Enjoy Life! Take Care of YOU!

Sometimes there is just not enough time in a day, and I blame it on society and what it has done to all of us. We have taken on too much and we rush around and get a few things done on our HUGE to-do-list!  Its unfortunate that many people will jsut keep going, until they burnout or break down, not realizing that PROBABLY most of the things that they have on their to-do-list is MOST LIKELY not important at all.....
All the rushing around.... people getting stressed out.....no time for QUALITY family time....no time for exercise.....no time for THEMSELVES!  Its very sad.  And the fact is, is that when you are rushed around, stressed out, being pulled in different directions, and you dont take that 30 mins (at least) each day to exercise, your body WILL tell you in ways you may not like!  And how will you body tell you.....with health problems. 

Maybe you've already experienced them but jsut thought, "hmmm, must be age", "hmm i must be tired", etc.  Listen to your body as it will subtly whisper to you!  Maybe you all of a sudden have skin problems, or you get more headaches, or you are extremely tired.....these are ALL signs of the stressed out body that WILL one day soon, fall ill.

Who cares if the house is not cleaned THIS week.....
Who cares if you didn't get to the hairdressers this week....
Who cares if you didn't get the yardwork done today....
........go and spend time with your kids and spouse and get some exercise.   All those other things can wait another day or two to get to!
 
Make it a habit to go to bed at a decent time and wake up early!  Waking up early will honestly refresh your mind, and keep you feeling energized all day.  Wake up and exercise.  even if its for 20 mins.  Its something.  Get the blood flowing. 
Dont wake up and watch the news or read the newspaper!! The news is soooo negative.  My husband and I NEVER watch the news or read the paper (well, only the flyers!).  The news is always so depressing.  Why would I want that dragging my spirits down!

Eat healthy too!!  This will help your body throughout the day and to help your body fight off health issues.  You eat like shit, you WILL feel like shit!!  Thats as plain and bold as I can say it!  Get a varitey of fruits and veggies and DO NOT forget the lean proteins too!!!  Too many of you DO NOT eat enough protein!!

Slow down your life a bit and you will start to enjoy all the little things that life has to offer....instead of racing by them cause society keeps us running on empty.  And by the end of your life you wont be saying....."geeez, what did i do with my life"!

Something to think about.  Whats most important to YOU??  For me its MY FAMILY!, And also some of my friends (you know who you are) who have become my family as well. Spending time with loved ones and creating memories.....enjoying all of what life has to offer.....its such a great feeling inside.

NL xoxo

BeautyBit #5

Todays  BeautyBit is my favorite mascara!!  Revlon Voluminous! 

Fantastic Mascara!  I've been using this mascara on myself and clients for about 6 years now!  Because i have darker hair I use the Carbon black. Those with blonde hair can wear black or for a softer look go with a brown/black or brown....depennding on the person.
The BEST tip I can give anyone when wearing mascara is....GET WATERPROOF!!!  It lasts longer and wont run at all if it rains, humid, if you cry, etc!!  I always wear waterproof and only use waterproof mascara on all my clients.

My little beautybit for the day.

NL xoxo

Sounds Too Good To Be True!

Sounds too good to be true.....but it isn't. 
When I first got into the business side of things with Body By Vi, I thought "There's No Way!  You can't make good money, getting FREE product and getting a FREE BMW without busting your butt day and night.....AND there has to be a catch"....WOW, was I wrong!
I started the business back in January.....by April I had qualified for the Free Black BMW and making approx $1500 per month.  Summer I got busy with fitness shows and side tracked away from promoting (online),  So I've just started back with promoting again!  It's exciting!!!  I LOVE to help people as much as I can....I've always been this way.  And now I can help people eat healthier, easier, and make a great income!!....on top of training clients and putting clients through bootcamps!

So I jsut wanted to share with you the reality of the business....

QUALIFIED FOR MY FREE BMW!

ONE OF THE MANY CHEQUES PER MONTH!

TODAYS FREE PRODUCT...IT COMES EVERY MONTH!  FREE!

