Yoga has become one of the most popular fitness trends that Hollywood celebrities are subscribing to. It’s not surprising, considering the number of physical and psychological benefits that can be gained from regular yoga sessions.

Some celebrities like it so much so that they have even tried yoga retreats at luxurious spa resorts around the world. Below are five of these luxury yoga resorts where the rich and famous go to relax their mind and body.

Cal-a-Vie

Elle Décor names Cal-a-Vie as one of the most popular celebrity retreats. The San Diego health retreat is a favorite due in part to its proximity to Hollywood.

Besides yoga, guests can also take a variety of exercise classes including Piloxing and Zumba; enjoy spa treatments and; enjoy delicious and nutritious food offerings. More importantly, they can find out other valuable information on how to take care of themselves better through the resort’s wellness programs. Three-, four-, and seven-night packages are available.

Some of Cal-a-Vie regulars are Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, Gene Simmons, Rikki Lake, Kirstie Alley, Russell Crowe, Tom Ford, and Shailene Woodley.

Xinalani Retreat

Xinalani is a yoga retreat beach resort in Mexico. Guests get surrounded by nature, and enjoy spectacular views of Banderas Bay as well as Puerto Vallarta. Besides yoga retreats, the venue also hosts wellness retreats and mind and body workshops.

Actress and yoga enthusiast Heather Graham, who was revealed in a report on SBC News as the latest face of UK gaming site Foxy Bingo, is one of the biggest names on Xinalani Yoga Retreat’s client list.

SHA Wellness Clinic

Besides offering yoga retreats, SHA Wellness Clinic is also the first macrobiotic wellness resort in the world – an establishment which advocates clean living. It lies in Alacant, a relatively secluded area in Spain. Not only does it offer personalized diet plans to its clients; it also has various spa remedies and fitness activities to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Naomi Campbell is one of the long-time clients of SHA Wellness Clinic. But aside from the British-born Afro-Jamaican supermodel, Pop Sugar says that other big names like Barbra Streisand, Donna Karan and Kylie Minogue have enjoyed the facilities of the wellness center, too.

Kaliyoga

Kaliyoga has not just built a reputation for being one of the best yoga retreats in the world; it also became more popular recently for being a celebrity hub for detox. Hello says that the likes of Beyoncé, Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, Drew Barrymore, and Sarah Jessica Parker have successfully managed to lose a few pounds by following the juice detox program advocated by Kaliyoga.

Aside from eating organic food, guests undergo clysmatic colon cleansing, as well as coffee enema and probiotic enema during their stay. There are also various therapies available, including acupuncture, energy healing, reflexology, biomagnetic therapy, and aromatherapy.

Four Seasons

The Costa Rican retreat Four Seasons promotes more than just a healthy yoga lifestyle – it fosters a “Pura Vida for all” mindset with guests. Upon arrival, visitors take a consultation with a wellness concierge. You then take a variety of classes, which include a natural remedies class, along with yoga and meditation.

On your free time, you can indulge at the beach or roam the edges of the nearby jungle. The clientele of Four Seasons include Bill Gates, music industry’s power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and supermodels Gisele Bündchen and Miranda Kerr.

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Remember that bulky instant camera from the 80s that your parents only used during special occasions? Well no more! The Fuji Instax Mini Cameras are lightweight, compact, with great design and superb functionality. The cameras come in a variety of colors and styles to fit your personal style and taste level.

Fuji Instax Mini Cameras are apart of Fuji’s Instant Photo System. They are chic and great for travel during the holidays or while on vacation. Easy to use and fits snug into your carry-on luggage, backpack, or medium purse.

You can create bulb and double exposed images as well and macro-style images when used in macro mode. The cameras are also equipped with a high-performance flash that allows you to fill in shadows for memorable portraits. The instant film size is a lot smaller than the traditional size instant film back in the day.

Our personal favorite is the Fuji Instax Mini 90 ‘Neo Classic’ and added features to enhance your photographs and has the look of a traditional camera. This camera is great for Travel Bloggers. We recommend this camera or any of the other Instax Mini Camera for Christmas and Birthday gifts.

Specifications

For more information about the Fuji Instax Mini Cameras, visit http://bit.ly/2AwYtZE

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Rove Hotel Dubai offers a calming atmosphere for the Wanderlust or leisure traveler looking for peace and serenity after a long intercontinental flight.

While traveling back to the United States from a much-needed vacation in The Maldives on Emirates Airlines, we had a 20-hour layover in Dubai. Needing a place to stay, we searched for hotels on booking.com and the Rove Hotel Dubai Downtown stood out. Often times when you book online or via an app, hotel images don’t look the same in person. This was totally not the case.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by their very friendly front desk staff and impressive decor. It felt like we were entering a friend’s home who works as an artist or art buyer. From the eclectic light fixtures, artistic graphics along the hallways, as well as the inspirational quotes throughout the hotel and inside of the rooms, the hotel was a visual delight.

