I headed into New York City last week to attend Fitness Magazine’s Meet & Tweet blogger event. I was not letting my accident prevent me from a day of fitness fun!
I took the train in and met up with Kaitlin of For Love of Carrots. We met at the clock in Grand Central and I took a moment to snap a picture of my favorite Lulu capris.
The event was held at the Mercedes Club. It’s beautiful! I had done a bit of research so I know it’s a newer fitness facility with a ton of amenities including an outdoor pool.
Before heading out to the patio to mingle and find our seats for the speakers, Kait and I grabbed some juices that were provided by Exlir Juice Bar located within the Mercedes Club. I opted for the Mood Mender made of orange, grapefuit, gingseng and vitamin C. It was delicious and refreshing!
I was so pumped when I saw one of my favorite ladies… Jill Hanner.
The list of speakers was impressive, and the one that jumped out at me most? Rocco DiSpirato! But he was last…
Sarah Lucero, Stila Pro Makeup Artist was up first. As a makeup artist myself, I was immediately under her spell.
She provided a ton of really great tips for travel must haves:
- Easy to work with products
- Mist spray
- Good mascara
- Good playlists
Sarah highlighted some summer make up trends, my favorite being the power pout! Yup, vibrant colors, which I’m all over. Hello hot pink!
Sarah loves blush (me too!) Peachy, corals are great for a “beach babe” look rather than a heavy bronzer. One other item I can’t forget to mention? Stila Stay all Day Brow color, for those of us who weren’t blessed with the best brows. Did I mention it’s waterproof? My problems are solved!
Jennifer Ashton, MD was up next. Jennifer is an ob-gyn, author of Your Body Beautiful, triathlete, and you’ve likely seen her on ABC News as she is one of their Senior Medical Contributors. I really appreciated her insight and her holistic view on traditional medicine. She said ob-gyns should treat the whole woman, from head to town. That they should be a health partner. Personally, I’ve never had the best relationships with my ob-gyns but her perspective gave me hope.
When speaking of some mistakes we make as 20 and 30 year olds, she stated, Life is an Olympic event, and we have to train for it. I couldn’t agree more!
The blogger panel was up next and I was so happy to see Jill included, along with the Dana Weiss (Possessionista), Deb Perelman (Smitten Kitchen) and Erin Whitehead (Fit Bottomed Girls).
While I have been blogging for just over a year, I’m still such a newbie and really appreciated their expertise and insight on all things bloggy. My favorite tip from Erin, “Don’t pay attention to the negativity.”
Next up was Brett Hoebel, celebrity trainer, whom you may remember from The Biggest Loser season 11. The focus here was all about Extreme Fitness. I’m so glad he pinpointed everything I believe in, in particular how shorter more intense workouts are best. Why? Because you are limited in time, you actually end up working out harder and push yourself past your threshold. I could not agree more! I know it because every time I leave a class at Carozza Fitness, I am wiped, but at the same time, feel amazing!
He also mentioned the new “boutique” fitness clubs that are on the rise, in particular, Flywheel, Soul Cycle and Barry’s Bootcamp. Again, the reason these are so popular is because they’re tougher than traditional workouts. Definitely check out his website, and when you sign up for his email newsletters, you’ll get 3 free workouts. Free is a great word.
Then, the moment I had been waiting for. I saw Rocco DiSpirato sashay his way to the patio and take a seat, while sporting his stunner shades. The sun wasn’t out, but it didn’t matter.
While his face is great to look at it, I was extremely intrigued by everything he had to share with us. He recently went to Italy and cooked with over 20 “Italian Mamas.” Not surprisingly, when he told us about their cooking techniques, they were identical to my mom’s. Despite being Italian, I was happy to hear him advocating alternatives to processed carbs. He mentioned a dish he made on the Rachael Ray show, Pasta al Pomodoro. The “pasta”… made out of pureed chicken and egg whites. Yes, for real. It’s pinned. I’m making it.
I waited to get a picture with him. I’m so awkward when I meet “celebs,” no matter how hard I try to keep it cool. Rocco, you’re so funny!
I don’t remember what he said and it likely wasn’t that funny. Take 2.
My day was made and it was only half way done! Recap of the remainder of the day coming soon!
Which speaker/tips are your favorite?
Do you get awkward when meeting celebs?
Maria
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