Fitbloggin highlights, Pt. 1 #Fitbloggin15 #Denver

Yep, EVERY MORNING.

Still recovering...so many hugs...so...much...bacon...

Let's start with the "just for fun" stuff.

1. Getting to see and hug all my Fitbloggin friends! To name a few:

Thea (It's Me VS Me)

ALAN! (Sweating Until Happy-his photo)

I love Robby! (Fat Girl VS World)

Terry (Terry Cabeen-his photo) the STAR of our FLASHMOB!

What's that? Oh yeah, there was a flashmob. Yes, again.

2. THE FLASH FITMOB 

This is the 3rd time the "fitmob" has hit Fitbloggin. I still cannot believe any of these people agree to participate. For every "yes" there are at least 2 "nos", so it makes the effort and final product of the group that much more meaningful. They TRULY rocked it this year!

The flashmob originally started because I was nervous about attending a conference where, for the first time ever, I did not know a single soul "IRL". It's become a great way for seasoned Fitbloggers and newbies to bond long before the conference begins.

I'll try to locate some video. We were kind of amazing.

4. The Scavenger Hunt

Christine (Dubyawife) organized a crazy (seriously, KRAY-ZEE) scavenger hunt that had us invading the streets of Denver, asking cops to marry us, serenading strangers and, um, bending the law (allegedly).

Our team, "Green is the New Black", bouncing on the Jumpsport Trampolines in a most law-abiding manner. (photo by Nicole Tow, Health Nut In Training)

5. Off-Time

One of my favorite things about Fitbloggin is what happens during the off-times between and after the official sessions and festivities. 

Kelly and I spent a great afternoon enjoying lunch at ModMarket (ModMarketplace?) and enjoying some of the sights of downtown Denver, including the ballpark.

Kelly (Curvy Fit Girl)

Deb and I took a beautiful walk along the "creek", which here in California would be considered a raging river, if not a tsunami. We miss water.

Deb (Weight For Deb)

I had a wonderful talk with Susan (SusanIto.com) that was so enthralling, we forgot to take a selfie!

Christine (@Dubyawife again, always the instigator) brought CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY. 

Horrid, deplorable humans. Especially that middle one, trying to hide behind her cards. photo by Christine

6. Jen

Did I take this photo? I'm going to say I did.

Two years ago Jennifer (Perfect In Our Imperfections) and I proposed similar session topics to Fitbloggin. Roni suggested we present together. We decided we might as well room together while we were at it, and a Fitbloggin tradition was born. Jennifer is the reason I don't bite anyone's head off or throw chanclas at Fitbloggin breakfasts. You're welcome.

7. Roni (and Team Fitbloggin)

Roni, center, and just some of Team Fitbloggin.
THANK YOU! (photo by Carrie D Photography)

Roni is remarkably shy and yet still has managed to pull off this HUGE, multifaceted event year after year. Next year Fitbloggin gets passed into the hands of a new team. That means Roni may actually get in on more of the fun from now on. Which is as it should be, because Roni is the sh*t.

Okay, that's about all I can manage for now. Stay tuned for more fun, LOADS of fitness and some stuff I actually learned.

Yes, me!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama

Athleta Review & How to Find Your Fitbit! #AthletaUTC

Hello all! 

How has your weekend been? My last couple of weeks have been quite busy. I was so happy, then, when my Fitbloggin friend Melissa invited me to a special blogger event at Athleta at UTC here in San Diego. My friend Andrea and I showed up for coffee, pastries, fruit and a VERY challenging Yoga class!

In other news-I FOUND MY FITBIT! Click the video to hear all about it.

I'm serious, that yoga class was awesome but later that afternoon I fell asleep for about 2 hours!

How was your weekend? Get any fitness in? Or shopping?

If you are reading this anywhere but on www.nachomamasblog.com, then this content has been stolen. Please do not support thieving cochinos and click away!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this event by Athleta UTC, the above represents my honest opinion.

VIDEO: Fitbloggin, 300 Pounds & Running, Photo Alarm

Are you going to FITBLOGGIN?

I hope you'll be able to join us in Denver this year. The Fitbloggin community is something that has definitely made a measurable difference in my life, not only professionally, but personally as well.

Follow Martinus.

Check out FITBLOGGIN!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

2015 Goal: Beach Walking and "Earthing"

Hello there!

As I mentioned earlier, I have no resolutions, but a few goals for 2015. One of them is to TAKE A WALK ON THE BEACH at least twice a month. 

