As we remain put in the comfort of our homes, we continue to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Staying home might look different to a lot of people, but for us, it means staying connected. Our "Home Check-In" initiative is encouraging individuals to contribute to the better well-being of the world by staying home and staying fresh. We're asking you to showcase your favorite Nike fits in creative and original ways. Show off your Swoosh in style.

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

My name is Nick Girlando. I'm a New York native, born and raised in Queens and currently based in Downtown Brooklyn working as a full-time sales rep and photographer on the side. I'm also a sneaker collector with 20+ years of experience. Growing up by the beach in Rockaway, I started skateboarding at a very young age. Skateboarding was a gateway to the sneaker world, the fashion industry, and photography.

What has been your daily quarantine routine?

My daily routine has pretty much been wake up, make coffee and breakfast. I'll turn on the news to watch Governor Cuomo speak and then jump into some work, make a few phone calls checking in on my clients, friends, and family. Maybe a facetime or two. I'll cook lunch and then read or try to do something mellow for a few hours. I've been doing home workouts every day in the apartment or on the rooftop depending on the weather. I'll cook dinner around 8pm and then wind down with some Netflix or a movie. In the beginning, I was a little bit shook on what I would do being home for so long but I grew into a routine that's pretty much been the same every day. It makes time go by and keeps me from going stir crazy.

What activities have you been doing during these times?

I've been able to do some things that I normally wouldn't have as much time or energy for normal circumstances. I've been cooking a lot more than usual. Pretty much 2-3 times a day. I've had time to learn new recipes and try new types of food. I've been reading a little bit here and there. I've definitely watched more TV than I normally would. I have never really been a TV guy because I can't sit still for too long. I've done a few jigsaw puzzles. I've been trying to go for the 1,000 piece ones the most but they haven't been that easy to find. I've had time to work on a brand I am starting too. That's always been a goal of mine but I haven't had the time to get creative or focus on the mission and meaning behind it. Now has been a perfect time. I guess lastly, working out has been a big one for me. I was usually a gym person but I've had to learn how to adapt like all of us. I've taken up running and Higher intensity workouts. Man, those will whip you into shape if you do it every day.

What kind of food have you been cooking?

I've been cooking a mix of different things and types of food. I've been trying to keep it healthy since we're spending so much time being sedentary. I've put together a bunch of new salads and different vegetable dishes. A few chicken recipes. I think I've perfected Boneless wings now. I've done a few different steak options with different marinades. Also, I've been cooking a ton of Mexican food. I've always made different types of tacos but I've taken it a step further and made Enchiladas, Chilaquiles, and even Huevos Rancheros for breakfast. I try to save my Italian food nights for Friday's or Sunday's. Sundays have always been a tradition to make a good sauce. A Sunday Sauce. Nothing better than that.

What are you currently watching/listening to? (Movies? Podcasts? Music?)

I was never really a podcast person before this and I still wouldn't call myself one. Probably because I can't focus on it for too long because of the lack of visual stimulation. But I've had a chance to listen to a few. I try to stay connected to what's happening in Fashion, the Economy, and even Real Estate. Just to be informed and have a vision of how these things will affect our future. I breezed through season 3 of Ozark, it was fire. I binge-watched two seasons of Westworld and I am currently midway through season 3. MJ's the Last Dance pretty much saved my Sunday nights. That has been incredible to relive his career and even see and hear those stories about that era of basketball that seemed like an urban legend until now. In terms of music, my taste is all over the board. My Spotify must be confused because they never know what I'm going to throw at them. I start my days with Coffee Shop mellow music and by lunch, I'm listening to Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Saint Jhn, Travis Scott, Post Malone or might even throw it back and put on some The Lox or Styles P. At night I've actually really enjoyed a few different Dj sets via Instagram Live. Questlove always kills it, I could listen to him spin all day.

Any advice to someone who is having a hard time being productive?

Take a minute to slow down. Gather your thoughts. While the streets are quiet and your normal routine is thrown off, there's still so much noise out there. Whether it be the news, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Sometimes you have to block it all out. I have found that I shut everything down and try to read or focus on something else. Maybe a puzzle even. Complete silence and a slower pace will get you grounded so you can get your head clear and ready to create a plan of attack. I do my best thinking at night when all the hecticness of the day has passed.

Follow us on Instagram @dtlrvilla and @dtlrlifestyle for more news and updates.

The COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020 has literally shut down our lives, and in some cases enabled everyday people from coming together in large numbers. Despite certain physical restrictions and concerns, we have relied on the World Wide Web to stay connected. Similar to music or tasty cuisine, sports & fashion is are universal gems that people across the globe treasure now more than ever. Sports is an activity that neutralizes social intersections with the mutual passion of single/team play. Fashion is a form of self-expression that correlates to your style & mood through particular fabrics and/or text. As we all are a part of the physical form, PUMA is making sure we all are together in a message.

PUMA set aside social differences and focused on peace and love to design the globally anticipated ‘Unity Collection’. This collection allows you to take a blast from the past wearing classic silhouettes while staying present with each vibrant color symbolizing an international stand of unification. The pack celebrates the enriched sports heritage that has been created under the PUMA umbrella. Classics like ‘Ralph Sampson’ and the ‘Future Rider’ are just a few of the silhouettes that have been selected for updated styling.