The room was quaint, comfortable, and clean as you would expect when you first enter your hotel room. Their comfortable beds were topped with soft clean white linen. The rainforest shower head and the amputee-friendly shower entrance were great and thoughtful added touches.

Breakfast

We opted for a ‘breakfast included’ rate when we booked the room. At first, we assumed we were going to get the typical buffet-style breakfast. We were so wrong. The restaurant staff provided us with a carefully curated menu that offers a variety of hot food, including vegan and vegetarian options. One of our personal favorites was the Quinoa salad with fresh tomatoes with romaine lettuce. There was an array of fresh juices, fruits, and bread to choose from. If you wanted the traditional American breakfast, they offered that as well.

Rate

$85 USD plus fees ($109.26). Rate varies on time of booking and location of the room.

The experience was a breath of fresh air. The Rove Hotel offers 5 locations throughout Dubai. The property we stayed at was across the street from the famous Dubai Mall and the iconic Burj Khalifa.

www.rovehotels.com

Follow them on Instagram @rovehotels

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Guillermo Zapata talks about his chic Sexy Unique Restaurant (SUR), and how making it in America worked for him. This family man is truly inspirational.

TELL ME IF THIS has ever happened to you: You’re at work, at a friends house, or sitting at home thinking about an experience you want to have again–a place you need to revisit, a dish you’ve been craving for, or a drink you want your best friend to try and love as much as you do–when you finally say to yourself, there’s no place like (insert name of place here). Well, recently I found myself saying this over and over again–There’s no place like SUR! Really there isn’t.

Recently, we paid a visit to SUR Restaurant and Lounge to catch up with the man behind one of West Hollywood’s most famous restaurants. Meet Guillermo Zapata–actor, model, and entrepreneur–a self-made man, or as we like to call him, The Modern Man.

The Modern Man

Our meeting with Guillermo was exciting, his personal story is even better. Coming from a modest background–his father a celebrity singer in Argentina–Guillermo set out to make a name for himself as an actor in 1992. During a two-week vacation to the United States, he decided to stay–later finding work as a dishwasher to make a living. “I came here just to see the city, and I fell in love with everything–the people, the weather, the energy. But vacation was over, and then it was my call to say, ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ And I decided to stay and start a new life.” Little did he know, this would lead him down a path he both enjoys and considers one of his greatest successes.

After starting in the ‘back-of-the-house’ at then-renowned Cafe’ Luna, he worked his way up to waiter, and five years later–restaurant manager. In the interim, he took up English classes–having made the decision to stay in the United States without being able to speak English–and developed an interest for a career in the restaurant business. He dreamt that one day he’d own his own restaurant. A year later, in 1998, that dream came true when he opened SUR (Sexy Unique Restaurant) on the corner of Melrose Avenue and Robertson Boulevard. In 2005, Guillermo–along with his wife Nathalie– partnered with Lisa Vanderpump and husband, Ken Todd, creating SUR’s ownership team of four friends.

Guillermo’s success lies not just in the foodservice industry, but also with his first love–acting [and modeling]. If you haven’t seen him in print or on a national commercial, you’ve certainly seen him on Season One of the popular BRAVO reality show, ‘Vanderpump Rules’. An idea he pitched to his co-owners and shot inside SUR, the highly addictive reality series follows the life of Lisa Vanderpump and their staff at the restaurant.

Between acting, modeling, and his entrepreneurial pursuits, Guillermo has made some steep sacrifices to make it in America and achieve his dreams–one including not seeing his parents for nearly 8 years. Aside from the many personal sacrifices he has made to achieve success, the job he is most proud of is being a father to his two daughters, Miarose and Loulou.

Website: guillermozapataactor.com
Follow him on Instagram: @gzsur
Like his Facebook page: facebook.com/gzsur

Q&A

Brian Stewart: What inspired you to get into the restaurant business?

Guillermo Zapata: When I arrive in Los Angeles to pursue my acting career, I noticed that young actors, models were the workforce of many restaurants. I immediately knew I should be one of them. Initially, it was just a way to pay the bills but I’ve become passionate about my clientele and the culinary world.

BS: What do you consider to be the reason behind the success of your business (SUR)?

GZ: SUR is very eclectic in many ways, from our food to our décor. We are four owners working together as a team. We all come from very different backgrounds but that’s what makes it work. We all bring something unique and different to the table and we all have the same goal in mind. Along with our staff, we focus on one thing: to make each dining experience the best and not only satisfy our multicultural clientele but to also make them want to come back again and again.

BS: What is the most challenging thing about being a model, actor, and entrepreneur?