2 BAGS OF PROTIEN FREE EACH MONTH!

HERES MY RECEIPT FOR THE PRODUCT!  SEE, FREE!  ALL
I PAY FOR IS SHIPPING.....PRODUCT IT FREE!!  :)

 .....So keep checking back for updates and posts! 
If YOU are interested in the business side or the 90 day challenge, message me at nvluchka@msn.com .....I would LOVE to help you reach your goals!!!!  Christmas is coming.....all those parties to look good, and the presents that need to be bought!  The 90 day challenge can help both!

www.90dayswithnina.com

NL xoxo

My Little Makeup Princess

So the other morning Im getting myself ready and things cleaned up to start the day.  Aspen Was still in her Pj's playing and finishing eating her breakfast. She was quietly playing when I heard...."mommy SIT DOWN!"

Uh oh.....she's into something!  I see her with my makeup brush.  Ah, no worries, its jsut a brush.  A few minutes go by and Im now ready to get her cleaned up and dressed for the day......WELL, a little more cleaning had to be done!

The pictures will show you how much my little girl LOVES makeup!!! 

You see me holding the brush and "pretending" to put the makeup on....but I had to pretend so i could get some good pictures!!!  lol!!

My little makeup princess!!!

NL xoxo

Thanksgiving....I Cant Believe How Time Flies

Even though we count the actual Date of an anniversary, I am thinking of the day of the week....Thursday, today, the Thursday before the Thanksgiving Long Weekend.....15 years ago today was the last day I saw my brother Mike.  The next day, Friday, he passed away in a car accident. 
I can remember the Thursday clear as day!!!  He came to my place and spent a few hours with Vince and I .....laughing, joking, and talking about whats going on Thanksgiving and when we were heading up to the cottage.  That didnt happen.....instead I get a call late friday night telling me what has happened. 

Just thinking of it still puts that sick feeling in my stomach.

But how can this Thanksgiving weekend still be a favorite holiday?

5 years later on the Saturday of the Thanksgiving Weekend my mom passed.  And still, Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday.  I LOVE this time of year.  It means A LOT to me to be with my family and people I care about, on this long weekend.

Maybe thats why i do love it so much still.....its thanksgiving.....we are to be thankful.  And I really am thankful for a lot.

Too many people have WAY too many "issues", and honestly I dont have time for any of that.
Life is precious and sometimes WAY too short! 

This weekend I get more emotional but at the same time feel so much love!  A time I can't stop thinking of my brother Mike and my mom!

My brother passed on Oct 11, 1996 at the age of 26 and my mom passed Oct 13, 2001 at the age of 56!  Two lives gone way too soon.....but at least the time that they were here they both taught me SOOO much.  My brother taught me to always be who I am, never change for nobody!  And live life...have a blast....and have no fear!  My mom taught me how to be a good person....help those who are in need.  Take care of myself and my surroundings....she always taught me to look good and feel good.....take pride.  And both taught me Respect....have respect for myself and others.

15 years and 10 years already.....WOW! 

And how I miss them both jsut as much as when then first passed.

*note the following pictures were not saved on the computer so i took a pic of them!  I have them up on my wall in my office.

NL xoxo

A Twist of Festiveness

I went to VanderMeers yesterday as I LOVE that place!!  The flowers, the decorations, the one of a kind things you can find.....and the ideas are jsut incredible!  I had to go to see some of the fall decorations and to see if my favorite Christmas tree was up yet.....as I WANT to purshase it this year.  But Im a little iffy on getting it......cause its a BLACK tree!!  Will I get sick of it after awhile???  Not sure.  But it is BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Anyways back to the fall stuff.  lol

Vince had bought me a beautiful plant arrangement back a few months ago, and I thought to add of festiveness to the house so i added a bit to the planter.....something so simple that can make a huge difference.

Before

After

All i did was add in a small pumpkin, the orange flowers and the dried lotus.  All the ornaments are fake but it makes the arrangement look festive without having to buy a whole new arrangement for the occasion.  I bought them from Vandermeers but you can also buy things like this from the Dollar store.  Dollarama being one of my favorites for dollar store stuff....some of the things there dont look as cheap.

Little things can make a big difference.

Spice up your living area for each occasion!

NL xoxo

Run For The Cure

My first experience at the Run For The Cure.....and it was FANTASTIC!!! The people, the support, the dress up, the dogs, kids, you name it, the support was great!  I had created a team of 7 and 2 toddlers.....Lynn, Sue, Anansa (and son Kai), Sheri, Vince, our daughter Aspen, Nelly, and myself. We dressed warm as it was CHILLY and RAINING.....but that definitely didn't bring down the spirits of anyone.

