Alis Volat Propriis

1:30am. I woke up feeling both exhausted and anxious to hike Mount Batur. I'd describe myself as adventurous, but I do have my moments of "what the f*** was I thinking" more often than not. I began to wonder if it was a bad choice to hike an active volcano? What would I do if it erupted? Why hadn't I checked the seismic activity? What were my chances of survival if it did erupt? 

All valid worries. 

Twists and turns in the dark with absolutely no control.

The drive from Ubud was around an hour and once we arrived in the parking lot I met my guide, Ari. Initially I wanted to do this hike with a group of people, but the one-on-one time with Ari was educational and enjoyable, and most importantly it meant we could push the pace.

The hike starts out pretty flat, which left me thinking that it was going to be a waste of my time, and then out of nowhere the incline started to kick in. Like most hikes, it was rocky, and at times slippery (especially when you don't have the proper shoes on) but if you consider yourself to have an ounce of athleticism running through your blood, you should be fine. 

Upon reaching the top breakfast was prepared from the steam of the volcano and we waited for the sun to rise. 

A good 30 minutes after sunrise the monkeys appeared. I nearly had a heart attack (monkeys have officially been added to my list of animals I'm afraid of) but the other hikers seemed to be entertained by the monkeys stealing their food and running around. 

Tam's Tips

Wear

Breathable leggings/shorts

quality, thick socks

sneakers with grip or hiking boots

windbreaker

sunscreen

Bring

water

camera

tripod (optional) 

snacks

flashlight

If find yourself in Bali I highly recommend waking up at an unheard of hour to hike Mount Batur or Mount Agung!

Innocently, I walked by a Gucci store in October and immediately stopped to do a double take. I was drawn in by the color scheme of one of the display purses. As soon as I got home I searched the site, to find that my latest purse obsession is $1,980. That's my rent + bills + errthang. I'll be starting a GoFundMe for this baby soon. 

At a price that is more realistic for those ballin' on a budget—but absurd for a belt—I present to you the double G belt. I don't know the last time I've worn a belt, but I always find that my outfits are missing that final touch. At $330 this is definitely filed under investment pieces, and would be worn at least twice a week. You'll be proud to know that my goal is to find this at a consignment shop, but if I'm being honest I will probably end purchasing it as a birthday gift to myself once I save the coins. 

My history with loafers is traumatizing. I was 6 years old this first time I wore a pair of loafers. They were patent leather penny loafers, purchased from Savers for less than $10. At the time I hated them, being forced to wear them to school on multiple occasions. Times have changed and I am majorly lusting over the Suede Pump. Perhaps it's the heel or that they're suede, but I'm already planning my outfits around these beauties. 

The obsession with being an athlete has reached its peak. In the words of Bill Bowerman "if you have a body, you're an athlete." From idolizing the greats, to the rise in athleisure and the fitness industry, everyone wants to hold the title of athlete. 

"If you have a body, you're an athlete"

Out of the 8 million students who participate in high school sports approximately 480,000 go on to compete for the NCAA. That number begins to drastically decrease when it comes to becoming a professional athlete with around 1.6% of football players turning pro (NCAA).

Being apart of the exclusive athlete club has its perks, but not without a price. Every great possesses the following seven traits. 

Talent—Talent can't be taught. You have it or you don't. What you choose to do with your talent is up to you. 

Discipline—One of the most important traits for success on and off the playing field. 

Sacrifice—Socially, physically, financially. 

Competitive—Herm Edwards said it best: "you play to win the game." Whether it's practice or a game you have to want to be the best at all times.

Coachable—Being able to listen to and trust your training and coach is a must. When things go wrong great athletes are ready to go back to the drawing board, and when things are going well, they're always looking for ways to continue improvement. 

Selfish—As an athlete you have to learn how to be selfish. Your needs (rest, recovery, peace of mind) are imperative if you want to be great. That means doing what's best for you and your success. 

Mindset—The competition is won before it has begun. Very few people are able to conquer their mind, but once it happens you become unstoppable. 

"Focus on what you can control"

The Worlds Greatest Athlete has retired. 

Ashton Eaton took track and field by storm, being better, faster and stronger than any competitor in the world. In 2012, Ashton shook up the world, breaking the world record in the decathlon scoring 9,039 points. Shortly after, Eaton took home the Gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Four years later he joined the ranks of Bob Mathias and Daley Thompson, as the only two-time decathlon winners in Olympic history. 

Solidifying his mark as one of the Greatest Athletes the world will ever see Ashton continued to win, but most importantly he continued to master the decathlon.

