Fitness PR Division

Located at the heart of CityCenter, Las Vegas' new 67-acre urban center, ARIA Resort & Casino is the latest work by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. The 4,000-room ARIA is the first hotel-casino designed by the firm, known for such buildings as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong, and the World Financial Center in New York. The project, opened Dec. 16, is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE and Infinity World Development Corp. and includes buildings designed by several internationally renowned architecture firms.

"With ARIA, there was an interchange of ideas," said Cesar Pelli, Senior Principal of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. "The gathering of so many creative people energized us and made us reach for higher goals."

The tallest structure in CityCenter, ARIA Resort & Casino redefines the Las Vegas skyline and creates a strong sense of space. The 3.8 million-square-foot hotel-casino complex is comprised of two counterpoising, curvilinear towers joining to form an open center. Constructed of steel and glass, the towers transform as they reflect the changing sky and the lights of Las Vegas.

"Our buildings are a composition of shimmering glass surfaces shaded from the sun, enclosing concentrations of activities in an exciting urban place," said Fred Clarke, Senior Principal.

ELLE, the number one global fashion magazine, announces the ELLE Make Better Program and DVD Series. The Make Better program is a multiplatform initiative surrounding fitness, fashion and beauty content that includes a themed January issue, a dedicated website and a three-DVD set hosted by and starring model Brooklyn Decker.

ELLE is turning the dated notion of the "makeover" on its head and instead focusing on new ways to look at fashion, beauty and fitness through simple, yet strategic adjustments to one's everyday life. Spending unnecessary time, money and energy on a new wardrobe, overhauling one's closet or engaging in expensive beauty and fitness regimes is out -- so beginning with the January 2010 Make Better Issue, ELLE will demonstrate how to make small tweaks to readers' lifestyles that offer big results. ELLE will also feature Make Better edit in the beauty/fitness section throughout 2010, inspiring readers to continue striving to improve their lives. The program will be sponsored by Reebok, which will integrate its fitness apparel and Easy Tone technology into the DVDs and custom advertorials in the January issue.

Santa Barbara is often referred to as the "American Riviera" – a place that conjures up images of waves, spas, beachfront dining and, of course, the perfect glass of wine.  Wine lovers looking for the fresh, modern style of Santa Barbara County will be delighted with these high-quality, luxurious wines.

Santa Barbara County has joined Napa and Sonoma as one of California's most prestigious wine regions. "This is the most exciting place in the world to be growing grapes," says Don Ackerman, General Manager Central Coast Vineyards for Santa Barbara Wine Company. "Our climate and our soils are proving to be ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For a relatively young region we are already producing great wines, and the potential in our vineyards clearly points to a tremendous future," he added.

The Santa Barbara Wine Company wines come from two exceptional vineyards situated on the Central Coast. In the Los Alamos subregion of Santa Barbara County, the Cat Canyon Vineyard provides the backbone for the Chardonnay. The vineyard's cool climate, combined with sustainable farming practices, produces vibrant, fruit-driven Chardonnay. This wine is crafted in a refreshing style, with limited oak treatment and minimal malolactic fermentation, and retails for $17.

The Santa Barbara Wine Company Pinot Noir is sourced entirely from the North Canyon Vineyard, which is located adjacent to one of the most famous vineyards on the Central Coast, Bien Nacido. The Cuyama River runs alongside the vineyard, and, with its maritime influence from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard produces elegant and expressive Pinot Noir. The wine offers vibrant strawberry and cherry aromas with racy acidity, making this a very food friendly Pinot Noir, which retails for $20.

Ah, the endless battle of working out. Part of the struggle is forcing yourself to head to the gym. It’s crowded, we’re lazy, the excuses are endless. But alas, there’s a new fitness product on the market is aimed at us who want to be fit but avoid the gym.

Meet FitFlop. A sandal that works out your legs while you walk, it’s created with expert technology that literally tones your leg, calf and glut areas just by walking. The sandals also claim to improve posture (good-bye middle school scoliosis), develop muscle tone, as well as relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, chronic back pain and heel spurs among other benefits. The shoe also helps imitate the natural act of walking barefoot, though with more muscle load.

In 1985 Harvey and Marilyn Diamond wrote a diet and lifestyle book. Today, 25 years later, “Fit For Life” continues to remain popular. Promising to change not just your diet but also your lifestyle, the book helps readers lose weight and create a new healthy lifestyle. The revolutionary New York Times best seller changed the way people saw diets; no longer were they just short lived, but rather they promoted a new way of living.

In 1985 Harvey and Marilyn Diamond wrote a diet and lifestyle book. Today, 25 years later, “Fit For Life” continues to remain popular. Promising to change not just your diet but also your lifestyle, the book helps readers lose weight and create a new healthy lifestyle. The revolutionary New York Times best seller changed the way people saw diets; no longer were they just short lived, but rather they promoted a new way of living.

Vacations usually mean a break from your normal routine. And that includes your diet and work out routines. Crystal Cruises is out to prove you don’t have to gain ten pounds while on vacation. The September 5 voyage of Crystal Symphony will be completely dedicated to wellness, but the luxury cruise line is still keeping cruise-goers high expectations afloat.

The Naked Chef is on a mission to tackle childhood obesity starting with our nation's schools. I don't know about you, but my high school lunch days were nothing but a mess of chicken patties, pizza and tatter tots. Nutrition wasn't even a twinkle in the lunch lady's eye. And with the rise in overweight children steadily climbing, how can we not love Jamie Oliver's bold approach at facing an issue head on that we continue to fail miserably at? His Food Revolution looks to do just that.

Mexican hotel chain Real Resorts today announced that its gourmet luxury all-inclusive resorts, THE ROYAL in Cancun and THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen are receiving the prestigious International Star Diamond Award for the second year in a row. The recognition is awarded by The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences to select five star hotels that exceed a selection of criteria for facilities, operations and service.  In addition the AAHS is also awarding Real Resorts the Green Diamond recognition for its commitment to ecology and the environment.  Real Resorts has been instrumental in working towards ecologically sound programs to protect the natural reef along the coast of Cancun, as well as employing sustainable operating practices at all four properties.

THE ROYAL in Cancun became the first Cancun property to receive the International Star Diamond Award in 2009 and is now the first Cancun property to receive the recognition for two consecutive years.  Also receiving the award for a second year is THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen which recently completed an addition including more of its popular Ocean View Suites and high demand Presidential Suites that include private pools and 360 degree views of Playa del Carmen and the ocean.  Also included in the new addition is a new restaurant, el Mediterraneo, and a coffee bar, as well as a junior-Olympic pool and pool bar.

Knick-knack, paddy whack; give the dog a bone. And while you're at it throw the planet a bone, too. Natura Pet Products, makers of Innova, EVO, California Natural, HealthWise, Karma and Mother Nature brand pet foods and treats, is encouraging pet parents to share the fun this Earth Day and help reduce their companions' carbon pawprint.

As many families make green changes on April 22, Natura challenges pet owners to switch their animal companion to a natural diet, such as Innova. An eco-friendly and healthful alternative, Innova's ingredients are grown from the earth – using only USDA-quality meats and dairy, whole fruits and vegetables, and grains that are unprocessed or minimally-processed to retain each ingredient's nutritional integrity. In addition, all of Natura's natural ingredients are of the highest quality, eliminating the need to add artificial ingredients, colors, flavors or preservatives to improve appearance or palatability.

There’s nothing worse than a lingering hangover. The throbbing headaches, the constant nausea, the list goes on and on. After experimenting with the countless remedies that supposedly cure all, there’s honestly no quick fix. From chugging water to greasy food to eating bananas to drinking coffee, we’ve tried them all. The hangover gods must have been feeling generous when they created MODJO Synergy. It’s an all-natural tablet that can, you guessed it, remedy the symptoms of hangovers.

Many moms nowadays have unfinished and unfulfilled dreams gathering dust and cobwebs somewhere in a corner of their minds. They choose to live a life different from what they earlier perceived to be when they were in their younger years - choosing family life over that lifelong dream of becoming a writer, a ski pro, a consultant, a graduate of a certain university or course, or any other goals that they initially wanted to achieve.

In today's society, a growing number of married and single mothers have found themselves in situations where some of their greatest dreams in life have been put on hold or dropped altogether. These dreams could be in the varied areas of career, business, fitness and health, education, spiritual, leisure or legacy. Major reasons for abandonment of their earlier desires in life may be a lack of available funds or resources, inadequate education, bereavement, divorce, and other factors. While others feel fulfilled already at this particular stage in their lives as being moms, there are more mothers who allow themselves to wonder what could have been if they did this or that. Yes; there are moments when they ask themselves, "Would it be possible to achieve their goals and still balance their other responsibilities in life? Or would it be too late?"

This unfortunate situation holds true for so many women. However, "it does not have to stay that way," says author and life-coach Tolu Adeleye, Ph.D.

In answer to these concerns, Dr. Adeleye has launched a 12-week online course which will be available to moms of all ages. (Their sisters, aunts, grandmothers, nieces, and others can also join in and share this journey.) This informative and inspiring virtual coaching session, "Strength to Deliver: revive and give birth to your interrupted dreams," will run for 12 glorious weeks starting from the first Monday after the celebration of Mother's Day (May 10, 2010). Its unique and interesting manner of approach uses the imagery of the natural process of childbirth to illustrate how one can accomplish one's goals. The online format makes it convenient and easily accessible to women worldwide at the click of their mouse.

Topics to be covered in the course include:

• Discovering your maternal twins named strength and purpose
• Strength to conceive  
• Strength to grow
• Strength to give birth
• Learning to birth each dream as a way of life

Contemporary Lifestyle Publishing Inc. exists to equip people and organizations to use times of change as stepping stones to greater fulfillment in life through provision of quality services and products.

Tolu Adeleye, Ph.D., author and life-coach, evokes excellence in women by helping them to birth their personal and career dreams.

To celebrate Mother's Day, Dr. Adeleye invites women to get pregnant again, this time with dreams that got left behind in the course of motherhood. Through her 12-week online course called "Strength to Deliver" she empowers women of all ages to recharge their passion for life.

Millions of people tour wineries each year, with wine tasting now a popular attraction at destinations around the world. In fact, the state of California welcomed 19.7 million visitors to its wineries in one year alone, according to WineBusiness.com.

With wine tourism on the rise, connoisseurs have identified one of the best spots to experience the bouquet and flavors of award-winning wines, in an area that you might not expect: Canada. Having received numerous international awards, the Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia is home to a number of acclaimed wineries, producing what are considered some of the best wines in the world.

A Taste of Elegance

In 2010, wine lovers can experience a unique and exclusive wine tasting-themed vacation with Rocky Mountaineer, known for its acclaimed two-day, all-daylight-rail journeys offering exceptional service, spectacular scenery and a gourmet culinary experience. Visitors to Western Canada can embark on an exclusive eight-day/seven-night journey with the new GoldLeaf Themed Experiences--Wine Tasting tour. Wine enthusiasts travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver into British Columbia's Interior region, where they deboard and tour some of the Okanagan Valley's top wineries. Onboard the train, guests have the opportunity to enjoy regionally sourced cuisine, expertly paired with local British Columbian wines-all as they enjoy panoramic views and the elegant surroundings of an exclusive GoldLeaf dome coach.

After experiencing the best of the wineries in the region, the train continues to Banff, Alberta, in the Rocky Mountains, where guests are treated to a separate but no less stunning region of Western Canada. During the trip, rail travelers have ample free time to relax, enjoy area shopping or play a few rounds of golf. Travelers can even take a helicopter tour of the Canadian Rockies. But for many, the getaway is mainly about experiencing an exclusive rail journey while discovering some of the world's finest wines straight from the wineries that produce them.

For more information, visit www.rockymountaineer.com.

Typically when you attach a celebrity name to a product it helps move sales. In the diet industry, celebrity makeover stories are big news. No pun intended of course. But the most recent addition to the Weight Watchers spokesperson lineup is Jennifer Hudson, who I personally think is more of a "real person" type celebrity than say Sarah Ferguson or Jenny McCarthy. Will it help keep Weight Watchers relevant with the celebrity weight loss competition of Jenny Craig with Valerie Bertinelli, Sara Rue, Jason Alexander and now Nicole Sullivan?

I was a long time Diet Coke addict despite warnings from friends in the health and fitness industry that it was destroying my bones. Despite hearing that if I would just quit the syrupy heaven in a bottle, I could potentially lose 10 pounds. Despite the fact that drinking soda rendered me no benefits at all. It was only 3 years ago when I really began monitoring my health, that I decided to give it up for good. So how is soda trying to win back the hearts and minds of their lost long time loyalists like me?

Simply put: position itself as good for you.

In the continued action of fighting childhood obesity, lawmakers seem to be following suit to impose a soda tax for those sugary beverages we love to consume. While the tax is aimed at the beverage companies, there is no doubt that the higher price will be passed onto the consumer. Will this sway consumers to purchase diet sodas and beverages that will escape the tax? Or will consumers continue purchasing their favorite soft drinks despite it?

Here are some PR tips for the soft drink companies to keep their consumers drinking:

If beauty is only skin deep, then Eva Scrivo must have thick skin. The hair and make-up artist, as well as acclaimed beauty expert knows her stuff. And now she’s sharing the wealth with her first book “Eva Scrivo on Beauty: The Tools, Techniques, and Insider Knowledge Every Woman Needs to Be Her Most Beautiful, Confident Self.” Like other beauty experts, such as Carmindy, Eva is taking advantage of the new and emerging market of beauty books, which have proven to do well once on the shelf.

The book, which debuts this fall, tackles everything from hair and make-up to a healthy lifestyle to better skin. If it’s anything like her beauty blog, we’re in for cover to cover. She’s in the know in terms of how to look great, day or night, while only exploiting our natural beauty. She's worked with over a thousand women and her experience shows within her work, whether that's plucking brows or applying blush.

