• 3rd January
    2013
  • 03
Comments
  • 21st August
    2012
  • 21
Yesterday I became an official Oxygen fitness model! “When you attach passion to your dream, you get yourself closer to achieving it.” ~ Robert KennedyIt truly is amazing how dreams can come to life. I’ve been a dedicated Oxygen magazine reader since my early 20’s and this magazine has been by my side the whole time like a good friend. Oxygen has been with me through the highs and lows of my life and it always remained my rock. I’ve relied on it for motivation, inspiration, tips, recipes and workouts, I’ve read it front to back and back to front. I’ve travelled with it, worked out with it, tore out pages, laminated pages, and the list goes on. This experience has become full circle. To be honest, it still makes my heart race today just thinking about my experience yesterday with the Oxygen team. It was so much fun and so special to finally meet the people behind the magic: Paul Buceta (photopgraher), Valeria Nova (in photo) & Lori Fabrizio (hair & make-up artists - Two Chicks and Some Lipstick), and Nadia Pizzimenti (stylist). We prepared a workout spread that will be featured in the January 2013 issue which comes out in mid-December. This couldn’t be more perfect, not only is December the holidays but January is my birthday month! I think I just got spoiled for the holidays and won’t be needing any other gifts. I have some fun photos to share with you but I can’t until the issue is out because my clothes need to remain a surprise. Let’s just say I am very pleased with the clothing brand and colours that were selected. The colours really popped for the camera and I was very happy with the images. It’s easy to get great shots when you’re working with hard-working professionals. Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, we did two extra sets of themed photos. You may be seeing these photos in the future and if/when you do you will know when they were taken. Keep your fingers crossed! Last but not least, I met two WBFF Pro’s from South Africa at the RKP Studios!! How lucky is that?! Angelique and Jacques Van Der Linde!! They are both wonderful people! Angelique was also shooting a spread for Oxygen - I hope we’re in the same issue! It feels like I won the lottery and maybe this is why »> “Choose a job that you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” ~ Confucius

Yesterday I became an official Oxygen fitness model!

“When you attach passion to your dream, you get yourself closer to achieving it.” ~ Robert Kennedy
It truly is amazing how dreams can come to life. I’ve been a dedicated Oxygen magazine reader since my early 20’s and this magazine has been by my side the whole time like a good friend. Oxygen has been with me through the highs and lows of my life and it always remained my rock. I’ve relied on it for motivation, inspiration, tips, recipes and workouts, I’ve read it front to back and back to front. I’ve travelled with it, worked out with it, tore out pages, laminated pages, and the list goes on. This experience has become full circle. To be honest, it still makes my heart race today just thinking about my experience yesterday with the Oxygen team. It was so much fun and so special to finally meet the people behind the magic: Paul Buceta (photopgraher), Valeria Nova (in photo) & Lori Fabrizio (hair & make-up artists - Two Chicks and Some Lipstick), and Nadia Pizzimenti (stylist). We prepared a workout spread that will be featured in the January 2013 issue which comes out in mid-December. This couldn’t be more perfect, not only is December the holidays but January is my birthday month! I think I just got spoiled for the holidays and won’t be needing any other gifts. I have some fun photos to share with you but I can’t until the issue is out because my clothes need to remain a surprise. Let’s just say I am very pleased with the clothing brand and colours that were selected. The colours really popped for the camera and I was very happy with the images. It’s easy to get great shots when you’re working with hard-working professionals. Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, we did two extra sets of themed photos. You may be seeing these photos in the future and if/when you do you will know when they were taken. Keep your fingers crossed!

Last but not least, I met two WBFF Pro’s from South Africa at the RKP Studios!! How lucky is that?! Angelique and Jacques Van Der Linde!! They are both wonderful people! Angelique was also shooting a spread for Oxygen - I hope we’re in the same issue!

It feels like I won the lottery and maybe this is why »> “Choose a job that you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” ~ Confucius

Comments
  • 16th August
    2012
  • 16
Here is the second piece of exciting news!!! On Monday, August 20th, I will doing my first official shoot with OXYGEN MAGAZINE!!!!!!!!!!!!! You all know how much Oxygen magazine has changed my life and what an important role it plays in my life everyday so to be shooting with the best health and fitness magazine is beyond my wildest dreams! Of course this goal is listed on my vision board but for it to actually happen is incredible! I’m feeling very blessed and grateful. When it rains it pours, there are a few more exciting pieces to share coming very soon! Thank you for always believing in me! Inspire and be inspired! xo [For more updates of all the events coming up in the next few weeks, ‘Like’ and check out our Team Blessed Bodies’ page on Facebook.]

Here is the second piece of exciting news!!!

On Monday, August 20th, I will doing my first official shoot with OXYGEN MAGAZINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You all know how much Oxygen magazine has changed my life and what an important role it plays in my life everyday so to be shooting with the best health and fitness magazine is beyond my wildest dreams! Of course this goal is listed on my vision board but for it to actually happen is incredible! I’m feeling very blessed and grateful.

When it rains it pours, there are a few more exciting pieces to share coming very soon!

Thank you for always believing in me! Inspire and be inspired! xo

[For more updates of all the events coming up in the next few weeks, ‘Like’ and check out our Team Blessed Bodies’ page on Facebook.]

Comments
  • 16th August
    2012
  • 16

I think it just hit me…

There is some news that I will be sharing with you later today that I think JUST hit me.

I know this because I’m trying not to cry at the gym. Maybe I shouldn’t be listening to “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey…

Don’t ever stop chasing your dreams! Even when you hit rock bottom, this is not the end, this is the beginning of something amazing. If you ever question yourself, write me, sometimes you need to hear another voice.

Make today one to remember.

Stay tuned…

Comments
  • 29th June
    2012
  • 29
Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion. The potential for greatness lives within each of us.
Wilma Rudolph
Comments
  • 3rd April
    2012
  • 03

Hi everyone!

Today I have some very exciting news to share!! Recently, I have mentioned that many opportunities have come my way. Some of these I have been able to share with you while others I have promised to tell in due time. Well, today I want to share one of those opportunities with you…

I have been asked to be a GUEST BLOGGER for the one and only, THE EAT-CLEAN DIET queen, Tosca Reno!!!! My initial thought when I was approached to do this was ‘No way? This can’t be real. Me, write a blog post for one of my fitness and health inspirations?!’

From the beginning of my Tumblr life-time, I have been talking to you about Tosca and The Eat-Clean Diet. For the past two months, I put out a challenge to you and organized the ‘NO EXCUSES CHALLENGE’ and many of you have made the transition to a clean-eating lifestyle and have reaped the benefits. Way to go!

»> If you would like to read MY GUEST BLOG on Tosca Reno’s blog site click here.

MY STORY

I always wanted to be fit but I struggled with how to achieve my goals. I didn’t grow up as an athletic child, teenager, or young adult, but I knew I wanted to be an athlete. I remember reading my first issue of Oxygen magazine and, like so many of the women in Oxygen, I instantly felt reassured that maybe I too could make a transformation to a healthier lifestyle. Soon after following Oxygen’s meal plans, tips, and workouts, I started to see a difference in my physique. However, the benefits of eating clean and working out came to an end when I let the stress of university consume me. I found emotional comfort in overindulging in food and before I knew it I gained almost 40lbs. Gaining weight is easy when you’re eating cheddar cheese and nacho chips at 2:00AM; not to mention being raised in an Italian home where all meals are to die for! I still remember the day I tried to put on a pair of my ‘Fat Jeans’ and they wouldn’t go past my hips. This was my defining moment. Portion control was an issue for me but at the time I just thought that I liked to eat more than others.

Shortly after feeling that I was at my lowest point, I started reading THE EAT-CLEAN DIET. I began to include a variety of foods in my diet, including tofu, quinoa, and beets. Tosca’s first book taught me the essentials of clean eating and the importance of turning this into a lifestyle. At that time, my boyfriend John (now fiancé) helped me incorporate the principles of clean eating in addition to going for daily jogs and learning how to lift weights. Even on the days I didn’t want to workout or didn’t understand what benefits I would get from eating small 5-6 meals a day, he encouraged me to continue. There were many days when I was frustrated with the number on the scale and the one piece that got me through was John telling me ‘Don’t focus on the number on the scale. Do this because you want to be healthy. Everything else will come.’ And that is exactly what I did. Day after day, he was and is still my rock. None of this would have been possible without his belief, support, and encouragement. Over the year I was able to lose the weight and in exchange I gained some confidence and improved health. Finally I was starting to feel closer to being myself again.

In an effort to find another physical challenge, I discovered CrossFit. After an intensive year of training with an amazing group of people, I noticed my body fat % decreased and my strength increased. All of the sudden a thought I had for 8 years of competing in a fitness modeling competition started to seem like a realistic goal. I began researching the industry. I studied the federations, the competitions, the categories, and the athletes. I even went to see my first fitness competition (WBFF) to learn more. During this time, Tosca Reno was in town for her ‘Your Best Body Now’ book signing. Without a question I had to go and meet my inspiration in person and share what I had learned from her. She took time for Q&A and I asked her about her experience with competing. After sharing her experience she asked me if I was thinking about competing, I answered ‘Yes’. This was the first time I had said this in public and it was beginning to feel like a real possibility. I mean, if I told Tosca Reno this then I would have to continue on with my word. When Tosca was signing my book, John and I had a chance to chat with her regarding our clean eating lifestyle. She was supportive and happy, and she even said to me “Look at your quad sweep!” - I was flattered to say the least.

My search for an athlete and coach in the fitness industry continued and this is when I found the missing piece to my puzzle, my coach, WBFF PRO Fatima Leite Kusch. For 5 months, I followed my coach’s FitnessPrint plan and training program and went on the faith that she believed in me. Together we made my progress possible. My coach is one of my fitness inspirations and she has taught me so much about myself as an athlete and person. I am truly lucky to have such a positive and strong role model in my life. In September 2011, I competed and won my very first competition. It took me a few days to realize what had happened. My dream continued as I was featured in the February 2012 Future of Fitness in Oxygen magazine! Followed by receiving an early copy of THE EAT-CLEAN DIET Vegetarian cookbook. Now here I am in the ABS Special and sharing My Success Story on Tosca Reno’s blog! Dreams do come true.

“Inspire and Be Inspired”

Comments
  • 31st March
    2012
  • 31
Comments
  • 20th March
    2012
  • 20
Have you ever been so excited that you jumped up and down? Have you ever been so excited that you wanted to scream? Have you ever been so excited that you had to call your best friend right away? Have you ever been so excited that you broke out into dance? Have you ever been so excited that no matter what you did you couldn’t stop smiling? THAT’S ME RIGHT NOW!!! I am dying to tell you about some things that are happening very soon and some that are happening later on. But because the specific details of this news I have to keep it on the down low for now. It’s killing me not to share this awesome news with you all! However, I will absolutely share all of this news with you when the time is right! I guarantee you will forgive me for keeping you wait! PROMISE!! : ) REMEMBER: Be true to who you are. Pursue your dreams, work your hardest, and stay positive!

Have you ever been so excited that you jumped up and down?

Have you ever been so excited that you wanted to scream?

Have you ever been so excited that you had to call your best friend right away?

Have you ever been so excited that you broke out into dance?

Have you ever been so excited that no matter what you did you couldn’t stop smiling?

THAT’S ME RIGHT NOW!!! I am dying to tell you about some things that are happening very soon and some that are happening later on. But because the specific details of this news I have to keep it on the down low for now. It’s killing me not to share this awesome news with you all! However, I will absolutely share all of this news with you when the time is right! I guarantee you will forgive me for keeping you wait! PROMISE!! : )

REMEMBER: Be true to who you are. Pursue your dreams, work your hardest, and stay positive!

Comments
  • 26th December
    2011
  • 26
My Success Story! I was doing some research and I found this “My Success Story” from a special issue (June 2011). I will be featured in an issue similar to this one in March/April 2012. Just like you I will read the finished content for the first time when it hits stands. I know what photo they chose for my BEFORE and when I found out that Oxygen magazine selected my story I was most nervous about the world seeing that photo. Why? Because I was embarrassed. But then after some thinking I thought, that is the truth behind my life and if my story can help someone find that “a-ha moment” then it’s worth it. Never be embarrassed about where you’re from, instead be proud of how far you’ve come. We all start somewhere and we all have the potential to be inspired by someone. But never forget to believe in yourself and believe that you are an inspiration to someone else. You are capable and worthy of finding your “born this way” moment.

My Success Story! I was doing some research and I found this “My Success Story” from a special issue (June 2011). I will be featured in an issue similar to this one in March/April 2012. Just like you I will read the finished content for the first time when it hits stands. I know what photo they chose for my BEFORE and when I found out that Oxygen magazine selected my story I was most nervous about the world seeing that photo. Why? Because I was embarrassed. But then after some thinking I thought, that is the truth behind my life and if my story can help someone find that “a-ha moment” then it’s worth it. Never be embarrassed about where you’re from, instead be proud of how far you’ve come. We all start somewhere and we all have the potential to be inspired by someone. But never forget to believe in yourself and believe that you are an inspiration to someone else. You are capable and worthy of finding your “born this way” moment.

Comments