You’ve heard of Ischia & Capri…but have you every heard of the Aeolian Islands? Chances are, probably not. In fact, I hadn’t heard about the Aeolian Islands until two years ago. Here’s little geography and a few facts on this volcanic archipelago:

Map of the Aeolian Islands

There are eight completely unique islands that make up the Aeolians. They’re found in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily. The largest island is Lipari. The other islands include Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea and Basiluzzo. There are two active volcanoes – Stromboli and Vulcano. The volcanic activity of steaming fumaroles and thermal waters waiting to be tapped are on most of the islands. However, Stromboli is the only current active volcano. In fact, one of the most popular activities in the islands is to watch the explosions and lava at night from a boat off the coast of Stromboli. We did this and it was one of the most exciting experiences that I’ve ever had. Truly magical!

Getting to The Aeolians

Getting to these remote islands is no picnic. There are three ways to get there

1. Take a 5-6 hour hydrofoil from Naples or Palermo (Sicily).

2. Take a 1-2 hour ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo in Sicily.

3. Take helicopter via Air Panaera from Southern Italy or Sicily.

First Stop: Panarea

Our first stop was Panarea. There are not many hotels on Panarea, because as we found out, the island is tiny and only about 1/3 is developed because of the steep landscape. Panarea is a great island for relaxation. Because of its size, there really isn’t much to do or see on the island itself. You really need a boat. Many people chose to come to the island by private yacht. But in case that doesn’t fit into your budget or style, you can easily rent a boat and explore the island and surrounding thermal springs yourself. If you’re not comfortable manning your own vessel, then you can also charter a boat with a driver for the day. Either way, it’s a magical experience that you won’t forget!

Rob & I Exploring Panarea by Boat

The Hotel Raya

On Panarea there are two hotels that people talk about as being the best, The Hotel Raya and believe it or not, The Best Western actually called Hotel Lisca Bianca. We chose the Raya because of the reputation, but honestly the Hotel Lisca Bianca looked just as nice. The Hotel Raya was in one word, okay. First, the reception, restaurant and night club are located at the based of the island near the sea. The rooms and pool are located about 10 minutes walking up what we began calling heart-break hill. Not that it was incredibly steep, just a little steep but in the intense heat or after a bottle of local vino…because a daunting task. Nothing special. The rooms were adequate, the bathroom was tiny, outdated and the bath towels were like rubbing sand paper on your body. The attention to detail was poor. The attitudes of staff were not welcoming, and at times unprofessional, with the exception of Angela who was always helpful and lovely! When you are in the infinity pool overlooking the edge, you see an unfinished area that is not maintained. Actually, we ran into a friend that is the owner of a beautiful Relais Chateau property and he pointed out that although their rooftop deck is a stunning place to watch sunset, the area just below in your line of site is also unfinished and not maintained. Overall, the problem that I had with the hotel is that for 300-600 euros per night, I expect the best in service and a well-kept property. On the positive side, our room had a large private terrace which offered a stunning view of the town below and of Stomboli. Another great thing is that the hotel has recently added a thermal hot spring and infinity pool were a nice place to relax and enjoy a good book. One thing I really loved was Apertivo on the roof top terrace of the restaurant. Each night from about 7-9pm, you could enjoy drinks and complimentary appetizers while watching the sunset. This is common in many of the restaurants and roof top bars on the island. But the panoramic views from The Hotel Raya’s roof top are fantastic, definitely the best on the island.

View of Stromboli from The Hotel Raya's Roof Top Terrace

Getting Around the Island

The island is a pedestrian heaven. No motor vehicles are allowed, nor would they fit on the super narrow streets. There are a few locals with scooters. Golf-carts are the transportation of choice for those that don’t wish to walk. Even the taxis are golf-carts!