GZ: Being an actor, model and entrepreneur all together is a challenge trying to balancing all those things at once. I believe that whatever your day job is if you do it with passion it doesn’t seem so challenging. I am not only passionate about SUR but also about acting and modeling. However, those jobs pale in comparison to being a father. My most rewarding job is being a father to both my gorgeous daughters, Miarose and Loulou.

BS: What does a typical day in the life of Guillermo look like?

I start the day early with my family and we all eat breakfast together before my wife or I take our girls to school. I like to workout afterward, then I usually have meetings with my partners for upcoming movie projects. I then get ready for SUR, head over there, and it’s showtime! I spend my nights at SUR making sure the restaurant runs seamlessly and the guests are happy.

BS: How would you describe “The Modern Man”? How would you identify your style?

GZ: The modern man is adventurist, stylish, kind and worldly. He knows what he wants, goes out to get it and does it passionately, kindly, and stylishly. My personal style is casual chic with an eclectic twist. Some of my favorite wardrobe pieces include my oldest pair of blue jeans, a pink suit, and silver loafers.

BS: What is your favorite cologne, timepiece, and shoe brand?

GZ: I like a full-bodied warm cologne and my favorite is Patchouli Imperial by Christian Dior. I received my favorite watch for my 45th birthday, the Classic Seamaster from Omega. It’s very hard to pick only one shoe brand but if I was forced to choose maybe Common Project.

BS: How do you manage to stay in shape and how often do you work out?

GZ: With my passion for food, I have to workout every day. I’d rather eat a lot of amazing dishes and cuisines and workout harder later on, than miss out and diet. I keep my exercise routines diverse so that I don’t get bored. I do a mix of Taekwondo, boxing, tennis, running, weight training.

BS: Where is your favorite place to visit and why?

GZ: I love traveling to the Americas, especially South America, and Europe. If I had to pick one place only, it
would be Rome because of the food, the people, the history, and the men’s fashion.

BS: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

GZ: Stay consistent and focused. Patience is key as well and success doesn’t come overnight.

BS: What is your favorite quote/motto?

GZ: “You only live once but when you do it right, once is enough” — Mae West

About SUR

According to the website, “SUR offers guests friendly, attentive service and sumptuous international cuisine for a truly unique dining experience.” We couldn’t agree more. Upon arrival, we were met with eager smiles and gracious handshakes from both Guillermo’s staff and the George Clooney look-alike himself. Have you seen this guy’s Instagram? Seriously go take a look (@Gzsur)! Sporting one of his relaxed looks–denim on denim complete with a denim Icon cap–he guided us through his posh yet chic restaurant and lounge–giving us the grand tour. We spent most of the interview [outside] under the night’s sky in an intimate tree-lined garden accompanied with a Bronze Thousand-Hands Buddha statue, velvet stools, and leather chesterfields, pillows and fresh-cut flowers, candle lanterns and chandeliers dangling above vintage zinc-topped tables. Before I could get the question out, “Lisa” Guillermo replied to the question written all over my face. He credited everything design related–and more–to Lisa, adding in compliments about the partnership and the Vanderpump’s friendship.

After our grand tour of the restaurant and lounge, we indulged in the SUR experience with a three-course dinner and a few Strawberrini’s. You’ll have to check out our upcoming list of LA Restaurants You Must Visit for our official review and reasons why SUR is one of the restaurants that made the list. I don’t know if I’m simply craving another Strawberrini, the pan seared Roasted Organic Salmon–cooked to perfection–or perhaps the posh experience of exquisite South-European dining, but what I do know is that There’s no place like SUR!

Visit SUR online www.surrestaurant.com
Follow SUR on Instagram @surrules

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The post Guillermo Zapata: Self-Made Modern Man appeared first on OBVIOUS Magazine.

Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach is a chic, stylish, and modern hotel that is located in a quieter section of Fort Lauderdale Beach. This allows you to party at night without the sense of dealing with the club atmosphere you often get down in South Beach.

Upon arrival, I was greeted at the front desk with smiling & knowledgeable hosts that made checking in a breeze. Besides being clean, the lobby was filled with vibrant lights that changed colors, instantly putting a smile on my face. This property is handicap-accessible.

When I entered my suite, I was greeted with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. The luxurious white bedding and muted color palettes throughout the suite with a serene visual of the ocean and much-needed peace of mind I’ve never experienced before at a hotel. I felt like I was in a tropical country. The cool thing about the hotel is their boomerang shape design that allows every guest a view of the ocean. Each room has its own personal refrigerator and safe at no additional charge.

When traveling, it’s always impressive when the staff at the hotel remembers your name and greets you with a smile. Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach did not skip a beat. This chic hotel is officially OBVIOUS Magazine’s go to hotel when we travel to South Miami.

