5 WAYS HOW A COPYWRITER MAY EARN MONEY WHILE TRAVELING

Copywriting is a great way to earn money and have a flexible schedule. It is usually a freelance position that requires advanced research and writing skills. Overall, copywriting means working with many aspects, starting from websites, blog posts and up to company press release. If you are fluent with writing and want to travel the world, this job might be just right for you. All you need is a laptop and internet connection. Here are 5 tips on how a copywriter can earn while enjoying travel life.

Photo by Andrew Neel

1.     Find your niche

Yes, it is tempting to try everything, from emails up to academic papers. But, in fact, it is better to choose one particular niche. This way one can get better at it as a professional and earn more. Whether you are good at writing promotional materials for companies or scripts for YouTube videos, choose what you like. There are many options, like:

-          Affiliate marketing;

-          Writing brochures;

-          Writing articles;

-          Companies’ websites;

-          Medical copywriting;

-          Sales materials;

-          Advertisement;

-          Academic papers;

-          White papers, guides, etc.

It is important to know that to get the idea of approximate earnings. Travelling can include some surprises and unexpected disbursements. So it is better to stay on a safe side. And try to get travel deals that will save you some money. A starting copywriter might not earn a lot, but the better one gets at it, the more they earn.

2.     Choose the way to attract clients

The easiest one is to make a profile on freelance platforms and find clients there. It is usually very quick and has some security policies regarding payments. The downside is that one should work hard at first to get a good rating and projects score. The other thing is that one needs to apply for each project and do a lot of communication with clients. It takes time and some of the freelancers do not like it. The other opportunity is to create one’s own website and promote it with examples of works. It is a bit more complicated and requires some budget. And the third option is to work for a company that provides copywriters with tasks. One can work for a writing essays service or copywriting agency. So there is no need to find clients on your own, it saves a lot of time. it is also quite secure in terms of payments. So you can enjoy your sightseeing in free time.

3.     Consider working with local clients

Another good way to earn money while traveling is working with clients on the place of stay. One can find them through platforms or forums on the internet. It is especially great to write travel blog posts or reviews on places that tourists visit. This type of content is always in demand. And it might be a form of collaboration. For instance, a resort might provide one with living in exchange for copywriting services. Such deals are not so easy to get, but they definitely are worth it. It is better to have a strong social media presence to apply for it, like travel YouTube channel or Instagram blog.

4.      Be precise with schedule

It often happens that freelancers tend to take too many projects at the same time. It is tempting to earn more and, therefore, travel more. But there is always a risk to not be able to finish everything in time. Or, even worse, compromise on the quality. As working on your reputation, one cannot allow being lazy with quality. It is better to plan one’s work ahead. Create a schedule depending on your abilities and the time you want to spend working. After all, the point of working while traveling is to see other countries.

Photo by Manny Pantoja

5.     Be clear about your pricing

It is probably one of the hardest parts of being a copywriter. When only starting off, one will probably compromise on the price. After all, there is not much experience and finished projects. Secondly, there is always a risk to get stuck with a lot of free projects for promotion. They might be useful, but not all of them. One should do research on market pricing and make a decision regarding the time, efforts, and skills.

Conclusion

If you love writing and traveling, there is nothing better than copywriting. It takes almost no special setting and requires a set number of skills. It can be done from any part of the world with internet access. There is also a great demand for all types of written content. Work with locals, get a permanent client, and search for new opportunities. But don’t forget to enjoy your spare time on the other part of the globe!

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WHY TWIN SPIN SLOT GAME IS A MUST PLAY

If you like your online slots with that vintage flavour then Twin Spin is bound to be one of the highest examples on your list, you can actually play it here. It’s a great instance of a title with that nostalgic edge, and also one that doesn’t take much to get to grips with, something that can be increasingly hard to come by in today’s world. NetEnt handle the reins here, with their pedigree it’s hard to see Twin Spin being anything but an instant classic.

About the Twin spin and its Bonus Features

Twin Spin’s aesthetic is best described as an intriguing synthesis between classic casino and modern space themed sensibilities. For instance, behind the vintage looking reels is an abundance of flashing yellow dots that are heavily evocative of stars, and these also track the progress on the reels, transforming into different patterns when you are lucky enough to win. NetEnt have gone with the bread and butter of classic casino with their symbols, including the 9, 10, Joker, Queen and King from the standard card deck, as well as iconic logos such as red cherries, a golden bell, a gold bar, the number 7 and a glitzy diamond.

Twin Spin’s action plays out across 5 reels and there are also 243 ways to win. In a shift from the vast majority of online slots on the market these days, NetEnt haven’t included any Scatter or Wild symbols, not to worry though, if anything it makes the game even more simple, allowing you to concentrate fully on obtaining some big wins. And you’ll have a pretty good chance of that with the way Twin Spin works. Each and every spin starts with two adjacent reels that are linked together, over the course of the game you may see that the two reels turn into three, four, or maybe even five! It all makes for a very lucrative gambling session.

About NetEnt and Other Slots by Them

NetEnt are household names in the online casino world, and for good reason too. Year on year they churn out incredible slot titles, with an inspiring range of theme, aesthetic and gameplay. It is no wonder that, since their inception in 1996, they have gone from strength to strength, ending up as a global company that oversees multiple billions of transactions each year. Let’s have a look at some more impressive titles from their back catalogue:

·         Bob The Epic Viking Quest

·         Creature from the Black Lagoon

·         Secret of the Stones

·         Strolling Staxx Cubic Fruits

·         Super Nudge 6000

Quite the list isn’t it? And that is only a tiny fraction of the whole NetEnt catalogue!

Final Verdict

Sometimes it can be refreshing to play an online slot that has gone back to basics, and Twin Spin is a great example of this. Whilst there are no special symbols or dedicated bonus rounds, it is still a highly enjoyable game and can actually end up being far more lucrative than some of the more complex offerings on the market.

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WORLD PRIDE + NYC PRIDE

This past month has been a number of events celebrating not only NYC Pride, but also World Pride as well as the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Throughout this month, there have been panels, parties, lunches and so much more. As media sponsors for our 3rd year of PRIDE, it’s always fun to see so many people to come together to support, love and learn from one another. Today marks the last day of activities with the World Pride March, Femme Fatale, the second night of Pride Island (with Madonna and Athleisure Mag will be there), and an epic firework display! We hope that you got to enjoy a number of activities and can’t wait to share imagery from everything that took place this year!

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8 WAYS TO AUTHENTICATING LUXURY

The personal luxury goods market is forecast for 3-5% annual growth through 2025 reaching $365 billion according to the 2019 Bain Luxury Study. At the same time, a surge of shoppers is turning to online sellers for the high-end brands of watches, necklaces, handbags and accessories they love, but at a great deal.

Lately, however, luxury brand authenticity has come into question, as the counterfeit market booms, consumers get fake goods and brands file lawsuits against sellers.

One ecommerce merchant has found a niche solving this problem by partnering with brands themselves to ensure authenticity. ShopWorn sells warrantied and authentic luxury goods that have only been tried on in a retail store and never pre-owned. Shopworn execs, father and daughter duo Richard and Elana Birnbaum, have offered consumers tips to protect themselves from unknowingly purchasing a fake.

Courtesy of ShopWorn we found out a few tips that you should keep handing when authenticating luxury goods. 

Authenticate the seller: Do some background research. Does the website tell you where products come from? Check if the website is transparent in its sourcing strategy.

New or pre-owned? It helps to know whether your purchase is pre-owned. If that’s the case, be aware there’s no guarantee the item is 100% authentic, as it may have after-market parts added to it.

Shipping policy: If 2-day shipping is unavailable, the website may not have your item in stock and you may be in for a very long wait.

Chat with customer service: A phone number should be listed prominently on the website. A professional customer service representative should pick up the phone and answer any questions you may have.

Make yourself a product expert: Do your homework on the brand and familiarize yourself with the brand’s details. Maybe there’s a specific country of origin imprinted in each label. Many brands include serial numbers and specific details in the logo. If any of these are missing or altered, that’s a sure sign of an impostor. And look for a warranty.

Know the mark of quality: Educate yourself on the look, feel and sound of high-quality pieces versus less expensive versions. For example, a true mechanical watch movement has subtle but distinct differences in look and sound. All gold items, whether watches or jewelry, will have a hallmark denoting gold purity.

Is it refundable? Look for a return policy on the site or whether the item is “final sale.”

Is it genuine? Some third-party sellers have hired on-staff luxury “authenticators” to demonstrate a commitment to authenticity. Be wary of these claims. First, there are no formal accreditation processes or best-practice standards in this field. Also, there’s no guarantee a well-made fake can get past the experts.

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DERMATOLOGIST EXPLAINS WHY YOUR SKIN FREAKS DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. While some women are “unicorns” and experience the best complexion and hair of their lives, others feel as if their skin has been “hijacked” and that virtually every day brings something foreign or unknown emerging on their face or body. Dr. Sheel Solomon is a Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Board- Certified Dermatologist. She is a mother to two young children and understands first-hand what a woman’s skin and hair go through during pregnancy. Here she shares common concerns and what a woman can do postpartum to regain skin and hair status quo.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks happen when your body grows faster than your skin can keep up with. This causes the elastic fibers just under the surface of the skin to break, resulting in stretch marks. Growing that fast can leave you with stretch marks, especially on your belly and breasts, two areas that grow the most. Stretch marks can also show up on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. The marks often start out reddish or purple, but after pregnancy, they gradually fade to white or gray. “Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent stretch marks. There’s not a cream, lotion, or “mommy” potion that can do that. If that’s the claim on the bottle, don’t be duped,” says Dr. Solomon.

"The Glow"

It isn’t an urban legend. It's real and it's awesome. “Because of increased blood flow and expanded capillaries, at some point in your pregnancy, your skin will effortlessly start to beam. People will likely notice that something is just different about you, and your skin will probably never experience so many compliments again, says Dr. Solomon.

In addition to added blood circulation, pregnancy hormones cause your skin to naturally retain more moisture, thus giving you your radiance. This is one of those side effects that we wish would stick around, but it's likely that it will eventually fade as your hormones level out. It's always a good idea to keep your skin hydrated with a rich lotion or cream, Dr. Solomon says, especially if it makes your skin feel better, look smoother and more toned, and helps the itchiness that can come with your growing belly.

Skin tags

These small, loose, harmless growths of the skin can appear anywhere on your body during pregnancy, but most commonly pop up under the arms and breasts. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to prevent them, but they can easily be removed after pregnancy if you want.

Varicose and spider veins

Varicose veins are those blue or purple veins that usually, show up on the legs, and spider veins are the tiny red veins that may appear on your face when you're pregnant. The good news: Both usually clear up after your baby is born. In the event that they don’t, Dr. Solomon explains that Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution directly into the vein that causes them to shrink.

Acne

Zits aren't just for teenagers: Many moms-to-be also get acne throughout their pregnancy, even if they've never had it before. Dr. Solomon explains that “Two things conspire to cause breakouts, which tend to hit sometime around week 6 of pregnancy: hormone surges, of course (in this case, progesterone, which causes your glands to increase acne-causing secretions of oil, called sebum) can clog up pores and cause bacteria to build up, leading to breakouts. And your body is also retaining more fluids, which contain toxins that can lead to **acne.”

Cholestasis of pregnancy

Dr. Solomon cautions that “There are times you shouldn’t ignore itchy skin. Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disease that results from high amounts of pregnancy hormones affecting the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder. This condition occurs in the third trimester and can cause severe itching over the whole body. It’s often worse on the palms and soles of the feet and causes patients to feel miserable and be unable to sleep. Cholestasis of pregnancy also may be accompanied by jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes).”

A simple blood test can verify if you have cholestasis of pregnancy, and oral medication may treat it. Delivery also cures it, so OB-GYNS may induce labor when you are closer to your due date.

Melasma and linea nigra

If you develop dark splotches on your face, you could have melasma or the mask of pregnancy. This skin condition affects up to half of pregnant women and is also responsible for linea nigra, a dark line that runs down the belly.

Hair and nail changes

You may notice that your hair suddenly seems thicker and fuller or that your nails grow faster during pregnancy. These changes are due to pregnancy hormones. Unfortunately, you may also find that hair starts to grow where you'd prefer it didn't, including on your face, chest, and belly.