Here's the Team!  Lynn (my Bootcamper), Sue (my Bootcamper), Anansa and Kai (sheri's client), Sheri (my client/friend),
Vince and Aspen (my amazing husband and daughter), and Nelly (my client/friend).

Sue, Lynn, Nelly and I have all ran races before (well i ran one before! lol), and for sheri, Anansa (Kai), Vince and Aspen, this was their first experience.
The race started and Vince pushed Aspen in the running stroller. He was doing great as he took off and I ran back a bit. Vince is a strong runner.....even though he doesnt run that much. Then, Aspen had to go peepee!! lol So i saw Vince stop to the side and I stopped too. So i waited for him while he took aspen off to the side behind a bush! As lots of people passed while I waited for Vince and Aspen, it was really nice to see the support and the signs on peoples backs stating who they were running for.....this is what i saw.....Baba, My mom Maureen, My daughter, My sister Sarah, there was one mom who wore a sign "my mom" and her ittle daughter about 8 years old wore the sign "my grandma". Its then that you realize how real it is, and knowing the pain all these families go through......I went through my mom having Ovarian Cancer.
Vince and I then ran together for the rest of the way, talking, laughing, and we even stopped and helped a lady whos front wheel of her strolller fell off! Way to go Vince for Fixing it! She felt bad as she kept saying "I dont want to hold you guys back"....ahhhh no worries! Its all good!
It was such a great race! I got to finally do a sport TOGETHER with Vince!! And it was "icing on the cake" to have Aspen with us! It was a family affair. It was great to have her involved and she was sooo good the whole way.

Our First Family 5k!  -- its was pouring so we kept the cover on the stroller.....but Aspen is
in there all comfy and warm....and DRY!

More races to come in the near future!!

When we got home Vince started a fire for us all to warm up as that inner chill from the rain and cold weather really is hard to shake off. 

Aspen helping Daddy with the fire!

Aspen waiting for Daddy to build a fire for us.

My heart goes out to all those who have fought through or lost their battle with any kind of cancer, and all the families who are there to support their loved ones.

And thank you to the Team for coming out and having a good race!
NL xoxo

Steppin in Style for the Winter!

Went out to Kiddie Kobbler today and found Aspen some winter boots!.....and they are AWESOME!!!!  I LOVE them!!! lol....yes I want a pair.
They had some great selections at the store but i settled on the Geox Boots.....an extremely comfortable boot, and very warm.  You definitely pay for what you get.
Aspen loves them....walking up and down the store and then when she found out they light up, WELL!!  She wouldn't leave the mirror, watching them light up everytime she stepped down.  LOL  Too cute.

And of course something always funny happens.....we were leaving the store and aspen sees a broom in the store!  Well....she wants to sweep....so of course i ask the lady in the store if i can jsut go outside with aspen so she can sweep.  We go outside and she wants to take it home now. lol

I get her back in the store after a few minutes and im talking to her in the entrance, while she hugs this broom, crying.  I tell her that we have to leave it here and if she really wants one we will go to the store next door and get one (cause we needed one anyways for the back deck).  A lady leaving the store overhears this conversation and bursts out laughing, looks at me and apologizes for laughing and says "sorry but that is soooo cute!".  Im giggling the whole time its happening because it is sooooo funny.  But at the same time trying to keep and "sensitive face" for Aspen's sake as i dont want her to think Im laughing at her. 

Oh the joys of parenting......and I'm loving every second of it!!!

Love my little girl!

NL xoxo

A Little Creativity!

My daughters 2nd Birthday was back a few weeks ago and I always like to do things as beautiful and creative as I can. The theme for her birthday was Hello Kitty.  Once i sent out the invitations and got some decorations, she quickly took a HUGE liking from Hello Kitty to Tinkerbell!!  But i couldnt change things now. 
When I do decorate for her birthday or any occasion, I decorate with "balance".....i dont decorate EVERYTHING in "the" theme.  That would be overkill. One thing i did this year was make her birthday hat.  Why not spice up those boring hats and put a little more pizzaz into it.  Now i kept it plain and did not add the theme to it.  But it did turn out fantastic!