Food

I had the pleasure to eat at the Bistro, located on the same floor as the lobby. Everything I ordered was made with fresh and tasty ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One of my favorite dishes during lunch was the vegan flatbread (Fusion) and pescatarian pizzas (Salmon). OMG! You must give it a try! My waiter, Renee, was very kind and knowledgeable about each dish I inquired about. The manager of the restaurant and bar, Rosie did not disappoint with her daily smile and making sure that I was taken care of.

Excursions

My excursions were provided by Hello Sunny of Greater Fort Lauderdale. I didn’t get the opportunity to experience as many excursions due to my scheduling, however, I did take the Jungle Queen Riverboat Tour showcasing the lavish waterfront homes and yachts of the super wealthy and famous residing in Fort Lauderdale. Visit @VisitLauderdale (#HelloSunny) on Instagram or sunny.org to see their available excursions to see what best fits your taste.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Sonesta Travel Pass. It’s complimentary. Earn points for each stay. Visit www.Sonesta.com/TravelPass

Parking Parking. Valet parking only. Overnight parking $32+ tax with unlimited in/out privileges. Daily valet parking is $15+ tax. Self-parking is not available at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Daily Fee for Guest Privileges. A fee of $20 + 11% tax will be charged to your room account (per day). Guest privileges include the following:

2 welcome drinks
2 bottles of water daily per room
2 beach chairs daily per room (umbrella not included)
Upgraded hi-speed internet
In-room Keurig coffee maker
Unlimited local and long distance calls within the U.S.
Variety of Daily Delights offerings

Daily Delights. Every day of the week, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach offers free food and entertainment for their guest. The times vary and changes every week. Please inquire at the front desk or click here for more information.

Lyft/Uber. The airport is only 20 minutes away. Your ride will cost between $10 – $20 depending on the time you leave. This option is great if you choose not to rent a car. The beach is located directly across the street and various shops and entertainment can be found within walking distance from the hotel or a short 5 to 15-minute drive. First time using Lyft? Use promo code: MADYSON11 (up to $20 off) / Uber promo code: 98w41 (up to $20 off)

If you’re looking for an affordable hotel with ocean views, great food, and amenities, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach is the perfect hotel for you. Tell them that OBVIOUS sent you! Now, I’m off to daydream about that flatbread a little more (Yes, it was that good!).

sonesta.com

The post Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach – Hotel by the Ocean appeared first on OBVIOUS Magazine.

Hanz De Fuko Travel Shower Kit
$58.50

The Hanz De Fuko Travel Shower Kit is a great addition to your summer travel kit. Having your key hair and skin care products ready can make your packing experience much easier. If you travel as much as I do, you sometimes forget to pack your products which lead to purchasing more products you do not need.

Hanz De Fuko hair care products leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed. Their product doesn’t weigh your hair down and is sulfate-free & paraben-free.

Bonus: You receive a FREE bar of 100% organic soap. It’s fragrance-free and great if you have sensitive skin like I do.

The Deluxe Shower Travel Kit includes:

– Natural Shampoo (8 oz)
– Natural Conditioner (8 oz)
– FREE 100% Organic Bar Soap (4 oz)
– 100% Denim Canvas Bag

www.hanzdefuko.com

Shampoo Breakdown

The most luxuriously effective cleanser for getting hair looking and feeling its healthiest with amazing shine. Our state of the art formulation begins with 16+ pure natural plant extracts and 10+ amino acids for optimum hair growth and a healthy scalp. With continued usage, hair will become noticeably thicker, stronger, and more manageable.

Conditioner Breakdown

The ultimate conditioner for getting hair looking and feeling its thickest with amazing strength. Our state of the art formulation begins with 16+ pure natural plant extracts and 10+ amino acids for stimulating the scalp to encourage microcirculation while helping to thicken the hair shaft and expand the hair bulb.

Note: You will have to pack your kit into your checked luggage. The maximum size for products to clear TSA 3.4 ounces (100ml) bottle or less (by volume).

The post Best Travel Shower Kit: Hanz De Fuko appeared first on OBVIOUS Magazine.

Since launching #ObviousTravel, we consistently find ourselves asking the question “Where will we go?” And, while we spend a great deal of time pondering on this question, and as we continue to curate our summer/fall itinerary, we decided it would be best to take a couple of trips to get our feet wet.

Where did we go you might wonder? Panama City, Panama! We decided one of the first places we had to visit would have to be close to a beach, and it was just our luck that we found 5 on one island.

Whether you’re new to traveling or consider yourself a wanderlust veteran, South America is the perfect region to visit at least once. To be specific, Panama City, Panama is the perfect place to frequent if you are looking for an amazing travel experience.