The couple took to their joint site, weareeaton.com announcing their retirement from Track and Field. "Frankly there isn't much more I want to do in sport. I gave the most physically robust years of my life to the discovery and pursuit of my limits in this domain" wrote Eaton.

Echoing similar sentiments Theisen-Eaton stated "I gave the last four years everything I could. Track and Field was the priority before everything else: my family, my friends, my marriage, my future...I no longer have the passion for track and field or the heptathlon that I used to because I know I can't advance any further in the sport". Brianne Theisen-Eaton was the bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

There isn't anything Butterfly 'Butter' Cayley can't do. As a top agent, mother and wife, her hands are full.

From shattered world records to legacies being cemented in history, 2016 has been a phenomenal year for women in sports. Check out my favorite moments below. 

I had just turned 16, and was anxiously awaiting the 100 meter dash finals for the state championship. For a split second I forgot what I was doing, where I was, and how to set my blocks. The nerves were beginning to take over my body and mind. 

On your marks, get set... I crossed the finish line unsure if I had won. I looked into the stands to find my team: my Dad, Lucius and Chris. When I would fall out at practice crying because I thought I was too tired to run any further, they picked me up and kept me going. After my first loss they wiped my tears and taught me to turn that very pain and defeat into motivation. After wins, they kept me grounded and focused on the bigger picture. They taught me to never show the competition I was tired. They taught me how to be competitive, to dream bigger than I ever imagined, and how to turn those dreams into a reality. 

At my last high school state meet my dad asked me to celebrate. Something I had never done. As a decorated sprinter, I never wore a medal around my neck. I would cross the finish line, accept my award, place it in my spike bag and prepare for the next event. "Just throw your fist up one time. Just one time.." I refused. Not because I wasn't proud, but because I was afraid of how I would be received. Cocky. Big Headed. Unsportsmanlike. 

A few days ago I called my Dad to tell him some exciting news regarding my career. He interrupted me mid-sentence and said, "Can I ask you something? Why do you always downplay yourself?" 

I hung up the phone and was stuck on that one line. Why do you always downplay yourself?

He was right. I thought back to all I've accomplished in sports and life and how I've never taken the time to celebrate. It took me back to that arid Arizona night. I was finishing an amazing high school career about to embark on another journey at The University of Arizona. I was the Freshman Phenom, Athlete of The Year, Soccer and Track Star, but had never allowed myself to enjoy my success. 

 As I navigate life it has become more apparent that from a very young age, women are told how to be women, especially in sports. We're taught how to bite our tongues. How to "soften" ourselves, to make others feel comfortable. We're told to exude confidence, but not too much for fear of being a bitch. We're told to mold ourselves into something we aren't. Be great, but not too great. Be strong, but never express it. I remember being told on numerous occasions that I was intimidating, something I still hear to this day. One man even went as far as to say the reasoning behind this "intimidation" is because I'm "pretty, educated, well spoken, and have a nice body".

I'm fortunate to have had coaches at every level who allowed me to cry, be goofy, question every workout and grow as both an athlete and person. Being a woman in sports, I now appreciate every win that never seemed to be good enough at the time and every moment of defeat that kept me going. I gained the world through sports. 

Mini Bucket Bag

When this purse first came onto the scene I wasn't feeling the hype surrounding it. It took a while for Mansur Gavriel to grow on me, and now I want one of everything, especially the mules. Keep it classic with the black leather bucket bag or customize it with their assortment of leathers and insert colors. 

The Polaroid Camera

Back in the day I was the polaroid selfie queen, before "selfies" were even a thing. I have great memories of days spent at the pool with my cousins and sister, just being cool kids, all on Barbie film of course. Like everything, polaroid cameras are back in style and how can you resist this orchid color?! Don't forget the film (Urban Outfitters has the best selection) and batteries! 

The Celeb Cookbook

This is a win-win situation for all involved. It's safe to say that every woman believes Chrissy Teigen is BFF-potential. Although we haven't mastered her lifestyle, we meet her on the real, sarcastic, clapback level. This book may not make us as funny and no f***s to give as Chrissy, but at least we'll be full. 

The 'Grown Woman' Earring

Lets be real. Every girl needs a good pair of earrings. I won't be too bougie and tell you carat specifications; only requirement is that they're real. 

The V Important Sunglasses

I disgust myself for this one, but it's the Tam Tardash thing to do. No one should wear sunglasses that are this expensive, but I really want them. I'll also settle for a nice dupe so that when I accidentally step on them I won't die on the inside. Don't forget to get them polarized so the haters can't see you. 