Quick Tips for Post Pregnancy Skin

Hydrate with water

Do yoga and practice relaxation techniques 

Use an oil free moisturizer to avoid acne

Avoid direct exposure to the sun to control pigmentation and wear a good broad-spectrum high SPF sunscreen 

Use a good under eye cream for puffy eyes and dark circles

Exfoliate your body all over with a gentle exfoliator stimulate circulation

Don’t stop taking your prenatal vitamins. They also are beneficial to the health of your skin, hair, and nails, as they provide iron and calcium.

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BRAD GORESKI CHATS SUMMER STYLE

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DON’T TRY THESE SKIN CARE DEVICES, GADGETS OR TIPS AT HOME WARNS DERMATOPATHOLOGIST

Life hacks, DIY tricks, and at home devices that are meant to “mimic the effects of in-office skin care treatments are all the rage right now. They are posted on Instagram, YouTube, and all over the Internet. While some are very constructive and budget-friendly, others are ineffective or downright dangerous. We asked Dr. Gretchen Frieling, who is a Boston area Dermatopathologist, to highlight several highly publicized methods that should bear the warning, “don’t try this at home.”

Dermaplaning - Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layers of your skin. The procedure aims to remove fine wrinkles and deep acne scarring, as well as make the skin’s surface look smooth. It uses an exfoliating blade to skim dead skin cells and hair from your face.

The Risks - Anecdotally, the risk of infection, complications, and experiencing pain during home dermaplaning is higher when you do it yourself.  “If you have acne, there is a chance that the blade could nick a pimple,” says Dr. Frieling which means it would take longer to heal. In addition, the tool used for dermaplaning is not a safety razor like what we ladies shave with. The device or tool used to accomplish the dermaplaning on the face is made of a sharp blade with a handle or wand.

At home “Derma-Rollers” for MicroNeedling” Aestheticians and dermatologists use derma rollers on clients to increase elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and help with discoloration. Professional treatment can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,200 per session. According to Marketwatch, “A trend report for 2018 from lifestyle site Pinterest says it’s seen a 345% increase in posts for the “derma-roller” over the past year.”  Dr. Frieling is not in favor of using the tools at home because, “the needles aren’t big enough to penetrate the proper holes into the skin, so you’re essentially damaging your face for no reason. And without proper sterilization, derma rollers can harbor harmful bacteria causing infections, breakouts, and can trigger skin conditions such as rosacea, which causes redness and bumps on the face; eczema, itchy inflammation spots; and brown patches on the skin.”

Injecting Botox or other “Black Market” Filler into Your Face - First, even if you were able to get your hands on “real” Botox or filler such as Juvederm or Restylane® it’s almost like putting a firearm in the hands of someone untrained at shooting.  There is no safe way to give yourself Botox. You can’t trust what you’re buying, and even if you could, no amount of YouTube-ing will ever adequately teach you the skills you need to inject it. First, you need to know where to inject the substance. The answer is not to point the needle at the fine lines. After all, you’re relaxing muscles, not filling in wrinkles. Injecting Botox requires an understanding of facial muscles. You need to know which muscles should be relaxed for the desired results and where to target them. Second, you need to know how deeply to insert the needle and how much of the mixed substance you should apply in any given location.

Incorrect injection practices can lead to a host of complications, including eyelid drooping (ptosis), excessive swelling, excessive bruising, and a greater risk of infection. In fact, the infection may become so severe that it becomes a staph infection, an infection that spreads throughout the body and causes a variety of diseases. In any case, recovery will be longer, and the results may not be what you intended.

Lip Plumper Suction Devices - We have Kylie Jenner to thank for these! They are much less expensive than filler in the lips but with a far shorter shelf life. Dr. Frieling’s verdict: “Overuse of suction cup lip plumpers can cause misalignment of the teeth due to the outward pressure of the suction. Devices such as these can also cause swelling and bruising of the lips (and sometimes permanent scarring) when used excessively. The advice is to use these devices sensibly and with caution.”

At home acne extractors - The county has become obsessed with popping pimples thanks in part to the success of the TV show “Dr. Pimple Popper.” Acne extractors sold online, and people are using them at home. But should they?  Picking causes scars or scabs by ripping off the top layer of skin, whereas extracting by a professional pulls out the fluids or solids inside a pimple. It's far more sterile, sanitary, and cleans the pore of extra debris. Why can’t you simply do this yourself? Acne extraction, be it white or black heads, is a ‘don’t try this at home procedure.’ It’s a one-way ticket to scarring, infection and even more breakouts. Only through a professional facial will your skin be prepped and steamed correctly for extractions – by the hands of a trained, licensed esthetician. Skin that has not been adequately prepped for extractions may be resistant, requiring more pressure and manipulation. If used too aggressively, the pressure of the extractor tool can inflame and even bruise the skin. Additionally, a skin care professional is well-practiced in gentle and efficient movements to maximize results while minimizing potential harm.

Cuticle Cutters -Trimming or cutting cuticles during a manicure is purely cosmetic and doesn't benefit the nail in any way. In fact, it's actually harmful to your nails. “The small area of skin is there to protect your nails from infection. When this skin is removed, your nail is left unprotected from bacteria and fungus. Dr. Frieling recommends pushing back the cuticles by applying cuticle remover on each nail.

Chemical Peels - Chemical peels are designed to work by removing part of the top layer of skin to reveal fresher skin for a more youthful appearance. Many products containing low concentrations of acid are sold through beauty retailers and drug stores, and are often safe to use. People also are treated with peels using a higher concentration at medi-spas or doctor’s offices.  When it comes to alpha hydroxy acids or (AHAs) like salicylic and glycolic acids, a concentration of 10 percent or less is safe for home, and more than 30 percent should be reserved for a professional environment, according to a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel. Like many substances, illegal concentrations of chemical peels can be purchased online for substantially less than they would cost in a doctor’s office. But what price do you pay for a “bargain?”  According to Dr. Frieling, “the dangers of experimenting with a medical grade peel at home are numerous and can include: extreme pain in the form of stinging, actual burns to the skin, blistering, scarring, changes in skin color, infection.” What’s more, a skin care professional will determine if you are even a candidate for a chemical peel and possibly rule you out if you have taken the acne medication isotretinoin in the past six months, have a dark complexion, have a personal history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids), have abnormal skin pigmentation, have a history of frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores.

Dr. Frieling says that there are worthwhile “skin care hacks,” DIY recipes for the skin, and some at home devices that are safe and effective. Before buying into the latest Instagram sensation, consult with your doctor first to make sure that you are a good candidate and that what you are considering is safe and effective.

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DOES LOSING WEIGHT MEAN HAVING TO GO HUNGRY?

For many people losing weight is synonymous with restriction and sacrifice. In an effort to acquire the body of their dreams, patients obsess over every calorie and cut too many corners, leaving their body starved and tired. Dr. Niket Sonpal, an NYC Internist and Gastroenterologist, tells us malnourishment is not the key to a healthy lifestyle and could be the “gateway into difficult health problems.”

Dr. Sonpal, who is an Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Associate Director of Brookdale Hospital's Residency Program, says, “Starving yourself is a technique that quickly backfires on patients. It can cause ma ss to be stored, water to accumulate, and hormone imbalances, among other things. If we aren’t careful about our nutrition and our weight loss, we can end up worse than when we started.”

Hunger is defined by bodily sensations ranging from mild pains in the abdominal region, headaches, mood changes, a decline in energy or light-headedness. These sensations signal the body’s instinct that it needs to replenish energy by consuming food. Biological cues arising from hunger inform the body of what to how to operate some of its essential functions to adapt to your circumstance. Remember though society has evolved tenfold since the first Neanderthals roamed the earth, our biological instincts are still quite similar, and hunger is at the center of how our body assesses its ability to survive. Simply put, if our body is not receiving the energy it needs, it will adapt its functions to survive what it perceives as hard times. During this adapting period, we can undergo mild to serious health implications that run contrary to our overall goals of losing weight and improving our health.

Here are 6 Major Reasons to Refrain from Starving Yourself and what to do instead:

Your Metabolism

Prolonging your body’s state of hunger regularly and for extended periods can cause your system to slow down your energy expenditure during periods of rest. Your Basal Metabolical Rate dictates how much energy your body burns in order to fuel your essential bodily functions while at rest. In the absence of regular and consistent nourishment, your body may begin to store energy, often in the form of fat.

Many people get caught up in an unhealthy obsession with calories. While calorie counting is sometimes necessary to get rid of stubborn fat and techniques like intermittent fasting can help people jumpstart their metabolism. Studies show that for people who are already obese or lack muscle while packing excess body fat, extended periods of hunger can worsen their situation.

To avoid going down the path of starvation and fat storage, start to slowly and sustainably build a schedule and regiment that has you eating high volumes of low calorie and low carb foods. Vegetables and lean proteins are your friends. Instead of eating two or three huge meals, space them out throughout the day with space for small healthy snacks that keep your energy up throughout the day.

Stress and Bingeing

Hunger and stress have an interesting relationship. People come in a great many varieties, and they react to stress differently. However, it is common for stress, in short doses, to decrease appetite. Prolonged stress, on the other hand, can lead people to binge-eat, especially if someone has developed the habit of food-for-comfort over time. Hunger, prolonged periods of fasting, and eating disorders can increase the body’s production of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. This can make you moody, anxious, and uncontrolled. Stress also inhibits our ability to control our appetite, often leading to overconsumption of calories. Once your system becomes overwhelmed with stress, you break, and the result may very well be binge eating.

Instead, focus on eating as healthily as possible without sacrificing the fulfillment of feeling nourished. If you have a craving for sweets or some treat, navigate the situation reasonably. For example, if you are a fan of chocolate, as many of us are, treat yourself to a piece of dark chocolate after dinner. Dark chocolate is an excellent way to get a taste of cocoa without overdoing the sugar. As for your cortisol production, don’t revolve your entire life around dieting and counting calories. Take time to run outside and feel the sun. Working out is a natural stimulant of endorphins, the hormones that help us feel good. Endorphins are also helpful in helping relieve stress and pain.

Your Calorie Intake Helps Dictate Your Calorie Output

As previously mentioned, our bodies burn calories daily to cover our essential bodily functions while at rest. Reducing calories in an extreme way can reduce the number of calories you regularly burn in an extreme way also. This makes it more difficult over time to lose weight, maintain weight, and remain lean. This is especially true for people who are predisposed to having a hard time shedding pounds, such as postmenopausal women and people with a family history of high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity.

Instead, focus on the quality of your calories. 200 calories of broccoli will not affect your body the same way as 200 calories of ice cream. Giving our bodies an appropriate amount of food at an appropriate amount of calories is key to our metabolic health. The best way to cover our bases on the calorie front and on the hunger front, meaning fulfilling our energy needs while still satisfying our hunger is to eat foods that are high on nutrients, fiber and vitamins.

Hydration is key to your health

In their incessant battle for an “Instagram-worthy” body, people concentrate overwhelmingly on the solid foods they eat and very little on the liquids they drink. Needless to say, our bodies are dependent on water to help keep them regulated, hydrated and refreshed. If we are dieting like madmen while drinking sugary drinks, dairy products, and alcohol all the time, we are essentially counteracting everything we have accomplished at the gym and the dinner table. In other instances, people forget to drink water leading to dehydration and water retention.

Drinking ample amounts of water is also an effective way to send signals to the brain, informing it that you are not on an empty stomach. Drinking water before a meal has been shown to effectively decrease the amount of a person consumes once they sit down to eat.

Keep in mind water is extremely useful in keeping your digestion working properly.

Fiber is your friend

Fiber is a useful tool for staying regulated and healthy. Fiber is interesting because, though it is a carbohydrate, the body is unable to dismantle the nutrient to convert it to a simple sugar molecule. This results in Fiber passing through our gastrointestinal tract accomplishing many beneficial tasks to help us with our diet and health goals. Fiber is a healthy way to increase fullness hormones in the body. For many people who have built up resistance to this hormone, called leptin, this becomes more beneficial as your body becomes leaner and you become healthier. Fiber also helps to keep you full and it shows up in a variety of foods from fruits to vegetables to grains. The versatility of fiber means it is easy to work it into your diet without a lot of stress. Fiber helps fill you up as well without the risk of it staying and accumulating in your body to be processed into fat.

Opt for healthier choices that are rich in fiber, as opposed to processed and sugary drinks with little nutritional value. Because of where fiber is found, odds are the foods you eat to incorporate it into your diet will be full of many other vitamins and nutrients that will help keep your body healthy.

Fat Storage

The term “starvation mode” is incredibly common and if you confess your fasting weight loss methods to a caring friend or family member, odds are they will mention starvation mode as a reason against going hungry.  You may be tempted to roll your eyes and ignore the advice, but your loved one may be right. When we are constantly hungry, skipping meals and only feeding our bodies with one or two big meals a day, even if the meals are mostly healthy the body will do everything it can to store as much fat and nutrients as it can. This is especially true if you eat at inconsistent times of the day. Why? Because the body’s biological clock does not know when its next meal will come and how big that meal will be. So while you go hungry, your body grows anxious and looks for ways to compensate for the insufficient and inconsistent way with which it is fed.

To avoid starvation mode, make sure you are eating consistently and snacking on something natural and healthy between meals. Make sure to never skip breakfast as it jumpstarts your metabolism. Breakfast is also a signal to the body that its overnight fast is now over. It helps to keep track of the times you eat and make an effort to stay relatively consistent when it comes to your eating schedule. This will help alleviate some of the body’s anxieties about being left without food until further notice.

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DON’T SET FOOT AT THE BEACH OR POOL THIS SUMMER IF YOU’RE USING THESE SKINCARE PRODUCTS

You’re all set for a fun day in the sun with your wide-brimmed hat to shield you from the UV rays, and you have given your waterproof SPF 30 or higher plenty of time to absorb into your skin. To play it safe, you have brought more suntan lotion to reapply after swimming or sweating. You are a dermatologist’s dream- or so you think!  Have you given any thought to what you applied to your skin the night before or that morning before your set out for your day?  The answer is you probably have not if you have concocted a skincare regimen that works for your skin type. The problem:  What is effective for Winter, Spring and Fall, can cause significant photo-sensitivity (read burning) and other skin complications come Summer.  We turned to Dr. Manish Shah, a Board- Certified Denver, Colorado plastic surgeon to reveal what types of products/ingredients sun worshippers should avoid and what can serve as safe substitutes.

Dr. Shah explains that “Certain ingredients in products make people photosensitive. Photosensitivity (or sun sensitivity) is inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of sunlight and certain medications or substances. This causes skin redness and may look similar to a sunburn. Both the photosensitizing medication or chemical and light source have to be present in order for a photosensitive reaction to occur. Consumers should understand that it is not brands of skincare that can make one photosensitive but rather the ingredients in those brands.”

According to Dr. Manish Shah

If you are planning to be in the sun, do not use the following types of products

Topical Acids Alpha and beta hydroxy acids such as glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids can cause the skin to be more susceptible to sun damage from being regularly exfoliated. These ingredients are commonly used in anti-aging, skin-brightening, and acne-fighting products.

 Alternative:  While AHAs and BHAs only cause minimal photosensitivity, you wouldn’t want to risk feeling that stinging sensation on your face. There are alternatives. Azelaic acid, found in wheat, rye and barley—comes in handy during the day as it is useful in the treatment of acne, rosacea, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is not associated with the sun-induced reaction.

Benzoyl peroxide – This is most typically found in acne products and can cause the skin to be very sensitive. 

 Alternative: Zinc. Zinc enhances the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Another major role of zinc is to regulate cell production and turnover and reduce the amount of natural oil that your skin produces. It prevents pores from clogging and subsequent acne formation. Zinc oxide is present in many physical sunscreens and is less likely to cause sun-sensitivity. “So, wear a good sunscreen with zinc oxide,” says Dr. Shah.

Hydroquinone- Typically used in skin-lightening products. Although hydroquinone is stable in sunlight, it’s not advisable to use it during the day as the sun’s skin-darkening effects are stronger than hydroquinone’s bleaching effect. Additionally, hydroquinone actually reduces your body's ability to create enough pigment to protect your from UV rays.

Alternative: Vitamin C is an excellent alternative to hydroquinone, as it is an antioxidant and combats dark spots while also having anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

Retinol and retinol derivatives encourage cell turnover, which exposes delicate, new skin. These newer layers of skin can be more sensitive to the sun. With enough sunscreen protection, newer formulations of retinol can be safely used during the day, but experts still advise limiting its use to nighttime especially for those who have sensitive skin.

Alternative: Bakuchiol is the new, clinically proven “natural retinol,” a powerful plant-based retinol alternative that decreases skin sensitivity to the sun. It is derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant and helps to heal, calm and soothe the skin, via its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. 

Essential oils including bergamot, bitter orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, and mandarin leaf can also cause sun sensitivity.

Alternative: It is best to choose FCF or “furocoumarin free” essential oils when in the sun, as these are not known to be “photosensitive” or cause reactions to sunlight. Furocoumarins are phototoxins which are produced by plants as a mechanism to ward off small animals or bugs. Common ones include Oxypeucedanin and Bergapten. Examples of FCF essential oils are Bergamot FCF (Citrus bergamia), Blood Orange, Tangerine, and Red Mandarin.   

Topical and oral prescriptions including antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatories can also cause sensitivity, so it's vital to thoroughly read labels, instructions, and warnings as well.

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HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE DURING THE SUMMER AS A SINGLE PERSON

Summer can be one of the toughest times to be single.  There’s nothing worse than looking at Instagram or Facebook and seeing your married/couple friends off on vacation in the South of France or spending the weekend at a BBQ in the Hamptons while you stare longingly at your dog in your cramped apartment wishing your fire escape could morph into the Caribbean Sea or a gondola in Venice. If you haven’t met Mr. or Ms. Right by Memorial Day Weekend how can you salvage your summer? Dr. Sanam Hafeez is an NYC Neuropsychologist who also happens to be a single mom of two boys. This is no trivial matter. Loneliness can literally be a killer! It can lead to depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and other destructive behaviors. Here she shares some ideas to socialize without a significant other during the dog days of summer. 

Take A Daycation

There is something called www.resortpass.com. While this is not yet available in every city, it does allow people to book day passes at luxury hotels and use their beach, pool, spa, and amenity facilities in some cases for as little as $25.00 per day!  Hotels such as Kimpton, W, Westin, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton, St. Regis and many others offer this. Not only does soaking up Vitamin D makes us feel good, who knows, your lounge mate could turn into an evening date!

Try a Meet Up

Meetup is about connecting people with something in common. From activities you love and hobbies you want to try, to ways you identify yourself and who you want to be, a Meetup group is a community. A community of people who come together because they care about the same thing. Mountain climbers, first-time parents, aspiring kite surfers, chefs, coders… you name it, there’s a good chance there’s a Meetup group for it.  You can join online or through the app and find a Meet Up group that fits your exact interest.

Don’t Let Being Single Ground You or De-Rail Your Travel

Let’s face it, unless you are an extraordinarily confident and independent person, it can be unsettling to travel solo to a foreign country and eat meals alone and wander around with nobody to converse with. This need not be the case! There are many travel groups that build their business around single travelers who are more mature than Club Med. Once such company is https://www.singlestravelintl.com. Their vacations run the gamut from weekends, cruises, adventure travel, and international travel. And they are just one of many companies who do this.

For the Single Person in Recovery From Drugs or Alcohol

Very often, “Singles Vacations” can mean party time and this can be challenging for those in recovery.  There are hundreds of thousands of people who fall into this category, and that’s why sober vacations exist. https://sobervacations.com is one company that has been around since 1987, however numerous others exist.

Summer Camp for Adults

If you were lucky enough to go to summer camp as a kid, doesn’t that bring back great memories of camp fires and roasting smores? You can recreate that experience in a co-ed environment! Adult summer camps are a “thing” and they are popping up all over the country. www.campbonfire.com is an example where the activities are so varied and sundry from rock climbing, pool parties, Thai massage, kickball, survival skills, or doing nothing at all!

Volunteer

What do you like? Pets? Art? Kids? Try any place where they can be found, like a shelter, museum or hospital. It really gives you a boost to give unconditionally.

Find an Extra Job Doing Something You Really Enjoy

Only do so if it won’t add unwanted stress to your life.  Look up freelance opportunities in your area doing what you're skilled at. The extra income will make you feel better and give you more cash to spoil yourself.

Swap Your Home/Apt With a Friend Temporarily

It beats the cost of a hotel and can certainly get you out of a rut and in front of new people! Perhaps, you’re a woman living in New York and are not feeling it with the men in the big apple. Maybe you have a friend in LA  you can swap homes with to see how you vibe with the pace and the people on the west coast. It gives you a chance to feel things out without making a long-term commitment.

“The bottom line,” says Dr. Hafeez, “is that with some well thought out planning, you need not be single and lonely during the summer months. You can fill your time with people, sun, fun, adventures, new cultures, and in the process of doing so, you just might find “the one.”

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

GET YOUR BEST SUMMER BROWS EVER WITH TIPS FROM UMBREEN

Throughout the decades, brow looks come and go. Full, bushy brows evoke 80s-era Brooke Shields. Super skinny brows scream the late 90s. Recently, the perfectly painted “Insta Brow” has been having a major moment.

For 2019, a more easy-going, lower-maintenance, the natural brow is trending. To achieve this look, we tapped brow guru Umbreen Sheikh for her best tips. As a licensed cosmetologist and Founder + CEO of Wink Brow Bar, Umbreen is a bonafide brow savant. Here’s how she – and her teams at Wink’s multiple locations in New York City, Brooklyn, and London – are helping clients live their best brow lives.

Umbreen Sheikh’s Top 6 Brow Tricks 

1. Assume the position

While you might think you need to park yourself this close to the mirror to precision-groom your brows, that isn’t actually the case. “Standing too close can throw-off your brow proportions, and make you lose perspective on the overall shape,” says Umbreen. “For best results, stand at least one foot away.”

2. Break out the brush

Short on time? At the very least, give your brows a thorough brushing. Stroke up and over, and then anchor your arches with a dab of brow gel or clear mascara. (More on brow gel shade-selection below.) FYI, the Wink tool of choice has an angled side and a spoolie on one end, so consider investing in a brow brush of similar quality. You’ll be using it every day, so it will pay for itself in no time.  

3. Select your ideal shade

Picking the perfect, slam-dunk shade of gel, pencil or powder is crucial, so this is where you need to spend real quality time. As a general rule, you’ll want to match your hair roots, which are typically one shade lighter than your brows. “Most women want their brows to add definition to their face, and not ‘read’ as harsh or aggressive,” says Umbreen. “Matching your brows to your roots does that.” With one exception, Umbreen cautions. “If you’re blonde, go a shade darker than your roots. Otherwise, you’ll look washed-out.” NOTE: If you opt for professional brow tinting, which lasts for up to four weeks and is among Wink’s most popular services, you can skip this shade-selection tip altogether. How easy is that?

4. Get a little nosey

One of the very best things about next-level brow grooming, whether you master it yourself or pop by Wink for professional assistance, is that it allows you to visually alter the shape of your nose. Thinner, wider – whatever nose look you’re after, beautiful brows can help you get there. If you’re opting for thinner, Umbreen recommends drawing an imaginary vertical line from the tip of your nose to the beginning of your brow and then focusing your shade-filling right there at the start. To make your nose appear wider, do the opposite and focus your shade-filling at the end of your brow, not the beginning.

5. Pencil (or powder) it in

Whichever shade format you choose, the absolute key to success is to follow the basic shape of your existing brow. Go easy, and only add color between hairs, as needed. “The idea is to shade, not ‘draw’ your brows on from scratch,” says Umbreen. “The goal is a soft, subtle look that lends definition. Straight, hard lines are to be avoided at all costs.”

6. Between brow appointments, “cheat” with concealer
Pressed for time? If you can’t make it into Wink or carve-out 15 minutes to do a thorough DIY bathroom brow-grooming sesh, Umbreen recommends adding a dab of concealer on the most unruly hairs. “Whatever you do, resist the temptation to just yank them out,” she says. “Brows add so much structure and personality to your face that you really want to take your time, and groom properly. Or better yet, head to Wink, and let us help.”

