Volleypalooza .....playing for BBB ( Bless by Bless)

Sunday was such a fun day.......I got an invite to play on Bless's team (Bless By Bless Angels) at Volleypalooza.......a super fun event created by Bobby Dimarzo of Scene Magazine.  I haven't played Volleyball in years, and by years I mean since gym class in middle school, and even then I'm pretty certain that my gym teacher yelled at me a lot for how terrible I was.  That said, nothing was going to stop me from having a good time in the sun, and trying something new......so of course.....I said yes!    My dream neighbor Mr. Italy was kind enough to show me some Volleyball basics (with a football) the morning of the event.  We practiced in the hallway of our building, and let's just say the neighbors on the wall that I directed the volleyball into are probably not exactly thrilled with me right now:)


Such a great time, we practiced before the game (of course I was in 4 inch heels....so me!), had a great cabana to watch all the action, and won our first round.  The second round however, was brutal.....we played against a team of 20-25 year old six foot tall car valets....all male....who obviously did nothing but play volleyball, all the time.  They crushed us......whatever, our uniforms were wayyyyyy cuter!

I love trying new things and meeting new people, even if I have no idea of what I'm doing.  I'd rather make a fool of myself than miss out on the opportunity to make some new friends, and have fun!

Stay gorgeous and healthy!

Megan

One glass of wine ruins my workout!

So the other night I went out with my friends to the W hotel and thought.....one glass of wine, actually half a glass (i got a white wine spritzer....so it's half soda water, half white wine) couldn't hurt.....but for me....it did!  I suffered through my workout the next morning, and felt like it was a mini hangover!  Yuck, I really don't like that feeling!  No more wine the night before I train, the feeling that I get the next day isn't really worth it!:)

Stay healthy and gorgeous!

Megan

First workout on the new plan yesterday.....:)

So Bret Contreras (the Glute man.....I love that!!) gave me my new workout plan sooooo fast after I sent him my detailed answers to his questions about my fitness goals and experience.  The plan looks amazing, 3 days of total body lifting and no cardio!  I love it!  He wants me to watch my leanness through my diet, which is the best way in my opinion, and frees up even more time for me to be productive doing other things.  I'm in constant email communication with him so I can report how much I'm lifting etc.....this is going to be fun!

Stay gorgeous and healthy!  Megan

Miami......

So long overdue......I'm going to Miami and I can't wait!  Beaches, bikinis, my favorite girls..........yay!!!! It's by far my favorite place to be.........  Time to pack:)

Online training by Bret Contreras "the glute guy"

Okay, so I am super excited this morning!  Ever since I realized that weight training is like Botox for your butt......and trust me....it really is!  I have been on a mission, because c'mon, who doesn't want a perfect butt?  Let's be real it's an accomplishment in itself:)

I just did a shoot with Paul Buceta two weeks ago, and so I have given myself two weeks to let my body rest a bit (although I was still active with tennis, and walking my dogs etc) but now I'm ready to get back into the gym, and on a lifting plan.  I personally love to do my lifting on my own, some people prefer to always work with a trainer, but for me, I like to have an expert write me a plan, so I have something to follow, and then I can go to the gym with a solid workout, which will work on the things I need.....but it leaves me independent, and flexible, able to come and go as I please.  I've never depended on a lifting partner either, because in my experience, it's hard to find someone with the same availability, who is also as dedicated as I am.

Anyway, you may or may not know, but some experts in the fitness industry are willing (if they think you will be a good fit for their training) to work with you on an online basis.  I contacted Bret, and we are going to be working together on a training plan, and I can't wait.  He's known in the business as the Glute Guy.....so watch out!   This is going to be amazing!  I'm happy already, but there is always room for improvement!  By the way, check out this blog he wrote about glutes  http://bretcontreras.wordpress.com/2010/07/22/megan-foxs-butt/ ......he talks about how gorgeous he thought Megan Fox was, until he saw her butt (or lack of it) don't underestimate the power of a perfect backside:)

Comment this and tell me your favorite glute exercise.....do you think glute training is important?

Tennis anyone?

Tennis is fun......and so are the cute outfits!

Growing up, I played just about any sport you can think of.  I'm not saying that I was the best at any of these sports, but I have always been a fan of trying new things.  When I was 17, I picked up tennis.....took some lessons, and even played on my high school tennis team....no, our tennis team wasn't amazing (talent wise) but it was terribly fun to have the chance to play and learn.