Will I be enjoying the benefits of "grounding" or "earthing" as some call it? Who knows! But I shot this video yesterday and I still feel terrific.

Here's a video by Dr. Stephen Sinatra explaining the basic principles of grounding/earthing:

Of course, I'm not a doctor-just a kooky Californian. Be sure and check with your doctor before trying any new health kookiness!

(If you're reading this anywhere but NachoMamasBlog.com then you are reading stolen content. Don't support thieving cochinos, please!)

In other news, can you believe how close the beach is to me? Crazy.

What are YOUR 2015 goals?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

HAPPY 2015! Goals and Snack Finds :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Hope 2015 is treating you well. I'm a little behind this month, I got sidelined by that awful flu that is sweeping the nation, yuck! While I was laid up, I noticed that many of my favorite bloggers and friends were posting a "Word for 2015" like: motivation, consistency, joy, etc. I thought this was a wonderful idea but felt too weak to come up with one myself, so here we are.

I also didn't get any resolutions together, for the first time in at least 10 years! Have any of the rest of you been experiencing "New Year Fatigue"? 

But I *do* have some things I'd like to do more of in 2015, just nothing I'd go as far as to classify as a resolution. I'll just call them goals. So stay tuned for those!

In the meantime, here's a couple of snack finds I'm relying on these days. I love Blue Diamond almonds and I first learned about Angie's Popcorn from Melissa of The Daily Mel last Valentine's day. Since then I always scour the "holiday" section of Target for these-thanks Melissa!

HAPPY 2015! What do YOU want to do this year?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

FINALLY! NEW Podcast! Yes, really!

FINALLY!

The question I get asked the most this time of year, "How can I stay motivated during the Holidays?"

Click the player to listen NOW.

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Subscribe to my Youtube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/NachoMamasBlog
Featuring Weight Watchers FAQ & more!

FOLLOW BOOK VS MOVIE ON BTR: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookvsmovie

Wishing you Happy Holidays with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: All opinions, content, views and ideas expressed on Nacho Mama's Podcast are strictly my own and those of my guests and are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is strongly advised that you consult professional guidance when considering anything discussed on Nacho Mama's Blog or Nacho Mama's Podcast. This podcast is not affiliated with Weight Watchers and producer is not compensated in any way. ALL PODCAST CONTENT Blogtalkradio.com/NachoMamasPodcast is © Nacho Mama and nachomamasblog.com, 2009-2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of podcast content without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

New VIDEO: Activelink 2.0 Review

Hello All!

Just a ridiculous amount of movement.

How are the holidays treating you so far? I can't believe how quickly it's all going by! I was shocked when I logged onto Youtube and saw that it's been almost SIX WEEKS since I last uploaded a video. And the podcast? Not since October 17. (I'm working on the next one, no worries!). It didn't seem like that long, but then I started getting "Are you okay?" messages from some of you, so I guess it has been that long.

Construction continues around here and we are puppysitting this guy...

til New Year's. So I guess I kind of lost track of time.

MANY of you have been asking me to post a review of the Activelink 2.0, so here's a video.

The ONLY things I DON'T like about the new Activelink are:

1. It still doesn't count steps. It really seems like it wouldn't have been that hard to add that feature, but maybe I'm wrong.

2. There STILL is no way to share my "Activelink Day" on social media! I've have been begging for this on Twitter since the original Activelink came out. Maybe for the next upgrade?

All in all, though, I really love the new AL. I think we're getting a WHOLE lot more for our money than with the first one, and I thought the first one was the bee's knees.

ALSO-not mentioned in the video but FYI: until 12/20/14, when you JOIN WW and purchase a monthly pass, you will receive the new AL 2.0 device for free! If you are an existing member and monthly pass holder, you will be able to purchase the device for only $24.95. 

If you're reading this anywhere but NachoMamasBlog.com, then you are reading stolen content, my friend. Please don't support thieving cochinos, just get this stuff from the source at NachoMamasBlog.com!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

THANKSGIVING ZUMBA PLAYLIST 2014!

Thank you for ordering those holiday pies at www.mamaspies.org!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Hello dumplings!

As always, I'll be hosting a free Zumba class on Thanksgiving Eve. I love putting together "theme" playlists and have changed it up a little this year. This is a great playlist for your holiday walk (Turkey Trot) or run as well - the important thing is to MOVE before we all sit down for the big feast. 

