January 28, 2014 Exactly ten years ago I was featured in Oxygen magazine’s “Future of Fitness” section. I had just won Miss Bikini California and placed top five in two national fitness competitions. At my very last contest in 2003, I was slated to do 3 photo shoots with published photographers in Los Angeles. As I was packing my bags at the hotel I witnessed a shoot taking place down at the pool. The fitness model was sexily posing provocatively…
Becoming a Hero of your Home
December 31, 2013December 31, 2013 I received a painful email tonight from a couple moms featured in my 2014 No Excuse Fit Mom Swimsuit Calendar. I felt their words as they described hurtful comments people made on their courageous swimsuit pictures. I wanted to tell them to not take it personally, to focus on the positive and not discuss any specific comments with family and friends. I wanted to tell them I didn’t cry. That I didn’t feel vulnerable to attacks and…
The Real Story
December 20, 2013December 20, 2013 I’ve shared my life online for nearly 9 years. People have read as I transparently talked about my battle with Bulimia, my courage in quitting my corporate job, my struggle in finding my fitness passion and my anxiety when I first met my soon-to-be husband. I spoke openly about the challenges in moving back to my hometown, traveling to very poor countries, beginning a family without financial preparation and dealing with depression after having children. I was…
Sorry but not sorry.
November 26, 2013
November 25, 2013 There are not many things I’m sorry about in life, but recently I’ve been feeling a deep sense of sadness within me. After being blocked on Facebook and reading the Yahoo article explaining the ban, I feel completely misunderstood. While I speak strongly about making one’s health a priority, the very last thing I intended to express was any level of shame. No one should be ashamed of who they are, at the same time, in order…
I am banned from Facebook
November 23, 2013
November 22, 2013 I am banned from Facebook. This morning I decided to vent on the current state of our obesity crisis in America. I was motivated by constant body (fat) acceptance campaigns strewn all over the internet followed by comments with the context of ‘you go girl!’ and ‘more power to you!’ The popular and unrelenting support received to those who are borderline obese (not just 30-40lbs overweight) frustrates me as a fitness advocate who intimately understands how poor…
Pain Gives Us Strength.
November 14, 2013November 13, 2013 My world is so silent. Besides the sounds of my playful sons, the car radio, the gym’s music and the noise my key strokes make, I don’t hear much. My husband has been away at Team Rubicon’s Headquarters in LA and will most likely leave abroad to assist in the relief efforts in the Philippines. It’s a small sacrifice not having him around – a calling I’ve been accustomed to since he also left after the hurricanes…
No One Can Make you Feel Inferior without Your Consent.
October 21, 2013
October 21, 2013 No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. One of my favorite first ladies, Eleanor Roosevelt, once quoted that powerful message. Perhaps if I were someone of higher caliber, my own message – translated through my now-popular-pseudo-apology, would’ve been better received. After all, she and I are both saying the same thing. What you interpret is not MY fault. It’s Yours. The first step in owning your life, your body and your destiny is to…
The Emmy Awards 2013
September 24, 2013One day a couple weeks ago I received an email from my favorite store, Cache, that they were looking for our “Best Red Carpet Style” because they were sending someone to the Emmy’s! I had so many pictures of me in Cache dresses throughout the years that I chose one and submitted it. A week later I received an email notifying me that I was a finalist. I was so excited but nervous as I wasn’t used to asking for…
What will define your life?
September 15, 2013September 14, 2013 I won a trip to the Emmy’s. When I initially saw the contest I thought, “That would be cool.” After all, I love getting dressed up and have never been to an awards show. Since I rarely watch TV and have never been a celebrity gawker, I am a little timid about the hype surrounding an event where idolizing celebrities, scrutinizing their fashion and awarding their acting talents is the focus. With all the really important people…
Comparison is the thief of Joy
August 21, 2013August 20, 2013 I read every comment people post on my sites and pages. It may not seem like it as I get many, but I always remember suggestions, stories and encouraging words. Most recently I posted a picture my eldest son took while at a photoshoot this previous weekend. I mentioned how my dedication to this shoot was lackluster compared to my efforts in the past. I didn’t wake early to perform cardio. I didn’t cut carbs. I didn’t…