Oxygen MagazineD's Editor-in-Chief Blog

Friday, June 17, 2011

New blog address!

Stacy's Editor Blog has moved...

You'll find the latest posts here!

Thanks for reading the Oxygen magazine blogs!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

I Did It!

Well friends, after three weeks of an on-going argument between myself and myself—I finally won and got my butt to the gym this morning. Without even setting my alarm, I woke up at 5:45 on the dot, quickly changed, brushed my teeth and was on my way. Luckily the gym is only ten minutes away, so after 25minutes on the elliptical I still had enough time to go home and shower and get ready for work. Of course if I packed all my gear and got ready for work at the gym it would allow for a longer workout, but I'm not quite ready to get organized the night before. Plus, it would be just like me to forget a vital component like a towel, makeup bag or undergarments........Today I forgot my water bottle. It's tough going 25 minutes without a sip.
Here's hoping this is the beginning of a new routine, and a few more calories burned in the process. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Kale chips-Yum!


Lately I had been hearing a lot about kale chips. Chef's and nutritionists had been touting them as a great snack food. When Gwyneth Paltrow was on Ellen a few month's ago she was saying how even her kids love them. From what I've heard the crunchy texture combined with the savoury taste are a great alternative to potato chips.
Oxygen' nutrition editor Helen Vong whipped up a batch on the weekend and shared some with me. They were delicious. And as I tend to do, I've already started thinking of alternative ways to eat or prepare them. Topping my salad with them is first on the list. 
Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Kale Chips
Ready in 20 minutes  Makes 4 servings
1 bunch kale
Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp olive oil  
Lemon juice
Sea salt, to taste
1.              Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2.              Use a knife to remove kale leaves from its thick stems. Tear kale leaves into bite size pieces and place onto cookie sheet.
3.              Drizzle kale with oil and toss gently to mix.  Sprinkle with salt and lemon juice. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until crispy. 

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Morning Workouts-Help!

What time of day do you workout? I've always preferred lunch time or right after work, but lately I find these times just aren't working for me anymore. For the past week or so I've been entertaining the idea of early morning workouts. I'm totally a morning person, but for some reason have never been motivated to get myself to the gym that early. But now I see the appeal of getting my workout out of the way and having the rest of the day free. Plus, I've heard morning workouts give you a little extra energy kick throughout the day.
So tell me this, for those of you who do manage to get up before 6am and head to the gym, what's your secret? When your alarm goes off Monday morning, especially when it's pouring rain, how do you drag your butt to the gym. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Battle Ropes Training

Check out Oxygen's fitness editor Rachel Crocker trying out battle ropes, a new strength and conditioning technique!
A big thank you to Medcan's John Vizzini and Vince Rinella for rolling out the "green" carpet and taking the time to show us this innovation in fitness.
Stay tuned for a future issue of Oxygen where you can learn your very own routine.




Thursday, May 19, 2011

A lesson in innovation

Tomorrow my fitness editor Rachel Crocker and I are going on a field trip. We're going to see a demonstration of a new fitness technique. It's very popular right now in New York City, and we've included a small blurb about it in a recent issue of Oxygen.
Are you intrigued? Stay tuned next week for all the details. Reminder to self—bring your camera.
To all my Canadian friends, happy long weekend. To all my friends south of the border, same to you, one week later!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

My latest obsession

When Kristi Youngdahl submitted her Success Story to Oxygen, she included an interesting nugget of information. One of her favorite clean recipes is this: Preheat oven to 350. Spray 12-serving muffin tins with nonstick spray. Put 1 tablespoon each of old fashioned oats and blueberries in each muffin cup. Top off with liquid egg whites. Stir each cup; bake for 20-25 minutes. 
Last week I decided to give it a shot. The first time I made the recipe, I did it exactly how Kristi suggested. I brought them into work and they were a hit with the Oxygen and Clean Eating staff members. This past weekend I added raspberries to the mix, and I think they turned out even better.
Now I've become obsessed with finding even more variations. One of Oxygen's designers Megan suggested a dash of cinnamon. Assistant Editor Kirstyn added a slice of banana to the top once it was done baking. Clean Eating's Alicia is aiming for a savoury quiche-like concoction I'm looking forward to. 
If you have any suggestions, please send them my way!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Arnold Action-who can forget it?

