Monthly Archives: July 2010

Yes its here! Happy Friday Friends Alas the weekend has arrived. Not that I’m doing anything overly exciting. OK I guess watching my boy play baseball at another tournament is pretty cool. I tell you, I am ready to take all the parents blood pressure at these games! I am certain we are more nervous than the actual kids! Last game Max was the last batter up with two outs and man (boy) on second. He had to get a hit or the game would be over and all chances of winning would be gone. When I saw #1 at bat all the moms looked at me and I freaked!  First pitch….strike. Second pitch…ball. Third pitch…strike 2. Then it came. I looked out into the field, noticed a little butterfly fluttering by & I smiled.  There it was….A HIT! Run Max, RUN! Is all I screamed! Crazy huh?!? NO, its called Mommy-hood

Today I am going to post an article I read because it is to good to pass. Its about all the secrets the beverage companies are not divulging. It is estimated that 21% of our daily caloric intake are liquid calories, about 400 cal a day at least!  This number is twice as much as it was 30 years ago. If anything has changed throughout time is the ability of genius marketing. Did we not see that last night/yesterday waiting for the “Great Lebron” to announce his decision of where to play this fall? Un-real but yet so real indeed.  Yes marketing makes the world go round, but its up to us to stay alert and not blinded.  Enjoy the article…sure was eye-opening to me      http://eatthis.menshealth.com/content/12-secrets-beverage-industry-doesnt-want-you-know?article=1&page=1

Have a Great Weekend! Feliz Fin de Semana! Health & Wellness allow yourself to catch the fever!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

P.S. Wouldn’t one bring more value to yourself when you achieve greatness by joining a team that is in the process of building, instead of having it handed to you on a Wade/Bosh silver platter? I’m just saying Precisely why I stepped away from the game when MJ left the Bulls. One of the few who achieved greatness with a team he helped build. xoxo..

Jueves! Ahh yes almost there Happy Thursday friends!  Looking forward to a break in the heat with a little shower here and there. Yes, I like rain every now and again. All day for several days not so much. But a break in the heat and sun…definitely I remember when we lived in Sunny South Florida for several years, by friends up North would think I was nuts when I would be so happy to get a break from the perfect weather with a little rain.  Kind of shakes this up & breaks the monotony   I read an article this morning that I am going to share with you today. I have the misfortune of having a slow metabolism and have worked on getting it going my whole life. I’ve tried practically everything on the market that screamed “boost your metabolism and lose weight”.  Quick fixes were my thing for many years. And yes I have to admit that every now and again I freak out when I slack off and I don’t like how I feel in my clothes.  My brain spirals out of control and wish for that “miracle pill”.  Truth is there is none and we have to maintain. Not go crazy. Enjoy life and implement a healthy lifestyle so that we/I don’t go crazy and ENJOY the experience not stress over it  

Natural Metabolism Boosters Eating small meals every 2-3 hours has worked for me immensely in speeding up my metabolism, however any added advice is greatly appreciated  According to The Mayo Clinic and Livestrong.com there are several natural ways that are key to boosting our metabolism which is critical in burning fat and managing weight.

• Gain Muscle: ahh yes we ladies hear gain muscles (at least for the most part) and we freak out. Forget “gain muscle” think TONE   Muscles, unlike fat, is an active tissue that raises the rate of the metabolism. A little weight and resistance training can help loads. Very important to implement in your weekly schedule/routine.
• H2O: Nature’s gift Love it! Not only is it so important to release toxins from our body and keep our digestive system in track, but its also essential in the metabolism process. The lack there of slows the rate down greatley. Want an added boost? Drink your water ice cold. Your body needs to heat it up to room temperature and burns extra calories doing so.
• Cardio: Cardiovascular activity no matter how vigorous it is is also a natural & essential way to boost your metabolism, so GET MOVING!
• Coffee: Ahhhhhh Java Can’t, and so happy do not, have to live without you Coffee raises the metabolism friends!  So sit back and enjoy. I know I look forward to my cup every morning. Knowing now that its helping with my metabolism….even more so

Get that Metabolism Going & Have a Great Day!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “…Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