From touring historic sites like the [man-made] Panama Canal and the ruins of the First European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas (The Panama Viejo Historical Monument Complex) to boarding a ferry en route to explore Contadora Island, it’s obvious (no pun intended) you’ll have a wonderful travel experience that will entice you to come back again and again.

And, if the colonial landmarks and neoclassical plazas lined with cafes and bars aren’t enough to make your travel experience memorable, perhaps staying at the Occidental Panama City Hotel is just what you need.

For an average price of around $54 USD per night with the option to take a discount for an extra 10% off when you book a Superior, Superior Plus or Superior Familiar room, and or a discount for an extra 25% off when you book a Suite or Presidential Suite, this modern and futuristic hotel–strategically located in the city’s financial district–offer its guest the perfect space for both business and leisure travel. To see it is to believe it, and it was perfect for our stay. From the avant-garde design (we loved the style!), international cuisine, and rooftop nightclub, this was the perfect location to experience all that Panama City had to offer, not to mention the impeccable views of the city skyline.

First Impressions

The Occidental Panama City Hotel is surrounded by the Bellavista area, which offers guest the ease of being in a modern and safe environment surrounded by a number of stores and restaurants. The hotel includes two restaurants and is widely known for its 1400 Rooftop nightclub with impressive views of the city. Equipped with free Wi-Fi (a necessity for the modern traveler) throughout the entire hotel and a state of the art gym, the hotel offers just the right amount of comfort for long days of exploration in Panama’s vibrant and contemporary city.

1400 Rooftop Nightclub

If you’re looking to rest after a day of traveling, but want to take advantage of the time you have without overextending yourself going out on the town, a visit to Bleu Sky Bar is just what you need. From the amazing music paired with signature cocktails and its celebratory ambiance under the Panamanian night sky–which boasts some of the best views of the city if we haven’t mentioned that already–this is the perfect place to end your night with a taste of Panama City’s nightlife. If you aren’t up for partying on your first night, feel free to grab a cocktail and a bite to eat–we recommend the macaroni and cheese!

“While we intended to capture the City’s skyline, this mural capture our attention. Look at the view in the background as the sun begins to set. “Isn’t it impeccable!?”

The Verdict

If you’re visiting Panama City and looking for that quintessential local–but comfortable– experience, the Occidental Panama City is perfect for you. It’s appropriately modern without feeling too far removed from the traveler’s experience. Not to mention, it’s situated in the center of a historic area of the city that provides you the perfect atmosphere to experience the history of Panama City. Cosmopolitan, exciting and most importantly designed with historic style, the Occidental Panama City is worth the stay.

Disclaimer: Our reservation at the Occidental Panama City Hotel was not complimentary as a part of our stay nor were we paid for our review. All views are our own.

The post Panama’s Favorite City, Occidental Wasn’t Accidental appeared first on OBVIOUS Magazine.

I’ve traveled all around the world, literally. Over the many years of my travels, I’ve flown from one continent to another, sailed from one side of the world (across the Pacific Ocean) to the other, backpacked through deserts in northern Africa, rode in the back of Tuk-Tuks throughout India and on high-speed trains across Japan, and more.

Strike One

As I reflect on my adventures, I can’t help but think about the amazing travel opportunities I’ve missed not having the proper travel documents. I remember it like it was yesterday. My first opportunity to travel abroad although it was exactly 10 years ago next month. I was participating in this leadership development program through St. John’s College and selected to travel to the Dominican Republic as a part of the programs’ community service project. I, a 14-year-old high school sophomore, was indeed excited about the idea of helping to rebuild houses in a rural village in San Juan; however, what really caught my attention were the beaches I couldn’t wait to explore. After being selected to travel abroad, and with our trip just under two weeks away, the program directors immediately purchased everyone’s round-trip flights and sought to get expedited passports for those who didn’t have them already, i.e. me. What happens next crushed my excitement.

We spent the next few days trying to understand the necessary [and confusing] paperwork, standing in line for hours at the Washington D.C. Passport office, and hoping we’d have everything worked out in time so that I could go on the trip. I remember praying for a silver lining. At one point while driving back to the Washington D.C. Passport Office at six in the morning with Joshua, one of the program directors, we were the first in line on what might have been our fourth visit. The silver lining never came. I remember feeling so angry because I didn’t fully understand why I couldn’t get my passport [in time] to go on the trip. My situation was unique. As a minor, in transition between families, getting the proper signatures from my legal guardians made the process take longer than expected, and out of the time frame, we were working in.

Strike Two

It wasn’t until after my eighteenth birthday that I seriously considered traveling abroad again. I was a rising sophomore in college and had my sights set on transferring to John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. I got accepted into the school, paid my deposits, booked my flight, and began fundraising for my life abroad. To be safe, and not to experience what I experienced four years earlier, I made sure I obtained my passport well in advance (ironically, via the expedited passport service offered at the Washington D.C. Passport Office).