Check out what happened at the Oxygen booth at the Arnold!
Although March feels like forever ago, the memories of the Arnold still linger. When I watch this video it brings a smile to my face as I flash back to three action-packed days of celebrating fitness. Although the weekend is a whirlwind, it's still one of my favourite things about working at Oxygen.
Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A new hobby

Yesterday I treated myself to a day off from work. I knew in advance my weekend would be a busy one—my sister and I threw a surprise 40th anniversary party for our parents, so I thought no time like the present to use up a vacation day. The weather couldn't have cooperated any better, so instead of lazing around like I originally intended,  I spent the morning tending to my front lawn.
I'm ashamed to say, last year my lawn was neglected and unfortunately the weeds and dandelions didn't magically disappear under the weight of the winter snow like I had hoped. So this year I made a promise I would do my best to bring my lawn back to life.
With my new gardening gloves, dandelion picker and SPF loaded on, I was ready to go. And let me tell you, there is not much else more satisfying than pulling a weed, root and all, out of the ground. Excuse me while I get a little vulgar, but it's almost as good as tackling a stubborn pimple or ingrown hair.
Today my calves are a little achey, and I'm moving a little slower than usual, but I can't wait to get back out there and do some gardening. Next weekend, top soil and mulch!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Sunny Days are Here Again!

I love summer. I love the sun, the heat, I don't even mind the humidity. I only turn the A/C on in the house in order to get a good nights sleep. Although these days if I'm going to be spending any significant time in the sun, I load up on SPF 55. Lessons learned from my youth!
Today was the first day in a while I've taken my workout outside. There isn't a cloud in the sky! I asked my good friend Alicia Rewega (Clean Eating mag's editor in chief) to join me in a jog, and she suggested ending off the run with some sprints and lunges. Needless to say my legs are shaking, but I feel great. There's just something about the hint of summertime, for me anyway, that lures me outdoors and instantly lifts my mood. Plus, in the news yesterday they've forecasted a dry, warm and sunny summer. I can't wait!
PS, Robert Kennedy Publishing baseball season starts next Tuesday. Wish me luck, I've got a bit of the "first-game jitters".

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Love is in the air

Last weekend I was glued to the TV every chance I got. Friday morning I had enough time to catch a glimpse of Kate and Wills during the ceremony before heading off the work. Once I punched out at 4:30 Friday, the rest of the weekend any time I could catch a recap, I was on it. Body language specialists, lip readers, and of course fashion police; whoever was sharing an opinion, I was mesmerized.
A male neighbour asked me what the appeal was. I explained how it was a day of pure fantasy. Forget about the economic woes of the nation, or the fact the Queen's children are not really the poster-people for successful marriages. For me, there is not much else more exciting than seeing the gown a bride chooses to wed her prince charming (for real) of her dreams. And better yet, getting the thumbs up 'round the world for the perfect dress.
And I don't think I'm alone. One reporter said "love was in the air" all over the world.  I think he was right. We definitely felt a buzz in the Oxygen department.  For a brief moment, we were given permission to forget about reality and just enjoy the romance of it all. This week it's back to work, back to eating right, and hitting the gym. But wasn't it nice for a few days to jump on the wedding bandwagon, and not take it all so seriously?

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Excuse me while I vent.

Take my advice—if you're at the shopping mall, and the mood suddenly strikes you to try on bathing suits, don't do it. Bikini shopping should only be a planned event, preferably first thing in the morning when your tummy is nice and flat, before any bloating sets in. Also, if the store has a good return policy for swimwear, try the suit on in the comfort of your own home.
Lately I've been feeling pretty good about my diet and workout regime. So when I was at the mall and suddenly Old Navy came into view, I thought, why not try a few suits on. They're very affordable and have a great variety. I have a beach vacation planned for the end of July, so there's no time like the present to get organized.
While I had to give myself a thumb's up for spontaneity, I should have factored in a few things:
1. After three long work days (we are on deadline this week), I was super tired and more sensitive than usual.
2. The change rooms in Old Navy do absolutely nothing to flatter the body. Harsh lights, small spaces and concrete floors make for a rather dreary environment.
3. I was shopping alone. Bathing suit shopping is always more successful when you have a companion and they can give a second opinion. We are our own worst critics!