The MacBook

I've been wanting a new laptop for a few years now, but can't justify the purchase since there's nothing wrong with the current one I have. Then came the new MacBook. Everything my heart desires and more. It's sleek and light—which means I can run around the city with it—but is still a bawse of a laptop. I'll take one in Space Gray, 15-inches, with the Touch Bar. Gracias. 

I've always had an affinity for suits, especially when worn by women. Being that I spend 98% of my time in spandex and sports bras, you might find it strange that I liveeeeeeeeeeeeee (written in a Nene Leakes voice) for suits, honey. 

I picture myself in a double breasted, red pant suit anchoring your favorite sports show, going to a movie premiere, meeting up with my girls before closing an important deal, walking down the street...you get it. I just imagine my broke and bougie self enjoying life to it's fullest in that suit. 

If you're anything like me you always tend to be unintentionally attracted to the most expensive items while shopping. It's the investment piece that has you torn between paying rent and living out your Pinterest life. The shoes that you've been lusting over, but know that in reality you'll either break your face when trying to walk in them, or wear them once a year. 

Being broke & bougie isn't bad. It's the best thing you can do for yourself as an independent, financially challenged person. You see, when you're broke and bougie you know your limits. You contemplate crossing the line and selling your soul, but you're smart. You add each item to your  "when I'm famous...rich...taking over the world" list and keep on moving. You know the difference between trendy and investment pieces. Most importantly you know that one day you'll have it all. 

This week I'm keeping it somewhat "affordable" (don't look at your bank statement for a few weeks) with the Common Projects Original Achilles sneaker, currently going for $410 on net-a-porter. 

They're basic. V basic, which in this case is good. Whether it's in between shoots or post training sometimes I want to spice it up. Sometimes. That means making my outfit less sporty and transforming my post workout look into something a little more sportsluxe. Unlike the Adidas Stan Smith, I love that this shoe has very little branding, which in my opinion creates a sleek, simplistic look. 

Athlete, model, business woman. Gracie Carvalho is claiming her throne. She's worked with brands from J. Crew to Victoria's Secret and has graced the runways of two of the most popular names in fashion: Yeezy Season 4 and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. 

What you probably didn't know is that in between shoots and shows she trains in Muay Thai boxing.

The intersection of fitness x fashion is at an all-time high. Currently, the athleisure industry is estimated to be worth 270 billion dollars and is expected to have a 30% increase by 2020. 

Kanye West recently announced his partnership with ADIDAS 'adidas + KANYE WEST'. To date this is the most significant partnership for Adidas—yes more significant than that of a professional athlete.

From letterman jackets, sweatpants becoming a go to bottom and rapping about Kobe's martial problems, there's no doubt that sports are influencing our lifestyle. 

This week Von Miller, Adrian Peterson, and Deandre Hopkins were all gifted custom Yeezy cleats! There has been no word on whether or not they're truly functional, but knowing Yeezy and the Adidas research/technology backing him, these might just be the next top cleat. 

I'm excited to see what adidas + KANYE WEST have in store for the sports world (and their rivals)! Maybe Yeezy will gift me with some custom track uniforms and spikes for my comeback. See inspo below. 

There are a  few things in the sports world that I live for: the ESPN Magazine Body Issue, college football, track and field at the Olympics, and the ESPY's. 

Live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, Cali.,  athletes traded in their sports bras, cleats, and sweaty clothing for their Sunday best. As always, some looks were a total hit as others should have gone back to the drawing board. Check out the best looks from the 2016 ESPY's below. 

Ciara and Russell Wilson can do no wrong when it comes to red carpet appearances. Matching as a couple has a high failure rate, but they always pull it off. I love that Russell lightened up his look with a white blazer complementing Ciara's plush Roberto Cavalli gown. 

Jordan Clarkson, potentially the next Kardashian-Jenner victim/ Lakers Guard is giving majjjjjjjj is-this-over-yet-light-skin-squint and I'm loving it. His shoe game needs some work, but overall he can still be bae. 

Lolo Jones still hasn't recouped from her fall at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, so I'm giving her and her glam squad an honorary gold medal for this here look.

DeAndre Jordan—YES. There is absolutely nothing better than a man in a tailored suit. Seriously guys. Type A women like me go hard for men in tailored suits. I need a man that dresses like this in my life. Black suits tend to be very safe and underwhelming—but this forest green "fashion risk" with the suede camel shoes and power pose...take notes, gents. 

Secedaro: tobacco drying house. 

90% of tobacco production is collected by the government, processed with nicotine and other chemicals, becoming the Romeo y Julietas, Cohibas and other brands of Cuban cigars.