Fitness Magazine’s Meet & Tweet

by Maria on May 23, 2013

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

{ 6 comments }

MIMM: Marvelous Miracle

by Maria on May 20, 2013

I never thought I’d look forward to going to the dentist on a Monday, but I am.

Katie started Marvelous in my Monday as a way for us to reflect and be grateful for all the marvelous things in our life. We often focus on the negative things and lose sight of all that is marvelous in our lives. The most marvelous thing about today is the fact that I’m here.

Last Tuesday started as any other day would, I woke up, got to the gym and had a really great workout. Like, I really kicked butt. I did the 100 floor challenge on the stairmaster and came in just over 15 minutes. Still trying to beat it! I got dressed and since I was feeling so good, I opted for my hot pink MAC lipstick. I had it in my makeup bag for months and kept forgetting about it, but it seemed fun. I also had a lovely conversation with my gym friend, Jackie about Motley Crue being at Mohegan Sun. Despite not having tickets to the show, I wondered if my besties would be interested in heading up to the casino on Saturday to see the boys get their star on the Mohegan walk of fame. After that, I headed to work on I-95.

If you live in the tri-state area, you likely know how awful 95 can be at times. However, I rarely hit traffic as I’m heading North, rather than South. I got towards Exit 8, driving in the center lane when a little sports car in the left lane thought it would be a good idea to merge into my lane, without using a signal, or looking to see if there were any cars in the way, like, I don’t know.. ME. In order to prevent them from hitting me, I slammed on my breaks and gripped the wheel as I swerved to the right, then to the left, then back to the right, and then spun to hit the right guard rail and spun around again to hit the guard rail again. I ended up facing southbound on the northbound side.

It happened fast, but kinda slow. My life did not flash before my eyes. I didn’t know what was going to happen next, but as I spun, I thought:

“Is this how I will die? People are going to be sad.”

And then my car stopped. I looked down, I was in one piece, no blood, but there was smoke from the air bags, which scared me, so I flung open my door and jumped out. I was shaky.  I was scared, but I was alive. A couple cars stopped and I frantically told one of them to call 911. The contents of my purse were everywhere. I did my best to pick up the pieces, and grab my essentials, like my hot pink lipstick.

I didn’t really cry. I wasn’t sad. I was happy. I was relieved. There was nothing to cry about, because I was alive.

The troopers arrived, and then the firemen, two of whom I knew. Everyone was pretty impressed that I stood there, with no injuries other than some bruising on my hands. My car told a different story. This is what is left of it today.

After a brief trip to the hospital, I came home. I stayed away from technology and watched Pride and Prejudice, with a smile on my face. I was still in disbelief and felt like the luckiest person in the world. Had this occurred just one year ago, I would have looked at this in a completely different way. I would have had the complete opposite thoughts.

Why me? Why does the universe hate me?

I would have sulked and been depressed for days, weeks, months, maybe longer.

I believe in miracles. I believe I was meant to be on 95 at that exact time. I believe I was meant to be here. There are reasons why I’m here today. I’m here to prove that I won’t take advantage of my place on Earth, that I’ll make my time here worth it.

My Monday is marvelous, as is my Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Each day is a blessing and should not be taken for granted.

I hope that wasn’t too deep for you today, but I needed to put my thoughts out there and thank my friends, family, blends and everyone in my life for being a part of my miracle.

If you’re curious…the car that cut me off, did not stop.

What’s Marvelous in your Monday?

Maria

{ 16 comments }

Harvesting Baby Cabbages

May 17, 2013

I’m glad so many of you enjoyed Renata’s review of Bodega Taco Bar! We’ll be alternating recaps through the tour moving forward. Our latest stop took us down to Greenwich. Getting there on 95, was not so much fun and neither was the parking situation. But this is always the case in Fairfield County so [...]

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MIMM: Gatsby Musings

May 13, 2013

And we welcome Monday with open arms, yet again. Or something like that. I hope all the mommies enjoyed their Mother’s Day and if you’re not a mommy, I hope you were able to bring a smile to the mother(s) in your life! I took my mom shopping, which was quite easy this time around [...]

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WIAW: New Foodie Finds

May 8, 2013

I must go to Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s at least 5 times a piece during the week. I usually forget an item, or have an intense craving for brussels sprouts. I can never NOT have them in my refrigerator. When my stock is low, I replenish ASAP. Anyhow, each time I find myself in [...]

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Ole Baby Cabbages

May 7, 2013

I have a special guest today, my baby cabbages colleague, Renata! She has been very gung ho about recapping one of our stops on the tour. Sit back and enjoy! This Baby Cabbages entry will be brought to you by Renata (aforementioned in the Baby Cabbage Tour introduction). I’ve promised Maria that I would do [...]

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MIMM: Moving On

May 6, 2013

Most marvelous thing today? Moving is over…for now. Marvelous…my dad, gym mom (Donna) and gym dad (Del) for lending their muscles and helping me move. Marvelous…having vacation days saved up to use as “moving days.” Wait, is that really marvelous? Marvelous…finding the two things I wanted most from Target. Miss Jessie’s pillow soft curls and [...]

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Graze Delivers the Goods…and Veggies too!

May 1, 2013

You know what I love more than fresh local food? Having it delivered to my door, prepped and ready to go! Graze does just that. Disclosure: Graze provided me the delivery free of charge, however, I am not being compensated for this post and all opinions I share are my own. What is Graze? Graze [...]

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MIMM: Light up the Darkness

April 29, 2013

I’m feeling grateful today and appropriately enough, I want to share all of it with you. Happy Marvelous in My Monday, friends! First off, I received notification last Friday that I will be attending Fitness Magazine’s Meet & Tweet in the city (New York City)! I’m so psyched, even more so because Kaitlin of For [...]

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Recipe: Apple Pie {Bites}

April 25, 2013

As you know, I’m a fan of larabars. Ever since I started making larabar inspired balls, like these, I’ve become obsessed! I love trying new variations and combinations and I have to say, I have yet to hate any of them. A few weeks ago, on a whim, I picked up some apple rings and [...]

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