They still have no idea . . . .

Hi girls, I’m really back. It’s been a crazy couple months — but you will be seeing more of me now . . . .

This video made me laugh out loud. It took me back to my labors — especially the first one, when you have NO idea what is going to hit you. I just remember my ex shuddering every time I had a contraction (of course it could have just been the poo that kept sneaking out . . .) And, the simultaneous feeling of extreme joy and terror when they handed me my son.

Do you have any good birth stories? I’d love to hear!

 

Eat like me: Detox Soup

Thank God the holidays are almost over! As my coasters say: “Happy Alcoholidays” . . . I have literally had at least one drink had a bottle of wine every day since December 1st (or something of the like). It’s just festive — and I’m not one of those crazy trainers who eats dry chicken with steamed veggies every night either. Life is too short not to enjoy food and drink during the holidays.

But, now it’s time to start thinking ahead and get back on the healthy train. The soup above is what I made last night — after all the candy and yummy treats, I knew my kids could use a solid vegetable soup. This one takes 30 minutes and is super delicious.

Looking ahead to the New Year, I’ll be sharing my New Year’s cleanse – Get Ready!

White Bean and Kale Stew | Whole Living.

Liquid Courage

I need this . . .

Liquid Courage Flasks: “Not Drinking Alone If Your Kids Are Home” – Funny Custom Color Flask.

NEED:

There was a time when I thought I didn’t need to put on “a face” everyday. That was in my 20′s-30′s. When I turned 40, I went to my aesthetician (Gail Wise Skincare if you are in Denver, she is THE BEST — I’ve been going to her since I was 20), and had my skin routine revamped. Then, I went to Sephora and asked one of their consultants to help me with a day face that would work for my lifestyle. I currently use a bronzer to “hollow” out my cheekbones and then a highlighter on my brow. On my eyes I use one shadow just to line my eyes — if I have time, I use a pencil eyeliner underneath as well. Eyelash curler and a gloss, and that’s it. An easy day face that takes literally 2 minutes.

This new palette looks perfect for me . . . . I think I need it!

Urban Decay Naked2: Naked Palette 2 at Sephora.

Dare to go there . . .

This is what I say in my head when I am about to do something that I know is right but I’m scared to death . . . well, that and I pray real hard.

I think we all have a little fight in us, but often we are afraid. Either because we don’t want to expend the extra energy, or because we don’t think it will make a difference, or because we’re scared. I, unfortunately, have the “fighter” gene — and if there’s a chance for me to have a say in something, I’ll take it. My mother says I’ve been like this since I was able to talk. And, I love that she encouraged me.

Those of you in Denver who have been working out with me are familiar with my stroller classes. It’s how I got started here after moving from NYC. I had my 3 month old daughter and I needed to start training again, but couldn’t afford to hire a sitter while at the gym. So, that’s when my stroller classes were born.

The classes didn’t take off right away, I had to offer lots of free classes along the way. But, eventually, they caught on and I was getting 20-30 women at a time in my classes. I hired teachers, had a training program, and really began to grow a business. That’s when I started getting calls from the city.

The city has given me trouble before, but mostly because of the size of my classes and “safety” issues in the park and because I was making money – GASP!  So, I revamped the classes, changed the entire format to keep everyone happy. The city said, “well, now you need to get a permit” — no problem, offer one that makes sense. Why would I pay the same fee as someone who is reserving an entire field for 2 hours? We use a common path with everyone else. Not to mention we don’t charge much for classes.

Well now, they’re trying to throw me out entirely, and all the other stroller classes. Really without any sort of formality, no letter, no citation, no meetings — they literally ambushed my class last week and said we can’t be there anymore. I don’t understand how the city wouldn’t be in favor of a group of moms and babies working out together. Isn’t that just good for everyone involved? And, if they don’t have a permit in place for that, why wouldn’t they create one due to the popularity of stroller classes? Sounds like they just want us to go away . . . and most people probably would. But not me. How can I let a 10 year business just suddenly dissolve because of a few men who have no idea what good this is doing for so many? (These are the same misogynist pigs who probably never got up in the middle of the night for a feeding or ever changed a diaper or ever gave that poor mom a night out with friends. You know the type. )

So, I called the news — and of course, they love the story (see clip) and today, I am offering a FREE class in response to this unbelievable show of bureaucracy. They still have no real reason why we can’t be there. And, nothing can stop a group of women just working out together. Right? I guess we’ll see. I’ll keep you posted.

It’s all about being the woman you want to be . . .

DVF is f’ing cool.