Next time I will make the number "2" a little more fancy.  This will be a birthday tradition.

NL xoxo

Getting Healthy and Wealthy - the BODY BY VI Way!

Its funny how people will be quick to put things down.....without giving it a shot or listening or even doing a little research on something that is said.  You need to keep an OPEN MIND and  listen....then decide after you've processed it.

www.90dayswithnina.com

So i've started the BODY BY VI and became a promoter back in the beginning of the year.  I listened, processed it and from having a Nutritional background, and being in the fitness industry for over 10 years now, this was something that made total sense and there was NO if's, and's or but's about it!  I'M IN!   So i became a promoter of the BODY BY VI! 
Some around me would say its not a good thing to get into.....HOW?!!  How could this be so bad? 
I drink the shakes (like i did with other shakes over the past 10 years!!), and I'm making an income off it (who could use extra cash!).  And others would say, "its a scam!"  Really?!!....
So I guess thats why i didnt hit the rank of having a BLACK BMW paid for monthly???  (saying this sarcasticly)......Well, I did it!....told you so!

People will look at it and say "oh shakes arent good for you especailly if you are replacing it for a meal"  REALLY!?!  So through all my years of competing in shows, "those" shakes were not good cause they were bad for me.  WOW.  didnt realize that! (yes this is sacrastic).
Now the difference between shakes i've taken over the years and the BODY BY VI shakes, is that the BODY BY VI shakes are PACKED with nutrients/vitamins.  For me, I take the shakes before my hockey games and my runs as it gives me the best energy for them.  The other shakes dont get me through a full game of hockey.....and I skate HARD and give 110% when on the ice!!
When I did the TORONTO PRO SHOW I had incorporated the shakes and lost the weight I needed.

What most people dont understand is that your body needs protein!  Majority of people DO NOT get in enough protein.  This is something that I have learned from years of competing and dealing with clients.  When I see what people eat its mostly ALL carbs!!!  Wheres the protein??  How are you suppose to gain a bit of muscle so that your body can then burn more fat?!  Exercise alone will not build the muscle.  If you spend time in the gym HOPING to tone the body (which means putting on a bit of muscle - as muscle give the body its shape), and you are NOT eating right and NOT getting in the proteins, then you are wasting your time.  And this is where I see a lot of people who will say "oh the gym doesnt work!" OR "I had a personal trainer and got no where" (although this last one can also be the trainer as a lot of the trainers out there have no clue how to train people and give them results).....well, its because most people will not change their bad eating habits and add in more protein.
Now, another bonus for having shakes.....they are fast and easy!  We all need that quick bite to eat!!  And you NEED to fuel your body!
DID YOU KNOW THAT WHEN YOU DONT EAT FOR HOURS, YOU ARE STARVING YOUR BODY......THE END RESULT OF THIS IS THAT YOUR BODY WILL STORE EVEN MORE FAT!!!
Now, you WILL hear people say "when i starve myself I lose weight"......well YES you will lose weight.  The numbers on the scale will go down.  BUT did you know that you are actually losing muscle, and storing FAT!  THEN when you go back and eat food again you GAIN EVERYTHING PLUS MORE back!!!
This is why we all need to fuel our bodies!!!  Get the right foods and nutrients in! 

So WHY  are so many not interested in the BODY BY VI??....FEAR and CHANGE!!!  Fear they will fail!  Fear they will NOT make money!  Fear they will NOT lose weight!  And Change......losing the weight, look great and making money!  Most people just follow the crowd....doing the same things day in and day out!  More to life people.....FEELING GREAT, HEALTHY AND MAKING EXTRA MONEY!

So for those who are against losing weight, maintaining weight, keeping healthy or having good energy for the day or a sport, then you should not be taking shakes!
And for those who DONT want extra money, or get their shakes for free each month LIKE I DO EACH MONTH, and help others start and stay on a healthy eating regiment and lose weight,  then dont become a promoter!

But for me, I am promoting again as the summer I slowed down.  But my schedules are all organized and ready for the fall, so I will be promoting more......stay tuned as i climb the ranks by helping so many lose weight, become healthy and earn some extra cash as well.

For more info go to my site www.90dayswithnina.com -- become healthy and earn some good money on the side. (or as a full time job) ;)

NL xoxo

Run for the Cure...Who's in?!

Oct 2 the Run For The Cure will be taking place in various locations.  We will be doing the one in Oshawa that starts at Lakeview park.  Our Team Name is registered and anyone wanting to join the team,  can register at www.runforthecure.com. You will find our team under this name "Team Fitness-fox.com"
Register before Thursday and I will pick up all the t-shirts for everyone.

Now lets go run/walk for a good cause! Who's with us???!!

For more information on the Run/Walk, visit the website.... www.runforthecure.com

NL xoxo

EXTREMELY PROUD AND GREATFUL!

What a weekend! I am extremely proud and greatful of many things!
Friday I had to head to Hamilton, leave my family behind, while I go work Friday evening doing tans for the competition, wake up early Saturday morning to do Makeup and Hair, and also bunk with my Luchka Athletes to make sure they are good to go for the show on Saturday.

All my tanning, makeup and hair clients were fantastic! TANS were PERFECT! MAKEUP PERFECT! And HAIR in the right place. I am greatful that I have the chance to work with all my clients, as its my job to beautify them for stage. Otherwise they wouldn't be able to step on stage without these three final elements!

SO a HUGE SHOUT OUT TO ALL ......

LUCHKA ATHLETES
Tanya W - 3rd Figure
MJ C - 2nd Bikini

NINA LUCHKA'S STAGE PREP CLIENTS
Melanie G - 1st Figure (open and Masters!)
Jennifer T - 3rd Bikini
Steph M - 3rd Figure
Fiona H - 1st Fitness
And congrats to everyone else!!!

And finally my very PROUD moment is my husband who takes such great care of our little girl! No problems or worries whenever I have to leave to work a show. He even gets Aspen ready and comes to the shows to support the Luchka Athletes! And to top it all off, Aspen was such a good girl. It was a long car ride there and back, and a long day.....but it was sooooo nice to have them at the show! Almost 24 hrs away from them both is 24 hrs too long! ;) So I left for home before the show was finished as my little girl was just exhausted, and i had Vince stay back and have fun getting a bite to eat with the Athletes!.....he deserves some enjoyment too!;)

PS.....Happy Birthday Marc! Hope your wifes 3rd place finish was a GREAT present for you!!! ;)

LUCHKA ATHLETES will now be heading to NATURAL NATIONALS in 2012......what a great year 2012 will be!!!!

NL xoxo

Colds and Salt Candles

So my little one has a stuffed up nose!  No coughing, no constant sneezing, jsut a stuffy nose that sometimes runs.  Its that season....but I think she got it from the little boy who was over for her birthday!  He had a terrible running nose....poor little thing.  Anyways, because she jsut started with the stuffed nose, out come all the salt candle holders!!  I usually have a couple candles burning and one will be in a salt candle most days during the week.  I LOVE my candles!  But when the "stuffed nose" season comes, I start burning all my candles!  I wil place them all over the room and be sure to have them burning in the bedroom while aspen sleeps.  (no worries, i have them in a very safe spot and they cant tip over).

But, did you know the BENEFITS of salt candles?  They provide relief from hay fever, asthma and allergy relief, improvement with sinus related illnesses, migraines and reduce susceptibility to colds and flu!  Since I started burning all the salt candles, her nose is not as stuffed anymore. 

Now if you dont know too much about Himalayan Salt Candles, you should read more about them.  Even Himalayan salt!  I have been using this salt for years now.  I do not use regular salt in my house!  Even bath salts!   Regular salt is processed and is very toxic to the body.  So go buy some Himalayan salt from your local health food store.  Those who are salt lovers, you wont even notice the difference in taste.....but you will feel a heck of a lot better using this salt.

Himalayan Salt

Himalayan Salt Candles

So go out and buy a few of the salt candles and have them burning during the allergy season and colds and flu season.

Enjoy!

NL xoxo

Just ask "HOW", And Maybe You'll Get Somewhere.