The Panarea Taxi

Overall Impression

My overall impression of Panarea is that the people on the island are a little different than the Italians in the other cities that I’ve visited. They don’t seem as friendly and outgoing. It seems like there is an air of ‘entitlement’, which I know is a weird way to describe the personality of an entire island…but it’s honestly how it seemed. We actually met a local fashion designer that is from the island and he shared the history of the island and his views as to why the locals have this ‘entitlement’. In a nut shell, he said that 10 years ago the island was a super-exclusive hot spot for celebrities like Tom Cruise and designers Dolce & Gabana (who have a house on Stromboli). This incredible success as a summer destination to the rich and famous eventually fizzled to where it is today. He believes that the locals and business owners have become greedy, charging Capri prices without offering Capri service- which has lead to the decline in the islands’ popularity.

So, would I recommend Panarea? It’s a complicated answer. The island itself is beautiful, offers a unique landscape, stunning sunsets and there are many really great restaurants. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation and you happen to be in Sicily, it’s definitely worth the ferry ride for a few days. But I would center you vacation around this island in particular.

In my next blog, The Lesser Know Italian Islands: The Aeolians (Part 2) , I’ll tell you why the Hawaii meets Tuscany island of Salina is my favorite of the Aeolians!

Till next time… Ciao!

Life is a funny little thing, isn’t it? We wake up each morning with a plan for the day, the week, the month, maybe the year and some of us for the next five to ten years. Today I woke up, followed my usual Friday routine – breakfast, gym, email. Then it hit me that I would dropping off my daughter with her uncle who works in a nearby town. The ironic part for me was that his office is across the street from the apartment complex that I lived in almost ten-years-ago when I first moved to Atlanta. That got me thinking about what my life was like while I lived in that apartment. I started thinking about how I came to Atlanta to do my internship with CNN. I started thinking about all the plans, ideas and dreams that I mapped out on the floor of that tiny 600 sq-ft apartment.

At the time, I had just finished getting my degree in Exercise Science. I had dreams of owning my own successful fitness center, be the trainer to the stars, buying a home, getting married and settling down to have children- the typical American Dream, I guess. Of course, I wanted this all by the ripe age of thirty. Some of the goals I accomplished, some I didn’t- at least not according to the vision that I had in my head at the time. Actually, once I accomplished a few of these goals, I found out that what I had so badly wanted, wasn’t what I really wanted. For example, I wanted to be a home-owner so bad. Why? Simple- because that’s what I was supposed to do after I found a steady job, right? It was the next notch in the belt of success. And… I hated it. I hated the maintenance, I hated the nosy neighborhood, I hated almost every aspect of homeownership, including the selling of the home. It’s just not for me. It didn’t excite me, it didn’t light me up. This made me question many of the things that I thought I wanted. Did I really want this life or was I just following along the path that I thought I should be following?

Many people, including my husband Rob, have at one time made long-term plans for their life. Of course, these plans often include the exact way the goals will be achieved. In fact, many employers ask the same question when interviewing “Where do you see yourself in five years?”. What’s that saying…”When you make plans. God laughs.” Well, when I hear that question, now I laugh.

Looking back now at where my life was ten-years-ago compared to where it is today, it’s so wild. Sure, part of the original dream is the same. I’m thirty-one, married with a family. But the path that I had envision is so drastically different than the path I actually took to get here. I could never have predicted that I’d be traveling the world, making a travel videos and writing guidebooks. In fact, if you asked Rob or myself three years ago, we would’ve thought you were crazy. But, I wouldn’t change my life. Rob and I have designed our life on our terms. It’s not the way that many ‘think’ we should live. But we honestly don’t care. We live life on our terms, with no excuses.

What I live by now is one simple idea. You need to have a vision of what you really want in your life (You can use the Dreamline). But the path that you take to get there ultimately isn’t up to you to plan. You’ve got to be open to the twists and turns life throws your way. Currently, my dream is to live in Italy. Actually, if I’m honest, since my first visit to Italy at age sixteen, I’ve had this yearning to live ‘La Dolce Vita’. Now, I don’t let myself get caught up in who, how and when I’ll live there. I just know that I will. Each and every day I take another step toward my dream, and I know that the path may change, curve and even sometimes detour. But, in the end, I will live in Italy.