WARMUP

Thank You For Being a Friend by Andrew Gold 

Yes, it's the GG theme, but I've always loved the Harry Nilsson influence here. What better way to say THANK YOU?

CARDIO

Everybody Eats by Cab Calloway

Nothing like a little jitterbug to get the heart pumpin'!

Mash Potato by Chubby Checker

A fabulous twist on...the twist.

ARM TONING

I Thank You by Sam and Dave

CARDIO

All You Can Eat by Candye Kane

She's not called "the toughest woman alive" for nothing!

EAT IT by Wierd Al Yankovic
Even FASTER than the original by MJ, this one is a scorcher!

STANDING AB TONING
String Bean by The Griffin Brothers
Seriously, how cute if this?

CARDIO
Weight by Latrice Royale
Latrice gets a place at my table anytime.

Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie by Jay and the Techniques
My mom used to make all THREE of these pies for Thanksgiving!

LEGS and BUMS TONING
Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf) by Sly and the Family Stone
Feel the burn!

COOLDOWN
We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Time to remember the folks who've got your back, or who are driving you to eat in the first place!

If you're reading this anywhere but NachoMamasBlog.com, then you are reading stolen content, my friend. Please don't support thieving cochinos, just get this stuff from the source at NachoMamasBlog.com!

Wishing you ALL a HAPPY THANKSGIVING with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

TWO Podcasts for you this weekend!

Hello, you!

I'm heading off to spend a few days camping with my sweet husband and silly, adorable kids but I wanted to post not one, but TWO podcasts for you! Maybe you'll take them with you on your walk or on your commute-who knows?

The first is the latest NACHO MAMA'S PODCAST, in which I share my fave Youtube channel finds of late. Enjoy!

Online Health Radio at Blog Talk Radio with NachoMamasPodcast on BlogTalkRadio

Next up, Episode 3 of BOOK VS MOVIE, where Margo and I tackle Breakfast at Tiffany's! Think you love this movie, listen in on our conversation and we're pretty sure you'll love it even more...except for that one thing.

Find Additional Film Podcasts with Book VS Movie on BlogTalkRadio

HAPPY WEEKEND! Now, where's my s'mores skewer?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

VIDEO: CORN TORTILLAS! Erh. Mah. Gerd.

I still can't believe it. 

CORN TORTILLAS!!!!!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

PODCAST Episode 60!! The Birthday Edition or "It's My Party and I'll Call Biggest Loser 'Porn' If I Want To"

Hola Darlings, It's my BIRTHDAY!

We're gonna party like it's my birthday.

That means a NEW episode of the podcast and the announcement of a NEW PODCAST. WHAT? YES!

First off, there's the latest edition of Nacho Mama's Podcast, wherein I discuss whether or not the Biggest Loser is "Weight Loss Porn"- yep, I'm totally going there. Listen here!

Current Health Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with NachoMamasPodcast on BlogTalkRadio

And THEN....drumroll please!

On August 1st, Margo of Brooklyn Fit Chick and I will be launching a NEW PODCAST! Yes, you asked for it! Based on the amazing response to our impromptu "The movie of  Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil sucks compared to the book" discussion during our Fitbloggin Recap show, we are proud to announce:

Yes, I'll now be offering not one, but TWO podcasts for your listening enjoyment!

Our first "Book VS Movie" will, of course, be Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Because there's so much, much more to say!

Keep up with the podcast here or on our Facebook page, where we'd love to hear your favorite "Books VS Movies". 

Off to celebrate my 41st, lovelies. THANK YOU ALL for making 40 such a special year.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

VIDEO: A Day on Simply Filling / Simple Start

Hola Amigos!

You asked for it, and here it is-an entire day's food on Simply Filling. This would also qualify as "Simple Start", FYI.

UPDATE: Had my employee weigh-in this morning and, after only 3 days on Simply Filling, I'd lost TWO of the three pounds I gained at Fitbloggin! YAY! I'd still like to lose another 4-5 pounds this summer, so I'm sticking with SF/SS for the time being.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

PODCAST! EP#59 Our annual FITBLOGGIN RECAP SHOW w/Brooklyn Fit Chick!

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Click the player to listen NOW!

Yep, it's that time of year again...time to do the podcast where we break down EVERYTHING that went down at this year's Fitbloggin, otherwise known as "WHEN MARGOS COLLIDE".