I've played a little since then, but not enough to progress by any means.....and this year I've decided to pick it back up, because it's one of those sports that you can play forever....and it's fun and social.  Yesterday I hit the ball around a little with a few friends, and it was sooooo fun, and also nice to know that I still remembered some of what I learned sooooo many years ago.  I bought an adorable Barbie pink (of course) tennis skirt at the Nike store, but decided to wait on buying a new racquet etc.....at this point it's been so long since I've played that I really have no idea of what I want or need.  I tend to be that person that gets so excited to start a new athletic endeavor that I buy everything right away.....and wind up with much more than I need.

I had a lovely day with Mr. Model and Mr. Chestnut, and got much more of a workout than I expected......all of those quick sprints really add up!  Afterwards we went for Thai food, and in the spirit of staying healthy I had some fresh spring rolls, and a chicken Satay appetizer.  Mr. Model drove me home, and I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow....literally!

Stay gorgeous and healthy:)

Megan

If you feel great about yourself, do you really even bother to judge someone else?

In my life, I've noticed a startling trend (with myself) the better I feel about me, the less likely I am to say anything detrimental about anyone else.  Have you ever seen someone whom you really admire as a beautiful person on the inside, lash out about what someone is wearing, or how they look?  I doubt it... I remember when I was in high school, getting teased (and no, it really wasn't funny to me) by certain kids, and looking back, I'm sure that was the only way they felt secure, and better about themselves.  Lashing out against someone else in a silly, judgemental way only makes you look less than wonderful.  Just my thought for the day:)

stay gorgeous and healthy,

Megan

It could be worse.......

So here is something that I don't share all the time, and maybe it makes me less qualified on how to be healthy....or maybe it actually qualifies me more?  Every once in a while, when things are really tough in my life (yes, bad things happen to me too) I have a very strange relationship with food.  On the outside, you wouldn't know it looking at me, but I have been known to overeat, and I mean really overeat.....it  probably seems funny when I say that, because I'm so little etc, but trust me, it's not a funny habit.  There are times that I overeat because something is sooooo good (which I'm fine with) and other times where I overeat because I'm filling myself up after I have been on an emotional roller coaster.  I did this once this week, and almost did it again........I had the cupcakes in my grocery bag, and I was almost home (it was an awful lot of cupcakes btw) and I threw them away......I was so close to my house, and I knew that they would be sooooooooo good for a few minutes, then I would feel so bad, so I had one....and that was it.  For me, it's always a huge accomplishment to stay in shape, because food means so many things to me, it's not a simple relationship where I just pack my healthy lunches and it's easy......I have to untangle the emotions I have surrounding the food, and go from there.....

Anyway, it could have been so much worse, and I reigned myself in, because overeating really isn't a comfort, it's a punishment, and today I woke up feeling good, and light, and I'm going out for a walk with my doggies:)

stay gorgeous and healthy,

Megan

Actions, not words......

Are you torn with indecision about a friend or situation?  Things seem murky and tough when it comes to making a decision?  Here's a trick that has worked beautifully for me again and again.  Look at actions, and don't listen to words.  Words are things that we hopefully cling to at times....but actions will tell you a clear and concise story in a heartbeat.....but only if you "listen"

Stay gorgeous and healthy,

Megan

You're only beautiful because you believe you are....

When I was in college, a friend of mine looked at me, and gave me one of "those smiles", it was a smile that said: something that isn't so nice is about to come out of my mouth....She looked at me and said: you know you're only pretty because you think you are, you just make people believe you're pretty.  I was a little dumbfounded, and didn't really know what to say, but I looked at her and said:  Thank you, in a way, I guess that's better than actually being pretty, because I'll always be able to think myself pretty.

I know you hear it all the time, but so much of real beauty is what is on the inside.  If you look around, there are so many beautiful people, but sometimes the things that come seeping through from the inside, kill that beauty.  How you carry yourself, live your life, and treat your friends is all part of your beauty.....my little brother Ian used to say to me:  "my favorite part of you is that you don't act like a pretty girl, you are so nice to other people. "  he always said that it was a good thing that I grew up feeling awkward, because it made me a nicer person later.

Imagine yourself beautiful, and carry yourself that way.....let your inner kindness, thoughtfulness and energy help you to hold your head a little higher, and walk a little taller.  The dynamic and beautiful things which make up your character, make such a difference on your exterior.  In my life, people have said so many strange and often unkind things to me about my exterior....my jaw is too square, I'm short, my eyes are set close together.....but do you know something?  It really doesn't matter, because that isn't my true beauty or fire.....I'm pretty enough because of what's happening on the inside, how I live my life, and who I am.....these are all things that I will always have.  Think yourself pretty.......

