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“My mom said to me, ‘You know, sweetheart, one day you should settle down and marry a rich man,’ and I said, ‘Mom, I am a rich man.” - Cher Paris Hilton is donning bedazzled sunglasses, silver stilettos, and a disco ball-inspired Mikael D mini dress when she steps off the elevator into the Bravo Club house. Her sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild and a camera crew trail closely alongside her. The heiress to Hilton Hotels is here for her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Everyone seems to have an opinion about Miss Hilton and as I sit in the studio audience of the Bravo TV show, I hear a few from my seatmates. The thirty-something ladies next to me are in complete awe of Paris, who they think looks as flawless as her wax sculpture, which they’ve seen in-person. As hyperbolic as that sounds, I must admit that I had the same thoughts as I stared at her long, tanned legs and perfectly-straight, platinum blonde tresses from my seat. Honestly, Paris looks more like a Barbie doll than Barbie does. Many people see Paris as a beautiful, carefree bombshell, but her fans (she has over 34 million social media followers) see her for who she truly is: a sweet, deeply caring, and humble woman. Paris is one of the few stars who follows and responds to fans on social media and is also known for inviting them into her home. Once Live After Show ends, I head backstage to a blue camo-wallpapered dressing room where framed photos of Andy and his legendary guests —Oprah, Cher, Lady Gaga— hang, and boxes of Paris’ fragrance line the vanity. Paris walks in, pops a bite-sized snack into her mouth, then asks me if she can use the restroom before we begin. Of course. She sits down beside me, gives me a side hug (the first of three hugs), then saunters out of the room. People would be surprised to find out that I’m a tomboy. I love anything fishing. I play ice hockey. I go skydiving. I love to surf, snowboard, anything that involves being outdoors or doing something that’s like a daredevil, I love it. Click below to launch slideshow > Upon her return, Andy stops by to have Paris film the opening of a skit she is doing for the show’s social media: The Simple Life: WWHL Intern Paris Hilton. Finally, it’s my turn. Paris joins me on the navy blue couch, while a camerawoman sets up shop in front of us. [They’re filming her YouTube documentary, slated for release next year. “I’m really showing the real side of me and what I’ve been through and basically talking about everything... and finally feeling comfortable with myself to reveal everything that people have never heard.”] Our mutual friend, Crystal, [“Yes! She was literally BFFs at Palm Valley High,” Paris beams.] shared with me that Paris’ grandmother would tell her mom that Paris was destined to be a star. A smile spreads across her face. “Ever since I was born, my grandmother said that. She said, ‘You’re like Marilyn Monroe or Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, since I was literally 2 years old. That’s all she’s ever said to me and put into my mind.” Paris —who was born in New York and raised there and in Beverly Hills, California— started modeling in her teens. By the early 2000s, she was frequently being photographed by the paparazzi and had become known for her late-night outings with girlfriends Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, and Nicole Richie. Then, the sex tape with her then-boyfriend Rick Salomon was leaked. While this wasn’t the sort of attention Paris wanted to attract, it fortunately didn’t affect the trajectory of her career. Paris went on to act in movies like House of Wax, and starred in her own reality TV show, The Simple Life, alongside pal, Nicole Richie, which aired for five seasons. As the years have gone by, Paris has demonstrated that she is so much more than a pretty face with a famous last name — she is a powerhouse. This multihyphenate strategically laid a foundation that enabled her to transition from It Girl into respected Boss Babe. Now that’s hot! Paris is back in NYC —her former stomping ground and part-time home— to promote her new song with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, “Best Friend’s Ass.” The catchy song (which I’ve had on repeat for weeks now) and its music video, featuring fellow girl boss and longtime friend Kim Kardashian, is fire. “I really just wanted to do a fun summer song about girl bosses having fun. I dunno, there’s so many, I don’t want to say the word, F-boys that are around and I feel like it’s just all about girl power right now... It’s not a serious thing. It’s really like a social commentary on social media, clubbing, going out, what girls talk about,” she says with a coy smile. Search the hashtag #BFAchallenge on Instagram and you’ll find clips from movies and TV set against “Best Friend’s Ass” to look as though the characters —Austin Powers, Jessica Rabbit, and Ariel and Flounder— are dancing to the song. “It’s amazing just to have this summer song that everyone’s texting me about and calling me about and just saying how much they love it, and sending me videos of them dancing to it.” Paris has had a passion for music her entire life. Since 3 years old, Paris has sung and played instruments, like the piano and violin. “In Vegas, I was actually the first person to host a party, before there was even DJs around. And then around 9 years ago, I just saw the change from celebrities hosting into DJs, so I basically trained with the best people in the business and learned and studied everything. And now, I won an award for Best Female DJ of the Year. Being a woman in this industry is amazing. I’ve had the best time traveling around the world playing festivals, parties, and stadiums —I love it.” This spring, Paris played Miami’s Ultra Music Festival. “My favorite times to be in Miami are Ultra and Art Basel; every single year I do my annual party at WALL and it’s just amazing... It’s the best crowd —everyone from Europe, Ibiza, New York, and L.A. It’s just like a huge celebration of dance music.” Paris’ ensembles are just as hot as her energized sets. “I love neon pink and yellow and anything bright. I love when people put LED lights in outfits.” Paris’ recent EDC Vegas costumes included a tiara, embellished sunglasses, lots of colorful body jewels, an aqua butterfly- inspired ensemble, and a sparkly mermaid bra. Over the summer, Paris plans to release more new music with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike [“They’re such incredible producers.’], promote her new album, and to deejay all over the world. “I’m playing July 2 at Ushuaia, Tomorrowland in Belgium, and then I’m touring all throughout Europe, St. Tropez, Ibiza, London, Paris, Korea.” Always on the go, this tenacious businesswoman is constantly traveling (over 250 days a year!) for her myriad ventures under the Paris Hilton Entertainment umbrella. “A lot of people don’t know that I’m an undercover nerd. I’m obsessed with anything that has to do with technology and virtual reality, so I have a lot of exciting new surprises coming out in the tech world within the next 2-3 months.” Her beauty portfolio alone has grossed over $2.5 billion dollars, and continues to see exponential growth. In the last couple of weeks, Paris became a partner and investor in The Glam App (founded by celebrity makeup artist/hair stylist Joey Maalouf and partner/CEO Katrina Barton), an app widely known as the Uber for beauty; launched her new skincare line, Paris Hilton Skincare, ProD.N.A. in Korea; and is preparing to release her 25th fragrance. “If I’m going to be somewhere for my fragrance or one of my 19 other product lines, I will then make sure I’m booking a different DJ gig or anything,” says the adept multitasker. “My life is very busy and very crazy, but a lot of fun.” Much smarter and more business savvy than many people give her credit for, Paris didn’t reach her iconic stature by sitting back and watching the world pass her by —which is a common misconception, she tells me. “A lot of people assume, just because of my last name, that I was handed everything, that I have not worked for what I’ve done and it’s the exact opposite. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done on my own. And I just feel really proud of what I’ve accomplished because there’s people in my position that wouldn’t do that and I have and I will continue to do it. I love to follow my great-grandfather’s footsteps and I feel like being a businesswoman and an entrepreneur is something that really runs in my blood and this is just meant to be.” Because her parents were so strict when she was younger, Paris always knew that she wanted to have complete control of her life as an adult. “It just feels amazing as a woman to depend on yourself. And I dunno, I just didn’t want to be another one of those trust fund kids. There’s not really a lot of gratification in life if you’re just taking something from your family, but when you’re actually adding to it...” She smiles. “And I’ve now created my own legacy —it’s an incredible feeling.” Click below to launch slideshow > We want more What’s hot on TV? “I love Black Mirror on Netflix, one of my favorite shows. I don’t watch a lot of TV because I’m traveling so much.” What haven’t you done yet career-wise or for fun? What’s on your bucket list this year? “I’ve done pretty much everything you can imagine. The one thing I haven’t done yet is go to space, so I might have to plan a trip to Mars.” This year? “Maybe [laughs].” You are a woman who has everything, what is the best gift you’ve received? “My favorite kinds of gifts are something that are sentimental. So anytime I’ve had my best friends find pictures and memories and make a collage of all the photos, printed out with paint and glitter, just like, basically, an art piece. And that’s my favorite kind of gift to make. Every year, I always make my grandfather this huge canvas with pictures of us and our whole family and it’s really special. I was at his house two weeks ago and he had all of them up in the house and his room and it just made me feel so happy and that’s something that he really cherishes. Something I cherish. Just memories. ’Cause nowadays we just have an iPhone, so everything is just digital, but when you actually print it out and can see it as a piece, it’s something that’s a special memory.” Do you consider yourself an artist? “Yeah, definitely. I love art. I love to paint. I love to draw. I am actually going to be doing an art exhibit for Art Basel this upcoming year. I’ve been making this art exhibit for a couple of years now and just getting all the pieces together, but they’re so special to me that it’s hard to actually, when I do this exhibit, sell them because I love them so much. But I know that it will find a special place in someone’s house. Paintings, collages, drawings, photographs, and just Paris art.” What are you doing for fun? Is there any downtime? Do you get a second to breathe? “Sometimes, a few minutes here and there [laughs]. My favorite thing is to just be at home and be with my pets. Just sitting with my dogs in bed chilling, making lasagna, having friends over. But I don’t get to do that that often ’cause I’m constantly in a different country every day. But if I do have an off day, I love to just be with the [5] dogs.” Favorite place to eat in Miami? “Mr. Chow.” Words by Vanessa Pascale, Images by Jennifer Rovero Keep up with Paris on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: @ParisHilton And check out www.theglamapp.com to have beauty experts delivered to your door.

Widely recognized as one of America’s favorite gourmet gatherings on the beach, the 19th annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) returns to EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. February 19 – 23, 2020. Its recently unveiled line-up includes more than 100 events spanning Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, with 100% of the net proceeds benefiting the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University. Since its inception, SOBEWFF has raised more than $30 million to support the education of the future leaders of the hospitality industry. “We are pleased to unveil the robust line-up of events that make up our 2020 Festival program,” noted festival founder and director Lee Brian Schrager, who also serves as senior vice president of communications and corporate social responsibility for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “Once again, fans have a diverse collection of more than 100 events showcasing esteemed culinary talent from around the world and premier wine and spirits selections to choose from.” The festival’s signature fan-favorite tastings nestled on the sands of Miami Beach return to showcase the cuisine from some of America’s most talented chefs and lifestyle personalities. This includes iconic events like: Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village featuring Grand Tasting Tents & Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero Group Southeast (Saturday, February 22 & Sunday, February 23) Italian Bites on the Beach sponsored by HCP Media and the Miami Herald Media Company hosted by Giada De Laurentiis & Dario Cecchini (Thursday, February 20) Heineken Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons® hosted by Rachael Ray (Friday, February 21) Beachside BBQ hosted by Guy Fieri (Saturday, February 22) BACARDI’s Beach Carnival hosted by Andrew Zimmern (Sunday, February 23) On Saturday, February 22, the festival’s host hotel Loews Miami Beach will once again serve as the setting for the annual Tribute Dinner presented by Capital One® part of The NYT Cooking Dinner Series. This year, Master of Ceremonies Andrew Zimmern will oversee an evening paying homage to the outstanding accomplishments of the culinary community’s beloved Chef Marcus Samuelsson and beverage industry’s revered leader Jim Clerkin. Samuelsson is a highly acclaimed chef and international restaurateur with over 30 restaurant locations spanning the United States, England, Sweden, Norway, and Bermuda, bestselling cookbook author, and popular culinary television personality. Clerkin currently serves as president and CEO of Moët Hennessy North America and will transition to a new role as president of Moët Hennessy strategic development, focused on the company’s global distribution network and playing a key role in executing the company’s mergers and acquisitions strategy, effective January 1, 2020. In addition to several popular events returning