TOP 5 THE FACE SHOP BEAUTY PRODUCTS SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnant women should always be careful choosing beauty products because the skin can absorb harsh chemicals that could potentially harm the unborn baby. If you're going through a pregnancy, you need to buy skincare products that are appropriate for the changes that your body undergoes.

You may notice dryness and swelling in some areas of your face, and those are normal. The best thing you can do under those circumstances is to change the way you take care of your skin.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes several skin changes because of shifts in blood flow and maternal hormones like estrogen and progesterone. You can observe pigmentation changes around the nipples, the inner thighs, the neck, and the genitals. These parts might darken due to hormonal changes.

While most of these skin changes are reasonable, you can control excessive signs and symptoms brought about by stress, pollution, temperature changes, and hormonal changes, such as too dry or too oily skin using natural skincare products.

Products Safe for Pregnant Women

The Face Shop is one of the leading Korean brands that offer pregnant-friendly skincare products with natural ingredients like this beauty product. What are the best beauty products sold by the company? And what makes these products highly beneficial for pregnant women? Let's find out!

Here are the top natural beauty products you can try today from the leading Korean beauty brand:

1. My Plant Hand Cream

Your hand could get dry and uncomfortable. Some pregnant women even have carpal tunnel syndrome, and the wrists could get awkward. You should try this hand cream recommended for pregnant women while you massage them gently to avoid issues.

This cactus-shaped plant-based hand cream is naturally-enriched with the moisture-sealing agave atrovirens extract, providing long-lasting moisture. You'll love the cute cactus-shaped packaging and the cucumber-like scent that can refresh your senses.

2. Jeju Volcanic Lava Peel-Off Clay Mask

Pregnant women usually experience excessively oily or dry skin as well as skin breakouts, most notably on the nose area due to hormonal changes. This volcanic lava from Jenu Island peel-off clay mask from The Face Shop uses volcanic ash combined with other Jeju Island sourced natural ingredients, which are very safe during pregnancy.

This product purifies the pores and absorbs excess sebum. It's a mask that allows you to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote cell rejuvenation. Use this product twice a week if you feel that your face is too oily, and only once a week if it's flaky.

3. Calendula Essential Moisture Eye Cream

The undereye areas are some of the most vulnerable parts of the face. During your pregnancy, you could be prone to dark circles and puffiness, so it's essential to use eye cream every night. The cream can help reduce wrinkles and eyebags.

The Calendula Essential Moisture Eye Cream is a natural eye cream made with calendula, cornflower, chamomile, rooibos, sage, lily, and borage extracts that soothe and revitalize the delicate eye area. Pregnant women won't feel uncomfortable because this eye cream doesn't leave a sticky and cumbersome feel.

4. Power Perfection BB Cream

Pregnant women usually experience uneven skin because of maternal hormone changes. Often, regardless of how well you've taken care of your skin, there are blemishes and dark spots. The simple solution is to use a blemish balm or BB cream underneath your cosmetics.

The Power Perfection BB cream helps even skin tone. Also, it moisturizes and brightens the skin as well as reduce wrinkles and protect the skin against ultraviolet rays with SPF37. This cream helps your skin look bright and fresh.

5. Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil

A makeup remover or oil cleanser is essential to any beauty routine. It's the first step to any skincare routine. This rice water cleansing oil cleans the face in a gentle way that pregnant women needs. It removes makeup and skin impurities, which leaves the skin fresh, soft, and clean. If you're an expectant mom who wears heavy makeup, this rice water cleanser helps cleanse and remove makeup. It will leave your skin feeling soft without the sticky feel.

Conclusion

Pregnant women have unique skincare needs because of hormonal changes, physical stress, extra weight, and dietary changes. That's why as much as possible, fewer chemicals should be used. Natural skin care products from The Face Shop made of natural ingredients. These products are gentle on the skin because the products don’t contain harsh chemicals.

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

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9LIST STORI3S | KATY PERRY

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9LIST

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HOW TO DRESS | FOR HANGING OUT AT HOME

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IN OUR BAG | WHEN WE GET A BIT OF FRESH AIR

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STYLE FILES | SS20

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ROCK THIS LOOK WHEN YOU NEED TO STAY COMFORTABLE

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ALOE BEAUTY

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THE PICK ME UP

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#TRIBEGOALS

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ATHLEISURE MAG | #51 MAR 2020

This month’s cover and back cover is ESPN’s Host of The Jump, Rachel Nichols. Our cover shoot editorial – Bank Shot with Rachel Nichols took place at Moxy Time Square in Tao Group Hospitality’s Magic Hour. We talked with Rachel about her career, being at ESPN, the NBA and a number of the stories that she has covered while at the network. In our feature, Something You Should Know, we chat with Roxanne Dennant of Fruit Slabs who talks about the cannabis industry, starting her company and what they are working on. This month, we chatted with the founder of Careers Through Culinary Arts Programs founder, Richard Grausman, who shares more information on C-CAP, who it serves and his partnerships with chefs. In this month’s The Art of the Snack, we head to Astoria, Queens to VIA VAI. We talk with Ladder, a premium supplement brand to find out more from their scientist about the formulation of this nutritious drink. We talk fragrances with the founder of Hope Fragrances, Audrey Gruss to find out more about her perfumes, availability in Bergdorf Goodman and how she provides funds for the awareness and research for depression.

As usual, we have our monthly roundups including our 9LIST (Athleisure Mag’s picks that we’re loving this month in style, beauty and fitness) featured roundups. This month’s 9LIST STORI3S (picks supplied by celebrities) gives us insight into American Idol Judge and Pop Icon, Katy Perry. This month’s 9PLAYLIST includes Instagram Club Quarantine DJ D-Nice who shares his favorite songs with us that you have also enjoyed in his sets that we have been jamming (along with 100K+ people when he spins via Instagram).  As always, you can enjoy Athleisure List (Alo Moves and Technogym), The Pick Me Up, Bingely Books, Bingely Streaming, Style Files, Rock This Look When You Need to Stay Comfortable, Athleisure Beauty, How to Dress, In Our Bag, #TRIBEGOALS and Aloe Beauty. 