To sum up, I left the store and the mall feeling a little dejected. But lesson learned. Next time I will be more prepared, full of energy, perhaps with a layer of self-tanner, and my mom or sister by my side!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Capabilities

I love when I get to witness someone's strength. Take yesterday for example. I was in the company gym and couldn't help but notice a couple of guys doing hanging dips. I can do dips on a bench with my feet supported no problem, but hanging dips are another story. But get this, not only were they successfully banging out reps using their own body weight, but they also had a 25-pound plate roped around their waist. Good work fellas!
Then there are those accomplishments that are physical feats of strength that happen outside the gym, as part of our daily lives. An example? I thought you'd never ask!
Last week my sister and I had gone to Ikea to buy a dresser. As we all know Ikea is super affordable, but that's where the convenience ends. We managed to get the dresser into her truck and in the front door, but it was so heavy we didn't think we had any chance of getting it up the stairs with just the two of us. We temporarily thought about leaving it in the foyer for a few days until one of the men in our lives were available to help us out. But then common sense kicked in. We're two strong, capable women. There was no reason we couldn't do it. We just needed some stable footing, a tight grip and determination. Well needless to say, once we had our strategy in order, it took about two minutes to accomplish the task.
Fast forward to the weekend, my sister put that whole dresser together all by herself. I couldn't have done it, and didn't even offer to help. After a disaster with a computer desk last year, I have vowed to never put together another piece of furniture. Good work Linds!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Jamie Eason's Eat Clean Tips

Our Seize the Day columnist Jamie Eason is on the road a lot. She talked to me about what she packs in her cooler to eat clean with her busy travel schedule.


What are your favorite portable clean eats?
Note to self, watch my posture for future interviews! ;)
Happy Easter everyone. Here's to a happy and healthy long weekend!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Trish Stratus on the Today Show

Our April cover girl Trish Stratus recently showed off her Oxygen cover on the Today show!



Plus, find out how this wrestler-turned-yogi keeps in top form - we've got her training and nutrition plan on her cover girl insider page!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

My inner athlete comes out-well, sorta.

We recently acquired a basketball hoop at the back of our office building. Today, despite my nerves and hesitation I changed into my gym clothes and headed out. The sun was shining, the wind was minimal, and my fellow co-workers were far from judgemental. We didn't play an actual game, just took turns shooting hoops. I wanted to get my calorie burn going, so whenever I got the chance I grabbed the ball and ran around in circles dribbling. I knew I looked clumsy, and probably a little silly, but the fun I was having compensated for any insecurities!
I probably tried for a basket about 20 times, maybe sinking five. But it sure was a blast and I was a little out of breath by the end. One thing is for sure, baseball is definitely my game. But you can bet your top dollar I'll get out there shooting hoops again.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

clean eating on a roll

Veggies have always been an important part of my clean eating plan and as you know recently I've been looking for new ways to incorporate them into my day. Thanks to my boyfriend, I've recently become a huge fan of rapini. We were having lunch at his parents place on Sunday and I enjoyed two huge servings of it. He'll even drink the remaining juice from the pan to get a little extra nutrition kick. I tried, but it's a little too bitter for me to drink.
Yesterday I had a hankering for cauliflower (a great source of Vitamin C). So I chopped up the whole head, tossed into my steamer, and voila, 16 minutes later, a tasty little side dish. I find cauliflower so flavourful on it's own, I didn't add anything to it when I ate it with my dinner. But today I packed some in my lunch with a dash of chilli powder. I think it will go nicely with my halibut, salad and snow peas. My stomach is growling just thinking about it.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Spring has sprung

Is it just me, or does the gym seem super packed recently? Ordinarily January is the "busy" time, when people want to get in shape for the new year. But now I'm thinking April just might be the start of the fitness year.
Our company gym is so packed at lunch time I'm using it only for leg day now, and using my home town gym after work for everything else.
But it's nice to shake up my routine once in a while, and I tell you, when I work out after work, I sleep like a baby that night.
What's your favourite time of day to work out and why?