for the 19th annual edition of SOBEWFF®, a variety of new events will make their debut as part of the 2020 line-up. This includes: Chef Mash-up presented by HoneySpot App hosted by The Naughty Fork (Thursday, February 20) Gospel & Falafel hosted by Zak the Baker (Thursday, February 20) SLICED: A Genuine Pizza Party hosted by Michael Schwartz (Friday, February 21) Sips & Dips hosted by Adam Richman (Saturday, February 22) Nu Deco Ensemble Concert featuring Special Performance by Rev Run & Late-Night Bites by Politan Row Miami (Saturday, February 22) The diverse weekend of culinary and beverage celebrations will also include the festival’s featured wine seminars, themed walk-around tastings, more than 30 intimate dinners featuring world-renowned chefs and celebrated winemakers, a more expanded selection of hands-on master classes and family-friendly options, the CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale Series presented by My Fort Lauderdale Beach, select events in Palm Beach County – including dinners hosted by acclaimed Chef Mauro Colagreco and lifestyle icon Martha Stewart – and more. Click below to launch slideshow > The complete line-up of events for the 19th annual Festival is available online at sobewff.org. Stay up-to-date all year long by following along with the #SOBEWFF hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Images courtesy of SOBEWFF

One conversation with rapper Rick Ross will have you questioning the definitions of success, wealth, and opportunity; how to identify opportunity, how to achieve success and how to maintain it while keeping your soul and bodily faculties intact. Rick, born William Leonard Roberts II, rose to prominence in 2006 with his breakout single, “Hustlin’,” a word that defines his character and approach towards life. Though Rick doesn’t speak like a scholar, his wisdom permeates our conversation. He is an alchemist; aware of his power to transmute base metals to gold. Rick’s fans are believers in his use of language, and his unabashed celebration of riches. He’s proud to remind people that he created a palatial oasis out of the urban desert that was his early life. Where many in the Carol City district of Miami (where Rick grew up) saw few options, Rick saw the opportunity to translate his experiences into music. He came on the scene as hip-hop left its golden era behind in favor of corporate commercialism, and then helped to usher in a rap renaissance of which he has become one of the genre’s most powerful voices. The way Rick explains it to me, the flash and cash his lifestyle portrays goes deeper than flagrant materialism. It leaves a roadmap for others behind him to follow — from no way out to a yellow brick road of possibilities. Even Rick’s palatial Georgia residence can be dubbed rap’s incarnation of The White House, with A-listers paying homage to the famous property (once owned by Evander Holyfield) on occasion. With eighty-seven singles under his belt, Rick moves through the music business with the urgency of being on borrowed time. Not since the late Tupac Shakur has an artist been quite so cognizant of, nor vocal about, his own mortality, and for good reason. Witnessing the loss of life has been a constant for Rick since his childhood. In recent years, Rick survived a grisly drive-by shooting and multiple life-threatening seizures. He’s emerged more prolific than ever with his tenth studio album, Port of Miami 2 and the release of his new book, Hurricanes: A Memoir. From sleeping in his car in the early 2000s while doggedly pursuing the American dream, to holding tremendous clout among the most successful artists of the moment, Port of Miami 2 features guest appearances by Swizz Beatz, Meek Mill, the late Nipsey Hussle, John Legend, Lil Wayne, and Drake. The relationship between Rick and Drake goes back nearly a decade, when Rick showed tremendous support for Drake’s career after the release of his early work, with the breakout mixtape So Far Gone. The two have been allies and collaborators since. The focus of our conversation was Rick’s memoir, Hurricanes, and the rags to riches story he loves to illustrate for his fans. You come across as nostalgic in your memoir, Hurricanes. If you could travel through time and bear witness to the making of any classic album, which one would you love to be a part of? Rick Ross: A rap album? That would have to be Paid In Full with Eric B. and Rakim. Rakim was such a supreme lyricist and B. was the epitome of a DJ/dope boy. They were the center of style and fashion with their Gucci suits on the album covers, sitting on the hood of a Mercedes Benz S550. It was the epitome of what rap music really represented. Generational wealth or artistic legacy… which means more to you? RR: Generational wealth, without a doubt. You’ve had some close calls between your health issues and an attempt that was made on your life. What was the greatest lesson or insight gained from those experiences? RR: Ha! Something just ran across my mind, and I want to say that if it was the end, I would want to make sure I smoke all the roaches down until they’re by my fingertips [laughs]! But it boils down to appreciating and enjoying every day. Do you believe in destiny, free will, or both? RR: Destiny, for many different reasons. When there was [sic] twenty shots fired at my Rolls-Royce, I had the audacity to go back and get my Cuban link chain. Not only did I go back to get my Cuban link chain, I went back to go get my girlfriend. It had to be destiny. It’s nice that you went back for your girlfriend but thank God you didn’t lose the Cuban link [laughs]. Kidding! RR: [Laughs.] What is the source of your drive and ambition? RR: Other than my DNA, it comes from my neighborhood, and being so blatantly aware of the haves and the have nots. I knew I was one of the have nots. It may not have been traumatic at all. It could have been something as simple as me not having the Nintendo with the Mike Tyson Punchout game. That was my favorite game! You’re taking me back… RR: Mine too. Mike Tyson Punchout and Double Dragon. When you’re the one on the block, where your friends have to bring the game and cartridges in a Winn-Dixie bag to come spend the night at your crib, you kind of know. Do you pray? And who or what do you pray to, and what do you pray for? RR: Daily. I call him The Big Homie because there’s only one Big Homie; I don’t care what nobody else calls him. I just let Him know I’m appreciative of everything, and I’m really under his command. The second he calls for me or is ready for me, I’m going to open my arms to him. What are you here in this life as Rick Ross to learn and to teach? RR: Just that others like me, who never learned math, that you can still be the CEO, you can still become authors and artists. Nobody ever told me that. I had to learn that on my own. When I was in school, I sat in the back of the class making jokes, trying to cover up the fact that I never learned multiplication or algebra. I want to let youngsters who are in the position I was in, know that they can be in this position I’m in now. My father wasn’t there to tell me that, and I never had a big brother. The people I looked at were the ones in the street. I know the advice I always got from them, but I want to teach others that you can