THE BACHELOR S25. E8. | IT'S HOMETOWNS WEEK

If you have yet to see tonight’s 8th episode, spoilers are ahead! We start off tonight’s The Bachelor episode with Chris Harrison talking with the women and letting them know that their families are on site as we are living in extraordinary times. He lets them know who will be there for each contestant. We kick off the show with Matt James working out in prep for this big week. Michelle is up first with her date and family who is from Minnesota. We always like seeing how the dates incorporate their hometowns since they can’t be there. Michelle’s date is a bike ride which is something that her family usually does at night. They continue their date going to her “classroom” where her students are Zoomed in. Seeing Ms. Young’s class and hearing the questions that they have for Mr. James is pretty cute. The cutest part is when he’s asked if they have kissed and he says that they are at the part of just holding hands which is when you know that you really like someone. The questions are pretty tough and it’s nice to see the bond that she has with her students.

Matt meets Michelle’s parents and they catch them up on their journey since Michelle arrived 2 episodes in during a rose ceremony. Michelle chats with her father and he definitely seems like he understands that she is in love with him. When he meets Matt, he tells him that he would be supportive of whatever Michelle wants. Michelle then talks with her mom and lets her know that she has never felt like this before. It’s clear that Michelle had a bad relationship and that her parents rallied around her during that dark time. Seeing him play basketball with her, her mom and dad - was pretty cute. Before Matt heads back to his place, she lets him know that she is falling in love with him, especially after seeing him around her parents.

Next up is Rachael. It’s been tough to watch her interact with Matt as they obviously have great chemistry, but in light of some of the things that have been revealed about her leaves us with so many questions. He hops in her car, she blindfolds him and takes him to a plane where they will go skydiving. Although they have a great time, Rachael crashes into the ground, although she is ok, you can see his concern for her.

We can see that her family feels that there shouldn’t be a rush when it comes to them being together as they feel that this is so soon. Her dad let him know that he felt that it’s strange that they could see that they are ready to take such a big leap. Matt tells her that he had a great chat with her dad, but he didn’t ask for her hand because he didn’t want to do it to “check a box.” If he ends up getting to that point, he lets Rachael know that he will call her father and ask, but there’s no way that he would ask him when there are other women still involved. Although Rachael is bummed about this, we think it’s really the best way to go about something like this.

The next date is with Bri. They enjoy a day of off roading. Matt meets her family which includes her mom, best friend and her baby sister. Although her mom asks the tough questions, Bri hears her mom tell her that she needs to be vulnerable and honest so that he knows where she is at. Bri tells him that she is falling in love with him.

The final Hometown date is with Serena who brings Canada to him by sharing things that he needs to know. She asks him to find where she is from on the map, he learns words and terms that are Canadian and she introduces him to Canadian delicacies. They share poutine, beaver tails, desserts and more. They even play hockey together wearing Canadian jerseys.

Matt and Serena walks through the door and we definitely love seeing her family! They’re all sweet, grounded and have a great sense of humor. Serena’s sister tells her that there is something missing and she thinks that it’s because she is in her own head. When she talks with Matt, she tells him that she is grappling with a lot and he lets her know that that’s ok as he has been there too. She doesn’t tell him anything else and he has now completed all of the Hometown dates. She does know that she’s not there yet and she was hopeful that the dates would have confirmed it.

Next week will be the Women’s Tell All so we’ll get to hear more about everything that happened in the house and even outside of it for the women who are no longer on the journey to Matt’s heart. She goes home and Matt gives roses to the 3 remaining women.

Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

We’ll continue to loop you in on who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST WEEK

Last week we felt that Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Rachel are moving forward to Hometowns.

THIS WEEK

Well, this week definitely had a bit of drama sprinkled throughout and for those that have watched the drama unfold outside of what’s going on in the house, it’s interesting to see what future Bachelor/Bachelorette seasons will look like. As that unfolds, here is who will be going into Hometowns. Pretty early on we predicted that Rachel would be in this group.

TODAY’S HOMETOWNS

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

MICHELLE 27 - Woodbury, MN

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

ALANA 26 - Toronto, ON

ALICIA 24 - NY, NY

AMBER 30 - Costa Mesa, CA

ANNA 24 - Chicago, IL

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

BRITTANY 23 - Chicago, IL

CAROLYN 30 - Los Angeles, CA

CASANDRA 25 - Newport Beach, CA

CATALINA 29 - Caguas, Puerto Rico

CHELSEA 29 - Brooklyn, NY

CORINNE 22 - Pomfret, CT

EMANI 25 - Albuquerque, NM

ILLEANA 25 - NY, NY

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KAILA 26 - Chicago, IL

KATIE 29 - Renton, WA

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

KIM 28 - Cypress, CA

KIMBERLY 28 - Seattle, WA

KIT 21 - NY, NY

KRISTIN 27 - Jersey City, NJ

LAUREN 29 - Miami, FL

MAGI 32 - Adwa, Ethiopia

MARI 24 - Odenton, MD

MARYLYNN 28 - Studio City, CA

MICHELLE 27 - Woodbury, MN

MJ 23 - Hudson, OH

PIEPER 23 - Happy Valley, OR

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

RYAN - Brooklyn, NY

SANEH 25 - Denver, CO

SARAH 24 - San Diego, CA

SERENA C 24 - San Francisco, CA

SERENA P 22 - Toronto, ON

SYDNEY 28 - Nashville, TN

VICTORIA 27 - Los Angeles, CA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

9LIST

Read the Jan #61 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.

BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS 2021

Did you get married in 2020? If so, chances are you’re still dreaming of getting away for a honeymoon due to the pandemic. Don’t fret, as there are many couples all around the world in the very same situation. And yes, it may take a while for tourism to open up again but that doesn’t mean you can’t start looking into possible destinations for 2021. On that note, if you need a little help, the following are some of the best honeymoon destinations for this coming year.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a dream destination for lots of different reasons. Think luxurious hotels, white sandy beaches, sparkling Caribbean water, drive-in volcanoes, amazing hiking trails, breath-taking waterfalls and some of the most unique mountain views in the world. St. Lucia really does have it all but, be warned, this level of luxury does not come cheap. If you really want to splash out and have the honeymoon of a lifetime, it might be worth looking for personalized offers and take out a personal loan. This will give you access to cash quickly and you can pay back the money overtime in manageable monthly repayments. St. Lucia is the perfect getaway for couples that are looking for top class luxury and a little bit of adventure. 

Bora Bora

Again, a trip to Bora Bora does not come cheap but the level of luxury you’ll enjoy will make it worth every single cent. Picture sapphire-colored skies, total seclusion, and the clearest waters you’ve ever seen. You’ll get to enjoy French champagne and world-class foods whilst you and your new hubby/wife relax and take in the breath-taking views. Bora Bora is ideal for couples that are looking for a celebrity style experience at a discounted price. 

The Maldives

A honeymoon destination guide would not be complete without a mention of the gorgeous Maldives. Known as a tropical paradise, the islands of the Maldives are surrounded by one big lagoon and most resorts are built on the lagoon. The exotic corals are what sets this destination apart from the rest making it the ideal choice for couples that love to dive and snorkel. Fancy a bit of island hopping? You’ll also love the Maldives as you can move onto a new island and a new resort every few nights during your trip.

Hawaii

Hawaii stirs up all kinds of images. Stunning beaches, perfect waves, colorful flower garlands, majestic mountains and towering volcanoes are just some things that come to mind. The natural beauty in Hawaii will totally blow your mind as it’s home to some of the most incredible geology the world has to offer. Book a trip to Hawaii if you’re a nature lover, avid surfer or a beach lover.

Bali

Looking for a cultural experience where you’ll be immersed in a tropical paradise? Bali is the perfect place to visit. Think stunning beaches, magical temples, sprawling rice fields, lush jungles and gushing rivers and waterfalls and you’ve got a good picture of what you’ll get to enjoy when you touch down in Bali. This choice of destination is ideal for couples that want to pay less without having to make huge compromises on luxury.

PUSH THE SOUND FORWARD WITH VALENTINO KHAN

Valentino Khan is a DJ/Producer with a lot of personality and a passion for his favorite teams - LA Dodgers and LA Lakers, where he had an epic concert celebrating their wins last year! In addition, last fall, he re-leased his EP on Diplo's label, Mad Decent. We caught up with him to find out about his passion for the industry, how he works creatively and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music and when did you realize that you wanted to create music?

VALENTINO KHAN: I think my earliest exposure to who and what a producer was came through listening to stuff that The Neptunes, Dr. Dre and Timbaland were making. It gave me an understanding that there was a lane for people that “make the beat.” I became fascinated with the idea of creating something that gave people a wow factor in some way.