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Oxygen outside the office

I just love when I hear about Oxygen staffer's participating in fitness activities on their own time. It's by all means not a prerequisite of the job, but it's hard not to adopt the lifestyle after writing about it for at 40-plus hours a week.
This past weekend, our own success story (read all about her in our Fatloss special issue) assistant editor Kirstyn Brown participated in the Harry Rosen 5k. Read in her own words how she felt about the day. Sorry there aren't any pics, they're trapped on her camera:

"I've always hated running and been envious of people who get up at dawn to go for a nice long jog. As part of my recent reinvention of myself, I set a goal to not only be able to run, but to actually enjoy doing it. I started small by signing up for a 5k and on the day of the run, had myself convinced I was going to collapse en route to the finish. But I surprised myself by crossing the finish line at full speed and smiling! As soon as we were done, I was ready to do it again. I had finally experienced this "runner's high" I'd heard so much about. Next stop, 10K!" 

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Officially bored of spinach

Okay, I need a break from spinach. It was my go-to veggie and now I definitely need a hiatus. Does anyone have any suggestions for an easy veggie fix? I don't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but I want something that's going to give me lots of nutrients like I've come to rely on.
Let me know! I look forward to hearing your suggestions!
And I'd like to give a special shout-out to my pal Theresa. You're a good friend!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Condolensces

As you may have heard, last week Bob and Tosca's son Braden Kennedy passed away. On behalf of the Oxygen team, our hearts and prayers go out to the family.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Feeling pretty good

I'm sure at some point in your life you've been told, "it's not about the numbers on the scale, it's how your clothes fit and how you feel about yourself". This week that revelation finally hit home for me. I had been avoiding weighing myself for the past few months, as I wasn't thrilled with my physique and felt like a "high" number would send me in a downward spiral. I actually have a scale in my office and am never even tempted to jump on there, even though my co-workers come by often for a weigh-in.
Recently I've had a few mornings where I've put my jeans on and thought, "hey, there was no struggle, those went on nice and easy", crediting my new cardio style for the progress.  So yesterday when one of my girlfriends came in to borrow the scale I thought, no time like the present.
Still with me?
Unfortunately the number was more than a few pounds away from where I hoped it would be. But the funny thing is, I was disappointed for a mere second. Instead, my mind shifted to those mornings when I felt good in my jeans, and all thoughts of weight and pounds went out the window. Now that spring has officially arrived, my goal is to keep surprising my physique with changes in my routine, feel good in my clothes, and who knows, maybe even get excited to put on a bikini in three months!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Rough starts

I have to admit, my morning got off to a terrible start. And by terrible I mean too early. I woke up in a panic at 4am to my landline ringing. My imagination fast forwarding into over-drive, I fumble to turn on the lamp, pick up the phone and grumble a hello. You know how this story ends—wrong number. Of course at that point it took forever to fall back to sleep and after what felt like 30 seconds, it was time to get up.
Needless to say that day managed to turn itself around. A super busy morning turned into a great lunchtime cardio session, followed by a nice clean lunch. Here's hoping the rest of the day follows suit!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Arnold Recap

It was exactly two weeks ago the staff at Robert Kennedy Publishing woke up to their alarms going off at the ungodly hour of 4am, to get to headquarters, pack up the bus, and head out on their seven hour voyage to Columbus, Ohio. And although we were tired, upon arrival the adrenalin kicks in, and we enjoy every second of it.
Every year the Arnold just gets better and better. I hate to toot my own horn (okay, I don't mind actually), but a lot of that has to do with the action at the Oxygen booth. Throughout the weekend there is always something to see or do. This year was non-stop demos, autographs and even dancing with a ton of the fitness models you see in the pages of Oxygen every month. As soon as doors opened we had a crowd at our booth, and a lineup a mile long to pose for a pic and have a quick chat with Jamie Eason. Same thing goes for Tosca over at the Eat Clean booth. These ladies have the time, patience and energy to give every single fan a memorable moment. At one point I gave myself a reality check. It was 5pm on Saturday, I was about to complain how tired I was and how sore my feet were, when suddenly I thought—Tosca has been at this all day, and she still looks fresh as a daisy. What do I have to complain about?!
A special thanks goes out to all the fitness gals who made the weekend so special. In no particular order: Rachel Davis, Chady Dunmore, Melissa Pittman, Lori Harder, Lindsay Messina, Monica Brant, Alicia Marie and Natalia Muntean. And who can forget Diana Chaloux and her abs!
Also a big thanks to my Oxygen girls. It makes me so happy to be able to share this exciting part of the industry with you. Di and Erin, you guys are veterans now and are pros at manning the booth. Rachel and Stacy Jarvis, it was so great to see the expressions on your faces as you realized what was in store for you. The Arnold is always something you have to see for yourself. You can never quite put it into words.
Below are a few fun pics from the weekend. Enjoy! 







Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Back at it!

After the hustle and bustle of the Arnold, followed by a super relaxing week off, followed by three birthday dinners and a platter of gourmet cupcakes, I'm ready to get back to clean living. I'm really loving my new style of cardio—walking at a steep incline at a very slow pace. And I'm actually craving salads and healthy food. Can't wait for my lunchtime workout today. I'm a strong believe in giving your body a break when it needs it, and I look forward to seeing some progress after a week off!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Staycation!

Hi friends,
I'm off on vacation this week. No travel planned, just staying close to home. On the agenda for the week: a spa day, lunch and a movie with mom, and a ski day friday with my number one guy (weathe permitting, it's calling for rain).
When I'm back in the office next week I promise lots of Arnold highlights, pics and hopefully in a few weeks some video.
Have a great week!
stacy

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Visit Oxygen at the Arnold!

This will be my fifth Arnold, and every year it gets better and better. Partly because it’s always like a big reunion, having all my fitness model friends in the same place at the same time. Every time I turn around, I’m bumping into someone I know. But with the craziness of the event, sometimes there’s just enough time for a quick hug and then off to Arnold related commitments.

Another aspect I love is scouting new talent. Thanks to last year’s Arnold, Melissa Pittman and Patty Zariello came into our lives. They just happened to come introduce themselves at the Oxygen booth, next thing you know, Patty is appearing in training routines in the magazine and Melissa is on the cover of our Abs special issue.

Last, and certainly not least, one of the highlights of the weekend is getting to meet the readers face to face. I get a chance to hear what they love about the magazine. Whether they’ve just started reading it or have been following us for years, all feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Stop by the Oxygen booth this year. You’ll get to see many of your favorite fitness models demonstrating their best training moves. And this year we’ve got something a little different. For just a few hours on Friday and Saturday you can pose in front of an Oxygen cover. Take a copy home with you, and in just a few weeks one will be emailed to you to share with your friends online.

People always ask me how they can become an Oxygen cover girl. Check out my interview with Jamie Eason to find out what it takes to get noticed! This is the weekend to do it!


Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Can't resist

Since the Oscar's were on Sunday, I just couldn't resist sharing my thoughts. The next sentence should sum it up. I was in bed by 10pm. I had such high hopes for James and Anne, but unfortunately after the movie montage, it just went downhill. Aside from a few early highlights like Kirk Douglas and an unexpected curse word, I was bored.
The red carped did not disappoint however. My best dressed vote this time around goes to Mila Kunis, with Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lawrence tied for second place. I've always been partial to red, even though experts are saying Jennifer Lawrence's dress made her look like a member of the Baywatch cast. And again, just like the Golden Globes, Nicole Kidman tops my worst list.
Please share your thoughts!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Arnold!

One week today we make our annual pilgrimage to Columbus, Ohio. Hard to believe it's that time already.
Stay tuned for plenty of behind-the-scenes scoop and pics from the big event. I hope to see you there!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Cabin Fever