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

DON'T LET YOUR FEAR OF FLYING GROUND YOU THIS SUMMER

More Americans will travel the skies this summer than ever before, an aviation trade group said in a recent study. Airlines for America said it expects nearly 260 million travelers will fly U.S. airlines this summer. Even with those statistics, as many as 25% of all Americans suffer some nervousness about flying and remain grounded due to fear. The most extreme suffers have a condition called Aviaphobia, where the mere thought of air travel causes them to shudder. How can people break this cycle and see the skies as “friendly?” We turned to NYC Neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez, who discusses what people can do to prepare themselves to fly as well as during flight to prevent anxiety/panic.

How to Ease Your Fears Before Your Book a Ticket

Develop some knowledge of flying - Read a book called, “Ask the Pilot: Everything You Need to Know about Air Travel.” By Patrick Smith. People are afraid when they don’t’ understand what is happening to the plane and why. What do certain noises mean? Why does the wings flap in flight? Can turbulence cause the plane to crash?  What's wind shear - and can it really rip the wings off a plane? How does a plane get off the ground? Why does the plane sometimes bump, jig, and turn at a high angle during climb out? Flying is statistically the safest form of transportation. It is far more mysterious to most than driving a car. By educating yourself through a consumer-friendly book written by a pilot, this will help to ease your fear and take some of your power back.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - This is a form of therapy, also known as (CBT) If you change your thoughts, you can change your response and behavior. Addressing general anxiety can reduce the intensity during triggering moments, like being on a plane. The therapist may suggest exposure therapy, where your first assignment is to drive to the airport and walk into the terminal. The second assignment might be to take the shortest flight possible from your home with a trusted friend or loved one. The third time might involve a longer flight alone until the fear is de-escalated and flying begins to feel “normal.” This type of “practice” is known as exposure therapy.

Attend a Fear of Flying Clinic - There are online courses such as  http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/lessons-intro.html There are also more tactile in-person groups such as www.fofc.com  Fear of Flying Clinic has provided intensive therapy to familiarize anxious travelers with the airborne experience. Founded in 1976 and based at San Francisco International Airport, Fear of Flying Clinic includes 24 hours of instruction spread over two weekends. It involves a licensed behavioral therapist to teach coping mechanisms, as well as lectures from airline pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and air traffic controllers. Participants also familiarize themselves with the cockpit, control tower, and maintenance facility.

Hypnotherapy - Like any phobia, a fear of flying is rooted in your subconscious. You may have had a traumatic experience, watched a plane crash or saw a movie that disturbed you.  Whatever the cause, your mind is trying to protect you. It thinks that flying is dangerous. Thus, fear is created to warn you away from flying. To conquer your fear, you must address it. Hypnosis finds out what triggers that fear in your subconscious. Over time, a hypnotist helps to reprogram the mind so that you are no longer afraid. Your mind relearns positive truths about flying. As a result, you can escape from your long-held fear.

Monitor Your Media Intake

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning: Avoid airplane disaster movies, news coverage of plane crashes, or other scary media images. Remember that the vast majority of flights arrive safely, but only the problem flights make the news. Don’t let that skew your impressions of flying. 

How to Avoid Anxiety and Panic When Are Airborne

Talk to the Senior Flight Attendant Before you Board - Ask to board early by telling the gate attendant that you suffer from fear of flying and wish to talk to the flight attendant in the pre-boarding phase. They are accustomed to dealing with nervous fliers. Explain your fears to him/her. Perhaps it is take off that concerns you the most, or maybe it turbulence or landing. Tell them your seat number and ask if they could come and check on you during the inflight times that are most concerning to you. If you are traveling alone and your seatmate seems friendly, perhaps you could ask them to engage you in conversation during take-off to keep your mind off things during this phase of the flight. Strangers can be surprisingly nice inflight.

Bring an Inflight “Tool Kit” Distraction is key to staying out of fear/panic. In your carry- on, pack crossword puzzles, coloring books, download books or movies that are “light.” Do not watch or read anything that includes topics of murder, terrorists, plane crashes, fires, death, or anything that can trigger fear. Anything you are reading or listening to, or watching should conjure pleasant thoughts.

Brain games are great because they keep your mind occupied, and that is the goal. The last thing you want is to be clutching your seat handles waiting for every little air pocket.  While you are at it, skip the inflight coffee or Diet Coke. The last thing you need is caffeine to make you jittery.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation- In progressive muscle relaxation, you tense a group of muscles as you breathe in, and you relax them as you breathe out. You work on your muscle groups in a specific order. When your body is physically relaxed, you cannot feel anxious. Practicing progressive muscle relaxation for a few weeks will help you get better at this skill, and in time, you will be able to use this method to relieve stress. You can use an audio recording to help you focus on each muscle group, or you can learn the order of muscle groups and do the exercises from memory. Choose a place where you won't be interrupted and where you can lie down on your back and stretch out comfortably, such as a carpeted floor. Breathe in, and tense the first muscle group (hard but not to the point of pain or cramping) for 4 to 10 seconds. 

Benzodiazepines- If your fear is really intense and you have discussed this with your psychiatrist, they might feel it appropriate to prescribe you a low dose of a benzodiazepines such as Klonopin or Ativan which work very quickly to calm intense anxiety or panic. These medications are habit forming, so it is best to use them only in extreme situations of panic when you are faced with a phobic situation. Remember not to mix them with alcohol. Sometimes just knowing they are there as a "rescue" can make the phobic person feel better.

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CATCHING UP WITH ENTREPRENEUR & MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE, KOURTNEY REPPERT

We took a moment to chat with model, entrepreneur and mental health advocate, Kourtney Reppert. We wanted to catch up on what she has been up to and how she stays fit.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you got into modeling?

KOURTNEY REPPERT: I was destined to be in the spotlight some way or some how. My three older sisters used to dress me and play beauty parlor w/ hair and makeup. After I was “Barbie’d up,” they’d give me a hairbrush to sing into like a microphone and I’d perform full fledge concerts for my family. Though I lived for the glam squad fun and art of performance, my true love was playing sports and being outdoors. In school I was voted “The Next Miss America” and was eventually scouted on college campus from a modeling/acting agency. This is where my calling just took off. I began sitting for various photo shoots and fell into modeling naturally. Since then, I never looked back. Gaining initial recognition for my looks and talent, it was exciting to combined athleticism and modeling together and show the world true girl power. In fact, I was named Philly’s Hottest Blonde and Sports babe! Funny right? I make a conscious effort to sustain a healthy lifestyle and career balance now since becoming the greatest role of my life…mom:) Every day I empower my son, even though a young age still, to work hard, never stop believing in himself and what he can do, and to never stop doing what you love. I believe dreams really do come true!

AM: When did you realize that due to your model portfolio that you wanted to be involved in Tropic Beauty?

KR: Tropic Beauty is all about being the best version of yourself through physical appearance with the synergetic intentions of your heart. Tropic beauty is so important to me because it’s a great way to connect so many like minded women, who are able to create a platform and build a name for themselves. I see a lot of young, beautiful women and it’s a great way for me to connect, teach and mentor what I’ve learned and how I’ve been able to brand myself through social media. 

AM: When did Tropic Beauty launch and what is the goal of this business?

KR: The Tropic Beauty competition launched eight years ago. It’s creator was working with Hawaiian Tropic up until the company was sold. This experience inspired her to create her own brand, being Topic Beauty.  I loved my position so much there as the director and social media mentor for these women! The owner and I have stayed in touch over the years and in fact, I even competed back in 2010. Amy watched what I’ve done for myself and my brand and wanted to bring that on for her own Tropic Beauty competition, too.  It’s a true honor to be able to work with likeminded women, especially those with a clear vision for their future and self-branding dreams.

AM: What is the Kourtney Reppert Foundation and your reason behind creating it?

KR: My foundation is probably the biggest, if not most important thing in my career. I’ve been through a lot in my life and those experiences have helped make my voice stand up for others, provide hope and share a platform that embraces a journey carrying facets similar to so many. It allows my story to help coach others and encourage them to find the strength from within. My low points in life have counted more than most will have to experience in their lifetime.

I look at my foundation as a way to bring real changes to how society works, help so many women and children in need, and bring awareness to environmental issues as well. A lot of times people are afraid to ask hardworking people for help and even amongst their own peers. My goal is to raise a lot of money, just so I can give it all away…literally. I want to make big changes to this world, make it a better place for my son, and to be able to show him what he’s helped me achieve by giving me the gift of MOM. My foundation, inspired by son, is truly my biggest passion and the fuel behind everything I do.

AM: What are your goals for KRF as we begin the back half of the year?

KR: To really put it front and center, when my clothing line launches — my Kourtney Reppert Foundation will launch simultaneously. A portion of proceeds from my clothing line will go into my nonprofit, as everything I do and pour my heart into is connected. 

AM: As an entrepreneur, are there other businesses that you can share that you will launch this year?

 KR: You’ll just have to wait and see! Stay tuned….

AM: As someone who is in great shape, what are 3 workouts that you swear by especially as many are finalizing their summer bodies?

KR:  Well, I swear by my trainer, Mack Fit and his APP! When I can’t physically train with him, I use the APP. The convenience of technology on the go helps guide me to do whatever workout I should do. Hiking and swimming are my big loves! Overall, I just really love being healthy and making good diet choices is just as important as exercise. Your body, mind and spirit shows what you eat.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE UNDEFEATED WITH LAILA ALI

We sat down with Laila Ali, who continued Muhammad Ali, her father’s legacy in the sport, as well as trailblazing outside of it. As a professional boxer who went undefeated in her career, she held the WBC, WIBA, IWBF and IBA female super middleweight titles and the IWBF light heavyweight title. She is a TV personality and host of OWN’s Home Made Simple, participating in Dancing with the Stars, Food Network’s Chopped as well as Celebrity Apprentice. In our interview, we took time to talk with her about the importance of fitness, nutrition and how we can focus on spring cleaning this time of year.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us the moment when you realized that you wanted to be a boxer and eventually parlaying that into TV hosting, nutrition and wellness?

LAILA ALI: So I first saw women’s boxing on television when I was about 17 years old and that was when I first had the idea and desire to become a professional boxer myself. So it wasn’t right away that I took the leap because I was at school full time and I had a business at the time and it took me about a year to start training and once I did, that was it – end of story. Of course I ended with 24-0, 21 KOs and 4 world titles.

So boxing was my first love and I focused so much time and energy on it for about 9 years and then I decided I wanted to retire and to start a family, then I started to think about what I wanted to do next. Right around that time, Dancing With the Stars called and I decided to do the show as it was a great platform for me to show other sides of myself. From there, I just went onto TV hosting and different opportunities. During that 5 year period I began to think about what I was passionate about, what I wanted to do next, and that was really when I came to the conclusion that I really wanted to be able to help other people live their best life. I wanted to help them make healthy lifestyle choices and then I started doing shows such as Home Made Simple which I host, now which comes on OWN every Saturday. I’m able to work with families, make their living spaces amazing, also cook healthy recipes with them out of my cookbook Food For Life and now we’re launching our own product line which is simple plantbased cleaning products. They are available at select Walmart stores and Walmart.com.

So, things have really come full circle, but it was all about really encouraging people to make healthy lifestyle choices and live their best life.

AM: Can you tell us a little more about Home Made Simple’s product extension of cleaning products and why you enjoy using them?

LA: So we have hand soap, we have dish soap, we’ve got laundry detergent, fabric softener, multipurpose spray. It comes in lemon, lavender and rosemary. All of these products are not only safe and affordable, but they are effective and that is the most important thing. I’m all about using products that are good for my family, the environment and Home Made Simple’s products are amazing in that they actually work as well.

AM: We know that you have a number of tips about cleaning your home – especially in a way that keeps it simple, can you share 3 with us?

LA: Now is the time that everyone is thinking about spring cleaning right? We are in my household as well! Some of the things that I like to do is to get my kids involved and what I do is give them a series of chores on a chart. When they have done everything that they need to do, then I reward them. Whatever they are asking me for, I tell them that they can get it once they have gotten all of their stars on their chart. One of the other things that works out really well for me is not to wait for things to pile up. I like to take 10-15 minutes out of everyday to put things in their place. Another tip I have is that whenever you have things that you want to give away or get rid of, clothes that don’t fit anymore – put them in a big bin. I leave mine in the garage and remove them quarterly as it keeps clutter down. Every time you buy things – when you bring something into the household, you take something else out. We all have things in our kitchens and other rooms of the house that can be placed in a bin. I think that when you do that, you’re encouraged to donate items and I think that it’s really good to be able to help those in need or to be able to repurpose those items. That’s how it keeps everything nice and organized. Of course, it's all about using products that you love and that work and Home Made Simple really makes that easy to do with their new plant-based cleaning products.