AM: You started in the music industry as a hip hop producer and have worked with artists such as T.I., 2 Chainz and B.o.B, when did you transition into doing music for yourself?

VK: It all happened for me at the same time more or less. I discovered dance music and began taking a shot at creating my own interpretation of it around the same time I started getting placements on rap projects. The artist side has just kept growing in such a great way for me and I’m thankful I still have my hands indifferent things both as a producer and an artist.

AM: Who were your mentors or sources of inspiration when you began your journey as DJ?

VK: I was inspired by nothing and every-thing at the same time. I’ve always want-ed to be versatile and try whatever I was feeling at the moment. So I gravitated to-ward having a catalog like someone like Diplo who has been involved with so many different genres. I wanted to be able to showcase a wide spectrum of sounds that I could create.

AM: What would you say is the Valentino Khan sound?

VK: I think a lot of people associate me with a very bass driven house music sound and that’s fine. But I think people that actually have listened to my discography know I’ve done many things outside of that too. I try to not get too caught up in that and just put out dope music.

AM: When you begin working on a new song or album, what’s your process in terms of how you begin to create it?

VK: It all depends on what the first point of inspiration is. I think I’ve been doing this long enough and I’ve put myself in situations where I can jump off from a number of different points. It could be the vocals, a synth line, the drums, whatever. I think the ability to take that original component and be able to have a vision for what the rest of the track will sound like is so important.

AM: How do you go about deciding to collaborate with others and what do you look for?

VK: I think it’s gotta be organic. I just look for people that try to push the sound forward because that’s huge for me. I want to continue to make music that raises the bar and pushes the envelope for every-one. It’s so important because that’s the same energy that has inspired me to do what I do.

AM: From a creative standpoint, is there a difference between when you’re doing a remix versus collaborating with an artist on a new song?

VK: I think the biggest difference when working with an artist is the focus on building a track around their vocal to let them shine. A huge part of it is giving your beat an identity but leaving space within your track for the artist. Otherwise, it can end up sounding too convoluted. I always try to keep that in mind when I’m doing a session or producing for someone else.

AM: When did you realize that you had made it?

VK: I don’t think I’ve ever had that moment. My career seems to have the most gradual steady climb but I’m fine with that. There’s more value in longevity.

AM: How have you been spending 2020 and how have you stayed inspired?

VK: Mostly making music and cooking at home. Or learning how to be a better cook at least. I think my goal is that I want to come out of this a better artist and a better person. Hopefully, I can achieve both of those things.

AM: How have you stayed connected to your fans to continue sharing your music with them?

VK: Streaming has been a huge way that has allowed me to stay connected with fans. Most of us haven’t been doing itas often as we were back when this first started, but I think it’s been cool to provide people with a brief distraction from the craziness that has been going on in this past year. Social media as a whole really helps me connect with my fans in the most organic way.

AM: I know you’re a Laker and Dodger fan and you did sold out shows for the Lakers Championship Victory Stream as well as one for the Dodgers! How did this come about and why did you want to do it?

VK: The new normal for now has been doing drive-in shows that are socially distant. And unfortunately, we never got to have proper parades for the Lakers and Dodgers winning it all in 2020. So I thought what better way to do the closest thing to a parade in a safe environment? I did back to back shows at the NOS Center in SoCal and sold out both nights. It was great to have that theme with those shows and celebrate together. It really gave perspective as to how important live music is and I’ve tried to not take for granted that it gives people a bit of joy.

AM: You’ve been doing drive in shows which is a great way to still be on stage and to have a version of fan inclusivity as well, how has that been and do you have more planned.

VK: It’s been an awesome experience. It’s a bit trickier to organize those but it’s become the solution for now until things get back under control. I’m definitely looking forward to doing more of these whenever the opportunity arises.

AM: We look forward to seeing you at E-Zoo later this year, what is your favorite festival to play?

VK: Fingers crossed on the festivals later this year. My favorites include all the Lollapaloozas and EDC of course because it feels like the Super Bowl of all of them.

AM: When you’re about to perform, do you have a routine that gets you ready for the show and do you have things you do after the show?

VK: I just stretch because I move around a lot, that’s it. I don’t really get any pre-show jitters so things are pretty simple for me.

AM: What have you learned about yourself this year as we have all had time for self reflection?

VK: I’ve learned that I can’t take for granted that I have a unique career that provides people with fun every night. There’s very few people that can say that, so I'm blessed I’m in that position. It’s also been a gut check in many ways and I’ve learned I can be alright when touring suddenly comes to a halt.

IG @ValentinoKhan

PHOTOS COURTESY | Valentino Khan

Read the Jan Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Push the Sound Forward with Valentino Khan in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT

Vintage

Walter Tevi

We know that a number of you have enjoyed Netflix Series' Queen Gambit. We always like to read books that have a TV series/movie equivalent. We're introduced to 8 year old Beth Harmon, an orphan that is quiet, to herself and not someone that you would take notice of a significant way. It's when she plays chess that she becomes a different person! She realizes that her senses become sharper, she can think clearly and she has a sense of control that she has never been able to have in other aspects of her life. When she is in this mode, she is able to be the most optimized self that she can be which is control.

At the age of 16, she is preparing to compete at the US Open Championship. This competition requires her to work at the highest level that she has ever had to. As she is focusing on doing this on this professional stage, the stakes couldn't be higher. She feels the weight of her efforts which leads to feeling isolated, being scared and to potentially escape everything that she has worked so hard for

LOVE IS SERVED: INSPIRED PLANT-BASED RECIPES FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Avery

Seizan Dreux Ellis

We could all use a few bright, clean and tasty recipes that are perfect for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores. Love is Served brings recipes from L.A. dining scene's Café Gratitude. Originally founded in the Bay Area, their dishes are named to double as affirmations of self. "I Am Fearless," "I Am Humble," and "I Am Open-Hearted"nod to the restaurant's core belief that food is just as much about spirit as it is about appetite. Over time, the restaurant evolved, changed location, expanded and became fixture as a background in paparazzi shots.

Executive Chef Seizan Dreux Ellis continues to focus on the principles of celebrating the flavors of plants, healthy ingredients, organic, made from scratch, free of animal products and in most cases refined sweeteners.

Key recipes include "I Am Awakening" (Raw Key Lime Pie), "I Am Warm-Hearted" (Grilled Polenta with MushroomRagout) and "I Am Gracious" (Radicchio, Roasted Butternut Squash, and Sundried Tomato Pesto Grain Salad) to name a few. With easy steps, unfussy methods and easy-to-access ingredients. It serves as a method to inspire you to change the way you look at food.

DRINKING ANIMALS COLORING BOOK

Caffeinstar Press

Caffeinstar Publishing

We could all use some relaxation and this coloring book for adults allows you to take a bit of self-care! Each page contains illustrations of animals drinking an array of cocktails - complete with recipes should you need an additional activity while taking a bit of a mental break.

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.

#TRIBEGOALS

Read Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.

NEXT LEVEL BEATS WITH SIDEPIECE

We caught up with SIDEPIECE, the collaborative project from respected producers Party Favor & Nitti Gritti. Their breakout hit, ‘On My Mind,’ was co-released with Diplo on his underground label Higher Ground. With over 75 million global streams, the song is nominated for a GRAMMY in the "Best Dance Recording" category, marking their first-ever GRAMMY nomination as SIDEPIECE. We wanted to find out more about their work, their creative process, how they came together and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we get into your collaborative project, tell me when you realized that you wanted to create music individually as Party Favor & Nitti Gritti.

NITTI GRITTI (RICKY): I started making music in 2012 as a hobby during college. I was just so competitive and determined that I ended up quitting everything to focus on it full time. Something about pro-duction and EDM blowing up at the time gave me the inspiration to really try and make music my career.

PARTY FAVOR (DYLAN): I got into electronic music when I was in my freshman year of college. It hadn't really popped off yet as dance music in the states and was still relatively underground. The only main-stream artists pushing a similar sound were the Black Eyed Peas/David Guetta at the time. The energy of the music and the unique soundscapes really attracted me and made me want to make dance music. It stirred something in me if you will haha.

AM: As producers, both of you have worked with amazing artists and have had a number of hits, how would you define the Party Favor and the Nitti Gritti sound?

PF: I think both of us are similar in the sense that we make all types of genres and I’ve always had a hard time being boxed into one thing specifically. The Party Favorsound originally started out as fun booty shaking music and over time I have been bringing in more songwriting and serious subject matter into the project. As I get a little older, my tastes and interests are changing and I like to constantly challenge myself. My upcoming album I’m finishing up right now is going to be a complete departure from early Party Favor and it’s very conceptual. Doing a full visual experience with it as well.