The best thing about Eva’s new book is that we, along with the general beauty-conscious public, trust her. From her appearances on The Early Show to her well-known salon in NYC, Eva’s proven she’s a pro in the beauty biz through thick and skin.

Paul McKenna, Ph.D., who has been described as "Dr. Phil” in the UK, is heading to the US with his new book: I Can Make You Thin: The Revolutionary System Used by More Than 3 Million People. He has already helped millions of people battling with weight issue, insomnia, smoking, and self esteem issues through his other best selling self-help books and TV appearance. Within the last three years, Paul McKenna has sold over three million books.

Highly regarded in his self- help expertise, Paul McKenna’s book: I Can Make You Thin: The Revolutionary System Used by More Than 3 Million People is set to change the way you think and rationalize about food by reprogramming your unconscious mind. In it he teaches his readers how to use these psychological techniques and exercises to overcome food cravings and re-program their mind within minutes. By changing how you view food at the subconscious level, you would be able to unlock the secrets to leading a healthier eating lifestyle by channeling out food cravings and the emotional ties to food.

If there are two things I love, it is going to the spa and skiing. My all-time favorite place to ski is Killington. Now New Life Hiking Spa in Killington, Vermont has launched a new weight loss spa vacation package designed to be a combination of hiking, healthy foods and creating healthy eating habits that are targeted to help you lose weight. While this weight loss spa has vacation packages with as few as 2-4 days for stay time, it is their 11-day package that is the most popular.

The 11-day weight loss retreat outlines and enlists realistic solid changes in your eating habits and lifestyle to promote a life-long change to the way you eat and maintain a healthy weight. Since we all know that diets are only a short term solution to a long term goal, this may be why staying at New Life for a longer duration provides a better success rate for weight loss. Rates start as low as $209 per night, but price is determined by the package you choose and occupancy.

While skiing is not on the agenda at this weight loss spa (they are only open May-October), I definitely suggest driving by the slopes and planning an adventure in the winter months. What better way to continue your weight loss goal and stay in shape?

The Mediterranean Diet, which has been promoted as the heart-healthy diet on well-respected sites like WebMD and the Mayo Clinic, and have even grabbed the attention of the American Heart Association, has now been included in the 2010 DGA (Dietary Guidelines for Americans) as an optimal choice for eating healthy.

From the National Institutes of Health, the Mediterranean diet is based on:

• Plant-based meals, with just small amounts of meat and chicken, when they are used
• Larger servings of grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and legumes
• Foods that naturally contain high amounts of fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients
• Plenty of fish and other seafood that are rich in omega 3 fats
• Olive oil, a healthy, monounsaturated fat, as the main source of fat used to flavor and prepare foods
• Food that is prepared and seasoned simply, without sauces and gravies
  
• Flavorful meals that bring out the natural taste of foods
  
• Dining with others at a relaxed pace 

2010's DGA has a focus on more plant-based nutrition, and recent reports show that it may be the olive oil aspect of this diet that is proving to have the most benefit from following the diet's outline.

Do you follow this lifestyle diet? How has it helped your health?

Are you tired of the same old workout routine? Are you looking for a change in your workout? Perhaps even find a workout that is quick, effective and can fit into your busy schedule?

Human performance trainer and competitive athlete Michael Gonzalez Wallace has written a book called Super Body, Super Brain: The Breakthrough Ten Minute Workout (debuting in December 2010). Super Body, Super Brain describes a step by step revolutionary exercise program combining balance, coordination, and strength training along with challenging multi-tasking movements to improve both your muscles and your brain for just 10 minutes a day.

Exercising for merely 10 minutes, according to a health study done by New York Times, has proven that even the least fit athlete showed evidence that their bodies were indeed burning fat. The program is said to deliver maximum results in minimal time to build upon both body and brain efficiency. More importantly, the more difficult the movement, the more activity in the brain, and the more you’ll benefit from it.

Strength training exercises help to promote weight loss, reduce body fat, enhance immune system, sharpen the mind, and build on muscular strength. The book also includes a nutrition program detailing the 'power brain foods' and easy-to-follow recipes. Pre-order is available at Amazon.com.

While, we know that there are many contributing factors making us fat such as our genetic disposition, we do not have to be “trapped” forever with that notion. Even though, studies have shown that some are at a higher predisposition of having “fat genes,” Felicia Stoler, a registered dietitian, a nutrition consultant and author of the upcoming book titled Living Skinny in Fat Genes can help ease readers into losing weight efficiently and effectively. Living Skinny in Fat Genes (set to be released Jan 15th, 2011) proves that having a better education on health issues could lead to healthier, happier and fit lives.

Dr. Felicia Stoller, R.D., is a registered dietitian, nutrition and exercise physiologist, journalist, and the host of TLC’s show "Honey, We’re Killing the Kids" has decided to write a book to show readers on how to take control of their own health through her easy and simple to follow health plan. In this book, she discusses the best new dietary foods, new healthy oils, (palm coconut and canola), and seasonal produce to include into your diet.

She outlines in her book how to:

The Subliminal Workout: Footwear that Improves Muscle Tone

Recently someone asked me what I did to keep my legs in shape.  Since I couldn’t recall the last time I’ve really done an exercise to target my legs in that place I vaguely remember being called a gym,  I responded with three simple words- “commute in heels.”  I know that stacking up my soles forces me to stand straighter, engage my core and ignite my leg muscles all to a greater extent.

For those of you not brave (or crazy) enough to trade your “walking shoes” for four inches of an escalator hazard, there’s a safer alternative. I found three fitness shoes that will help burn more calories and improve muscle tone by simply walking around:


FitFlop:   The most well known of the “strength shoes,” with many thanks to Oprah.  From the FitFlop website,  I learned my heel wearing habits are actually very bad for my feet and these shoes will provide better orthodic support while claiming to improve muscle tone from the buttocks down to the calves.
Fashion + + + Function + + Fiscal +++

"If your shoes don't work out, neither will you.." How true is that statement? We all give countless excuses to why we brush off our fitness routine, but when it comes down to it, since our feet absorb the brunt of our workout, it only makes sense that we make sure we maintain the right fit and comfort level in our workout sneakers.

rykä, an athletic shoe brand began by Sheri Poe (but has since been acquired by American Sporting Goods Corporation,) designs fitness shoes with the unique shape of a woman's foot in mind. One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to the way we wear our shoes. rykä's athletic shoes are narrower in the heel and wider in the forefoot to ensure the comfort of every woman whether it's simply walking a trail with a close friend or working out at the local gym to accomplish a fitness goal.

A new video sharing site, NaturalNews.TV, officially launched this week. The site serves up videos covering natural health, green living, exercise and fitness, holistic living, food and nutrition, environmental protection and other similar topics. Co-founded by Mike Adams, the editor of NaturalNews.com, the video site has grown to over 7,000 members in its pre-launch phase, and it is expected to serve tens of millions of video views this year.

As with other video sites, NaturalNews.TV is free to join and free to use. Members sign up with an email address and may begin uploading unlimited videos. All videos are screened and quality-rated by NaturalNews.TV staff members, and videos that don't meet the site's quality and content guidelines are declined.

Users browsing the site may view, rate, comment and share videos using Facebook and Twitter share buttons. Videos may also be embedded in web pages or email messages using the embedding code provided with each video.

"We created NaturalNews.TV to give parents and adults an online video site focused on their interests without all the noise and pollution of more popular mainstream video sites," explains co-creator Mike Adams. "We screen all our videos before they go live, ensuring the integrity of the viewing experience for our users. And we don't allow videos promoting violence or toxic chemicals."

Mike Sorrentino, aka "The Situation" from MTV's hit reality series The Jersey Shore is extending his 15 minutes of fame well into the holiday season of 2010. Known for his amazing abs (that he really enjoys showing off often), he and his brother Marc along with personal trainer Jon Manfe (otherwise known as The Unit), are releasing a fitness video that he says will get you ripped.

While "The Sitch" may be the butt of jokes for many, it's a pretty smart move to captialize on something that is often buzzed about. The question is, will The Jersey Shore be enough publicity to keep it selling well past the season's shelf life?

*Photo source: The Coast

If you ever had trouble losing weight or desire to trim down on certain areas of your body- then Revolution is ideal for you. Revolution, a new dietary supplement, uses the highest ingredients in their most pure form to help improve your overall health and physique. Revolution Lifestyle is about creating high quality nutritional supplements in correlation to a healthy diet. The concept behind Revolution is defined as a “sudden, complete or marked change in something.”

Revolution offers four very unique supplements to amplify metabolism, suppress appetite, and increase exercise intensity. As a result, these supplements will help with trimming down the abdominal fat and creating a leaner physique when paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

New York is known for being unconventional. In a time when a unique angel gets you the publicity, it's no surprise to hear of a vodka brand and fitness center teaming up to expand their reach. David Barton Gym and Svedka have partnered to create a fitness "cocktail hour" after its boot camp fitness classes.

While health conscious + alcohol doesn't sound like a true mix, it's working for the gym which looks to not only brand itself as the fitness location of choice, but as a place that people with a common lifestyle can come together and unwind from their daily stresses.Not only Fitness PR, but Lifestyle PR of sorts.

While the partnership (also at David Barton's Miami and Chicago locations) is only for the month of August, it will be interesting to see if memberships went up during this time...and if so, if serving alcohol at the gym will become a regular feature. What are your thoughts on this type of partnership?

*Photo Source: David Barton Gym

This year yet another industry is finding themselves tied into fashion, as consumers find ways to show extensions of themselves...and that is through home furnishings and decor. We've seen fashion trends tied into home accessories (The Company Store, Color Block), making home luxuries a hot trend right now.

Do you secretly dream of having a body like your favorite celebrity? If you want to have a figure that screams "I belong in Hollywood!" then your best bet is to try the Hollywood Diet. The Hollywood Diet is a detox system that defies all odds. Dubbed the "miracle diet," this system can help you lose as many as five pounds in as little as twenty-four hours. Although proven to not be a permanent fix, it is the best solution for shredding those stubborn pounds just in time for your big event.

The Hollywood Diet is not your typical meal system. Instead, you have two options: cookies or detox body cleanse. In order to restrict you from taking in unnecessary calories, eating four cookies replaces your usual breakfast and lunch. The cookies provide enough vitamins, minerals and fiber to leave you feeling satisfied for a longer period of time. The detox drinks, however, are what The Hollywood Diet is most known for. The detox substances are concentrated and after adding it to a bottle of water, simply sip the beverage over a period of four hours. Combined with the cookies, you expect to achieve optimum results, which could be up to ten pounds during a 48-hour period.

Although most consider the product to be quite pricey, The Hollywood Diet has proven to live up to expectations. Would you be willing to try it? Learn more at www.HollywoodDiet.com.

Peter Arnell, founder of Arnell, is one of the foremost branding and design experts in the world. He has worked with DKNY, Samsung, Chanel, GNC, Fendi and has helped to re-create and transform Reebok and Pepsi. In his new book, "Shift: How to Reinvent Your Business, Your Career and Your Personal Brand" the advertising and branding guru discusses his lifestyle transformation from being overweight to re-inventing himself through self awareness and discovery and as a result he was able to lose 150 pounds.

The book offers a fresh start to improving and re-inventing your self image, life and career. Peter Arnell offers innovative and inspirational advice on how to achieve this through weaving in his personal story. His book covers the many facets of self awareness and self branding as he talks about strategies on how you can make the goals in life achievable. Innovative insights such as “go helium” are used by Arnell to explain how he reached his ultimate goal of 150 pounds. You will see, through Arnell’s description of how he “went tiger,” how to exercise your own discipline and commitment, without apology, even if that means bucking the norm. And by learning to reach out to your brand audience, you will come to understand the importance of your network of friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and family—your fan club— in keeping you motivated and providing the feedback you need for success.

This book will provide you the most effective and safe way to reach your goals. Peter Arnell's book is available at Amazon.com.

Low carb diets seem to be the fast track to losing weight and with the popularity of Atkins and South Beach, it's no wonder the diet industry is loving the craze. As recently as last week one of my friends tweeted the praises of a low carb diet contributing to her weight loss. And while for the short term low carb may provide quicker results, thinner doesn't always mean healthier when you follow this diet track. Due to the way low carb foods and diet products are marketed, many times consumers are misguided to believe that what you "read" on the front of the package is what you get...and that's not always true.

Think about it, how many times are we rushed in the market only glancing at the front of the package to deliver us the information we need to make a quick, and what we believe to be, informed decision? How often have you taken the time to not only read the front of the label, but the nutrition facts panel on the back as well? If you are anything like me, not as often as you should. And due to a recent study by the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, we're not alone.

Just because it says low carb doesn't mean nutrition and caloric-wise that it is beneficial. So take the time to look beyond the front label, or low carb marketing hype, directly to the nutrition facts when shopping for products to manage your weight.

To read more about the study, visit www.jneb.org.

One of the most traditional weight loss and dieting tools used has been none other than meal replacements such as food and weight loss shakes from Slim Fast. Started in 1977, Slim Fast is now sold across the world, including countries in Latin America and Europe. The Slim Fast plan initially began with one option, the shake, but it has eventually expanded to fit the goals and lifestyle of anyone looking to lose weight.

Remaining loyal to its humble beginnings, Slim Fast has not ventured far beyond their classic shakes. Today, you can buy the shakes in several different flavors, some of which are Strawberries N' Cream, French Vanilla and Cappuccino Delight. Not only can you buy them already made, but you can whip up a fresh shake at any time with the shake mixes. In an effort to satisfy their customers with more healthy alternatives, Slim Fast has also extended snack bars and meal bars to their line.

One of the most reputable hair loss resources on the web has joined forces with North America's most experienced network of hair restoration professionals. Bosley, a company at the forefront of hair transplantation for nearly 40 years, has recently announced a new partnership with http://www.HairLossSpecialists.com, a consumer advocacy site devoted to providing hair loss sufferers with the latest, proven treatment solutions.