So ask yourself, “Five or ten years ago, could you have detailed out exactly where you are in your life currently?”

Probably not. Your five or ten year plan probably failed. But hopefully, it failed for the better like mine did. It failed because what I originally thought I wanted, was not authentic. Now, I have a real chance at achieving my dream, not just the American dream.

The moral of the story…

Find out what you really and truly want in your life- no excuses necessary. Don’t get caught up in the details of how- just take the next step forward. Accept life’s challenges and blessings. Know that it will happen. Go after it harder than you’ve done anything else in life.

Here are my favorite Top Eleven World’s Coolest Cocktails-with recipes. Some are international classics and some are a modern version of my favorites. So- Cheers! – Salute! – Salud! – Pura Vida! – Kampai!

1. Italy- The Raspberry Bellini

This is a fruity twist on the classic peach flavored bellini. The bellini is a common and traditional cocktail enjoyed by all generations of Italians, especially in celebration. And the best part is, the Italians always have something to celebrate!

To make:

• 1 bag frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 bottle (750-ml) chilled brut Champagne

Blend the raspberries and sugar in a food processor or blender until pureed. Strain the raspberry puree through a sieve; discard the seeds, if you wish. Set up 6 Champagne flutes and put about 1 tablespoon of raspberry puree in each glass. Add Champagne to each glass; stir gently and serve. Thanks Giada!

2. France- The St. Germain Sangria

I’m crediting the French with this version of the Spanish sangria because the recipe calls for my favorite new liquor- St. Germain!

To make:

• 1 Bottle Sauvignon Blanc or Dry White Wine
• 1 cup St. Germain
• 2 Peaches (sliced)
• 1 cup sliced Strawberries
• 1 cup Grapes
• 1 cup Blueberries

Stir ingredients in a pitcher or carafe. Allow fruit to soak in the mixture between 3 and 8 hours. Serve in an ice-filled glass.

3. Brazil – The Champagnirinha

This is a bubbly twist of the the basic Brazilian Caipirinha!

To make:

4. Mexico- The Real Margarita

Easy, quick and always amazing, this Margarita is the real thing. The number one rule here is: No Mix.

To make:

• 4 oz tequila
• 4 oz Mexican Controy (Cointreau or Triple Sec may be substituted)
• 4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
• Crushed ice
• Margarita salt (coarse salt-optional)

Place tequila, Controy and lime juice in blender. Fill until almost full with crushed ice. Shake well. Wet rim of martini or Margarita glass with water and swirl in small dish of salt. Pour Margarita into the glass. Ole!

5. Japan- The Saki Mellon Sword

Saki is something that people love or hate. Here’s a saki-cocktail recipe that everyone will love!

To make:

• 1 oz. Sake (Kizakura Yamahai)
• 1.5 oz. Midori
• Splash of Lemon Juice
• 2 oz. Soda Water

Pour all ingredients into a high ball glass filled with crashed ice and stair softly. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

6. Ireland- Paddy’s Girl

When you think of the Irish, you think whiskey & beer. Here’s a sweet version of the old-Irish standards.

To make:

• 4 oz. Irish whiskey
• 4 oz. Irish cream liqueur
• 4 oz. chocolate liqueur
• 4 oz. chilled espresso

Pour ingredients into a blender filled with crushed ice, and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a margarita glass, and serve garnished with chocolate shavings.

7. Argentina- Clerico (Sangria Blanco)

This is the sexy sister of Sangria. I found this one of the beaches of Uruguay. It’s a bit sweeter, definitely lighter and more refreshing! Perfect for summer!

To make:

• 1 Bottle White Table Wine
• 2 Bananas
• 1 Apple
• 1 Orange
• 6 Strawberries
• 1/2 Lb Grapes
• 1/2 Lb Sugar

Remove the skin of all the fruits and cut the fruit into small pieces. Put the fruit in a large bowl and cover the fruit with the sugar.
Pour enough wine to cover the fruit and sugar and place bowl in the fridge. Leave it for at least 2 hours (longer preferred), and then mix it with the rest of the wine. Serve each drink with some fruit in the glass

8. Kenya- Dawa

This cocktail is also based on the Brazilian Caipirinha. And it is sweeping the African country of Kenya as one of the most popular cocktails! Dawa means “magic potion” in Swahili.