NG: Nitti Gritti is my project that allows me to release almost any genre and getaway with it. From Trap to Dubstep to Future Bass to Pop, I try to take inspiration from virtually any sound I want.

AM: Who have been some of your favorite collaborators that you have produced for/with?

NG: Getting to produce for artists like Major Lazer, Bad Bunny, SAINt JHN, Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull has been incredible. Seeing songs racking up huge streams over the years is always a great feeling.

PF: For me, early on working with Diplo was a great eye opener into thinking outside the box and how the process and industry works. He’s always thinking of what’s next and that inspired me to be better and not get complacent when I was starting out. I have worked with A$AP Ferg a few times both for his and my projects and he is one of my favorite people to work with. His vision for how he wants a song is crazy and he loves to make stuff up on the fly in the room which is how I work best as well.

AM: What is your process when you’re individually working with other creatives?

PF: It depends on each song and each situation. I love working in person because I think when you have that energy feeding off each other, there's nothing like it. The best music gets made that way. If I can’t get in a room with someone, I like to first take at least 45 minutes to chat/catch up and get to know the person before even discussing one bit about the song. Making music is all about feeling. For other records though, I might not even work with another person and maybe do everything on my headphones.

NG: I usually like to just hangout for an hour before we even start making music. Talking about life helps to open up the flow of communication, and then I like to start from scratch on a guitar or piano so the vibe is natural and we don't force the production process.

AM: How do the two of you work together when you’re creating music within this SIDEPIECE project especially with the craziness of 2020?

NG: We usually work remotely by sending Ableton sessions back and forth, but I go to LA to work in person with Dylan all the time. There's no doubt that we haven't been able to work face to face as much as we would have liked to this year, but we're making it work however we can right now.

PF: It’s been great because we have been on the same page mostly about the music and our skills really complement each other. So when I’m feeling lost on an idea or start something and want to hand it off, I know Ricky is going to be able to take it to the next level or fill in the blank of what’s missing. We both have our own separate projects so the SP project never feels like there's too much pressure and that's why I think it works so well. We treat it like our SIDEPIECE. Working in person for us is where we’ve made our best music, but we FaceTime all the time and show each other ideas. Going back and forth, we just make do with the situation. We’re sitting on so much music because all we’ve been doing is producing haha.

AM: How would you define SIDEPIECE’S sound?

PF: I guess Tech-House with a twist. We wanted this project to honor house music and its history and styles but wanted to bring something new to the table. I think coming from the world we do as PF and Nitti, we approach songs a little differently in the house world. We aren't in it for a fad, we're here to stay :).

NG: I'd describe it as "timeless house mu-sic that also pushes boundaries."

AM: What was the thought behind coming together as SIDEPIECE and tell me about ‘’On My Mind” and co-releasing it on Diplo’s underground label, Higher Ground.

NG: SIDEPIECE happened after Dylan and I showed each other some music on Face-Time one day. In about an hour, we realized we should try something together. It was cool how quickly we clicked mak-ing this style of music. As far as "On My Mind," I actually made it with Diplo in Bali on a writing trip we did, then almost a year later we made SIDEPIECE and all agreed it would be the perfect collab release for us.

PF: Ricky started this song with Wes (Diplo) before the SP project even started. When we initially started working on the project, he showed me the record as it was at the time and we both agreed it was perfect for the project. We worked on it more from there and turned it into what you hear now. We didn’t really have a choice on where it would end up label-wise because Diplo had a label haha, but we knew it was the right fit regardless.

AM: Not only has this song been successful streaming-wise, but you just scored a Grammy nomination for it in the “Best Dance Recording” category. How did it feel to get this nomination?

PF: Such a surreal feeling. We knew the song had potential and the response has been crazy but it was still such a surprise seeing our names up there. Honored and humbled by the response and the nomination. It’s chosen by our peers so that's even more of a big deal to me than the actual award. Now we gotta somehow top it haha.

NG: I've been a part of a Latin GrammyAward but I never got the actual trophy, so this time I'm really pumped to attend the GRAMMYs and try to win the damn thing! Haha!

AM: What are your plans for SIDEPIECE in 2021? Have you penciled in any festivals, drive-in shows whether virtual or live?

NG: We have a lot of music coming out and a few plans for future shows!

PF: Festivals, tons of new music, traveling the world, and just generally taking over is the plan.

AM: Are you working on new music that we should keep an eye out for?

PF: Way too much new music haha. We have a new one coming out in February called “Temptation” that we are stoked for. It was one of the first projects we made when we started SP. Hopefully some collabs this year too. We are open to anything and everything!

NG: We're always working on new stuff, it's just a matter of getting the songs out with a good plan behind them!

ID @YouASidePiece

@PartyFavor

@DJNittiGritti

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 42, 44 + 47 Koury Angelo | PG 48 Tati Bruening | STYLIST Corynne Burrows |

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see Next Level Beats with SIDEPIECE in mag.

HOW TO BE STYLISH AS A MAN

How to be Stylish as a Man

It’s not only women who can be stylish—men can do that too. The only difference is that men’s fashion is relatively simpler and more standard as compared to women’s. Men’s wear traditionally is made up of limited kinds of clothing, though that depends on the time period and culture. So, the question is—how can you stand out from the traditional look and be more stylish? 

Being stylish is not something you’re born with—it’s something you learn along the way. Over time, you learn how other men, especially celebrities, dress themselves in the movies or award shows, and you subconsciously absorb that information. You slowly start to recognize what styles appeal to you, and what styles suit you. While you may assume that you’re not naturally stylish doesn’t mean you don’t have an eye for style. 

In fact, that eye you have for other men’s style can be incorporated into your own style. Don’t worry, it’s not about perfecting your style right away. It’s about slowly turning yourself into a stylish man and rocking every outfit you’ve hidden in your wardrobe. To start, here are a few tips to up your game: 

1. Get the Right Fit

The first and most important thing to remember when it comes to a great style is getting the right fit for your body. You can have the most expensive suit or most stylish shirt in the world, but if it’s not your fit, it will never look stylish on you. Wearing clothes that are not properly fitted will only throw off your body proportions. Baggy clothes will only make you look shorter, sloppy, or bigger than you actually are. 

Start by going through your wardrobe right now and see which items you think perfectly fit you and which ones don’t. Replace all those baggy clothes with outfits that fit you better. If you’re still doubtful, you can find more information here and expand your knowledge about filling your wardrobe with the right clothes for you.

2. Avoid Wearing Clothes with Logos, Graphics, or Extremely Wild Prints

This doesn’t mean that men who wear printed clothes are not stylish but, when you’re just starting out, it’s best to avoid them for now. Clothes with logos or graphics might make you look like you’re still in college or you’re about to watch your favorite soccer team. If you want to look stylish while looking mature, replace your logo shirts with solid-colored shirts. This will make you look more refined and sophisticated.

3. Wear Unique Accessories Wisely

Selecting accessories for men requires careful attention. This may sound like a big risk for you if you just started experimenting, but a brilliant accessory may make you stand out among the rest. You need to incorporate an accessory that looks confident and classy, but not too loud. Your accessory should serve as a finishing touch to your overall look in order to sharpen your style.

One of the most common accessories that men wear is a watch. It’s classic but it’ll never go out of style. Not only is it functional, but a high-end watch will make you look more professional and confident too. 

4. Commit to a Signature Scent

To enhance your overall look and style, pair it with a signature scent. Committing to one signature scent means you’ve built your personality and character around that scent. Isn’t it amazing whenever a particular fragrance reminds people of you?  

There are some things that you may have to consider when picking your scent. Make sure it’s not too strong yet not too weak. Also, ensure that you put the right amount of scent so it wouldn’t look like you’ve only used it as a substitute for your shower—wearing a perfume that’s too strong for the nose might keep other people away from you. 

5. Get a Hairstyle That Suits Your Face Shape

One way to become stylish is to maintain proper grooming. The first thing to consider for your grooming is your hairstyle. Your hairstyle can make or break your overall look. Make sure to visit your most trusted barber regularly and have your hair trimmed to a hairstyle that matches your face shape and highlights your features. Keeping your hair trimmed will surely make you more stylish than a man who rarely visits a barbershop.  

Finishing Up

There are still other tips out there to make you more stylish, but the ones mentioned above will surely help you get started. Always remember that styling yourself is not about copying how others dress—it's about owning your style and showing your personality through it. Soon, styling yourself will become easy as you figure out which clothes and accessories work best for you.

9PLAYLIST | APRIL ROSS

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | April Ross in mag.

