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: I didn't die from embarrassment and B-SCHOOL!

Hello all! Hope your weekend is going swimmingly. :)

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel HERE

I just realized that I hadn't posted this video here, sorry! I had big news on MONDAY and I'm only just now sharing it here on my blog. Where has my head been? 

I start MONDAY. I can't wait!

FOLLOW MARIE FORLEO on YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/user/marieforleo

FOLLOW DANIELLE LAPORT on YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/user/whitehot...

Hope you all have a BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

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

VIDEO: Food Find plus a NEW PODCAST!!!

That's right, Margo D. of Brooklyn Fit Chick and I had so much fun on Nacho Mama's Podcast that we decided to start a NEW podcast, "Book VS Movie"!

Plus I give Yoplait Light Greek Yogurt another chance.

FOLLOW BOOK VS MOVIE on Facebook!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

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

More Health Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with NachoMamasPodcast on BlogTalkRadio

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

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

Listen To Health Internet Radio Stations with NachoMamasPodcast on BlogTalkRadio
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.

I can only be SO camera-ready!! #braindump

Hello everyone!

Hope you are all extremely well.  I am trying to keep it together in the middle of a sweltering heat wave. I do NOT do well in the heat, fabulous ones. It makes me pretty unpleasant to be around (at least, that's what I hear). But I've got to get it together because I've got BIG stuff going on this weekend!

I've got to be CAMERA-READY. Or, more specifically, INTERNET-CAMERA-READY. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NACHO MAMA'S BLOG!

Yes, three years ago this week, I set up my little card table here on the internet. Amazingly, you all showed up...many of you brought your own chairs. Some of you even brought snacks!

In just three years, because of all of you and this blog, I've:

-Been asked to write for MANY sites and companies I admire

-Joined the (award-winning!) cast of The Mommalogues

-Started a PODCAST.

-Lost 73 pounds and became a Weight Watchers leader

-Been cast in an EXERCISE VIDEO (what?) with RICHARD SIMMONS (no, really. WHAT???!!)

-Gotten to travel all over the country to MEET YOU at conferences like: Blogher, Hispanicize, The Latina Lifestyle Bloggers' Conference and, of course, FITBLOGGIN

-I was even named one of Latina Magazine's Top 10 Mommy Bloggers!

and much, much more. SO much more than I ever could have imagined that day when I jumped up off of my sofa (where I'd been sitting & watching a pumpkin pie recipe on the Food Network) to see if this URL was available.

It's been an enchanted experience so far, and I have all of you to thank for that. So THANK YOU.

And stay tuned-I have much, much more in store for you in 2014!!

Wishing you ALL love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

It's PIE TIME we help our community! #Thanksgiving

If there's one food I love more than nachos? It's pie. I honestly can't think of a pie flavor I won't eat with gusto. By far the biggest threat to waistline come Thanksgiving isn't the turkey, the mashed potatoes or the stuffing-it's the pie.

But this year? I'm gonna eat all the pie I want without feeling guilty. In fact, I will feel AWESOME! Okay, maybe I won't actually eat all the pie I want, but I will definitely BUY all the pie I want (and maybe just taste a little of each one) because, once again, this year I AM SELLING PIES FOR MAMA'S KITCHEN! No, not "Nacho Mama's Kitchen"-Mama's Kitchen here in San Diego.

What's Mama's Kitchen?

Mama's Kitchen has been around since I was in high school, at the height of the AIDS scare in the late 80s. Back then the paranoia was so out of control that people thought you could catch HIV just by sitting next to someone on a train or using a public restroom. It was so bad that some patients with HIV were actually dying from malnutrition, not AIDS, because it was so hard for them to get help they needed.

Mama's Kitchen was started right in my own neighborhood to help bring nutritious meals to patients with HIV. Today they serve over 1300 patients (and children of patients) living with HIV and cancer. Many of the cancer patients are moms with breast cancer who have young kids. These women are too sick to cook for themselves, let alone their children, and the meals they get from Mama's Kitchen make all the difference. The staff and volunteers of Mama's Kitchen prepare and deliver 3 meals a day to their clients (remember there are over 1300 of them!) all over San Diego County.

Want to help? I knew you would! Here's the fun part:


I don't know about you, but I just can't get PIE off my mind!



Every fall, Mama's Kitchen holds it's "Pie in the Sky" campaign. The best bakeries in the county prepare delicious pies that you can order for your Thanksgiving table and pick up at your local Wells Fargo (San Diego County only).

Each pie costs $20-$25 and buys this much food:

Just ONE PIE can feed a sick person or their child for THREE DAYS

PLUS a hot meal for an HIV/Cancer patient or the child of a patient. That's enough food to feed that person for three days. From just ONE PIE, folks.

If you don't live in San Diego County, I hope this will inspire you to help end hunger in your community. If you DO live in SD County, I hope you'll order your pies from ME! You can order your pies from my Mama's Kitchen PIE page at:

https://www.mamaspies.org/mypage.cfm?ID=426

Isn't it wonderful to know your Thanksgiving pie can make a real difference someplace other than your thighs? Get yours today!