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ACHIEVING BODY REFORMATION WITH REFORMER PILATES

Hey! Want to do some exercises that will keep your muscles toned, keep you strong, fit and brimming with stamina? It’s time then to get your “gyming” gear and get set to engage in a sequence of routines that will strengthen as well as stabilize your core. It is Pilates’ time!

Pilates, a fitness procedure created at the start of the 20th century, was the invention of Joseph Pilates. Though he named his technique Contrology, these fitness exercises have come to be known with his name. It is now practiced globally with the U.S.A., Australia, the U. K. and Canada taking the lead. 11 million persons, as at 2005, used this system regularly; about 14,000 of which were in the U.S.A.

The culture, at the close of the 19th century, of alleviating ill health through physical exercises, was a factor in the development of this fitness routine. It has been shown from studies that Pilates boosts balance and that regular sessions are able to help healthy adults condition their muscles; especially in comparison with staying without exercises.

Low-Impact Exercise, High-Impact Results

Pilates sessions are built around these principles: control, centering, flow, breathing, concentration, postural, relaxation, stamina, alignment, precision etc. These are enumerated in greater detail here. These exercises are low-impact routines that are aimed at strengthening muscles and at the same time improving posture, alignment as well as flexibility. The moves mainly aim for the core though it also works other parts of the body.

They can be done with equipment or without one. In any case, the routines tend to revolve around precise but slow movements as well as breath control. This exercise requires intense focus as the format that the exercises take, is more important than the exercises themselves.

Precision is key to the proper execution of these routines. The idea being that it is better to do one precise and perfect movement than many lackadaisical ones. With better precision, motion becomes more efficient and less stress is therefore required to perform the exercises. With relaxation, you can achieve correct muscle firing patterns and improved mental concentration is also enhanced.

A standard Pilates routine will last for about 45 minutes to about an hour. This leaves your body’s core strengthened and stabilized; thus, enabling you to move efficiently while at the same time improving posture, litheness, and agility. Therefore, if you long for a full-body exercise method that will help you do everything better, consider this exercise system.

You can design your routines to suit your individual needs; such that it becomes an immense complement to the aerobic sessions you already engage in. For instance, if you suffer from arthritis, a strength-enhancing schedule such as this will be a very significant element of your fitness program. Research has shown that combining aerobic exercises and strength-enhancing exercises does a lot to curb certain symptoms, sustain balance, retain flexible joints, and also helps in the achievement and maintenance of an enviable body weight.

Machine Aided Pilates

There are basically two different approaches to Pilates classes. These include the mat approach and the reformer approach. Your sessions could either use a mat (not your usual yoga mat but a slightly thicker variation) designed to provide some comfort to the points where pressure is exerted, or you could make use of a machine referred to as a Reformer. This machine is built like platform that slides along two fixed bars for the foot, some springs, and the pulleys that account for the resistance. There are a few other pieces of equipment to know, but we will not be looking at those at the moment.

Whether the mat or the Reformer machine, the goal is to achieve control and not just a brutish exertion of the muscles. When making use of the mat, your muscles work by lifting against the force of gravity. If however you make use of the Reformer, you will be working to overcome the band or spring’s resistance. All of these will be done to strengthen specific muscles in the body.

What is Reformer Pilates?

The Reformer Pilates is a creation of the original founder of the exercise system. A rectangular frame having a plane platform –known as the carriage– positioned to roll on wheels inside the frame in a forward and backward movement. By a set of springs, the carriage attaches to an end of it. When the carriage on the frame gets a push or pull, these springs provide choices of differing levels of resistance. The carriage comes with shoulder blocks that keep users from sliding off with each push or pull of the carriage. Reformers parts are adjustable for differing body sizes and different levels of skill.

With almost all certainty, there is no piece of Pilates equipment more popular than the Reformer, and for good reasons. The machine makes a dramatic impression the first time you see one; and even a more dramatic change in your body when you use one. Reformers are usually lined up in Pilates studios, being that Reformer classes are usually one of the main choices offered. There are portable Reformers, which are equally popular as home exercise equipment.

What Makes the Reformer so Special?

The Reformer provides all the advantages of Pilates comprising of all-round strength, spontaneous flexibility, excellent coordination, and steady equilibrium. Exercises done with the device, for most people, is a fun-filled experience; an experience that often feels like flying or gliding.

Embarking on Body Reformation

For beginners, the Reformer Pilates may look more like a foe than a friend. With lengthy, ingenious straps, a prominent framework and movable platform, it is simply understandable why someone said this particular contraption resembles a torture equipment of the Dark Age. However, this equipment should be no cause for apprehension. You, can master the Reformer with practice – even with minimal assistance. You can find you can find a simple guide here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/guide-to-pilates/.

If it is your first workout with Reformer Pilates, here is what to expect: the carriage will move so flow with it. The more you make use of the equipment – having caution and safety in mind always – the more comfortable you will be in all your movements. One major thing about Reformer Pilates, something that also makes it special, is that feeling of moving in the absence of gravity. However, lying facing up on a platform that is moving can be kind of disorienting, if not weird.

Since the objective here is for one to experience the carriage’s motion, you should be ready to take charge and master it. As you continue, you will develop connections as you discover proper form, understand what is right for your body and finally attain balance. The Reformer Pilates is a work of wonder! Exercising with this equipment is possible for anyone, at any level of fitness. It isn’t any wonder that it is often popularly called the Universal Reformer.

