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Baseling in Miami
Baseling in Miami 1261 841 Keir Alexa

I love Miami because it’s a wild, crazy place where anything can happen.  And that’s especially true when Art Basel comes to town! It’s a huge art expo that draws 75,000 people in a year.  There are large art displays in public parks, performance art, and gallery installations all over the place.  You can see high end art pieces at the Convention Center or cool street art in Wynwood that will blow your mind.  I’ll be in Miami all week, so check out my Instagram and Snapchat for the creme de la creme of what Art Basel and Miami have to offer!

Travel The World Sunset Cliff
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Why You Should Travel
Why You Should Travel 1024 683 Keir Alexa

There are many reasons why I think everyone should travel. Visiting far away lands has helped me learn so much about myself and about other people. It’s enlightened my life in more ways than I ever thought possible. Here are a few of the reasons why I travel, and why I think you should too!

 

Why You Should Travel

You will find yourself – When I travel it helps me learn more about myself. When I see new countries, eat new foods, and experience new ways of living, it gives me ideas to bring back to my own life in America. Wherever you are from and wherever you are going, escaping your routine is a great way to find who you really want to be.

You will lose yourself – I also love the feeling of being a stranger in a new city. Pushing outside your comfort zone is a great way to grow as a person. If you want to truly find yourself, you need to be willing to get lost first. Finding and losing go together like yin and yang.

You will meet new cultures – I love that travel lets me connect with other cultures. We all have ideas what people from other countries will be like. But you will never know for sure unless you see for yourself. You will be amazed by the wonderful differences you encounter in a new culture.

 

Keir Alexa Why You Should Travel

You will try new foods – One of the wonderful differences will definitely be the food. I don’t care how much you like the Chinese restaurant down the street, it’s not as good as the food in China! The flavors of a new country are one of my favorite reasons to travel. So far, the best food I’ve had has been in the restaurants along the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

It will open your eyes – Expand your awareness of the world around you by discovering some place new. The people you meet and the experiences you have will open your eyes to the beauty of the world.

 

Travel Blogger Keir Alexa

It will lead to adventure – When you travel you will end up doing things you never thought possible. I’ve had so many first-time experiences while traveling, and I know you will too. For example, one night I was walking barefoot on the sandy shore of Richard Branson’s private Necker Island. It was a full moon and the Hobicat sailboats were lined up on the beach. Richard turned around and yelled to me and the other guests, “Race on, Winner is the first team to sail around the island and make their way back into the Jacuzzi.”

The only question I have now is… what’s stopping you?

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page.”

         – Saint Augustine

Travel Beauty Tips
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Fly Away: 8 Travel & Beauty Tips
Fly Away: 8 Travel & Beauty Tips 1024 684 Keir Alexa

I often have long commutes and flying can take a serious toll on one’s body and mind. Follow my simple beauty tips here! It’s important to take care of our selves while traveling.

The Face

I usually don’t wear makeup on long flights. But if you feel naked without it, make sure to wash your face really well and moisturize before applying any makeup. If you’re already on the plane and need to put your face on in a hurry, take a small amount of your foundation and use a beauty blender to apply all over your face. Then, I use bareMinerals powder which gives the skin a natural glow while feeling as if you are not wearing any makeup at all. Put on a lightly tinted lip balm, and that’s it! If you want to wear mascara throughout your trip just make sure it’s waterproof and flexible. I also recommend getting professional eyelash extensions for longer trips. I tried them for my summer trip to Europe and I am hooked!

Clothes

You want to be comfortable on a long flight. My typical airport outfit is black stretch pants, a cotton t-shirt and a comfy sweatshirt. I used to always wear converse while traveling but now I love to wear slip on shoes which makes it much easier to take off when going through airport security.

Drink Water

Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the flight. The stress of traveling such long distances plus the air quality in the cabin can take a toll on your body. Drinking water also keeps your skin fresh and your eyes bright. For extra hydration, I will use Chloroxygen in my water. This helps build red blood cells and combat dehydration.

Eat Light and Often

Resist the urge to eat heavy meals on a long flight. To combat hunger, pick up some pre-packaged sealed snacks if your airline permits. Simple foods like dried fruit, nuts, and those yummy dehydrated veggies are really good. I find rice chips are a nice addition, they are filling and good for you. Plus you don’t get the bloat like you would from soda or cheesy foods that are popular. If I do not have time to hit the grocery store before the trip, I will eat the on flight food. Try to request a lighter meal, if there is a vegetarian or gluten-free option — take it.

Center and Distress

I practice transcendental meditation while flying. I use a mediation app on my phone. Meditation helps reduce stress both in the mind and in the body. I use the time to reflect on my trip, what is to come, and things I look forward too. After 20 minutes, I feel like I am centered and relaxed. Everyone is different, so take it as you can.