Clothing has a simplistic elegance to it, choosing to design all of the apparel in solid colors black and white. Strategic in detailing, items have eye-catching pops of color that jump out at your pupils. The colors were hand-picked to represent international flagship around the globe. TFS tracksuits, backpacks, and caps all have vibrant colors to give each garment contrast throughout the designs. Accents and accessories include shimmering gold medal hardware and PUMA printed drawcords for added flare. In continuance of unity, the collection is unisex for everyone to be a part of the movement.

In conjunction with the movement, PUMA commits to donating LEAVE OUT DOLLAR AMOUNT to the U.N. COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. While the pandemic is still underway, the fund will support World Health Organizations' global efforts to handle all stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A small action to support can make a big difference in lives today. This is definitely “A New Collection For a Better Future”.

The PUMA ‘Unity Collection’ is available in-store and online at DTLR.com.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’m Najm Loyd (Steelojeem), a creative, fashion/sneaker enthusiast, photographer, and stylist. I’m also a foodie, anime nerd, music junkie, dog/cat dad to Chance and Darby, gamer, and an overall student of life. I specialize in creating content for brands. So, anything from product photography to visual look-books is my specialty. I also am apart of a creative production house, Loyd Visuals, where we do full-service video production and brand strategy for companies and nonprofit organizations.

What has been your daily quarantine routine?

Honestly, my quarantine daily routine varies. I'm currently getting more structured this week since our office space opened back up. But usually, each day always starts with me waking up around 9am, feeding the pets then taking my dog for his morning walk. Then, I proceed to make some breakfast or grab a cup of coffee for me and my lady. Then it's time to bust open the laptop, check emails, and take care of any other work-related things. I’ve been working on this photography project for a client for the past month and a half so that has given me the opportunity to shoot different products around my place and get creative on how I style and set up various backgrounds. I also try to get a daily 2-mile run every day if weather permits and do some in-home workouts. Other domesticated tasks include grocery runs, which I actually look forward too.

What creative activities have kept you busy during quarantine?

Content-wise, I have been really interested in making stop motion visuals. It’s kind of like my new hobby to experiment with. It takes a good amount of time to create and edit, but the outcome is definitely worth it. Besides creating, I’ve been enjoying spending quality time inside with my lady and my two pets. This quarantine has also given me extra time to dust off my Nintendo Switch and get some gameplay in, (Currently playing Fire Emblem: Three Houses)- highly recommend it. Other activities include me taking a cruise around the city and just vibing out to some music.

What kind of food have you been cooking?

The dishwasher has definitely been getting that work in ever since we’ve been at home. For breakfast, it's usual eggs and turkey bacon or cereal. For lunch and dinner, I’ve been making a bit of everything, spaghetti, hibachi chicken and veggies, or baked fish with rice and veggies. Usually, my go-to meal is a form of protein, rice, and veggies. Also, the frozen food aisle at Trader Joe's never misses. Been heavy on their salmon gyozas and fettuccine alfredo. Throughout the day I also make fruit smoothies with strawberries, bananas, mangos, blueberries, peaches, and pineapples.

Any advice to someone who is having a hard time being productive?

Don’t stress yourself out about not being the “best version of yourself” just yet, but also don’t make it a point to not get anything accomplished for your personal goals while we have this downtime. It has to be a balance, at least for me. I’m a visual learner so writing my “To-Do List” in my notes app helps me stay on top of my weekly and daily tasks. You can also switch up your routine each day so it’s not the same old thing. Try to have maybe 4-5 days out the week where you’re grinding, being productive, or learning a new skill set. Then the other 2-3 days find time to relax and do leisurely activities that are going to refuel you for the week ahead. Ultimately, you know how you operate and how you get motivated. Don’t be afraid to try new methods of “working” to better yourself. I think as long as you’re well balanced and have a schedule of tasks you are set out to accomplish each week- then your good to go. Also, don’t shy away from asking for help. Whether it be a co-worker, close friend, spouse, family member, or even social media connection. Reach out, communicate, and gain some insights from a different perspective. We’re all in this together!

What are you currently watching/listening to? (Movies, Podcast, Music)

Game of Thrones! I know I’m late to the party but I’m on season 4 now and it’s getting real. Also currently watching Insecure and The Last Dance as the episodes roll out each week. Sadly, I have to wait for the next season of My Hero Academia to come out; but in the meantime, I might catch up on some Boruto episodes. I’ve been finding niche anime to binge-watch as well such as Demon Slayer and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato. Music-wise I'm currently bumping some Drake, Partynextdoor, Dvsn, Don Toliver, 88Glam, Lucky Daye, Justin Beiber, Saint Jhn, Moonchild, Santi, Kaytranada and Knxwledge. The list could go on and on, but those are my current jams.

Keep up with Najm on Instagram

People around the world are being asked to help halt the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing. The idea is to “flatten to curve” in hopes of decreasing the risk of spreading the virus. We are asking you all to join in on this highly important cause so we can all remain safe and healthy.

Part of the beauty of social distancing is this trendy new wave of “creativity.” Individuals all over the world are using their drive for space and solitude to uplift the world through their skills and hobbies. Understanding that you can become socially social-distanced is allowing the world to feel closer than ever before. #KickingTheCurve is all about contributing to the better well-being of the world at home, and in style. We understand the urgency to showcase your summer fits is more of a crisis than ever before, but you don’t have to go outside to do so. DTLR is encouraging you all to participate in flattening the curve by showing us how you rock your sneakers in and around the crib. Kick it with your loved ones, shoot some cool pics and stay (home) safe!