I had an amazing time at this show. The experience changes when you come back again not as a rookie anymore. I still felt the same excitement but without the nervous jitters. well..maybe a little nervousness. There's something about those bright lights... and maybe the fact that a whole audience of people are watching. 
I took 2nd place in the Best Body category. I'm definitely happy with that. I can see a few things I may have done better, like suit choice or softer posing, but in the end they are looking for a specific body type. The judges don't want to see muscles, it's more about shapes...Anyway, it was great, tons of fun and we got to see a lot of incredible physiques. Very inspiring to know that there are so many dedicated people around, and I love to see that there are always so many first timers at that show. You could be next! 

Today I'm spending my day with my check list. Making sure I have everything in order to have a successful show tomorrow. I have found planning to be so key in these endeavors. It's important to take some time to really think about the event, break it down, decide what resources can contribute to your success and then pack them in the bag! 
These details are not what will ultimately lead to success, but when all the details are in place, the whole picture will run smoothly. Like I say: "the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts", but the parts are indeed necessary to complete the whole. 


I also want to add a word about mindset. 
The power of your mindset is not to be overlooked. It can be changed, and it can determine your happiness. Learn to love the process, love the food and exercise that helps transform your physique, appreciate it for what it does, feel privilaged for having access to such powerful resources. You are the keeper of that trap you call your mouth. You decide what goes in it. 
If eating right and exercising feel like chores to you then you have a choice, adjust your attitude, or do what makes you happy and accept the results it brings.  If you love drinking beer 24/7 then learn to love the beer belly too. Every activity has consequences, which isn't negative, it's just that you have to make a choice. Live for the moment, live for the future, or live for both. It is certainly possible. If you don't believe it then re-think the term POSSIBLE. Many people believed it wasn't "possible" to send a man to the moon. But someone believed it was and that's how it happened. Possibility is an objective term and it can change. The potential of what is possible is farrrrrr greater than we know. I believe it.  

Making a committed decision to eat based on your goals is sure to yeild results. Something that I find interesting about diets of athletes is that they are based on the same foods that youf find commonly everywhere. Yet the difference is in the intent, the preparation, and the timing. 
For example: take breakfast, what's the difference between a fitness models breakfast and a so called "normal" breakfast...A fitness model will probably eat breakfast in two portions..something light early morning, and then a mid morning snack, ditch the egg yolks, opt for whole wheat or sprouted grain toast or oatmeal, and exchange the greasy bacon or sausage for fresh fruits. voila! is that so hard? no...but your body will be. 

The show was unbelievably awesome. What a GREAT group of people. I am so fortunate to have been involved in this one. 
I had a really great time and I owe it all to those who I shared it with. Thank you guys for all the passion, dedication, and committment that went into making that show great. 
See you all soon! 2 weeks to Hercules in NYC!! yay! 

Today is the day! I have been committed and dedicated to preparing for this day for the last three months and now the day has arrived! I'm proud of myself for doing what I needed to do at the time I needed to do it. The results are now mine. I am incredibly excilted to be here in gorgeous Barbados where the sand is white and the ocean clear. Coming here is everything I imagined it to be!
This is going to be a very fun show. Not only did we come here to have a serious competition, but also to party, relax and enjoy our rock hard bodies! :) Tonight will be some great festivities immediately after the show. At the meeting last night, this was the main topic of concern. They were like T-walks, quarter turns, yeah, yeah, yeah, and then we'll go STRAIGHT to the PARTY! Hehe. I can't wait to see what they have for us. 
Barbadians are thrilled to have us. They treated us as VIPs at the airport and have made us feel extremely welcome. 
As I type, I am currently tanned-up with big curly texas blonde hair. In 2 hours I will be on the competitor bus on my way to the venue to check in and prepare to shine. 
I will be continuing to post photos, video blogs, and updates. Stay tuned!

Ah, The infamous question. Everyone wants to know. Is it the diet? The exercise? Genetics? 


and the dreaded answer: There is no trick! 
Consistancy, Dedication, and Belief will help you reach your goals. It's not about denial or excessive drudgerous exercise. Find ways to incorporate healthy activity and food into your life and you'll be naturally fit. Everyone can do it, but only those who make the effort will succeed. 


You MUST find a sense of balance in your life. Success is found after trying several options and then sticking to one that works. 
By using moderation in every aspect of your life you can enjoy the abundance of pleasures that life has in store for you. Being fit is not anywhere close to a life denial or pain. Rather, it should be an experience of challenge and reward.  Challenges are not easy (that's why they are challenging) but they are valueable and worthwhile lessons. 
If there was a "trick" it would be to constantly challenge yourself so that you are always improving.


Do this today: Think about one thing in your life that you could challenge yourself to. Any category. Here's a few examples, "I wonder if I could do 15 pushups without stopping" or "I challenge myself to give up coffee for a week" (that's for all the New Yorkers) or "Could I better organize my life and my priorities to get more done this week". Be creative! Feel that sense of reward, and then post it here so you can inspire others to do the same. 

What is the deal with cellulite? Why do some girls have dimply looking skin despite being other wise healthy and slim? 
There is such a thing as being "skinny-fat". Meaning that while you may not be "over-weight" you may have excess fat storage under your skin and around your organs. Everyone needs to be active on a regular basis to maintain a healthy, toned, body and smooth skin appearance. (Not to mention, keep your internal organs healthy as well)



To find out the truth about why cellullite appears and how we can make it disappear read these facts:


1) Cellulite is a condition where little pockets of fat are protruding towards the skins surface creating a dimply appearance.
2) Conditions that exacerbate the appearance of cellulite are: excess body fat, smoking (which thins the skin), and atrophy of muscles (too much sedentary time).
3)Hormones effect it. Cellulite doesn't exist in Males, except for those with higher than normal levels of estrogen, "the female hormone", (we all have several types of hormones but males tend to have more testosterone, and females more estrogen). Balancing your hormones can help allieviate the symptoms. This means diet and activity modification. 
4)Foods and activities both induce hormone responses. By eating less estrogen activating foods, and doing more testosterone enhancing exercise you can bring your hormones back to balance. 
5) Cellulite can be improved(or maybe even eliminated)! you're not stuck with it. By improving diet and exercise habits many individuals have been able to reduce or completely eliminate the appearance of cellulite. 


If you have cellulite, here is what you can do today: 
Think about your diet and research which foods may be contributing to either your weight gain or hormone imbalance and then make adjustments. 
Consider starting a new exercise program. Find a trainer who can help educate you on what are the most effective moves to decrease the appearance of cellulite. 
Believe that you can make a difference. Then live the life you want in a body that you love!