About a month and a half from my departure date, an adviser from the school reached out to me to make sure that I had obtained my visa. At first, I had no idea what she was talking about, and soon learned I was in trouble again. I began scrambling to get a visa for Rome, which required me to submit to the Italian Embassy an affidavit of support totaling $12,000 dollars ($1000 for each month of my year abroad). I was truly devastated! Where am I going to find $12,000 dollars in less than a month? I did my best to fundraise as much money as I could, and yet again, I found myself praying for a silver lining. The silver lining never came.

My attempt at studying and traveling abroad stifled again by a lack of knowledge of the process for obtaining the required documents needed. Unlike the first attempt, this time around I invested my money in non-refundable deposits, fees, and flight expenses. Both my spirit and my bank account were at their lowest point. I didn’t think I would try to travel and study abroad again; however, as the saying goes, the third time’s the charm. I’m happy I persisted.

Strike Three (Almost)

My third attempt at traveling abroad lead me to Travisa Passport and Visa Services. A rising senior looking to take a break before graduation, I decided to embark upon a four-month, twelve-country study abroad journey around the world through Semester At Sea. This particular program was called, ‘Around the World’. As I got ready for my Suite Life on a Deck-inspired voyage, I was a bit stressed to learn that I would need to get Visas for China, India, Ghana, Myanmar, AND Vietnam. Given my previous attempts, I was not confident that I would get it right this time nor did I have the time to visit each of embassy to apply for a visa in person.

I Did It!

Luckily, Semester At Sea has a partnership with Travisa to aid in travelers with the passport and visa application process. This was my silver lining. After visiting travisa.com, creating my account, and after the easy to read step-by-step instructions, I printed and filled out all the necessary forms with ease and mailed them off along with my passport for processing. The process took a total of about two weeks before I had my passport along with all the necessary visas and travel documents back in my possession. I learned they acted as an agent on my behalf visiting the embassies to apply for my visas. They would let know me immediately of any changes or requirements I would need for a particular country.

Not only did it save me time and money, but also stress and worry. What I liked most about their services, is the up-to-the-minute live status information and tracking tool as well as the same day processing guarantee. Travisa guarantees your application will be expedited within hours of being received. You are notified with the estimated date you can expect the necessary documents will be collected from the embassy. Travisa Passport and Visa Services is a company that I trust and highly recommend.

While my recent travels have been mostly domestically over the past few years, I often recommend Travisa to my travel friends and use their services when working with some of my clients. Travisa Passport and Visa Services is my top pick for getting you ready for travel.

As I team up with OBVIOUS Magazine as the newly appointed Travel Editor for the Travel & Leisure, I couldn’t help but bring Travisa along with me. Whether you’re a rookie just starting out on your travel journey or a veteran seeking new adventures to explore, check out Travisa.com and start planning your next adventure today!

Travisa.com

The post Travis saved me from anxiety getting a Travel Visa appeared first on OBVIOUS Magazine.

A post shared by OBVIOUS Magazine (@obviousmag) on May 3, 2017 at 8:50am PDT

Unbeknownst to me, I look at the packaging again and realized the protein bar was made with ‘crickets‘. Generally, I’m super picky about the food I choose to eat, however, the great taste peaked my interest (I tried the peanut butter flavor). How in the world are these crickets? Upon further research, I browsed Coast Cricket Protein‘s website to find out more and called them for an interview.

How did it feel doubling your Kickstarter goal (see video below)?
It was an incredibly rewarding feeling hitting over 200%. We have a very unusual product that we all believe in and it was the first time that we really saw a mass public appeal for it in a very tangible way.

When do you plan to launch your protein powders?
We will be fulfilling all of the Kickstarter orders in mid to late June, that will include all of the orders we got for our protein powders. Once we get that large order complete we will go straight to retail and e-commerce sales with our powders at the end of June.

Where is your first U.S. stopping point to sell Coast Cricket Protein products?
We’re focusing on the west coast, beginning with Seattle, then LA and beyond for retail. For online sales, we will be making our products available across the US.

Why was it important to create a brand that is environmentally-friendly?
We all grew up in British Columbia surrounded by nature so protecting the environment has always been a high priority in our lives. Our goal was to create a brand that we wanted to see exist, with products that could have a real positive impact on the planet. Consumers are much more educated today. They don’t just choose what looks good or tastes good anymore, they make decisions based on the values and social/environmental impact of a brand.