become a CEO, a huge success. I’m not only the CEO of one company, but close to a dozen. That’s what I want to be able to teach people on a major scale. To divert a bit, let’s talk about a song from your recent album, Port of Miami 2, “Gold Roses” featuring Drake. It’s a great song. Describe the dynamic between you and Drake, musically and personally. RR: Drake is a genuine human being, and I think that is what I admire and respect about him so much. The role I’ve always played with him was Big Homie, and he always played my Lil’ Homie. That dynamic has always been as natural as it comes, and that’s when we’re in the recording booth and when we’re outside the recording booth. He’s not afraid to show his sensitive side, and that’s what makes him the artist he is. You’ve been quoted as saying that you never question God. Even in your darkest moments, you’ve never asked, “Why?” or questioned Him in any way? RR: If I have, it was many years ago, before I began to understand what life is. Life can be a cruel place; it can be a cold place. But it also can be as beautiful as you make it. I didn’t even question Him on the morning I woke up with my closest friend dead in the room next to me. We had just been together three hours earlier, and now three hours later, he’s dead and gone [Rick recounts this story in his book, Hurricanes: A Memoir]. I never questioned when my other closest homeboy was gunned down in a home invasion in front of his 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old sons. I’m not going to question the Big Homie. Whatever his plans are, that’s his plans. However I go out, it’s destiny. Have you ever stopped to reflect on, and question, the violence that’s surrounded you throughout your life? RR: Growing up where I grew up, I never questioned it because questioning it did nothing for it. Hearing AK-47s going off for sixty seconds at a time, you can cry, you can pray, you can question it, but you better just sit back, shut the fuck up, and wait for the ambulance to come. Year after year of seeing and hearing it and walking to school while passing a dead body, it gets to a point where you don’t question it. You got to decide, am I going to survive or am I going to die? You discuss your solid financial prowess in your book. What do you teach your children about money? RR: The disadvantage my children have is that they’re my kids, and my entire family is in a different position. They’re receiving money from everybody. I could put my kids on an allowance, but my daughters have credit cards. I do explain the importance and the value of building a brand. I don’t speak to my daughter about coming up from the mud to the marble and starting with nothing, because that’s not her life. She’s not in the position me and my sisters were in. Instead, I talk to her about the importance of maintaining our brands and bringing something new to the brand. By the time she was fourteen, my daughter knew how to run a Wingstop [one of Rick’s several business interests]. If we left her in a Wingstop [restaurant] with two other people, they would be able to run it for a full day. With my hair care line, RICH Hair Care [RICH by Rick Ross], I allow her to be in the conference calls and to sit in on the meetings. At the same time, she gets to live and enjoy life much more than I did at her age. You have to take the good with the bad, but I most definitely let them see firsthand what hard work is. You’re raising your kids in the Holyfield Mansion [Rick’s 44,000-square-foot Georgian estate, once owned by Evander Holyfield]. I would imagine there has to be a sense of entitlement when your kids are growing up in what is, for all intents and purposes, a palace. RR: It’s not something I overthink. As parents, we need to set examples because we have to let our children grow into what and who they are going to be. I really don’t put a lot of pressure on my kids, because they’re good students and they are very respectful of me and of everyone else around them. I’m allowing them to become young adults, and to decide what college they want to go to, what they want to be, what they want to do, how they want to do it, and where they want to do it. I’m pretty free about that. But it’s true. It’s not an upbringing I would know about firsthand, and I’m pretty sure I would feel entitled if Eddie Murphy was walking around my dad’s home and Coming to America 2 was being filmed at my father’s estate. They’re filming Coming to America 2 at the estate right now. Okay, well that’s awesome! Are you in it? RR: I have a small role and I did my first scene a few days ago. I’ll have to look out for you when it comes out. RR: Most definitely. You’ll have to look out for Rozay in the movie when it’s out [laughs]. I love how in the back of your book you thanked a jeweler who let you browse his watch collection for hours and ask him a bunch of questions years ago, when he knew you couldn’t afford to buy one. Do you think you envisioned your dreams into existence? RR: Without a doubt. I think that’s a part of destiny. I believe that if you believe in something or anticipate something coming to you, you try your best to prepare for it. For example, I’m trying my best now to prepare to be a huge actor one day. Before I finished my book, I wanted to thank Mr. Morgan, that was the name of the jeweler. He was extremely kind and patient with me. For some reason, he would always let me, for two hours at a time, look and ask questions about the jewelry. He knew I didn’t have money. I probably didn’t have money for a damn soda at that time. He’d take the time to describe the different watches to me, and my mind was just blown. I was fascinated by the idea of having jewelry. He would let me stand there for a long time and I never got the opportunity to purchase anything from him. I just wish he knew who I was, and I wish I knew where he was now, because I would personally want to thank him. How do you feel about your fans getting to know you on a more intimate level when they read your book? Does that make you nervous or excited? RR: I would never be nervous at the idea of my fans getting to know me, and I feel like if they really knew who I was, they wouldn’t even believe me. The book paints some pictures for you but can never really give you an idea of what the real play was, because I came up in the era of some real things happening. Neil [Martinez-Belkin] did a great job of putting the book together. He spoke to maybe sixty or seventy of my closest friends and family, because talking to me, there’s only so much conversation I’m going to give you. The shit I’ve seen, when we talked, it got no realer. When I talked about getting real money, it got no realer. That’s what made me the businessman I am. Unlike a lot of other artists, I was familiar with money before the music came. Most artists, by the time they get their first advance, they got to go get a car or a home. I already had these things, so by the time I got money in the music business I was ready to invest in other things and do other things. At the end of your book, you also pay tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle. Why do you think his life ended the way it did and when it did? RR: As painful as it is to watch this type of shit online [referring to surveillance video