Sunday, September 23, 2012

This week's class is a benefit!

Every week in class we set an intention, we ask for what we want and we build the strength to go for it.  This week our intention is to honor a young man whose strength and spirit is inspiring!!  His name is Noah and at age five, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. 

This life altering diagnosis has drastically changed Noah's life and the lives of his family, but according to his mom, it has not changed Noah's positive attitude, ""..Our day-to-day life has been so greatly altered in the last eighteen months and we have experienced many milestones. We must constantly monitor his blood glucose level as there can be grave complications if it is out of the target range. Noah, for his part, is handling this new normal with amazing resilience. He was still in the ICU after diagnosis when he decided he was going to do his own fingerpokes. We transitioned to the insulin pump last summer and it has allowed us to achieve much tighter control of his blood glucose. Noah just finished kindergarten and had an extremely happy, sucessful year. For the most part, Noah takes it all in stride and often has everyone around him laughing. He amazes those close to him with his positive, "can-do" attitude. When I look at him, my heart swells with pride and love. I feel so blessed to have such a strong, bright little boy call me Mommy."

Pretty great right?  I heard about Noah from his aunt Sarah, who also teaches intenSati.  She is helping Noah and his family raise money to purchase a life saving, but very expensive D.A.D., Diabetic Alert Dog, so that he and his family may have a little peace and security.  Sarah is teaching a benefit class in New Jersey this weekend.  I immediately thought a class like ours, that focuses on family should step up and help too! 

SO, this week ALL of the net proceeds from class will go to Noah's D.A.D. fund!  Because we want to raise as much money as possible for Noah, no special offers or passes** will be honored...you can use them next week.  Makes sense right?  We WANT him to get his D.A.D.!!  This is a Mommy Talk week so class is $20, but guess what we're talking about?  DESSERT!!!!  Mercedes Vargas, one of the pastry chefs at the Ritz-Carlton, Central Park, mom of two girls and locavore (eats locally grown food) will be treating us to with cake make with olive oil and greek yogurt and brownies made with zucchini!  She'll help us find ways to incorporate healthier ingredients in our recipes. Let us eat cake!

**if you've purchased a multiple class pack, you're all set, you don't need to pay extra...unless you want to give more to Noah :)

I hope you'll join me this Wednesday morning at 9:30 for class followed by dessert at 10:30!!  Please tell your friends to join us too.....Noah needs our help! 

Let me know ASAP if you need childcare so we have enough sitters!!

With love and gratitude,
Jolynn

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Fall fashion & fun!!!

So here I am at almost 22 weeks and I think I finally look pretty preggers!!
Keep in mind, this was BEFORE I had the Ben & Jerry's :)  Rob and I just spent a lovely weekend in Stowe, Vermont...it was our First Anniversary celebration!!!  I can't believe it's been a year~and what a year it's been!

While we were away, we felt the baby kick for the FIRST time and it was nothing short of amazing!!!  I mean to think that something the size of a carrot has that much power!  I can confirm she will either be a Rockette or he will be a field goal kicker for the Giants...nope, we don't know and I don't know if we'll find out.  EVERYONE has their opinion on whether or not we should, but we're happily not taking anyone's advice.  Not even yours eager Grandma, sorry :)  Who knew my VERY traditional mom would be dying to know, and I quote, "what kind of baby I'm having"...as in her, not me...because this is what happens when your mom waits 40+ years to be a grandma...it becomes HER baby :)  And Grandpa Baca has declared this his most stressful pregnancy to date!  Keep in mind he's a father of three, but being a grandfather of one to his Advanced Maternal Age daughter is VERY stressful for him.  Funny, it's been pretty darn enjoyable and non-stressful for me :)

Look, I even hiked up a mountain this weekend...



Begin at Smuggler's Notch and hike a 1.1 mile trail climbing up 1000+ ft in elevation, and you will be rewarded with Sterling "Pond".

We had a FANTASTIC weekend full of activity and it wasn't even ski season!!!  I HIGHLY recommend Stowe, Vermont as a relaxing destination and the Stowe Mountain Lodge as a place to stay.  They took EXTRA special care of us because it was our Anniversary and can I just tell you...the spa treatments were AMAZING....the facial has really helped my baby acne :) Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for finding these amazing spots and letting us carbon copy your trip!!

So, remember my last preggers post I talked about the lack of maternity fashion?  It is NOT just my imagination, there really is NO resource for this!!  I even consulted with experts...