How has social media helped your brand?
Millennials, young families, and people who live lifestyles of health and fitness are our main customers. All of them use social media regularly. It has allowed us to have one-on-one conversations with them in a very down to earth way that no other one-way communication medium could achieve. Natural partnerships with other sustainable brands formed, fans have been able to reach out to us directly, and bloggers organically feature our products regularly. We’ve even booked events and new retailers directly through social media so it’s been hugely helpful.

www.coastprotein.com

Facts via Coast Cricket Protein

Highly nutritious.

Crickets contain a lot of protein, but they are also full of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, Omega 3 & 6 and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Complete Protein.

Unlike a lot of other protein sources, crickets are a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair. So they don’t need a pile of extra supplements to fill in the gaps.

Less water.

Compared to cows, chickens, and pigs, crickets require massively less water for the same pound of protein. This is because insects become fully hydrated just from the food that they eat.

Less emissions.

Crickets leave a much lower impact on the planet than other protein sources. Compared to cows, crickets product 100 times less greenhouse gases for the same pound of protein.

Less land.

Crickets even require less land than other animal proteins. Where cows require 200 square metres of land for one pound of protein, crickets only require 15.

Check out the video below to get more insight about the brand and why we now love cricket-based protein bars.

The post Coast Protein convinced us to eat Crickets appeared first on OBVIOUS Magazine.

Quality and sustainability have become the
forefront of consumer consciousness.

What separates Timbuk2 from other outdoor brands?

The biggest thing that sets us apart from other outdoor brands is our Made-in-SF custom program and our strong commitment to urban manufacturing in San Francisco’s Mission District. We’ve been making built-to-last bags here since our inception in 1989.

We love the pockets and compartments designed within your backpacks and bags. Is this important with every product? What’s your design process?

Timbuk2’s inaugural design for over 25 years has been the Classic Messenger Bag, built specifically for the needs of a bike messenger on-the-go. One key element has always stayed constant – our steadfast commitment to solving problems for urban mobility. We source trends, colors, and patterns ourselves by leaning on our incredible design team that brings experience from all facets of the business, whether it be fashion, outdoor or industrial design.

Congrats on being CEO of Timbuk2 for 3 years now. What have you learned thus far about your customer?

On the customer side, I’ve learned that in this day in age, the consumer is a lot more conscious of what they choose to purchase. Quality and sustainability have become the forefront of consumer consciousness. We also live in a world where people are used to obtaining anything with a press of a button. That is why we have our custom program, to give the consumer exactly what they want in a responsible and environmentally-friendly way.

Did you feel any pressure being the first female CEO of such an established brand?

At Timbuk2, I work with some of the most diverse, talented, creative and progressive individuals. They inspire me every day to keep pushing the boundaries and reinventing the brand. All of my previous experience has led me to this final journey.

From my work with eco-visionaries, Doug and Susie Tompkins of North Face to the development of my own organic clothing line, Clary Sage Organic, my experiences have taught me countless lessons of patience, strategy, and respect – all characteristics that are vital to my role today.

Your social media branding is fantastic! How important is social media to you?

It is critical! Social media is important to us because it is important to our customers. Digital marketing is another way we can connect with our audience. Social media is a great platform in which we can authentically tell our story, share trends and interact directly with customers.

Have you considered apparel and shoes for the brand?

Yes, we have! But there is still such an incredible opportunity within the bag industry, especially with the female consumer that we’ve just started to tap into. Apparel and shoes are definitely sectors we’ve explored before, but until we achieve total domination in the bag industry, we’d like to keep our focus here!

Do you care to share what we should expect next?

This year, we launched our Future Shapers campaign, consisting of a series of inspiring collaborations with artists and creatives who we feel uplift their communities with the work that they create. Most recently we launched a special capsule collection with San Francisco street artist, Apexer and plan to continue launching unique collaborations throughout the year.

In addition, our Fall 2017 collection is coming together and will feature a plethora of travel-ready gear perfect for inspiring you to embark on your next adventure!

www.timbuk2.com

About the Brand

Founded by SF bike messenger Rob Honeycutt, TIMBUK2 created the iconic messenger bag in 1989. Since then, they’ve been making bags built to last a lifetime right in the Mission District of San Francisco, California.

The post Ask a Brand: Timbuk2, CEO, Patti Cazzato appeared first on OBVIOUS Magazine.

Being a recent amputee, it is challenging finding products that do not add to my limited mobility. One day I was online looking for new luggage and I found RADEN through a Google search. After reading the specs, I decided to contact them to see their product first hand.

Once the luggage arrived, I felt like I received an early Christmas gift. I ordered the hunter green A28 Check suitcase ($395).  I removed the suitcase from the shipping box (it was wrapped in a laundry bag) and studied the design. The outer is well crafted, beautifully designed, and moved with ease (see video). The gray interior is clean and the zippers are easy to us.

Upon future research of the product, I was impressed with the TSA-approved battery pack inside. The pack allows you to charge up to 2 cell phones. No more waiting for an outlet in the airport for me!