TOP 6 POSSIBLE CAUSES OF FATIGUE

Most people carry on their daily lives without much worry about their physical health. After a long day, those who usually feel tired result to remedies such as massages or rest to recover. However, there are instances when the fatigue you feel isn't normal. Feeling tired all the time can be caused by other reasons.  

It's important to know the root of your condition so you can address it as soon as possible. Feeling fatigued all the time may interfere with your daily life, so it's best to determine the cause early on. Here are some common causes of fatigue you should watch out for.  

1. Excess Physical Activity 

One of the most common causes of fatigue is too much physical activity. It's not unnatural for your body to feel tired and worn out after a day of constant movement. People who like to work out or have very physically demanding jobs usually experience fatigue at the end of the day.  

Your muscles will feel sore and weak after a day of activity but will usually subside after a few days. Feeling fatigued isn't too serious in most cases. However, it can affect how you perform your daily tasks if it occurs all the time.  

Of course, there are many ways you can recover and increase your energy. For instance, this resource explains different methods you can try to regain your vigor. You can also try to lessen the amount of movement you do to feel less tired after a long day.  

2. Lack Of Sleep 

Sleep is also an important aspect of your health. Unless you sleep well, your body won't have enough energy for the next day. On average, you need at least seven to eight hours of sleep every day, but it can be challenging to get adequate rest when you have a busy lifestyle.  

Those who struggle to have a normal circadian rhythm or have sleeping problems usually end up feeling tired after waking up from their sleep. Those people are also more likely to have less energy to perform their day-to-day activities since their bodies don't get enough rest. You should try and establish a regular sleeping pattern by going to bed during the same time every night. Try to clear your mind before going to bed so that you can sleep deeper and longer.  

3. Insufficient Nutrients 

Another reason why you may feel tired all the time is the lack of nutrients in your body. How much or how little you eat will also affect how you feel. Your body functions by consuming the energy you get from the food you eat. If you always skip your meals, you may end up feeling fatigued all the time.  

To avoid feeling tired, always eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. This will help fuel your body with enough nutrients throughout the day.  

4. Iron Deficiency 

Anemia is also a common cause of fatigue, especially in women. Iron is the main component found in red blood cells responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body. If your body doesn't have enough iron, your body won't get enough oxygen for energy. Women who are pregnant or usually have heavy menstrual periods have a higher risk of developing anemia.  

If you are at risk of this condition, try to eat foods rich in iron to replenish your body. Incorporate foods like meats, tofu, beans, potatoes, or brown rice into your diet to avoid being anemic.  

5. Depression 

Most people assume that depression can only show itself through symptoms like anxiety or long periods of sadness. However, physical signs such as lack of appetite or unexplained fatigue can also be caused by depression.  

If you're experiencing signs of depression, it's advisable to seek medical attention immediately. There are treatments such as medication or therapy to help ease your condition.

6. Diabetes 

Another common cause of fatigue is diabetes. Whenever you have high sugar levels, your body's glucose will remain in your bloodstream instead of being converted into energy, contributing to the tiredness you feel. Low blood sugar will also cause fatigue since it means you don't have enough fuel for energy.  

You should make lifestyle changes that will help you manage your condition. Besides proper diet and exercise, you can also visit a doctor to get a diabetes medication that will help control your sugar levels.  

Final Thoughts  

Feeling fatigued all the time can disrupt your daily activities and may even affect your quality of life. It can prevent you from doing things you enjoy and may even cause various health problems in the long run.  

Of course, there are many ways to combat fatigue and maintain a healthy body. A healthy diet, enough sleep, and exercise can all help prevent you from feeling tired. By living a healthy lifestyle and being more mindful of your body's condition, you'll be able to live your life to the fullest.  

12 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR NUTRITION

Good nutrition is one of the critical elements in maintaining a healthy and good quality of life. Make the right choice right away with several ways to improve your nutrition. The best way to start is with your food, especially the ones containing vitamins and minerals such as vegetables, fruit, dairy, whole grains, and protein sources.  

Let’s check out ways to boost your nutrition: 

1. Prepare A Meal Plan 

Before the week starts, you should write down your breakfast, lunch, and dinner strategy for each day, along with a selection of healthy snacks. Creating a written plan will help you buy groceries more efficiently, maintain your weight, and enjoy various food choices.  

2. Limit Your Sodium Intake 

When it comes to the intake of sodium, you only need around 1,500 milligrams in a day. Sadly, most people are consuming more. If you want to improve your nutrition, it might be time to lessen your sodium intake to help reduce your blood pressure and curb your craving for sugar.  

3. Reduce Belly Fat 

It’s important to note that belly fat can be detrimental to your overall health. It tends to build up around your organs and is associated with metabolic disease. You can effectively cut down belly fat by reducing carbs and eating more fiber and protein sources. As an alternative, you can check here for another option to help cut down fat and gain muscle. 

4. Avoid Sugary Beverages 

If you love sugary beverages, it might be time to limit or stop consumption to improve your overall health as they’re the most fattening. Remember that the brain can’t quantify calories in liquid sugar in the same manner as solid food. With this in mind, when drinking soda, you’re putting in more calories. There’s a close connection between sugary beverages to heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. 

5. Drink More Water  

Adults must drink, at least, eight cups of water a day to maintain good health. If you engage in strenuous physical activities, you need to increase the intake. Some of the ways to improve your water intake include: 

• Drinking a glass of water during every meal 

• Always bring water that you can drink if you get thirsty  

• Drink water instead of soda, fruit juice, or alcohol 

6. Add Eggs To Your Diet 

If you want to boost your nutrition for the better, you should include whole eggs. Remember that eggs are highly nutritious, especially the yolk that includes almost all the nutritional components.  

7. Avoid Processed Food 

If you tend to grab a pack of chips now and then, it might be time to control your cravings. Processed junk food is detrimental to health. Take note that this tricks your brain into overeating. Most kinds of processed food are low in protein, fiber, and micronutrients, but high in refined grains and sugar. 

8. Add Fatty Fish To Your Diet 

Fish is an ideal source of high-quality protein and healthy fats. A good example is salmon that boasts of a high omega-3 fatty acid content and other essential nutrients. When part of your daily diet, it can help lower the risk for various conditions, including heart disease, depression, and dementia.  

9. Improve Your Gut Health 

If you’re eager to boost your health, the bacteria in your gut play a vital role. Once there’s a disruption in the gut bacteria, there’s a link to severe ailments, including obesity. Some tips to improve gut health include eating probiotic food such as sauerkraut and yogurt, increasing your fiber intake, and taking probiotic supplements. 

10. Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Extra virgin olive oil has been a vital component of the Mediterranean diet. It offers several benefits to the heart, weight, and blood pressure. In case you have extra virgin olive oil, it might be time to include it in your diet as an addition to vegetables or salads or cooking food at low temperatures.   

11. Increasing Fiber Intake 

One way to improve your condition is to include plenty of fiber in your diet, ideally 20-30 grams daily. Sources of soluble fiber such as nuts or beans dissolve into gel-like consistency to slow down your digestion, so you feel full longer. Sources of insoluble fiber such as dark green leafy vegetables add bulk to your stool and quickly move food via the GI tract.  

Make it a point to include fiber during your daily meals, such as fruit, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. 

12. Consuming Alcohol In Moderation 

For those who consume alcohol, it must be in moderation. Women can drink one alcoholic beverage in a day and up to two servings in a day for men. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages will increase the risk of chronic conditions. In the long run, it can impair short and long-term cognitive functions. 

Conclusion 

If you want to direct your nutrition to the right track, you can quickly achieve it with these useful tips. Remember that aiming for better health is one of the best decisions you’ll make in life. Don’t waste time, and switch to a healthy lifestyle by starting with the right nutrition.

THE BACHELOR S25. E7. | THE FIRING SQUAD UNITES

If you have yet to see tonight’s 7th episode, spoilers are ahead! We start off tonight’s The Bachelor episode with the girls meeting Heather. Although Matt is thinking about whether she can come in or not, the contestants let her know that she’s not welcome and that she’s just here for getting on TV. She tries to explain that after hearing so much about him that she was intrigued to meet him. We wonder where this will go because the girls are bullying her which is exactly what Matt James wouldn’t want them to do. He talks with Chris Harrison to let him know that he needs some time to figure it out. The women as a group feel that they need their time with him and are tired of the weekly drama that is happening.

Although he recognizes that Hannah would only pick someone that would be an ideal fit for him, he feels that with Hometowns being a week away, he needs to focus on the women he is already falling in love with. Heather is sad, but she also understands and honestly, it was pretty standup of her to not talk about the actions of the other women who clearly made her feel unwelcome.

Matt goes to the women and lets them know that he only wants to be with the women that are on the couch and apologizes for the interruption and even picks up the conversation with Pieper that was interrupted by Heather.