To make:

• 1 tsp Sugar
• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 Lime – quartered
• 1 Dawa Stick (or a regular cocktail stick) dipped in honey

Pour vodka in a rocks glass, add lime quarters.  Then, put in dawa stick after dipping in honey.  Add crushed ice to taste.  Stir with dawa stick and use it to press lime wedges.

9. New Zealand- Honey Bear Sling

42 Below is a New Zealand brand of Vodka and flavored Vodkas. Lovin’ the unique flavors like honey and kiwi!

To make:

Fill a glass with ice, and add 42BELOW Manuka Honey and raspberry liqueur. Top with cranberry juice, stir well, and squeeze in a wedge of lime.

10. Russia- Blakberi Lavender Fizz

To make:

From Russia with love! Stolichnaya Authentic Russian Vodka has introduced Stoli Blakberi. This flavorful and refreshing drink is a far cry from the popular 80′s calorie dense white-Russian!

• 2 parts Stoli Blakberi
• 1 part fresh lemon juice
• 1 part fresh lime juice
• 1 part lavender-infused agave nectar syrup
• Top off with club soda

Shake ingredients together over ice. Strain into a Collins glass with ice and top with soda. Garnish with fresh lavender and a lime wheel.

11. USA- Cinnamon Apple Martini

This one is as American as Apple-pie…well, almost! The apple martini is the default drink to many in the US. Here’s my favorite twist on this American favorite. FYI: A great apple martini is not bright green and doesn’t come with a cherry!

To make:

• 1/4 oz Cinnamon Liqueur
• 1 oz Van Gogh Appel Vodka
• 1 oz Van Gogh Regular Vodka
• 1/4 oz Van Gogh Sour Appel Liqueur

$$$: $301 +

$$: $201-$300

$: < $201

Scottsdale, AZ

The red rocks and desert temps of Arizona, mixed with the style and flare of Los Angeles = Scottsdale. Great restaurants, awesome nightlife and totally relaxing spas await those looking for a quick, inexpensive (for the most part) escape!

** Don’t forget to download The Secret List: Scottsdale **

$$$: The Sanctuary at Camel Back

$$: The Mondrian Scottsdale

$: W Scottsdale

Mexico

Mexico is a cheap Spring Break heaven for the college coeds. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find an amazing, luxury property sans boozing-it-up boneheads. Here are my three favorite Mexican getaways for any budget! (Book during the end of April, first of May for non-spring break prices)

$$$: The One & Only Pamilla

$$: Paradisus Riviera Cancun

$: Mosquito Beach Adult Only Hotel

Southern California

I love Spring on the West Coast. Whether it’s an Santa Monica, Laguna or San Diego; So-Cal has coastal towns offer great temps, plenty of sunshine and the perfect flip-flop experience that you need to help you mentally come out of Winter hibernation. (Avoid May Gray & June Gloom in parts of Southern California)

** Don’t forget to download The Secret List: Los Angeles **

$$$: St. Regis Monarch Beach

$$: Shutters on the Beach – Santa Monica

$: Tower 23 – San Diego

Paris, France

This may sound a bit cliché, yes – but Spring in Paris is AMAZING! This is one of my favorite times to visit this incredibly modern, romantic and exciting city of love!

$$$: Hotel Daniel

$$: Hotel Le A

$: Hotel Clos Medicis

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech? Really? YES!!!! If you want something different and exciting- Marrakech offers the most bang for your buck! Culture & history mixed with a seductive sexiness that is found NO place else in this world!

** Don’t forget to download The Secret List: Marrakech **

$$$: Riad Lotus Privilege

$$: Villa des Orangers

$: Riad 72

The world is fascinated by Italy’s most famous region, Tuscany. There are countless books written about a person’s first hand experience living amongst the Italian Cypress trees in the rolling vineyard covered fields of this great region. Probably the most famous area within Tuscany is the wine producing region of Chianti. Specifically, the Chianti Classico region is definitely one of the most visited. It offers a multitude of vineyards, hill top medieval villages and quaint farm houses that have been converted into restaurants, villas and hotels. Patrons rush to this area to create their own, ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ experience.