An exercise in frustration

I struggle as a modern mom. I want so much to be hip and in the loop and on the DL and in the know. But, at the end of the day, I just want to make sure my kids understand what hard work is, what having integrity is, what thinking for yourself and making things happen looks like  . . . so fast forward to today when my son says “I need a book cover”. I got so excited to show him how to make a paper bag book cover just like I used to make. And he say’s this is so ‘hill-billy’. Are you kidding me? Where did he get this mentality? Is this society saying you have to buy everything or it’s substandard? Or is this the product of children who get everything they want on demand? Yes, this is the generation of instant gratification — and we are going to be in big trouble if we don’t start teaching our children to learn to do for themselves and not think that everything is going to be handed to them.

Moms: we have a lot of work to do.

 

Talking to the Universe . . .

I’ve never considered myself to be too much of an “alternative” person. I mean, like when I take yoga, I often zone out during the spiritual stuff: om-ing, chanting, spiritual readings . . . . . . I never really think it applies to me. I just don’t think I’m the a-typical yoga person. And when I go, I feel like I’m faking because I just don’t feel anything deep down inside — other than shaking muscles.

In July, I was lucky enough to be flown down to Tulum to teach at Amansala (my most favorite place in the world and the site of Bikini Boot Camp — where I hold my retreats every year! Feb 27-March 2013, btw). And, as usual, there is an evening yoga. This year, I was fortunate to take class from a beautiful Italian woman, Alessandra. I usually opt out — but I was drawn to her style and her ability to teach everyone and not be too preachy or arrogant. And, she didn’t talk too much and it wasn’t about her.

The postures were fairly simple (as she was teaching many fitness levels), but she was still able to challenge me and I loved that. And, I loved her suggestions of meditation — like it wasn’t mandatory. One day, she said something about telling the universe what you want . . . and at first, I’m like, “OMG, this is so ridiculous — the universe, ha!” But, I did it anyway — kind of like when you forward those stupid emails that your friend sent you that promise a million dollars if you forward to 5 friends (and then as soon as you hit send, you realize what a sucker you are). I figured, I’m here, why not try it — maybe something will happen.

She said “whatever you desire, send it out to the ocean in front of you (pic below is taken from the yoga room), and don’t be afraid to say exactly what you want — every detail”. So, I did. Things that I’ve always sort of thought about but never actually put out there. I’m not going to tell you, but think about your relationships, your work, your daily life, your dreams . . . stuff like that. And, I really let the universe have it. And, as I stared out at the ocean, I felt heard.

Now, I’m not going to tell you that I got everything I asked for (not yet). But, I will tell you that some things did happen the next day that blew my mind. I don’t know what the universe really is — is it God? Angels watching over us? A board room up in the sky where all the decisions are made? Not sure. But, what I do know now is that it is extremely empowering to ask for what you want and what you need. And maybe all it did was get me to focus and have a real conversation with myself. But, whatever it was, it worked!

Working on yourself

My girlfriend said something interesting the other night “everyone is a little screwed up”. Right? We all have something we need to be working on. Like it’s not enough that we are trying to stay in shape, eat right, keep the house in order, finances, keep the significant other happy . . . we have to work on our behavior too — how we handle ourselves outwardly and inwardly.

I think to truly be happy, you first have to love and accept who you are. And, acknowledge that there is always room for improvement. I was out to dinner with my girls this weekend and we were discussing that people truly are who they are from birth — and that it is impossible to change them. I don’t necessarily buy that. I think if a person wants to change, they can. It takes work for sure, but I think it can be done. My man and I have decided to come up with a small list of things we’d like to see the other work on . . . not sure how this one is going to pan out, but I think it’s going to be an interesting exercise. Especially because I’m sure it’s going to be very difficult for him to come up with an actual list

So, as I sit here in my bedroom and see the piles of clothes that I always neglect to put away, I am reminded that we all have something we can improve on and that as long as you’re trying, that’s all you can ask of yourself.

Happy Monday

This is a good read too . . .

Shhhh . . . .

Have you read 50 Shades of Grey? This erotic novel is sweeping the nation and saving marriages . . .  I have to admit, I’m almost finished and I never read unless it’s Vogue or Bazaar. 50 Shades is causing havoc in book clubs, and steam in the bedroom. How much is too much in a book? A girlfriend of mine just borrowed it for a trip with her family to Disney World . . . I had to tell her she better cover that thing.

Well, now you know why I’ve been MIA.

Why “50 Shades Of Grey” Is Good For Women.