 
That's my friend Vinnie and me with fashion expert Stacy London from TLC's "What Not to Wear"!  We met her at this year's Fashion's Night Out and I asked her about maternity fashion.  First, it must be said that she gave my cropped leggings and crocheted dress a thumb's up...yippee!  Ok, so Stacy (we're best buds on a first name basis now) said I was right!!  There IS no place to go for advice so she gave me some of her own, which I will happily share with you!
 
1-Jersey is our friend, it will show off our bumps yet hug and hang in the right spots.
 
2-Dresses are easier than pants.
 
3-Wear open closure jackets (in other words DON'T button a blazer).  We want to still show shape in our upper body as our lower body begins to expand.
 
4-For petite pregnant peeps, keep your hemlines no longer than knee length...longer lengths will cut us off and make us look shorter and wider.
 
5-In the early months of pregnany, continue to wear regular clothes...maybe just go up in size.  Many styles still work!
 
She really is THAT good...this delicious advice was given in under three minutes!!  I can't wait to check out her new book "The Truth About Style" when it hits shelves on October 2! No, I'm not getting paid to advertise, I just like her!
 
Armed with Stacy's fashion tips, we headed out on our vacation and because I don't get to dress in "regular" clothes that often, I thought I'd use the weekend as an opportunity to try out some maternity fashions!

OK, so these are maternity skinny jeans BUT the sweater is not! This is my fall look :)
sweater is Kirna Zabete for Target, jeans are Citizens of Humanity BUT purchased at the fab Charlotte, NC maternity consignment shop, Womb and boots are my faux Frye's also from Target and have lasted several seasons!

Again, not YET maternity, but a great empire waist, knee length hem dress by Susana Monaco that I got several years ago and still looks great! Notice, mama can still rock the high heels as long as we're just going from car to Anniversary dinner :)

This was my comfy road trip wear...back with the maternity skinnies cuz they don't have a waistband or button to bother my belly in the car!  The top IS maternity from Michael Stars Maternity again purchased at the fab Womb consignment. I'll admit neither my bust line nor my belly quite fills it out....yet!

Here we go with the open closure jacket!! Nothing is maternity...in fact, the top is a dress
from Everly that I tucked into my new Kirna Zabete for Target faux leather pants!  They stretch like leggings and fit under my baby bump so they're comfy!  Notice...open closure vest?!?!  This was a Christmas present from my fashionable hubby (who pays attention when I say "oh that's cute")...it's faux fur from Rachel Zoe.  I die!!
 
So that was my weekend in a fashion nutshell.  It was so much fun dressing up and trying new things, now it's back to...
But that's ok, I'm having fun displaying my baby bump in my workout wear too!!!
 
I am finding my own way in this new body and LOVING it!!   I am also enjoying taking a daily nap, I like guessing what we're having, it's fun to read about all of the incredible things going on in my body and with our baby, and I relish the fact that if I need a snack before teaching class I have it cuz no one can tell if I'm bloated or just pregnant :) Case in point....
 
Last week I saw someone I used to train for the first time in months...she asked me how married life was treating me and I rubbed my belly and said, "pretty great".  She replied quite seriously, "Woah!  Who's cooking, him or you?"  She was pretty embarrassed when I said, "No, I'm pregnant,"  and I'll admit it, I kind of enjoyed that! 
 
I said it before and I'll say it again, this is AMAZING!!!! 
 
Here's one last pic, it's the 5 month bump shot (taken two weeks ago):
I'm not gonna lie...in the past few days this baby has POPPED!  I can't wait for next month's pic! 
 
Whadya think of my fashion finds?  Have some of your own?  Comment below, I'd love to hear!
 



Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Body Local Deal for September!

Hi Body Local Community,

I'm so excited to offer you a special deal for my Fun Fitness for Mommies class!!

Join us for four, one hour intenSati workouts on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 at Ripley Grier 72 Studios, 131 West 72nd St.

What is intenSati? An empowering and powerful workout that combines interval training, martial arts, dance & yoga with positive affirmations. This innovative workout srengthens your body, mind and spirit. Effective and safe for ALL fitness levels.

The goal of intenSati is to help you live a life you love in a body you LOVE!!! At Fun Fitness for Mommies we are building a community of expectant, hopeful and current moms. Once a month, after class, we offer a "Mommy Talk" on topics relevant to motherhood including acupuncture for fertility, prenatal massage, healthy nutrition and so much more!