I'm an observer.....some people may think that I'm snotty or "bitchy" as I do keep quiet and to myself most times.....until you get to know me! ;)  Then I can be loud and LOVE to joke around!!!  Its all about having fun!  But I observe a lot.  And jsut recently I see quite a few people that are FAKE!  Now they THINK they are nice and THINK they can hide that they really dont like you.  lol.  Yes I know, how in the world can someone NOT like me!!  lol  Well, it happens.  But seriously, i have often wondered and asked (qualified people ;)) "why dont some (certain) people like me"?  You may find this with yourself as well......as most of us do.  INSECURITY and/or JEALOUSY!  Thats what it comes down to.

Now people who suffer from insecurities and jealous tendencies jsut cant stand to be around people who achieve goals in life, work hard, make good money, have nice things, take care of themselves, eat healthy, have a great spouse, etc, whatever it may be.  They will put on this fake front, and say hi in a higher pitch (lol....SOOOOO obvious!), or maybe its the big smile that turns into the straight face stare at the end!  lol  Gotta love that one!  Or the ones who pretend to be soooo interested in how work is going or what you are into.....ya, nice try!  lol  For those who are fake.....WE CAN SEE IT!  Lol!!!

I just dont get it!  Why would people be jealous of any of those things.  Me, I dont get jealous but I envy them!....and then I will ask them how!  Seriously!  I have asked many people "how" they have achieved certain things (whatever it is).  This is how you will learn instead of staying in the same old spot you are stuck in.  This is why I'm a huge observer.  I LOVE to learn HOW!  And then ask!  This is how I have gotten to where I am in life. 

And for those who have people around them (family, friends, coworkers) that suffer from insecurities and jealous tendencies, DONT let them bring you down or change your ways!  They dont like that you like to dress up....too bad!  They dont like that you have a great spouse.....too bad!  They dont like how successful you are.......too bad!  Definitely dont need those type of "negative" people around.

Surround yourself with people that have positive and outgoing personalities!  Remember, "you are the company you keep".

Now go be a strong individual and dont look for the "ok" from others.  Do things the average person does not do!  Dont follow the crowd!  Create YOUR OWN unique life......so much more satisfying!

I must say, I LOVE my life!  I LOVE my family! I LOVE my business!  I LOVE my friends!  And all cause I LOVE to do what most will not do.......think outside the box and be an individual......be GREAT!

NL xoxo

My Accupuncturist is Brilliant!

I have to say, my Accupuncturist, Tony Chuvalo, is brilliant.  Every appointment I go to, he amazes me.  The words that come out of his mouth....honestly brilliant!  Yes I go for accupuncture, but I can honestly say its the talks, and "insight on life situations" that i soooo look forward to.  We discussed a situation the other day at the beginning of the appt....A type of situation that i deal with, with my clients.....when Tony told me the reasoning behind why we were doing things a little different this session, it was DEFINITELY an "AH HA" moment!!!  INCREDIBLE!!  I wish I could explain it but, lol, i honestly can't.
 
I have been going to Tony for over 2 years now!  He actually helped me with my "getting prego".  Vince and I had been trying for awhile so I was to referred to Tony by a friend.  With checking my pulse and my tongue, the placing of needles in specific spots and taking Tradional Chinese Medicine, which he also practises, Tony knew EXACTLY what my body needed and I was prego with in a month and a half! 

I have continued with my appointments since.  I feel great when I am internally balanced.

Check out his site and read his TESTIMONIALS!!!!  www.Chuvalo.com

I highly recommend him to everyone!!! 

NL xoxo

Gotta LOVE The Small Town!

For those who never grew up in a small town....I feel sad for you!  lol  No seriously though.  It is such a great feeling that I have everytime I go into town of my hometown Port Perry.  I have lived in Port Perry my whole life!  Aspen was born in Port Perry!  And I even want her to go to school in Port Perry. 

Growing up in Port was fantastic!  Many out of towners would say "whats there to do in Port?".  We have no movie theatres or malls to hang out at like kids in the city would do.  But man, i had the BEST times growing up!!!  There was soooo much to do!  Horseback riding, dirt biking, building forts in your neighbors barn (out of straw), go for boat rides, fishing, snowmobling, etc etc.

Well today, we went to the Port Perry Fair and again, such a GREAT FEELING!  Its exactly like that movie "Sweet Home Alabama".  You bump into old school friends and acquaintances, your local doctors, old school teachers (not that THEY are old! lol), and old neightbors.....it is truly fanastic.  I LOVED EVERY SINGLE SEC OF IT!  Chatting to everyone!  Its a feeling like no other!  FEELS LIKE HOME!!  Warm.... comfort......friendly.....