Winter weekends can be the perfect excuse to curl up on the couch with a good book or DVD and wait for the bitter cold or snow to pass. This is exactly what I did on Saturday. I woke up with the intentions of running a bunch of errands but before I even had a chance to hop in the shower, we were hit with some snow and instantly the roads were covered and pretty slick. Luckily I didn't have plans until 5pm, so my errands weren't anything that couldn't wait a few days. Instead I did some housework, enjoyed my book (btw, The Distant Hours by Kate Morton is fantastic!) and a nice lunch.
Fast forward to Sunday morning. The sun is shining and I'll be darned if I'm going to stay inside all day. After about an hour of kicking around ideas of how to spend the day, my boyfriend and I decide on a hike—something we love to do in the fall, but we're not going to let a little bit of snow stop us. We bundle up, plug the address into the GPS and are on our way. During the hike we check out a bird sanctuary and the grand finale was a wagon ride through the maple trees. In the next few weeks they'll be tapping the trees for maple syrup. I felt like I was a 10-year-old girl on a field trip.
It turned out to be the perfect day. Needless to say I went home and had a good nap. All that fresh air and exercise tired me out. But what a day.
Here's a shot of me out on the dock at Mountsberg. In the summer we'll be able to go canoeing on this lake.
(photo by Vince Rinella)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I survived!

My ski weekend was a success. As planned, after a few runs on the bunny hill I made my way to the green run and although had one good wipeout, had an amazing time. Oddly enough my legs weren't even sore the next day. I believe it's thanks to a soak in the hot tub, followed by a jump in the pool, and the grand finale, 15minutes in the sauna. Can I do that every weekend? Here are a few shots of me in action.

Now onto business. In just a few days the March 2011 issue will be on newsstands everywhere. This month we're proud to feature the one and only, gold medal swimmer Dara Torres. Enjoy the issue!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Legs, don't fail me

Big ski trip this weekend. My plan of attack is to warm up on the bunny hill, then make my way to the chair lift and attempt the green run. Stay tuned for how I do, and hopefully a few pics!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Off to a shoot

Hey guys,
Today I'm at a cover shoot. Any guesses who the model is?
Tell me, which cover was your favorite of 2010?

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Is it spring yet?

Even though I've developed a fondness for winter activities, and can't wait for my skiing trip next weekend, I'm just about done with winter. I think so far this winter I've already had to shovel the driveway about 10 times. Note to self, next year get a metal shovel, my plastic one just isn't cutting it. Every time I do I try to think of the positive, I'm burning lots of calories and give my my arms, abs and legs a good workout. Heck, I even do the neighbours just to get in that extra little burn. But after the tense drive to and from the office yesterday, I'm ready to trade my Uggs and parka for flip flops and Ray Bans!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Here's to old friends!

Today's post has nothing to do with fitness and nutrition. But it does have to do with making time for the important things, and the ultimate result, just feeling good all-round.
Last night I got together with my old pal Cynthia. It's been about a year since we last spoke via email, and probably about two years since we've actually seen each other face to face. But she's one of those friends that even though you lose touch for a while, once you reconnect it's just like old times. And there are no hard feelings that two years have gone by. You just make up for lost time with a really good chat. And that's what we did. One glass of red and three glasses of water, and before we knew it, three hours have gone by.
Even though I got to bed later than usual and am dragging my feet a little bit this morning, I still have a smile on my face from all the laughs and strolls down memory lane!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Power Foods

As some of you may know, I'm a creature of habit when it comes to my diet, particularly Monday through Friday, 6am-5pm. I eat the same breakfasts, lunches and snacks all week long. I can usually go for months on end eating the same thing and not get bored. (Dinners have to be a little more exciting though.) But recently I've added something new to my rotation. Shortly after Christmas I was lucky enough to receive a gift of grapefruit. I couldn't tell you the last time I had eaten a grapefruit. But I treated myself to one and now I'm hooked. I eat it alone as a snack, or along side a bowl of oatmeal. When I was a kid I would sprinkle it with sugar (tsk tsk), but as an adult I enjoy the tartness.
I'd love to know what foods have been reintroduced to your diet. Email me at skennedy@oxygenmag.com

Thursday, January 20, 2011

January blues?