Also, meditation helps me sleep which definitely helps combat looking haggard when you get off a long flight. If I do not sleep on a long flight, I end up feeling sick.

Favorite Products

Find products that will revitalize your skin and give you an energy boost. My favorite hydrating spray is Heritage Rosewater. I spray it on my face throughout the day while traveling. It is also a great body spray to use. It has a fresh scent and it helps return nourishing properties to your skin.

Fresh Breath Always

Fresh breath is important, especially since you are in close quarters with strangers. I always travel with a mini toothbrush and pack of gum.

Moisturize!

The air on the plane is always dry. I always pack a face, hand and eye cream. Do two in one with African Shea butter as a facial moisturizer and eye cream. I also use Dr. Lancer intensive night treatment, which helps with dry skin. Also, make sure that all the items are TSA approval. (3.4 OZ) Travel size kits are available on Amazon or in any drug store.

For my lips, even off the plane, I try to continually put on lip balm. My all time favorite lip balm is from Avalon Organics. I love that it is all natural and smells like fresh citrus with two powerful forms of vitamin C.

Do you have any travel and beauty tips? Please comment below!

 

 

 

 

Keir Alexa Summer Aspen
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Top Summer Activities In Aspen
Top Summer Activities In Aspen 1024 683 Keir Alexa

Aspen is a gorgeous town, usually associated with images of glistening snow-capped mountains and luxurious ski resorts. The red-brick downtown oozes comfort on chilly nights. However, many locals will tell you they came for the winter, but stayed for the summer.

Summer in Aspen is gorgeous. With greenery and wildflowers in every direction, the town booms with outdoor activities — hikes and rock climbing, paragliding, golfing, kayaking, whitewater rafting and horseback riding, just to throw out a few of the multitudes of options. For more low-key days, visitors can always hit the shops! Downtown offers wonderful shopping, including Boogies, a personal favorite, with the largest collection of jeans I’ve ever seen! As you walk down the brick sidewalks, passing from shop to shop, symphony music echoes down the street. Live musicians gather and play for everyone to hear, really topping off the relaxing downtown experience.

The people of Aspen only add to the welcoming atmosphere. Neighbors look out for each other like family. Doors are rarely locked. The safety of such a tight-knit community is truly inspirational. You feel right at home, no matter how far you’ve traveled.

Summer in Aspen

Keir Alexa Travel Blogger Summer Aspen Travel

Keir Alexa Summer Aspen

Keir Alexa Summer Aspen

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

As fun as downtown Aspen can be, the real draw is the town’s scenery. There’s no better way to enjoy the surrounding nature than to jump right in and explore.

HIKING — During my stay, we started our exploration with the Maroon Bells — two peaks around 14,000 feet tall, separated by a third of a mile, Maroon creek accumulating at the basin between the two mountains. The hike was awe-inspiring, filled with wildflowers and gorgeous pines. The view of the creek between the two peaks is known as one of the most photographed sites in Colorado, and once you stand at the basin, you can easily see why.

Summer Aspen Travel

Summer Aspen Colorado

GOLFING — With such green and sprawling terrain, Aspen has quite a few golf courses. Though I had rarely golfed before my trip, Aspen’s adventurous nature was getting to me. I was ready to try something new and had the great opportunity to learn from the best. Susie Berning, three-time U.S. Open champion, taught me how to play golf during my week in Aspen! I am so thankful for her thoughtful and skilled teaching. Susie had me hitting balls like a champion… well, at least it felt that way to me! I definitely improved exponentially and I am so thankful for the experience.

Golf Summer Aspen Travel

Golf Summer Aspen Travel Blog

Golf Summer Aspen

PARAGLIDING — For me the most nerve-wracking, exciting and exhilarating of all the activities had to be paragliding off Aspen Mountain. It left me wanting to go again and again, and definitely warrants its own post.

FOOD AND SLEEP — That’s an activity, right? Aspen has great food, and all that adventuring can really work up an appetite. Down times were spent eating and hanging out at our hotel, The Residences at The Little Nell. I’ve stayed there multiple times and would recommend the luxurious hotel to anyone heading to Aspen, any time of year.
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Dragonfly Den Burning Man Birthday
Dragonfly Den Burning Man Birthday 1000 667 Keir Alexa

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(Memories from last year)  My boyfriend and our friends decided throw a Burning Man Decompression party. We also celebrated my birthday! Isaiah Martin from Magic Box Productions brought in a beautiful Moroccan style tent and props from our Burning Man Camp – Dragonfly Den. Everyone dressed in fun costumes and danced the night (and morning) away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Russell James – “Angels” Book
Russell James – “Angels” Book 983 692 Keir Alexa

Last year, I was invited to shoot with world-renowned photographer, Russell James, one of the exclusive photographers for Victoria’s Secret. Our first session was in Miami the day before the Victoria’s Secret summer campaign shoot. A few days later we traveled to Necker Island to shoot at the home of Richard Branson.

