PHOTOGRAPHER | Eugene DeLucie, Paul Farkas, Stefano Raphael, Becky Yee | STYLIST | Sar Reza , Kimmie Smith |
MUA | Pam Garcia, Federico Hernandez, Kat Osorio, Monique Woodland | HAIRSTYLIST | Pam Garcia, Federico Hernandez, Victor Ortega, Kat Osorio |
| Ed Maguire, Ron Mwangaguhunga |
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There is always a lot of buzz around lips to ensure that they are kissable, full, and have the bombshell qualities of Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren. Classic beauties are not alone! Many modern muses share their selfies with the perfect pout. Here's how you can get yours!
Dr. John Zannis is a board certified plastic surgeon in New Bern, North Carolina. We found out how to get the perfect pout and why more than ever lips are a facial focal point. Women can achieve the look whether looking at ways to create enhanced looks with lipsticks, fillers, contouring, or lip plumping. Dr Zannis has tips that can assist.
People see celebrities on Instagram and think they’ll just get lip injections too. “The more that celebrities admit to having lip injections and the more attention this particular procedure receives in the media, the more accessible it becomes.” He adds, “The danger is, that the procedure is complicated. Not just anyone can do a lip augmentation artfully and naturally,” explains Dr. Zannis.
There are ways to work with what you have. Dr. Zannis explains that the key is to strive for facial symmetry. “If you use lip liners, glosses and other cosmetics to create a fuller look consider your other features and natural lip shape.”
4 Tips for Luscious Lips
1. Use matte liquid lipstick: Liquid lipstick is popular because it’s easy! It goes on like a lip-gloss but dries matte on your lips like a lipstick and is nearly impossible to smear or take off without makeup remover. Liquid lipstick ideal for creating a bombshell look for a night out or special occasion where you want lipstick to stay put for a long time.
You can use it to make your lips appear fuller, shapely and defined, depending on what your “perfect look” entails. Try one of the best-reviewed brands like LA Splash Cosmetics or Kat Von D.
2. Go for lip fillers: Dr. Zannis explains that
lip fillers are a great option if you want to alter the shape and volume of your lips semi-permanently. "They mostly contain hyaluronic acid, which can be injected safely in multiple sessions. The amount is easy to control by a skilled cosmetic surgeon, which allows you to achieve your goal gradually. The effects last around six months, at which point you may do another round of injections.” Achieving a natural look is the goal and that over-filled cartoon mouths look distorted.
3. Try some cool contouring techniques: Contouring is another awesome makeup trick to achieve a fuller look. It involves using lighter and darker shades of makeup to play up your features and give you a more defined, chiseled look. The great part is you probably have all you need in your makeup bag already. There are plenty lip-contouring tutorials on YouTube for free.
4. Use a lip plumper: Lip plumpers are great in that they are easy to use, non-invasive, work fast and are affordable. They’re typically infused with lip tingling ingredients like cinnamon, pepper and peppermint which leads to an instant, yet slight swelling.
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme is a popular choice among make-up artists and beauty industry pros. When used both morning and night the difference is noticeable fast! Clearly there are many options to achieve your “perfect” pout. Experiment!
Some of the best beauty products come from the sea. Nonesuch Skincare uses seaweed from Maine which is packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that promote healthy skin.
Seaweed Beauty
HELLO WEEKEND
PHOTOGRAPHY Eugene DeLucie
STYLIST Kimmie Smith
MUAH Kat Osorio
MODEL Heidi Li
LEFT | Sport Bra LUCY ACTIVEWEAR | Fitness Gloves PROPS ATHLETICS | Talisman Necklace SEQUIN JEWELRY | Earrings E. SHAW JEWELRY |
THIS PAGE | Sport Bra AVOCADO | Cut Out Shirt AVOCADO | Cropped Sweatpant FOREVER 21 | Trainers NEW BALANCE | Headwrap/band BUFF | Pulse 2 JBL |
OPENING SPREAD, THIS PAGE + BACK COVER | Bodysuit ELECTRIX LOVE |
Our shoot focused on our model on a lazy Saturday in her apartment from getting up, relaxing, and getting a work out in. Ava DoBro is located in Brooklyn's Navy Yard and has a few things that are worth noting.
AM: What is the concept behind the design of the building?
AD: The building is unique in that it offers two distinct AvalonBay products (AVA DoBro and Avalon Willoughby Square) with a series of shared amenity spaces throughout. Feeding off the energy of the neighborhood, AVA DoBro creates a slender, fully-glazed silhouette anchoring Downtown Brooklyn. Interior designer CetraRuddy brought this dual-branded concept to life by creating two separate communities, each with memorable spaces and experiences geared to a specific target market. Avalon caters to a classic and sophisticated design sensibility, while AVA reflects a more eclectic, neighborhood-inspired design.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What are the amenities offered at AVA DoBro?
AVA DOBRO: AVA DoBro offers residents a Children’s Play Room, comfortable Chill Lounge, Fitness Center, Fitness Studio and 30th Floor Rooftop Terrace to lounge, entertain and grill. Pet-centric amenities include a dog-washing station and vast rooftop dog run. Additionally, the lobby offers immediate access to AVA Brew, an on-site specialty coffee shop. By the end of the year, residents will also have access to an exclusive 58th Floor Lounge with north- and south-facing terraces with stunning views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty.
AM: Accessibility seems to be a major aspect to this rental property with the access to subways on the corner, coffee shop etc, what colleges and larger businesses are in the area that would be draws to potential residents?
AD: Residents are drawn to the easy access to Manhattan and the emerging commercial and retail district of Downtown Brooklyn. The nearby MetroTech Center and King County Supreme Court house thousands of jobs, while Brooklyn Law School, NYU’s Tandon School
of Engineering, Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus and New York City College of Technology flood the neighborhood with students.
AM: Who decorated the space featured within our photoshoot?
AD: CetraRuddy is the interior designer for the project and Pushcart Coffee operates AVA Brew.
AM: What are other selling points in this building?
AD: Beyond the AvalonBay brand recognition, residents are especially fond of AVA Brew, the full suite of building amenities, range of unique apartment layouts, the pet-centric amenities and the friendly building staff.
AM: For those that are residents, what are the neighborhood selling points?
AD: Residents are attracted to the immediate access to Manhattan, rapidly-emerging neighborhood, active streetlife and unique services and amenities AVA DoBro offers.
AM: Is there anything that we should know about the Brooklyn Navy Yard area?
AD: The Navy Yard is undergoing a radical transformation and is quickly becoming an integral piece of Brooklyn’s waterfront redevelopment. A magnet for pioneering, energetic and creative entrepreneurs, the Brooklyn Tech Triangle is fueling a renaissance to grow the innovation economy in Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO and the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
GET READY, NYFW PREP
Next month, Fashion Month begins right here in NYC and continues to roll on to global destinations that showcase SS17 within a number of locations. Whether you're a model hitting the runway, sitting front row, part of the creative team, or enjoying online - it's essential to be skin and health ready! Dermatologist Dr Dendy Engelman and Nutritionist Brooke Alpert share how you can be ready for fashion's biggest season.