footage of the shooting], that’s what I grew up seeing. As painful as it is, I almost became numb to it over the years. I’ve always been the one that’s been the shoulder for others to cry on. Why did it happen? I can’t answer that. Was he a special individual? An incredibly special individual! Would I still consider Nipsey Hussle blessed and highly favored? Yes, I would. I’ve stood in those shoes before, and I was blessed to walk away. But for some reason, if it was to happen to me and that’s how the Big Homie upstairs chose for me to go, I’m going to open my arms to him. I don’t fear death, personally. I’m sure if Nipsey was here, Nipsey would still love and support his community the same way. Would Nipsey still love flossing in Crenshaw? I believe so. I would still love Miami 305, even if that was the city that took my life. What do you hope fans get out of reading your book? RR: I just hope the youngsters that are from where I’m from can see the potential in them in becoming authors, becoming CEOs or whatever they want to become. Do I really think I’m going to make money off this bullshit? Probably not. Do I think it will be successful? Really, anything with my face on it could be successful, but I didn’t do it for that. I wrote the book because I’m another youngster from a failing situation that’s seeing some success. Ultimately, that’s what it’s about. Going from being the hunted to becoming the hunter. Hurricanes: A Memoir by Rick Ross with Neil Martinez- Belkin is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Port of Miami 2, Rick’s 10th studio album, is out now. Follow him on Instagram: @RichForever. Words by Allison Kugel | Photos courtesy of Bob Metelus | Creative consultant: Sheldon Wright

Desigual turned heads as they presented the last leg of their #MiamiLovesDifferent Art Basel campaign at The Temple House with a seductive presentation filled with kisses, love, and climax. Desigual presented the brand’s new campaign, “Love Different,” and their new 2020 collection with a show that explores the universal symbol of love: the kiss. There was an iconic performance filled with emotions and sexuality directed by Catalan artist Carlota Guerrero. The casting was diverse, authentic and inclusive with amazing artists and dancers such as Lola Leon, Naomi Shimada, and Alejandra Smitts that captured the eyes of Carlota with their amazing movements and artistic ways. Click to view larger image > By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Desigual

Miami tastemakers and foodie influencers gathered for a seated dinner to celebrate the highly anticipated opening of Amare Ristorate by restaurateur Gino Iovino, with Southern Italian fare by Michelin Starred Chef Cosimo Cassano. Located in the South of Fifth District, Amare Ristorante offers artfully-prepared Southern Italian fare in a glamorous setting that evokes la grande bellezza of Italy’s famed Amalfi coast. Serving housemade dishes with seasonal ingredients flown in directly from Italy, guests enjoyed signatures such as the Melanzane e Zucchine with Baked Eggplant Zucchini, Mozzarella de Bufala, Tomato Crema, Basil Leaf Pesto and Parmigiana, and Fiori di Zucca a Baccalá with Zucchini Blossom, Wild Atlantic Cod and Robiola to start. Entrees included, Ippoglosso with Atlantic Halibut Baked in Banana Leaf, Artichokes, Mushrooms and Sun- Dried Tomatoes, and Costata di Manzo with Grilled 21 oz. Prime Ribeye from Creekstone Farms, Smoked Potato Crema, Fava Beans and a White Wine Balsamic Reduction. To cap off the grand feast, Chef served the Delizia al Limone, a Lemon Mousse. Notable guests included, Marisol Patton, Dana Shear, Elyze Held, Aaron Resnick, Jenny Starr Perez, Kim Caceres, Luis Garino & Marioly Saldana, Jennifer Massolo, Lori Rombeiro, Brett Graff, Seth Browarnik, Lisa Koffler & Adam Koffler, Ale Tomacheski, Elisandra & Messi Schneider, Debora Borges and Daniela Swaede. Gino Lovino & Nick D’Annunzio Elysze Held & Erin Newberg Luis Garino & Marioly Saldana Marisol Patton, Dana Shear & Tara Solomon Seth Browarnik, Lisa Koffler & Adam Koffler Lauren Beal, Daniela Swaebe, Dana Shear & Carly Patterson By ML Staff. Photo Credit: WorldRedEye.com

Before finding great success as a fashion designer-entrepreneur, Rachel Zoe made a name for herself as a celebrity stylist. Rachel grew up in Milburn, New Jersey and studied psychology and sociology at George Washington University, where she met her now-husband, Roger Berman. She started out as an editor. Though Rachel had no formal fashion training, she went on to style some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner, and Kate Hudson. Her fashion career hit an all-time high in the early 2010s with the introduction of her popular reality TV show on Bravo, The Rachel Zoe Project (which ran for five seasons), a well-run online fashion blog The Zoe Report, and the launch of her first ready-to-wear line in 2011. Though it may seem like Rachel has stepped out of the limelight these last few years, she has actually been busier than ever. Rachel’s spring/summer ready-to-wear line is inspired by springtime florals brought to life with abstract prints and feminine draping. “The collection represents the inspiring women both past and present that epitomize modern-day glamour. The Spring 2020 collection represents femininity and strength, and truly celebrates the power of women. Embracing a world where we can be warriors by day, in a pink twill power suit, and a metallic pleated one-shoulder maxi by night —all while feeling sexy and confident,” says Rachel. To celebrate the launch of her latest line, Rachel hosted an intimate party in East Hampton for all of her closest friends. “Growing up on the East Coast, I spent a lot of time in the Hamptons. It was amazing. We were in this beautiful marina overlooking the water. It was exactly the same place where my husband proposed to me 25 years ago,” the fashionista shares. Rachel is also at the helm of a beauty subscription box filled with luxury style items that she personally handpicks called, Box of Style. “We created this subscription box to connect to the audience in a more direct way. I was constantly seeing women on social media saying they wish they could be styled, wanting tips. My team and I sit down and curate directly for each woman. It’s all about getting to know each woman and what she wants,” she explains. Rachel and her team also utilize social media to connect with women about what types of items they want. “It’s a gift that keeps on giving. So many men aren’t sure where to start when it comes to buying for the women in their lives.” As a part of its newly launched licensing deal, Aldo Group is also partnering with Rachel, debuting shoes, handbags, and leather goods. “ALDO is incredible. I’ve been a fan for many years. They’ve really proven themselves as an authority in footwear and accessories. They’re such experts. It’s been such an incredible partnership —they let me be the creative.” The collection will be sold internationally starting the spring of 2020. Presently, the busy fashionista is working on closing her Holiday Box of Style, styling the spring collection for Vogue.com, and figuring out the location for her next Rachel Zoe pop-up. “I’m even looking to expand into a few more categories, and TV projects,” she shares. With so many projects in the works, one wonders, do you have any downtime? “In the summertime, I work from the East Coast, in the Hamptons. Being somewhere else is helpful. Being a mother of two young boys, downtime isn’t really a thing that exists for me. I don’t sleep a lot. I’m very hands-on with my boys, so we spend a lot of time watching movies or having storytime —that is my downtime.” Whatever projects Rachel pursues, you better believe she’s doing it in style. “I’m my most fashionable self in Europe. For Paris, for Fashion Week, I like bringing out things from my archives. But my best self? That’s definitely just sitting on a beach in St. Barth with my husband and boys —just being.” Follow Rachel on Instagram and Twitter: @RachelZoe. For more on Box of Style, visit https://www.boxofstyle.com/. Words by Briana Dodson. Images courtesy of Rachel Zoe

Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is where sweet southern hospitality meets opulence. Upon arrival, I am warmly greeted by every hotel employee I encounter —from the valet attendants and doormen to the front desk staff. I walk into the high-ceilinged lobby and find a chic space outfitted in black, white, and greys, reflected in the marble tiling, walls, and large-scale art pieces. While I check in at the front desk, I help myself to a refreshing glass of fruit-infused water —a necessity on warm days like this. (Note: Guests are treated to delicious sweet peach tea on Saturdays.) Soaring 42 stories high, Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead overlooks North Atlanta and all its beauty. The luxe hotel houses 127 rooms and 10 suites outfitted with classic dark woods, traditional furnishings, touches of marble, and grand windows that allow guests to enjoy the beautiful skyline. To experience the epitome of luxury, reserve the 2,340-square-foot Presidential Suite, which features a fireplace in the living room, dining table, separate seating area, and an oversized bathroom with a soaking tub. During my stay, I occupy the Buckhead Private Terrace King Bedroom, where a thoughtful welcome note along with a few tasty treats, courtesy of the hotel, await. I open the bottle of peach tea and graze on the candied pecans and crackers served with fresh peach jam. The spacious room features a king-sized bed with plush white bedding, a desk, flatscreen TV, seating area, blackout curtains, and a private balcony outfitted with two chairs and a side table. The room is stocked with water, a coffee maker, a mini bar, and 24-hour in-room dining menu — I highly suggest taking advantage of the latter. Is there anything nicer than lounging around in a hotel robe and enjoying dessert in bed? I recommend their bread pudding and red velvet cake. The bathroom is a pristine sanctuary with white marble, dual sinks, comfy robes, and soft white towels. Unwind in the tub, which offers a lovely view from the large window, with a book or watch your favorite show on the second television. There is also a separate shower with two showerheads. The bathroom is stocked with luxe Salvatore Ferragamo bath products, a toothbrush/toothpaste, shaving kit, and makeup remover pads — just in case you forgot any of your toiletries. There are a list of alluring amenities offered onsite, including the three-level Waldorf Astoria Spa. The Spa offers a list of indulgent treatments that utilize Sapelo products as well as a special suite (Magnolia Suite) for couples massages/treatments. We indulged in a couples aromatherapy massage, and left completely refreshed and relaxed. There is also a fitness center, private yoga studio, and 60-foot indoor saline water lap pool for those looking to maintain their fitness routine. The men’s and women’s locker rooms boast their own sauna, steam room, whirlpool, showers, and are stocked with complimentary toiletries. Click below to launch slideshow > The hotel restaurant, Café & Bar, is located on the first floor and serves an all-day menu touted as “gourmet American favorites prepared with flair.” Last month, the hotel debuted their Southern-inspired brunch buffet. “We are excited to introduce brunch service to the hotel and fill a niche in the Buckhead neighborhood with our expansive buffet,” says Executive Chef Christophe. “Our new brunch service is centered around providing guests with an abundance of delicious and elevated options that evoke the comforts of traditional breakfast favorites while offering a taste of classic Southern flavors. This is not your typical brunch buffet.” The exceptional brunch buffet serves traditional breakfast offerings (eggs prepared à la minute, Belgian waffles, pastries), Southern specialties (cheddar grits, Southern Bread Pudding with crème anglaise and Chantilly, Joyce Farms Deep Fried Chicken, and Bourbon Glazed Ham), fresh seafood (oysters, King Crab, shrimp, crab claws), and sweets, including mini cakes, mini pies, peach cobblers, and Bananas Foster. Alfresco dining is offered on the covered terrace, which overlooks a private garden with herbs used by the chefs and bartenders. Thursday-Saturday, Afternoon Tea is served from 2-4 pm. A popular pastime for guests and residents alike, I will definitely be returning to enjoy a decadent tower of scones, tea sandwiches, and the finest teas. If you prefer a stronger drink, pop by the bar for one of their delicious handcrafted cocktails (open daily from 2 until 11 pm) before dinner or for a nightcap. The hotel is situated in an ideal location as Buckhead boasts a long list of fantastic restaurants (Del Frisco’s Grille, South City Kitchen, Dantanna’s, to name a few), shopping, and entertainment closeby. For your convenience, the hotel car will take you to your desired destination — just ask. Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead has everything you need during your stay in Atlanta and serves up the best hospitality around. Whether you’re stopping by for a relaxing day at the spa or catching up with friends over Afternoon Tea, or enjoying a week-long vacation here, you will undoubtedly be impressed with all that this luxe hotel has to offer. Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is located at 3376 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. For more information, visit www.hilton.com/en/ waldorf-astoria or call 404-995-7500. Words by Vanessa Pascale. Images courtesy of Waldorf Astoria

Have you noticed how sprouted foods are popping up everywhere, not just in baked goods and cereals, but in snacks too? It’s all part of the latest in healthy eating trends. Sprouting is nature’s way of unlocking valuable vitamins and nutrients, making them easier for our bodies to absorb. Sprouting also helps to release naturally occurring antioxidants and makes seeds and grains easier to digest. Looking for sprouted snacks? Try Go Raw (goraw.com), which offers a variety of great-tasting sprouted seeds and snacks that are minimally processed and made with only a handful of organic, plant-based ingredients. By Miami Living, Images courtesy of GoRaw