This experience was a dream come true as every aspiring model hopes to, one day, shoot with a photographer of Russell’s caliber. Little did I know that this shoot would result in me being included in Russell’s new book, “ANGELS” which is comprised of some of the world’s top models and celebrities. I was incredibly excited and felt truly honored that Russell would include me in such lofty company.

You can learn more about “Angels” as well as read my exclusive interview with Russell at MODELINA.COM

Victoria’s Secret sponsored the launch of “Angels” during New York Fashion week. It was a huge success. The launch was held at the renowned Stephan Weiss Studio in New York. Many of the ANGELS from the book were at the event including Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel and Lily Aldridge.

Here is a sneak peak of the Angels event and below is my personal interview with Russell!

Graff2Graff Diamonds dressing me in their gorgeous diamond earrings and heart shape bracelet! OC3A1334Getting hair and makeup ready with the talented Donald Mikula. If you are ever looking for a hair and makeup stylist in New York – he is the best! You can view his website HERE.OC3A1355OC3A1359En route to the event with my mom. I am so happy she came to New York to support me!Angels1Thank you Jaimie Murray for coming to celebrate!photoDSC01536 copyRihanna looking hot on the wall!!DSC01577 Posing next to my portraits! I am wearing a Barbara Bui dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, Graff Diamonds, and a Chanel purse. DSC01593

With Russell James on the red carpet! 
Facetune
Thank you Russell and Victoria’s Secret for a night to remember! 

MY INTERVIEW WITH RUSSELL: 

1. What happened in your career path that lead you to become the Victoria’s Secret photographer? 

The path for me to Victorias Secret was more like a maze. I can’t say I set off with a plan to arrive as a photographer for Victorias Secret. In fact, being an Australian who grew up the remote North West, I didn’t know there was a company called ‘Victorias Secret.’ I didn’t even know there was something called the fashion business. I started out as a metal worker making trashcans, a dog trainer, I had a business cleaning offices and the list goes on. It was not until I was 30 and found myself in Sweden and was introduced to photography. It was love at first sight. That was the year 1989. I worked in Europe (well I think it was work, I shot lots of images, however I didn’t get paid). Eventually though, in 1996, I received an offer to shoot in New York for Sports Illustrated Swimweat Edition and W magazine in the same week. The Sports Illustrated turned out to be the cover of Tyra Banks and theW magazine gave me some street creds as a ‘fashion guy.’ Victorias Secret President Ed Razek eventually saw some of my published works a couple of years later and that was my first shoot for Victorias Secret.

2. I know your book is full of beautiful woman. Is there any other inspiration behind the book? 

It is a significant book to me because I have always had trouble ‘picking a lane.’ I love so many genres of photography and in fact was the one reason I was constantly rejected by agents in New York. However, one incredible agent, Palma Driscoll at Bryan Bantry, eventually saw the vision I did; that it is possible to love shooting landscapes, indigenous culture, fashion, nudes and many other things and not have to say I am just known for one genre. I have previously published books on my love of nature (Nomad Two Worlds), my first book covered many areas I loved to shoot (Russell James 2009) and several other books. However, ’the nude’ is a delicate area and I wanted to wait until I could create a collection that would not just be gratuitous nudes. I wanted it to be a series of expressions from the most subtle sensual to the overtly sexual – because that is the complexity and mystery of women that I admire. It was important to me that I finally paid this genre of photography the respect of a full book. The nude has long been the artistic fascination for so many going back to the time man learned to etch or paint.

3. What are your top three favorite locations to shoot at and why? 

Having traveled so far and so often I have love affairs with many locations around the world. However, three standouts are Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, home of Richard Branson, The Kimberlie Ranges in North West Australia that defy description and are beautiful beyond words, and Bali.

4. You shoot so many beautiful woman from around the world. How did you select your models for the book? 

Part of the book is models I met through Victorias Secret, or through similar type shoots. Then over time I think (and this I find humbling) I found I had developed something of a trust with women that I would always treat their nude form with great respect, that I would partner with them and that I would NEVER publish a nude they themselves didn’t love. So now I seem to be approached by models, celebrities and people in general who would like to capture their own beauty, but not feel bad about it afterwards.