Even tho I now live outside of Port, and I do love our property we live on, we will one day move back to my hometown. Its nice that Vince has fell in love with Port as well and wants to move back too.  But for now, we visit Port Perry often and when anyone asks me where Im from, I always answer "Port Perry".

What small town did you grow up in??

NL xoxo

My First Race.....Awesome!!!!!

Last weekend I had my FIRST Race experience!  I've been wanting to start running for quite some time now.....more then 4 years!  I know, a looooong time!  And I must say that I am sooo proud of myself for FINALLY doing the race!  What an experience!  Here's how my story goes.....

My client and now good friend, MJ, kept pushing me this past year to do a race.  She is a Runner herself, for years.  Her parents are both IRONMANS!!  Awesome!!!  I've ALWAYS wanted to do an IRONMAN since the day I saw it on TV.  My dad was watching the IRONMAN race in Kona, Hawaii.  He called me in the room to watch with him.  He explained what the race was all about.....I WAS AMAZED and I WANTED to do an IRONMAN!!!  Now, this was back when I was in grade 8!!!  Yes, just a few years ago!  lol  Seriously, it was about 24 years ago!!!!!  But I was HOOKED.  I LOVED how difficult this sport was.

Anyways, the race I chose to do as my first experience was The Chocolate Race!  Yes, chocolate!  Mmmmmmm.....  At each station they have water and CHOCOLATE!  Lol  This, to me, sounded fun. 

We all drove up on race day, Vince, Aspen, MJ, and myself, and MJ and I got signed in by 8:15am.  She showed me how to do everything.....

My race number!!  MJ put it on me! lol

MJ tieing my shoelace! lol

 She made things A LOT easier for me as I knew nothing about race day!  I must say that I thought it wouls be like any other "cardio run" I did in the past getting ready for shows....but NOPE!  lol  It was TOUGH!  I started out way too fast and got winded pretty quick....and it was a gradual uphill....and into a steep, short uphill turn.  WOW!  But at least I did the race and finished it!

I am so proud of myself for doing the race, even though i was not ready for it.....I knew i could finish it but my "cardio" is definitely not up to par!

I will race again!  My next race, I am putting together a team for the RUN FOR THE CURE 1km walk/5km run in Oshawa!  Anyone wanting to be on my team, give me a shout! nvluchka@msn.com

MJ and I all suited up with our arm bands before the race!  The arms bands were part of our kit! 

Aspen sporting my headband!  Says "RunGirlRun" lol

Aspen had a good time too!

MJ giving Aspen a big kiss!  Luckly there was a playground at the start/finish line!

Aspen giving MJ a pep talk before the race!

Aspen having fun on the swing before I left

MJ and I coming into the finishline!  I HAD to put a smile on my face as there were lots of people around!  lol

Aspen wearing my medal!  I so proud of it!  Geeky I am! lol

MJ sporting the chocolate dipped marshmellow and strawberry on a stick.  LOVE this pic!

MJ pretending to eat the the choclate and Im about to yell at her if she does! 
She has a competition coming up so she can't eat the chocolate! lol

Me telling Vince what the race was like. 

Family photo!!  lol

What a great experience!  Even tho I felt like I was going to have a heartattack, I kept going and finished!  So proud!!!!

Let me know who wants to join my team for the next race Oct 2!!!  I will be emailing everyone tips on prepping for the race so that we are all ready to go for the 1km walk or 5km run!  Its stroller friendly too, so all you moms out there (and dads), come and enjoy a little exercise!....my husband is doing it too!!  And of course Aspen!

NL xoxo

BeautyBit #4

I found my favorite soap once again!! Palmer's Complexion Soap.   Shoppers didnt carry it for the longest time, but this time I found it in Walmart!  FANTASTIC!!

When I used this soap in the past, it evened out my skin on my face soooo good and it also clears up my skin very well.  I have the usual combination skin type.....oily T-zone.....little acne breakouts here and there, nothing major but it bothers me to have a pimple or two!  Especially at my age.   But with this soap my skin starts looking great after the first week I use it!!

I would recommend this soap to EVERYONE!!!   Enjoy!