Along Sausalito’s waterfront boulevard is a restaurant reminiscent of those found along the Amalfi Coast. In its 16- year history, since legendary restaurateur Larry Mindell opened its doors, Poggio has become a well-loved, classic Italian trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. The restaurant is at once quintessentially Italian and at ease in its Northern California locale. Utilizing the best local ingredients, Poggio’s daily changing menu features soulful classics of Northern Italy that are simply and earnestly prepared. A warm, convivial ambiance reminiscent of an Italian Trattoria is achieved with dark mahogany booths and deep, lush burgundy seating that invite diners to get cozy as they experience the art of Italian dining in Northern California. Terra cotta floors and marble play off the arched floor-to-ceiling windows looking out across the harbor. Executive Chef Ben Balesteri leads the kitchen with an incredible culinary prowess and a familial approach. He brings the culinary program’s timehonored preparation techniques including housecured charcuteries and fresh pasta to life; interpreting Italian classics while staying true to traditional flavors. An impressive array of local and seasonal ingredients bring Californian flair to the table. “Just like the people in Italy, I’m guided by what’s available in the wild and in the garden,” Balesteri explains. “In Italy, they don’t manipulate food, but rather, bring out what’s best about it. I do this at Poggio, as well.” Born in Monterey, the Swiss farming family on Ben’s mother’s side influenced his appreciation of seasonal vegetables, artisanal cheese, and seasonally butchered meats. The Sicilian fishermen on his father’s side taught him to love fishing and informed him on the best ways to prepare freshly caught fish and seafood to bring out their unique qualities. Adding to the sultry atmosphere, a large portion of the menu is prepared over a wood fire rotisserie, quickly reaching 1,000 degrees. From flatbreads and pizzas to the Porterhouse steak, the rustic flavors bring joy to the palate. An extensive wine list featuring Italian, Californian, and international varietals make pairing a delight, while the lively bar offers a classic Italian selection of Negronis and aperitifs, as well as Sausalito’s eclectic artists, bohemians, and intellectuals. If room allows, chocolate budinos and tiramisu beckon along with an espresso or digestif. Possibly the best news is that one need not wait for dinner to experience all that Poggio has to offer. Breakfast and lunch offer an incredible opportunity to enjoy Italian classics and al fresco dining. A daily selection of cappuccinos, Italian paninis, and pastries are prepared to-go at the bar each morning. Those wishing to linger over a mimosa or two can enjoy selections including freshly baked Ciabatta toast and jams, organic steel cut oatmeal, or Tosti with full service. Lunchtime favors the hundreds of daily visitors who reach Sausalito by ferry or bridge from San Francisco and beyond with zuppe, insalate, and pasta dishes as well as hearty main dishes, including branzino, split-roast chicken and meatloaf, paninis, and pizzas. With many local accolades and two Bib Gourmand nods from Michelin Guide, Poggio continues to inspire locals and visitors to Sausalito alike. The seasonally inspired family-style Tuesday Night Suppers bring diners back regularly to celebrate the bounty of good food and company in this unique and special location. Poggio is located at 777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965, and open seven days a week: 6:30 am for prima colazione (breakfast) | 11:30 am for pranzo (lunch) | 5:30 pm for cena (dinner). For more information, visit www.poggiotrattoria.com or call 415-332-7771. Words by Lauren Eastman. Images courtesy of Poggio

Want Incredible Fitness Results in a Short Amount of Time? Fitness expert-author Krista Stryker tells us how to get them. With work, family life, and a calendar full of social engagements consuming the hours in our day, sometimes it’s hard to find the time to workout. However, when you workout with Krista Stryker, all you need is 12 minutes. The NSCA-certified personal trainer is the founder of 12 Minute Athlete, a popular website and app that helps people get fit in less than 15 minutes! Amazing, right? HIIT, a high-intensity interval training workout regimen, consists of short, effective workouts based on calisthenics, cross-training, and functional fitness --and you don’t need to hit the gym or use a crazy amount of equipment to get results. Krista has been featured in Shape Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Muscle & Fitness HERS, and was named one of Athleta’s 100 Women to Watch in Wellness. The author of The 12 Minute Athlete: Get in the Best Shape of Your Life in 12 Minutes a Day kindly shared her fitness tips and advice with us. Tell us about your 12-minute workout and how it came about. Krista Stryker: When I first got into the fitness industry after college, I was working long hours as a personal trainer at a popular gym in New York City. On top of working with my clients, I was working out for hours each day and I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. I was incredibly exhausted having little time and energy in my days to do anything else. After trying all kinds of workouts, I discovered high intensity interval training, which is known as HIIT. HIIT changed everything for me. All of a sudden, I was busting out push-ups, pull-ups, burpees and still had energy left over to enjoy life; this led to my strength and confidence skyrocketing. These short, powerful workouts led to great results for my clients, too. I started 12 Minute Athlete to share my workouts with more people at all stages of their fitness journey, and to help them unlock their full athletic potential. 12 Minute Athlete is a program of HIIT workouts that you can do with limited space, little or no equipment, and a very short amount of time. It’s a super-efficient, and super-effective approach to fitness. One of our core beliefs is that ‘Everybody is an athlete.’ You can adapt the workouts to start at any level and keep adjusting them as you progress. You can see incredible results from these workouts in a short amount of time, even if you don’t think of yourself as an athlete or a fitness person when you’re starting out. What’s your favorite way to stay active? KS: I am a huge fan of HIIT workouts because of how short and effective they are. A real HIIT workout (where you’re really going all out) should take no longer than 10 or 15 minutes, taking away the most common excuse of not having enough time to get a workout in. Plus, you can do them with minimal or no equipment, meaning you can do them anywhere, whether you’re in a tiny apartment, a hotel room, or a nearby park. I’m also a fan of trying new sports and activities that sound like fun. Get some friends together for a hike, go try a fun, new class, or just learn something new. Being active shouldn’t always feel like a workout --it should be fun! What core exercise do you swear by? KS: I’m a huge fan of the gymnastics-inspired core exercise, hollow body holds. These will not only get you a rock-solid core, they also mimic the position that you should aim to be in for many more advanced exercises like handstands and pull-ups. Hollow Body Hold: Lie on your back with your legs straight and arms straight by your ears. Contract your abs as you try and think about pulling your belly button down to the floor. Slowly raise your arms and legs simultaneously