It’s another rose ceremony, the girls are complimented for how they handled Heather’s interruption (although they didn’t reveal how they really treated her). Ultimately, Bri, Rachel, Serena P (we will now just refer to her Serena going forward), Kit, Jessenia, Abigail, Pieper and Michelle. Matt sends Chelsea and Serena C (Serena P will now be known simply as Serena) home.

There are 2 1-on-1 dates and a group date. Chris delivers the date card (Abigail and Jessenia are the only ones that have yet to have a 1-on-1 date. The date card goes to Serena P for the 1-on-1 date and she’s excited to get time with him - which she has had one already. Matt wants to see where his relationship is with Serena is and their date involves tantric yoga. We get to check out another great area of the Nemacolin property. Serena says that she wouldn’t have picked this date as it’s a lot of sexual positions and she is a bit off-put by it. She admits that she is not an overly sexual person and especially not in public.

As their date continues, the next date card has Pieper, Michelle, Rachel, Bri, Kit and Abigail as the group date. Jessenia will be the 1-on-1 date and she finally gets some time. Back on Serena’s date, they continue to bond over dinner and he encourages him to be honest and tell her what she thinks whether she likes something or doesn’t. Matt gives Serena the rose and she is officially going to Hometowns and is looking forward to her family meeting him.

The group date begins and Matt notes that it’s their last group date and he wants them to bring their best selves and to address everything. He gets time with each woman and it’s Abigail who asks him point blank if he can envision himself with her. She understands that he may not be able to go into detail, but she wants to know. He lets her know that he was attracted to her on the first night which is why she got the first impression rose. He says that in knowing her, he also got to know the other women as well and that he has moved onto others and he doesn’t want to lead her on. She appreciates his honesty, he apologizes and he walks Abigail out! We’re sad that we won’t be able to get to see her, but we could also see that he had cooled off. We can appreciate that she stuck up for herself by asking him for the truth.

He lets the women know that he sent Abigail home and although he didn’t think their conversation would lead to her exit, he wants to focus on those that he thinks will be on the journey. He asks to speak with Rachel. Outside of The Bachelor, avid followers have been aware or have recently followed up on problematic items that have popped into her social media. Whether this plays out this episode or season, has yet to be seen. It’s clear that he still enjoys being around Rachel and that she will definitely continue on into Hometowns.

Kit chats with Matt and lets him know that she wants to finish school, travel, figure out her career path and being able to travel. She lets him know that being married and having children would be something that would be down the road, She could envision having kids at 25/26 and calls herself a, “longterm investment.” Being able to state your truth and what you want is essential and Matt was onboard.

The rose from the group date goes to Rachel. In addition to getting it, he also has something planned for her - a serenade and dance moment with Aloe Blacc. Kit looks so upset as she felt that they had definitely connected. She’s not sure how much longer she can continue with the highs and lows of trying to be on the journey with Matt. Matt seems pretty happy as he’s thinking about everything that has gone on. Kit shows up at his place and lets him know that she has let his guard down for him and that she thought that she had clarity in her decision. Since she doesn’t have that clarity, she lets him know that it’s not her. He tells her that he wants her there; however, she feels that he deserves more and that she is unwavering in her decision. Kit has fallen in love with him, but she has seeds of doubt.

As the girls grapple with Abigail being sent home and Kit deciding to leave, Jessenia’s 1-on-1 date takes place where they learn drifting by a pro who knows a thing or two about this! We’ve always loved the idea of Jessenia and Matt together and hope she gets a chance of Hometowns with him. Jessenia lays her feelings on the table; however, Matt feels that they are not on the same page. As he picks up the rose, he tells her that there needs to be tangible love that goes to an engagement and tells her that he is not there. Because he knows she deserves unwavering love and respect, he can’t give her the rose. Although she feels blindsided, the grace that she has in accepting what happened really shows the kind of person that she is.

There are only 2 roses left. Pieper, Michelle (the only remaining contestant from the second set of women that arrives) and Bri are looking for a rose and Rachel and Serena have theirs. Hometowns is literally taking place next week and everyone wonders what he’s thinking. Who are the 2 women that will get to continue the journey?

Matt says Bri, who we have liked from the very beginning. This leaves Michell and Pieper for the final rose. Ultimately, he gives Michelle the rose! Pieper is going home. Although Pieper hugs the other women to say her goodbyes, she doesn’t even walk forward to Matt. He asks if she can walk her out and she doesn’t even talk to him. The 4 women going to Hometowns include Serena, Bri, Michelle and Rachel. The women are so excited and we’re looking forward to hear what the family’s think.

Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST WEEK

Last week we felt that Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Rachel are moving forward to Hometowns.

THIS WEEK

Well, this week definitely had a bit of drama sprinkled throughout and for those that have watched the drama unfold outside of what’s going on in the house, it’s interesting to see what future Bachelor/Bachelorette seasons will look like. As that unfolds, here is who will be going into Hometowns. Pretty early on we predicted that Rachel would be in this group.

THEY’RE GOING TO HOMETOWNS

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

MICHELLE 27 - Woodbury, MN

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

SERENA P 22 - Toronto, ON

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

ALANA 26 - Toronto, ON

ALICIA 24 - NY, NY

AMBER 30 - Costa Mesa, CA

ANNA 24 - Chicago, IL

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

BRITTANY 23 - Chicago, IL

CAROLYN 30 - Los Angeles, CA

CASANDRA 25 - Newport Beach, CA

CATALINA 29 - Caguas, Puerto Rico

CHELSEA 29 - Brooklyn, NY

CHELSEA 29 - Brooklyn, NY

CORINNE 22 - Pomfret, CT

EMANI 25 - Albuquerque, NM

ILLEANA 25 - NY, NY

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KAILA 26 - Chicago, IL

KATIE 29 - Renton, WA

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

KIM 28 - Cypress, CA

KIMBERLY 28 - Seattle, WA

KIT 21 - NY, NY

KRISTIN 27 - Jersey City, NJ

LAUREN 29 - Miami, FL

MAGI 32 - Adwa, Ethiopia

MARI 24 - Odenton, MD

MARYLYNN 28 - Studio City, CA

MICHELLE 27 - Woodbury, MN

MJ 23 - Hudson, OH

PIEPER 23 - Happy Valley, OR

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

RYAN - Brooklyn, NY

SANEH 25 - Denver, CO

SARAH 24 - San Diego, CA

SERENA C 24 - San Francisco, CA

SERENA P 22 - Toronto, ON

SYDNEY 28 - Nashville, TN

VICTORIA 27 - Los Angeles, CA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE ULTIMATE BITE WITH MING TSAI

We've been a fan of Chef Ming Tsai for a number of years from attending a decadent editor's event where he paired savory dishes with a premium alcohol brand, watching him on his shows sharing his love for East meets West cooking, to seeing him on a number of shows judging - we love seeing his passion when he is creating his dishes. As someone who is known for his restaurants, TV shows, cookbooks, cooking line and more, we wanted to see how he has been navigating the past few months, find out how he came to the food industry and to find out more about one of his newest projects MingsBings!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into your culinary career, you were a professional squash player and played at Yale– what is it that you love about the game and do you still play it?

CHEF MING TSAI: I am one of the most competitive people I know and squash to me is one of the most intense sports because you are enclosed in a small room with one other person and there is no-where to hide. If you are on a team sport like football or basketball you could in theory get lost in the shuffle. On a squash court, it’s two people and you’re responsible for your own actions and you control your own fate. The one curious rule is if you hit the other person with the ball you actually win the point. To someone outside the sport, you could in theory keep hitting the other person, but the other person could also keep hitting you back and they might hit you harder. Squash is a game of true sportsmanship, it’s a prerequisite.

I continue to play today mostly because I’m coaching my son David who proudly is following in my footsteps at Yale. As a side note, as a Chef, I love playing to burn a ton of calories, but it’s also a great way to get rid of stress (it’s very therapeutic), particularly right now during COVID which has hit the restaurant industry really hard.

AM: What was the moment when you fell in love with food?

CHEF MT: Apparently my first word was Nui Nai, which means milk. As soon as I could walk without falling over, which was maybe around 2 years old, I was always hanging out in the kitchen. I would watch my parents or grandparents in the kitchen cooking admiring the wok over the fire, their knives with the cutting board, but most importantly I learned early on that by hanging out in the kitchen, you'll be fed faster there. I kept coming back for more, I knew there was something about being in the kitchen that made me happy, and I was, still am and always will be hungry.

AM: When did your interest in food turn into wanting to work in the industry?