5. How do you make girls feel comfortable in their birthday suits? 

[Laughs] Well, no matter how gently I prepare to make sure it is as comfortable an environment as possible, there inevitably comes the time where I am standing there with a camera and the subject is standing there naked. It’s the 500 pound gorilla in the room.  However, I usually start by shooting a portrait and not a full figure nude. The conversation is important, I talk about anything from food to family – and not the fact we are doing a nude shoot. At some stage I relax, they relax and then we get absorbed in the art of making images.

6. What inspired you to shoot the book with all nudes? 

I finally felt I had the confidence to shoot an entire book on the subject that would be respectful, provocative, tasteful and above all else, that the people in the photographs would be proud to be in the book.
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Learning Lessons of Burning Man
Learning Lessons of Burning Man 1089 854 Keir Alexa

This year’s Burning Man was such an amazing experience, and, even though I’m back home, I am still reliving those special learning moments.

These are 7 lessons that I brought home from the playa.

Temple 2014 Burning Man

 

1. Live in the moment.
You never know what experience is going to be in your path. You have to be willing to put yourself out there, let go and jump into things . Don’t over think! Just go for it! Practice living in the moment, just be there. The past is gone, the future is uncertain—all we have is right now, and it is truly enough.

2. We all have something to give.
One morning, while gazing up at the sun rise, I glanced around at people dancing to Robot Heart’s tunes. I felt my heart open up. I looked at all the beautiful art around me. I looked at all the art cars surrounding the dance venue. I thought about all the love and creativity people put into them. Everyone contributes their artwork to make Burning Man special. Focusing on what we have to give, without expecting anything in return, really has a major impact on people’s behavior. They stop competing and start sharing. That’s Radical Generosity, a hallmark principal of Burning Man. And you know what? It feels really good to give and to be of service to others.

Burning Man made me contemplate an important question: What do I want to contribute to this world? How can I give back? It made me realize I want to build a company that helps others and contributes in a positive way. I switched the focus of my education because of the lessons I learned at Burning Man last year.

3. Turn your phone off, and stop being so attached to technology.
Yes, I am thankful we have our technology, but sometimes we need to put it away and just enjoy life. I find myself wasting time searching the web, checking Facebook and Instagram. Every where I go I see people just staring at their cellphones. In elevators people don’t even make eye contact, they just look down at their phones. It’s nice to be more aware of our surroundings, putting away our phone and, instead, interacting with the people around us. We miss so much when our eyes are glued to a phone screen. It’s a big, beautiful world out there and I want to remember to appreciate it.

4. Think about the impact you make.
Many people, every day, are taking the impact they have on their space seriously. Burning Man is a microcosm for this lesson. Our camp had everyone sign up for MOOP (Material Out Of Place) duty. I took 20-30 minutes daily cleaning up trash that I saw on the ground around camp. There were times when I was out on the playa and saw trash. Immediately it was picked up, put in my backpack, and thrown away as soon as I saw a trash can. Become aware of what’s going on around you.

There is an army of volunteers who clean up trash, not only during the event, but even after the party is over. These are the people who make Burning Man a truly leave-no-trace event. They comb the desert, walking side by side, searching for every scrap that doesn’t belong there. Because of them, Burning Man is allowed to continue year after year.

5. Be less judgmental.
Many different nationalities and life styles are represented at Burning Man. There are successful businessmen, other professionals, families with children, artists, hippies, etc! Everyone comes from a different background but when you think about it, in some ways we all are connected. We all share the same emotions and the same expressions. Make friends with people based on the content of their character. We are all here sharing this world together. By having a little more patience for each other, we can all be a lot happier.

6. Roll with the punches!
There is much going on and there are many elements of Burning Man that will test you. Dust storms that are so strong that you can’t see anything around you. There is extreme heat during the day and freezing cold at night. But, instead of complaining, explore! Look at the art as you walk back to your camp. There are so many things going on that are out of our control it’s good to learn to just roll with them. I’m trying to keep this attitude all the time. I remind myself when traffic backs up for miles on the freeway, or any other time when life throws me a curveball. Getting mad or frustrated won’t change the situation. Maybe I can use those few extra minutes to just appreciate whatever is around me. You don’t have to be at Burning Man to enjoy a blue sky, but it’s only when you allow yourself to be flexible that you remember to look up.

7. Take time to breathe.
It may be a bit corny, but there were so many moments at Burning Man that took my breath away. Sometimes I would just sit down on the playa and look up at the sun and just breathe, paying attention to my breathing and not anything else around. I now try and do this every day and I’ve noticed a difference in my everyday life. It sounds simple, we don’t even think to breathe. It is so automatic that we forget we’re even doing it. But take away air for a few seconds, and suddenly we remember just how important it is! When I practice just being aware of my breath, I remember that there are a lot of other things in life that I need to appreciate, not just breathing, and that sense of gratitude leaves me feeling much more at peace.

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