My Photo shoot with Paul Buceta:)

Lori "working the miracle":) on me!

So first of all, this may need to be more than one blog entry, because I did so much, and learned so much....all in the course of a day.  I was super excited to work with Paul Buceta http://www.paulbuceta.com/,  as I have always been a huge fan of his photography, and also to be glammed up by Lori Fabrizio http://www.lorifabrizio.com, who is an amazing makeup artist and hair stylist.  I give her even more accolades, because I am sure that the fact that I am a hair stylist myself, makes me a more nerve wracking client than the average girl.  That said, she didn't have a single thing to worry about, because she has such an intuitive sense of what works with hair and makeup.  I didn't need to say much, because she knew exactly how to make my hair look its best, and the makeup was flawless....it made me feel super confident.

Sarah Scotford  http://www.sarahscotford.com/ brought racks and racks of clothing, shoes and accessories, and created one cool look after another, and it was so relaxing to have someone to take the stress out of what to wear.  There were so many great combinations that I wouldn't have come up with myself, but loved.  The girl actually has her own line of couture swimwear and it rocks.  It held me in, and lifted me up in all the right places.  May I also say that Paul has a RIDICULOUSLY gorgeous (and nice!) team?  I felt hotter just by being near them, I'm just saying....:)

note that I am sweating....told you I get nervous!

I was excited, but also nervous going into the whole experience.  One thing that people don't really see as part of my personality is that I get a little overwhelmed and shy sometimes.  I think people see me on the outside, and they can't really understand why....but I was so very shy and awkward when I was a teenager, and never even thought for a split second that I was pretty......sometimes when I'm in a new situation, I feel that a little bit again.........I forget myself.  From the minute I walked into the studio, Lori, Sarah, and Paul made me feel welcome, and helped me so much when I needed direction (which was all the time by the way!)  The funniest moment was when we were doing a bikini shot....in the water.....and I was supposed to be sexy with the garden hose.....I was all kinds of awkward! 

I'm laughing hysterically (and mortified) at the picture after.......lucky thing you can't see the moniter!

At that point I started freaking out a little, because it was just hard for me, I had to go a little out of my comfort zone, and risk looking foolish.....(oh I did look foolish.....Paul told me to drink from the garden hose, which I did.......but it wasn't pretty and everyone practically peed their pants laughing.......ohhhh Megan!  Haha) ....that said we got some amazing shots from it, and after having the experience, I know that I could do it even better the next time.

After we were done shooting, Paul talked to me about really going for it when I model, and not holding back my movement, or my emotions....because when you hold back, and pose....there really isn't anything interesting or dynamic about the image.  I know that I did better than at my last shoot, and sooo much better than the one before that ( and don't get me wrong.....I love the images) but I wish I could do it all again tomorrow, with the talk from Paul fresh in my head, because I think I really needed to hear that from someone.  Living life with as much abandon and joy as I can possibly manage is what I want, and sometimes I tighten up the reigns out of fear of what people think.....it's so constricting, and I want to let that go.

He also brought up a really interesting point, perfection isn't really sexy, trying isn't really sexy....perfect hair....isn't really sexy.....there is an allure and a fire which you can only get by being authentic, by not trying......

Yum!  Enjoying a Corona after the shoot, I sooooo earned this today!

That said though, I love the images, and feel like the day was one thousand times more productive and wonderful than anything I could have imagined.  I definitely plan to shoot with Paul and his team again, and think that to a point, I'm spoiled now, because none of my past photos hold a candle to these.

Riding back in the taxi this afternoon I was thinking a little bit about my blog name Missfittgirl, and how appropriate it really is for me.  I'm not quite ripped and lean enough to be a top fitness model, too teeny to be a fashion model, and too wholesome to be a glamour model......hmmmmmmm, I really am a bit of a missfittgirl.  I'm okay with that though, as I have some fun aspirations to pass along my fitness and beauty wealth, and share my stories.  Sometimes when there isn't a category in which you fit, you just might have to make your own.

Oh heyyyyyyy room service!  I ended my day with some kids chicken nuggets and fries, choc cake and ice cream:)  Back to healthy eating today:)

at the airport.....heading back to Boston!

The Photos in this post were taken by Paul (unless you count the very bad ones I took on my Iphone:), and are unedited........I'll post edits later:)

Oh Canada!

