dwyane Wade of the Chicago Bulls adds to his talents - designer. The NBA Chicago Bulls star has long been a fan of Dsquared2 fan as he wore a custom-designed tuxedo of the brand to his wedding in Miami. Now he will lend his sense of style for a debut collaboration of Dwyane Wade X Dsquared2 collection. This capsule collection will be available with 9 looks exclusively at Saks and on Saks.com. Here is a peek at what you can expect from the line above.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | DSQUARED X Dwyane Wade Saks Capsule Collection

BINGELY BOOKS

MINCEMEAT: THE EDUCATION OF AN ITALIAN CHEF
Leonardo Lucarelli
Other Press

BOOK COVER ART | A Mincemeat: The Education of An Italian Chef/Other Press

Italian chef Leonardo Lucarelli’s daring and honest memoir MINCEMEAT: The Education of an Italian Chef relays the sordid details of working in fifteen different restaurants across Italy—rising from the bottom of the food chain to head chef.
 
This book is filled with hilarious, heartbreaking, and gritty tales of immigrant kitchenhands, relationships with waitresses, drugs, and problems with law enforcement. An honest take on the inner workings of a fast-paced, brave, and heartless industry. It is a story about fighting tooth and nail to achieve your dreams and finding comforts in delicious food along the way. 

A PORTRAIT OF EMILY PRICE
Katherine Reay
Harper Collins

BOOK COVER ART | A Portrait of Emily Price/Harper Collins

A Portrait of Emily Price centers on fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist Emily Price, an art restorer who has never encountered anything she can’t fix – until she meets Ben, an Italian chef who seems just right. When, after a whirlwind romance and marriage, Emily joins her new husband on a trip home to Italy, she learns that his family, is another matter.

Upon landing in Rome, she is enchanted with Italy. But instead of allowing the land, culture and people to transform her, Emily imposes her will upon everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. When she unearths family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. 

WELL FED WEEKNIGHTS
Melissa Joulwan
Greenleaf Book Group Press

BOOK COVER ART | Well Fed Weeknights/Greenleaf Book Group Press

Melissa Joulwan’s third cookbook in the Well Fed series, Well Fed Weeknights: Complete Paleo Meals in 45 Minutes or Less, features a collection of weeknight dishes inspired by takeout classics, food trucks, and cuisines from around the world. All of the recipes in Well Fed Weeknights are completely free of grain, dairy, legumes, and soy. Each dish is thoroughly tested and easy to make with affordable ingredients that can be found at a regular grocery store.
 
Debuting in Well Fed Weeknights are fun and flexible “Food Court Recipes;” in-depth blueprints for how to create customized, themed dinners (Meat and Potatoes, Burger Night, Velvet Stir-Fry, The Ultimate Salad Bar, and more), and tips for navigating the grocery story, the best kitchen tools for fast cooking, how to cook quickly and eat slowly and more.

BINGELY STREAMING

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION
Acorn TV

PHOTO CREDIT | Agatha Christie’s Witness For the Prosecution/Acorn TV

Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution is a new BBC and Acorn TV adaptation of her acclaimed story.

A brutal and bloodthirsty murder has stained the plush carpets of a handsome London townhouse. The victim is the glamorous and rich Emily French (Kim Cattrall). All the evidence points to Leonard Vole (Billy Howle), a young man to whom the heiress left her vast fortune and who ruthlessly took her life. At least, this is the story that Emily’s dedicated housekeeper Janet McIntyre (Monica Dolan) stands by in court. Leonard however, is adamant that his partner, the enigmatic chorus girl Romaine (Andrea Riseborough), can prove his innocence. Tasked with representing Leonard is his solicitor John Mayhew (Toby Jones) and King’s Counsel, Sir Charles Carter KC (David Haig). 

CAPTIVE
Netflix

PHOTO CREDIT | Captive/Netflix

From the highest profile cases to those kept hidden from the public, comes a new docu-series from acclaimed executive producer Doug Liman and producers Simon and Jonathan Chinn. The producers of Captive have gained privileged access to the most challenging negotiations of our time - revealing how hostage-taking, and the efforts to resolve it, have evolved to address an escalating international trend. The episodes look at a wide range of situations from the viewpoint of everyone involved: the victims and their families back home, the experienced negotiators, business leaders, government officials and the kidnappers themselves.

SHUT EYE
Hulu

PHOTO CREDIT | Shut Eye/Hulu

Charlie Haverford (Jeffrey Donovan) is a failed magician who now works as a psychic/conman overseeing a number of fortune telling parlors in Los Angeles. Employed for many years by a Romani kingpin, Charlie’s life is stifled and going nowhere until a blow to the head jars him into a new mindset and makes him question everything he has ever believed. When his wife, Linda (KaDee Strickland) urges him to break out on his own from 

Fonso (Angus Sampson) who runs the psyhcic empire and has controlled the Haverford's future, he's careful - because he knows that one wrong move will land him in a shallow grave.

Shut Eye takes a darkly comedic look at the underground world of Los Angeles storefront psychics and the organized crime syndicate that runs them. The story revolves around a disgruntled player in the organization who finds his cynical world view challenged when he starts to experience visions that may or may not be real.

ALMOND BEAUTY

Almonds are a great treat, but they are also a gift for the skin, whether your product has almonds in their entirety, essence or just the oil. We have a roundup of some of our favorites to include in your beauty routine as we come to the end of the year.

| DOVE ADVANCED CARE Clear Tone Sheer Touch | TRILOGY Age-Proof Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream | L'OCCITANE Almond Supple Skin Oil | NUDE SKINCARE Replenish Daily Moisturizer | PHOTO CREDIT UnSplash

MILAN 2017 MENS FALL COLLECTIONS | ROSSIGNOL

During Fashion Week, we can never pass up a runway show; however, we do love a presentation. It allows you to see the line at your own pace whether it is on models or hung up exhibition style. Rossignol showcased their outerwear which is the perfect mix of form and function. These layered jackets have details from the iconic rooster to fur that ensure that whoever wears it, sticks out this upcoming FW17 see the full line here.

PHOTO CREDITS Andrea Delbo

MILAN 2017 MEN'S FALL COLLECTION | FENDI

Fendi hits the runway at Milan Fashion Week for its Men's Collection presenting fall. The iconic brand took notes from the way that we like to dress in comfort, style, and of course infused with luxury. Check out some of our favorite looks from the show and you can see the full collection here.

Photo Credits Davide Maestri

RESOURCES FOR BETTERING YOURSELF

by Ed Maguire

How do you become smarter, healthier, happier, more successful, wealthier, more fulfilled? What tools, systems, insights or advice are most useful?

The category of self-help and personal improvement books and videos available numbers in the hundreds of thousands – a quick search of Amazon’s self-help category reveals over 546,000 books that fall under the self-help category. There are many resources to help people deal with illnesses, tragedies, additions, stresses, difficult life circumstances. These are typically focused on solving specific challenges (often enhancing or substituting for therapy, counseling or support, not groups.) That's what I am referring to here.

Self-improvement literature has been a personal interest of mine for quite a while. This is a particularly American genre, with origins that extend back to Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Transcendentalists in the mid-19th century. Tony Robbins is perhaps the most successful and best known American self-help guru, but there are loads of others that specialize in helping improve mind, body, being more successful at work, being happier…There’s an element of frontier spirit in the idea that anyone can improve themselves, or start afresh through self-empowerment.

One of the first books of this genre I read was Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” which I first read as a teenager. In this book written in 1936, Dale Carnegie illustrates his lessons by telling his own stories. The crux of the book is that being interested in others, and getting them to reveal their passions and interests is the quickest way to find common growth with people, the first step toward building relationships and trust. This is a book that in my view should be required reading for anyone making their way into the world.  It’s a fundamentally optimistic book, a quick read,  with immediately practical tips that are relevant for a lifetime. Another one of his books is How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. This is a book that I’ve found useful to return to from time to time when I need a mental boost or find myself feeling stressed.

I started digging deeper into the genre in 2007-2008 as I was listening to some Tony Robbins recordings he made reference to a number of his own sources that had helped him develop his own philosophy of self-empowerment.  The granddaddy of them all is Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” which was written in 1925 and has remained an essential classic to this day. Napoleon Hill was a fledgling reporter who got the chance to interview the legendary industrial baron Andrew Carnegie, who made him an offer to follow him around for a year, with no pay or guarantee of any remuneration, in order to learn the lessons of success from him – and over 500 others that he interviewed. Hill’s wisdom has proven powerful and enduring. Using a folksy, homespun style, Hill laid out methods and processes to help people become successful.  You can see him in this 1954 video here.

In my experience, there’s a common thread that emerges from a lot of self-help literature: “what you think becomes real”. It’s a simple concept, explored in literature, religion and spirituality and increasingly in hard science. A recent popular example is Rhonda Byrnes’ “The Secret”. It’s what you think about, and where you focus that manifests in other parts of your life. Thinking about the right things, in the right way, is the “hack” to improve your life.

So my two recommendations for anyone starting down the path of self-improvement would be  (if you haven’t already) to read “Think and Grow Rich” and “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. These are time-tested, clearly written and inspirational.   You’ll be better for it. 

Ed Maguire has worked as an equity analyst covering the technology sector since 1999 for a variety of firms including CLSA Americas, Merrill Lynch and CIBC. Previously he led sales for independent music distributor Twinbrook Music while working as professional musician performing on bass, violin and keyboards, composing, arranging and producing a variety of styles of music. Ed holds a B.A. in Music from Columbia and an M.B.A. from Rutgers in Finance and Management Information Systems. He lives in Millburn, NJ with his wife Lily, their two kids and the dog Spock.

MILAN 2017 MEN'S FALL COLLECTIONS | PLEIN SPORT

When you can't find a luxury alternative to Nike, you create your own line - which Philipp Plein created with his new line, Philipp Sport. His runway show honored an array of sports including Cross Fit, boxing and more in a two floor gym entertaining presentation. You can see more pictures from the show here.

PHOTO CREDITS Giovanni Giannoni

MILAN 2017 MENS FALL COLLECTION | MONCLER GAMME BLEU

The FW17 runway for Moncler, created by Thome Brown was filled with his signature red, white, and blue as well as athleisure wear. Whether it included garments that one would wear to hit the slopes or fun blazers that could also be worn in a transitional way - the feeling of

PHOTO CREDIT Giovanni Giannoni

LIGHTS, CAMERA, SWEENEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Food Network

MILAN 2017 MENS FALL COLLECTION | ALBERTA FERRETTI

Remember when many of us were growing up, we used to have underwear that was for each day of the week. There was something about starting the day off in the right way! Yesterday in Milan, Alberta Ferretti included within its show, soft and cozy sweaters that let you promote your favorite day of the week. This is definitely in our sweet spot of luxe athleisure style. This capsule collection is called "Rainbow Week" which is for men and women. These cashmere-wool blend sweaters are not only the first capsule collection for the line and is available right now on the website which is a part of the growing trend of see now, buy now. You can see more the the Pre-Fall 17 collection here.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY Alberta Feretti

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | GIFTING ESSENTIALS

When it comes to gifting, it's essential to have the tools to get the job done. When prepping your gifts, it's important to ensure that your bows are steamed with the Reliable DASH 100G (the flat plate really presses it), name tags are uniform via the Brother PT-D210 label maker, and Scotch Thermal Laminator keeps your party plan pages intact throughout the holiday season! 

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | UnSplash