Rob and I have explored this region many times before. We’ve rented a car, gotten lost, consequently found some really cool places as a result of getting lost and had some great experiences in the Tuscan hillside. But, none of these prior experiences compared with out recent trip to Tuscany’s wine epicenter, Chianti. In the past, we just grabbed a map and found our way. This time we decided to do something different. We contacted Bravo!, the premier travel concierge in Italy and inquired about possible tours. The wonderful thing about working with Bravo! is that they can tailor your day-trip to your wants and desires. We explained that we were looking for something different, off the beaten path.

Bravo! customized an amazing, exclusive VIP private tour of the rolling hills of Chianti, the medieval village of San Gimignano and lunch at a hidden Michelin Star rated Osteria and a tour of one of Chianti’s oldest and most interesting wineries.

In the morning our English speaking, well educated and personable tour guide and private driver Michael, picked us up at our hotel, JK Place. Immediately he began telling us what to expect during our day trip through the beautiful hills and winding roads of the Chianti region of Tuscany. Along the way, he spoke to us about the history of Tuscany, the Tuscan people and of course, about Italy’s most prized possession, vino! Keep in mind, this is not a rehearsed script that Michael is reading from. He had a deep love, appreciation and understanding of his culture, country and history that we hung on every single word that left his lips. It was one of the most fascinating conversations that we’ve ever had with a tour guide!

Once we arrived in the hill top village of San Gimignano, we were escorted to the front gate and set free to explore this medieval walled town. In other cities, such as Florence, most or all of their towers have been brought down due to wars, tragic accidents, or community projects. However, San Gimignano has managed to conserve fourteen towers which have become its international symbol. It is so much fun to get lost in the winding pedestrian streets of this village. The town contains four squares: Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza Duomo (where the Collegiata is located) Piazza Pecori, and Piazza delle Erbe. It is also worth a visit to the Museo Criminale Mediovale (The Museum of Medieval Torture) to see some of the town’s darkest moments in history.

After about an hour of touring inside the walls of San Gimignano. We went back to meet Michael at the car and headed off to Badia a Passignano to have lunch at Osteria di Passignano. This Michelin Star rated casual Osteria sits in the heart of a 215-hectare vineyard owned by the Antinori family and adjacent to a monastery that dates back to 395. The building which now houses Osteria di Passignano, as well as the Antinori wineshop called ‘La Bottega’, is an 18th century building near the abbey entrance.

When we drove up the private driveway to this massive monastery, we knew that this place was going to be amazing. Once inside the Osteria, we were promptly given a welcome glass of sparkling wine and a tasting ‘from the chef’. I have to say, when I put this small offering into my mouth, it was a religious experience. I quickly told our waiter how outstanding I thought this creative combination of polenta and other local ingredients was. He replied, “It can not be outstanding yet.” What he meant was, this is only the beginning and each course will build in flavor and excellence. So if I start with “outstanding” that leaves no room for improvement!

The Osteria’s menu varies according to seasonal availability. This means simply that they only use the freshest, high quality local ingredients. From the bread and pastas that are handmade with stone-ground organic wheat, to the perfectly seasoned salads, to the tenderest portions of steak, everything was delicious! After all of this food, how could you possibly put one more morsel into your mouth! Well, you can’t until, you read what is offered on the properly named dessert menu, “Sweet Hell” (taking a little inspiration from the Divine Comedy). It also reads, ‘All Hop Abandon, Ye who enter’. The desserts are named after the seven deadly sins (which after eating a few, my butt agreed that these desserts were definitely deadly!) Personally, I think every dessert menu should have this warning! Obviously, we had to see what all the fuss was about. So, we ordered not one, but two of their famous sugary concoctions! I’m not sure if we were in heaven or hell, but either way it was amazingly sinful!