AM: With it being the Spring and people needing ways to spruce up food options when it comes to supporting their workout, what smoothies and power foods should we think about incorporating into our day to day?

LA: I think it’s very important to be consistent first of all and make sure that you are getting enough rest so that you can do your best workout. Staying hydrated is key! A lot of people don’t realize how important it is to drink water as it enhances your performance, effects the way that you think and it’s really important to do. I like to have a protein shake after I workout. I don’t want to eat and put my body through having to digest food which is more work. I like to have a protein shake and just kind of get everything in and then eat a couple of hours after which is what my routine is.

AM: As someone who I’m sure travels a lot, what are 3 skincare products that you swear by that you enjoy using in your routine?

LA: I don’t think that it’s so much products or about a routine. I make sure that I clean my skin really well every night. I wash my face and I use a good moisturizer before I go to bed. In the morning I like to clean my face in the shower after my pores have opened up with the hot steam and then I will clean my face. I like to use my Clarisonic because it really gets into those pores really well. So those are tips that I have. Water and sweating are actually amazing for your skin. Sweating out toxins and that comes from working out and drinking water. Beauty comes from within.

AM: We’re all about #Tribegoals and the power of tribes which are the source of inspiration. Who are 3 people that you are inspired by?

LA: Well I definitely have a tribe of people that are around me. I think that every successful person does. It takes a team and nobody is doing it by themselves. My husband is part of my tribe and is my best friend, my confidant. One of my best girlfriends is like my person my go to who will keep it real with me and be honest. I don’t want to have yes people around me. Of course I would also include my business associates as well.

IG @TheRealLailaAli

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Undefeated with Laila Ali in mag.

You can hear Laila Ali's interview now on our show, #TRIBEGOALS which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

HUMANIZING FINANCE WITH MORGAN BRENNAN

Athleisure Mag’s May issue is covered by CNBC's Co-Anchor, Morgan Brennan of ”Squawk Alley" (M-F 11am - 12pm). In addition to her daily show, she also continues to cover a variety of sectors including manufacturing, defense and space for the network. While her shoot showcases a number of pre-summer styles at 498 West End Ave #PH on the UWS, we sat down with her to find out how she came to working as a financial broadcaster/journalist, the stories that she enjoys covering, being a Co-Anchor on her show, as well as what she does when she is off set.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background. What drew you to being as a financial journalist and broadcaster?

MORGAN BRENNAN: I didn’t go to college promptly after high school since I was pursuing a career in the music industry. In my early 20s, I had a change of heart and decided to go to school and set out to be...an anthropologist. It was in my last year at New York University that I realized how similar journalism is to anthropology: research, interviews and ethnographic studies, identifying your own biases and then moving past them to realize facts and bigger societal truths, and the fact that every major trend, topic or issue has people at the heart of it. Plus, it turns out that most have a money trail as well, so examining the business or financial or economic angle is fascinating. I also think - now more than ever - it’s crucial for people to have an understanding of how money works and how business drives behavior and at times, change. Finances are a key driver of our lives as human beings so I feel very passionately about the role we play at CNBC to make these sometimes jargon-laden, daunting concepts and phrases associated with financial and economic literacy accessible.

AM: Prior to coming to CNBC in 2013, tell us about where you started your career.

MB: I started my journalism career working for magazines. I interned at Newsweek International in the fall of 2008 (as I was finishing school), fact-checking articles and writing some of my own. The world was imploding, and financial news was breaking news. The following Spring I got very lucky and landed my first job two days after graduation as an assistant for the video department at Forbes Media. It was a difficult time in the world of publishing as the internet was disrupting traditional revenue streams and the industry was downsizing drastically. But that bred opportunity as well. I was able to take on extra responsibilities and work my way up the ladder, becoming a reporter and staff writer who wrote regularly for Forbes magazine and had a multimedia presence online. I also appeared on cable news programs as a guest and that experience helped catapult me full-time into the world of TV business news. Writing is actually essential to TV so in hindsight that foundation was crucial.

AM: Tell us about your different roles/positions at CNBC. How did you transition from a general assignment reporter to a reporter focused on sectors (manufacturing, defense, and space), to Co-Anchor of “Squawk Alley”?

MB: Like so many people I speak with, my path has been shaped by a trifecta of hard work, sacrifice, and luck. The transition from print to TV was tricky, since TV requires thinking in minutes and even seconds, versus days or weeks when working on a magazine feature story. Telling a story on paper is very different than telling one in 90 seconds on live television. Once I understood that, I was able to focus my efforts on more companies, more trends, more events, typically targeting sectors and industries that were little loved or perhaps little understood. It evolved from there, with instances over the years of being in the right place at the right time to cover a major breaking news event – a scenario that would then open a door to more sources and more stories. Anchoring came once I had established a strong foundation of comprehension across a number of industries. I love that I get to do both – anchoring and reporting – and I believe they bolster each other.

AM: As the Co-Anchor of “Squawk Alley,” what is your day like in terms of prepping for the day’s general news, going on air and after?

MB: The way I see it is I get paid to learn and then disseminate that knowledge to others. Every day involves hours of reading, as well as lots of writing, networking, sourcing – and TV and video watching. When I first started working full-time in this business the piece of advice offered repeatedly was to grab sleep whenever and wherever I could. Days can start very early, especially when traveling, and can go very long, especially when in the field reporting on a story. It takes an incredible amount of time, effort and resources to make just a few minutes of live television – and no one does it alone. I have an incredible team of producers and co-anchors that I am grateful to get to work with every day.

AM: How do you prepare for your sector coverage?

MB: Again, lots of reading. Also, I try to keep in constant contact with a wide network of sources operating in the sectors I cover, be it aerospace and defense or tech or anything else I may be tasked with covering. I make a lot of phone calls, read a lot of analyst notes and meet with as many folks as the schedule permits. Listening to its earnings calls is a great way to learn - and quickly - about a publicly traded company.

AM: What are some of your favorite CNBC stories or interviews that you have reported on?

MB: I have been blessed to be able to travel all over the U.S. to report on stories. So far I’ve visited 46 states. Among my favorites: being the first person to broadcast live from Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jet factory floor as the program was facing scrutiny from President Trump due to costs; live play-by-play coverage of SpaceX's first-ever Falcon Heavy rocket launch, from Kennedy Space Center; and the short documentary I did with the CNBC Investigative unit that focused on illegal home-sharing activity on the Airbnb platform, a project that involved five months of research and reporting and required quite a number of field shoots.

AM: When you wake up, what are 3 sites/apps/platforms that you go to to connect with what is going on financially to jump start your day?

MB: First stop is CNBC.com to see where different markets are trading. Second stop is Twitter to see what’s trending and what the financial and media folks I follow are talking about. After that, I start clicking through articles on the homepages of news sites like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters and Axios. I also receive hard copies of newspapers every day because I think it’s important to visually see what’s made the front page and where (and I still like to hold paper in my hands and make notes with a pen.)

AM: When you’re not at work and taking downtime for yourself, what would we find you doing?

MB: When I’m not working, I’m focused on my other job: raising my amazing (and saucy) three-year old daughter. It is very much a team effort but I try to unplug from my phones for at least an hour a night on workdays to focus all of my attention exclusively on her and the family. I’m also a big Broadway buff. And recently, I’ve been trying my hand at cooking and baking. I make a mean muffin.

AM: Living in Westchester and working in NYC, where can we find you grabbing a meal, shopping and/or working out?

MB: When my husband and I moved out of New York City a few years ago I was nervous about the change; I had been a city dweller for the better part of 16 years. I’m happy to report what millions already know: there is great food, great culture and a great sense of community in the suburbs too. In Westchester, I’m a big fan of the Cookery in Dobbs Ferry, the Inn at Pound Ridge, and for pizza, Johnny’s in Mount Vernon is a must. I currently belong to Equinox because I like the peer pressure of group classes. When shopping, I am in need of adult supervision when visiting Target, Stew Leonard’s, or HomeGoods. I’m also a big fan of diners and will travel for really good coffee, which I drink black, many times a day.

AM: As someone who is a foodie, what are 3 restaurants on your list that you have yet to try, but are looking forward to?

MB: If only it were just three! Definitely Eleven Madison Park in Manhattan; D.O.M. in Sao Paulo, Brazil – which I’m hoping will happen soon since we have a family member from that city; and Osteria Francescana in Modena, a region of Italy that’s highly underrated for its food and from where some of my husband’s family originates. One of my favorite docuseries right now is “Chef’s Table,” on Netflix, which profiles renowned chefs from across the globe, so I have quite the inspired wish list thanks to that.

AM: During our photoshoot, we listened to a 90’s Hip Hop playlist. What are 3 of your favorite songs in this genre?

MB: 90’s hip hop is the best hip hop! But as someone who came of age during that decade I may be partial. Honestly it’s too hard for me to answer because I love music, from classic rock to 80’s pop to grunge. In terms of 90’s hip hop though, I’d say anything by 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan or A Tribe Called Quest. (I may also know all of the words to “Shoop” by Salt-N-Pepa.)

AM: As someone who is always on the move and travels often for interviews, what are 3 items you take in your carry on?

MB: I never leave home without a wireless charger. I also always pack an extra set of clothes, since there have been instances in which breaking news or a last-minute assignment has meant I was on the road for longer than initially anticipated. The other item that’s especially handy is a blanket scarf because airplanes can be chilly and you can use one as a blanket or pillow in a pinch.

AM: Is there anything else you want to share?

MB: I have been very blessed to receive some great advice from accomplished individuals. But one example in particular I love is: don’t take yourself seriously; do take your job seriously. I believe that’s the secret to success - work hard and be willing, and try to have fun along the way.

Our cover shoot took place at 498 West End Ave #PH on the UWS of NYC. This 2 level home has great views of the city and is near a number of restaurants, shops and more! We chatted with Louise Philipps Forbes of Halstead to find out more information about this listing that is currently on the market.

ATHLEISURE MAG: The views and natural light at West End Ave #PH are amazing, tell us about the features of this unit.

LOUISE PHILLIPS FORBES: Set atop a quintessential Upper West Side landmark constructed in 1910 by Neville & Bagge, this 3,646 sf 5 bed, 4.5 bath newly constructed full-floor duplex is a rare combination of prewar craft and contemporary artistry. Thoughtfully designed by CetraRuddy Architecture to accommodate a 21st century lifestyle, this exceptional home has spectacular finishes and grand proportions. The premium grade details that grace the interiors impart a pervasive sense of quality, where space and light mix with elevated materials to infuse traditional forms with inventiveness.

The keyed elevator service to this topmost unit opens up into a warm and inviting foyer. Upon entering the penthouse, the new oversized windows welcome an abundance of light from all directions, keeping the home bright and airy, as you mentioned. The solid white oak floors in a custom 30-inch square rift-and-quartered parquet inspired pattern, accentuate the dining and living rooms.

Designed to deliver equal portions of elegance and functionality, every facet of the kitchen exceeds the highest standards while also delivering innovative design concepts - from the outstanding millwork in custom chocolate-stained oak with contrasting cream-colored ceruse, to a single-slab marble hearth wall that conceals the range hood. Outfitted for the most seasoned cooks, the kitchen also showcases Calacatta countertops, Miele appliances, a 48-inch Bertazzoni gas range, and a Gaggenau warming drawer and wine refrigerator.

An expansive wrap-around terrace, at its longest spanning close to 90 feet, makes for a covetable outdoor space ideal for lounging as well as hosting cocktails and dinner parties against the backdrop of an exquisite panorama f the Hudson River.

AM: What amenities are offered in this building for residents (common areas, services, etc.)?

LPF: Among the many amenities of 498 WEA is a fitness room with cardio workstations and an exercise area. For the younger set, a delightful activity center with an ingenious wood-peg wall allows kids to express themselves to their heart’s content.

AM: Tell us about the neighborhood that is directly around this building (Wholefoods, workout studios, eateries, etc.) and what neighborhood is this considered?

LPF: Flanked by two beautiful parks, the Upper West Side is one of the greenest neighborhoods in Manhattan. A favorite with families with its great elementary schools, safe streets and plethora of playgrounds, the vibe of the Upper West Side is relaxed, yet lively. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to frequent along Amsterdam Avenue, and Broadway. The wide, tree-lined streets also host many mom-and-pop stores, some of the best Jewish delis in the city, Zabar’s and Levain Bakery. Cultures abound as this coveted neighborhood is the home to the American Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the West Side Community Garden.

AM: For those interested in this unit, how can they get more information?

LPF: For more information on this home please head over to Halstead.com/19162124

AM: Do you also represent other units in this building as well?

LPF: Yes, as the exclusive broker for new development in this building my team represents new units as they become available. We just launched a fully renovated 2,093sf 3-Bed, 2-Bath residence on the 8th floor with the same designer details and notable features.

AM: Can you tell us about the artwork that is featured in this apartment?

LPF: The artwork throughout the two-story home has been thoughtfully curated by an interior designer to help highlight its architectural features and, of course, the view.

AM: Where can readers find out about properties that you represent?

LPF: www.Louisephillipsforbes.com

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Athleisure Mag's May cover story was shot by Paul Farkas, using Canon Mark IV; and selected Canon lenses: EF 50 f/1.2 L, EF 24-70 f/2.8 L II, and EF 70-200 f/2.8 L II.

MAKEUP & HAIR CREDITS

MUAH Bamike Ogunrinu utilized a number of products and tools in order to create the makeup and hairstyles that are in this cover editorial with CNBC's Co-Anchor of "Squawk Alley".

MAKEUP PREPARATION

PREP | BIODERMA Micellar Water | REBELS AND OUTLAWS Love Potion | DRUNKEN ELEPHANT B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum | TWINMEDIX Pro:Refine Eye Correction | TWINMEDIX Pro:Refine Moisturizer | BITE Agave Lip Mask |

FACE | MAKEUP FOREVER Ultra HD Cream Foundation KEVYN AUCOIN Contour Book Volume 3 | ILIA Essential Face Palette Warm | MAKEUP FOREVER Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer 20M | BROWS | BENEFIT Foolproof Brow Powder 3 | IT COSMETICS Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil |

OUT AND ABOUT LOOK | EYES // STILA Eyes are the Window Shadow Palette #mind | LIPS // CHAPSTICK Total Hydration Moisture + Tint #Rose Petal |

FITNESS LOOK | EYES // NARS Orgasm Illuminating Loose Powder | LIPS // PAT MCGRATH | MatteTrance Lipstick #Femme Bot |

RESORT GLAM | EYES // COZZETTE Infinite Eyeshadows #Aquamarine | LIPS // MAKEUP FOREVER Artistic Rouge Light Luminous Hydrating Lipstick L304 |

HAIR PREPARATION

HAIR PRODUCTS | IGK Laidback + Intern |

HAIR TOOLS | Hot tools ¾" – 1¼" + 1" Nano Ceramic® Salon Flat Iron with Extra-Long Plates + Nano Ceramic® Tapered Curling Iron – Large

FASHION CREDITS

Athleisure Mag's Celeb Fashion Stylist, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director Kimmie Smith focused on looks that incorporate a number of pieces that will become go-to's in your closet with the onset of warm weather.

OUT AND ABOUT // PG 25 + 26 | SOCIALITE CLOTHING Playsuit in Tobacco | QUPID Ankle Booties | AMATOSTYLE Domenica Cream Leather Cord with Python Tassel Necklace + Novella Python Earrings | LAGOS 18K Caviar Gold Large Dome Statement Ring + 18K Bar 7 Gold Bracelet |

FITNESS LOOK // PG 16- 22 + BACK COVER | BEYOND YOGA Burgundy Sports Bra | WOLVEN THREADS Moonlight Mandala Leggings | HOKA ONE ONE Women's Bondi B | LAGOS 18K Caviar Gold 35MM Hoop Earrings, 18K Caviar Gold Diamond 7 Rounds Stack Ring, Caviar Gold Ring + 18K Caviar Gold 35MM Hoop Earrings |

RESORT GLAM LOOK // FRONT COVER + 29 - 33 | OLIVIA VON HALLE Delphine Muse Full Length Dress | GOOSEBERRY So Chic Sweet Sunrise | LAGOS 18K Enso 30MM Circle with Linear Drop Pendant Multi Length, 18K Enso 30MM Circle with Linear Drop Earring, Black Caviar Ceramic Diamond Pave 14MM Ring, Black Caviar Black Ceramic Diamond7 Link Statment Ring 9MM Bracelet + Black Caviar Black Ceramic 2 Diamond Link 9MM Bracelet |

IG @Morgan_Bren

IG @PVFarkas

IG @Shes.Kimmie

IG @BamikeOgunrinu

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Humanizing Finance with Morgan Brennan in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW WITH THE LAURUS PROJECT

Women's Health Awareness month takes place in May. We took some time to chat with CEO and Founder, Teresa Lawsky of The Laurus Project which focuses on funding research projects that assist in prevention as well as curing breast cancer. We delved into finding out about a number of projects and goals of this group, looking at the importance of understanding their focus on action as opposed to merely having an awareness of breast cancer, as well as creating a community of Thrivers that continue to share their empowering and uplifting message.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to launching the Laurus Project, tell us about your background.

TERESA LAWSKY: I served as a nurse clinician specializing in breast cancer for about 18 years. I practiced at major institutions in NYC and leading hospitals in Southern California. During that period of time, I really got an up close experience to the human condition that occurs when women and some men are diagnosed with breast cancer.

AM: Due to your experience, what led you to creating the Laurus Project and tell us about what the aims are for the organization.

TL: I was in my office and I said to my assistant, “how many more women have to walk through this door before we do something about it?” Incidents of breast cancer remain high in the US with about 1 in 8 women diagnosed in their lifetime and although we are doing a lot of work as it related to awareness, I really felt that there was a gap as it relates to prevention. So one of the goals that we have at the Laurus Project is to help prevent the onset of disease in women, new diagnosis and then preventing recurrences in women that have had past diagnoses.

So this is a lifelong challenge for women to stay cancer free and that is something that we want to help with.

AM: When did you launch this and what is your role as a CEO and a Founder?

TL: It was founded in 2015 and we launched in 2016. I really am very involved in the strategy and making sure that our programs and grants really fulfill our mission and provide action for those affected by the disease. That’s something that I feel very strongly about. I work very closely with researchers that we support. It’s a day to day thing and I stay very tight and close with it. I have my hand in a lot of what we are doing.

AM: What are some of the human trials and research that you support?

TL: In order to advance cutting edge therapy and new therapy treatment to people who desperately and frankly need it, human trials are necessary for FDA approval. To expedite it from the lab to a human trial and then to a health care setting, this is required. So there are sometimes for various reasons a gap in funding of research in human trials. So that is what we are looking to fill. That’s a way for us to expedite it into the hands of people who need it. That’s part of the reason that we are so involved on that side.

AM: So what research are you working on that you can share with us?

TL: One of the trials that we are participating on for funding that I am really excited about is diet related. It is a fasting mimicking diet based on the research of Dr. Valter Longo. It’s a trial that is looking at reducing or preventing breast cancer in women that are deemed high risk. This is an ongoing clinical trial and we are participating in funding that. I think that in a couple of years, we will even have some data come out of that that should be pretty exciting! That is something that we are working on that we are really excited about.

AM: What is the process for a researcher to present a project to you and how does The Laurus Project go about deciding what is of interest for them to fund?

TL: We really have our finger on the pulse in terms of what is going on in the medical community. We work hand in hand with leading institutions in that space. A lot of it crosses over into longevity as it relates to prevention and some in other areas. Again, we work hand in hand with leading institutions who have researchers that are doing cutting edge work. We identify the gap and make sure it is aligned and we have an amazing medical advisory board and then we make a decision about what we want to fund in order to get it in the hands of women who need it.

AM: One of the things on the website that we were looking at was Integrative Therapy and how does that work in terms of while they are getting their treatment as well as post treatment?

TL: Integrative Therapy is kind of the healing approach that takes into account every aspect of a person’s health. So that is mind, body, emotional and social. All of those things that impact a person and it really pairs with standard of care therapy in order to advance a better solution or state for that person.

So an example would be the use of a mindfulness or meditation as it relates to stress and even possible inflammation. Also the use of acupuncture as it relates to side effects of treatment. Many women who get diagnosed, suffer from Post Traumatic Stress disorder. There are different things that we can utilize in order to support them and help them with those side effects. It’s really taking into account the whole person and raising the standard of care so that we’re looking at all of that. It really impacts a person’s health overall. So even when we look at our mission and our goal in prevention and in risk reduction, prevention of recurrence in survivors. We really want to elevate that standard in our point of view.

AM: Many people wonder why when we talk about Breast Cancer, that we talk about prevention and remission. Why isn’t there a cure for this disease with all of the technology that we have at our disposal?

TL: I think that with the focus on treatment, that that’s something that’s very important and there has been a lot of energy and funding and looking at that. What’s happened is that there has been kind of a gap and that’s why we exist for the recovery period. When you look at a woman that has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has gone through treatment in terms of their experience, often their anxiety level and all of these things that relate to health escalates when treatment ends. So at The Laurus Project, we really understand that healing continues after breast cancer treatment ends. In some cases, women are on maintenance medication that causes other side effects that they really need assistance with, in order to remain on the medication. We want to help increase compliance so that they can reap the benefits of the medications that are available to them.

As a health care professional in the field, I really identify gaps and your question is right on and it’s exactly why we are here. There are Survivorship Programs that exist in larger cancer centers and hospitals – but not all geographic areas have them. Certainly there are a lot of women that feel that returning to the facility where they received treatment – that can trigger a lot of feelings and emotions. We really want to help women move past that into Thrivership and into wellness. Because nothing changes if nothing changes. Our goal is to really help them by supporting programs that are good and offering them solutions. We recently launched a new program at Laurus which will help women in areas where that is not available.

AM: Tell us more about Thrive Tribe which is a part of the The Laurus Project.

TL: The Laurus Project’s Thrive Tribes is really a community of women who come together and it's something that we launched to take care of their help and we are helping them in doing that. These tribes exist in communities and they’re led by either a breast cancer Thriver, health care professional or a high risk woman and they are the connection to their community and women in their community to access our education and programs and resources. So we provide education as it relates to risk reduction that’s evidence based, up to date science, and suggest and activity that women engage with once a month.

As an example if we just go back to mindfulness and meditation, we’ll provide monthly email/digital information related to what science really says about mindfulness and meditation. It focuses on why they may benefit and partner that with a scheduled guided meditation. Women are receiving information and we’re weeding through all the stuff that is out there by providing them with solid evidence based education that is specific to their disease. This is health promoting and then giving them access as a way to take action. They’re coming together as a community and really being in power to take control of their health – rather than getting home and finishing their treatment and getting three recommendations and heading to the internet trying to weed through and see what they can do. We want to help them do that in a safe and inspiring environment.

AM: We know that a number of Breast Cancer organizations use the term awareness and pink for the cause. What was the decision behind using the color orange and the term action?

TL: At Laurus, we’re really about Breast Cancer Action. I think that it’s important for women to know and understand that there are things that women can do to be in control of their health. It’s a matter of driving that message and it’s something that they can engage with. And by the way, there are win wins with that. So sometimes, even the idea of Breast Cancer Awareness makes an individual feel like there is really nothing that they can do. They know the problem is there, that it happened – but what can they do about it and that’s what we’re about. That’s why we work with leading institutions and researchers and why we fund and support programs as well as development programs to help women do that. This way they can live their best life and take that action.

That’s in fact why we are orange and not pink. That really resembles the movement from awareness to action. It’s a very hopeful movement that incorporates wellness and women are very excited about it. I see the reaction that women have when they engage with us. It’s very empowering and it’s really a new hope. One of the women who is leading a tribe in Laguna Beach, she stated crying and said, “this is what I have been looking for.” So I think that we really are filling a gap and that we are filling a need. I’m really excited about it and I’m excited about brands and supporters and people like you that are interested in what we are doing because it’s a healing message that’s hopeful. On that front I will say that I like Breast Cancer Action. Awareness is great, but lets take it to the next level.

AM: We like the use of the word action! A number of organizations have funds that go towards raising money for various treatments and research for Breast Cancer. Do you have and brands or products where a portion of the proceeds go to this cause?