The past few days have been something else!  My business at the salon has been out of control....wonderful, with really fun clients, and interesting  color corrections, and I have been packing, dieting, and preparing for a photo shoot in Toronto.  I always start to feel sad and guilty about leaving Teddy and Bella (my two, sweet dogs) especially because I get so busy in the last few days that I don't ever feel like I give them the attention they deserve.

I was walking to do my laundry in my building the other day , when out of an apartment that has been vacant for quite a few months, came a young guy.  I was surprised, and instantly asked if he had just moved in......I think the best part of the convo was when I glanced past him as we were talking, and my laser eyes spotted a delicious bowl of M & M's on his coffee table, and said "ooooooooooh M & M's!?!"  He said: " Yes, would you like some?" and I was like......"Nooooooo, but it's so good to know that they're there......!"  Sometimes I just have to laugh at myself for being such a goof.....who says things like that?:)  Anyway, we'll call him Mr. Italy (as he's from there) and he seems like he will be a great neighbor.  I miss the days when my best friend lived across the hallway from me, it always made my apartment building feel a bit like a dorm, or the set of Friends.........

Sunday morning was hectic!  I woke up early to shower and finish packing for my trip, then I took a taxi to Perfect Tan to get an airbrush tan by Brian Unger (the best at airbrush tans in the city) so it would be fresh for the shoot.  I was a bit like a flighty thoroughbred race horse as I ran from place to place, unable to relax until I got here.

Someone wants to go to Toronto with me, and also plans on bringing his fave blue alien toy......

I packed sweet potatoes, baked chicken (frozen), oatmeal and trail mix in a cooler to take with me to the hotel.  Sometimes it seems like too much trouble to pack all that food to bring with me, but I always feel so much better when I have healthy choices with me....If this were a regular trip and not a shoot however, I would just have a few things with me, definitely not the chicken and sweet potatoes:)

Leaving for the airport wasn't as bad as usual.....I always have an enormous amount of luggage ( I never said I was low maintenance) and my building has too many stairs, fortunately Mr. Italy was nice enough to help me with my ridiculous luggage, as well as to hail me a taxi.  Thank goodness for dream neighbors!

I made it to the airport in the nick of time ......I took this picture in the powder room...that's a reach for the ladies room...haha, but I'll take a mirror wherever I can get it:)  I look a little funny because I need to shower off the instant bronzer for my tan.......but it's still good:)

Oh hey delicious pink sugar treats.....I want all of you!!!!!

I'm at my hotel in Toronto now, relaxing until tomorrow when I shoot.  There is a huge Mary Kay Convention in the hotel, and the lobby is filled with so many delicious pink cupcakes, cookies and candies on a buffet table......Oh how I would love some!

Starbucks is my gatorade:)

Ok so not really, but I always have a cup ( or sometimes two in the morning before I lift weights.  Coffee makes you stronger, feel less pain, and gives you a boost through your workout.  I'm not saying that you should be feeling pain when you're working out, but coffee (in moderation) will help you to excel in your workouts, and do more than you might otherwise.

I'm off to the gym to lift:)  So much to do the next few days:)

Stay gorgeous and healthy,

Megan

Always remember that you are more.......

Out for a night of fun with a treasured friend:)

Always remember that you are more than your dress size, you are more than the house in which you live, or the car that you drive.  You are more than the lecture that you gave where you stammered, and forgot what you were going to say......you are more than your weaknesses, full of strength and beauty, understanding and authenticity.  What are your strengths?  Is there something that you love about yourself?  There is only one of you in the world and you are a fresh rose looking lovely on a summer day.....a one in a million snowflake, a sunrise in the mojave desert, casting your lovely light for all to see.  Define yourself by the beauty that you know is there, and build from that.  No one among is is perfect, and why would we want to be?  Always, always remember the strength, beauty and grace that is uniquely yours, and can never be taken from you, as it lives within you.

Megan

The Four seasons tea.....my favorite way to visit with friends

leaving for tea at the Four Seasons.....and yes, snapping my own picture as usual:)

One of my favorite ways to visit with friends is over tea or coffee,  it's relaxing, light, and there's plenty of time to have an actual conversation because you aren't eating (much) .  It's also a great way to go to some of the more beautiful hotels in your area......

Yesterday I had a meeting, and since I've been staying on track for my shoot, tea seemed like a better option.  The Four seasons does a beautiful tea, with a small tier of cookies and snacks if you feel like a few bites....I think it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends......and stick to a healthy eating plan.

I hope everyone is having a beautiful day!  Write me if you have any questions or comments:)

Megan