Now of course, during our lunch we had a glass of the famous local Badia a Passignano Riserva Chianti Classico. There is just something so wonderful about sipping a wine that literally came from the earth you are standing on. As we were leaving, we stopped to chat with the local sommelier. Now, I don’t mean some stuffy, guy teaching you to swirl and spit. I mean, real honest to goodness wine expert that not only loves his trade, but has an endless amount of information, history at his disposal inside his head. He told us that the adjacent monastery, that is in the heart of the vineyard, was built and is still occupied by Benedictine monks. He explain to us that the Antinori family who owned this winery, and has been making wine for 26 generations (since 1365) and has vineyards all over the world. Then, he offered to take us into the cellar of that ancient monastery to see where the Antinori family stores and ages their wine. This is not something that is open to the public, so we were quick to take him up on the offer. Once inside this cold, dark, massive cellar, we saw hundreds of oak barrels housing the ‘sleeping wine’. We walked from room to room, learning more and more about the history of the monastery, the monks that live inside and of course of the wine making process.

Once our tour of the wine cellar was complete and our bellies were full, we hopped back in the car with Michael for a nice ride back to the JK Place. Of all the experiences that Rob and I have had around the world, this one is definitely up there among the best. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience!

# # # #

Bravo! offers many types of private, VIP, behind the scenes and exclusive tours and services. Bravo! has the contacts in Italy to arrange unparalleled experiences and services that you will NOT find anywhere else! For more information on Bravo! read Rob’s blog.

Badia a Passignano’s “La Bottega” and “L’Osteria” are open every day from 10am-11.30pm; La Bottega and the Sala del Torchio are open for tastings on Sundays (10.30am-6.30pm). Tel/Fax: 055-8071278.

We’ve all watch the news, heard the stories and have seen the pictures of Haiti. Maybe you have already donated some money to the numerous charities that are sending volunteers, supplies and food to ravaged Port-au-Prince. It’s also possible that maybe you don’t have a ton of money to donate and wish that you could help. I have the perfect answer for you!
One of my fellow bloggers, Diana from  The Chic Life , was inspired by this vegan bake sale taking place in NYC by Super Vegan, that she decided to organize an Online Bake Sale for Haiti! She’s a great girl who’s harnessing the power of the internet to help those in need! This is a chance for all those Suzie-Homemakers to help in a big way!
There are two ways to participate. ‘Bake it’ or ‘Eat it’. It’s as simple as that.

Personally, I’m making my famous ‘dark chocolate cherry & nut clusters’ Yummy!

Check out the details below for more information!

Bake Sale for Haiti Details:

• This bake sale will be online, so you don’t have to be local to bid.

• Shipping will be for US and Canada (bakers will indicate where they are willing to ship to).

• The Chic Life be posting bakers and what they’re donating as they are received (trying to have the list complete the day before the bake sale).

• The bidding on the bake sale will take place Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 all day – from 12:01 am till 11:59pm ET.

• Bids will be accepted via comments and email, but they will have a separate bidding page ready for the actual bidding day.

• All money raised from the bake sale will be donated to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

After 12 hours of air travel, only to land in a freezing cold New England blizzard, we just wanted a hot shower, a warm meal and a comfy bed . The closest that we were getting to being home, was my home in Beantown, XV Beacon. Rob and I had plans to hit one of Boston’s great restaurants, but we were exhausted. We knew that Chef Jamie Mammamo co-owns some of our favorite Boston restaurants like Mistral, Sorelina and Teatro and he also co-owns the hotel’s restaurant, Mooo. To make things easy, we decided to just walk downstairs and grab an early dinner at Mooo.

The first thing that struck us was the decor. As in all of their restaurants, they keep it modern without losing that intimate and elegant feel that you desire when you are out on the town with special someone. Our table, tucked in a cozy corner in the back of the restaurant had two oversize chairs that made us feel like royalty being shielded from the paparazzi at the next table.