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FILLED CBD DATE NIGHT? WE'VE GOT THE RECIPE RIGHT HERE

Filled CBD Date Night? We’ve Got The Recipe Right Here

With the ever growing popularity of CBD, it’s no surprise that CBD manufacturers have come up with a variety of products that lend themselves to different aspects of our modern lifestyle. Different combinations of CBD products can not only provide benefits for specific ailments, but they can also enhance a variety of situations, including date nights. With so many products, it can be hard to know which companies to trust, so we’ve sorted through and found the safest CBD capsules anywhere, as well as a variety of CBD products to help kick start the romance.

Dates often consist of a meal and an activity. Sometimes this means dinner and a movie, sometimes lunch and a hike, but it is usually a combination of the two. This stage of the dating process is absolutely crucial. If you choose an activity that your partner totally hates, then you might be sunk. Occasionally a good meal can patch things up, but what if you ate before the activity? What if you took your date out and had a great time rock climbing, but then suggested a restaurant that more than misses the mark. For some reason the latter of the situations seems like the easiest to recover from. 

The point being that this point in the courting process can make or break the romance between two people. Throwing CBD into the mix can not only spice up a potentially boring situation, but it might just help you relax enough to really be yourself. The lovely person your friends and family know, not the person who is thrown off by the stress or pressure caused by a new love interest. CBD can be your best friend in these situations because it can be incorporated into the food and it can be an activity when shared between two potential lovebirds.

Passion 

With so many people dating at such a rapid pace due to the fact that the modern dating scene is pretty much dominated by rapid-fire dating applications. People are presented with more opportunity for dates or hook-ups than ever before. You simply download an application from whatever app store you use, upload some photos of yourself looking sexy or doing cool things like paragliding, then you build your profile and talk about how you love long walks on the beach and paragliding. Once you have your enticing photos uploaded, and your biography written, then it’s time to start looking for dates. Oftentimes on these dating applications you are fed thousands of photos of potential mates to sort through. When you see someone you think is attractive, then you can usually message them and ask if they would be interested in meeting up at some point.

Once you have found a potential soulmate, then you must prepare to meet. Your mating dance must be on point if you are to beat out all the other little birdies. You need to be colorful and interesting or the love of your life might slip from your fingers. You don’t want to be left wondering who, in the sea of fish who swam out of your life, could have been the one. You need to be the founder of their dreams and swim circles around their cold damaged heart until it thaws and melds back together from the warm glue that is your love.

The endless sea of potential lovers is a daunting one to sail. You must be willing to sway and capsize, time after time swimming to the edge of your little boat heart and finding a way to get it upright again. You must bask in the blissful sunshine of the good days, and suffer the mighty storms on the bad. Love. It is a river. And your best shot of catching the fish of your dreams is to enchant them with your charm, intelligence, humor, humanity and most importantly, your date planning abilities. For without the aforementioned date planning abilities, you will never have the chance to display your humanity. Your charm will go half noticed, and your intelligence will be in question at best. You will be viewed as a dull colorless plankton who does not dance circles around the heart as the almighty flounder can. You might lose the one chance you have at true love and happiness.

So instead of living your life a lonely plankton in a sea of dancing flounders, follow this simple CBD date night formula to win your target's heart. It is of the utmost importance that you make your own personal twist to this recipe. We can provide you with a nice little tool set, but without your own creative input, this recipe will remain just a recipe. Your creative twists will bring the recipe and your date to life, and you might just turn out to be a dancing fish.

First we recommend taking your date to a nice dinner. Ask mutual friends for recommendations of places your date might like. Have two CBD capsules ready when you pick your date up. When the two of you arrive at the restaurant, ask for two glasses of water, and then ask your date if they would like some CBD drink mix added to their water. This will excite and entice them. When the bread arrives mix some CBD oil into the olive oil and enjoy! Once you have finished your meal, ask your date if they'd like some CBD gummies for desert. They are sure to crack a smile one way or the other. After enjoying some gummies, you can ask if they would like to go back to your place for a massage using CBD lotion. If you follow these simple steps, and mix in your own bit of flare, then you are sure to have a great time. Show your date that you are fun, and if the two of you share a love of CBD, then you might just get that second date.

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MIXED MARTIAL ARTS: BLOGS, TRAINING AND A WHOLE LOT OF (GOOD) PAIN

Being healthy should be a prerogative of any human. It is not just a trend or a phase; it should be a part of our daily life. As we are creatures of habit, we tend to do things just because it is a part of our daily activities. However, most of us are also programmed to look for pleasure and comfort first.

As this page says, we do not usually want to make an effort to be healthy since it is a lot of work. There are a lot of things that you should be doing, and acts that you need to avoid. Once it becomes a part of our routine though, it starts a path to being better physically and mentally.

There are many ways that we can achieve this state, but there are two general ones. First, you need to eat a balanced diet or meal. The other one is through physical activity. Most people would do your typical gym routines or running exercises to keep their blood pumping. They can be effective, and it is a good way to have some sort of exercise in our lives.

On the other hand, some people prefer a more strenuous type of activity. One of them is through joining a fighting class, and MMA is one of the more popular choices.

Learning Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed martial arts (MMA) can be considered as a combination of different fighting styles. It is also sometimes known as “cage fighting” because it is not as rigid in rules compared to other disciplines. One big example of this freedom is holding and grappling.

Most fighting sports do not condone these types of moves, but you can do it in MMA. Same thing with using elbow attacks, kicks and jumps. It is a bloody contact sport, and its training is almost incomparable with others related to its genre.

If you are still a beginner, it can be an intimidating experience. Most experts would agree that you need to undergo training in other contact sports before you can start with this. For example, it would be best to start with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, taekwondo and/or boxing. These disciplines would be best in preparing you for the world of MMA. Some of the rules might be different, but it is certainly going to be easier for adjustment.

You can also look into blogs that can help you learn more about this sport. With the internet, there are so many articles about this. It can be confusing to read most of them especially if you are just starting with the sport.

One of the ways that you may know that it is a great website for you is through their content. Certain sites cater more to advanced learners as it is full of recommendations regarding techniques and strategies.  Sites like https://mmasentinel.com help players know more about the craft and skills needed for it.

Starting From Scratch

If you are looking for a beginner-friendly blog, most of them would include tips and tricks on the equipment to use. You would not need the advanced techniques yet as you are still a beginner. It is also a great starting point for people who are just starting if they have articles about the basics. MMA is not a simple discipline by any means, and it has a lot of nuances that are different from the others. The rules of engaging in it are also different, so you need to know as much as possible.

Watching videos can also be a good way to know more about mixed martial arts. There are a lot of channels on YouTube and other platforms that cater to beginners and experts alike. The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation was founded to create more opportunities for novices to test their skills with other fighters. The Ultimate Fighting Championship has been for almost 27 years now, and it has been catering to professionals and fans alike.

MMA is not an easy sport to learn, but it is also hard to master. However, it can be a great way to flex those muscles and show some moves. Losing weight while gaining strength, speed and flexibility is ust one of the great benefits of learning this discipline. It can also be used as a self-defense tool in clutch situations, but you need to be able to use it properly.

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5 GADGETS TO HELP YOU COOK EASIER AND FASTER

Each one of us has wished for their favorite dish to be prepared in a jiffy when it comes to hunger pangs. All of us have had significant food cravings at unseemly hours of the day, and the only solution to it has been either completely give up on the hunger or get up and start cooking. Not everyone wants to cook in the middle of the night, but then again, how do you curb your cravings.

You cannot always have unhealthy snacks to keep your cravings in place. Sometimes the last resort can do more harm than good. The delivery services do deliver food at all times of the day, but in dire circumstances, it is better to cook a decent meal than have one of those take-outs. Since these platters are loaded with fats, it turns into a big question to continue with them without piling up on extra calories.

Hence, technology can come to your rescue to a large extent, with the smart tools being used in the kitchen. These inventive gadgets, as seen on the DFYdaily website: https://www.dfydaily.com, can put your cooking woes away and set a trail of happy faces at the dinner table. Let us have a closer look at these gadgets:

1)Microwave oven: All of us have tried our hands at the conventional ovens at some point in their lives. The ovens have indeed revolutionized the style of cooking for people of all ages. With the smart ovens, they can be monitored with an application on your smartphone or tablet. The temperature and cooking mode can be determined and adjusted through the app so that cooking is a cakewalk. Through the comfort of your homes, you can control how much time needs to be set aside for boiling, grilling, or roasting. You will be able to fix some of the recipes as your favorites and quickly apply them whenever needed.

2) Juicers and blenders: The smart juicers in the market today are a dream come true for every novice in the kitchen. These machines can help you get your favorite juice type from the comfort of your kitchen. The juices obtained can be dispensed in an instant and consumed comfortably. The whole process is managed in a hands-free mode and can be controlled through an application on your smartphone or the tablet from which you control the ways depending on the types of fruits used. The most significant advantage is that there is no spillage and no residue which needs to be cleaned up later to avoid unnecessary waste.

3) Auto recycling machines: There are recycling machines that can automatically convert the kitchen waste into much-needed soil-based fertilizers, which can enhance the nutritional feed for the plants. These fertilizers are upcycled kitchen waste, which is generated daily.

These machines are lifesavers for the people who are plant lovers and would love to maintain a kitchen garden. At the same time, they would like to keep their wastes to a bare minimum, and this problem is also handled with the gadgets which give a complete profile of the debris being fed in and the yield of fertilizer obtained.

4)Smart filters: Every house requires an intelligent water filter, which can make the water safe for drinking, especially in areas where hard water is more common than soft water. The water is also rendered free of impurities and any materials which can be harmful to the person drinking it. These filters are connected remotely through applications that are indeed as smart as expected since a real-time report of the safety and efficacy of the screen is maintained. You can quickly login to the application and monitor the filtering process even while you are not in the kitchen. The flow of the water and level can also be maintained efficiently.

5)Convection machines: There are various smart grills in the market which work on an active connection being established with the smartphone or the tablet being used to control the same. The grills are used by the tap of a button on the device connected to it. Further, one can easily decide the cooking time, the type of cooking, type of food, etc. being used at any given point of time. This particular gadget saves a lot of time and boosts the quality of cooking for beginners and experts alike. 

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ATHLEISURE LIST | THE WONDERBON CHOCOLATE CO.

Although we have been enjoying warm temperatures, there is something about being able to enjoy hot chocolate during the winter. We found ourselves this month at The Wonderbon Chocolate Co. which opened on Feb 1st of this year as a pop up to mark the Hot Chocolate Festival that Hot Chocolate Maker Maury Rubin created and ran for 28 years each February at City Bakery.

This pop-up shop is meant to announce the creation of The Wonderbon Chocolate Co., a brand new chocolate company based primarily on hot chocolate. For the next 3 months, guests will be able to enjoy the treats offered here and there is a chance that it will continue as a location beyond this time period.

Two sizes are available as a 4oz. "Shot" for $4 and an 8oz. "Regular" for $5.50. We enjoyed their Hot Chocolate Happy Hour which takes place Monday - Friday from 5-7pm. They serve a rotational flight menu. We enjoyed Mezcal-Spiked Hot Chocolate with an Onyx Cocoa-Salted Rim, White Chocolate Hot Chocolate with Walnut Liquor, Bourbon Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Whipped Cream and a regular hot chocolate without alcohol. These all come in the shot sizes.

The one of a kind menu of hot chocolates by Maury Rubin has been a longtime evolving work. Some of his best-known concoctions throughout the years include Vanilla Bean Hot Chocolate, Ginger Hot Chocolate, Tropical Hot Chocolate, and Sunken Treasure Hot Chocolate. New flavors include White Miso Hot Chocolate, Brown Sugar Hot Chocolate and White Chocolate with Plum Jam, Coriander, and Cinnamon.

There are new flavors being created each day. The shop serves four to eight flavors daily, with a rotating menu. This is definitely a great way to pop in to see what new flavors are available as the pop-up continues.

The bigger plan for Wonderbon Chocolate is to create a line-up of ready to drink hot chocolates for the home, with a level of quality and creativity that customers will enjoy.

THE WONDERBON CHOCOLATE CO

257 Bleecker St NY, NY 10014

www.wonderbon.com

IG @wonderbonchocolate

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R3DCARP3T

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FINDING THE THROUGH LINE WITH JAMIE GRAY HYDER

We can't tell you how many times we've enjoyed watching NBC's Law & Order marathons whether it's the flagship program, Criminal Intent or SVU. We love our fair share of True Crime and the squad members that we get to know each season. When Law & Order: SVU came back last fall, its 21st season (they have now been renewed for an additional 3 seasons), marking it as the longest running drama series in history. Along with more stories ripped from the headlines, advocating for victims and getting to know many of our faves, Jamie Gray Hyder joined the cast as Officer Katriona "Kat" Azar Tamin who is learning the ropes, coming in with her style of tracking criminals and learning how to grow with her squad.

This month's shoot for our 50th issue showcases a number of pre-Spring looks worn by Jamie Gray Hyder who is known for her voice acting work in the Call of Duty video games, HBO's True Blood and a number of other projects. We took some time to find out more about how she got into the entertainment industry, how she prepares for her roles as well as how it is to be in this acclaimed and iconic show!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve been fans of yours since you’ve been on HBO’s True Blood, a number of our readers play video games and have enjoyed your voice acting on them. Can you tell us how you got into the entertainment industry?

JAMIE GRAY HYDER: I’ve been acting since I was a kid. I’ve been a classically trained vocalist since I was really young. I have always been performing and then when I got into college and studying straight acting and kind of left the musical theater world, that’s when I sort of honed in on film and television and working on screens. So after college, I moved out to LA to try to get it going.

AM: What have been some of the shows that readers have seen you in prior to NBC’s Law & Order SVU?

JGH: My first sort of big break was on True Blood. They initially hired me to do a smaller part for 2 episodes and we all worked together really well and they liked the character. So I ended up staying for 2 seasons. For me, that was a huge learning experience and a huge validating experience. To work with HBO as my first home is something that I am really grateful for.

AM: You are so extremely versatile. We’ve enjoyed seeing you in a number of ways such as David Guetta’s music videos. How do you prepare yourself for all of these different types of opportunities?

JGH: You sort of have to find the through-line in what you bring to each one and for me that came down to getting comfortable with what I already bring to the table. Self-awareness is really important because that’s going to be the thread that binds it no matter whether you’re doing video games, television or music videos. If you’re not comfortable with yourself and comfortable with sort of what you provide on naturally, then you’re not really going to know where to go from there.

For me, becoming more comfortable with myself and increasing my self-awareness was a tool that I think has helped me through all of the different mediums.

AM: So Law & Order as a franchise, we can’t tell you how many hours a week that we have enjoyed watching it. It’s something we love watching whether it’s Law & Order, Criminal Intent or SVU. How did you get the call that you are joining the cast?

JGH: Initially, they brought me on to do a few episodes as a guest star and we were going to feel out her role as a regular. Then when they decided to keep me and called me, I lost it and I started crying. I couldn’t believe it because not only am I a part of such a legendary show, but such a historic season. So I get all the weight that comes with that even though this is my first season. So to be tied into such a monumental achievement for the show has been something that has is very rare and something that I am really grateful for.

AM: Tell us who is Officer Katriona “Kat” Azar Tamin?

JGH: Officer Kat and Jamie actually have a lot in common when it comes to being driven and sometimes stubborn and independent. Kat is more reserved when it comes to, I think, her personality, but when it comes to the way she approaches her work and fighting for these victims, she really leads with her heart. I think you’ll see her attempting to create more of a balance between her head and her heart as we continue on. Right now, she is still a little bit rough around the edges kind of learning how to conduct herself in this new world and this new set of rules and structure. While she is a little bit out of line here and there, I think that as she grows and becomes more comfortable with her role in the squad room I think you’ll see her settle in a little bit better.

AM: What is it like working with this amazing cast of characters and people such as Ice-T and Mariska Hargitay. What is that like as we have a number of Law & Order fans who would love to know.

JGH: I learned so much from them both professionally and personally every day. Ice has sort of had my back very much so from the beginning just like Finn has had Kat’s back from the beginning. He and I connected instantly over my work in the music industry. My side job in LA was working at a recording studio called Record Plant. So I worked there for 4 years and dealt with a lot of the same people and personality types and scenarios that Ice has kind of grown up in. So we shared a lot of those kinds of experiences. With Mariska, it’s sort of a daily lesson in how to lead and how to inspire and motivate people. All of my castmates have families and they all have children. They all come in and focus and bring a fresh energy every single day. That’s easy for me as a new person, but thinking into working on something for 5-10-20 years, you might get jaded. Every single one of my castmates comes in fresh daily which is something that I find super impressive.

AM: You guys cover a lot of really heavy topics. In terms of preparing, as your episodes are inspired by cases that took place in real life, and I’m sure there is a lot of work in terms of understanding the victim, how you would play the role, how it would be like for them to come to you etc. How do you take that on as it seems like that would take a lot to be in those positions?

JGH: Before we do each episode, we are sent a whole research packet that has a bunch of news articles and things that all deals with the scenario that we are dealing with on the show. While we don’t necessarily represent certain people or events, often times we are pulling from the news and real people. For me, it’s very much a motivating factor. You have to put aside whatever you’re dealing with personally and really give value to what you are doing because there are real people dealing with these types of issues in their real lives. While we have to keep it light on set as much as we can because we are dealing with heavy material every single day. I think that approaching it with a little bit of reverence is the way that we all really justify what we are doing and just knowing that there are real people out there that are being positively impacted by our show is something that is never lost on us.

AM: So you guys are currently filming season 21 right now. What is a week like when you’re balancing between filming for the show and then what do you do when you’re not on set?

JGH: I chill in my apartment a lot. Because we can work long hours. Some days are shorter than others. We typically shoot 5 days out of the week, 10 months out of the year. It’s a 9-5 and you really have to think of your dressing room as your office and your trailer as your office and take that down time and be productive with it. It can be grueling, but you just remind yourself how lucky you are to be in this position every day and that helps get you through it. When I get home, I just like to hang, and chill and cook and watch movies. I’m happy to be in NY and I have a lot of exploring to do.

AM: What do you do while you’re here – where could we see you working out, going shopping or grabbing a bite?

JGH: I love Japanese food so I am always trying out a new Japanese restaurant. As far as working out, I work out at a fight gym.

AM: So the recent episode you were in, we saw you boxing - that was not something new for you?

JGH: No, that was kind of inspired by my routine already and they said we want to incorporate that and they had a storyline that they had been working on and so it all worked together. So a few days a week, I’m over at Gotham Gym. I work with trainers there. My preferred method of workout is technique and fight training and that’s what I do a few times a week.

AM: With summer coming up and people wanting to look fit and their best, what are 3 boxing moves that people should put into their routines?

JGH: Something super simple that anyone can do at home and you don’t need to pay a lot of money to do it and you don’t have to have people tell you to do it is jumping rope.

AM: Ugh we’re not a fan, but it’s so good for you so we power through it.

JGH: When I first started, I said oh my God, I’m so shitty at this. But then you keep going and just doing 3 minutes before getting into my workout every day – it gets your co-ordination in check, it gets your rhythm in check. For me, it kind of wakes me up. So this is something that anyone can do and benefit from.

AM: So you love to cook, what are 3 things that we can see you cooking?

JGH: I like projects. So I will typically pick a cuisine and say, “what about Korean? I love the Korean Cheong Soups how can I make one at home?” I really enjoy cooking projects that involve going to specialty grocery stores whether it’s a Korean grocery store, a Japanese grocery store, an Indian grocery store – I kind of like exploring new ingredients. I will pick something that feels foreign to me to learn about different foods but then you get to know more about different cultures that way at the same time.

AM: What are philanthropies, charities or platforms that you like to give your time to and support as well as to draw awareness to?

JGH: I work a lot supporting the Armed Forces and Veterans causes that’s really important to me. I specifically work with organizations that help to aid the transition to active duty and civilian life. Some of those include the Student Veterans of America. They are an organization that has liaisons at over 1,500 campuses across the country that help newly, people who are newly coming out of the service and want to get their Bachelors degree. They’re older and have a full life that they have to work around so they have an organization that helps to get around those hurdles to make achieving a higher education easier for those that are coming out of service. When I worked at Call of Duty, I worked with the Call of Duty Endowment which helps place veterans at high paying full-time jobs and in addition to veterans, I work a lot with mental health organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and I work a lot with Cannabis Reform. So those are my 3 major things and they often overlap in a lot of ways as well.

AM: That’s inspiring. What are acting projects that you could imagine doing and would like to have offered to you that are on your bucket list?

JGH: For me, it comes down to the types of work. I love being physical and that’s one of the things that I love about the episode on SVU. I loved being able to be physical, to fight and to do stunt work and getting into it that way. Any job that really requires me to by physical or learn a new skill. Working in other languages and accents and things like that is something that also appeals to me. I also really love animation because you get to voice characters that you would never get to play on screen and it allows you to sort of stretch that muscle a little more.

AM: With the summer coming up, do you have any place you’re going or somewhere on your bucket list to go to?

JGH: Loving Japanese food the way that I do, I love traveling to Japan. I have been once before and so my fiancé and I are doing a honeymoon of sorts and going back to Japan to have a retreat - a relaxing week in some of the onsen towns that’s more nature based places. It would probably be in Northern Japan. That would be the next big trip.

AM: When you’re flying, what are 3 things that you like to have in your carry-on that make traveling more comfortable?

JGH: Snacks – I always like having those. I usually like to have an oil or lotion which keeps your hands from getting dry. I also like to bring my essential oils like lavender or peppermint and to put it behind my ears. It doesn’t disturb anyone else but it keeps me in my own cocoon of sorts and it keeps me in my comfort in that way.

IG @JGHyder

We shot our 50th cover at the Dream Downtown Hotel within TAO Group Hospitality's PHD Rooftop Lounge and at the Winter Rose Garden Lobby Bar. These areas are just a couple of properties available at this destination that vacationers, those traveling for business and those who are enjoying a staycation can enjoy when visiting. We wanted to find out more about them as well as what you can look forward to as we transition to the Spring and the Summer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into the specific spaces we shot in, please tell us about Tao Group Hospitality as we find these restaurants, nightclubs and day clubs are global multisensory experiences.

TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY: Tao Group Hospitality is a leading restaurant and nightlife company that develops, owns and operates many of the worlds most recognized restaurant and entertainment venues under various brands including but not limited to Tao, Marquee, Avenue, Lavo, Beauty & Essex, Vandal, The Highlight Room, Luchini and Koma in major markets across the world. Tao Group Hospitality’s corporate headquarters is located in New York City, with locally-based managing partners and a full-time marketing and operations staff in every other market.

AM: What cities are Tao Group Hospitality properties located in?

TGH: New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Sydney.

AM: Are there new properties that we should keep an eye out for in 2020 for Tao Group Hospitality?

TGH: Top secret – stay tuned!

AM: The Lobby Bar is a fun space and for the winter, you have it themed as the Winter Rose Garden. What was the thought behind this installation, and will there be additional themes for this this year?

TGH: The Winter Rose Garden is complete with a bar & wall made out of 15,000 red roses complete with red accent furniture, candles, and rose-infused cocktails. Food and beverage offerings at The Winter Rose Garden include the Crispy Truffle Mac & Cheese Balls and the Primrose Cider cocktail with a side of rose-infused ice cubes. This magical rouge oasis at Dream Downtown was designed to cure a bad case of the winter blues and will be activated for a limited time only so stop in today!

AM: Are there 3 signature cocktails and dishes in this bar that guests should enjoy while in this space?

TGH: Blanc de Blanc ($19) – Ciroc Coconut, Creme de Cacao, Amaretto, Almond Milk, Almond Milk Foam, Shaved Chocolate; Lavender Dreams ($18) – Don Julio Blanco, Lemon, Pea Flower Tea, Simple Syrup, Egg White and Primrose Cider ($18) – Barking Irons Applejack, Cinnamon Syrup, Lemon Juice, Sparkling Rosé, Rose Ice Cube.

AM: We have spent a number of nights, NYFW events and more at PHD Rooftop Lounge. When did this space open and what is the vibe of this penthouse space?

TGH: Having opened in June 2011, PHD Rooftop Lounge continues to be the ultimate penthouse, featuring timeless and luxurious finishes. With an exquisite panoramic Manhattan skyline view that includes direct lines of site to the Hudson River and Empire State Building, guests come to relax on custom-built Italian leather banquettes with marble tables, and cozy seating niches located on the outdoor terrace.

AM: What are 3 signature cocktails and dishes that we should enjoy when being here?

TGH: Dream Girl ($19) – Bacardi Limon, Cointreau, Raspberry; Strawberry Fields ($19) – Don Juilo Blanco, Fresh Strawberry, Basil and Ginger Towers ($19) – Ketel One, Fresh Ginger, Mint, Ginger Beer.

AM: What kinds of events are held at PHD Rooftop and as we head into the Spring and the Summer, what events should we mark on our calendar?

TGH: TBD! Follow us at @PHDRooftopNY to stay up to date with things fun for Spring / Summer 2020!

AM: Tao Group Hospitality has additional spaces within Dream Hotel Downtown, please share those with a little information about these as well as upcoming Spring/Summer events?

TGH: Join us every Monday night at Meatpacking hotspot, Bodega Negra, for the weekly themed dinner party – Loco Mondays. Amidst the intimate and moodily-lit “Tudor Hacienda” decor, watch as performers kick off the evening of vibe dining with music from DJ Select, followed by tabletop performances from a rotating line-up of mesmerizing acts such as burlesque dancers and fire-breathers. Enjoy menu offerings from Corporate Executive Chef Brad Warner with small plates such as fresh ceviche, tacos and generously proportioned dishes like Shrimp Alambre and Enchiladas, complimented by a selection of handcrafted mezcal and tequila cocktails; followed by the famous Don Huevo dessert from Corporate Pastry Chef Paola Marocchi. The perfect spot to host your birthday, visiting friends or simply just a way to turn your Monday around, this is a party you do not want to miss.

Located on the lower level of Dream Downtown in New York City’s Meatpacking District, The Electric Room is the perfect spot for late-night dancing and after-dinner drinks. The intimate room accommodates approximately 100 people and features a full bar servicing high-end spirits and specialty cocktails. The room provides a distinct cool Britannia feel with sofas featuring the Union Jack Flag and custom back-painted antique mirrors by artist Chris Stain that adorn the banquette wall. Relax among photography and artwork by Sante D’Orazio and Marilyn Minter, while two gothic-inspired chandeliers provide intimate lighting for a curated, one-of-a-kind experience.

Escape to The Beach at Dream Downtown, the outdoor/indoor restaurant located at Dream Downtown hotel in Meatpacking District. Spanning 5,000 square feet, The Beach includes a glass-bottom pool, full-service bar, pool deck, sand beach, two private cabanas, and over 50 chaise lounges. The café located adjacent to the pool features a casual all-day menu created by Corporate Executive Chef Brad Warner with highlights such as The Beach Burger and Baja Fish Tacos, which pairs perfectly with a seasonal cocktail menu. As one of New York City’s most beloved Summer staples, The Beach features a pergola filled with lush greenery, hanging lamps, lattice chairs, overhead twinkling mason jars, and oversized plant walls all surrounding the pool area and is open during the Summer season only.

IG @DreamDowntown

@TaoGroup

@PHDRooftopNY

@DreamBeachNYC

@BodegaNegra

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Athleisure Mag's cover story was shot by Co-Founder/Celeb Photographer 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.

IG @PVFarkas

STYLE, MAKEUP & HAIR CREDITS

Athleisure Mag's Celeb Fashion Stylist, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director Kimmie Smith, MUA Jessica Bonilla and Hairstylist Lea DeLoy share how Jamie Gray Hyder's look was created for the cover editorial.

LOOK I | FITNESS STYLE

PG 24-29 | ULTRACOR Aster Luna Bra, Aster Legging and Aster Polaris Zip Up Hoodie |

SKINCARE | PONDS Dry Skin Cream | GLOSSIER Coconut Skin Balm | GIOVANNI Refreshing Rose Water and Aloe Mist | MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Primer |

FOUNDATION | L'OREAL Infallible Foundation Shade 475 | RIMMEL LONDON Concealer Shade Buff | L'OREAL True Match Powder Shade W2 + W4 for the center of the face; W7 for the perimeter of the face | FENTY BEAUTY Sun Stalk'r Shady Biz Bronzer |

BLUSH | MILANI Luminoso |

HIGHLIGHT | JOUER Skinny Dip |

EYES | ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS X AMREZY Eyeshadow Palette using Shade OG on the eyes | MAYBELLINE Lash Sensational Mascara |

LIPS | FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb |

HAIR | Added THEURGY Gypsy Soul Styling Lotion throughout dry hair to maintain control of the hair and creating smooth hair before creating two inverted French Braids | Pulled out a few wispy pieces for an undone effect |

LOOK II | RELAXED STYLE

PG 16-22 | PARADISED Kelsey Jumpsuit in Vanilla | LAGOS Blue Caviar Beaded Bracelet x 2 | ATHLETIC PROPULSION LABS Women's TechLoom Bliss in Rose Dust/Nude | NAVAL SURFACE AND MINE WARFIGHTING DEVELOPMENT CENTER Hat |

EYES | ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS X AMREZY Eyeshadow Palette using Shade OG, New Yawker and Yugo was added on the Lash Line | ARDELL Trio Lashes applied |

LIPS | COVERGIRL Sienna Lipstick |

HAIR | This look showcased soft beachy waves | Sprayed in THEURGY Out of Body throughout dry hair for hold and heat protection | The wrap curled throughout curling curling everything away from the face | Finished with THEURGY Shape Shift for added extra root lift and sexy, messy texture |

LOOK III | OUT & ABOUT STYLE

FRONT COVER, PG 30 - 34 | THE FOLD Seville Coat Multicoloured Wool | OLIVIA VON HALLE Bella Jet Black Silk Camisole | MAVI JEANS Adriana Mid Rise Super Skinny in Black Denim | UNO DE 50 A Tickle with a Feather Necklace | MLB WASHINGTON NATIONALS World Series Hat |

LIPS | The lip was changed to DOSE OF COLORS More Creamer Please |

HAIR | Previously for the 2nd look, the hair was curled | For this look, the hair was pinned back on the sides | The hair was finished with a light mist of THEURGY Retrograde Hairspray workable spray |

LOOK IV | SPRING NIGHT'S GLAM STYLE

BACK COVER PG 36 - 39 | OLIVIA VON HALLE Capability Nika Full Length Robe | LUNYA Washable Silk Slip Dress in Deep Night | LAGOS KSL Cuff Bracelet | VIRGINS, SAINTS & ANGELS San Benito Crystal Magdalena in Blue Velvet |

EYES | BK on the lash line

LIPS | MILANI Red Lipstick in Kiss Matte Necklace |

HAIR | Hair was pulled up into a “Done/ Undone” top knot pulling out pieces from all around the hairline for soft texture |

IG @Shes.Kimmie

@Laniidoa_Cosmetics

@HairByLeaDeLoy

Read the Feb Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Finding the Through Line with Jamie Gray Hyder in mag.

5 WAYS COLLAGEN PROTEIN CAN BOOST YOUR OVERALL HEALTH

Collagen is essential to general health and wellness. Collagen, which is considered a structural protein, is found in the body’s connective tissues such as cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Blood vessels and digestive tract organs also have an abundance of collagen.

Considering its uses all across the body, it’s no wonder many people use collagen supplements to help maintain their overall health. While the body naturally produces collagen on its own, production slows with age, starting when you hit your mid-twenties. Also, lifestyle habits such as smoking and having a high-sugar diet can lower collagen levels in the body.

Collagen Explained

To understand the importance of collagen, you can think of it like a glue that holds the body together. Scientists have identified 28 types of collagen that each have different molecular structures. However, the first three types are most important:

●      Type 1 – Makes up the majority of collagen in the body, primarily found in bones, tendons, cartilage, skin, and teeth.

●      Type 2 – Composed of loosely packed fibers and thus found in tissues like elastic cartilage.

●      Type 3 – Provides structure to arteries, organs, and muscles.

5 Health Benefits of Collagen Protein

Now that you know what collagen is and wherein the body it’s found, you may be wondering what the concrete health benefits of collagen protein are. If you’re thinking about adding more collagen to your diet or taking is as a supplement, consider the following possible benefits and talk to your doctor about proper usage.

1. Better Skin, Hair, and Nails – As you age, you’ll likely start to see wrinkles form and notice drier, sagging skin. This results from the body’s slowed production of collagen. Studies show that both short-term and long-term collagen use can help hydrate your skin and maintain its elasticity. Collagen also promotes hair and nail growth and strength.

2. Stronger Bones and Joints – If your bones and joints give you grief, increasing your collagen intake can offer relief. Because collagen intake can help accumulate cartilage, it has shown promise for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders. Collagen also helps increase bone density, making collagen supplementation a great way to help treat osteoporosis.

3. Heart Health – Studies suggest that collagen helps to prevent the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Type 1 and Type 2 collagen significantly contribute to the strength and elasticity of arterial walls.

4. Digestive Health – The villi that line your intestinal wall are largely made of collagen. Collagen provides the amino acids needed to repair and rebuild the intestinal wall. Also, glycine, the main amino acid in collagen, can help treat inflammatory diseases.

5. Brain Benefits – While more studies need to be conducted, research has shown that collagen may help slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by protecting the brain from amyloid-beta proteins. This kind of amino acid has been found to attack neurons in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Incorporate Collagen Into Your Daily Routine

The benefits of increasing collagen in your body are numerous, and so are the many different ways you can add supplemental collagen intake to your everyday life. You can consume collagen as a powder that easily mixes with the food and drinks you already consume. Or, you can alter your diet to include more collagen-rich foods like bone broth, chicken, and egg whites. However you decide to add collagen use to your daily routine, you’ll likely start to see great improvements to your overall health.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.