Earlier this year, two of the country's leading hair transplant networks, Bosley and Medical Hair Restoration, joined forces under the Bosley flag, ushering in a new era in the hair loss industry, and greater options for thousands of hair loss patients (both men and women) across the country. Now, Bosley is reaching out to both new customers and former MHR clients, offering their unparalleled expertise (more than 11,000 procedures performed each year), friendly service, and a wide array of today's leading hair loss treatments. Whether a patient is considering at-home hair regrowth with Rogaine or Propecia, a new procedure like Laser Hair Therapy, or the permanent results of advanced Hair Transplant Surgery, Bosley's 70+ clinic locations make it easy to meet with a local specialist and decide which option might work best with one's unique goals and budget.

Many know that losing weight is no easy feat. It takes hard work and dedication to get your body how you want it. Some resort to diet pills and stimulants which often cause harmful side effects. But losing weight has been made easy. Would you believe that it can be as simple as sprinkling a seasoning on your food before you eat? This is exactly what SENSA Weight-loss System offers.

Counting calories, diet restrictions, dietary pills and side effects are a thing of the past when it comes to weight loss. Produced by certified neurologist Dr. Alan Hirsch, SENSA is based on 25 years of research and testing. Clinical trials show that people lose an average of 30.5lbs in six months and this product makes it as easy as sprinkling salt on your food.

With dozens of nutrition bars on the market, choosing the best brand can be a daunting task. For active people looking for that extra boost, PR Bars are a great supplement to your daily routine.

PR Bars, or Personal Record bars, uses Fast Burn Nutrition Technology to bars keep insulin levels steady so that the body will use fat stores as an energy source. It might sound complicated, but it’s pretty simple. Essentially, the bars push the body to burn fat faster and build more muscle. The extra lean muscle mass torches even more calories and increases metabolism. All of that equals a healthier, happier you!

Do you find it difficult to consume the required amount of fruit and vegetables needed every day? If you’re constantly on the go, it can be difficult to plan out meals and be sure your getting all your daily nutrients. Garden Greens is a drink and supplement company bringing consumers the natural benefits of fruits, vegetable and herbs aimed at improving your quality of life.

Getting your daily of dose of vitamins and nutrients is as simple as preparing a tasty drink, shake or taking a vitamin. All of Garden Greens products contain high ORAC values (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which means that all these healthy options are high in antioxidant power and work to fight against free radicals in your body. They will help revitalize your health and increase your energy, metabolism and overall wellness.

There's a brand new recovery drink in the fitness and beverage market that is designed to revive your body unlike other drinks in the same category. Code Blue, taken from the hospital term which means "resuscitate immediately," is an all natural drink targeted for consumption before, during and after stressful activities (i.e. exercise, a night out and frequent traveling.) Code Blue is only 40 calories, 9 grams of sugar and 10 grams of carbs and is free of preservatives and artificial colors. It not only has more electrolytes than most sports drinks, but provides you with the right amount of vitamins and minerals to help you recover quickly, as well as keep you hydrated and balanced.

Here's what's in it:

Meet Cellucor, the “Most remarkable sports nutrition in the world”. Cellucor was voted the Best New Brand by Bodybuilding.com. The brand is extremely customer-driven, relying primarily on word of mouth to lead their product campaigns. This marketing agenda combined with the science that drives product research has resulted in highly effective formulas.

Cellucor has vowed their attentiveness to quality over quantity, and as a result the brand has grown through the praise of their supplements. Simply put, people talk about Cellucor products because they work. With such a solid foundation, it’s no wonder why Cellucor’s Thermal Shock is one of the leading weight-loss supplements on the market.

D4 Thermal Shock is a weight-loss breakthrough and the supplemental sequel to D4 Extreme.

When I heard about the Orange County dietitian who lost almost 30 pounds on a so called "Twinkie diet," I couldn't help but think about the movie Zombieland and Woody Harrelson's character who was completely obsessed with the spongy, yellow, delicious cream filled cakes. And while the junk food junkies may be rejoicing at the idea that you can lose weight by stock piling Twinkies, and I'm sure Hostess is enjoying the public relations blitz, we all know that such a diet is too good to be true.

While Mark Haub consumed Twinkies for two months to lose the weight, he also demonstrated two key components to losing weight regardless of the method: portion control and consuming small meals several times per day. Haub also stayed under 1800 calories and while it's not noted how many calories he was consuming prior to the Twinkie Diet, I'm sure his caloric intake was much higher, therefore a cut in calories would contribute to his weight loss as well.

Losing weight AND maintaining it, is about lifestyle. Healthy eating habits and good exercise are the only way to go.

Will the Twinkie Diet catch on? If it does, I'm sure dentists around the country will certainly see an uptick in business. 

Voted the # 1 cardio workout in the country, Urban Rebounder will get you bouncing to a healthier, thinner you!

The Urban Rebounder consists of a trampoline like mat that allows for a continuous abdominal workout. Every bounce contracts your core. This exercising equipment and routine is perfect for any age. The mat absorbs the shock of every jump, so it is very easy on the joints, especially your ankles and knees. The small jumps are enough to increase coordination and balance, reduce back issues and reduce one’s risk of falling. You can also purchase the Kids Compilation with a smaller mat and a kid friendly work out video.

It's no wonder Urban Rebounder is so heavily regarded in the fitness industry. By only jumping a mere one inch off the mat, this cardio routine strengthens and nourishes the heart, helps fight fatigue, improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, strengthens muscles… and the list goes on and on! Dr. Morton, famous health writer, has outlined 30 anti-aging benefits the Urban Rebounder has! With the countless health benefits its offers, there’s no reason not to give it a try.

Jumeirah Restaurants, the restaurant division of Dubai-based luxury hospitality company Jumeirah, and Caprice Holdings, has announced that it will be launching The Ivy restaurant in Dubai.

The new restaurant will open in The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers in the spring of 2011.

The Ivy Dubai will offer an ideal place for lunch, dinner or simply a drink at the bar and will be able to accommodate 172 covers including up to 16 guests in the private dining room for a more intimate experience.

The new restaurant will offer a brasserie-style menu with a selection of The Ivy classics, such as its world famous shepherd's pie and Scandinavian iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce. The Ivy in Dubai will share the same standards of food, ambiance and service as The Ivy in London, but will also take on board the best that Dubai has to offer.

The Ivy will be the first of the Caprice Holdings' restaurants to open since the announcement in August of a deal that will see Jumeirah Restaurants roll out the Caprice Holdings' brands in the Middle East. It joins sister restaurant, the critically acclaimed Rivington Grill, which opened in December 2008.

The Ivy is a uniquely British institution known throughout the world.  A refurbishment in 1990, with oak panelling, stained glass and site-specific commissions from leading contemporary artists, recast it as the grand restaurant of its early-20th century heyday.  It is a favourite with the pre- and post-theatre crowd, as well as attracting a devoted clientele from the arts and media and beyond who come for its unmatchable service, the intimate atmosphere and privacy fostered by its Director, Fernando Peire. It's large and unique brasserie-style menu offers dishes from around the world such as Bang Bang chicken and Thai-baked sea bass but has a particular British flavour, with favourites such as Dover sole, roasts and the famous shepherd's pie, simply but beautifully cooked from the best ingredients.

Caprice Holdings encompasses London's favourite restaurants. From the glamour of Le Caprice to the elegance of Daphne's, the informality of The Ivy to the excitement of Scott's, these cover a wide variety of atmospheres and clienteles. Their cuisines, too, range far and wide, from the traditional British of Rivington to Tuscan and French and on to the South-East Asian of Bam-Bou.

Jumeirah Restaurants is a company of multiple and successful restaurant concepts developed and licensed globally. An important and strategic addition to the Jumeirah Group portfolio, the company's mission is to set up and license innovative restaurants worldwide.

The company also has the rights to develop a number of brands from the Caprice Holdings group across the Middle East and North Africa.

Body wraps were all the rage a while back promising inches lost without any special dieting, all within the course of an hour. They slowly slipped off the radar, but never completely vanished. In fact there were wraps sold for home use such as that from Slimmer Silhouette. We're in the season that everyone wants to look their best for the holidays and subsequently kick off the new year with a new body, and for those who cannot afford the pricey membership to the gym, this may be the short-term solution that is bringing it back the body wrap.

Most health professionals agree that body wraps typically show a loss of inches as an effect of water loss. You wear the wrap from just about head to toe and sweat like there is no tomorrow flushing out toxins and losing inches in the process. Although, I'm pretty sure an intensive workout can do the same without being wrapped like a mummy. The only difference being that while working out you are also toning and shaping the body. 

The aforementioned Slimmer Silhouette says its targeted for inch loss, not through water loss or losing weight, although it uses the same method as other wraps--heat and minerals. 

So why the comeback? Are our wallets opening up again and we have the ability to splurge on a quick fix? Or are more people simply interested in the detoxifying effects?

Looking to get away? This captivating vacation resort offers everything you could ask for in leisure, relaxation and fun- all nestled in the charming scenery of the Pocono Mountains. Skytop Lodge Resort and Spa is known as a Member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America. Since 1928, Skytop is a delightful travel destination with its historic accommodations and natural stonework design. The mountains give the resort a majestic character. “Up here you get the feeling that you’re on top of the world!”

Skytop is full of history and “natural wonder” that continues to bring guests back every year. The idea for an impressive, grand resort came in 1925 from four men, John Stubbs, Frederic Smith, Earl Mayne and Sam Packer during the post World War I prosperity. The 2,500 acre resort was built overlooking Skytop Lake and with the breathtaking mountains as the perfect backdrop. In June of 1928, the Lodge and Golf Course opened and in 1930 a dam was formed and the lake enlarged. To this day, cottages were built and the 2,000 acre Goose Pond area was added. Trails were laid out with accompanying maps for guests to enjoy nature’s peaceful beauty and charm. Some of wildlife you will encounter include wildflowers, birds, reptiles and signs of black bears, otters, porcupines, beavers, coyotes, bobcats, and minks.

You’ve seen her fitness DVDs. You’ve seen her TV show, Thintervention. But have you read her latest book? Fitness guru Jackie Warner’s latest book, This is Why You’re Fat is an honest, no-nonsense approach to weight loss. The title may seem a bit coarse, but it’s in an attempt to get people more motivated about fitness.

The book was designed for the everyday person – somebody who doesn’t necessarily have access to expensive personal trainers, exclusive weight-loss herbs, or hard-to-find exercise tools. The book’s strong background in research that revolves around proven results targets people who want to decrease their weight, increase their energy and ultimately achieve overall happiness and body satisfaction.

According to Jackie, “Being fat isn’t your fault; staying fat is.” In her latest book, she shares her formula for how to stay thin forever. It’s a comprehensive look at fitness and nutrition, and each chapter covers a different aspect of the program. It begins with This is Why You’re Fat, followed by chapters discussing how to eat and exercise to stay hot and healthy. It wraps up with a chapter on how to stay hot and healthy, so all your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Actress Suzanne Somers has had a long history of product promotion. She’s released numerous diet and self-help books, and has been the face of numerous weight loss and fitness products throughout the years. Her latest endorsement is for RestoreLife formulas, a purveyor of vitamins and supplements.

Somers was a good choice for the face of RestoreLife products. She’s known for being outspoken on a number of medical and health issues, and although some of her opinions have been criticized from time to time, she has solid opinions and supports things she believes in. Somers backs RestoreLife products and vouches for their purity and effectiveness.

RestoreLife’s nutritional supplements are made from the finest quality of natural ingredients and vitamins. The products have received 5-star reviews and customers continue to voice their satisfaction with the quality of the supplements. The best sampling of RestoreLife products is the 3-Pack Supplement Starter Kit. It includes Omega-3 Renew, Vitamin D3 Renew, and Resveratrol Renew, all products which promise to improve overall health and well-being for middle-aged and older women.

Style expert Bobbie Thomas has collaborated with Germany's most stylish wine, Black Tower, to create a guide that explores your winter wine and fashion personality. Inspired by Black Tower's new two-tone bottle, Bobbie has conjured up the hottest fashion and wine looks for winter as they relate to your personality type.  Formerly all black, the new two-tone Black Tower bottle now features a clear lower half that lets the wine varietal shine through, while the upper half retains its iconic black color. Bobbie says, "A lot of the references used in fashion - full-bodied, elegant and flirty - lend themselves easily to wine, so the Black Tower Winter Style Guide feels like the perfect blend for anyone." See below for Bobbie's four different wine personalities, and what you should be wearing this winter and drinking wine-wise!

Black Tower Wine Personality #1: Hopeless romantic who adores date night

Add a bit of sparkle to date night by incorporating metallics into your wardrobe and sipping fruity, elegant Black Tower Pinot Grigio. Opt for a dress that drapes, a skirt that swings or ruffles for a soft and subtle touch of drama. Rosettes and other floral accents will add a pop of pretty to your look.

Black Tower Wine Personality #2: Always open to inviting friends and family over

Camel is the color for you, perfect when paired with riding boots and a cozy cardi-wrap.  Or try a silk blouse, the perfect way to dress up denim. And in the glass? Rich, smooth, golden-hued Riesling. The perfect easy-ends-the-day wine and fashion pairing!

Black Tower Wine Personality # 3: Up for a fun night out

This party girl will be indulging in leopard, purples and velvets this season, paired with bold, luxe Black Tower Dornfelder Pinot Noir. Don't be afraid to mix prints and unexpected colors.

Black Tower Wine Personality # 4: Free-spirited chameleon

Lush and tropical Black Tower Rivaner is ideal for the girl who can't decide! An embellished headband, chic beret or faux fur scarf will elevate the look of even jeans and a t-shirt.

Priced $8.99, Black Tower wine is available at all good stores. For more tips and information on Germany's number one wine, visit Black Tower on Facebook.com.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, the highly anticipated luxury resort at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, officially opened its doors to the public at 8 p.m. on December 15. The evening's festivities included a first-look party for invited guests which included an exclusive three-song set from The Killers front-man and Las Vegas native Brandon Flowers, a dining taste-around at the P3 Commons restaurant neighborhood and a peek at the resort’s retail boutique collection. Just before the doors opened, the traditional ceremonial first bet was made by musician Mayer Hawthorne. In a first-ever innovation for the legendary Las Vegas entertainment scene, the opening-night concert was simulcast on The Cosmopolitan's marquee, meaning passersby on the Las Vegas Strip were be able to watch the concert live on the 65-foot-tall LED-display marquee.

Have a love for the great outdoors? REI shares this passion and they know the exact gear and clothing you need to get the best experience out of your activities!

REI’s commitment is “to inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure.” The company started in 1938 by 23 mountain climbing friends and it is now the country’s largest consumer organization with over three million active members. Whether it is camping, hiking, cycling, snow sports, or any other outdoor activity, REI is a leading retailer for it and offers a wide variety of necessary equipment- all under REI’s own brand name. If you can think of it, then they likely have it. Some of their top product categories include backpacks, jackets, tents, sunglasses, watches and electronics.

REI offers a huge collection of high quality clothing and shoes for men, women and children. You can find everything, including pants, shirts, jackets, under wear, swimwear, vests, accessories… and the list never ends. REI is the perfect destination to find the appropriate clothing for your adventures.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower, the luxury Knightsbridge hotel, has been voted as one of the world's best hotels in Conde Nast Traveller magazine's seventh annual Gold List - one of only three UK hotels to be recognised for outstanding service.

The panel of judges cited the hotel's above and beyond service as the outstanding feature that propelled the hotel onto the Gold List.  Feedback from the panel noted the Knightsbridge hotel staff are willing to go that extra mile, from preparing a private meal for two in the gardens of Cadogan Square to setting up cooking lessons with the chef.

If you grew up watching Alison Sweeney on Days of Our Lives like I did, I'm sure you will agree that you feel a sort of kinship with her. And I can relate to her now, more than ever, in this season of my life. Just like her, I am a mom (although take her kids times 2 for me) and juggling a fast paced career. And just like her, and most other women who have had children, I struggled (and still do) with my weight post-pregnancy. Much like the website/blog in her namesake is friendly and most of all, real, so is her new book The Mommy Diet.

As host of The Biggest Loser, I'm sure Ali learned a thing or two about diet and exercise. I'm equally as sure that she listened to feedback from the public on what they like about Biggest Loser and what they don't. And as most of us know, we are more likely to be encouraged and motivated by diet tips that we can easily assimilate into our own individual lifestyles than by military style regimens. 

Sure to be a hit, The Mommy Diet, will guide you step by step through pregnancy and thereafter so that you can be healthy and not have to worry about carrying around that "baby weight"...even when your youngest is now in preschool. (Not speaking from experience or anything!)

Check out The Mommy Diet on Amazon.com and see all of Alison Sweeney's health, fitness and lifestyle tips on her website www.AlisonSweeney.com.

The practice of yoga celebrates and gives thanks for the body, so why not wear fitness apparel that does the same? Marika lifestyle apparel is a brand that strives to ensure fashion, femininity and functionality are all integral parts of your healthy lifestyle. For over 25 years, performance has been a priority, and style, a necessity.

The Fitness collection was created with the fashion-forward woman in mind. The cute, ever-popular yoga pants have been designed to transition from the gym to everyday wear. All support Fitness tank tops are made from Dri-Wik spandex and have a built in bra, so you’ll feel comfortable and confident in even the most difficult yoga poses. Marika’s latest collection is the celebrity-endorsed tie-dye collection. The cast of Dancing With the Stars loves the newest collection, a fun way to wear the look without going overboard.

Yogis can find their center when wearing the Balance collection. The feminine detailing combined with the Ultraspun Cotton and Spandex blend allows for women to flawlessly balance fitness and style. The tunics, leggings, and hoodies can be worn in the studio and out on the streets when you’re running errands after class – nobody will even notice that you came from the gym!

Yoga is meant to be more than just a physical workout – it’s an exercise that unites mind, body, and spirit. If you stop to think about it, it seems only natural for a yoga clothing and gear store to take the same holistic approach to selling a product. After learning about Lululemon Athletica and the way they treat their employees, customers, and local community, I’m at a loss as to why I’ve ever bought yoga gear from any other store.

In 1998, Surfer, skater, and yogi Chip Wilson set out to make yoga clothing that was more than just cotton. He wanted to make athletic fabric, and began a yoga shop that doubled as a studio during the night hours to pay the rent. While the arrangement initially only served a practical purpose, it became clear that this concept of a store/studio hybrid was something to be considered.

Now, almost 13 years later, Lululemon has evolved from an ordinary clothing store into a sanctum sanctorum for yoga lovers everywhere. It’s the company outlook that sets Lululemon apart from other yoga clothing retailers. The workplace environment brings the practice of yoga full-circle, and the store workers fully embody the Lululemon manifesto –which, by the way, isn’t a one-liner slogan, but a combination of over 20 inspirational quotes.

Recent government sodium intake guidelines only re-confirms what those in the health industry have been proposing for a while. Cut back on the salt or your health is at risk.

Those with hypertension, chronic kidney disease or who have diabetes, as well as African Americans, are suggested to cut back their sodium intake to just a half a teaspoon per day. Anyone 51 or older are also recommended to follow the guideline. While those who are considered in good health are suggested to only have a teaspoon per day of sodium. 

For food companies already marketing low-sodium foods, this new government guideline may help to provide a boost in sales. Not to mention publicity that will put another positive spin on their products. 

AlsoSalt, a salt substitute, has a great list of low sodium foods on their website, as well as an explanation of low sodium food labels. You can also find the Pocket Guide to Low Sodium Foods here as well. 

Will you be cutting back on your salt intake? Tweet us your response @PierceMattiePR.

Goal setting is easy; it’s the follow through that proves the biggest challenge. Unless you have a workout buddy, it’s hard to find a reason to drag yourself to the gym and commit to a solid 30 (or more) minutes of cardio. There’s no penalty for missing a day at the gym, no significant or immediate repercussions. Gym-Pact in Boston has created a program that has created consequences for missing gym days, and provides positive incentives and rewards for good attendance.

Gym-Pact is not a gym in itself, rather, it’s a social enterprise program that works with local vendors to offer member discounts to local gyms, dance centers, and yoga studios. Members set a gym goal – a certain number of days a week that they can commit to working out. When members successfully fulfill their weekly goal, they receive great discounts on fitness memberships. In a way, it’s a reward for proving their commitment to their health. The catch? If members fall short of their commitment, they are charged a “motivational fee” for each day missed that week.

Janet Jackson has always publicly talked about her struggle with her weight, no thanks in part to the tabloids who blast her each time she gains or loses a dress size. Even today, as I stood at the convenience store there was a tabloid where they had her on the front page with claims that she gained weight. As we've watched her ups and downs over the years, we have always rooted for her, because despite being in the public eye for all of her life as part of the Jackson family, she remains a very down to earth and beautiful person.

In conjunction with the launch of her new tour, she has also launched a wellness book. "True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself" focuses on Jackson's story of her struggle with body image from her pre-teen years until today. With constant reinforcement from those around her and the media that her body was not right, her self esteem dwindled leading to ups and downs in her weight well into adulthood. 

Her story is honest and raw, and revealing of who she really is. For those of us who have battled the rollercoaster ride of self worth as seen through our body image, this is one book you will want to read. Find it at Amazon.com.  Let us know your thoughts via on our Twitter page at @PierceMattiePR.com

Fitness is a lifestyle. At least that’s the philosophy of Synergy Fitness, a chain of health clubs hailed by Club Industry magazine as one of the top health club organizations in North America. It takes a healthy mind and body to achieve the ultimate results, and Synergy Fitness is committed to bringing change to those who want to work for it.

While Synergy’s basic structure was formed about 15 years ago, all coaches are required to attend continuing education classes on a regular basis, to keep up with the latest fitness trends and techniques. Whether you’re looking for a cardio kick, a relaxing yoga session, or a powerful self-defense class, you’ll find your niche in one of Synergy’s first-rate classes and programs.

No matter what your goals are, Synergy has a lifestyle coach who is specially trained to meet your needs. Coaches view fitness as a science and are fully prepared to help members with body conditioning, muscle tone, and weight loss using Synergy’s 10 steps to fitness.

Fitness is a lifestyle. At least that’s the philosophy of Synergy Fitness, a chain of health clubs hailed by Club Industry magazine as one of the top health club organizations in North America. It takes a healthy mind and body to achieve the ultimate results, and Synergy Fitness is committed to bringing change to those who want to work for it.

While Synergy’s basic structure was formed about 15 years ago, all coaches are required to attend continuing education classes on a regular basis, to keep up with the latest fitness trends and techniques. Whether you’re looking for a cardio kick, a relaxing yoga session, or a powerful self-defense class, you’ll find your niche in one of Synergy’s first-rate classes and programs.

No matter what your goals are, Synergy has a lifestyle coach who is specially trained to meet your needs. Coaches view fitness as a science and are fully prepared to help members with body conditioning, muscle tone, and weight loss using Synergy’s 10 steps to fitness.

I have long had a (pretend) love affair with Matthew McConaughey. Well, who hasn't really? Almost all of his movies are hits (I can't wait to see The Lincoln Lawyer, can you?) and as he ages, he seemingly gets better looking. Being on set and squeezing in family time means coming up with unique ways to fit in fitness into your daily routine. McConaughey likes to golf, do yoga, go surfing, running, cycling...he's not your typical gym guy. So it makes sense that in April's issue of Men's Fitness, McConaughey explains that he lifts rocks to stay fit. Yes, rocks...as in the kind found in your backyard.

As McConaughey explains it, you can lift the rocks over your head, rest them on your shoulders, shift weight--all which tone your muscles. You learn your body's weakenesses, as well as its strengths.

So many times when we think of fitness, we automatically envision tredging to the gym. But as McConaunhey shows us, fitness doesn't have to be anything extravagant (didn't Richard Simmons show us we could use soap cans as weights?) and certainly doesn't have to cost us a dime. Mother Nature provides us with all we need anyway, so is it really a stretch that it now includes rocks in our workout as well?

I can remember back when I was around 7, my mother used to always fix me a bowl of oatmeal before school. I found the taste rather odd and I used to always say,”Mom why am I eating this?”

She would respond back saying,”Because it's good for you.”

How many times have we heard that? Well after I grew up, I found out that she wasn't kidding. Oatmeal is actually really good for you. There are many variations of oats: rolled oats, steel oats and crushed oats to name a few. The most common variation of oat that Americans intake is known as rolled oat and is usually associated with breakfast.

What makes oatmeal so great is that it is rich in dietary fibers which is imperative for our diets. Not many people get there recommended fiber intake and thus products like Activia, Fiber One and even McDonald's new oatmeal have emerged. Having high fiber is crucial because it can help lower your cholesterol. While we at Pierce Mattie have recently noticed a few aspiring nutrition bloggers bashing oatmeal, we ask – can you suggest something better for breakfast? We don’t think so.

We’ve said it before: even though it may be easier to throw on old sweats and head to the gym, you’ll feel better and work out harder if you love what you’re wearing. Bella Mia Sportswear has kicked this concept up a notch – they don’t want you to just look good, they want you to look sexy.

For over 10 years, Bella Mia founder Valerie Enrique has worked with gyms and fitness trainers, scouring the globe for new, functional fashion trends. Today, Bella Mia is one of the most successful and rapidly growing companies in the workout wear industry.

All products are made from REAL Dupont SUPPLEX ®, a specially-weaved sweat wicking fabric. Not only is the sportswear breathable, it’s comfortable, too. Bella Mia clothing conforms to and shapes the body for a smooth, streamlined look that’s easy to move in.

The modern woman doesn’t always have time to run home for a post-workout wardrobe change before finishing her never-ending to-do list. Inspired by this concept, lifestyle brand City Lights has created comfortable, easy to wear clothing that is fashionable enough to transition from the gym to the store.

City Lights has redefined style, steering away from too-tight (and often tacky) gym clothing and instead creating breathable, beautiful garments made out of the finest fabrics. The brand works exclusively with their own signature fleece, terry, supima cotton, and thermal fabrics for the absolute best quality workout wear. Amazingly enough, the relaxed luxury comes at an affordable price so every woman can treat herself to quality fashion.

The San Francisco-based brand has been creating ultra-comfortable bodywear for over 25 years, and their dedication to both customers and the environment has only strengthened as time has passed. Most recently, City Lights released an eco-friendly bamboo-cotton fabric blend for the new Bamboo Collection, and has begun using recycled polyester in the Sport Collection.

Got a sweet tooth? If you're a normal person, you more than likely do. Cookies, pastries, and muffins are just a few that I enjoy. As great as these desserts are, consuming a large amount of sugar isn't always the healthiest thing to do.

But don't fret, there are a plethora of sugar alternatives circling around including Stevia. Stevia is a natural herb found in Brazil, China, Japan and Paraguay. There has been a bit of a controversy with the FDA over the years, however there have been no facts to prove that it is not beneficial for your system. In fact it has been proved to have none of the drawbacks that sugar possesses.

Stevia can have an impact of up to 15x the sweetness of sugar. So essentially you won't need to use as much Stevia as you would sugar. It's a great sugar alternative and is mostly found in your local health food store and you local supermarket. 

Because of the health state that our country is in, it's imperative that we eat and live at our best as frequently as we can. Stevia has the ability to be used in any of your recipes that call for sugar. I've seen some great recipes for banana bread, apple crisp and carrot cake that all include Stevia. So if you want to try something new, head to your local store or try sites like Truvia.com or SteviaintheRaw.com to make a purchase!

Within the past two years or so, Greek yogurt has become a foodie trend and the superstar of the dairy aisle. For some, it’s an acquired taste…but it’s definitely worth trying. The slightly cheesy, slightly sweet flavor of Greek yogurt is a guilt-free option, as it’s completely devoid of sugar and packed with protein.

Greek yogurt was once a commodity in the US, but now consumers are met with a wide array of choices at the food store. Fage (pronounced “fa-yeh”) Greek yogurt is the leader in its field, bringing high-quality, authentic Greek yogurt to the States directly from Athens. With over 85 years of rich history both abroad and in our own country, Fage has remained dedicated to high-quality products that promote a healthy lifestyle.

We're in full workout mode at Pierce Mattie as spring is almost here! Is your body swimsuit ready? Well in case it isn't, ExerciseTV has an amazing video designed to help you shed the weight you managed to gain during the winter season.

Paul Vincent, the owner of Training Adventure, has an awesome workout series called “Lose Weight in 8.” It's an 8 week program consisting of 5 workouts a week: 3 30 minute cardio/strength and 2 15 minute active recovery. I think the great thing about his videos is not only does it feature hardcore workout designed to sculpt your body, it also has two sessions allowing your body to recuperate. How many times have you decided to quit on your workout because it's “too hard?” More often than you would like to admit I'm sure.

It’s no secret that Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney Kardashian are superstars. From magazine covers to TV shows, it’s almost impossible to ignore their media presence. Over the past few years, our population has become consumed with the glam Kardashian lifestyle, and QuickTrim saw this national obsession as a fabulous business opportunity.

QuickTrim Diet System promises bikini-body results by aiding in calorie burn and boosting energy levels for supercharged daily workouts. The diet supplement brand has been working with the jet-setting sisters since 2009, and the girls have consistently praised QuickTrim for their hot bods. While the Karadshian trio was certainly never overweight, they’ve slimmed down and toned up, saying they owe it all to the Fast Cleanse program.

Just recently, The Kardashians and QuickTrim partnered with GNC for a Lose To Win contest. After purchasing any Kardashian-sponsored QuickTrim supplement, contestants can submit a letter or video of their own “Inspiring QuickTrim Success Story”. Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe will select 10 lucky winners who will receive trips and cash prizes. The grand prizewinner will receive $50,000 cash, hotel & air fair to meet the celebrity sisters, a $2,000 shopping spree and the chance to appear on national television as a QuickTrim spokesperson.

Greek Yogurt seems to be the healthy snack of choice lately. A few weeks ago, I discussed the popularity of Fage Greek yogurt, and now everyone’s favorite yogurt brand is jumping on the bandwagon. Yoplait recently released a new line of Greek yogurt products that promise to satisfy hunger without any extra calories.

It’s no surprise why Yoplait is joining in on the trend. Greek yogurt is chock-full of protein, the ultimate body fuel and the foundation for building strong muscles. Studies have also found that the protein-packed snack may keep your body satisfied for longer, so you’ll be less apt to make unhealthy snacking choices throughout the day. Especially for those who are watching their weight (bathing suit season is quickly approaching), it’s a great diet snack that doesn’t taste “diet” at all.

Nutritionists recommend fat-free, protein-rich snacking options, and Yoplait’s new Greek yogurt certainly fits the bill. At 160 calories with zero calories from fat (yes, really zero), it’s a tasty little escape from your mundane snack choices. It’s packed with protein, too: each 6-oz cup contains 14 to 17 grams of it, with all the texture and flavor you expect in a Greek yogurt.

We’ve all been there – the jeans we threw on yesterday morning somehow don’t seem to fit this afternoon. It can be a serious blow to the ego, but it’s important to remember that it’s probably not the result of rapid weight gain, but rather from bloating or another gastrointestinal issue.

Problems like these arise from time to time, and it’s important for women to have the answers to any stomach issues they may have. The new book A Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Stomach is a trusty little handbook that addresses many common questions about the stomach problems that plague women everywhere. When over 70 million Americans are affected by digestive problems, it’s vital for women (who are especially vulnerable) to get the help and relief they need.

Dr. Jacqueline L. Wolf is a leading expert in gastrointestinal health and has laid out the causes and remedies for the most-loathed ailments, including constipation, acid reflux, and IBS. Dr. Wolf also makes a point to address more serious but very real stomach conditions like Crohn’s disease and endometriosis.

When the vegan diet book Skinny Bitch hit the shelves in 2005, it caused quite a buzz. The no-nonsense approach to weight loss had an unmistakable bite to it -- but the sarcastic and honest humor kept readers eyes’ glued to the pages. Now, Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin (the brains behind the books and former models) are bringing their tough love approach to another platform: fitness.

Skinny Bitch Fitness has all the sharp wit and brutal honesty of the books, and the DVDS make viewers work for that body. It’s tough, but the workouts have been created for a life-altering, total-body change. As the Skinny Bitches put it, it’s time to transform yourself from a lazy lump into a Skinny Bitch! Harsh? Maybe a little…but these fighting words are enough to motivate any girl to get moving.

How often do you eat your recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake? If your diet is anything like mine, not very often at all. According to the notorious food pyramid, we should be eating at least 3 to 5 servings of vegetables and 2 to 4 servings of fruits a day. As great as carrots and apples can be, not all of us are munching on them as frequently as we should be.

Well that can all end now because of Kristine Miles' upcoming book, The Green Smoothie Bible. In her book she has over 300 different recipes of green smoothies that are loaded with vegetables and fruits that exceed the daily recommended amounts. The green smoothie diet has been all the rage the last few years because of it's ability to pack in great amount of leafy veggies and fruits that are imperative to our diets. Why in the form of a smoothie? It's quick, tasty and all around more fulfilling than sitting around eating celery sticks all day.

For golfers, having the perfect stroke is everything. Depending on on great your it is determines your overall mood as you begin playing your game with a few of your friends. If you've got an extra $5,000 a year to spend you can get yourself a membership to the exclusive golfing experience that is Drive 495 and get a little help.

Located in the Soho neighborhood in New York City, Drive 495 offers golfers physical assessments along with on hand training from specialists and former golf coaches. Founders Don Saladino and his brother, Joseph intended for this gym to allow golfers to be at their best physically, and in result, their golf game will flourish.

Their state of the art 3D Aim simulator allows golfers to be able to digitally play at any of the 30 world famous courses around the world. It's essentially intended to improve a golfers swing and a session on this bad boy gets you up close and personal with several high tech features as well as a one on one coach that helps you along the way. And when you're ready to take a break you can head to the juice bar to sit back and relax.

According to Margaret Floyd, we aren’t naked enough…that is, in terms of food. The nutritional therapist is among a growing number of people behind the push to eat “naked” foods for a healthier, happier life.

What is naked food, exactly? The answer is simple: foods that are fresh, organic, and prepared to let the natural flavors be the focus of the meal. It means no more of the overprocessed junk foods that Americans have created a long-term, love-hate relationship with.

Unprocessed foods have endless benefits. When we eat foods in their most natural state, we’re feeding ourselves with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in their most organic states. A general feeling of well-being, better skin, and less illness has been attributed to eating raw, and organic foods put less stress on our body organs so it’s guaranteed we’ll function better on the whole.

Have you started working out in preparation for this upcoming summer? June is not too far away and gyms are beginning to get packed in anticipation for the smoking hot weather. Working out can be intense and it's mandatory that the appropriate attire is being worn. BL Body may be just what you are looking for.

NBC's hit show, Biggest Loser, has featured a number of contestants that have shed an immense amount of weight so it would come as no surprise that a line of activewear would be created in its honor. Designer, Bruno Schiavi, wanted to create a line that would allow anyone who is body conscious the opportunity to feel comfortable and, just like their body, have room to breath as they are exercising.

With a collection composed of 27 separate pieces in a plethora of vibrant (or non-vibrant) colors and a price range that can agree with everyone's wallets, Schiavi serves as a great designer for the BL Body brand.

It seems that there’s a new diet fad every day. We’ve tried the low-carb diet, the low-sugar diet, the cabbage soup diet…heck, even that wacky lemonade juice diet. Faced with so many fads, how is the average person supposed to choose a diet plan that’s not only effective, but healthy too?

The truth is, losing weight doesn’t come down to dieting. It comes down to making a healthy life change in terms of our eating that will fuel both mind and body. Cherie Calbom, better known as the Juice Lady, has found through research that a live food lifestyle is one of the most beneficial diet changes we can make for ourselves. Her new book, Living Foods Revolution explains the benefits of “live” foods backed by scientific research.

“Live” food, or more simply, raw food has been proven to enhance cell communication, resulting in a healthier, energetic, and more vibrant you. Aside from increased happiness, raw foods are also linked to disease prevention and better skin. The Juice Lady isn’t suggesting you switch to an all-raw diet, but by incorporating more raw foods into meals daily, she promises you will see results and feel more energetic almost instantly.

I always try to find new ways to cook my dinners with exciting recipes that are also very healthy. As great as some things are for you, not everything tastes as wonderful as it looks. Authors Carol Field Dahlstrom, Elizabeth Dahlstrom Burnley and Marcia Schultz Dahlstrom wanted to make sure that they made their foods aesthetically pleasing and delicious all at the same time.

Introducing Gluten-Free Made Simple: Everyday Meals That Everyone Can Enjoy. Within the pages of this book are over 100 delectable recipes that are gluten-free. And you may ask, “What does that mean?” Well, gluten is a food additive that is comes from wheat, rye and barley. This protein is not always the healthiest and eating without it can decrease your chances of getting Celiac disease. Eating a gluten-free diet is the only known treatment for this disease.

Desserts: the sweet temptations that propel dieters into a chocolatey downward spiral. For me, it’s always been the deal breaker with diets: one teensy little taste of dessert turns into a spoonful, then a second spoonful, and in no time flat that tiramisu has gone mysteriously missing. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Thanks to Marisa Churchill, there is a way to have your cake, eat it, and still be skinny at the end of the day! Her new cookbook, Sweet & Skinny, is chock-full of dessert recipes that won’t leave you feeling guilty. A longtime food lover and San Fran-area chef, Churchill combines years of experience as a pastry chef with her passion for fitness to create delicious desserts in under 30 minutes.

Churchill takes American baked goods classics and swaps out ingredients to cut some serious calories. The baking technique itself remains the same, resulting in decadent flavors that taste like they should be high-fat. It’s time to give in to your sweet-stuff cravings – thanks to Marisa Churchill, there’s finally a way to avoid the guilt factor.

Yoga is the best stress reliever around. For someone who does not like to do heavy, high impact workouts, yoga suits me best. Because of this, I have recently discovered Hugger Mugger. The brand was created by Sara Chambers and produces high quality and environmentally friendly products ideal for any yogi.

I love how the name Hugger Mugger literally means to conceal. One of their first products, which happen to have the same name as the brand, are their unisex shorts ($36.95) that are perfect to have on during your yoga or Pilates exercise. They're the very shorts that got this brand its clever name. The thigh hugging bands are great because they allow you to bend over and stretch without having to worry if you're shorts are riding up.

Being able to exercise in the comfort of your own home is a complete luxury. As fantastic as some of the fitness centers are, nothing beats being able to call the elliptical machine your own. With the summer being just around the corner, getting in shape is on the minds of women across the country. Bikini season anyone?

Introducing Pro-Form exercise equipment. With a plethora of butt firming and ab crunching machines, you'll be guaranteed to be able to get in the best shape of your life.

One of their most famous machines? The Ab Glider ($150). This machine enables the user to glide in numerous positions and at the very same time, strengthen your entire core. With two specific motions, a circular burn and arc crunch, you'll be able to work efficiently and burn up to two times the amount of calories than other ab machines.

Are you in need of a new thermometer? Do you now have a elderly relative staying with you and in need of certain products that can cater to their needs? Well look no further because Graham-Field health products are just what you are looking for. This brand has over 4,000 different medical goods that are designed to cater to your every need.

Their Lumiscope brand in particular has special creations designed to help any fitness guru maintain and figure out their health status. One of their featured products includes the Non-touch thermometer ($89). What sets this thermometer from the rest is that it does not require the direct contact of the person in order for their temperature to be recorded. You don't have to even bother disturbing them! Not only that, it will indicate whether or not you have a fever based on the recorded temperature. Awesome little trick if you ask me.

Now you don’t have to guess and speculate about the vitamins your body needs. Nature’s Code, promoted by Dr. Edward Taub and Dr. James Rouse, is a wellness brand that produces vitamins and supplements to suit different health needs. Dr. James Rouse has had many years of experience in the health field including being a naturopathic doctor, QVC wellness doctor, a certified yoga instructor, wellness magazine founder, author, radio talk show host, and television personality. He believes that if people adopt a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, diet supplements, positive thoughts, and exercise they can achieve optimum wellness.

Nature’s Code has supplements for various needs including bone support, cognitive support, digestive support, energy support, general health, to name a few. Nature’s Code really tried to meet every need and even produces vitamins in pill and liquid form to suit different preferences. This brand also produces healthy and delicious juice drinks and nutrition bars.

HSN visionary Joy Mangano has helped millions solve everyday household challenges with fun, functional and practical solutions. Her success took off in 1992 with her first hit, the self-wringing ‘Miracle Mop.’ Since its invention, the entrepreneur has continued to crank out household necessities and currently has over 100 patents.

Mangano’s line of fitness equipment includes DVDs, a fitness ‘disk’, and shaping shoes. Her fitness disk helps tone, tighten and sculpt muscles through resistance training. The lightweight, portable disk requires no other equipment and is equipped to work on any floor surface. Always considering the negatives about a product, Mangano ensured the disk would be easy to use, as well as maintain. Clean up is easy, simply throw the neoprene base and fleece pads in the wash or wipe down the plastic disks with a damp cloth.

Do you ever feel like your mattress isn’t giving you the comfort you body needs for a good night of sleep? Then you should give Pedic Solutions a try! Pedic Solutions mattresses conform to your body and reduce pressure points allowing you to be completely relaxed and have a comfortable night’s sleep.And as studies continue to show, 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night does wonders for your overall health.

Pedic Solutions was created by Dr. Ana Lavdas whose goal was to help patients who cannot sleep and improve their overall wellness. Being a clinical practitioner, Dr. Lavdas believes that sleep is extremely important for a balanced life. Therefore, she created Pedic Solutions to help people lead a healthier lifestyle. She did not just stop with the creation of Pedic Solutions, but keeps making technological changes to the mattresses to ensure customers will get the best sleep that they can have.

The Slim & Beautiful Diet was created by Dr. Aaron Tabor to help his mother lose weight. This diet has been proven to be more effective than simply taking a diet pill and it helps you lose overall body weight. Dr. Tabor doesn't believe that anyone should allow their body to starve (because in the long run, who can maintain that?) and therefore designed a diet that is low in calories, but high in nutrition.

The protein shakes and bars are low-glycemic, gluten-free, trans-fat free, rich in calcium and Kosher. There are also soy-based options for those who are lactose intolerant. The Slim & Beautiful Diet has not only been found to help in weight loss, but also in making your skin, nails and hair look younger. In addition, the diet has been tested and gives guaranteed results.

Many people find it hard to know what or how much to eat to lose weight. Now you don’t have to worry about that. The diet comes with reference booklets of eating plans. Staying on track with this diet is easy, it even allows for you to eat some of your favorites like chocolate and pasta during your diet! In addition, you can get free nutrition counseling to help you maintain your diet and reach your desired goals.

The Vinho Verde Regional Viticultural Commission (CVRVV) of Portugal presents the second annual Vinho Verde Week, taking place June 20 - 27, 2011.  During the week, top restaurants in New York City and surrounding areas will celebrate the food-friendly nature of Vinho Verde by offering special pairing menus and by-the-glass selections.  Additionally, participating retailers will host complimentary in-store Vinho Verde tastings.  

New Yorkers can enjoy these specials during the first week of summer and discover firsthand why the fruity aromas and light, crisp, vivacious flavors of Vinho Verde make the wines ideal for the warmer months.  Vinho Verde wines have balanced acidity and are light in alcohol and calorie content, making them enjoyable on their own or when paired with a fresh summer dish.

"Vinho Verde Week is a great opportunity for consumers to try various Vinho Verde wines and see how well they pair with seafood, salads and international cuisines, such as Latin and Asian-inspired dishes," said Manuel Pinheiro, Executive President of the CVRVV.  "Last year's program was a great success and we are thrilled at the growing enthusiasm for Vinho Verde wines among restaurants, retail shops and even consumers."  

WHAT/WHEN: Tickets for the fourth annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine go on sale Monday, June 20th!

The Festival, which benefits the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength, takes place September 29 – October 2, 2011.  A complete line-up of events for the 2011 Festival is available now at www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com.  A taste of new and returning highlights include the following:

The unique Soho space 82 Mercer will be home to three of the Festival's marquee events this year, including:

• San Pellegrino's Meatball Madness hosted by Giada De Laurentiis
• Creekstone Farms presents Tacos & Tequila hosted by Bobby Flay
• Godiva Chocolatier presents Sweet sponsored by Absolut Vodka and Mumm Napa hosted by Sandra Lee

Festival's favorite Bank of America presents Chelsea Market After Dark is kicking it up a notch this year with host and first-time New York City Wine & Food Festival participant Emeril Lagasse.

ASICS is a very well-known footwear company today, but its roots actually lie with Onitsuka Tiger, which was started many years prior. Onitsuka Tiger was started in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka because he wanted people to follow a healthier lifestyle. He decided to do this by introducing sports to youth with a perfected basketball shoe. Over the years, Onitsuka redesigned the shoe many times to provide his customers with the best shoe that technology could provide.

Onitsuka has been a trusted name in the fitness industry for quite some time having designed the NIPPON 60 delegation shoe for the 1960 Rome Olympics. The brand started out solely as a high-performance shoe brand, but now also has its own apparel line. In 1975, The Japanese Olympic committee asked him to design an apparel collection for the 1976 games.

Like a true genius, Onitsuka uses many things in the environment for inspiration. One example is when he was inspired by the suckers on the octopus tentacle in his salad to create The Suction Cup Sole. This allowed athletes’ shoes to have a better grip and thus improving their performance. His next inspiration, the air circulating engines of a motorcycle engine, was followed by the MAGICRUNNER. He put holes in these running shoes to allow greater ventilation keeping your feet cool and allowing you to run a longer distance.

Recently debuted in April, Pregnant in Heels is a new documentary following fashion designer Rosie Pope as she helps pregnant mothers through the ups and downs of pregnancy. The designer opened a couture maternity clothing boutique in 2008 in the Upper East Side of New York City. The entrepreneur also founded and runs MomPrep in 2010, a training course of expectant mothers.

The show highlights the dramatic dynamic of Rosie’s team, which is composed of LT and Hannah and the issues they encounter. While Hannah and LT manage the storefront, Rosie maintains the position of head designer and attends to her clients every need through her maternity concierge service.

While catering to the sometimes “out there” demands of her clients, Rosie develops strong relationships with the expectant parents and can also help them in other ways. She transforms into a beacon of guidance, helping parents through their internal troubles when appropriate. Easily able to recognize her limits, Rosie also enlists in the help of professionals when the problem at hand is serious.

To learn more about all of Rosie Pope’s endeavors visit www.RosiePopeMaternity.com. Pregnant in Heel airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on Bravo.

Good health and good living is at your fingertips with Atlanta's newest healthcare news and information program—The Weekly Check-Up with Dr. Bruce Feinberg—airing Sundays at 3 p.m. on AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM News/Talk WSB. The show debuted on June 12.

The Weekly Check-Up with Dr. Bruce Feinberg is brought to you by Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia and will address a wide range of topics about healthcare, from current events and healthcare policy to daily tips for better health and fitness.

BeautifulPeople.com, the dating and networking community exclusively for good-looking people, has been hit by a virus that allowed 30,000 "ugly" people to invade the site.

Normally, everyone must pass a strict "rating" stage, where existing members vote on whether new applicants are beautiful enough to join the site.

But the rating module was brought down last month, allowing anyone - regardless of looks – to be accepted.

Greg Hodge, managing director of BeautifulPeople.com, said: "We got suspicious when tens of thousands of new members were accepted over a six-week period, many of whom were no oil painting."

"We responded immediately, repairing the damage from the 'Shrek Virus' and putting every new member back into the rating module for a legitimate and democratic vote.  The result is that we have lost over 30,000 recent members.

Donna Gates, author of The Baby Boomers Diet, has written and published three other nutritional books. The lecturer and nutritional consultant's first book, The Body Ecology Diet, was written after her struggle with finding a cure to candidiasissince when doctors and medicine were of no help.

The Body Ecology Diet is about building up your immune system so candidaisas and other immune related disorders stop reoccurring. Based on many of the ideas of the original Body Ecology Diet, this new installment focuses primarily one one generation, baby boomers. This new book gives anti-aging secrets and ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet, such as the BED diet. Gates also addresses inflammation and the causes it has on your body and early aging, as well as, the best anti-aging foods to keep around to help not only your appearance but also your energy levels!

As most know the older we get, the less energy we have, but a lot of this depends on what foods you eat and what your diet consists of. This book is all about sticking with the lifestyle you already live, just with a few tweaks to it, cutting out some bad foods, adding in some good, and catching the right amount of hours of sleep. Find it on Amazon.com for $17.70.

Founded in 1939 in the United States, the Conde Naste publication Glamour, originally went by the name “Glamour of Hollywood.” Promising its readers the “Hollywood way to fashion, beauty and charm,” the magazine sold at only 15 cents an issue.

Originally centered on fashion and beauty, as women’s rights evolved so did the magazine. It was the first magazine to address its female readers from a viewpoint outside of the home, which drastically changed the magazine industry. Today, Glamour provides women with not only inspirational and accessible style ideas, but also articles on relationships, health and women’s issues. Glamour has gained extensive recognition over the years for its revolutionary steps in the magazine industry.

In addition to its steps in women’s rights, the publication was the first magazine to put an African American woman on its cover, as well as the first to extensively right about abortion rights. The American Society of Magazine Editors awarded Glamour the “National Magazine Award” in 1992 for the abortion coverage.

Former reporter, editor and correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, Erik Calonius’ new book unveils the secrets of what makes business visionaries such as Steve Jobs and Richard Branson, tick. Ten Steps Ahead: What Separates Successful Business Visionaries from the Rest of Us highlights the shared attributes and draws on science, as well as emotional intelligence, to help us better understand how we too can see and make the future.

From his history in journalism, Calonius has interviewed many of the most innovative business people in the world today. And we at Pierce Mattie, though beauty/fashion focused have already applied some of these teachings to our practice. Based on his personal engagements with these people, he intertwines and weaves together their stories to analyze and reveal how their “extraordinary powers” are developed and applied.

Despite the economic downturn, Americans have not cut back on spending on Fluffy and Fido. According to a survey from the Consumer Reports National Research Center, during the darkest days of the recession in 2009 and 2010, only 16 percent of Americans said they reduced the amount they spent on their pets.

On top of this, the price of pet food, veterinary care and other pet-related products and services has risen 4 percent since 2008.

To help consumers keep more money in their pockets during these tough times, Consumer Reports compiled six ways for pet owners to curb expenses and still provide the best of care.

Despite the economic downturn, Americans have not cut back on spending on Fluffy and Fido. According to a survey from the Consumer Reports National Research Center, during the darkest days of the recession in 2009 and 2010, only 16 percent of Americans said they reduced the amount they spent on their pets.

On top of this, the price of pet food, veterinary care and other pet-related products and services has risen 4 percent since 2008.

To help consumers keep more money in their pockets during these tough times, Consumer Reports compiled six ways for pet owners to curb expenses and still provide the best of care.

Doctor William Davis, author of the upcoming book Wheat Belly: Lose the Weight, and Find your Path Back to Health is an outstanding cardiologist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Davis’s new book is about the effects of eating wheat and carb’s and how they negatively impact your health.

Some may say Davis is a bit unconventional, as he has a different view on the heart health industry that he discusses in depth in his book. Davis believes the key to a healthy heart is very easy, cutting out carbohydrates and wheat from your diet. He thinks the whole fuss around heart health is a scam of the medical industry. This idea isn’t too far out there, cardiac care reportedly is worth almost sixty billion dollars, and as a cardiac doctor himself, Davis believed he was completely on top of the new medicines and treatments when his mother died from a heart attack. This began his journey to finding a cure for keeping cholesterol down and arteries unclogged.

This book gives the reader all the correct information on the harm wheat has on our body as well as nutritional tips and recommendations for staying healthy and happy.

This book is available on August 30th, but you can pre-order on Amazon.com.

One of the fastest growing trends in the fitness world, spinning, has become a cult of sorts. Fitness enthusiasts and loyal cyclists have moved indoors to stationary bikes for their newest endorphin fix. But there was something missing...there are numerous ways for you to break a sweat and physically work your body, but what about the mental aspect?

Owners and founders, Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice, faced this same predicament when both relocated to Manhattan. After tireless hours of searching for a suitable activity, they realized they would have to create it. There, SoulCycle was born. “They believed indoor cycling could be inspiring; they both believed that you could incorporate and upper body and core work out during the routine, and finally they believed that with some great branding, a beautiful environment, and outstanding customer service, the 45-minute class could be transformed into a special experience each time.”

Different than any other footwear on the market today, Vibran Five Fingers delivers a number of positive health benefits. It works with your body’s natural biomechanics and brings you closer to the environment. The flexible Vibram rubber soles allow you to feel the curvature of the grass-covered ground while protecting you from possible sharp objectives.

The virtually barefoot experience allows you to feel like a kid again, free of constricting sneakers. The shoes will stimulate and strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs, improving your general foot health and preventing injuries. It also can improve your range of motion in ankles, feet and toes since they are no longer limited by a shoe. By removing the platform of a sneaker and lowering the heel, your body weight becomes more evenly distributed across your foot bead and can promote better posture, spinal alignment and balance.

Machine washable, Five Fingers are easy to clean and care for. To learn more about the product and the company behind the revolutionary footwear, visit www.VibramFiveFingers.com.

Heidi Klum has always been one of the best known faces in the modeling, fashion and TV worlds. She started out her career in the modeling industry and is well known as being one of the Victoria’s Secret models. As she modeled for the top designers, she became well acquainted with global fashion trends. What amazes me (and I am sure everyone else too) about Heidi Klum, is how she seems to be able to do everything. She was on the Forbes List of the richest and most powerful actors, actresses, and musicians. She is a mom, has a career as a TV show host, a model, and now a designer, and still manages to look stunning. Who would ever guess that she's had a few chidlren? It is no surprise that she works out to maintain her figure.

In order to have a good workout, it is important to feel good. Everyone knows that in order to run comfortably, you need a shoe that is suited to running. Although it has been said many times before, many people do not realize that you are what you wear! If you dress like a slob to the gym, you will not feel motivated to perform your best. On the other hand, if you dress well to the gym, it can not only improve your attitude, but also your performance.

Last Fall, Heidi Klum introduced her line of fitness apparel with New Balance, otherwise known as HKNB. Her collection features pants, hoodies, sweatshirts, versatile sweaters, leggings, tunics, woven and knit tops, dresses, and shoes. Her entire collection looks really stylish and feminine. I am definitely motivated to go for a run! Heidi Klum for New Balance is not currently available in stores but can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Simple and profound, this revolutionary fitness idea has become a YouTube sensation and a world wide phenomenon. So what exactly is Laughing Yoga? And how could it possibly be taken seriously? Simple, the new fitness craze combines Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). The concept behind it is that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter, allowing you to achieve the same physiological and psychological benefits.

Laughter Yoga has been scientifically proven to lower the levels of stress hormones (epinephrine, cortisol, etc.) in your blood, leading you to a more positive and hopeful attitude. Have you ever laughed so hard your abs hurt? You engage your core when you laugh, providing you with physical benefits as well.