First we glanced at the drink menu. We saw an exceptional list of great wines, definitely known as one of the best in the city; however just coming straight from the grape fields of Tuscany, we opted for one of the seasonal specialty cocktails. For me, the pumpkin pie martini was calling my name. When it arrived with a dollop of whipped cream, I knew it would not disappoint!

Once we had our drinks, an absolutely sinful pan of freshly baked rolls arrived! This is when I knew we were not just ‘grabbing a bite’. This was going to be amazing.

Now for the main menu. The only problem that we had was making a choice! How can you with items like Kobe beef dumplings and main lobster bisque to start off, followed by choosing the perfect cut of steak. Would we choose be the perfectly seasoned filet, the crowd favorite Delmonico or possibly the 100% Kobe Kagoshima Prefecture from Japan. By the way, Kobe is now “in fashion” in many steakhouses across the country, however, not all Kobe steaks are created equal. Many steakhouses promote “Kobe-style” beef, taken from domestically-raised. This is not the same as real, Kobe that is flown in from Japan and served in restaurants like Mooo. Once we’ve decided on our steaks, for me the lean eight-ounce filet and for Rob the Delmonico, it was time to choose sides. I prefer vegetables with my steak, like the nice exotic mushroom mix, but honestly, the Moo mac and cheese with lobster was calling our name! So, we decided on both.

Then, the dessert menu came. I should have never looked. With items like the S’More, Bananas Foster and Bailey’s Hot Fudge Sundae for Two, this dessert menu is sure to bring you right back to your youth (with an adult twist of course).

After we ate as much of the insanely decadent bananas foster as we could, we paid our check and went upstairs to our room and crawled into that comfy bed that we were so desperately needing. Yes, we ordered way more food than we could have ever eaten. We did not finish most of it, but we definitely do not regret our choices!

My Team ~ The Savage Girls

Six Weeks Out From Showtime!

My last blog regarding my results was in early October ’09. I had proudly lost 8.5 lbs and many inches. I had done well, I had the experience and the background to do this. But at that point, my goal shifted. I wanted to not only compete at the Ms. Bikini America Championships, now I wanted to make the Top 10 in my division! This is when I hired fitness competition guru Cathy Savage and her team to whip me into fitness competition shape during the last six weeks of pre-contest prep. You’ve probably seen Cathy on MTV’s Made. She’s the master when it comes to getting girls stage ready (FYI- She also has a lifestyle program for those who don’t want to compete, but just want the abs!). During the six week period, I sent Cathy’s team front and back check-in pictures weekly so they could determine the course of action in regard to my nutrition and exercise plans. Each week slight changes were made to allow the maximum results. There were days I felt exhausted and days I felt exhilarated. It was truly a challenging mental and physical journey.

Viva Las Vegas

On November 17, 2009 I boarded my flight to Viva Las Vegas with a cooler filled with cooked chicken breast, egg whites, sweet potatoes and asparagus. The best part of the flight was watching four or five super fit people with coolers presumably filled with chicken board the plane. By this point, I had done everything that I could to change my body, now it was time to have fun, enjoy the process, rock the stage and put my hard earned results to work.

The three-day event was filled with registration, media, photo shoots, spray-tan appointments and a final Savage Team meeting. At the start of the meeting, Cathy and her team of choreographers, nutrition experts and past winners watched as we all stripped down and walked one-by-one as we would on stage for a final critique. In line with the 75 other Savage Girls, I felt more nervous walking for my coaches than I expected I would the next morning in front of the judges. I guess this is the first time during the weekend that I’d be judged. I hadn’t been on a fitness stage in six years! At that point I was thinking “what have I gotten myself into”. Then, one of the coaches said next and it was my turn to walk. I pushed my nerves out of my head and reminded myself of the commitment that I made to myself and the goal that I had set to make the Top 10. If I couldn’t walk in an empty ballroom for my fitness-family, how would I be able to do it in front of the real judges and audience! As I was walking up, Cathy looked directly at me and said “You look amazing!”. That’s it, it’s all I needed to hear. No more nerves. The guru of fitness chicks just told me I looked amazing.