TL: We do partner with brands and have partnered with those that are mission aligned in different ways. We have an exciting event coming up with Alice & Olivia. That is going to be a really fun event and it’s a very empowering brand. We love that side of it as it’s uplifting and fashion forward. We also partner with other wellness brands, families and companies that believe in what we are doing.

AM: How does one go about creating their own Thrive Tribe community?

TL: Thank you for asking that! They can visit our website at The Laurus Project.com, click on Thrive Tribe and take this beautiful empowering pledge and commitment to selfcare. If they don’t see their city or state, they can scroll down to become a leader which we really want to encourage women to do. That is then reviewed and we can launch them in their community. We’re hoping to launch Thrive Tribes in communities all across the US and we’re really excited about it. I think that it puts information directly into their hands and partners it with action. Of course, this is education and we always advise women to take it to their medical team and make sure that it’s right for them. It’s evidence based and taking them to wellness and Thrivership.

AM: We love hearing about this community. With us coming up on the back half of the year, are there goals that the Laurus Project has in terms of a goal perspective? What events or special projects should we keep an eye out for that the Laurus Project has going on?

TL: We have a really fun annual event that is a Dance to Thrive party that is held each year in October. We started it last year in NYC and we held it at 1Oak and had an amazing turnout. It’s an uplifting let go event and a lot of fun. It’s something that you should keep an eye out for. As far as projects that we are working on, there are a number of projects that we are doing in conjunction with other nonprofits in order to advance solutions at a larger scale as it relates to integrative therapy which is also really exciting.

IG @TheLaurusProject

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know with the Laurus Project in mag.

3 HEALTH FOOD TRENDS TAKING OVER THE WORLD OF GASTRONOMY

‘Health’ and ‘gastronomy’ used to be mutually exclusive concepts, but if one major trend has marked the new millennium, it is the passion for healthy, Mediterranean-style delights made with free range meat, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and of course, Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Such is the passion for colorful ‘slow food’ dishes that Business Insider recently heralded the big boom in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine across the U.S. Diners want flavor, but they don’t want it at the expense of an expanding waistline. Check out three newer health food trends that will ensure that you look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside.

Grazing Tables

If you thought that grazing and sticking to a healthy diet were impossible, think again. It’s all about what you choose to serve on your trays, and this year, the spotlight is on organic, zero-kilometre fare that can be shared in a group. Think an ample-sized tray of mezze, comprising various MiddleEastern delights such as kefta, chicken skewers, kebby, labne, hummus, and taboule. Note that the trays contain some fried items, but also fresh salads made with nutrient-packed ingredients like parsley and freshly chopped seasonal tomatoes. Grazing tables are the perfect opportunity to serve local products. Shared cheese platters, Mediterranean salad bars, or Middle Eastern bites go well with both wine and craft beer. As noted by Arizona restaurateur Ryan Hibbert, the key to keeping a grazing table exciting is to surprise your guests with homegrown delicacies they may not have known existed.

Sea-Sourced Snacks

Spanish celebrity Chef Ángel León (whose restaurant in the Coastal area of Cadiz boasts no fewer than three Michelin stars) is largely responsible for major discoveries of the potential of seaweed. The Chef has not only discovered new culinary species of plankton and algae, but also managed to incorporate them into traditional spanish dishes. How does a plankton paella with ali-oli tartar sound, for instance? The passion for seaweed is taking over the U.S. as well, with Whole Foods having recently announced that it would have many more sea-based snacks (including vegetarian tuna and seaweed butter!) Seaweed not only lends itself to different textures and food types, but is also super rich in vitamins and nutrients like iodine and tyrosine (which support thyroid function). Seaweed also contains a plethora of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals that age you prematurely and cause disease.

Creative Ice-Cream

It’s summer, and that means one thing: everyone’s screaming for ice-cream! Forget about flavors previously considered nouvelle, though. Salty caramel, watermelon and Kinder Surprise take a backseat. America is ready to tuck into newer varieties such as avocado, hummus, and of course, yuzu - the cumquat-like fruit used so often in Japanese cuisine and cocktails. There will also be more refined citrus flavors available, including tangerine and blood orange.The plethora of new combinations is very much in line with other top trends. Diners who dream of traveling the world can now do so, at least gastronomically. They can also rest assured that what they are consuming contains much more than just sugar and dairy. Rather, ingredients such as olive oil will be used to add extra creaminess while boosting your Omega-3 intake.

Light grazing, seaweed delights, and power-packed fruit and veggie ice-creams are just a few new food trends that pay respect to health as much as to flavor. Simplicity and a passion for Mediterranean-style munching are in, as is the penchant for world flavors that differ subtly from local fare. Finally, zero kilometre cuisine continues to hold sway, which is very much in line with renewed interest in healthy, organic cuisine that hasn’t traveled many miles to make it to your table.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | STRONG BY ZUMBA

When it comes to getting a full body workout, STRONG by Zumba® takes its approach to high intensity workouts through music to another level - as this is not a dance class. They partnered with Grammy nominated music producer Sevn (he has collaborated with Travis Scott's "Astroworld" and Beyonce and Jay-Z's "Everything is Love") to create exclusive beats for this music led program that focuses on the innovative approach of syncing music to moves while pushing and motivating participants beyond their limits.

The Athleisure Mag team had the opportunity to try out the class as well as to hear the track created for the class recently. Their unique process of reverse engineering the beats around the routines so that the high intensity moves are seamlessly melded with the music allows integrative motivation. Previous collaborations have included Timbaland, Steve Aoki and Krewella.

This program is a non-dance, one hour group exercise class that combines body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training moves specifically designed and synced to original music. Driven by beats as the ultimate motivator to burn calories while toning abs, legs, arms, and glutes.

STRONG by Zumba®

Check their website for a class near you.

www.strong.zumba.com

IG @StrongByZumba

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Strong by Zumba in mag.

CONTACT HIGH

We enjoyed Contact High, a Visual History of HipHop: Pop Up Experience at the Hasselblad NY Experience Studio in Soho. The exhibition celebrated the recently published book Contact High: A Visual History of Hip Hop by Vikki Tobak, documenting the history and progression of Hiphop and some of its key influencers over a 40 year span.

Curated by Vikki Tobak, based on the bestselling book of the same name, and with creative direction by Fab 5 Freddy and forward by Questlove, it includes works from 60 photographers forming a chronological journey from old-school to alternative hip-hop. The ultimate companion for music and photography enthusiasts, Contact High is the definitive history of hip-hop’s early days, celebrating the artists that shaped the iconic album covers, t-shirts and posters beloved by hip-hop fans today.

On display at the pop up experience were images made with various Hasselblad cameras from Janette Beckman, Danny Clinch, Armen Djerrahian, George Dubose, Jamil GS, Danny Hastings and Jayson Keeling.

Founded in 1941, Hasselblad is the leading manufacturer of medium format cameras and lenses. Made in Sweden, Hasselblad cameras are renowned for their iconic ergonomic design, uncompromising image quality and Swedish craftsmanship. For over half a century, Hasselblad cameras have captured some of the world’s most iconic images – including the first landing on the moon - and helped shape the way we look at the world through genuine photographic artistry. Trusted by NASA and used by the greatest photographers in the world, Hasselblad continues to create products with uncompromising image quality that inspire. In 2016, Hasselblad introduced the world’s first compact mirrorless digital medium format camera – the X1D.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We loved seeing the contact sheets presented in the book at Hasselblad's pop-up experience exhibit. When did you come up with the concept for the book and how long was the process making it?

VIKKI TOBAK: The whole process took about three years for me to write and research the book, but the idea came from me actually working in the music business in the early ’90s. I worked for an indie Hiphop label called Payday Records and Empire Management and worked with a lot of young Hiphop artists. I would coordinate a lot of their photo shoots, so I also met all these young photographers way back then. As I started my writing career and became a journalist working for bigger news organizations like CNN, I saw how they treated their archives, contact sheets, and historic photos and got to thinking about all the photos that I had worked on in my younger days – all the photographers who had these archives they were sitting on. So I set out to tell that story: The story of the photographer and a deeper story of those photos.

AM: How did you go about connecting with and interviewing the photographers and essayists featured in the book to hear about the accompanying stories of the shoots and how the images were created?

VT: I t wasn’t easy because photographers don’t generally like to show their contact sheets, they don’t like to show their outtakes or imperfect moments. So I started by going to the photographers who I already knew and who really trusted me with their stories. One by one, I started reaching out to Janette Beckman, then to Delphine Fawundu, Jamil GS – photographers that I have been on-set with when they photographed young Jay-Z, young Mos Def, young Gang Starr… I started writing a column for a magazine called Mass Appeal while I was researching the book. At first, the photographers thought it was kind of weird, like, “You want to see my contact sheets?” And I was like, "Yeah, I want to hear the back stories and I want to see all those weird photos of the person not looking into the frame or the photos that you shot of what was going on around them to kind of give it a more candid, documentary feel. And they loved the idea because they also like seeing each other’s contact sheets – photographers work really independently, so just seeing the work of their peers and just seeing that all these photos lie on a historic continuum (if you will) was really great. They realized that they were part of this great collective that documented this music, this new music that was created in our lifetime and was really something that nobody had ever seen before. They visualized that music.

AM: Did you have the title “Contact High” going into the project, or did it emerge during the course of the book?

VT: I didn’t have the name at first but it came to me pretty quickly. It just kind of popped into my head very early on. I had a good laugh with myself because a lot of Hiphop is associated with weed-smoking and hanging out. But more than that, Contact High speaks to immersing others into this world, this kind of bubble. It speaks to bringing people not just into one photo but bringing them into the world where that photo lives.

AM: We see chronologically, the first featured shoot kicks off in 1979 in the Bronx with Kool Herc. How is it to trace the past of Hiphop visual culture from its early days as a small subculture?

VT: Because I’ve been writing about the music for so long, I understood that this was the music that started with everyday people in neighborhoods, in communities. A lot of the earlier photos are not of the big stars but are of the dancers, the DJs, the kids from the neighborhood where a lot of the MCs came from. You see photos from the early days of Brooklyn and the Bronx all these places where the culture was born. Those early documentary photos also talk about the fact that this is much bigger than the music and much bigger than just this cultural phenomenon that we now know is kind of leading our mainstream. You can trace the history through the photos from the late ’70s and see it going into other cities, all of which have their own styles. You see it go into L.A., which had a very specific look and feel to it, to New Orleans, to Houston, to Detroit, to Atlanta. All the artists and photos that came out of that are super distinct, with their own flavor. So you have to see it and not just hear it. That’s what the contact sheets do.

AM: How was it to have Fab 5 Freddy as a creative director with the book?

VT: Oh my goodness, he’s a dream. He is a historian, he was a part of the culture, and he also gets this as part of the larger storytelling of Hiphop. As soon as I told him about this project, he got it right away. To be able to go deeper into these photos, he also realized there had never been a real retrospective done of Hiphop photography. Individual artists had sort of had little shows here and there but never on this kind of scale. So he not only wrote an essay for the book (which was incredible), he’s also in a lot of photos in the book.

And when it came time for me to curate the show’s exhibition, which we now have at the Annenberg Space For Photography in Los Angles through August 18 and which we hope to make a traveling exhibit after that, I knew he was the right person to be the creative director because he just got it – he got the whole project. We worked great together. He’s now working on so many amazing things related to the culture: He has a new film on Netflix called The Grass Is Greener about cannabis policy and the history of music in the black community. I like that he is a deeper, broader thinker – more than just about the music and more than just about the style. He sees how all the dots connect, which is why I really wanted to work with him.

AM: Core roots and aspects of athleisure are steeped in Hiphop style and culture. We love seeing Adidas, Kangol, Dapper Dan, and an array of other iconic fashion and culture laced throughout the images and contact sheets. What are some stories that the photographers and essayists offered about Hiphop style from the early days to rising to mainstream as a truly dominant and global authoritative stature?