Need a sitter? We've got on-site childcare from the professionals at Lucky Lil' Darlings available for a small additional fee and a 24-hour advance reservation. (Based on sitter availability.)

Come burn up to 800 calories in one class, HAVE FUN, and FEEL GREAT!

Grab this $40 four-pack deal for the Body Local community by clicking on the PayPal "Buy Now" button below and email me at funfitnessformommies@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

**four classes must be redeemed within six week period of first class taken
**classes purchased through Body Local expire on 11/30/12
**additional fees for childcare

I'll see you in class!

Friday, August 31, 2012

Fall Kick Off Class!!!

Enjoy this last lazy weekend of summer everyone.....I plan to do just that!  Cuz come Wednesday morning, we are BACK on our fall fitness track!!

I am so pleased to announce that the generous people from body & eden tonics and elixers will be joining us after class with some DELICIOUS samples of their super yummy & healthy products. 

Here's a little bit about this great company:
"Bodies are smart. They know when to eat, sleep, what to do if we are sick, and how to stay healthy. So, how do we nourish and support these systems that keep us healthy and vibrant?

Body & Eden offers seasonal fruit and vegetable superfood tonics and herbal elixirs that densely pack nutrients, vitamins, and herbs needed to support and stabilize the body so that it can do what it does best, better."


 
 
Come get your intenSati workout chock FULL of inspiration and replenish your body with some super powered drinks!! 
 
You know how I love a DEAL, so be sure to REPLY in the comments below that you're coming and mention BODY & EDEN for $5 off class!!!!  That's right....MENTION body & eden in your reply (we want to have enough deliciousness to go around) and you get class for only $10!!!
 
If that weren't enough, I've got GIVEAWAYS!!!
*one lucky winner will receive a newborn package~Gerber Nuk orthodontic BPA free bottle + Cotton People organic toy
*all students receive $20 off your first one-hour massage with Anne Heckheimer
*all students receive voucher for FREE 3x3 accordian book + special "intenSati for Mommies" rate when you book your newborn or maternity photo session with Teri Fiske
 
What?!  All of that for $10 when I reply?  YES!!! It's almost like you're getting paid to take class...you're welcome!  :)

Can't wait to see you Wednesday morning....all you moms and lovers of intenSati! 
 
REMEMBER, you don't HAVE to be a mom to come and love this class!!!
xo,
Jolynn
 
 

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Does this (baby) make me look hippy? :)

Actually YES!  And that's beautiful!!
 
OK, I promised blogs on my pregnancy progress and here we go!  You should know, that I have Rob's blessing to share this amazing journey with all of you, but there will be no sonogram pics...just belly :)
 
If you knew me as a teenager, you heard me ask every time I put something on I'd ask, "Does this make me look hippy?"  It was such a common phrase for me, that when I bought my first car, my family teased me that they were surprised I didn't ask if my car made me look hippy when I sat in it!
 
Over the years, I have made a living using my body (to dance and teach fitness) and work hard everyday to keep it in great condition.  I exercise everyday and eat really well.  It's a lifestyle and having a strong, healthy body makes me feel fantastic!  I still have curves..in fact the ONLY boyfriend jeans that have ever fit right are the ones J Lo, Queen of the booty, produces...thank you girl!  I knew being pregnant would be an adjustment, but I didn't KNOW.
 
The moment I found out we were expecting, people said it would be hard for me to adjust to my changing body.  I had been told that at first you just feel fat, not pregnant.  I WANTED to be pregnant, I marveled at the idea that my body could create and sustain a little life inside, I loved the idea of being a cute pregnant woman, I understood that gaining weight was a great thing in this case and that FINALLY I would be able to eat loads of ice cream :)
 
Here's the thing, knowing and ACCEPTING are two entirely different things.  For years I have been in control of my body, ME!  Now, I have no control over how it's growing and expanding.....and it doesn't happen in the usual, "I've eaten three slices of pizza and I feel bloated way."  My body is changing to make it easier for me to give birth, for my baby to live comfortably inside my belly and I have started with a body that weighs around 100lbs and stands only 4' 11.5" tall...there's NOT a lot of room in there for my little peanut!  So of course things have to move, starting with guess what?  My hips!!  Yup!  All my years of joking that I had child bearing hips and turns out I had no idea. 
 
What I found incredibly frustrating, was that although the scale wasn't moving very much, my clothes were NOT fitting right.  Well of course not!  I'm pregnant, and those white fitted jeans I love to wear so much in the summer are fitted....not fitted with room for three months of baby. 
 