CHEF MT: I became interested in the food industry early on because my parents used to do private catering events and festivals. As early as age 10, I was frying egg rolls for thousands of people next to my grandfather. My first epiphany with food was also at age 10. My parents had friends over, unannounced because the couple happened to be driving through Dayton which is where we lived at the time. In the Chinese culture, you don’t ask “How Are You?” when greeting someone at the door, you actually ask, “Have you eaten?,” so I took it upon myself to make them my first fried rice. It by no means was my best, but in an instant when I watched all four of them, my parents and their friends, enjoying the meal, I realized I could make people happy through food. It was a true epiphany that to this day, is why I love being a chef.

AM: How would you define your cooking style?

CHEF MT: East-West, blending of techniques and ingredients that produces food that is bold in flavor and contrasting temperatures and textures that at the end of the day is inherently healthy. I’m more plant-based now more than ever.

AM: What was your culinary journey that you led to opening Blue Ginger?

CHEF MT: I cooked at the Mandarin Kitchen, with my mom. During college, I went to Paris for apprenticeships and then went to Le Cordon Bleu. After college, I moved to Paris and worked as a Pastry cook at Fauchon with Pierre Hermé. After that, I worked as a Sous Chef at the restaurantNatasha. That was the first time I was able to first blend East-West flavors in a professional sense. After two years in Paris, with the goal of opening my own restaurant one day being a good Chinese son, I went to Cornell to get a masters in Hospitality and Marketing. After I received my masters, I went to open a bunch of restaurants in hotels and ended up at the Intercontinental where I helped open 5 restaurants and 2 hotels. I realized I missed cooking in the kitchen and wanted to get back into the kitchen. That’s when I went to the Mandarin Oriental and worked at Silks. In 1990 Ken Hom was the head chef and he greatly encouraged me to keep, cooking the East-West style, it was really significant for me. Funnily enough, Silks was also where I met my best chef friend Ken Oringer. After Silks, I went to Santa Café in Santa Fe, where I did East-meets-South-west food. It was a significant period be-cause not only was it my first executive chef job, when I got my highest Zagat rating, but was also when Food Network “discovered me”. I took a liking to teaching what I knew in the kitchen and spreading my love of food to the masses. After two years though, I was ready to open my own place. I decided to move back to East to Boston and from there I opened BlueGinger in 1998.

AM: What were the biggest lessons that you learned when you opened your first restaurant?

CHEF MT: There are three big important lessons. The first is design build. The architect and general contractor have to speak the same language. You can’t build a 13-foot wall because planks of wood come in 12 feet foot pieces. You have to think about the way materials come in when you design something. A round booth costs twice as much as a square, but they can seat the same amount of people.

The second piece to this is you have to be there daily to save time and money. Plus if you are there every day, everyone works a little faster and you’ll save time with decisions and money. This helps to not only finish on time and but, will help save with your budget. The other piece to this is In-spect your space before you take over the lease really well. Make sure you drill into walls for water damage, asbestos etc. The second is cash-flow. When you raise money, if you did zero covers the first month, you should still be able to cover payroll, taxes, insurance etc. Restaurants fail because they open later than scheduled and they don’t have enough cash flow to sustain them. They don’t have enough money to pay rent, insurance, taxes even though they aren’t operating. If you open 2 months late, you have more financial pressure, so you have to do x amount of covers to pay for payroll, insurance etc. Then they start buying cheaper products or taking shortcuts and lower-ing quality and the downward spiral can’t be stopped. Make sure you raise enough money to open on time and on budget.

The third most important thing is who you surround yourself matters. Your team matters, they represent you. You have to find true hospitality professionals. They have to think like you and want to be in the restaurant industry. You want people that believe in hospitality and you have to make sure that every person in your organization believes that. As a chef the front of house for the customer experience is more important. For example, you could have the best food in the world, but if the service is condescending or arrogant, they won’t come back. You could have mediocre food, if the customer was entertained, treated well, the server remembered their name, it was the best service in the world, the customer will come back. You need loyalty, it makes a restaurant successful. Front of house is 70% of your dining experience, if you have the right pricing, the magic experience and the best food, it's the secret formula.

And just as important, as the leader, you have to lead by example. I’ve never walked by trash in the middle of the dining room, a cigarette or trash outside the restaurant and not picked it up. There’s no job too small for the owner. Ideally, you aren’t the only one doing it, you have to roll up your sleeves and get dirty. You have to do it, lead by example and show others how to get it done. And always use, “please and thank you”. You always have to ask, it always helps get the job done.

AM: You have won a number of awards including James Beard, Zagat and more – how important was it for you to receive the accolades?

CHEF MT: None of us are chefs to win the awards. We are chefs to make delicious food for people. The only reason having a large platform has helped is that it allows you to do more good, I’ve been able to do a lot of good because of my platform. Family Reach is an organization that provides a lifeline to families fighting cancer. In 10 years, I’ve helped raise over 8 million dollars through live charity dinners, but I’m fully aware that it’s because of my platform I’m able to do this. It’s a lot of waste of opportunity if you don’t take the opportunity to do good with it.

AM: Tell me about Blue Dragon and what people can expect when they come there?

CHEF MT: Blue Dragon has been closed since May 30th, we were proudly a partner with the Lee Initiative providing meals to restaurant workers in the Boston area. We were able to use Jamaica Mi Hungry food truck to provide thousands of meals to restaurant workers. Reality is real, where Blue Dragon is located, there is no business hence Blue Dragon is in hibernation for now.

AM: You are also the chef/partner at BABA in Yellowstone. What is this restaurant and what should we know about it?

CHEF MT: BABA is my one year old restaurant at the Yellowstone Club in Montana. I’ve always loved the mountains and Mon-tana is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I got to create a new signature dish, Tea-Smoked Peking Duck and bring back some old Blue Ginger favorites as well, plus some touches like Potstickersand shumai from Blue Dragon as well. It’s a culmination of all my favorite dishes and foods I’ve cooked throughout my career and absolutely my favorite way I love to eat. I know I’m very blessed to be able to go to Big Sky as often as I do.

AM: We have yet to try them, but we know they’re on their way – tell me about MingsBings, why did you want to offer these, what they are and will you have additional offerings as well?

CHEF MT: In 2017, my family and I received the world-shaking news that my wife Pol-ly had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. While we explored medical treatment options at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Polly also made the life-changing decision to transition to a strict vegan diet with the hope of lowering inflammation by using food as medicine. As I dove into cooking all-plant based food, I found a lack of healthy savory meal replacements while strolling the grocery aisles. I was quickly disappointed by the variety and quality of the options on the market. It was in this moment that I recognized a new mission. While I created plant-based meal options to help Pollyheal as she improved, I also realized there were likely many more people out there like her who were possibly making the same changes. I continued to search and create vegan alternatives that were delicious and nutritious. After experimenting in the kitchen, MingsBings was born. The first flavor, the Original, is a veggie filled patty that launched the end of 2020 packed with watercress, red onions, shiitake mushrooms, edamame, garlic, ginger and pepitas all wrapped in a gluten-free brown rice wrapper. Found in the frozen aisle of Dave’s Fresh Market in Rhode Island (and soon other local grocery stores in MA) and online on MingsBings.com. Plus I’m so proud to say that a portion of our proceeds give back to both Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Family Reach, two organizations that are incredibly near and dear to my heart. Stay tuned for new flavors coming out soon too!

AM: I have been a fan of yours for years and remember you on East Meets West with Ming Tsai and then seeing you're on anumber of shows on Food Network, being on the Today Show for the Beijing Olympics as well as your current show, Simply Ming. How important is it for chefs to share their personality and passion for food through these shows as well as socially?

CHEF MT: I’ve always loved to teach, cooking and sports. It’s also why I love being a father. You have to love teaching if you want to be a dad. I love all the outlets to be able to continue to teach. It’s why I loved East Meets West, Simply Ming and why it’s been a lot of fun to continue to do it on social media like Instagram and latest Pinterest and TikTok accounts. It’s so important to show your authenticity, to explain where the dish was created and where it came from. The meteoricrise of social media is like the invention of the TV, but the difference is when the TV was invented, you still had to buy one to join. Now, everyone has their phone and it’s free to join. It’s scary because it’s not going to slow down. I was only one of 8 chefs on TV in the early Food Network days, now I’m one of 70,000 on TikTok, the points of entry have been removed, anyone can be a chef on TikTok, if you have one follower, you’re a success. Just like a restaurant, you have to differentiate, fortunately, I truly enjoy teaching and showing people how to do cooking hacks, cleaning a cast iron pan, how to make a simple fried rice dish. Paramount for anyone in this medium, you have to stay authentic to your craft, but it doesn’t mean you can’t play to the edges and have fun with it.

AM: You’ve also had Simply Ming cookware on HSN as well. How important has this been to your brand?