Vacation season is upon us, and OpenTable, Inc. a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants, is helping diners make the most of their travels by announcing the Diners' Choice Awards for the top 50 restaurants in the U.S. with the most scenic views.  The list of winners is derived from more than ten million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Vacation season is upon us, and OpenTable, Inc. a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants, is helping diners make the most of their travels by announcing the Diners' Choice Awards for the top 50 restaurants in the U.S. with the most scenic views.  The list of winners is derived from more than ten million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

This high-intensity hybrid exercise routine will not only whip your body into a rock hard machine, but a “well oiled” one at that. Designed by Zach Even-Esh, the workout is based around the Crossfit concept, developing strength and metabolic conditioning. The workout is so effective even the military has been reported to use it in their training. The boot camp style instruction keeps you motivated and ready to go.

In contrast to cardio-based workouts intertwined with strength straining, such as Shaun T’s Insanity workout, The Beast focuses on heavy lifts and intense cardio. In a session you can expect one compound move that works a combination of muscles followed by a ‘metcon’ routine that incorporates multi-joint exercises with moderate weight. Each session focuses on a different area of the body, while still indirectly engaging most muscles.

Fitness has become an important part of all our lives, and women have become more conscious about keeping fit to look good and also to lead a healthier lifestyle. However, there aren’t many brands that design workout clothes for women that are feminine. While working out it is important to feel comfortable and also to feel good with what you are wearing. When I go out to play a game of soccer I want to feel like I am strong, energized, and most importantly, I still want to feel like a woman.

Stella McCartney is a British designer whose main lines include McCartney, Stella McCartney Kidds, and Stella McCartney for Adidas. Her fitness apparel for Adidas aim to ensure both performance and style. Adidas by Stella McCartney currently carries apparel for golf, running, yoga, tennis, studio, weekender and winter sports. Her line is of the best quality and only uses organically grown cotton apparel pieces and sustainable materials for footwear. I love the collection because the apparel has feminine cuts, is available in bold colors, and lasts forever.

Despite being the daughter of Sir Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman, her parents ensured she lived a very normal life (as normal as a daughter of a Beatles member can have!) She went to state schools and even designed her own jacket at 13 years old. By living an out of the celebrity spotlight lifestyle, Stella McCartney actually got to see the world and realize what fashion trends real people want. This was a huge benefit for her career because all her clothing is wearable and trendy.

Quickly rising to a national phenomenon, the art and sport of pole fitness has become a staple in many people’s workout regimens. The combination of cardio dance moves and core strength training makes it fun and effective. Celebrities and socialites alike have made the jump and begun embracing pole fitness’ unique advantages.

Typically when thinking of pole dancing, people’s minds immediately jump to strip clubs and scantily dressed girls swinging on poles—pole fitness is much more than that. The workout does incorporate a sensual twist but is taught by trained professionals ensuring your workout is fun, safe and tasteful. Classes integrate yoga, Pilates, strength training, cardio and exotic dances moves to build strength, flexibility and self-confidence.

VibroGym has discovered new methods and technology that has changed the meaning of luxury fitness. While conventional training routines only allow you to use 40-60% of your body’s muscles, VibroGym uses almost 100% of the body’s muscles. So you can achieve much better results within a short period of time. So what’s so unique about this system? It says it right in the name – VibroGym produces vibrations that are transferred to your body, which causes an increase in strength, flexibility, and blood circulation. Besides just improving your fitness levels, VibroGym also helps maintain your hormone balance and reduces stress levels.

There are many different products that you could start with, but it is important to have a goal in mind before starting. I want to introduce some products that I found interesting to you. VibroGym Evolution is a fitness machine that is perfect for both individual and group workouts. VibroGym Beauty Concept is for people whose goals include weight loss, body shaping, anti-cellulite, skin reconditioning and detoxification. The VibroGym Domestic is for busy people who want to be fit because it provides fitness routines for your home. VibroGym Medical is the only certified MDD vibration plate that is used for treatment and prevention of medical problems. VibroGym Bodywear is the perfect fitness apparel because its technology ensures your body is warm during winter and keeps your body cold during summer. This apparel line is perfect for outdoor activities and is worn by many top athletes.

It's finally here!  After many repeated requests from hundreds of thousands of its fans on Facebook and Twitter, Red Mango is introducing its newest frozen yogurt flavor, Mango, in stores nationwide.

"I'm very excited to finally introduce our very own Mango frozen yogurt to all our fans," said Dan Kim, founder and chief concept officer of one of the fastest-growing retailer of all-natural probiotic frozen yogurt and fresh fruit smoothies. "It's a flavor they've been asking for, and one I've clearly spent a lot of time developing. As with our other flavors, we've been able to create a unique yet delicious all-natural frozen yogurt treat without sacrificing health or nutrition."

Kim's latest recipe, which is all-natural and nonfat, has a ripe and juicy Mango flavor. At just 30 calories per one ounce serving, Mango is gluten free, kosher and fortified with natural probiotics that help support a healthy immune system. The new frozen yogurt flavor pairs well with fresh fruit like bananas and berries, as well as other delicious toppings available at Red Mango locations such as graham cracker crumbs and organic pumpkin flax seed granola.

On August 13th Red Mango will release its all-new Mango flavored yogurt in participating locations. The first 100 customers at each participating location to order the new Mango flavor will also receive a free limited edition mango flavored lip balm developed exclusively for "Red Mango by Buddha Balm®", a premium soy-based lip balm that is as flavorful as it is meaningful.

More information about Red Mango's delicious, all-natural frozen yogurt treats and meal options is available at the company's website (redmangousa.com) and Facebook fan page (facebook.com/redmango). Fans can also follow Red Mango on Twitter (twitter.com/redmango).

It's finally here!  After many repeated requests from hundreds of thousands of its fans on Facebook and Twitter, Red Mango is introducing its newest frozen yogurt flavor, Mango, in stores nationwide.

"I'm very excited to finally introduce our very own Mango frozen yogurt to all our fans," said Dan Kim, founder and chief concept officer of one of the fastest-growing retailer of all-natural probiotic frozen yogurt and fresh fruit smoothies. "It's a flavor they've been asking for, and one I've clearly spent a lot of time developing. As with our other flavors, we've been able to create a unique yet delicious all-natural frozen yogurt treat without sacrificing health or nutrition."

Kim's latest recipe, which is all-natural and nonfat, has a ripe and juicy Mango flavor. At just 30 calories per one ounce serving, Mango is gluten free, kosher and fortified with natural probiotics that help support a healthy immune system. The new frozen yogurt flavor pairs well with fresh fruit like bananas and berries, as well as other delicious toppings available at Red Mango locations such as graham cracker crumbs and organic pumpkin flax seed granola.

On August 13th Red Mango will release its all-new Mango flavored yogurt in participating locations. The first 100 customers at each participating location to order the new Mango flavor will also receive a free limited edition mango flavored lip balm developed exclusively for "Red Mango by Buddha Balm®", a premium soy-based lip balm that is as flavorful as it is meaningful.

More information about Red Mango's delicious, all-natural frozen yogurt treats and meal options is available at the company's website (redmangousa.com) and Facebook fan page (facebook.com/redmango). Fans can also follow Red Mango on Twitter (twitter.com/redmango).

We've discussed pediatric obesity many times at Pierce Mattie PR on this blog; from Jamie Oliver and his Food Revolution to my take on school vending machines to the popularity of video games for child fitness. But now there is a diet book said to target teens by author Paul Kramer that is making waves with parents, not because it is supposed to explain about making "healthy food choices" in a story line, but because it discusses an unhappy, obese child getting bullied then going on a diet, losing weight and living happily ever after as the school's soccer star.

Maggie Goes on a Diet will be released in October, but some parents are already calling a boycott on the book. First of all, its target demographic are girls as young as 6 up to 12. As an aunt of nieces ages 6-9, I can honestly say that I would never choose to teach them about healthy eating habits by getting them a book about dieting. I also wouldn't dare to give them the example of, if you are overwight then you are unhappy and unliked, but if you are thin, you are loved and adored. Sure, most of the time in grade school this is what life boils down to, but do we honestly need to set a precedent as young as 6 that we need to be thin to achieve things in life? Isn't that why we have an epidemic of eating disorders?

We'd like to hear what you think. Tweet us @PierceMattiePR and let us know what you think of a diet book for young girls.

Better Life Maids gives tips on making the switch to green house cleaning. Green home cleaning has many health and wellness benefits. It is also much easier to accomplish a green house cleaning program, and much more affordable than most people imagine. And even though green is a term that has been thrown around quite a bit over the last few years, Whole Foods has developed an Eco Scale that helps consumers make informed decisions on the green house cleaning products they choose.

Better Life Maids gives tips on making the switch to green house cleaning. Green home cleaning has many health and wellness benefits. It is also much easier to accomplish a green house cleaning program, and much more affordable than most people imagine. And even though green is a term that has been thrown around quite a bit over the last few years, Whole Foods has developed an Eco Scale that helps consumers make informed decisions on the green house cleaning products they choose.

Xenon Pictures and California Pictures in association with Family Productions and Camelot Entertainment Group have announced plans to release the highly anticipated "A Warrior's Heart."  Written by Martin Dugard and directed by Mike Sears, "A Warrior's Heart" stars Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene ("The Twilight Saga"), Chord Overstreet ("Glee"), Adam Beach ("Cowboys and Aliens"), and Gabrielle Anwar (TV's "Burn Notice").

As long summer days are inspiring late summer nights, OpenTable, Inc., a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants, is pleased to assist hungry night owls by announcing the Diners' Choice Awards for the top 50 restaurants for late night dining.  The list of winners is derived from more than 10 million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

New York City solidified its reputation as the city that never sleeps with four spots on the list, but it shares top honors with Atlanta and Orlando, which both tied with the Big Apple. Minneapolis, Los Angeles and San Francisco are represented on the list by three restaurants each, followed by two winners in Chicago, Nashville and St. Louis. Other honorees are located in Boston, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Oakland, Philadelphia and Raleigh, among others.

As long summer days are inspiring late summer nights, OpenTable, Inc., a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants, is pleased to assist hungry night owls by announcing the Diners' Choice Awards for the top 50 restaurants for late night dining.  The list of winners is derived from more than 10 million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

New York City solidified its reputation as the city that never sleeps with four spots on the list, but it shares top honors with Atlanta and Orlando, which both tied with the Big Apple. Minneapolis, Los Angeles and San Francisco are represented on the list by three restaurants each, followed by two winners in Chicago, Nashville and St. Louis. Other honorees are located in Boston, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Oakland, Philadelphia and Raleigh, among others.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, today announced the results of its annual fall and Labor Day travel survey of more than 1,600 U.S. respondents. Eighty-six percent of travelers are planning leisure trips this fall, compared to 74 percent that said they traveled for fun last autumn. Fifty-six percent are planning weekend getaway trips this autumn, and 35 percent have one week trips in store.

Travelers Unafraid to Open Wallets
Seventy-six percent of respondents said their fall travel plans are not affected by recent economic news. Thirty-seven percent of travelers intend to spend more than they did last fall on leisure trips, while 46 percent plan to spend about the same amount. Nearly half of travelers (48 percent) feel the fall is the most economical season to travel.

Top 3 Fall Trip Types:
1. City trip – 40%
2. Cultural trip – 28%
3. Beach trip – 27%

Top 3 Fall Activities:
1. View colorful fall foliage – 43%
2. Wine tasting/visiting a vineyard – 29%
3. Attend a state/county fair or fall festival – 23%

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, today announced the results of its annual fall and Labor Day travel survey of more than 1,600 U.S. respondents. Eighty-six percent of travelers are planning leisure trips this fall, compared to 74 percent that said they traveled for fun last autumn. Fifty-six percent are planning weekend getaway trips this autumn, and 35 percent have one week trips in store.

Travelers Unafraid to Open Wallets
Seventy-six percent of respondents said their fall travel plans are not affected by recent economic news. Thirty-seven percent of travelers intend to spend more than they did last fall on leisure trips, while 46 percent plan to spend about the same amount. Nearly half of travelers (48 percent) feel the fall is the most economical season to travel.

Top 3 Fall Trip Types:
1. City trip – 40%
2. Cultural trip – 28%
3. Beach trip – 27%

Top 3 Fall Activities:
1. View colorful fall foliage – 43%
2. Wine tasting/visiting a vineyard – 29%
3. Attend a state/county fair or fall festival – 23%

Just the name Lolё sounds so feminine that it is not a surprise that this fitness apparel line is known for its feminine and versatile looks. Lolё clothing is so trendy that you no longer need to change right after a workout to go run your errands. They look cute even outside your gym! Lolё founder Evelyn Trempe’s outlook while creating this brand was that, “You wear what you are. Fabulously feminine. Bold and beautiful. Lover of nature. Happy in your skin. And, always, living your life in motion."

I live on the East Coast and I understand how weather changes sometimes require completely different workout clothes. However, with Lolё, you don’t need to do that anymore. Lolё uses advanced technology that keeps you warm when it is cold and keeps you cool when it is hot. You can use that closet space for something else! Lolё realizes that women all have different body shapes and this apparel is great for all women. (Check out their glossary to see all the cool features Lolё has!)

This Canadian brand has become very popular in the United States because of its cute outfits and wear-ability. Lolё currently carries tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories, outerwear, and ecological apparel. Lolё is an environmentally-friendly brand that tries to ensure using renewable resources and organically grown and processed products. You can learn more about it on their Nature Page.

So what’s new with Lolё? Lolё is working on opening new concept shops called “Lolё workshop,” a harmonious fusion of technology and brand vision that promotes global well-being by fitness and physical activity. Sounds cool, doesn’t it? We’re definitely interested. Are you? Visit Lolё’s website to view their collections and let us know what you think!