Next, I downloaded their app. Keep in mind, the app is only for iPhone users at the moment. Luckily, I own an iPad tablet. Once the app finished downloading, I registered my suitcase within the app. The app allowed me to activate the geo-tracking system embedded in the suitcase. Geo-tracking lets you know where your suitcase is located if it’s lost or stolen. Wow!

The other bonus was the built-in scale. Have you ever packed your suitcase and wondered if you met the 50lb weight limit? Me too! You do not have to worry about that anymore. The luggage system tells you how much your bag weighs by simply turning on the app, clicking the weight option and picking the bag up by the handle. The app tells you the exact weight.

The A28 moves with ease with the polyurethane tires on the bottom allowing you to transport with the 360-degree turns. I can now keep my sanity traveling to and from the airport with ease.

Purchase your RADEN luggage in a set of 2 (one check bag and one carry-on). The luggage is sold separately as well. This is a great investment. RADEN is amputee-approved.

www.raden.com

FACT SHEET

Raden is available in two options: carry (22”) and check (28”). Both products pair with Raden’s iOS app, contain a battery to charge any device, proximity tracking, and an integrated scale handle

Raden is available in multiple finishes: Black, White, Navy, Hunter Green, Light Purple, Light Pink, and Light Blue, as well as Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

The integrated 7,800 mAh battery can charge a mobile phone up to four times with 2 charging ports accessible on the exterior of the case

The battery is completely removable and portable and can be used as a standalone power pack

The form-factor of the power bank falls in line with traditional batteries, so TSA agents will recognize it immediately

Raden has passed all relevant regulatory certifications & testing standards for travel & battery-powered electronics including FCC, UN, TSA, and IATA

Raden cases are constructed out of light and durable Makrolon polycarbonate and weigh only 8.4lbs (22”) and 13lbs (28”) when empty

APP

Raden’s companion app informs users of their case’s weight, current weather conditions, traffic alerts, case proximity, and flight details

The app also converts your case’s weight to align with your corresponding flight and destination

The app is available on iOS

The post Raven: Innovation is Here appeared first on OBVIOUS Magazine.

Where did you grow up? 

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Palm Beach, Florida.

One thing you wish you knew when you first started?

I wished I had a better understanding of what being a CEO entails but had I known, I probably wouldn’t have done it. So in my case ignorance is bliss.

Explain what success means to you.

Success means accomplishing my goals both on a personal and professional level. So finding the love of my life and building a global brand and of course spending each and every day with the current love of my life, my Swiss Mountain dog Theo.

What inspired your brand and what are your future plans? 

My brand is based on my passion and my passion translates into the products I make. I love candles, I love chocolate and I love fragrances so that is why they are in my brand. I keep it really simple. I create and design products I really love, want and need. I needed a lot of chocolate!

In terms of growth for the Tobi Tobin brand, it’s really a 360. Our digital strategy, direct to consumer sales on tobitobin.com, our monthly subscription box, and our own retail stores.

We are in the middle of a major launch with Bloomingdale’s. Also, we are setting up our distribution channels in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. So it’s a very exciting time for us right now.

Describe your brand in 3 words.

Ok, how about this. I can do it in two words, “affordable luxury”.

How has social media helped your brand? 

It’s been the fastest way for me to express my brand in a digital world and reach consumers that I would have never been able to reach otherwise.

Los Angeles Store

11695 SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
LOS ANGELES, CA 90049
424-325-3175

www.tobitobin.com

Tobi Tobin is a luxury brand rooted in design and architecture. The purpose and focus is impacting individuals aspiring to live an affordable luxury lifestyle. The brand consists of candles, chocolates, and fragrances. The Tobi Tobin Candle Collection features 17 custom-designed fragrances. The fragrances are inspired by the idea of architecture and place. Each of the candles is a natural soy and coconut blend. The candles are hand poured in a glossy black glass container.

The Tobi Tobin Fragrance Collection consists of 13 unisex Eau de Toilettes. Our luxury fragrances are created in four different fragrance categories, Floral, Fruit, Citrus, and Woody Spice. The Candle and Eau de Toilette fragrances are custom designed and blended individually by Tobi and evoke memories by her travels abroad. Both the Tobi Tobin Candles and Tobi Tobin Fragrance are inspired by the idea of architecture and place.

Tobi Tobin Chocolate Collection is a luxury line of fresh, hand-made, artisan chocolates, produced locally here in Los Angeles. We offer sixteen varieties of dark chocolate truffles. All the dark chocolate truffles are made with non-GMO tapioca syrup, are gluten-free, kosher and have no preservatives.

The post Ask A Brand: Tobi Tobin appeared first on OBVIOUS Magazine.