Wishing you love with extra cheese on your APPLE PIE!

Nacho Mama



PODCAST WORLDS COLLIDE! I'm on Halfsize Me!

Hello Everyone!

Can you believe it's FALL? I sure can't. But it must be, since I had to turn in my taxes today. After adding everything up, I still can't believe that I make money at this blogging thing. Who knew? I am so blessed. THANK YOU all for coming by the blog & podcast-you guys are the best!

Heather is so inspiring!

I've been working on a whole lot of great stuff to share with you, starting with my appearance on today's episode of HALFSIZE ME. I was honored that Heather asked me to be on her show, since I've been a listener since the very beginning. You can here our conversation HERE.

Sorry I can't talk more right now (but if you really want to hear me talk, check out Heather's podcast, her guest is a real blabbermouth!) I've gotta go lead my Monday night Weight Watchers meeting!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

PODCAST Episode 49: FITBLOGGIN RECAP with Brooklyn Fit Chick!

Click the player to listen NOW!

Listen to internet radio with NachoMamasPodcast on BlogTalkRadio

Join me and MARGO of Brooklyn Fit Chick as we recap the best of the 2013 Fitbloggin Conference!

Learn the most valuable lessons and tools shared at this PHENOMENAL conference for health, fitness, weightloss and wellness bloggers.

There may even be a giveaway...

FITMOB!!! The Fitbloggin '13 Flash Mob

Yeah, this happened.

I have no idea why any of these people agreed to this. They are all total rockstars.

Me with Gwyn (@smileygwyn). My outfit? A loving tribute to Richard Simmons.

Even more to come on Fitbloggin-including a GIVEAWAY. So stay tuned!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

  

  

PODCAST Episode 46: We're BACK! And we have a HUGE GIVEAWAY!

Listen to internet radio with NachoMamasPodcast on Blog Talk Radio

Click the player to listen NOW!

Did you miss me? I missed YOU! Today we'll be catching up on all things Weight Watchers, Rupaul's Drag Race and what I've been up to since making goal 6 weeks ago. PLUS: to say THANK YOU for supporting the podcast and me all this time, I've got a VERY SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!

Youtube "VLOG EVERY DAY IN APRIL"! #VEDA

Hi everyone!
I've decided it would be fun to participate in Youtube's "Vlog Every Day in April" (#VEDA) campaign. If you don't subscribe to my Youtube Channel you can do that RIGHT HERE-check me out every now and again for a wee glimpse into my day as I try to make Lifetime status with Weight Watchers while having life at the same time.  I promise not to make the videos too long!
Just to give you an idea-here's the first 2:

Are you participating in #VEDA? If so please share your Youtube channel and I'll be sure and check YOU out!

Wishing you love with extra cheese- 
Nacho Mama

SPECIAL PODCAST! Episode 41: Getting Back from Gaining Back with Jen of Perfect in Our Imperfections

Listen to internet radio with NachoMamasPodcast on Blog Talk Radio

Click the player to listen NOW! :)

So last January you resolved to lose weight. And maybe you did.

But now it's January again and you've gained it all back-and then some. Join me and my special guest Dr. Jen of Perfect in our Imperfections for this special preview of our FITBLOGGIN 2013 discussion: Getting Back from Gaining Back

Participate LIVE in the chatroom as we talk about moving past the shame,learning from a regain and and using it to power us to our goals.

If you listen to the podcast, you've probably seen the above photo. Though it was taken by my husband about 6 years ago, it is pretty much EXACTLY how I look today. What you CAN'T see in this photo is that between that day and now? I gained back most of my 75lb loss, which means that I spent a good part of the last 6 years looking like this...

#NHBPM Share and Cher Alike

Today's topic for National Health Blog Post Month:
Disclosure post. How do you decide what to share? What do/don't you share?

Not that Nacho Mama's Blog is some juicy gossip site, but those of you who've been here for a while (and especially those of you who listen to the podcast) know I share pretty freely when it comes to myself: my health, my body image, my weightloss struggles, my disgraceful baking skills, etc. I don't want to bore you, of course, but you know what they say, "Write/talk about what you know."  I also want to take the opportunity here to say THANK YOU to all of you who have written/tweeted me to tell me that you can relate.

It's TOTALLY not because I'm completely self-aborbed...honest!

Having said that, I do try to have some discretion where the other folks in my life are concerned. I know I have a tendency to "get going" on a story without checking whether the other characters are ok with my sharing our adventures. I don't always succeed in keeping mum, but so far I've managed to keep it from devolving into, well...

 

What don't YOU share? Do tell! I'm waiting. One ringy-dingy....(btw can we all just take a moment for the majesty that is Lily Tomlin and CHER? If you ever needed the courage to be who you are, look no further, people!)

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama