Foodie Pen Pal!!

At the end of every month, I always see a number of tweets from people exclaiming how excited they are for their #foodiepenpal package and what yummy treats they received. This month, I finally caved and joined in on the fun for the month of May.

I can't remember the last time that I received a care package - not something that I ordered online or something that I ordered for my kids but a package just for me. It reminded me of my days at boarding school when I would receive parcels from friends and family. I was so excited to receive my package from Karen. Poor Karen had to navigate my minefield of food allergies but she sent along some amazing treats from Trader Joe's - one of my favorite stores. 

I was impressed that Karen was able to fill up the box with goodies that I have yet to try from Trader Joe's. When I opened the box, it smelled so lovely from this Lemon Verbena soap. 

I also received Spicy Smoky Peach Salsa, Multigrain Pita Bite Crackers, Roasted Plantain Chips and Zico Mango Coconut Water. I LOVED the peach salsa. I don't typically like fruit salsa unless I make it myself because they can tend to be overly sweet. However, this salsa nicely balanced the sweetness of peaches with a smoky flavor and was great with fish. And then, there was this...

YUM. These were seriously delicious. And no, I didn't share. Thank you Karen! I seriously loved everything in my package. You can check out what I sent to Meg over at Moments Like This. If you haven't joined Foodie Pen Pals yet, I would encourage you to do it! It's such a fun way to get to know other bloggers and foodies.

And now it’s time for some details about Foodie Penpals.  Here’s what the program is all about:

• On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
• You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! 
• The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
• You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)

• Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
-Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. So, I’m going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada!

If you’re interested in participating for June, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions. You will also find contact information on that page for the UK branch of Foodie Penpals if you’re a blogger across the pond!

You must submit your information by June 4th as pairings will be emailed on June 5th!

Finding Time for Fitness - Part 2

A few weeks ago, I shared some tips on how I manage to find time to fit in fitness during my busy days as a working parent. It was nice to hear that many of you use similar tactics to sneak in some sweat time during the day like working out during nap time or including your kids in exercise through walks, hikes, Zumba - you name it. Many of you work out first thing in the morning either before your kids are awake or right after dropping them off at school in order to get it done before the day has a chance to get away from you. I think my favorite comment was from Tracy at Sellabit Mum who said, "Does it suck getting up at 4:30? OMGYES. But totally worth it by the time I'm hitting the pavement."

Luci Gabel left one of the best tips - just don't think about it. "Too many people think they need to 'feel' like exercising or be 'in the mood' to exercise first. Which is not the case at all." I completely agree. I know that if I think about something too long, I can come up with every excuse in the book and rationalize my ways out of it in about 5 minutes flat. Now, if I have the opportunity to go work out on a day which I hadn't previously planned on going to a spin/yoga/TRX class, I just do it. I may not want to go down to the gym or for a run right at that moment but I make it count and I know that I will feel better afterwards.

In reading through all your comments, the biggest thing that came across to me was the fact that it all starts with not only making fitness a priority but making ourselves a priority. If fitness isn't a priority, it's so easy to put off working out in favor of doing other things like the dishes or laundry or cleaning which may seem more "important" to do when we plan out our schedules for the day or week or when we find ourselves with a bit of free time. If we don't make ourselves a priority, we are much more susceptible to feeling guilty about taking time away from others, from work and from household chores or asking for help so that we can work out. We may feel that we need to put everyone else's needs before our own.

But this isn't about focusing on ourselves in a superficial way. It's about focusing on our health - physical, mental and emotional health. When we are healthy, we are able to be the best partner/spouse, parent, friend, daughter/son, sibling, employer/employee, etc. that we can be. As a parent, I believe that it's one of the most responsible things that I can do, not only to set a positive example for my kids and help them develop good habits, but because I'm investing in my health to ensure that I'm around to raise my kids and watch them grow up.

What do you think? Do you find it hard to make yourself a priority? Do you get push-back from family and friends about working out?

Scenes from my weekend - Memorial Day

I hope that you all are enjoying a nice long weekend. I don't know about where you are but it's been downright HOT over here. I think that it was hovering around 90 degrees today? Hazy, hot and humid for sure. It felt more like August than the end of May. By the way, I cannot even believe that it's the end of May already. How did that happen?

My sense of time has also been a little messed up all weekend. I kept thinking that it was Saturday when it was really Sunday. It has been a really busy week and when you freelance, your days kind of run into each other. I often feel like there are no real weekends - any time that I have free I feel like I should be working because that's time that I could be billing. For once though, I have taken the weekend completely off. I've also taken a step back from social media save for a few pictures to Instagram. OK and maybe occasionally checking Twitter but it's not the same compulsive twitch that I normally experience (Hi, my name is Christine and I'm a Twitter addict).

This weekend has been made up of lots of little moments. A belated Mother's Day celebration at a local restaurant. While the boys enjoyed french fries, which Everett couldn't seem to stuff in his face fast enough, Ed and I shared a delicious kale salad that was crispy and spicy, flecked with red pepper flakes and grated parmesan. This was followed by mini tuna sliders which were de-li-cious.  Then, a quick trip to visit my in-laws so that the boys could spend some time splashing around in the kiddie pool which, incidentally, seems to get bigger and bigger each year. I think that my Father-in-Law relishes the opportunity to go out and buy a new pool to delight the kids.

Tell me, how did you spend your holiday weekend? Big plans or hanging out at home and grilling? What are some of your favorite summer eats?

Speaking of summer, did you happen to catch my guest post over on Lindsay's List last week about getting started surfing? If not, head on over there and check it out!

Bloggy Boot Camp Philly

Earlier this year, I started thinking about attending a blog conference. I had only been blogging for a little while but I felt like there was so much I needed and wanted to learn. I wanted to know what my options were should I decide to take this blog beyond just a hobby of mine. I started looking around, first at some fitness-focused conferences and then at big name events like BlogHer. Somewhere along the way, I came across this thing called Bloggy Boot Camp.

I read some reviews and narrowed it down between Bloggy Boot Camp and BlogHer. Ultimately, what drew me to Bloggy Boot Camp was its format and intimacy. The event is typically capped around 100 and they assign seating during the day. While it may sound hokey, as a new blogger, it put me at ease. I knew that I wouldn't have that "new kid entering the cafeteria and trying to decide which table to sit at" feeling. Plus, it's affordable ($99!!) and is an event that truly driven by content. 

Laurie Turk (www.tipjunkie.com)

The conference was jammed packed with amazing speakers who shared real-life stories and tangible take-aways that could be implemented right away. Topics ranged from 10 Tips for Blogging Success to Vlogging to SEO to Expanding Your Platform Beyond Your Blog. There were also two break-out sessions - the Business of Blogging and a Writer's Workshop. We covered so much ground and never once did I think, "Gee, I don't really need to sit in on this session." ALL of it was information that I was thirsty for.

Here are some of the key ideas I took away from the conference.

1. We're all in this together.

So much of blogging is about reciprocity and support. It's what the blogging community thrives on. Avoid blog jealousy over someone else's success. One blogger's success benefits us all and sets the bar higher for what we can all achieve. Support your fellow bloggers by reading their posts, leaving thoughtful comments and sharing on Twitter, Facebook and other platforms. Find your tribe and let's all lift each other up.

2. Focus and Prioritize. 

Have one main goal for your blog - whether it's traffic, experience, recognition, or writing. Sticking to your one main goal will make decision making so much easier. From there, create three-month goals to help you prioritize your blogging efforts. Focus your attention where you want to see results. Across the board, the magic number seemed to be three. Any more than three things, nothing will get done.

3. Branding. 

Branding is what people say about you when you are not in the room. Understand what your readers want and expect from you. Consider fully what you bring to the table, not just online and through social media but also offline assets and connections.

4. Niche vs. Category. 

This was an interesting one for me. I always thought of blogging niches as "Mommy blogger" or "Healthy Living Blogger" or "Technology Blogger" etc. This always troubled me because I kind of feel like I don't fit into a niche per se. Yes, I talk about healthy living and fitness but I also talk about being a Mom, bringing up my kids in a multi-cultural family, and a slew of random stuff. That's the point - that's my niche. It's me - my passion, my loves, my interests. All those other labels are categories of blogging.

5. Video!! 

I've heard it before but I've been reluctant to believe it but video is getting bigger and bigger. There are growing opportunities and companies and brands are willing to pay for it. Keep your videos short (1-1.5 minutes) and don't just be a talking head or take yourself too seriously. You need to be entertaining and tell a story. Focus on getting videos out there, balancing quantity with quality. As you do more videos, you will improve and it will be easier.

6. Don't sell yourself short. 

You have to be your own best advocate. Don't just jump at the first business opportunity that comes along. It has to be the right fit for you, your blog and your readers. As Tiffany from SITS said, Don't go after the money. Go after the bliss.  If it's a sponsored post, it should be stories in YOUR voice. Business opportunities are like buses. There's always another one coming - Richard Branson. Lastly, Never take "No" for an answer from someone who can't give you a "Yes." - Allison Talamantez from Sway in Real Life.

7. Treat your blog like a business. 

If you act like a business, you will be a business. You never know when that one post will go viral or an amazing opportunity will come along. Put things in pace so that when you have success, you are ready for it. It's a mindset and mentality. Believe in yourself and your blog. If you make decisions out of desperation, you will make bad decisions.

8. Be seen in real life. 

Blogging is great for making connections but nothing beats meeting people in real life. Attend events and conferences if you can. That personal, face-to-face connection matters. 

9. Live your life. 

Blogging and social media is great but you have to live your life too. It's tempting to sit glued to your computer all the time but blogging has to serve you and your family. Tiffany and Laurie Turk from Tip Junkie both emphasized this point. It's OK to close your computer - it's not the end of the world. I don't know the key to success but the key to failure is trying to please everybody - Bill Cosby.

OK, I tried to come up with a 10th takeaway to round out this list but this post is getting long enough.

Tiffany Romero, SITS

Thank you so much to the Bloggy Boot Camp team, especially Tiffany and Francesca for putting on an amazing event. I left feeling inspired and in awe of the blogging world but also empowered. Thank you to the incredible sponsors of the event - King's Hawaiian, Waterpik, HAPPYBABY, Mirassou Winery,  and Care.com.

Why I should write for YOUR magazine

As you know, I've been recently named a Fitfluential Ambassador. Fitfluential is starting to partner with some healthy living and fitness publications and I have the opportunity to "audition" to write or do video posts for these digital publications. While I can't share any names yet, they'd like to see what I'm all about and if their readers would like to read what I have to say. 

I love writing and I love sharing my passion for healthy living and fitness. The opportunity to be a contributing writer for such a magazine would be a dream. Healthy living magazines have been my constant companion for well over 20 years and have played a huge role in nurturing my love for all things health and fitness and also in encouraging me to try new things.

While I've been active my whole life and grew up playing sports, I never have considered myself an athlete and I would have never imagined that health and fitness would play such a prominent role in my life. I was not the fastest runner or highest scorer but I was a dependable team player. Sports were something that I was required to do in high school but never something I was passionate about. 

Once I entered college, I started going to the gym by myself, mainly sticking with cardio machines like the stair master or treadmill because I wanted to stay active but more likely because I was dealing with a bout of disordered eating. That's when I first started subscribing to fitness magazines. I was drawn to the healthy eating and strength training tips as well as the stories about real women and how fitness transformed their lives. Through reading these magazines, I learned to appreciate and respect my body and arm myself with the tools I needed to take better care of myself physically, mentally and emotionally.

Looking at myself and my life today, I do consider myself an athlete. Health and fitness are a core part of who I am as a woman, wife and mother. I run, swim, ski, spin, and yoga. I've run 3 marathons and completed an olympic triathlon. I developed a love for TRX and am longing to try new activities such as CrossFit and Kettlebells. Being fit keeps me healthy and sane. Being fit not only helps me build physical strength but also mental strength to handle whatever challenges life throws at me.

While you may not see workout plans or recipes on this blog, you will witness my adventures through life. My readers come back to my blog for the stories that I share, my experiences as a mom of two young boys who is trying to balance working at home, fitness, family and healthy living, and the lessons that I've learned through these experiences. I share the challenges I encounter, my successes and setback as well as how I choose to handle these situations in a real and honest way. In this past year, I've taken several leaps of faith and have made a commitment to live more intentionally and gratefully.

More specifically, readers come to read about my quest to learn to surf. After learning to surf last year and falling head over heels in love with the sport, I couldn't find many surf-related resources online that I could relate to. Most of the information out there assumed a certain level of knowledge and/or experience and didn't address the basic questions or trials and tribulations of a beginner surfer. Surfing is growing in popularity and there are more and more beginners out there thirsty for information.

I've discovered that I have the ability to connect with, support and encourage others in their journey. Over the past three months alone, the number of visitors to my blog has tripled, my page views have nearly tripled and my Twitter followers have increased five-fold. That shows me that the stories I share resonate with a growing audience. I would love nothing more than to be able to empower others in their healthy living journey.

Tell me, why do you like reading my blog? What do you think I'd be good at? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!!

Scenes from my weekend - Bloggy Bootcamp

It's been a whirlwind weekend. On Friday, I headed down to Philadelphia to attend Bloggy Bootcamp - a one-day conference run by Francesca and Tiffany from SITS. It was an incredible event and my head is still spinning from all the information and ideas about blogging and social media that I came home with from the conference. I'll have a more complete recap later this week.

On Friday night, the ladies at Girls Lunch Out (GLO) hosted a networking cocktail party at Marathon Gril Restaurant. It was fun to get dressed up (and I even wore an outfit that the stylists from Style for Hire suggested!) and to meet more bloggers in real life. As we mingled and munched on cheese, crudite and cupcakes, we learned about UPS' new service My Choice which allows you to have more flexibility in managing your deliveries as well as Google Places in Philadelphia (did you know that Google bought Zagat? How did I miss that??) and TimeToPlayMag.com which provides a wealth of information on the latest toys, video games and entertainment products.

I was most excited about getting to meet Kristen from The Preppy Girl in Pink. I don't remember how Kristen and I came across each other's blog but she was someone that I connected with instantly. When we finally met on Friday, it felt like I was catching up with an old friend. We both may have done a little happy dance upon meeting. Never in a million years did I expect to develop real life friendships from the blogging but that's exactly what's starting to happen.

Thanks to the GLO Cocktail Party sponsors UPS, TimeToPlayMag.com and Google Philadelphia for a great evening!

Billabong Rio Pro 2012

Source: surfline.com via Christine on Pinterest

Yesterday was the final day of the Billabong Rio Pro - the third of 10 events on the ASP World Tour. The sometimes unpredictable beach break served up pumping barrels on the last day. In the end, John John Florence (16.37) came out on top, beating Joel Parkinson (11.44).

Source: wctbrasil.com via Christine on Pinterest

Sadly, I was at physical therapy this morning. I missed watching the final rounds and instead had to rely on my Twitter stream to stay updated. I may have gotten some weird looks from folks as I anxiously clutched my phone and tried to will the thing to update. I may have let out an audible gasp once or twice.

Within the first 90 seconds or so of the final, John John caught about three waves and left Parko comboed with 28 minutes left, meaning that Joel needed two new high scoring waves in order to move into first place. While Joel surfed well throughout the event, he couldn't seem to find his rhythm in the final. With his second place finish, Joel is now leading the World Title race.

Source: wctbrasil.com via Christine on Pinterest

John John Florence is only 19 years old and this is his first ASP Tour win. He joined the tour during the mid-season rotation last year and has been surfing incredibly well over the last six months or so in all kinds of conditions. Even Kelly Slater, who sat out the event due to an ankle injury and has known John John since he was little, was stoked about the win.

Here are video highlights from the final day and you can read a recap here. The next stop on the ASP World Tour is the Volcom Fiji Pro which will be held between June 3-15, 2012.

What do you think? Will John John make a run for the title this year?

Trainer Bob

Photo: Kristin Willman (www.happymotherrunner.com)

Last night, thanks for Fitfluential, I had attended a book release party in Soho for Bob Harper. You know, Bob Harper - trainer on the Biggest Loser? He released a book yesterday - The Skinny Rules - and had a little cocktail shindig at Santa Maria Novella, a body care and home fragrance store in Soho. It was by far the best smelling party I've ever attended. It was fun getting to see fellow NYC bloggers, some of whom I met last week.

After Trainer Bob arrived, he made his way around the room to say hi to folks. When he reached our rather large, camera-wielding group, I think he might have been a little scared. But then he found out that we were a group of healthy living and fitness bloggers and that several members of our group had achieved tremendous weight loss success, he proclaimed that he loved healthy living and fitness bloggers. While he could have quickly said hi and taken one picture, he ended up chatting with us, genuinely interested, and posing for several pictures.

Thanks LAFCO for a fun evening and thanks Trainer Bob!

Injury Update - Progress!

One of the challenges was to post a photo after completing a mile run. Well, since I can't run, I choose to walk a mile on the treadmill.

A week or so ago, I mentioned that I entered Under Armour Women's What's Beautiful Competition and I realized that I haven't given you all an update since then! It's almost the end of Week 3 of the 9 week competition and I've completed 8 of the 19 challenges. Of course, it's not just about completing the challenges as quickly as you can. It's about going above and beyond what Under Armour has asked of you and proving to them that you want it more than anyone else and that you're a leader.

The challenges have been pretty fun. Some of them have and/or will require some creativity on my part since I haven't been cleared for all activities yet. For example, today I decided to tackle the "Back to School" challenge where you had to post a video of yourself jumping rope. I went downstairs to the gym, grabbed the jump rope and started going on my one good leg. I managed 100 and my left calf was burning. I later learned that my video made the top news feed on the What's Beautiful site where they highlight some of the top stories that have been posted. I was so stoked!

On my page on the What's Beautiful site, I've posted a couple of vlogs to provide a quick update on where I am in my rehab and how things are going. I wanted to share it here with you too!

All in all, after a setback and bit of frustration last week, things are much better now. Physical therapy is starting to be fun. As you see in the video, I'm starting to do more dynamic moves and to prepare my body to start running again. The best part is that I've been doing a lot of balance exercises using a balance board, Bosu and a Fitter (kind of like an unstable slide board) - I kind of feel like a kid during recess! Actually, what I like most about it is that a lot of the movements mimic surfing and skiing. So, not only am I rehabbing my knee but I'm also getting some dryland surf training in. Score!

Lastly, most of you know that I'm a Fitfluential Ambassador. Fitfluential in an incredible community of fitness fanatics that I'm proud to be a part of. The support and encouragement that I've received from this community in the month since I've joined has been unreal. No way would I have signed up for this Under Armour competition if I didn't have my fellow Fitfluential family encouraging me. Not only that, but I was able to attend the FITNESS Magazine event last week and there are many potential opportunities in the future.

If you are a blogger, you should apply to be part of the network. Even if you're not a blogger but a fitness enthusiast, you can apply to be part of the network too. Do it!

Scene from my weekend - Mother's Day

Everett as the Statue of Liberty. Can't you see it in the background?

It was a gorgeous, warm and sunny day here in New York City. I was woken up bright and early at 6:30am when Jasper and Everett burst into the room to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. I was happy that they were so excited but I could barely open my eyes. I tried to smile and act like I was awake but all I could think of was, "Just a half hour more sleep!!"

Jasper, in particular, was bursting to give me all the cards and presents that he had made for me over the week. The cards and artwork were very sweet. Everett made me a jewelry box and both boys made me plates at school. Funny thing is that after giving me my presents, they both re-claimed the plates for themselves. Oh well. I honestly really just treasure their art and their drawings in Mommy's Special Book.

We spent as much of the day as possible outside and enjoying the weather, wandering around waterside parks picking flowers and pretending to be the Statue of Liberty, exploring the newly renovated playground in the neighborhood and, of course, eating ice cream. Brothers holding hands and watching out for each other. But also brothers running away from each other.

With this Mother's Day, I realized that it wasn't just about me. I didn't really care about gifts, special meals or anything like that. It was more about making the day special for the boys - letting them celebrate in their cute little ways and showing them that they are loved.

{Linking this post up with Galit and Alison for Memories Captured}

FITNESS Magazine Meet & Tweet

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

I woke up this morning exhausted. And overwhelmed - that would be one way to describe how I feel right now after having attended the FITNESS Magazine Meet & Tweet event yesterday aka #FitBlogNYC. Overwhelmed by the incredible blogging community. Overwhelmed by the things that I learned yesterday and the incredible products we got to view and test out. Overwhelmed to be part of the amazing Fitfluential community and grateful for the opportunity to attend. Overwhelmed by the swag!!

The best part by far was the opportunity to meet in person many of the bloggers that I've been following or have started to develop a friendship with over the past couple of months - Erica, Jess, Michele, Jessica, Cat, Maria, Charlotte, Amy, FatBottomSlim, Jen and I know that I'm missing others! Plus, finally getting to meet Kelly Olexa, the Founder and CEO of Fitfluential, and Miz - two absolutely amazing and inspiring women! I also got to hang out with Melissa, a friend of mine who I met through my Mommy's group 5 years ago!

Me and Erica. She created the beautiful necklace I'm wearing and is even sweeter in person than I imagined.

Cat and Maria are even more adorable in person.

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

The event was set up on the second floor of the Metropolitan Pavilion. As you entered, you had the chance to chat and mingle and check out the sponsor booths along the perimeter of the space.

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

Betty Wong, Editor and Chief of FITNESS Magazine, and Mia Hamm opened up the event. Mia Hamm!! She is one of the best female athletes ever and super sweet. She was there with the nonprofit organization Grain Food Foundation which is dedicated to advancing the understand of the important role of grains in a healthful diet. She took pictures with everyone and signed a mini soccer ball. Of course, unlike Michele who went before me and asked Mia to sign the ball to her son, when I was asked, I promptly answered, "No, please make it out to Christine."

Photo courtesy of Michele.

The event itself included a series of panels of experts sharing the latest news and info about nutrition, health, beauty and fashion. Here are some highlights from the event.

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

A.J. Jacobs, author of Drop Dead Health, shared some of the lessons he's learned along his one year journey to improve his health and mind. He was hilarious and really fun. Some of the lessons he shared were:

• Respect your older self. If you keep your older self in mind - that you wish for a good life for yourself when you are older - you will respect treat yourself better NOW.
• Embrace contextual exercise. Fit exercise and fitness into your daily life activities. 
• Noise is detrimental to health as it causes stress levels to rise. People who work in noisy environments have 2-3 time higher rate of heart disease. He wears his noise canceling headphones, even at home...with his three boys. That might be a strategy I might have to take up!!
• Sitting is the new smoking. It's horrible for your health.

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

Keri Gans, Tanya Zuckerbrot and FITNESS Nutrition Editor spoke about the real deal on carbs, cleanses and caffeine.

• Carbs don't make you fat. Excess carbs make you fat. Think of your body as a car. if you fill your car up with too much gas, it overflows. If you fill your body with too many carbs, it turns to excess fat.
• Cardio is not the answer to weight loss. Nutrition is the major factor. Nutrition and sleep. 
• There are no real health benefits to cleanses. It's not a long term solution because they are missing so many nutrients and micro-nutrients.
• Cleanses can be expensive. Better to spend that same money on real, healthy food, vegetables and fruits. 

FITNESS Fashion Director Argy Koutsothanasis shared some tips to extend the use of your gym clothes. FITNESS staff modeled some cute outfits!

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

The afternoon ended with a panel that included Fitfluential folks on How to Turn Your Blog into a Business. I must say, Kelly Olexa, Carla Birnberg, Julie Fagan and Tina Haupert rocked this session and shared some really great tips about blogging and freelancing. They took the time to answer many questions from audience members. It was a packed house!!

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

The 3 things that I took away included:

• For freelancers, start by approaching local papers, magazines, etc. and think outside of the box. Consider companies and others that might have a blog and need content. (Julie)
• Pitch something that only YOU can write. The magazine/paper/etc. will come back to you because of your voice. (Miz)
• Reputation will follow you. (Kelly)

The event ended with a pop-up Tabura class via KiwiSweat. Tabura is a mix of African dancing, kick boxing and pretty much everything else thrown together and it looked intense! I admit, I was kind of jealous I didn't get to take part. 

Thank you to FITNESS Magazine and all the sponsors - Reebok, Oakley, Birkenstock, CamelBak, Grain Foods Foundation, KiwiSweat, Pure Protein, Schick Hydro Silk, Sun-Maid, V8 V-Fusion and Vichy. Thanks to New Media Strategies for putting on such a great event! 

Here are a few more pictures from the event.

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

Photo: Steven Meyer (courtesy of FITNESS Magazine)

Ridiculous swag bag. My shoulders nearly fell off getting this stuff home. Dream come true - another pair of pink sneaks!!