Let me stop here and say I am LOVING being pregnant!  There have been no crazy cravings, I have been blessed with no morning sickness, I am still eating incredibly healthy items because I understand that I am feeding my baby with every bite, yes I am still exercising because it's good for both of us, and every night I read to Rob from a book that tells us what's happening today with the baby and me and then I rub my belly and talk to the baby.  We are creating a miracle and I couldn't be happier!  As soon as this baby acne subsides I'm sure you'll be able to see my pregnancy glow :)  This bog entry is simply to acknowledge a big realization I had, that I'm sure other expectant mothers face...which is why I'm sharing. 
 
So, back to the day of the white jeans.....here was where the shift happened.  Trying on maternity pants....that changed everything....just ask Rob how happy those $17 on sale at Target, Liz Lange maternity pants made everyone :)  All of a sudden, I didn't look like a sausage trying to squeeze into my snug summer pants, I felt good and confident, like the cute pregnant woman I imagined.  Who knew that elastic waist bands could be so comfortable?  I had literally outgrown myself and the moment I stopped trying to fit into that old skin and accepted the new, I felt liberated...giddy really.  I bought two pairs of pants!! 
 
Now we've created a bit of a monster....I've been exposed to a whole new world of retail!  There are TONS of cute maternity clothes out there!  I am having so much fun outfitting my new body...my favorite items are the ones that hug my belly so you can tell I've got a little baby in there...I am now 4.5 months or 18 weeks pregnant and I still have to tell people I'm expecting :)  Let me show you...
 
12 weeks                                                                      16 weeks
 
 
No 18 weeks pic yet....my photographer, daddy, is still sleeping.

This is the most AMAZING thing I have ever done!  Some days I cannot believe how lucky we are and that there is a little life growing inside of me...now the size of a bell pepper.  I have incredible amounts of energy right now, I also have incredible amounts of hormones flowing through me, so everyday is an adventure...probably why daddy's still sleeping. :)  He's the one, who held me when I had a crying fit about "What am I doing with my life and why am I suddenly so crazy?" and calmly said "Honey, you're pregnant, I think you're a little emotional right now."  Or when I stood in front of the mirror and screamed, "The baby doesn't live in my hips and ass, why don't my pants fit?" he replied, "Babe you're pregnant, that's supposed to happen."  That was the day he took me maternity clothes shopping :) 

THIS IS AMAZING and I am loving every minute of it in my elastic band pants! (Which I just discovered are intended to be ankle length pants, but not on this gal...perfect floor length and no hemming required!) I have released my old skin and am embracing the new!!

Recently my sister took me to a GREAT maternity consignment shop in Charlotte, NC called Womb
We had so much fun trying on all kinds of things...including a baby bump!


Moms-to-be, embrace the belly band (lets you wear your current pants longer, unbuttoned!), try the elastic waist...you'll like it, just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't look good, rouching on a top is our friend and quite flattering. This is NOT shallow, this is human nature. When we look good, we feel good.  And you know what?  Shame on the fashion world for ignoring us!  Right now everyone has their thick fall fashion issues on the stands, but there is not one magazine or website that shows us expectant moms how to make the most of OUR curves!  Yes, I get this is not the most important part of pregnancy....my primary job is to care for my baby.  I AM!  But I can look good while I'm doing it can't I?


Sunday, August 5, 2012

It's National Friendship Day!!! Bring a friend for FREE!

I LOVE that's theres a day celebrating friendship!!!  I just spent a weekend away with some of my oldest and dearest friends and there is NOTHING like great friends.  So we're celebrating!!!

This Wednesday morning when you come with a friend to class, you only pay for one person!  That's right....$20 for two peeps to share the intenSati experience!  What could be better than giving your friend the gift of good health and inspiration??

**this will be our last class in August....we'll take a two week summer break and return on Wednesday, September 5

Check out this pic to see my AMAZING friends giving my growing baby some love :)  I wish they could be with us on Wednesday!!!  How about you bring your friends so I won't miss mine?!?!?!

xo,
J

photo by Lynn Scott

Friday, July 20, 2012

Choose Love!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so honored to be a guest blogger today on The Whirling Blog....one of my daily sources of inspiration!!

Ever wonder how I came up with the idea for intenSati for Mommies?  Do YOU ever feel scared about taking a chance?  Does the idea of motherhood bring up fears?  Click below and read on............


                                   My guest post on The Whirling Blog



I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment in the box underneath this post. :)
xo,
Jolynn