Hola Mi Gente  Hope you are all fine & cool on this HOT Wednesday! We are on a roll here, hot & sweaty for sure! Remember to listen to your body friends! Very important to stay hydrated and not over exert yourself. Keep young children and elders in-doors. I don’t know about you, but my allergies are out of control! I heard the air quality stinks so that is a factor we must take into consideration. Bottom line be smart & careful.  I have the privilege of working with an organization that is very close to my heart for obvious reasons, The American Heart Association. For those new to my blog, not only did I lose my dad to a massive heart attack a little over 6 yrs ago, but I had the misfortune of never knowing my grandfathers due to heart disease as well. So when I was asked to volunteer and be a part of this organization that has been around for over 100, I, without giving it a seconds thought, jumped right in. This Fall the AHA will be holding its FIRST EVER Latino Summit! I am so proud to be a part of it!  The plan of the summit is to present problems & goals, and ask leaders to partner and help reach those goals. It is up to us leaders in our field, to help create change and increase the resources that will produce real results. Latinos are greatly impacted by heart disease and major health issues. It is up to everyone to come together and make a positive change. Everyone from manufactures to bodegas to restaurants to media to educators. You in the home-front need to also be vigilant. What we eat and what we are putting on the table is so important. We are casting votes and expressing interest every time we make a purchase. Please make it the right one.  All Americans are effected by the terrible eating habits we have in our great nation. Its up to us to make a difference. Please join in

In keeping with “Heart Healthy” I am posting a link to the story I wrote for Popular Hispanics Magazine on the “Heartbeat on Broadway” . I think I mentioned it, but just in case Back in June I had my moment on Broadway center stage on The Richard Rodgers Theatre, home of the Tony Award winning musical In the Heights.  Along with cast members of West Side Story & In the Heights, I learned hands only CPR.  As an already certified in CPR Latina I must say it was very cool to learn this different technique on stage with these great talents!  Hope you enjoy the read    http://www.popularhispanics.com/index.php

Until Tomorrow….Have a Great Active & Healthy Day!

Besos y Abrazos….xoxo  “….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

Hola Friends and boy is it HOT outside! Jumping right in to the fact that we are sweating our ASSETS off here in the North East! All we have to do is stand outside and the drips of sweat are rolling down our bodies!  Seriously, not very good weather for working outdoors these days ~sorry my love We’ve been consistently over 90 degrees and the trend is continuing through out the week. Nothing we can do but stay cool and hydrated. Drink plenty of water and bring your workout routine indoors.  Days like these could make you tired and sluggish and maybe the last thing on your mind is working out. If that is the case, do not worry or stress,I totally get you. If you are not going to get your 30 minutes at the gym then be ever more conscience of what you are eating. Researchers and experts in the field agree that in losing weight your diet is more important that the actual workout. YES they work hand in hand in order to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle. However, if you have to skip a day at the gym be vigilant of what you are eating. It is easier to cut out an extra 300 calories from your diet than to burn the same amount on the treadmill. And if running/walking outside is the only thing you can do, on these extra hot days, I urge you to be very careful. LISTEN to your body, drink plenty of water and take breaks,  or like I will be doing, eat extra smart, throw in some of my fav workout tricks into your home (yes I am doing ab & glute squeezes right now as I type ) or BEST case scenario, go for a swim~a GREAT form of exercise!

Whatever you Choose~ Make it a Healthy & Happy One!

Until Tomorrow…Buen Dia!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”

Happy Thursday Friends! I am up and ready to start my day! Having a combo of business & play the next two days! Dropping the kids off at mom’s, getting in some meetings, doing some shopping at my fav one stop shop Macy’s and having a much deserved date night with my man! Cannot wait!  I am all gitty with anticipation already. The weather is gorgeous, the long weekend is here and I am ready to celebrate! 4th of July! Great memories Growing up in Hudson County, NJ gave me great friends, great schools, excellent street smarts and so much more. Much has changed throughout time, but one thing remains the same. We have the most amazing view of NYC and the Hudson River!  I may have GREAT childhood memories of celebrating Independence Day at Disney World, Miami Beach, Myrtle Beach, or down the Jersey Shore, BUT heading to Boulevard East to catch the Fireworks is a priceless memory I will never forget!

Mentioned earlier my days plan, and as usual I am here to share my tips First in shopping~For me sometimes I splurge sometimes I don’t. I like to make sure I buy good shoes and a good bag to make that outfit look great! But of course that outfit needs to compliment the body COLOR is key. Solids colors give us a more slimming appearance. If you want to make a slimming impression stick to the same solid color from head to toe and add color with your accessories. Works for me   Now food! Its grilling and vino time at Casa Gomez! Grab the chicken breasts and yummy fishes along with your veggies and make it a Fab Fourth of July weekend!  Simple EVOO with herb marinades are great for both. I like to marinade well in advance so that all the flavors are soaked in and ready to explode on the grill   Need a healthy burger recipe? The Turkey Burger recipe I shared back during Memorial Day is a hit at my house. Go back and get it~its GREAT!

Ok that’s it for me…Have a Great One!  Get Moving and Enjoy Your Active Day!

Besos y Abrazos…xoxo  “….Barbara por Atras, Barbara por Alante, y Siempre Barbara por Adentro!”