VT: The whole phenomenon and athleisure wear and just comfort was really something that started in Hiphop, absolutely. Young kids were very aspirational in wanting certain sneakers or wanting a certain look, but at the same time this was all super personalized and all flipped on its head to have a very unique look and feel that was very Hiphop. So they started trends, they started a lot of the sneaker culture that you see right now: Run DMC and Adidas, the whole Nike Air Force 1 movement. A lot of even little details like the baggy sweatsuits, the caps, all that kind of stuff was very much self-styled and sort of remixed, if you will, from mainstream fashion. To see it come 360 now and be thriving as mainstream fashion is really cool. All these elements that were originally just about being an individual are now available to everyone.

AM: Tell us more about your spotlight on the importance of telling the story of women and Hiphop in the book.

VT: It wasn’t really a decision to play it up in the book. For someone who has always worked in the industry (as a woman, obviously), writing about the music for years, women have always been a really strong part of Hiphop, both in front of the camera and behind it. I had so many incredible black women editors when I was a writer; so many women ran the label that I worked for: Lucia Cortez, Silvia Rowne, really powerful women. And then of course the artists….

People ask me a lot, “How did you find all the women photographers in the book?” They were there all along. It wasn’t an effort on my part to become equitable – I wish I could say it was, but it just is. To me it’s just been something that I recognized always, and I think it’s a little bit of a stereotype with Hiphop. If you look at Hiphop as a culture, women have always been super prominent.

Also, April Walker started Walker Wear, and a lot of people didn’t even realize she was a woman because Tupac and Treach from Naughty By Nature were her spokespeople. There was this big wave of streetwear entrepreneurs in the early ’90s, and she should really be commended as part of that: she and all the women stylists who gave Hiphop its look in terms of selecting baggy clothes for Mary J. Blige or a lot of the other looks. I think all those women deserve to be celebrated and remembered.

AM: What have you seen with having such a multi-dimensional audience by design as it cuts across music, Hiphop, photography, portraiture and selfies, as shown with such acclaim, like the dynamic Amazon chart success across categories?

VT: A lot of people say Hiphop is now post-genre, so there’s not just one kind of Hiphop, there’s not just one kind of listener or audience. Hiphop now is global on all levels – it’s not just the subculture in a neighborhood anymore. The elements of it have been appropriated. That’s a loaded word; I guess a better word would be integrated into all facets of fashion and music. Kids in the suburbs listen to it, everyone listens to it, but at its core it will always be a music that speaks truth to power. That attitude will always come through in the photos, that attitude will always come through in the lyrics and all the different offshoot of any music culture. But now it’s a global phenomenon. Biggie has this line in one of his songs where he says, “You never thought that Hiphop would take it this far.” Indeed, a lot of people thought it was going to be a passing fad. It’s just really beautiful to celebrate the men and women who documented this culture that has not just stayed around but now defines many facets of our shared lives.

AM: It’s so interesting – and a treat – to get such an extensive intimate look at contact sheets and outtakes and see the interplay of photographers and artists in the creative journey together. What are some behind-the-scenes stories in the book about how the shoots started and went?

VT: Oh my goodness, I have so many. The one that people bring up most often is the story of Biggie in the crown that was taken by Barron Claiborne because it is a very stern-looking photo. The story behind it is that Barron was a young black photographer who was given the opportunity to photograph a fellow young black man and wanted to go against all the cliché imagery that he was seeing in the mainstream media at the time. He decided to photograph Biggie as a king. The editor of Rap Pages Magazine, a woman by the name of Dream Hampton, saw the importance of Barron’s vision of portraying someone like Biggie as royalty. In fact, that photo was called King of New York. The photo almost didn’t happen because Puffy/Diddy, who was leading Biggie’s career at that time, thought that he would kind of look like Burger King. So there was a lot of behind-the-scenes back-and forth, and it was interesting to hear the “this classic photo almost didn’t happen” accounts. I really like that photo for sure. I would say that’s a really good story.

AM: What are some accounts from the photographers about their work at that time? What cameras and gear were they shooting with, and did they comment about how it impacted the look and feel of their work and narrative?

VT: A lot o f big photographers – Janette Beckman, Danny Clinch – love shooting with medium-format Hasselblads. Lugging medium-format cameras around different neighborhoods, on the subways, is a little more challenging. But they always said it was very worth it. Not only did they produce this very beautiful, serious, historic moment, the Hiphop artist also felt that way. Janette Beckman shares the story about when she showed up in Hollis, Queens to photograph Run DMC. She had brought her Hasselblad on the subway from Manhattan way up to Queens. When she showed up, they understood that she was serious – not just here to take a few snapshots of us but here to really photograph us. Same goes for Danny Clinch for the Big L album covershot taken in front of his stoop in Harlem. Same thing. I feel like the photographers loved using Hasselblad medium-format because it set the tone.

AM: What have you heard from newer photographer fans, who love seeing contact sheets and negatives as a secret workflow?

VT: In digital culture, Instagram, imagery in general is very disposable in many ways, and we’re also bombarded with a lot of it. For younger fans, it’s often hard to imagine a world where you didn’t see the photo instantly or where you didn’t erase any photos. They’re also used to seeing a lot of finished product. The concept of contact sheets is important because it shows the stakes and it shows growth and it shows the artist in an imperfect setting and it shows the photographer working their process out, their creative process of trying to get the lighting right or not quite getting one out of 36 photos or one out of 12 photos right if you’re shooting medium-format.

So for young people, they see that the process takes time, and a lot of mistakes were made. That’s really important in this day and age. I think they really appreciate it - seeing photos of a young Kendrick Lamar in the studio where he looks kind of tired or frustrated recording his debut album. It’s a different Kendrick Lamar than the Pulitzer Prize winner with this amazing album on the other side of the process. So young people are really loving it. Also, just picking up on all those great style elements of the early days. A lot of it has definitely come back, and a lot of younger fans don’t even realize it’s been around for years and years.

British photographer Janette Beckman began her career at the dawn of punk rock working for publications such as The Face and Melody Maker. She shot bands from The Clash to Boy George as well as three Police album covers and documented the youth culture of the era. Moving to NYC in 1983, Beckman was drawn to the underground hip-hop scene where she photographed the pioneers of the culture such as RUN DMC, Slick Rick, Salt-N-Pepa, Grandmaster Flash, Big Daddy Kane, and LL Cool J.

Beckman has published five books: ‘Rap, Portraits & Lyrics of a Generation of Black Rockers’, ‘Made In The UK The Music of Attitude 1977-1983’, ‘The Beckman has publi-Breaks, Stylin' and Profilin' 1982-1990", 'El Hoyo Maravilla’ and ‘The MashUp, Hip Hop Photos Remixed by Iconic Graffiti Artists’.

Her dedication to documenting the outliers of society remains evident in the works she creates surrounding subjects such as Manhattan based dirt bike bandits, The Go Hard Boyz, an illegal girl fight club in Brownsville, New York, and the hardnosed rodeo riders of the River City Rodeo in Omaha, Nebraska. Her work has been shown in galleries worldwide and is in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Museum of the City of New York and the Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe. She is represented by the Fahey Klein Gallery. She continues to live and work in New York City today. Beckman’s commercial work includes assignments for clients such as Dior, Kangol, Levi’s, Schott, and Shinola.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you know you wanted to make portraits growing up?

JANETTE BECKMAN: I always liked portraits, I used to visit a lot of museums like the National Portrait Gallery in London as a kid and stare at the paintings, imagining what life was like in the 1800’s or whenever.

AM: Tell us about the London punk scene in the late-70s and how you became immersed?

JB: I came out of art school and the punk and youth culture scenes were happening on the streets. I was always into music and style, so it was natural for me to start documenting what I saw on my doorstep. I started working for a weekly music magazine called Sounds and soon was photographing 2 or 3 bands a week.

AM: What led you to NYC in the early 80’s and how did you start photographing rap groups?

JB: I saw my first Hiphop show in London in the fall of 1982 and that Christmas I came to NYC to visit a friend. The trains were covered in graffiti, kids with boomboxes on the platform. I loved it.

AM: What were some of the first Hiphop concerts that you attended, and how did the blend of DJs, rappers, break dancers and graffiti artists speak to you and what you saw with the culture at large?

JB: The first Hiphop concert was in London in 1982. I was blown away by the sounds and visuals, rappers, DJs, graffiti writers, break dancers all on stage together - I photographed Fab 5 Freddy, Grand Mixer DST, Afrika Bambaataa, RockSteady Crew, Double Dutch Girls, Rammellzee, Futura, Dondi - legends of the culture.

AM: Tell us about the 1984 shoot with Run-DMC for The Face magazine.

JB: The British magazine The Face commissioned me to photograph Run DMC. They gave me a phone number, which turned out to be Jam Master Jay’s mom’s house. I spoke to Jay and we arranged to meet at the Hollis subway station. Hollis turned out to be a leafy suburb in Queens. I walked down the street with him, met Run DMC hanging out under the trees on a spring day with some friends, and began taking photos - I got that shot in the first few frames. It was really a moment in time.

AM: What camera and lenses did you shoot with? How important was it to be shoot-ready when approaching shoots those days?

JB: I had a Hasselblad with an 80mm lens, I had 3 backs (12 shots in each), always ready/loaded.

AM: What was it like to work with Def Jam?

JB: Def Jam was a small label. I was also working with other small labels like Next Plateau and Sleeping Bag. They would bring their artists ’round to my studio. I had shown my portfolio to Lyor Cohen and Def Jam started to hire me. The first shoot I did for them was when Bill Adler, the Press Officer for Def Jam, brought LL Cool J to my studio for his first press shot.

AM: We loved seeing the early Afrocentric style reflected with your work with Tribe Called Quest. How did this come about and what was the day like?

JB: I was a huge fan of Tribe Called Quest and Hiphop style was becoming more Afrocentric. We decided that we wanted to shoot in nature. We were in NYC and the trees were still bare, so we went to the Chelsea Flower Market and found this greenery. The band had their little cousin with them and we had him in the shot too.

AM: What are some of the similarities and differences between shooting album covers and magazine candids and portraits?

JB: Album covers are square, you have to think about that when you are composing a shot. Magazine pages are usually vertical.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CONTACT HIGH: A VISUAL HISTORY OF HIP HOP, BY VIKKI TOBAK | Fugees - Jayson Keeling | Jay-Z – Danny Hastings | Kanye – Danny Clinch | Memphis Bleek - Armen Djerrahain | Mos Def - Jamil GS | RUN DMC – Janette Beckman | Salt-n-Pepa – Janette Beckman | A Tribe Called Quest – Janette Beckman |

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Contact High in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | 40 LOVE

With the NBA Finals upon us, we wanted to make sure we had an eatery on your list where you can pop in to catch your favorite team as we wonder who will win between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors. 40 Love opened in October 2018 and is an "Upscale Country Club Concept Sports Lounge." The space is filled with dark wood, lush greenery and white brick that resembles a classic American country club.

While there, guests can enjoy giant plush booths and over 25 flat-screen TVs. This neighborhood sports bar is good to cheer on your team or simply to grab a bite to eat with your friends.

Founded by John Terzian and Brian Toll of the h.wood Group, 40 Love is a premier destination for everyone from locals to travelers to sports figures and Hollywood's elite. Inside, it's a lively hangout to catch the game with friends, in addition to an elevated space and ambiance, that is playful in nature and is vintage in décor.

You can head to a lush greenery outdoor patio with drinks for a game of shuffleboard, plus have a variety of bites and drinks to choose from their full cocktail menu, shareable plates, late night menu options, and brunch on the weekends.

We suggest that whether you're enjoying 40 Love for the summer or during gameday, menu highlights include Waygu Hot Dog (Maui Sweet Onions, Sautéed Peppers, Mayo and Banana Peppers), Chicken Wings (Lemon Pepper, Sweet & Spicy, BBQ, Buttery Buffalo or Hot) and their Western Bacon Cheeseburger (House-Blend Smashed Burger, American Cheese, Bacon, BBQ Sauce and Crispy Sweet Onions).

When you're ordering a cocktail, we suggest, Degrassy (Wirgina Black Whiskey, Cynar, Lemongrass Syrup, Angostura Bitters and Lemon), The Hard Sell (Fernet Branca, Carpano Antica, Lemon Demerara and Mint) and Mully's Cup (Plymoth Gin, Pimm's, Strawberry Tincture, Peychaud's Bitters and Lime).

PHOTOS COURTESY | Elizabeth Daniels

40 LOVE

829 N La Cienega Blvd,

Los Angeles, CA 90069

www.the40love.com

IG @40Love

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | 40 Love in mag.