Fitbloggin: the ONLY conference big enough for both Margos

Once again, Margo of Brooklyn Fit Chick and I discuss ALL things Fitbloggin 2014: the sessions, the food, the drag queens and yes, the ghosts (it was Savannah after all).

Maybe you weren't there. Or maybe you were there and couldn't take advantage of EVERYTHING Savannah and Fitbloggin had to offer. But between us, WE COVER EVERYTHING. Well, almost everything. We left out the lunch with RunDisney. Getting to meet running legend Jeff Galloway (some Fitbloggers even got to run with him!). We left out the flash mob.

And the fact that I FINALLY got to meet Fat Girl VS World (spoiler alert: the fat girl wins).

Here's just a teeny peek at what went down.

PODCAST LINKS!
-Follow Margo's adventures at Brooklyn Fit Chick

-Check out Margo's AWESOME Youtube Channel!

-The Fitbloggin site: learn how to attend next year and read liveblogs from past sessions

-Liveblog of Margo's Fitbloggin session!

-Liveblog of Sue and Steve's "Tough Love" session

-CLUB ONE (the legendary drag home of the Lady Chablis)

-Send Club One some twitter love!

-The Pink House

-Learn more about Jim Williams (the central character of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil)

Can you tell we had fun? Dang, now I want fried green tomatoes.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

Disclosure: All opinions, content, views and ideas expressed on Nacho Mama's Podcast are strictly my own and those of my guests and are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is strongly advised that you consult professional guidance when considering anything discussed on Nacho Mama's Blog or Nacho Mama's Podcast. I am also not affiliated with Weight Watchers-just a regular, paying customer, folks. ALL PODCAST CONTENT Blogtalkradio.com/NachoMamasPodcast is © Nacho Mama and nachomamasblog.com, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of podcast content without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

The Numbers: I got FREE Health Screenings from Walgreen's & so can YOU!

So...it's hot in San Diego (not SAVANNAH hot, but I'm a huge wimp when it comes to heat.). That's why I decided to just shoot a video sharing the results of the FREE health screenings I got from Walgreens, a sponsor of Fitbloggin. YOU can get FREE health screenings, too, by visiting Walgreens' "Way to Well" tour when it comes to YOUR town! For details, click HERE.

IMPORTANT NOTE: That weigh-in was a HUGE wake-up call (as you can imagine) LOTS more water, veggies and exercise meant that I only ended up gaining about 2.5 pounds from Fitbloggin. 

Don't miss my annual FITBLOGGIN RECAP PODCAST with Margo of Brooklyn Fit Chick! It will broadcast live tomorrow at 3pm Pacific HERE, or you can catch it later by searching for "Nacho Mama's Podcast" on iTunes or Stitcher.

Do you know YOUR numbers?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

"What I Didn't Say" aka "the one where Steve & Sue make me cry" #JustTrollin

WARNING: this is a long one, folks.

Fitbloggin 2014-photo by Carrie D Photography

Yes, I still have more Fitbloggin posts to write. Recaps of the conference in general (which I'll probably do on the podcast) and sharing my experiences in Savannah. But before I do, there's some unfinished business I have to take care of. Stick with me, I'm...

#JustTrollin

I was really lucky in that I pretty much loved all the sessions I attended during Fitbloggin. Having years of experience at this blogging business has helped me hone my "session-picking" skills at these types of events, so I rarely end up feeling as though my time was wasted. That doesn't mean that every session was a barrel of laughs or a wealth of data. Sometimes the most valuable sessions are the ones that force you to take a good, hard look at yourself. "Fitblogger Tough Love" was such a session.

So many Fitbloggin posts to write! But first...A GHOST PHOTO?

Hello everyone!

As I write this I am tanned, tired, sore (both from all the workouts AND the long drive and flight) and I have SO. MANY. POSTS. to share with you!

Fitbloggin was, of course, sensational. And Savannah is absolutely beautiful. I had lots of time to explore the city on foot and I took LOADS of photos and video that I'll share both here and on the new design blog (coming soon!). 

Those of you who listen to the podcast know that one of the things I was most looking forward to was the GHOST TOUR we took on Thursday night (I'll write more about that later). I didn't see any ghosts that night (?). When I was exploring Savannah on Saturday afternoon, though, I found myself right in front of 432 Abercorn St., largely regarded as the most haunted house in Savannah. 