CHEF MT: I’m so happy I’m still with HSN and we’re delving into food as well. It’s a key relationship for me because I’ve always wanted to level the playing field and have people cook with the same equipment I’ve had to make the task easier. The cookware is nonstick so that less fat can be used if desired. My favorite demo is cooking salmon with no oil so the salmon doesn’t stick. I’m so excited we are going to start selling some MingsBings on HSN the next few months.

AM: COVID has definitely had an impact regardless of your vertical and the food industry has been affected – how have you navigated this time with your restaurants?

CHEF MT: I closed Blue Dragon for in-restaurant dining 2 days before the governor closed all restaurants. We remained open for take-out and proudly participated in the Lee Initiative operating as a food pantry to serve restaurant employees. We also partnered with the Jamaica Mi Hungry food truck to be able to bring more meals to surrounding Boston neighborhoods where the majority of employees live. We quickly realized it was difficult for them to come to Blue Dragon because of public transportation with COVID, so we decided to bring the meals to them. Fortunately, BABA has amazing COVID protocols for both staff and members and has safely remained opened.

AM: You have written 5 cookbooks – what is that process like and do you have additional plans for future ones?

CHEF MT: A cookbook is a major project. The reason I have not started another one is lack of time to dedicate to it. I plan on writing more, however, my next one may be more my philosophy of cooking and living than recipes, though it will still include some recipes.

AM: We’ve loved seeing your plank challenges – what was the thought behind that and why did you want to share that with your followers?

CHEF MT: Honestly it was first done as a needed distraction for not only what I thought we needed as a country, but forme as well. January being a new year, I think the entire world thinks about a new health regime. I wanted to do something that I would have to continue to do for 31 days and by putting it out there in the social media world, I knew it would help hold me accountable for 31 days. What I love about this challenge, there are no winners or losers, there are only winners. No matter how much time you do, even if you add one second, you have still accomplished something great. I was looking for positive resolutions and this was oneway to get it moving. I have loved doing it so much that I will likely continue doing it with a push-up challenge for 28 days in February.

IG @MingTsai

@SimplyMingTV

@MingsBings

PHOTOS COURTESY | Chef Ming Tsai

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see The Ultimate Bite with Ming Tsai in mag.

4 HEALTH AND FITNESS TIPS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnancy is one of the most critical milestones in every woman’s life. Being pregnant can also positively impact relationships and become the reason why couples will have a better and clearer purpose in life. Pregnancy can also strengthen the bond that soon-to-be parents share.  

Being pregnant can be exciting, but keep in mind that going into this phase of your life will require changes. Now that you’re pregnant, you need to be more careful with your lifestyle choices because the condition of your health can affect the baby’s development when they’re still in your womb and their overall wellness once they’re born.  

For you to have a safe and healthy pregnancy, take note of these health and fitness tips: 

1. Add A Prenatal Vitamin To Your Daily Routine 

As your body changes during your pregnancy, expect that you’ll need different vitamins and minerals to support these changes. These vitamins also promote the development of your baby’s bones and teeth and lessen the risks of birth defects. 

Prenatal vitamins can be purchased over the counter, but it’s best to consult a medical professional from an established health clinic first. Create Health, for example, employ trained gynaecologists who can provide suggestions on what nutrients you should look for in a prenatal vitamin.

Generally, taking prenatal vitamins is essential during the first few weeks of pregnancy as these play a vital role in the health and development of the fetus.  

2. Exercise Regularly

Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women can actually exercise. In fact, maintaining an active lifestyle is important during pregnancy to control weight, manage stress, and improve sleep. 

Some of the most suitable exercises you can do during pregnancy are swimming, prenatal yoga, indoor stationary cycling, and brisk walking. Your doctor might also recommend some routines to prepare your body for labor and delivery.  

Before you add exercise to your daily routine, seek the approval of your doctor first. Since every pregnancy is unique, certain exercises might not be ideal for your condition.  

3. Remove Toxins 

Being pregnant will require you to make changes in your lifestyle, including removing any alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. You should also avoid being exposed to environments with solvents, like nail polish removers and paint thinners, as these have been linked to miscarriage. Smoking, furthermore, can increase the risks of preterm birth and decrease the oxygen flow to your baby.  

If you’ve been dependent on these toxins and can’t stop using them even during your pregnancy, inform your doctor about it. They can recommend you to programs and therapies that can prevent you from smoking, drinking, and using illicit drugs.  

4. Change Your Chores 

A lot of women would prefer to do household chores as their exercise during their pregnancy. There’s nothing really wrong if you’re thinking of doing the same, but you need to be careful about the kind of chores you’re doing as some can do more harm than good.  

During your pregnancy, you should avoid lifting heavy objects, using harsh chemicals, and climbing on ladders and step stools. You should also avoid standing too long as this can cause injuries and miscarriage.   

Cooperate With A Professional 

Your body will undergo a lot of changes when you get pregnant, which is why it’s always best to seek professional help when changing your diet or physical activities. 

An obstetrician, for example, can provide the essential medical care throughout your pregnancy and provide tips to ensure that you and your baby will have the best health from conception to birth.

WHY THAT SMILE MATTERS AND HOW YOU CAN WORK ON IT

As Louis Armstrong said in the popular song: “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.” There is no doubt about it, your smile matters. A good smile can make you appear more attractive and trustworthy, and it can even help you land a better job. And according to several studies, smiling can relieve stress. When you smile, you release endorphins that can lower stress hormones and boost your immune system. So, a simple smile can improve your happiness and your health, and make others around you feel happier.

PHOTO CREDIT | Pixabay/PublicDomainPictures

Invisible Braces Can Help Align Your Teeth

Smiles come in all shapes and sizes. Everyone’s smile is a unique feature of their own face, so developing a better smile has nothing to do with comparisons. Even if you have misaligned teeth, you can still have an attractive smile. However, many people with crooked teeth have less confidence because of their misaligned pearly whites. So, straightening your teeth can help you to feel more confident. Just because braces are most commonly used by children, it does not mean adults cannot use braces to align their teeth too. Thanks to advances in orthodontic treatments, metal braces are not the only option. Clear plastic braces or removable aligners known as invisible braces are available for adults. Start by comparing a number of options to see which invisible braces are best for straightening your teeth.

Whiter Teeth Make for a Brighter Smile

For a brighter smile, there are various whitening products you can use on your teeth. Whitening toothpaste and whitening strips can help improve the brightness of your teeth over time. Alternatively, you could make an appointment with a professional for teeth whitening procedures. Talk to your dentist to explore your options and find the best whitening treatment for you.

Veneers Are Very Good

If you are worried that some of your teeth do not look their best, you can use veneers. They are thin tooth-colored shells that cover the front side of your teeth. A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth to accommodate the shell. The result? You end up with completely natural-looking teeth. In turn, that means you gain a better smile.

Bonding Is Another Brilliant Option

Bonding is another option. It involves your dentist attaching bonding materials directly to your teeth. The enamel and dentin are fused with bonding materials like resins and porcelain to create a more robust structure while simultaneously restoring the natural look of your teeth.

Consider Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

If you have missing teeth, you may find yourself unnecessarily worrying about smiling. While you can still flash an attractive smile with a missing tooth, many people have more confidence with a full set of teeth. That is why many are turning to dental implants. They are surgically placed in the lower or upper jaw and function just as well as your real teeth. Implants are made from materials like titanium. If you want a long-term solution for restoring your smile to its former glory, dental implants are definitely worth considering.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Finally, you may not need to use any of the above methods if you regularly brush and floss your teeth twice a day as is recommended by dentists and health professionals. Regular brushing-and-flossing keeps your teeth healthy and improves your oral health, meaning you can always have an engaging and attractive smile.

BINGELY STREAMING

HISTORY OF SWEAR WORDS

Netflix Comedy

Netflix

Hosted by Nicolas Cage, Netflix Comedy presents a History of Swear Words. In each of its 6 episodes, a swear word is covered and provides its historical evolution from when it started, how it was adopted and how it has progressed over time. Nicolas provides anicdotes from the comfort of a stately library. In addition, a number of major comedians weigh in on the use of the word and how it gained popularity or whether it's as bad as it is perceived to be. They also have etymologists and others who study language that provide their insight as well.

In each episode, you hear a lot of facts that allows you to see the word in a new light in terms of its adoption through time and culturally. We wonder if they will continue to have a history of other kinds of words since the 6 big ones have already been covered!

EVIL BY DESIGN

CBC Podcast

Apple Podcast

In the past few years the inexcusable acts by Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Cosby and more have been brought to light. Their well known exploits were whispered about in their respective and adjacent industries are in full display. Adding to this list is fast fashion mogul, Peter Nygard (known as Canada's Jeffrey Ep-stein) who is allegedly accused of rape, sexual assault and human trafficking that has spanned across 4 decades, 4 countries and more than 80 women that are said to have been involved. In Evil By Design, CBC Podcast's Timothy Sawa brings his investigative journalism of 20+ years to focus on the women and men who were victimized, the systems that failed them and how he was able to do this for so long.

BUSINESS MOVERS

Wondery

Spotify

Fans of Business Wars and Business Wars Daily which focuses on 2 businesses that are competing with one another in a designated space, have a new show to add to their list. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator), Business Movers looks at successful businesses and the story that took place to get to their success. The stories look at their early beginnings and how they took leaps of faith to be where they are now! This includes epic moves filled with bold decisions, highs and lows and the unknown. In addition to having a greater understanding of the business and how it has grown beyond its vision, it's also a peek into the innovators as an individual.

This series kicked off with its initial episodes that involve Walt Disney. We learn about Walt, his upbringing, building his company which included his successful movies as well as his biggest gamble, the creation of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. We also learn how he began to focus on his dream of living beyond him by setting up his brother Roy to take the reigns.

We can't wait for additional episodes which will also look at mishaps from successful companies such as the colossal failure of New Coke.

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

NEW YEAR, N3W YOU

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see NEW YEAR, N3W YOU in mag.

4 REASONS TO START PLAYING BASEBALL

Mark Twain once said that baseball is the “very symbol, the outward, and visible expression of the drive and push, and rush, and struggle” of America. It has been the Americans’ national sport and favorite pastime since the 19th century. Even in other parts of the world, it’s enjoyed by people of all ages, cultures, and walks of life. 

Baseball is fun to watch, but even more thrilling to play. No wonder why many parents sign their kids up to baseball programs and camps to learn the fundamentals at a young age. Whether it’s to prepare them for a career in competitive sports or just to keep them engaged in recreational activities, baseball is always an excellent choice. 

The excitement and benefits are all the same even for grown-ups who may not have prior baseball experience. There are excellent sports services that provide facilities, training, coaching, and any assistance you may need to improve your game. If you don’t know where or how to get started, you may visit websites such as The Pro’s List, and you’ll be connected to sports services in your area that suit your needs.

Once you step up to the mound, you’ll undergo a life-changing experience. If you need more convincing, here are some reasons for you to start playing baseball:

1. Better Appreciation Of Physical Fitness

Playing sports requires a lot of physical effort. You’ll be determined to pay attention to your overall fitness in order to play well, which will ultimately benefit your health and body. In particular, rotational exercises for baseball help build core strength, motor skills, and flexibility. You need to have a solid and flexible body to properly throw the ball or swing the bat. You also need to have good coordination and balance to know where and how exactly to position your body.

Not only that, but being constantly active will keep your heart and circulatory system in optimal running order. All the running, squatting, and throwing will let you reap great rewards in the long run.

2. Builds Mental Toughness

They say baseball is a smart person’s game—it requires great concentration and lightning-speed reaction for every player to carry out their roles excellently. For instance, a batter has only a few seconds to figure out what kind of pitch is coming their way and whether they should attempt to swing. Also, infielders and outfielders need to be always on their toes to catch or steal. If one player fails to get their head in the game, the entire team will be affected.

Baseball will also improve your mental well-being as it’s a good way to de-stress or boost your mood. Physical activities generally increase the production of endorphins, commonly known as happy hormones, in your body. 

3. Develops Responsible Social Behavior

As a team sport, baseball heavily relies on participation and communication among the players. At the same time, it builds a culture of accountability for individual actions—since a member’s action greatly affects the whole team. These things compel players to act more responsibly towards the greater goal. You’ll be learning the value of teamwork, following instructions by heart, and respecting your teammates and coaches.

Baseball teams are composed of nine players out on the field. Including the non-holders in the bank, that’s a total of 23 players. Even if you’re not particularly a social butterfly, joining a baseball team will instantly earn you a lot of acquaintances that could potentially turn into good friends. Being in a supportive environment among people with the same goals and vision fosters a true sense of belonging.

4. Strengthens Personal Core Values

In baseball, you have to wait for your turn to go up the plate. This will require a lot of patience. It will also teach you to respect your coaches and trust your teammates. 

During games, you will learn to cope, stay fair, and remain gracious with the other team and the game authorities. In between games, your self-discipline will be your anchor in practicing fair play and improving your routine. These are only some of the values and life skills that will be beneficial for you in and outside the ball field.

Time To Step Up

Baseball is a fun, rewarding, and great learning experience for everyone. If you're looking for a new sport to try, it’s your sign to pick up a bat and wear a glove. It’s never too late to learn a sport and have fun while you’re at it.

ATHLEISURE LIST | PEKARNA NEW YORK

Pekarana New York launched Dec 2020on the UWS with a menu that focuses on Slovenian-American dishes.

With a focus on Slovenian-American fare, they offer traditional items from their menu when indoor dining resumes that includes appetizers (Boudin Blanc, lightly fried smoked wild boar and rice sausage with hot pepper jelly and Dijon mustard on the side), mains (Slovenian Brodet known as the Fisherman’s Stew, red snapper, dayboat scallops, mussels, shrimp, squid, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes with a grilled baguette and saffron and potato aioli) and desserts (Kremsnita Cake is the famous Lake Bled cream, rum and lemon custard, topped with a delicate and flaky puff pastry).

Chef Kamal Hoyte’s dinner menu is a melding of traditional Slovenian and New American seasonal dishes with French techniques. To start, an array of appetizers includes the Truffle MatzoBall Soup with roasted chicken thighs, chicken consommé and truffle matzo balls. For a main course, we suggest the Wild Striped Bass with a butternut mascarpone puree, wild rice pilaf, maple glazed brussels sprouts and pineapple serrano vin blanc. The dessert is not to be missed with ConsultingPastry Chef Alma Rekić's Apple Wrapor “Slovenian Apple Pie” made with a baked apple roll, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla gelato.

Paying homage to the drink of great artists such as Edgar Allan Poe, Van Gogh and Hemingway, the menu spotlights four different absinthes, which are be served by the traditional drip method. Three Sazerac cocktails all feature absinthe, including the Rare Mac Sazerac with Macallan Rare Casket Whiskey Cane Sugar, Absinthe, and Peychaud's. The absinthe fountains can be seen on display at a number of the bars throughout the 6,500 square foot space.

Pekarna New York follows all CDC guidelines. Upon arrival, guests ring the doorbell. Once inside, guests are greeted, have their temperature checked, and are brought to the back-yard that is equipped with heaters and socially distanced tables. All staff is masked, and diners must be masked until seated.

PEKARNA NEW YORK

594 Amsterdam Avenue

NY, NY 10024

www.pekarnanyc.com

IG @pekarnanyc

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Pekarna New York in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | NORDICTRACK VAULT

The NordicTrack VAULT is a full-length,60 x 22-inch mirror and 32-inch HD touchscreen display for immediate visual feedback. VAULT is made of carbon steel and has a sweeping rotating mirror. This allows you to work out wherever you desire in your home while allowing you to feel as if your trainer is right there with you. It allows you to match the form of the iFit trainer for a better workout.

Behind its mirror, there are premium accessories that includes: six pairs of NordicTrack knurled-handled, rubber coated dumbells (5 lb,10 lb, 15 lb, 20lb, 25 lb, 30 lb) and 2 kettlebells (20 lb and 30 lb). In addition, there are 3 loop resistance bands and 3 superbands. Each comes with 2 yoga blocks, and an exercise mat. All are stored in a vertical dumbbell rack within the storage cabinet. It stands vertically and is stable without the need of a wall mount while having a compact footprint.

It syncs with Bluetooth audio and has iFit workouts for weight training, HIIT, sculpt & tone, stretching and mobility, full-body and muscle-specific strength workouts, Pilates, yoga, mindfulness and more. In addition, a 1-year iFit family membership is included which is valued at $468 and can be used for up to 5 adult profiles.

Users have access to a growing library of on-demand iFIT Studio Workoutsthat are led by the world's top trainers including Gideon Akande, Hannah Eden, John Peel - to name a few. The selection includes a versatile catalog across cardio, strength training and recovery workouts. While interacting with the platform, users are provided both visual and audio cues on form and technique which is facilitated by the oversized mirror.

VAULT began shipping this month and is available with all of the equipment$2,999, or $1,999 for a standalone version excluding weights and other workout accessories.

NORDICTRACK VAULT

www.nordictrack.com

IG @nordictrack

PHOTOS COURTESY | NordicTrack

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Nordictrack VAULT in mag.