From me to you in 2013

From me to you in 2013:

What STRESS does to your body

This time of year many are stressed out. 

With the New Year approaching, consider making one of your resolutions to de-stress a bit.  Taking a vacation may not be in your budget, so my suggestion: add some type exercise into you daily life---it will not only help your body, but also your mind!  Even if it's only a few minutes every day (a quick walk around your neighborhood in the morning or maybe taking a walk around your office complex at lunchtime), you will find it helps clear your head and lifts your spirits.  Many I know say running helps them,

others practice Yoga daily.  Whatever it is, know that stress is NOT healthy.  You do need to release some of that stress otherwise it will begin to negatively effect your body in so many ways (as shown in image above).

 

So make sure that you start the New Year off a bit healthier and aim to decrease some of the stresses in your life. 

Believe to achieve....make 2013 a positive one!

The last week of the calendar year is always full of celebration in my home.  Aside from Christmas and New Years Eve, we also have 2 birthday's in between, both my 1st born child's birthday then the following day mine.  (Yes, it's awesome.  I always tell her that "she's moms best birthday present EVER!"  And as she is getting older I love celebrating our special days back to back, the quality time and the cherished memories that we are creating together.)

I really love having my birthday at the end of the year.  With a birthday you tend to reflect and try to start anew.  With the New Year almost everyone in the world is setting new goals and resolutions and reflecting as well.  So with the combo of both at the same time, I feel that I have a total fresh start --like a power boost (my warning: "ok world, watch out!" And my closest friends know that I'm not kidding when I say that! lol)  It's such a great feeling of being able to start another birthday and year of my life off to a good, positive start!
And as we look back on the year we are about to put behind us and it's many challenges, "ups and downs", tragedies and celebrations, we need to look at the New Year as if we're getting another chance: it's a way to clean the slate and begin with a positive outlook for all that is to come and focus on the many blessings that we have and can make better!  It's a time many look to improve their health (I LOVE THAT!), a time to think about all that we'd like to still achieve....it's NEVER too late!  Remember, life truly IS a journey, NOT a destination. 

With 2013 just days away, start planning your destination route because I believe what you put out there you get back.  YOU must GO FOR IT---need to believe to achieve!
It won't happen unless YOU make it happen!  And really, what do you have to lose if you aimed for something and tried to achieve it--you certainly won't live with regret and the feeling of "what if".

So friends, enjoy the last few days of 2012, leave the past where it is and start looking ahead at all the positives you have in your life....It's YOUR destination and only YOU can truly control the journey and make it an awesome one!

Start your day off right!

Peace on Earth

From my home to yours....peace, love & happiness!

Christmas Past (simplest things = greatest happiness)

I think this is so true!

This Christmas remember to keep it simple!  Be sure to enjoy the simple gift of treasured memories that will last a lifetime! 
 

Holiday workout :)

This is cute...

Peace...somewhere over the rainbow..

Yesterday the sun was out, then suddenly clouds and some rain. When the sun reappeared through the raindrops I looked up and there I saw the most beautiful rainbow!  With all that has happened this past week and now the beginning of the many funerals taking place, I found this oddly "comforting"....

I am not at a very religious person, however I am a spiritual one. I also look for the beauty in every situation, hoping to turn negative into positive somehow, someway. And I do believe there are signs all around us. For example, when my beloved Grandmother passed away after a terrible bout with cancer I was so very upset. Then a few days later I also saw beautiful double rainbows in the sky and felt so at peace, as if this was a "sign" that she was now OK, no longer suffering and once again reunited with her husband, my dear grandfather who had passed many years prior.

Sometimes we cannot explain circumstances and situations that happen--but we can find peace in the possibility that somewhere over the rainbow perhaps there is forever love and happiness.

Which are you: Frosty or Fit Dude Snowman?!

Although he's cute, you don't want to let the holiday festivities have you looking like Frosty here! Be sure to maintain some type of fitness routine, even if you need to keep it simple. Remember: SOMETHING is better than NOTHING!
Then when everyone ele is just beginning their New Year resolutions you'll be ahead of the game!

If you haven't stuck with exercise and plan on making it your New Year goal, I suggest you start now! It takes baby steps (don't try to be an Ironman/woman 1st time back in the gym!).  Since I find most gyms are packed the weeks after the new year begins it can get overwhelming, so if you start now you'll most likely build some confidence prior to the mad rush!

Although we may not end up looking like the fit snow dude on the right, a little effort is better then none to avoid looking like Frosty!

"The Field Trip" (heaven's newest angels)

Peace on earth this Sunday

Prayers Newtown, CT

Words cannot express the deep sadness the tragedy in Newtown, CT brought to all of our hearts. Maybe we didn't know anyone there, but we still feel the deep, tragic, unnecessary pain.

It is so sad just how quickly life can be taken from us. Life is too short to have enemies. Hug your friends, love your family & let go of the unnecessary "stuff" that weighs you down.

Especially during this holiday season I hope that you realize "life" is the GREATEST gift of all--no price can be put on it, no fancy bow or wrapping paper. It is there everyday for you to "unwrap" and enjoy! Do NOT take your life or your loved ones lives for granted because one day it can all change in the blink of an eye. Be very grateful for all that you have---it IS enough.

Many prayers for Newtown and our world...

'Tis the season---don't blame the holidays (YOU are in control!)

Don't let this guy be you this holiday season! I know that finding the time to get a workout in may not be at the top of your priority list, however getting back "on track" after can get frustrating, especially if you've been enjoying some extra "treats" this season! 

Be aware of what you are eating and drinking---it is ok, as long as it is all in moderation!  Go ahead and enjoy yourself, but it doesn't mean you need to try everything at that dinner party or cookie exchange! Remember, what goes in needs to be worked off!  And remember that egg nog adds up quickly--so try to stop at one!

Another reason to exercise during the season: it will help you "de stress" a bit & we can all use that these days! Also they say exercise helps keep colds away--another bonus!

Stay healthy to the core this season friends & enjoy (in moderation!) Cheers!!

12.12.12

Wishes from me to you on this special day :)

12.12.12 (make it special!!)

This is the last "repeating number date" of this century, so make it especially memorable! Do something special for you &/or someone else (and that doesn't mean it has to be over the top!)
Try something new, do something different, go somewhere special...whatever it is I hope that 12/12/12 is a FAB day for you!!

LIVE!!

I love this---this message is so true!
As we are now in the very hectic and often stressful holiday season, remember life is short-enjoy and live everyday. Stay well!!

Advantages of drinking water in the morning

Weekend words of wisdom: "Life is an echo..."

No additional words needed as this says it all. 
Have a healthy weekend, to the core!

Motivational words from Gandhi

Make some form of exercise a "daily" habit

Every morning I see an older gentleman in my neighborhood walking. I do not know him, but I'm always impressed because no matter the weather he's out there walking! (He's not the "fittest" looking man-actually he's hunched over pretty badly if I must say so, and he shuffles his feet as he goes. But he's out there moving!)

So this morning I decided to shout out to this man (taking him off guard a bit) "I just want to tell you that I am a fitness professional and wanted to say how great it is to see you out here each and every morning. Good for you!! Keep it up!" He had a huge grin, as if to say 'someone noticed' (lol) and then replied "yes, I make it a part of my daily ritual. I wake up, have a cup of coffee and then go for an hour long walk....I feel SO much better after and it truly makes such a big difference!"
So I replied "I am proud of you! I try telling people that all the time. Just get moving and you'll feel ready to tackle the world for the day! Keep up the good work neighbor--you're doing great!" He replied with a huge smile "thanks so much! I WILL!!"

Even if you don't have a lot of time, try doing something that gets you moving. You'll feel better to the core!

A good workout = a much better day (physically & mentally!)

 

Isn't this quote so true?  I think it is.  Case in point, yesterday (Saturday) I taught a Barre-lates class (a fusion of Barre & Pilates) at a local upscale, private health club.  It's a newer class on their schedule and gaining popularity each week that I've been teaching it.  It's NOT an easy class.  You really have to work hard and use your own body resistance when doing the toning portions or you just won't get the results you are hoping for. After class, one of the ladies that was in class came to me and said "wow, I already feel it! But it doesn't feel 'bad'. I really feel like I've done something and I love that feeling!" She then said "I feel SO GREAT I cannot wait to face the rest of my day now!  I have a lot to do today and this was an awesome way to begin!  I feel so much better!"  As an instructor I was so happy to hear that the 1 hour she spent with me in my class she came out with such a positive feeling.

I always tell my classes "this is your class, your workout.  You can make it the best it can be---I cannot do the work for you, YOU have to do it.  I can only aid you in getting there...so put your mind into it and make this 1-hour one of the best of your day!  You deserve it and it will help YOU!"  Whether you are in a fitness class, working out at home or at your local gym) you need to make sure your workout is as successful as it can be.  Focus on what you are hoping to achieve.   Mind over matter.  This IS your time, YOUR workout!! If you are taking the time to do it then YOU need to MAKE IT WORTH IT, because in the end you WILL feel ready to conquer anything both physically & mentally and I am certain your day will be a better one! 

Enjoy your Sunday and make it a healthy week :)