off the ground. (Your arms and head should raise at the same time, while your lower back keeps in contact with the ground.) Your goal should be to find the lowest position you can hold your arms and legs at without allowing your lower back to arch or raise off of the ground. To make this exercise easier, you can reach your arms towards your feet instead, or tuck your knees towards your chest to modify even further. Hold for time and feel the burn! What’s your best advice for when someone plateaus? KS: In my experience, when someone plateaus, it’s almost always because they haven’t set specific enough goals to start with. Setting clear and measurable goals and actually tracking them via some sort of training journal is a much better way to make progress long-term because it gives you a way to actually see and track your progress. Then you can adjust as needed along the way if something isn’t working out as you expected. I’m also a big fan of setting performance goals [rather] than weight loss ones because not only are these easier to track, they’re also so much more motivating long-term. These goals could be to do your first push-up or pull-up, to compete in an obstacle race, or to take up/learn a new sport or activity, such as surfing, boxing, acroyoga, skiing, etc. It’s best to make sure your goals are specific, such as to be able to do one clean pull-up rather than overly broad, such as to get stronger. And make sure to keep track of your progress in a training journal --this can be a physical notebook, a note on your phone, or whatever you’ll actually use. When you don’t feel like working out, how do you motivate yourself? KS: It’s taken years, but I’ve finally gotten to the point that I know how much better I’ll feel after working out, so I actually don’t want to skip it. If I’m not feeling up for something overly intense, I’ll at least do something light, such as jump rope and do some simple bodyweight exercises. Even on my rest days I make sure to walk a lot because I’ve found that movement helps me keep my head cleared and energy levels up. Even if you’re not feeling up for a full workout, try and get a little movement in. Go for a walk, take an easy bike ride, or play with your kids or dog at the park. It’s important to remember that something is always better than nothing! What are some of your fitness goals this year? KS: While I do my 12-minute HIIT workouts most days of the week, I’ve personally been training on both handstands and boxing for the past few years. This year, I hope to get a freestanding one arm handstand as well as compete in my first amateur boxing match. Words by Vanessa Pascale, Photo Credit: Tamara Muth King Keep up with Krista at www.12minuteathlete.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @12MinuteAthlete

Crunch Time! What does the New Year mean to you? The arrival of 2019 is a reset for most; it's about creating a better you, improving yourself, your skills, and success! Health, fitness, body fat loss are typically #1 on the majority's list this year and honestly, it should be! You can’t be the best version of yourself nor take the best care of others, if you're not taking good care of your health and fitness. Fact: Healthy and fit people are happier people. Why? Here are some hints.... -Natural energy -Self confidence -Endorphins -Strength to achieve more -Better moods -Less stress -Less likely to catch colds and flus -Better sleep patterns But there are so many more benefits than what’s listed above. Some people just want to be able to keep up with their young ones, some want to be able to carry their groceries without feeling aches and pains, some want to take off that stubborn pregnancy fat, some want to be able to feel great taking their shirt off at the beach. Perhaps, this is the year you're seeking that better job or a promotion (Fact: Business owners look to hire healthy people to reduce chances of absenteeism and look to promote those who are mentally and physically ready to take on heavier loads). Putting your best FIT foot forward does make a difference! You might think you can't afford to take time and exercise, but can you afford not to? Whatever your reason, be part of the only 8% of Americans that actually achieve their goals set at New Years! Crunch is the place where fitness meets entertainment, and is known for their awesome classes and name brand equipment! Here are a few trainers at the South Beach Miami location, who are ready to make your New Year’s resolution a reality: Lisa Gaylord I have a wide variety of awesome clients, from pro athletes, extremely busy business men/women, pre- and post-pregnancy Fit Moms... to name a few. I also have an amazing small group training of women over 40, these women are motivated to train for a variety of reasons that don’t always relate to weight loss. A lot of these women are going through the second stages of life, including menopause, divorce, empty nest, and second careers. What we experienced when we were younger were the typical youthful expressions of life, like tight abs, hard butt, skinny thighs. Those things are not typically the focus of the older generation. We’re looking for a way to stay strong and healthy, less competitive, more nurturing. We are not willing to give up the fight to be in the best shape possible, but we have eaten well, trained hard, and are looking to keep what we have. My girls are killing it when we train on the gym floor, along with taking my boot camp classes! They hold their own right alongside 20-year-olds and kick ass! My job as a trainer is to keep raising the bar and setting an example of a strong, healthy lifestyle! Michael Green There is not a single person that can’t benefit from added fitness knowledge or help with their goals. In the opening month of the New Year, it is important to lay a proper foundation for healthy living.  Here at Crunch our culture is built towards empowering our clients to be the best possible version of themselves.  As a personal trainer, I feel it's my duty to make each client’s experience challenging, full of actionable knowledge, and fun. I always push my clients to achieve more and love the excitement of seeing them achieve what they set out for! One of my most enjoyable clients (Brant), that I have had the privilege of continuously training, is in his late 70s and I love seeing him work hard and feel like he’s still got it! I aim at programming that will make them feel younger, stronger, and ready for whatever comes their way.  My name is Michael Green and I'm here for you! This New Year, hold yourself accountable by joining Crunch and their amazing Fit Family. Their class instructors and personal trainers will be here to keep you motivated and accountable. No excuses this year! No matter your age, no matter your goal, choose a better, healthier, fit you this year! Once you start working out and seeing and feeling the change in your body, you will realize that hiring a certified trainer that created a proper program, motivated you, and held you accountable was the best decision you could make. Start working out at Crunch today! Crunch Fitness South Beach is located at 1259 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, call 305-674-8222 or visit Crunch.

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