This past Monday was tagged as The Most Depressing Day of the Year. Apparently people are down in the dumps because the credit card tab they ran up during the holidays has come calling, the weather is dreary, and people feel let down as there January resolutions faltered after only a week or so.
On that day, just outside Toronto, Ontario, we were hit with a fluke snowfall during our morning commute. Traffic came to a halt and everyone was late for work. But as I looked around the photo studio the Oxygen team was at, the mood was anything but depressing. Energy levels were high, people were jovial and the shoot was a success.
As the week progressed, same thing. People were working hard, excited about their work. The company gym was buzzing. Things couldn't be better. January blues? Not here!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Just an observation

Sunday night I tuned in to the Golden Globes. Now due to my short attention span I only lasted until 9pm, but this gave me enough time to see (and judge) the evening's fashions. Much to my surprise, most of the big names on the red carpet opted or more forgiving gowns this time around. Flowy, breathable styles and fabrics seemed to be the hot look. Always glamorous, this year the Hollywood beauties seemed a little more conservative and comfortable.  I was completely in support of this. Aside from Claire Danes, I don't think there was a pair of Spanx in site.
Is this the way fashion is going for the moment? Or perhaps like me, the celebs indulged a little too much during the holidays and haven't found their way back............Whatever their reasoning, I loved it! Should be interesting to see who kicks their fitness and clean eats into high gear in time for the Oscars.
A few of my favorites: Anne Hatheway, Sandra Bullock (although not crazy about the bangs) and Eva Longoria. Olivia Wilde looking stunning and I had a new found appreciation for her when she said something to the effect of loving her dress because she could eat whatever she wanted. I'm sorry to say Michelle Williams and Nicole Kidman topped my worst list.
How about you? Tell me who topped your best and worst list!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

More Changes

Along with my new gym tactics (training legs 2x a week) I've made a few tweaks to my diet and overall routine. Instead of hitting the snooze five times and finally dragging myself out of bed, I'm proud to say I now wake up at 6am, sit down and have a good breakfast, and then get on with my morning prep. In the past I would rush around and try and do everything in the shortest amount of time and get my butt out the door. This is in the winter at least. In the summer I have no problem bouncing out of bed in the morning.
So let me just say, waking up earlier and not rushing seems to have given me added energy and a better mood throughout the day.
With my diet, I've started to incorporate ground flax seeds. I sprinkle them over my oatmeal first thing in the morning and then my salad at dinnertime. By doing this I seem to stay fuller a little bit longer and don't feel the need for snacks in the evening.
I'd love to hear some ways that you've tweaked your diet. Send me an email: skennedy@oxygenmag.com

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Wish me luck

I pride myself on the fact I rarely get sick. I joke to friends and family I have an immune system of steel. If memory serves I've only really been knocked out by the flu once in my adult life, and other than that I usually get a typical winter cold once a year. However, if I can make it to March, that will make it two years since my last cold.
People ask me what my secret is.  I credit it to two things: Getting lots of sleep and eating a ton of spinach. Monday to Thursday I easily get eight hours sleep each night and those same days I eat spinach twice a day, with lunch and dinner. Add to that plenty of clean eats and exercise, and I would say there's my formula.
Right now we're right in the middle of cold and flu season. Fingers crossed it bypasses me!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Trying New Things

I've never been one to really break out of my comfort zone. I'm definitely a creature of habit and enjoy my routine. But every once in a while, the urge to try something different sneaks in, and I can't relax until I've committed myself to it.
A few years ago it was a belly dancing class. Talk about an abs workout. Then last year it was joining the company slo-pitch league. It was so much fun even though I ended the season with many scrapes and bruises. And now (drum roll please...........) I've signed up for skiing lessons. It's been about 20 years since my last attempt and now I'm ready to give it another go. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Welcome Back!

Happy New Year! I don't know about you, but after an almost two-week hiatus from the gym, I'm anxious to get back to it. My gym clothes are ready to go, I'm stocked up on clean eats for the week, now let's just hope my energy level lasts throughout the day.
I've got a few new fit tactics I plan to begin pronto, number one being to train legs twice a week, I've always just done a really intense leg workout once a week, but now I'm ready for a change.
How about you? What's your plan of attack for 2011? Write me at editorial@oxygenmag.com, subject line Dear Stacy.
PS, I never got to see the King's Speech. It was sold out so we opted for Little Fockers instead. It was pretty entertaining. I also saw True Grit (it was my boyfriend's turn to pick the movie) and was pleasantly surprised. Really enjoyed it!
PPS, over the holidays got caught up in a real page turner. If you get a chance to read The Help by Kathryn Stockett, I highly recommend it. Over the past few days I haven't been able to put it down. I actually can't wait to get home tonight to read it. What can I say, I've always been a bit of a book worm.