Be Prepared
Fashion Week is all about preparation. Brooke recommends a hearty breakfast to kick-start the day and stave off temptation mid-day to reach for unhealthy snacks. Try oatmeal to maintain blood sugar levels and feel satisfied all morning, and fruit to fight fatigue and stress. Don’t forget to pack snacks for in between shows! Brooke is partial to almonds, dried fruit, jerky and squeeze pouches. “The almonds and jerky have protein to help satisfy, and the fruit and squeeze pouches will keep your energy levels up while running from show to show.”
Dr. Dendy wants your skin to glow and withstand the stress Fashion Week Brings. Her first secret: the Oxylight facial. “What’s nice about a facial is that it is customizable to treat many skin concerns,” says Dr. Engelman. Oxylight facial is a comprehensive skin rejuvenation treatment using light therapy for anti-aging and discoloration, increases collagen production and firming with galvanic currents, oxygenates the skin while destroying harmful bacteria as a side benefit for active skin. “I also like to have my clients use a brightening mask or a sleeping mask the night to maximize absorption before each day so the skin as further insurance for a camera ready appearance.” Dendy recommends DERM iNSTITUTE’s Cellular Brightening Bio-Crystal Mask - 4 packs or Nerium International AD Night Cream.
Stay on your Game
When travelling all day, you are at the mercy of what your hectic schedule brings. Brooke always carries a water bottle to remind her to stay hydrated throughout the day. "Water is
essential for feeling your best and keeping headaches away.” “I like to add a scoop of Reserveage Collagen Replenish Powder for an extra beauty boost. It’s tasteless and odorless, you don’t even realize it’s in there,” says Alpert. “Collagen is a good source of protein to keep hunger at bay too.”
We don’t realize all the germs and bacteria that get on our skin and face. When opening doors, touching invitations, even using our computers—we transfer germs to our face. This can cause breakouts and irritations. “I love cleansing and hydrating mists that can be easily sprayed to refresh throughout the day—even over makeup,” says Dr. Dendy. (LUMIONskin Oxygen Mist Plus HOCL) “And of course, using protective sunscreen!” (Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF 50)
-- Psst. Don’t forget your charger—you know your snapchat will kill your battery life—and a good playlist for between shows or while you are perusing online.
You survived Fashion Week, now what?
Time to put all those makeup and fashion trends to the test and hit the streets. Staying healthy can be hard when you’re dining and cocktailing, debuting the newest trends. Brooke likes her clients to do regular weighins. “This will prevent over indulging and bring mind-body awareness.” When out, take a quick run-through of what is offered. “Pick what actually looks good and worth eating, planning will help with any regretful bites.”
All the new makeup trends can be fun to try, but make sure you are using products that are nontoxic. “I look for products free of parabens, fragrance, gluten, mineral oil and talc,” says Dr. Dendy. These products are safe for even the most sensitive skin. So whether you are covering dark circles (Nerium International Age-Defying Serum) from a late night or testing out the newest runway look, you are protecting your face while looking fabulous. Brands like Cover FX don’t have harmful ingredients and are safe for all skin types.
A soft, pounded rice cake used in Japanese cuisine as an unbaked pastry wrapped around a sweet filling
The right look starts with some of our must have cosmetics that give you a great glow. This month, we're focused on Laura Mercier's Face Illuminator which gives you an amazing sunkissed look. Allow your skin to stay breatheable with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' OCC Tint: Tinted Moisturizer. Finally, it's always about the eyes and Jane Iredale's Smooth Affair Eyes, eyeshadows in an array of colors.
ATHLEISURE BEAUTY
MOON PALACE GOLF AND SPA RESORT. LIKE NOWHERE ELSE.
The undisputed "Queens of Body Con," Cushnie Et Ochs know a thing or two about making a statement with their distinctive collections that fit the body to perfection with cut outs, slits, and textural play. Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs are more than just darlings of the CFDA, they have continued to showcase their fashion cred as a celebrity favorite on the red carpet with Karlie Kloss, Charlize Theron, Reese Witherspoon, Gwenyth Paltrow, Jada Pinkett and more. They are the go-to for making a sultry and sexy statement, while ensuring a powerful tone. A defining moment of distinction came when First Lady, Michelle Obama wore a custom piece for the White House's Christmas in Washington.
Although they are an American brand, their aesthetic showcases Danish and Italian influences. This summer, the duo presented their SS17 collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. "Inspiration comes, from everywhere, from film to travel to an art exhibition, you can really find inspiration in anything," explains Carly when we asked how they keep the line fresh within their niche focus.
This season's collection focuses on a night out while balancing the duality of movement and shape. As always the design duo compliments their strengths in a way that creates flawless execution when paying homage to the female body. Never understated, they know how to merge their secret formula of edgy, yet classy.
In a word, their brand personifies the heartbreaker, an unapologetic woman who has something to say and wants to be a conversation starter before she has even uttered a sound.
The secret formula of the brand's versatility (as it can be worn from a power meeting, a lunch date, and an epic night out) and coveted nature comes down to its creation. "By design, our garments have a stretch structure and support which is fully lined so there's less of a need for specific under garments," noted Michelle. Looks are created with a balance of hard, soft, tailored and fluidity. Of course, they are all about fabrication details which include viscose, fine ribbed knits, and stretch
The key to success for the team is not just in knowing their niche who continues to flock to them for embellishing their moments on the red carpet; however, the women put themselves into the line as well and continue to look at the ongoing lifestyle of the women who are on-the-go and enjoy going out.
They established this connection with their customer upon this summer's release of their active line where portions of the collections sold out in minutes via their Cushnie Et Ochs X Bandier collaboration.
"Being very active ourselves — and with the female form as the muse that informs our ready-to-wear collection — activewear was a natural progression for us," Carly stated in explaining this portion of the line extension. It is the epitome of being able to wear garments to a number of destinations from the gym, brunch, and out. The ability to do so with ease is an essential to the woman that is constantly on the go.
Although there are a number of designers that are looking to add this type of aesthetic within their collections, this is not a whim for this design set. Carly's workouts include SLT, SoulCycle and fitness artist Nicole Winhoffer's NW Method.
Just as their red carpet looks have enjoyed devotion from celebrities and power women, fitness has also responded with many of the pieces selling out just days after coming to market this summer! The ability to have a chic, edgy, and detailed look that provides the necessary function in the studio, but can also be rocked for life after the gym has resonated with their base.
"Inspiration comes, from everywhere, from film, to travel to an art exhibition, you can really find inspiration in anything."
Cushnie Et Ochs Movement and Shape with
When asked why it made sense for the readyto-wear brand to include this within their design, Carly points to seamless integration. "At its core, Cushnie Et Ochs has always been about women's bodies. We wanted to create something for our existing, as well as next customer, that worked seamlessly into her next phase of life. So the natural progression was to create this athleisure line."
The all black capsule collection focuses on core pieces that stylish gym-goers can easily embrace. The edit of 10 pieces includes leggings, crop tops, jackets and tank tops. Of course, their signature of slits on slits and attention to detail is woven throughout the line. Notably, the duo have utilized fabrication that stretches 2 or 4 ways for their red carpet collection however this capsule uses fabrics that stretch 8 ways ensuring that everything stays where it is meant to be regardless of the workout!
"We were inspired to create the activewear version of our little black dresses and to highlight and define the female body through our signature cuts and sculptural lines," explained Carly. Being active herself and due to the nature of their designs, the duo understood that their base wanted to have this option. As always, laser cutting has been a core of the design and with this collaboration, the skin almost becomes another portion of the design element.
"In general wellness has become very important and people should be taking better care of themselves. But when you have great looking activewear, you not only perform better but you can transition from working out to normal life easily!" exclaimed Carly.
The ability to be synced into their customer and to ensure that they have her covered from day to night, as well as when she pops out to maintain her physique, keeps Cushnie Et Ochs connected with who they are as a brand.
As a mantra, "the brand is a for women by women, and we want to always express this female sensuality in our clothes," they proclaimed. Regardless of the season or focus, this is a pivotal pillar in their design ethos.
The only constant is change and the Cushnie Et Ochs team continues to focus on what they do best, while looking at natural expansions that will continue to support their existing customer while also introducing themselves to new fans. They believe that their success has also been established in understanding that with so many options that are available, it is essential to create colections that allow consumers to purchase items that go beyond a season and not to make them so specific. This showcases their true versatility and establishes their ongoing loyalty.
What's next for this duo that continues to get it right by focusing on the details and the intimate connection with their base? On the horizon for this fall is their much anticipated e-commerce store which is another benchmark from a brand that continues to move forward since they launched in 2008 and were picked up by Bergdorf Goodman in 2009!
Images courtesy of Indigital
MODEL FIT ATHLEISURE LIST: NYC
Former stylist, Vanessa Packer is the Co-Founder of modelFIT, a bespoke workout and nutrition program (she is a holistic nutritionist) which makes it a lifestyle. At it's core, their process emphasizes mindful movement and a balanced diet. This can increase more fitness, increased energy, and balanced moods. These effects are benefits that she feels she has acquired since creating this method.
Clearly, the belief has resonated with its clients which include Taylor Swift, Chrissy Tiegen, Karlie Kloss (as well as a number of notable of Victoria's Secret Angels) who make sure that they are runway, tour, studio, and stage ready. Located in the LES of NYC's Bowery, Vanessa partnered with Celebrity Trainer, Justin Gelband in their 1,500 sq ft space where classes average $40 a session.
modelFIT provides an effective workout in a space that is beautiful and refined. Signature workouts incorporate a mix of Pilates, Yoga, movement, motion, balance, stability, functional training and more. Instructors incorporate their various backgrounds in yoga, boxing, dance and intrinsic strength training and fuses
it with the modelFIT philosophy of mindful exercise. The focus is on slower movement and working smaller muscles, which yields results that lengthen, sculpt, tone and tighten the body.
Guests enjoy a studio space filled with fresh flowers, organic beauty products, plush towels, and the latest magazines to round out their experience. Of course, modelFIT apparel is available for purchase. It is minimalistic, clean, and mo-
dern zen. The space (a former factory circa 1900) sits atop the bustling corner of Rivington and Bowery to have a birds-eye view of the iconic city it sits within. Another service that is offered to members is oneon-one individualized nutrition consulting, in addition to an array of great workouts that are offered at this studio.
MODELFIT FACTS
LOCATION: 212 Bowery NY, NY 10011
STUDIO OFFERINGS: Train like a model is a mantra that is not a part of this gym but is infused within their clientele. Nutrition, zen, and a workout with a focus on smaller and mindful movement is brought together for this method.
ATHLEISURE LIST: NYC, PHILLY, CANADA + UK
LUSH SPA
We're all familiar with LUSH, known for their natural skincare and cosmetics that come in naked packaging that also sourcing who put the items together for you, whether you're buying it online or in their fragrant sensory inducing stores.
A few years ago, LUSH SPA on the Upper East Side of Manhattan opened and its continued success has led to the launch of their Philadelphia location as well. LUSH infuses it's concept into a multi-sensory experience of sound, scents, sweet beverages, and more which leaves the body feeling a cleanliness on a level that has never been felt but also a total immersion into another place.
Although there are a number of offerings that can be selected within their spa packages, it is the curation of their music treatments that are truly the star. Currently, guests can have a spa experience along with the Beatles, in Hard Days Night.
Guests who enjoy the spa are welcomed into a vintage kitchen and then continue into a room where a tartan set of PJs are left that are wrapped around a warm bottle so that you can not only put these on but begin to
feel the coziness of the treatment that focuses on preparing your body for a 75 minute slumber. Throughout, you enjoy a series of stretches and pulls which reduces muscle stress and tension and leave the body in a state of relaxation.
The sounds have been created from a commissioned collection of re-worked
Beatles music from Simon Emmerson and Simon Richmond which goes along with the movements of the masseuse.
Initially, it begins with an auditory montage of sounds from Liverpool that include voices that go into music from the Beatles, but in a way that you have never heard them before. The low lighting is also a
way to infuse a sense of letting go during the treatment as the body is able to disconnect from the chaos as a means to reconnect with itself as it is realigned. As you come to the end of the treatment, "Let it Be" which you are encouraged to say during your mantra is said and you are left alone. You can still hear the sounds of a number of melodies. When the rooster crows, you are done and revitalized.
Walking back into the vintage kitchen, you enjoy a pot of tea and cookies as your body is about to go back to the real world. You're also sent home with a bath bomb so that you can continue your experience within your own home with memories of what you enjoyed during the past 75 minutes.
Without a doubt, this is an experience that is great for those that are not spa-goers as you can comfortably leave your clothes on (as it is provided), and this is more about muscle work as opposed to putting oils on you. It's a great entry way into this experience.
For spa vets, having this multi-sensory experience is such a treat as your body feels
more alive adapting to what is taking place in its direct environment, while succumbing to it in a pleasant way.
LUSH SPA FACTS
LOCATION:
783 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10065
1525 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Check out their locations in Canada and in London
SPA OFFERINGS: A number of treatments are offered at LUSH SPA, but Athleisure Mag has always been a fan of those that are curated with sound and muscle conditioning. Continue to check in as they are themed, our initial one years ago was Harry Potter themed!
The Art of the Snack
SMOOTHIE BOWLS
We're sure you follow a number of people who share Smoothie Bowl recipes. This month we share our favorites from Melissa Stadler of Modern Honey, Karissa Bowers of Organic Authority, and Jessica in the Kitchen.
Photo on left, courtesy of Recipe Hub; on the right, courtesy of Melissa Stadler
POWER ACAI SMOOTHIE BOWL
SERVES 1-2
Ingredients:
Berry Version:
1 Acai Superfruit Pack, unsweetened (100 g)
¼ Cup Blueberries
¼ Cup Strawberries
1 Banana (frozen)
2 Tablespoons Chocolate Protein Powder
¼ - ½ cup Apple Juice (can substitute coconut water or chocolate almond milk)
Ice
Tropical Version:
1 Acai Superfruit Packet, unsweetened
½ Cup Mango
½ Cup Pineapple
½ Banana (frozen)
¼ Cup Coconut Water, Milk, or Apple Juice
Toppings:
Almond Butter
Cacao Nibs or Shaved Dark Chocolate
Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
Blueberries
Strawberries
Mangoes
Pineapple
Granola Banana
Honey
*You can substitute any frozen berries for acai
Directions:
1. Blend acai, blueberries, strawberries, banana, protein powder and apple juice. If you are using frozen fruit, you will need ½ cup of apple juice, to help the blender break it down. If you are using fresh fruit, ¼ cup of apple juice is needed. Feel free to substitute apple juice with coconut water or chocolate almond milk.
2. Top with your favorite topping: almond
butter, chocolate, coconut, blueberries, strawberries, mango, pineapple, banana, homemade granola and drizzle with honey.
SPRING & MINT STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE BOWL
SERVES 2
Ingredients:
2 Medjool Dates, pitted
1 Frozen Banana, chopped
¼ Cup fresh Strawberries
¼ Cup Raspberries, frozen or fresh
1 Tablespoon fresh Mint Leaves, minced
1 Cup unsweetened Almond Milk
½ Teaspoon pure Vanilla Extract
Garnish: Sliced fresh Strawberries, Raspberries, and Mint
Directions:
1. Add Dates and Almond Milk to the blender. Blend until Dates are smooth.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until creamy. Add another tablespoon or two more Almond Milk if needed and blend until desired consistency is reached.
3. Pour into each bowl and add desired garnishes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Photo courtesy
Photo courtesy of Jessica in the Kitchen
COCONUT & KIWI SMOOTHIE BOWL
SERVES 2
Ingredients:
3 Slices of Pineapple
2 Cups fresh Spinach, washed and stems removed
2 Frozen Bananas
1/3 Cup Orange Juice
1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
Toppings:
Granola
1 Kiwi, cut in half Hemp Seeds
Directions:
1. Blend all together in a high power blender (such as a Nutri Bullet).
2. Top with desired amount of toppings.
3. Serve and enjoy!
Trailblazers is our series where we catch up with active creative leaders and innovative thinkers to learn more about their out-of-boardroom adventures, expertise and passions.
For August, we catch up with Faris and Rosie Yakob, who co-founded innovation agency Genius Steals, believing ideas are new combinations and that nothing can come from nothing. Finding copying lazy, they advocate the best way to innovate is to look at the best of that which came before and combine those elements into new solutions.
Faris and Rosie are award-winning strategists and creative directors, writers, consultants and public speakers who have been living on the road/runway for 3 years and counting, working with companies all over the world. Being nomadic allows them to go wherever clients need them to be, and to be inspired by the world in between.
ATHLEISURE MAG: You are such a cute couple, how did you meet?
ROSIE YAKOB: We met in the fall of 2008 at a party in New York City. We say ‘party’ because it involved test tubes of absinthe and an awesome DJ, but it was also an art project called Urban Rabbit Hole by a woman named Samina about stories and the places in which those stories took place.
FARIS YAKOB: Later we found out that I went to high school with Samina’s brother, and the post we both saw that led us there was written by someone who ended up being Rosie’s boss. The stars were aligning us it would seem.
AM: How did you come about your decision to travel abroad, consulting and speaking at global conferences along the way?
RY: The last year we lived in NYC we weren’t in NYC for a consecutive 30 days, so it’s fair to say travel already played a pretty big part in our lives. Faris was getting asked more frequently to speak abroad and it seemed a shame to fly to beautiful places for a day or two and then have to fly back to NYC just because of the poor vacation polices that exist in America.
FY: I had been working in NYC for five years. At the point I had started a digital agency and was in a place to sell my stake in it, which gave us a bit of money to lift off. I was also concerned with the crazy level of busy people seemed to operate at in NYC. Years were passing by in a blur.
AM: So looking back on the ~ 175 weeks on the road so far, what are some of the favorite places and moments you've enjoyed?
RY: I loved diving in Southeast Asia. Getting my PADI certification off a tiny island in Cambodia was standout. Snorkeling in the Maldives is up there as one of my favorite experiences. We were in the water for hours every day, just fascinated with the ridiculous sea life. The Gili Islands off the coast of Bali frequently come up: removed from the party scene in Kuta, no cars on the island, and generally very peaceful.
We both loved Angkor Wat and Bang Malea. Siem Reap frequently gets overshadowed by Angkor Wat, but we really enjoyed wandering around the town itself, too.
The hotel we stayed at in Sri Lanka, Ulagalla, was one of my all-time favorites. It was part of our honeymoon, so our budget was a bit higher and the property was just gorgeous.
We spent a big chunk of this year in South America and Buenos Aires was hard not to love: lively, artistic and super friendly.
Stateside, we loved visiting the Grand Canyon. For a friend’s birthday, several of us visited distilleries along the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky, and the 21 C Hotel in Louisville is probably our favorite hotel in the US.
FY: Hiking the Inca Trail, traveling around New Zealand, diving in the Maldives, speaking at some of our biggest events, Disney World is awesome - heading back there after a gig in Orlando tomorrow! Shopping and cooking from the the markets in Aix-En-Provence, spending time on trips with friends in Chile, France, Italy, and Kansas.
AM: What activities do you do for fun (both as a couple and personally)?
RY: We both love diving and snorkeling. We do a lot of walking city tours and cooking classes when we can to get a vibe for the places we’re in.
FY: We don’t do many things separately, but occasionally I’ll go for a walk or sit quietly in a pub while she gets a manicure. I tweet a lot.
AM: What was the ratio between planned and spontaneous activities and how much do you factor randomness in your lives (and people generally)?
RY: We plan where we’ll stay, but rarely plan what we’ll do in a place until we get there.
FY: I’m a big fan of randomness, and we often use zen navigation to walk around new places.
AM: We are constantly delighted by the pictures you take in your adventures! What camera(s) do you use? Do you largely manage to capture great visual and stay in the moment, or find it somewhat interruptive?
RY: We both use our iPhones and only our iPhones! We’re only casual photographers and definitely not travel bloggers so we don’t really feel the need to get the perfect shot.
FY: As our mate Chase Jarvis says, the best camera is the one you have with you. And the new iPhone camera is pretty impressive.
AM: You advise to travel to other parts of the world, especially places harder to get to. Why is exposure to diversity so important? How innate is our curiosity to explore?
FY: It’s a quote from a speech Bill Murray gave at a random bachelor party he crashed on life and love. “Buy a plane ticket for the two of you to travel all around the world, and go to places that are hard to go to and hard to get out of. And if when you come back to JFK, when you land in JFK, and you're still in love with that person, get married at the airport.”
In general, I worry about removing too much friction from our lives. If everything is easy, you don’t learn anything, you don’t have to grow as a person. I don’t mean the commercially crea-
ted friction of dealing with customer service, I mean navigating unknown spaces, languages and cultures, being in new situations, not just another meeting in another office.
Confucius — 'The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.'
AM: Why do Faris and Rosie cross the road?
RY: To talk to strangers.
AM: So your company is named Genius Steals, proclaiming nothing is new and ideas are largely remixes. What are some unlikely and unusual places you had magic happen?
RY: We had a great brainstorm on the beach in Bali, and recently wrote a presentation from Aix en Provence.
FY: Ideas come from everywhere. Rosie will point out a brand burn on a menu in Bolivia and
it becomes the topic for my next column. Our luggage gets lost and we get ignored by the terrible airline Vueling about it for nearly a month. It helps inform a consulting project we do with Air New Zealand.
AM: Your tagline for Genius Steals is searching for awesome, how often do you find it? What is the importance of awesome?
FY: You can’t ever find it. It’s a pursuit, like the
one for happiness enshrined in the US constitution. The importance of awesome is that the emotion awe is what reminds us we are part of something larger. Awe is when you see something that forces you to adjust your model of reality. Habituation erases time, awe creates the world anew.
AM: How often does awesome and popular overlap? How affected are we by social proof in this digital interconnected age?
RY: It’s such an interesting question. There can be videos on YouTube that have had tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions of views, that neither of us have seen. More and more, we live in a distributed world. We use TripAdvisor quite frequently, but recently when we were in Nashville, where I’m from, we had a look at TripAdvisor and I realized that very few of the places I love were in the top 20. And the places in the top 20 really weren’t the best. It was a clear example of a path that became beaten, and everyone followed along, and then those restaurants got more and more ratings, but not because they were the best, just because they were recommended.
FY: We leave these digital scent trails and cumulative advantage kicks in, carving traveler lines through the world. Awesome things tend to be very shareable - so that means they often become popular. But popular isn’t the same thing as awesome. What’s most popular may also serve other social and personal functions. Stirring anger seems to be very popular in the USA in the Age of Outrage, which in turn seems to affect journalism and what content is produced and paid for.
AM: 'Optimists are more fun' is one of your business cards. Why, and does that have limitations?
RY: Traveling can be stressful, especially when stuff goes wrong and you don’t speak the language. Even when you’re a frequent flier, it’s annoying when planes are delayed or buses are canceled or the cab driver rips you off. But at the end of the day, we rarely have control over these situations. What we do have control over, however, is how we react to them. You can laugh and have a sense of humor or you can get upset.
FY: I’m probably more of a skeptical meliorist. That is to say, I think things generally get better, mostly. I try to have an open mind and let it change, but I require strong evidence to believe something. When dealing with large companies I’ve learned to lower my expectations, frankly, because customer service has declined across the board as growth in USA slows and pressure to put on margins by Wall Street. I’m trying to become more patient because yes the only thing we really can control is how we react. Rosie is more of an optimist, and I believe they are more fun.
AM: We loved your book Paid Attention, it's a fun and insightful read. As a post-modernist advertising philosopher, do you always see the world through mad man lenses?
FY: Thanks! In some ways. Whatever we do becomes the metaphor for how we understand the world. I pay far more attention to ads as we travel than real people do. That said, the longer I’m outside of advertising agencies, the broader my lens has become, I think. You unconsciously absorb the values and ideas of the people and culture around you, and that changes a lot for us now.
I never felt very comfortable watching Mad Men, despite being named one of the 10 modern day ones by Fast Company. Sexism seems baked into the name and the program seemed morally bankrupt in a way I saw glimpses of in agencies in NYC and found repellent.
AM: Why is attention the scarcest resource in the 21st century?
FY: Capitalism needs constant growth. The growth used to come from taking over new countries, through creating a middle class and products for them. The wave of capitalism that powers Google and Facebook is the mining of attention at a global scale. Now thanks to smartphones we spend most of our waking lives immersed in media. There is less and less attention to go around, making it more and more expensive and harder to mine.
AM: Are people generally more emotional, than rational? What does that say about people?
FY: It’s a false dichotomy. Famously, a construction worker called Phineas Gage had a railroad spike blown threw his head. Amazingly he survived, but his amygdalae, which appears to be wear your brain does a lot of emotion stuff, were destroyed.
When people lose access to their emotions, they are no longer capable of making decisions. This is because if you were literally to try to apply pure logic to every decision, you're brain would freeze up.
We like to think of ourselves as rational beings and we are, to a certain extent, but without the heuristics of emotion to help us, we'd never be able to decide anything. We almost never have the perfect knowledge required to make truly rational decisions. Life just isn't like that. Hence we evolved emotions.
So it's not that there are emotional and rational side pulling us in different directions but that emotions are the "lubricants of reason" - we can't think without them.
Jonathon Haidt uses the elephant and rider metaphor, to emphasize which bit seems more impactful on behavior. The rider is rational and can plan ahead, the elephant is driven by wants and instincts. Importantly there is a third element - the context, which dictates possibilities and which of the two tend to be more in control.
AM: What are some attention hacks you can give our community? Why is attention so slippery?
FY: Attention is triggered by patterns, specifically the modulation of them. So your brain looks for patterns in the noise, seeing faces in clouds, the face attracts your attention [this is called pareidolia]. It also looks for disruptions - loud noises disrupt the pattern and pull your attention.
Curiosity triggers it - creating manageable gaps in the pattern, in knowledge. It’s slippery because it’s part of consciousness, the most complex thing in the known universe, and it’s not a binary on-off thing, but more of a spectrum.
AM: Do we still have your attention? :)
FY: So far, so good.
AM: You gave a quick pre-talk at PSFK urging people not to take advice from people and instead to make a list of what makes them happy and another of what they do everyday; compare and adjust. OK.. makes a lot of sense, so is the good life that simple?
FY: The simplest things are often the hardest to implement. There are many, many contextual factors that stop us living our best life, some real, some imagined. Alan Watts said a long time ago that life is a hoax, we are pushed through life from kindergarten to prepare for the next stage, to get to school, get qualifications, get a job, so we can finally enjoy ourselves when we retire. We are conditioned to constantly be in need of the future, which is the hoax because when it arrives, we can’t enjoy it because of the conditioning and because we are going to be very old. Life is short and how you spend your days is how you live your life. If you are unhappy, make a plan, get to an end point, make some kind of change. Don’t get trapped in a single conception of success, of progress. Try a few. You get one go at this. Many people get trapped by poverty. Certain decisions, like having children, have very long consequences. Nothing is simple.
AM: Your newsletter, Strands of (stolen) Genius features curated recaps of interesting news, events and books. What are some books that have recently hit the shelf that you are excited about. What sorts of music gets you in the groove?
RY: I listen to country music and tropical house. Remember, I’m from Nashville ;)
FY: I like grunge from 1990-1995, jungle and drum and bass / jungle from 1996-2000, and some more recent pop rave stuff.
RY: We both loved reading Night Circus. I’m reading the first book Perdido Station, which Faris got for his birthday from a friend and loved. Alex vs the Universe was great.
FY: The World Beyond Your Head - Matthew Crawford. The Drunkard’s Walk, Leonard Mlod-
inow. What Money Can’t Buy - The Moral Limits of Markets - Michael Sandel. Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal Mary Roach. Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind Yuval Harari. Station Eleven Emily Mandel. The comic book series Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples.
MORE ABOUT FARIS & ROSIE YAKOB
Faris Yakob has an extensive background in advertising and communications strategy. He was EVP Chief Technology Strategist at McCann Erickson NYC, tasked with ushering in their digital transformation, which led to them wining their first ever Cyber Lion at Cannes. Subsequently he was appointed Chief Innovation Officer of MDC Partners, a network of best in breed agencies, including CPB, Anomaly, 72 & Sunny and kbs+. Prior, he was former global head of digital for Naked Communications and co-founded creative technology boutique Spies&Assassins.
Faris was a founding member of the IPA Social Committee, is on the global advisory board of Social Media Week, and has judged numerous award shows, including the social category for the Effies. He helped the London International Awards to create and define the NEW category to reflect and highlight innovation in the industry. He has written about social media and marketing for Campaign, Fast Company, Forbes, Contagious, Canvas8 and Age of Conversation books. Faris is the author of Paid Attention, co-authored The Digital State: How The Internet is Changing Everything [Kogan Page], and speaks on social, digital and innovative marketing all over the world. His thesis on the future of brands won the inaugural IPA President’s Prize.
Rosie Yakob began her career working with hip hop moguls Jay-Z and Steve Stoute at their entertainment branding company, developing non-traditional ways for brand like Altoids, Target, Wrigley and Samsung to connect with their fans. She joined Cake Group’s newly founded New York office in 2009 where she launched Motorola’s global social media presence and helped brands like Havaianas, Sears and Oppenheimer navigate the world of social and digital media. In early 2011, Rosie joined Saatchi & Saatchi’s New York office to lead social and emerging media, advising brands including P&G’s Pampers & Olay
and General Mills’ Cheerios amongst others.
Before co-founding Genius Steals with Faris, Rosie was most recently at 360i, an award-winning digital marketing agency, named by Fast Company as one of the world’s most innovative companies. There she and her team helped brands like Bravo, Dentyne, NBCU and Oreo navigate the world of social and emerging media from creative ideation through to activation. This included being the lead strategist on the Cannes Grand Prix and Facebook Best in Show winning Oreo Daily Twist campaign. Rosie has written for publications including Fast Company, Digiday & SocialFresh.com and her presentations on social have been featured on the front page of Slideshare. She is passionate about moving the industry forward and has served on the Jay Chiat Social Media jury and taught at Miami Ad School in addition to speaking at conferences around the world.
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IN OUR BAG: SUMMER FRIDAY
Summer is winding down, schools are back in session and the world is changing faster than ever. Learning something new is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but for many of us, it’s not so easy to learn something new if you’re not already working toward a degree. The good news is that there has never been so much free information online and available to anyone with an internet connection. If you’re tired of the same old same old exhausted from listening to people argue about the elections, or just curious about what’s going on out there, there’s a whole load of ways that you can “go to school” without going into massive debt. Why don’t you check out a few of these resources?
Here are a few websites that I find to be great resources to expand your mind (and pick up a recommendation or two):
TED Talks
By now, almost everyone has heard of the TED Talks – “Ideas Worth Spreading” – but it’s a good reminder that there are hundreds of amazing presentations available for free. There’s everything from art to sports to culture, humor, music, performance art, and inspirational stories. There are new talks being added all the time. Do yourself a favor and see what’s been added recently.
Open Culture
This is a massive motherlode of free cultural and educational resources. Want to learn a new language? Take an online course? Download a free e-book? Watch a free online movie? Open Culture offers an enormous archive of content, and you’ll want to check the blog regularly for interesting tidbits, links and stories.
by Ed Maguire
Brain Pickings
Maria Popova curates this website that cobbles together thoughtful and surprising tidbits across art, music, science, literature and other disciplines. The newsletter is a must read, and is supported by contributions.
Coursera
Want to take free classes from any one of 140+ colleges and universities? Here’s your opportunity to learn a new computer programming language, or catch up on that Music history class you wished you could take in college. No one takes attendance, so it’s up to you to finish the homework though.
If you are interested in getting smart on some of the most dramatic changes in technology, society and business, there are a few books that will give you a good overview of what’s
happening – and you don’t need to be a scientist or an engineer to understand what’s important. Here are a few that I have recommended to people:
Augmented: Life in the Smart Lane by Brett King, with Alex Lightman, JP Rangaswami and Andy Lark (2016)
Author, CEO and futurist Brett King outlines how a new “augmented age” is emerging, powered by four key disruptive trends: artificial intelligence, embedded technology experiences, genome technology and smart infrastructure. The book is rich with examples and anecdotes, bringing to life complex technologies and concepts in an accessible fashion. One of the best books I’ve read looking at how the convergence of AI, robotics, ubiquitous computing and digitized health will lead to epochal changes in work, life and the na-
ture of businesses.
Abundance:
The Future is Better than You Think by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler (2013)
Peter Diamandis is a co-founder of Singularity University, and serial and concurrent entrepreneur who lays out a boatload of reasons why you should be an optimist. Advances in healthcare, science, space travel and connectivity are unleashing amazing changes in front of us.
The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies by Eric Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee (2014)
This is a must read for anyone that wants to get a better understanding of what technology is doing to our society. Follow up to 2011’s Race Against the Machine, this volume is the most thoroughly researched and well written exploration of the impact of technology on work and prosperity. The book takes an optimistic tone, but does not gloss over the challenges ahead in education and technological unemployment.
The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology by Ray Kurzweil (2005)
Ray Kurzweil is a genius inventor and entrepreneur who is currently working at Google. The idea of the Technological Singularity is that humans will be able to extend lives indefinitely as technology advances. This is not just “Nerd Rapture” – the book lays out the basis for a lot of thinking about accelerating change. This work is a fundamental read for anyone who wants an understanding of exponential change, and it’s a core work that puts human progress in perspective. Yes it might sound crazy at first but it’s backed up by a lot of research.
Tomorrowland: Our Journey from Science Fiction to Science Fact – Steven Kotler (2015)
This book has nothing to do with the movie of the same name. Steven Kotler, author of “The Rise of Superman” and co-founder of the Flow
Genome Project, chronicles some of the most dramatic advances in science and technology. Topics include private space flight, asteroid mining, bionic limbs, space diving, mind uploading, genetically engineered insects, ecological engineering, psychedelic drugs, stem cells, s steroids and religion. The book tracks the latest innovations In emerging fields and weaves engaging anecdotes and backstories into an accessible collection of topics.
The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces that Will Shape Our Future by Kevin Kelly (2016)
Kevin Kelly is one of the most profound philosophers on technology of our era. He was a co-founder of Wired magazine, and his books have been deeply influential to innovators and investors - must-reads for anyone with an interest in how the future may unfold around us. With Out of Control he drew parallels between nature and technology, and What Technology Wants connected the evolutionary threads from the creation of life to the rise of human civilization, and to technology as our organic extension. In The Inevitable, Kelly frames 12 conceptual forces almost as fundamental elements : “Becoming”, “Sharing”, “Cognifying”, “Flowing”, “Screening”, “Accessing” etc. This is a book you are going to want to read and re-read to fully absorb.
Ed Maguire has worked as an equity analyst covering the technology sector since 1999 for a variety of firms including CLSA Americas, Merrill Lynch and CIBC. Previously he led sales for independent music distributor Twinbrook Music while working as professional musician performing on bass, violin and keyboards, composing, arranging and producing a variety of styles of music. Ed holds a B.A. in Music from Columbia and an M.B.A. from Rutgers in Finance and Management Information Systems. He lives in Millburn, NJ with his wife Lily, their two kids and the dog Spock.
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Bingely Books BINGE WORTHY
ELIZABETH + MICHAEL
Donald Bogle Simon & Schuster
Donald Bogle is one of the country’s leading authorities on popular entertainment. He presents an eye-opening and unique biography of two larger-than-life legends: Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson; and their unlikely yet enduring friendship.
From the moment Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson met, they were hooked on each other. He peered into her violet eyes and was transfixed; she, in turn, was dazzled by his talent, intrigued by his sweet-tempered childlike personality, and moved by the stories she had already heard about his troubled early life. Soon a deep friendship blossomed, most unexpectedly unlike anything either had ever experienced. Their bond of their struggles and place within the public spotlight, their held them together, and their love for each other endured.
Donald shares the emotional connection, without shying away from the controversies that swirled around them.
WHEN THE NIGHT COMES
Favel Parrett Simon & Schuster
Favel tells the story of a young Tasmanian girl and a Danish sailor and the brief encounter that leaves a lasting impact on both.
Isla is a lonely girl who moves to Hobart with her mother and brother to try to better their lives. It’s not really working until they meet Bo, a crewman on an Antarctic supply ship, the Nella Dan, who shares stories about his adventures with them— his travels, bird
THE TRIP
Deborah Davis Simon & Schuster
Read about a little-known road trip across America that the then up-andcoming artist, Andy Warhol took in 1963, and how this journey profoundly influenced his life and art.
What began as a madcap, drug-fueled romp became a journey that took Warhol on a kaleidoscopic intricate adventure which began in NYC, across
the vast American heartland, all the way to Hollywood, and back.
The Trip captures how Warhol intersected with Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, Marcel Duchamp, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and other bold-faced names of the time. In addition, he met those without known names that changed his psyche.
watching, his home in Denmark, and life on board the ship. Isla is struggling to learn what truly matters and who to trust, while this modern Viking is searching to understand his past and to find a place in this world for himself. Though their time together is short, it is enough to change the course of both their lives.
Bingely Streaming BINGE WORTHY
OLYMPIC GAMES™
NBC Networks
This month, the much anticipated Olympic games headed to Rio to watch the world's best compete in a number of games. With new additions to the games added such as golf (and in Tokyo 2020, surfing will be in the offerings), there are bound to be must see memories in the makings! Standouts include: Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, and so much more. Check your local listings as the games will play on a number of NBC Network stations, online and through a Samsung VR partnership as well.
If you miss your favorite sport, you can also see recaps as well to ensure that your covered. It all starts off with the Opening Ceremonies on Aug 5th and concludes where it all began in Brazil on Aug 21st. Get your medal count ready!
THE GET DOWN Netflix
Enter the world of The Get Down with Netflix's new original series Directed by Baz Luhrmann. The Bronx in the 1970's comes to life with a mix of NYC gritty street life, the birth of Hip Hop, and of course it's seen through the eyes of young kids coming up as they transition into adulting. Notable titans of the birth of Hip Hop emerge as well as showcasing the style of the era by Costume Wardrobe Stylist Catherine Martin. The first 6 episodes start streaming on Aug 12th with the remaining episodes of the season continuing next year.
Acorn TV
This Acorn TV Original Series starring Emmy nominated Ashley Jensen (Catastrophe, Extras, Ugly Betty) in Agatha Raisin, a fun new mystery show. This new show incorporates whimsy, humor, and mysteries. Based on MC Beaton's best-selling novels, a London PR Maven turned amateur sleuth, enters a world filled with mischief, mayhem, and murder when she decides to enjoy her early retirment in the Cotswolds. This hope is dashed when she is implicated in the deadly case of the Quiche of Death. In the fun and witty eight-part mystery, more murders occur in her village. Drawn into their mysteries, Agatha attempts to solve the crime in unorthodox ways. The pilot and series co-star Mathew Horne (Gavin & Stacey, Drunk History) as Agatha’s best friend and former assistant Roy, and Jamie Glover (Waterloo Road) as Agatha’s on-off love interest, James.
AGATHA RAISIN
Anthony Sosnick has been a leader in Men's Grooming for well over a decade, with his namesake, Anthony. We took a moment to talk with this beauty guru and muscian as National Men's Grooming Day takes place on August 19th.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When you launched the brand Anthony 16 years ago, you were a pioneer as well as a trendsetter in the industry, now you have the core line as well as sub-brands under it - what was your background in the industry and tell us about each line and how it is differentiated?
ANTHONY SOSNICK: I had zero background in this industry, however I had a strong desire and passion to create super high quality grooming products for men and women. You don't always need to have a background in something as passion can increase the learning curve significantly.
Anthony is our core brand. It is the first line we created and is geared toward men's grooming
THE GROOMING CHORD
needs. Having said that, women are also frequent users of the products - hence our tagline, "Developed for Men. Borrowed by Women." Anthony is a premium brand with good-for-you ingredients that is sold in prestige stores and used by anyone from the discerning grooming-conscious person to the everyday man or woman looking for superior skincare.
Shaveworks is our first foray into the women's side of the sink. Each product is considered a "hero" product that is specifically targeted to pre and post-grooming needs for women. It is made with some of the finest ingredients to solve waxing and shaving woes.
Action is our masstige line of grooming products for men. The brand consists of all the daily essentials that a man would use to properly groom himself while keeping his budget in mind.
Finally, Emily & Tony is a collaboration with an old friend who is a renowned sex therapist. The line has three aromatherapy and massage candles that can be used to spice up your home...and your love life.
AM: What sets Anthony apart from other men's skincare and cosmetic brands in the market?
AS: Anthony is one of the only brands that has a founder who leads the creative development and overall brand vision of its products.
AM: What is the primary goal that Anthony looks to accomplish when making its assortment?
AS: What's most important is making sure we develop innovative, high-quality products that meet the needs of our customer. We have been developing products for many years now and have a very good understanding of the market but it is also important for us to listen to our customers, while we take into consideration our own methodical and strategic research to bring to the consumer the best in class grooming products.
AM: Anthony is in a number of locations around the world, will it have its own independent
stores in the future?
AS: We have no plans to do this at this time. We feel it is more important to support our retail partners and develop our e-commerce websites.
AM: Are there any launches coming out this fall that we can look forward too?
AS: We recently launched an amazing exfoliating cleansing bar that can be used as a shaving soap, body exfoliator, and facial cleanser. The product is fantastic as it does not leave the skin dry or dehydrated, but well-nourished.
AM: What is your favorite product within your lines?
AS: That's a question I get asked often. I would have to say the ones I use most often are the Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash, Glycolic Facial Cleanser, No Sweat Body Defense, Anthony Anti-Wrinkle Glycolic Peptide Serum, and, of course, our sunscreen for the face.
AM: What is a core ingredient that you believe is necessary for men to have within this line that is in Anthony products?
AS: We have dozens of key ingredients throughout the line. The one that is used most often may seem boring, but at the right level and in the right formula, is very effective. Aloe Vera is an exceptional ingredient for healing and soothing the skin and is especially good to be used in a wide range of men's skincare products.
AM: Are there ingredients that you would like to use that have yet to be included within Anthony products?
AS: At this time we feel very confident that we are using the right ingredients for the products we make. Having said that, we will start to use more advanced ingredients such as peptides and anti-aging complexes as we begin to develop new products.
AM: When you are not running your grooming business, how do you decompress in terms of fitness, enjoying meals out, etc?
AS: I am an avid runner and enjoy bike riding along the Hudson River in New York City. When time allows, there's nothing I enjoy more than traveling to Malibu and chilling out at the beach or hiking in the mountains.
AM: We know that you are a fan of music and you play the guitar, tell us about Guitar Mash and how this came about?
AS: A very close friend introduced me to Rebecca Weller who had the idea for this amazing concept. The first day we met she explained what she wanted to do and I was in. Guitar Mash is an amazing organization that gets a wide variety of people together for the purpose of jamming, hanging out and sharing musical ideas in a variety of settings.
AM: Tell us more about your involvement in giving back as we know you support a number of causes/charities.
AS: I've always thought it was important to be philanthropic since the inception of the brand. My father passed away from cancer before the products even hit the shelves so it was important for me to give back, not only in his honor, but also to support the fight against prostate cancer as the brand was initially developed for men.
FOR THE CLIMBERS #ATHSPO
Sometimes you just have to go out and climb! It's about pushing your limits (whether solo or friends), strategizing how you get to the top) and realizing that by prioritizing the goalsyou've reached the top and made a number of decisions in a small period of time. Of course, it's a great muscle enhancer.
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ATHLEISURE KITCHEN: PAELLA de POLLO y SETAS
Photography by Paul Farkas
This month, Athleisure Kitchen brings paella to our issue. This rustic rice dish is from Valencia, Spain and includes meat, seafood, and vegetables that really allow you to make this meal your own. This recipe is a take on Jose Andres' Paella de Pollo y Setas which includes a savory medley of chicken and three kinds of mushrooms. Note that paella needs to be cooked within a Paella Pan for best results.
PAELLA DE POLLO Y SETAS
SERVES: 6 - 8
Ingredients:
¼ Cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) Olive Oil
14 oz. (440 g) boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into 1-inch (2.5-m) pieces
¼ lb. (125 g) Oyster Mushrooms, broken into bite-size pieces
¼ lb. (125 g) Shiitake Mushrooms, broken into bite-size pieces
¼ (125 g) Cremini Mushrooms, broken into bite-size pieces
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
About 2 Tbs. (1 oz./30 g) Salsa Salmore (recipe follows)
4 Cups (32 fl. oz./1 L) Chicken Stock
1 Cup (7 oz./220 g) Valencia Rise
Salt, to taste
Pinch of Saffron Threads
Directions:
1. In a paella pan, warm the olive oil. When it is hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides. Add the mushrooms and saute for a few minutes. Push the mushrooms to the outside edge of the pan.
2. Add the garlic and salsa salmora and saute for 30 seconds.
3. Add the stock and bring to a boil over high heat, then add the rice and stir to distribute it evenly in the pan. Boil the rice for 5 minutes, then lower the heat to a simmer. Season to taste with salt as needed.
4. Sprinkle the saffron over the top of the rice as the paella cooks, alloring the saffron
flavor to be released in the paella. Lower the heat and simmer the rice for 11 minutes - do not stir the rice anymore from this point. You may need to rotate the pan and adjust the heat to cook evenly. When the liquid is almost completely absorbed, the rice will be cooked through.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high to allow the rice to absorb the rest of the liquid, and listen for the sizzle and crackle. This will be the soccarat, or the crispy rice, forming at the bottom!
6. Remove the pan from the heat and let the paella rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
3 Garlic Cloves, peeled and crushed 1 oz. (30g) Nora Chile Peppers (6 to 8, depending on size), stemmed and seeded ½ Tbs. Kosher Salt ½ Tbs. Sugar ¼ Tsp. Spanish Sweet Paprika (pimenton)
Directions:
1. Drain the tomatoes, reserving the liquid for another use. Seed the tomatoes.
2. In a small pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is lightly browned and slightly soft.
3. Add the nora peppers and saute briefly. Add the tomatoes, salt and sugar and cook very slowly until most of the liquid has evaporated and the peppers are very soft. Add the paprika and stir to fully incorporate.
4. Remove the pot from the heat. Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Pass through a chinois or a fine-mesh sieve and let cool. Makes about 1½ quarts (1.5 L).