Friday, November 19th, 6am ~ My alarm didn’t even need to go off because my body knew it was time to wake up. This was the day that I had been training for since August 9th. This is what every 5am cardio session and grilled chicken breast was for! Hair, make-up and I was ready. Backstage was a frantic place. I grabbed a quiet spot, put on my headphones and listened to my power song Kevin Rudolph’s “Let It Rock!”. My division was called and I was the 9th to go onto the stage. I was nervous, emotional, anxious and excited. My oh-so-supportive husband was sitting in the first row with some great friends that flew in for the event and my Mom who decided to surprise me in Vegas a few days earlier! I also knew I have the Team Savage in the audience getting ready to scream for me. From the moment my foot hit the stage, I was on. I gave it all I could in that moment. The best part was that I actually remember each of the 60 seconds, which in the past it’s always been a blur. But this time, I kept telling myself to enjoy the results of reaching my goal. As often, we set a goal and reach it, only to quickly set another. Not me, not this time. I was bound and determined to enjoy each and every minute of hearing that crowd cheer.

The Results Show

Saturday, November 20th, 10am ~ My division was called out onto the stage. We all showed up, ready to compete but only 10 of us would get the chance to walk the stage again today for the judges. This was the moment for me. This was my ultimate goal for this show, I wanted, no I needed, no I was going to make the Top 10. This is what I had on my vision board, this is what I had on my goal list, this is what I had in my brain over the last 12 weeks. It was in this moment that I would find out my fate. As we lined up on the stage, I definitely began to get a little nervous. The women that I competed against were stunning. But, I had no regrets, I can honestly say I did my best. Then announcer began… she called the first girl into the Top 10, wasn’t me, but still 9 more spots to go! Then I heard #93 Kimberly Murgatroyd! You would have thought that I just won an Olympic gold medal! I was beaming form ear to ear. I looked down and saw my husband and my Mom crying, which almost made me cry. I did it. I accomplished the goal that I set for myself, I made the Top 10.

Final Weight Loss: 15 lbs

Chest: lost 2.5″

Waist (smallest part): lost 3.5″

Ab (this is that muffin top, love handle area): lost 6″

Hip (widest part of the booty): lost 2.5″

Thigh: lost 2″

Arm: lost 1.5″

Going Forward

Post-show I felt amazing. Especially as I ate a delicious Hershey’s Cordial Cherry Kiss! Looking back over the last 15 weeks, I realized a few things.

1. I love the challenge of pre-competition diet and training. I love being able to create the physique that I want, when I want.

2. I love being on the stage. I enjoy the friendly competition. I love that it motivates me and gives me a goal to strive for each and every workout.

3. I love how my family, friends and team supports each other. From my daughter toughing it out through meals of chicken, my husband getting up for EVERY 5am cardio workout to my Mom & Dad planning the most amazing surprise. Support is key.

Going forward, I have already planned my competition schedule for 2010. First show is March 20, 2009! My goal has is to make the Top 5 in 2010. In addition, I will compete in the Fitness Division, which includes a 2 minute routine filled with dance, gymnastic, strength & flexibility.

This is something that I truly love to do. It challenges me every day. It challenges my will-power. It challenges my body. Life is about finding what you love to do and doing it. Don’t let excuses stand in your way of following your dreams in 2010. As we say, Excuses are over. It’s time to live!

XOXO

Kimberly

The perfect picture is one that triggers your memories. The perfect picture is the picture that makes you say “Remember that….that’s when….” When you’re taking a photo, there are no rules. Photos capture moments. When you’re traveling,  you don’t just want to remember the monuments in the places you’ve been. You want to remember how delicious the food was, funny moments with your friends and especially the magic moments with your family.

With the Holidays quickly descending upon us, many will be traveling abroad for a fantastic snow inspired vacation or simply sharing special moments with family.

I’ve had multiple pictures of my travels make it to CNN’s Travel Snapshots page. I also get tons of emails on how I take such great pics, so decided to give you three of my top tips for taking great photos. I’d also love if you share your favorite tips for taking great pics in the comments section!