NOW LET ME SAY, even though I totally believe in ghosties, when I walked all around this abandoned home I felt...nothing. Absolutely nothing. In fact, I felt pretty peaceful and happy, there was a lovely breeze and the house had some really beautiful architectural details. As I walked around the site, I noticed that I could see the sunlight streaming through the pretty stained glass above the front door through a window on the side of the foyer. I snapped a lot of photos, trying to get a clear picture of the design. I even posted one on instagram saying, "View of stained glass over entry door to 432 Abercorn. No ghosties, though. Least as far as I can tell."

This is how the photo went up on Instagram, with most of the lower right window pane cropped out.

BUT...

When I came home and reviewed my photos? I THINK I CAUGHT A GHOSTY! Did I? Judge for yourself. The following photos were NOT edited, cropped, filtered or enhanced in ANY WAY. I've simply put the raw images side by side.

So what do you think? Here's the "Ghosty" pic with JUST an HD filter added.

Hmmm???

For the record, I showed this to my family and NO ONE could see what I think is a girl looking down through the lower right pane in the window. "You know, the brain automatically looks for human faces in stuff," says my husband, "I'm sure it's just the combination of the angle and your over-active imagination." 

I'm willing to accept his theory. But COME ON, THOUGH! Here's the raw image one more time, zoomed in on the "ghosty".

This is from the same image that was posted on Instagram, btw

What do YOU think? Did I catch a ghosty girl? If I did, I choose to believe it's a friendly ghost, since I never felt "spooked" in any way while I was there.

Stay tuned for more stuff (that I actually have proof of) from my trip to Savannah for FITBLOGGIN!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

I'm on the Lifestyle Accountability Show!

Hi Everyone!

Well everything is in full Pre-Fitbloggin swing around here. I'm all packed and ready for my (gulp) 6:45am flight to Georgia tomorrow. Woke up this morning to a very special treat that I wanted to share with you all before I go-I'm the featured guest on today's edition of the Lifestyle Accountability Show! 

I had such great time talking with Adam and Devon, and I can't WAIT to attend Adam's podcasting session at Fitbloggin! Hope you enjoy the show, you can listen on iTunes, Stitcher or HERE. THANK YOU Adam and Devon for inviting me on your FABULOUS show!

Stay tuned for MANY Fitbloggin updates! Follow along with me on Twitter, Youtube and Instagram as we take Savannah by storm!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

PODCAST EP#58: FITBLOGGIN-Why you wanna go and what to expect

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CLICK THE PLAYER TO LISTEN NOW!

It's time for FITBLOGGIN! The premier conference for ANYONE interested in wellness,weightloss,fitness,food, social media & health starts this Thursday 6/26. WHY do you want to go? What can you expect? That's I'm talking about today. I will also be a guest on the Lifestyle Accountability Show this week!

Fitbloggin site (for tix, info & more)

Fitbloggin on Twitter

Fitbloggin on Facebook

Fitbloggin on Instagram

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: All opinions, content, views and ideas expressed on Nacho Mama's Podcast are strictly my own and those of my guests and are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is strongly advised that you consult professional guidance when considering anything discussed on Nacho Mama's Blog or Nacho Mama's Podcast. I am also not affiliated with Weight Watchers-just a regular, paying customer, folks. ALL PODCAST CONTENT Blogtalkradio.com/NachoMamasPodcast is © Nacho Mama and nachomamasblog.com, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of podcast content without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

EPISODE 57: THE PODCAST IS BACK! No, really!

Click the player to listen NOW!

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THANK YOU to everyone who has written telling me how much you enjoy and miss the podcast! My WEIGHT WATCHERS FAQ video series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mediamonarkey

Check out Weight Watcher Girl's AWESOME channel, too! https://www.youtube.com/user/Weightwatchergirl1

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: All opinions, content, views and ideas expressed on Nacho Mama's Podcast are strictly my own and those of my guests and are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is strongly advised that you consult professional guidance when considering anything discussed on Nacho Mama's Blog or Nacho Mama's Podcast. I am also not affiliated with Weight Watchers-just a regular, paying customer, folks. ALL PODCAST CONTENT Blogtalkradio.com/NachoMamasPodcast is © Nacho Mama and nachomamasblog.com, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of podcast content without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

VIDEO! Weight Watchers FAQ: Cheat Days?

Do you take "Cheat Days" every now and then? I get this question at least once a week. Here's my take on "Cheat Days"-

Please give a "thumbs up" if you like this series! And WELCOME to all my new subscribers!

Got a WW question you'd like answered? Leave a comment! Or email it to me at shesnachomama@yahoo.com

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama