Celebrate - Jen's Bday

This past Monday was Jennifer Ann Wilson's bday - and to think she was almost not going to do anything. Lucky for her I was there to encourage her to be present and let us celebrate her!! She agreed with the stipulation that we could make it game night. Let the games begin!

We cooked food from our Real Food Daily cookbook, which came from a popular vegan restaurant in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Jen made a fantastic lasagna, and carrot cake, and we enjoyed different types of appetizers and veggies.


Before people started leaving we had to bring on the Cake. Soroya and I had to use a little creativity in presenting the cake as we didn't have the tiny bday candles that fit nicely on the cake. So I held the cake and she held the candle.



Fortunately Jen had enough breath in her to blow out the special candle. I am positive her wish came true! We cut the cake but were to full to eat it. So we said farewell to the guests who didn't have enough energy to play taboo. Then there was seven. We played the game and before I knew it it was after midnight! Yikes! But it was well worth the fun, laughter, and friendship. Here are the gals, Rayne, Soroya, Jen and me.

Weekend Extravaganza of Parties!

So I had a marathon weekend of fun events, parties, and socials. Usually this isn't a problem for me, but by party 5 on Saturday night, I was getting pooped! (It sounds strange, I know.)


Let's start out with the fun stuff - breakfast is the most important meal of the day so I had a brunch to energize my healthy body. Off to Malibu we drove for an unofficial LeTip social at Michelle and Robert's house. We arrived early so we could visit with them and their precious 11-month old twins.


We had several people from LeTip show up. Here is a pick with some of the ladies. Although the day was a little cloudy, the people were sunny and full of energy.




About 2-ish we had to hit the trail and move to downtown LA, it was the Cardinal and Gold Club - the USC Alumni tailgate party. Here is a pic of the fellas. Aren't they a handsome & successful bunch - Plastic Surgeon, Marketing Specialist, Real Estate Broker, and Attorney.



The band and cheerleaders serenaded us with several school songs and dances. (I admit it was strange attending another school's event - I don't even know their fight song!)



The cheerleaders danced, twirled, and kicked their legs as they followed the music the band magically played. I bet those dancers would look great in Mak Attack Fitness Wear. Their coach actually has a twin who is the coach for the Boston Celtics - they wear Mak Attack Fitness Wear.



The game started at 5pm with weather that was fair - we didn't need sunglasses so it was fair. But as we got to the second half a slight mist or sprinkle came down on our heads. I still prefer that rather than 2-3 feet of snow and being bundled in jackets, scarves, and mittens with heaters in them. I'm just not warm-blooded. :)




As we left the game I was able to take a picture of the LA Colosseum & the well-know "naked statues". Important note - the Colesseum is where they hosted the 1984 Olympics.



Moving back in time, I had to work on healing my broken wing. Well, it's not really broken. I hurt my right latissimus dorsi - to the point where I couldn't lift my extended arm above my head - Ouch. I tried a combo of healing methods. I first started with good ol' fashioned rest. Then the shoulder was ok - but not better.



Next I visited my chiropractor, Dr. Glenn - what an adjustment that was. I was tight in points I didn't realize! The noise coming from my shoulders, neck, and back was enough to get any one's attention. Fortunately, I was able to get some relief before heading off to my Acupuncturist, Dr. Casey.


She not only treated my shoulder in numerous areas, but also my sinuses. I may look like a Halloween cat in this picture but being scary for a moment is worth the end result of being able to breath easy. I had been having trouble breathing for some time now. Fortunately I am feeling better and can breath easier. Not 110% like I like, but about 90% - I will take it!

Atlantis in the Bahamas

Last week I spent five days in Atlantis - a beautiful part of the Bahamas. We flew in on the red-eye and arrived safely to our hotel. We didn't stay at the main hotel, but the newest addition to Atlantis known as the Cove. It was absolutely a peaceful, serene, and beautiful hotel. Here is the entrance to the hotel in the evening. The dark wood accents the marble and colorfully lighted water falls. When you enter the elevator area to go up to the rooms you hear this zen-like music that just makes you happy and relaxed.



We arrived about noon and walked around the entire properties, hotels, and shopping areas. It was a little adventure for us. They also showed us where the water slides were. One was a 60-foot vertical drop and another 120-foot slide that was dark and covered and then open and twirly. You had to climb four levels in the "Stargate Atlantis"-like pod-topped building. The end of this water slide spits you out into a lazy river that isn't always so lazy - there are rapids and small water falls along the way. The entire river is about 1.5 miles long.

The food was amazing and we ate at 4star restaurants each night. The first was our favorite - Casa De'Angelos. Italian food that started with bruschetta, Italian cheese, and olives. My appetizer was grilled calamari on top of balsamic zucchini. My main course was two lobster tails that were out of the shell and grilled to perfection. They were served on top of a white bean with cut tomatoes and artichokes. It absolutely melted in my mouth - WOW! For desert I had a tiramisu served in a martini glass that had a richer middle layer similar texture to that of cheese cake but not so heavy. (Good thing we ran around and played in the water all day!)


Because of the slight burns, we stayed in the room a little longer on Saturday and watched the MSU football game before venturing outside to the adult pool. It is similar to one you would see in Vegas with the live DJ and large bed-like chairs to lounge on.




I enjoyed a Lime-Ginger scrub and massage mid afternoon. I admit - I smelled delicious - and my skin was so soft. Dinner was fun because we met up with some friends after taking pictures in the "Queen of Atlantis Chair". It looks as if I may have to grow into this one!








The last night we had dinner at the Great Wall of Water - which views the largest aquarium in the world. I took several pictures of different fish, sharks, stingrays, and here the the eel playing with me - he coordinated his smile with the camera.








Unfortunately, we had to come back to reality. Our beach and sun and fun trip had to come to an end. I must say it was a perfect fit of laughter, water sports, relaxation, visiting with friends, and just hanging out. This was the first trip in a long time to have all of those variables.

Koo Koo Roo teams up with Laura Mak and Sheree

My friend and client Sheree Pouls, of Lips and Locks, is the new spokesperson of Koo Koo Roo. If you are not familiar with Koo Koo Roo, it's a quick food restaurant primarily in Southern California. It is not to be confused with unhealthy fast food, because the service is quick and the food healthy and nutritious.



They specialize in chicken breast and rotisserie chicken. They have a wide selection of side dishes from very "clean" veggies like steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, butternut squash, and yams. They also have some "treat" foods such as real macaroni and cheese, creamed spinach, and pot pie. There is a terrific variety for everyone.



Sheree has an inspiring story to share with the world and Koo Koo Roo is helping her do that. She has found a balance of fitness and nutrition completes a well rounded healthy lifestyle. This is a story coming from a gal who once weighed 230lbs! She is real proof of a real women taking charge and making her healthy choices a realistic lifestyle.




As I mentioned, Sheree is not only a personal training client of mine for about four years now, she is also a friend. That is why it is even more exciting for me to see not only her physical transformation but also an overall transformation.




We had a blast shooting today at the West Hollywood location. We worked closely with Senior Brand director Cathy Fredericks. John Maloney of Maloney Strategic was also fantastic to work with as he kept the photographer, Matthew, shooting the perfect shots. The program moved quickly as we went from shot to shot. I must say - it is such a pleasure to be in a shoot where I am not directing as well!

Yes - we shot in Mak Attack Fitness Wear for our "Ladies Lunching" shot and then we put on our jeans and street wear.

Behind the Scenes with Mak Attack Fitness Wear Fall/Winter

This was a fun shoot with Thomas Oed of Impact Photos. He has worked on the Mak Attack Fitness Wear catalog before and we got some terrific shots. He has a detailed eye to show all the fun Mak Attack classic accents.



I have included a few photos to highlight the new clothing. We have some great fall colors such as Indigo, Deep Brown, and Peppermint.



This is our new stud pant. It is in Brown with GOLD studs down the leg and around the booty. It coordinates with our new store Bela Vida. Our colors are chocolate brown and gold - so our staff with look quite fancy in their Brown and Gold Stud pants!


We even got to do a few "Lifestyle" shots in the new Red Tie Jacket that is featured in the Koo Koo Roo website and commercial! I will keep you posted when the site launches - end of September - be on the look out.

Dance Class Labor Day Weekend at Equinox

This is how I spent part of my Labor Day weekend. I went to my favorite dance class at Equinox. Allan, the dance instructor and choreographer extraordinaire, taught us this sexy, sassy, and (Spartan)-slinky routine. It was quite fun I must admit!

I was wearing the Military Green Mesh Pocket pants and matching Military Green sport top. Perfect for a tough dance class. Click here for more dance clothing!



I used my Polar Heart Rate Monitor to track how hard I was working. It told me my Max was 172 beats per minute and my average was 152 beats per minute. Now that is pretty good since I am in my target heart rate zone of 3-4-5. It also shared with me that I burned 453 calories in only 54 minutes! What a great way to start a holiday weekend!

Hidden Girls Night Out

On Tues the gals and I joined together for a fun night on the town. We went to local area hotspot, "Hidden". One of my friends and owner from the Italian restaurant down the street, Via Veneto, also recently purchased this restaurant. It was a well known hot spot of the legendary, Arnold Schwarzenagger. When Arnold owned it, it was well known for its outdoor ambiance and cigar bar. He used to be spotted there every Thurs having cigars with the fellas. Now that he is governor, he no longer has this luxury.




Unfortunately several of our gal pals couldn't join us due to last minute business conflicts. Sheree and I drove over there together. We were the first to arrive. Dawn joined us shortly after. Jenny and Amy arrived just about the same time.



We started out just laughing and catching up - (surprise). The pictures started early so we would be sure to get the best photos of everyone.

I order the Sole Ceviche and grilled vegetables. I thought it was excellent. Although I am not a Ceviche connoisseur, I enjoyed it. I had to ask Amy her opinion because she dines on it regularly. She thought it was good, but not outstanding.

Dawn was doing great. She is officially in work transition which works out fine because it allows her time at home with her seven month old girl.


Jenny is our amazing facialist. She was only able to join us for a few in the beginning. She missed out on a delicious and healthy dinner. But it was great to have her there.

It was home by 10:30pm for me. I had plenty of booty kicking workouts to lead in the morning. Until our next girls night out. . .

Seattle Boating Weekend

This past weekend was spent under the sunny skies of Seattle. Our excursion on the 45-foot boat began in the late morning. We had one gal join us at the dock and the other one missed the boat! (It's ok though, we picked her up at another location a little later on).




We left the dock near Salmon Bay and exited the Ballard Locks. I drove the boat, (just call me Captain). I steered us for a while through Lake Washington past Lake Union. There was only one bridge I had to hand the wheel over. The real Captain took over later and took the boat up to about 27mph which feels like 50mph. I don't understand why I didn't get to drive then? I'm sure I would have done great! Since the day started out a little cool I kept on my Mak Attack Fitness Wear Buckle Pants until it warmed up.




We landed at our destination and anchored in a little bay known as Andrews Bay - at the south end of Lake Washington. Once the we were steady, we went to the front of the boat to catch some rays, read magazines, and enjoy the view of the other boats. Now, that is what I call a great day relaxing.




We took the "dingy" (such a funny name for a tiny motor boat that barely seats up to four). Then we hopped on another boat that was about 60-foot. We were able to figure out a way to enjoy our time there too. The big boat was fun to hang out on, but our boat still can go WAY faster!


Our day of boating finished about 6pm or so. We dropped off passengers and headed back home. With just enough time to get ready for dinner we showered, shaved, and shined. We met up with the rest of the gang at Il Terrazzo, an amazing Italian Ristorante.

Our meal started with an appetizer of Beef Carpaccio with lightly drizzled lemon juice and fresh shaved Parmesan cheese. My entree was Halibut Cheeks with steamed vegetables. I enjoy the basic Halibut, but the "cheeks" were quite delicious also. It was light and flakey and melted in my mouth. We enjoyed delightful Italian wines with the meal too. (But the key to eating out is leaving the bread in the bread basket!)

Sunday came too quickly and it was back to LA. After a weekend of boating did we need a day to recover! :)