What soap do YOU use and LOVE?

NL xoxo

Mmmmm...a little comfort to start the day!

I LOVE waking up in the early mornings, even on weekends, sit outside on the deck and enjoy my "hot chocolate".  You know how hot chocolate gives you that WARM, COMFORT feeling....like in the winter when you are bundled up in comfy clothes and a blanket!  Well this is what I do every morning before everyone wakes up....now some mornings can be chilly.  I have my pj's on and grab a sweater, go make my "hot chocolate", grab my laptop and a book, and sit outside on the deck!  Its so peaceful in the mornings with the birds chirping.....this is when i have a clear mind and I have my good ideas.  Im a thinker....I am constantly thinking of buisness stuff........and I LOVE to learn!
So you must be reading this so far thinking....."she's drinking hot chocolate?!!  This person who is into fitness and talks about eating healthy, is drinking hot chocolate everyday?!!".  lol  NOPE!  I am drinking a PROTEIN SHAKE HOT CHOCOLATE.  It's the easiest thing to do!  Now not every Protein powder is going to taste the same.  So sometimes you need to try a few different ones until you find the one that you really enjoy!!

Now you can have the comfort of a hot beverage and its not going to put the pounds on and have the added calories like a hot chocolate would!

Nina's Healthy Hot Chocolate
one scoop Chocolate protein powder 
1/4 cup cold water
hot water
splenda - optional

In a shaker cup put in one scoop protein powder.  Add the cold or room temperature water and shake well.  You should jsut have enough water in order for the powder to mix well, so you have no chunks.  Once you have shaken the powder up VERY well, about 30 sec, poor into your favorite mug.  Add in hot water until mug if full.  And there you go.....easy as that!  You can add in splenda or two, for those who have a sweet tooth!!

The protein powder I use right now is Myofusion, Milk Chocolate,  by Gaspari Nutrition.  Sold in GNC stores.

SO go grab your favorite mug and enjoy your hot chocolate protein shake!

NL xoxo

Get Those Legs In Shape!

I see it and hear it all the time from clients and any woman talking about her legs....."I jsut cant seem to get these legs in shape."  Legs are the hardest bodypart to get into shape for most women.  And its the bodypart that most women DO NOT train hard enough! 
With over a decade of training women and pushing them through a leg workout, most women stop during an exercise because, and I quote, "it hurts!"  Now it doesnt HURT when you do the exercise, its the BURN that happens because of lactic acid build up and because legs are a big muscle group, this is why you feel such an uncomfortable burn like no other.  But its when you get to this point that you NEED to keep going.  You NEED to keep going to see results. 
And not only will exercises help build your legs but cardio exercises such as running, will help you create strong muscles and toned legs. 
Legs are where most women will carry a lot of their weight....all I can say is GET MOVIN!!
You carry cellulite on your legs....GET MOVIN!  You have unwanted fat on your legs.....GET
 MOVIN!  Want tight toned legs.....GET MOVIN

My problem area are my legs as well....and people will always think that my legs are in such great shape cause they see my upper body!  But thats not the case.  My upper body is in great shape yes, and thats from always being on the go around the house.....I am constantly doing physical labour, so a lot of lifting.  But I never get in anything for my legs, so they suffer.

Here is photo of me before I did the Toronto Pro Show back in June.  The before pic is taken 7 weeks prior.  You can see how my hips (the saddlebag area) carry a lot of the weight.

Is this embarrassing for me....lol....YES!  But it shows I am a real person. 
Here in the before pic I felt aweful!....Unattractive!.....Down in the dumps!  I cut my hair off which I thought was a good idea at the time, but it wasnt!  lol  This also helped with the aweful feeling i had of myself.  lol.  It jsut wasnt me!  So I did something about it... I did the show for some motivation and push!  Took Me 7 weeks to lose the weight and get my body back!  And the solution for getting the legs down....CARDIO.....EXERCISE THE LEGS......and of course I ate well!

So I dont want to hear any excuses!  GET MOVIN!  Move those legs and work them out!  Doesnt have to be heavy weights at all.....high reps, conditioning, explosive movements, agility....this will all help!  This is how I train my clients and how I run my BOOTCAMPS!

I will be posting more leg shaping moves along with video, very soon! 

NL xoxo