One thing that marketing has taught us over the years is that bigger than life spokespeople (aka celebrities), at least when it comes to weight loss and fitness (and no pun intended), don't work when trying to sell a product or lifestyle. The consumer seems to be sold on the real, everyday person who tried everything, struggled with their weight for years (as most of us have) and then, one day found the solution to their problem. Consumers like testimonials that aren't "all I took was this pill and lost 20lbs overnight!" Despite being a make it happen now society, they like to hear that the solution isn't a magic pill.

That's why diet and fitness expert, Gabi Rose, is so successful. She struggled with her weight, at one time wearing a size 26 and with a dedicated plan to lose the weight in a healthy way, now wears a size 2. While her story of losing 130 pounds may be amazing, as we all know the proof is in the pudding (the low-fat kind...) and losing is only half the battle. The true testiment is when you are able to keep it off. That's when consumers are sold on a lifestyle brand such as Rose's--because it is proven to work.

Women's Entertainment saw this and will now feature Rose in a new series on WE called, "Absolute Beauty." Rose will host the show and spotlight her scientific weight regimen. She'll be traveling to different locations, since obesity is a global epidemic. I'm sure the show will hit a tone with all women looking to figure out not only how to lose the weight, but how to keep it off as well.

Absolute Beauty will begin airing in January 2012.

When many of us think of vacation spots we immediately envision an all-inclusive resort, room with an ocean view and a soft-sanded beach a few steps away. Well, how about breath-taking Italy and just a few steps away from the Mediterranean Sea? For most of us the main appeal of a vacation is the sense of relaxation it brings. How about an entire resort dedicated to just that, your relaxation? In combining relaxation with the luxurious hotel aspect, Bagni di Pisa Spa Resort has created a harmonic environment to fit your desired needs and aspirations. 

The spa resort is located in Tuscany, Italy, offering six different types of rooms from comfort, to deluxe, to their prestigious suite, which includes a panoramic view of the Tower of Pisa! Included with your stay you are encouraged to use the thermal pools with hydromassages, Swedish saunas, Turkish baths, and their fitness centre. The Bagni di Pisa Resort also encourages you to bring your pets and offers an on-request dog-sitting service! Now, you don't need to stress over finding someone to look after your beloved pet.

The majority of standard hotels offer a few spa treatments, such as facials, or a massage. The Bagni di Pisa resort offers an extensive spa menu, including several different kinds of massages, numerous baths and wraps, and much more! Included in their wellness menu are health and wellness treatments focused around losing weight! The resort also goes by the title of a Medical Thermal Spa, which indicates their specialization in treatments for those that are overweight or obese. What better way to get back on a healthy track than to do so in the luxurious Tuscany, Italy?

In order to help those that are on the wellness plan the on-site restaurants and food available offer a wide range of tastes, including delicious low-calorie menus, vegetarian menus, and cultural specific menus.

Not only do they provide their fitness center but also many activities are presented, like hiking, mountain biking to different villiages, art tours, horseback riding, and more! Near-by airports offer parachuting and hand gliding sports to participate in! Being surrounded by such enriching culture and natural characteristics, like the Mediterranean Sea, is bound to make your vacation experience an enjoyable and memorable one.

Right now they have September promotions going on! Check them out and let us know what you think by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

The TV series The Doctors is becoming more and more popular since its original airdate in 2008. The show mainly focuses on medical and health issues, as well as providing discussions based on questions presented by various audience members. An emergency room physician hosts the 60-minute series, along with another trained physician, a pediatrician, obstetrician, and plastic surgeon. Another interesting aspect of the show that many viewers are unaware of, is that Phil McGraw, the host of Dr. Phil, created the hit show.

For their fourth season they have added on a new co-host whom we all admire - Jillian Michaels. Jillian Michaels is largely well known, particularly for her nutrition, weight-loss and coaching expertise. She became even more inspiring through training and coaching on the TV show, The Biggest Loser.

Not only has Michaels achieved these inspirational TV roles, but she has mounds of other accomplishments, such as; holding a black belt in martial arts, 2 personal trainer certificates from the leading certification programs in the United States - the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) and the American Fitness Association of America (AFAA), holds a nutrition and wellness consultant certificate with the American Fitness Professionals Associates (AFPA). Michaels has also written four bestselling books, such as; Making the Cut, Unlimited: How to Build and Exceptional Life, and more. In addition to her popular books, she has created countless workout and weight-loss DVDs that are listed as best sellers, like Ripped in 30, and Yoga Meltdown. She even has 3 video games the Wii system to help you with your fitness level!

Michaels is also actively involved in many charities by holding the position of the ambassador for the American Cancer Society, the ambassador for Stand Up 2 Cancer, and works on various programs to help stop childhood obesity.

Check out their local listings on their website to find out when you can watch!

Will you be tuning in to watch this season ofThe Doctors? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR!

Red Mango, the chain rated #1 for smoothies and frozen yogurt in the country by Zagat, has signed a marketing and sponsorship agreement with Mizzou Sports Properties, the multi-media rights holder for Mizzou Athletics.

In a new sponsorship to deliver healthy meal options to Mizzou student-athletes, Red Mango's award winning frozen yogurt will now be served in the Sells Family Dining Hall at the Mizzou Athletics Training Complex.

"We're excited to team up with Red Mango in providing our student-athletes with a product that works so well with their needs. Red Mango yogurt with the natural probiotics, helps support the immune and digestive systems in each athlete – both of which are critical to producing optimal performance. Their yogurt provides our athletes with a healthy, all-natural, low-calorie product that provides calcium and protein without the use of any artificial sweeteners," said Jana Heitmeyer, director of sports nutrition at Mizzou.

Red Mango, the chain rated #1 for smoothies and frozen yogurt in the country by Zagat, has signed a marketing and sponsorship agreement with Mizzou Sports Properties, the multi-media rights holder for Mizzou Athletics.

In a new sponsorship to deliver healthy meal options to Mizzou student-athletes, Red Mango's award winning frozen yogurt will now be served in the Sells Family Dining Hall at the Mizzou Athletics Training Complex.

"We're excited to team up with Red Mango in providing our student-athletes with a product that works so well with their needs. Red Mango yogurt with the natural probiotics, helps support the immune and digestive systems in each athlete – both of which are critical to producing optimal performance. Their yogurt provides our athletes with a healthy, all-natural, low-calorie product that provides calcium and protein without the use of any artificial sweeteners," said Jana Heitmeyer, director of sports nutrition at Mizzou.

Are you tired and bored of repeatedly using the same machines at the gym? Bowflex has come out with the ultimate fitness machine that combines a treadmill, an elliptical and a step-climber. Bowflex's Treadclimber is a newly designed machine to help you lose weight in half the amount of time! What you achieve by running on a treadmill for over an hour, you can achieve on the treadclimber in less than 45 minutes! Not only is it proven to burn more calories in less time, but it also minimizes the impact on your joints. 

My favorite aspect of this machine is that you can use it from the comfort of your own home. I find this so much easier and more appealing than going all the way to the gym and then all the way back. What is great about the treadclimber is that you can see results if use it for only thirty minutes a day three times a week. Pick your favorite sitcom show and hop on your treadclimber - a pretty enjoyable way to lose weight if you ask me!

The treadclimber enables you to lead a healthier and more energized lifestyle and is specifically designed so you don’t overcome the machine and are no longer challenged - It has built-in versatility and motivation to keep you losing fat and building muscle.

The treadclimber also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee - so if you aren’t seeing the results that you had hoped, you could simply return it. The success stories are overflowing with amazing results - with people losing over 150lbs in such a small time frame! To order a free treadclimber information kit and DVD just visit their website. The package includes more information about the TC, motivating success stories, and fitness and nutrition articles to help you succeed!

What do you think about the Treadclimber? Let us know by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

If you’re looking to get into great shape and want to maintain your perfect bod through the upcoming winter months - I would suggest checking out Fitness RX Magazine For Women. It offers an abundance of tips on health, nutrition, diet, exercise and even fashion! What I love about this magazine is that it offers many different viewpoints so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Fitness RX offers scientific viewpoints, as well as the traditional body, beauty and health approach.

Fitness RX Magazine offers nutrition facts and diets to follow, as well as exercises and instructions on how to achieve your ideal weight and body type. It provides great motivation, and success stories that keep your mind set on your goal.

You may have heard of Fitness RX through the competitions they host. They host many competitions, focused on the fitness level and achievement of selected women. These are really interesting and motivating stories too!

It is not just their magazine that is extremely helpful, but their website as well. They have many workout videos and exercise tips to guide you as well as a radio show on Mondays @ 8PM EST with Ms. Bikini Olympia Sonia Gonzalez and Adela Garcia, a five-time fitness olympia!

This is truly a great magazine for someone who wants to achieve or maintain his or her ideal weight and body shape! It gives you the keys and tips in order to lose weight and gain muscle.

The October issue features a five-day total body makeover. If you’re looking to get fit and in the best shape of your life - I would highly suggest getting a subscription to Fitness RX for Women! Do you read this magazine? Let us know by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

Blink Fitness is a fairly new fitness chain brought to us by the luxury fitness and wellness club, Equinox. They have opened up three well-organized complexes across New York in Yonkers, New York City, and Paramus, New Jersey. Blink clubs offer over 160 cardio machines and a variety of weight training instruments to help us stay fit and healthy.

One of the best aspects about Blink Fitness isn’t just their clever tag-line, “Everybody Blinks”, but their amazing monthly membership of only $20. For a fresh, welcoming, and inspiring gym complex their monthly fee is minimal, whereas your experience and outcome will be substantial. Another great piece about Blink, that I am certainly a fan of, is that they are reported to have diligent supervising staff as opposed to personal trainers. I much prefer this, because whenever I go to the gym the trainers are always walking around and I often feel intimidated when doing my workout -- resulting in me getting pushed out of my workout-focus and mind-set.

If you’re looking for an affordable fitness membership that offers access to a great gym complex Blink is a definite way to go. Their website contains location information as well membership sign up - so registering is fast and easy.

Be sure to check out Blink Fitness to stay in shape during the colder months ahead. Are you a member there? Tweet us your thoughts @PierceMattiePR!

When most people stay at a hotel they are there to experience a sense of lavishness and leisure - what better way to achieve this glamorized comfort than to experience one of the exclusive spa packages in one of Las Vegas’ top 10 hotels - MGM Grand. Las Vegas is best known for its vibrant nightlife and often, chaotic party district - if you are visiting and need a quick escape to a quiet and relaxing retreat, MGM Grand Hotel offers a quaint spa and health oasis in the desert.

They offer various packages, including mother-to-be and bride-to-be packages! They not only offer their sensational spa services to hotel guests, but also to non-residents.

Their spa selections are extensive from beautifying facials, body and skin treatments, to therapeutic massages - individual and couple massages are both available. As a spa guest you are given a comfort robe with soft slippers to wear during your stay at the club, adding a sense of luxury and comfort. There are many spa facilities to enjoy during your stay as well such as, saunas and steam rooms. If you want to disappear from the energetic party scene, but don’t want to adapt to the spa getaway than MGM Grand also offers a gym and exercise experience. You can acquire a gym pass, which allows you access to their various cardio and weight training machines.

Have you had the pleasure of experiencing a spa package at MGM? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR!

Woman's Day Magazine features Pierce Mattie PR client Comfort Zone. If you’re working on a spa skin care story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Woman's Day Magazine features Pierce Mattie PR client Comfort Zone. If you’re working on a spa skin care story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Woman's Day Magazine features Pierce Mattie PR client Comfort Zone. If you’re working on a spa skin care story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Flywheel Sports is a new and revitalizing way to workout. Flywheel combines indoor cycling with talented and thoroughly experienced instructors along with great upbeat music, to give you one of the most enjoyable and effective workouts you’ve ever had. It is reported to be one of the best fitness studios in New York and holds the most prestigious trainers that not only coach and motivate you through each cycling class, but join in the workout - so they are sweating and working just as hard as you!

Flywheel Sports has locations all across New York, with each studio offering many instructors and classes. Not only does Flywheel provide a great workout technique with established fitness experts, but also their atmosphere and environment is both inspiring and encouraging. By offering high-end bikes for members to use, a clean workout area, and modern design aspects, they have achieved an ultimately motivating and bright fitness studio.

If you are eager to try Flywheel and see what everybody is talking about, you don’t have to purchase a full membership, you can purchase single rides, 5, 10, or 20 rides which enable you to experience the cycling classes as a member would - And a great way to try it out and see if indoor cycling is for you. For those who want to try, but don’t live in New York, Flywheel also has studios located across Florida and Chicago.

Indoor cycling is perfect for those who like to cycle and want to stay fit! Have you tried Flywheel Sports? Tweet us what you think @PierceMattiePR

Working out in a regular gym facility with all the same machines and circuits can start to make you feel unmotivated by routinely conducting the same workout, using the same muscles while ignoring others. One of the finest ideas that steers away from that routine workout is brought to us through Warrior Fitness Boot Camp. This fitness program is an indoor obstacle course run by ex-marines. The obstacle course is designed so members, or as the instructors refer to as ‘warriors’, are constantly working different muscles - some that you have never used in a workout before. These ex-marine instructors encourage and motivate you throughout a marine-like workout, giving you a taste of what they went through and what goes on in the marine. The instructors design no workout alike, which enables warriors to constantly be working different muscles for an ultimate workout with amazing results.

Warrior Boot Camp is flooded with good reviews and feedback, everyone that has joined admits that it is extremely difficult, but even more rewarding - In regards to health, weight loss, stamina, and ultimately confidence. The group of warriors you are with enable great motivation among everyone in the class, which leads to a more rewarding workout. 

The facility is located on 35^th Street in New York City, and because it is an indoor facility it is available and open to us all year long. The schedules run 7 days a week, with classes (each an hour long) starting as early as 5:30AM and late as 7:30PM - So it is definitely possible to input a warrior workout into your busy schedule. For more information and updates be sure to like their Facebook page, and follow Warrior Fitness Boot Camp on Twitter @WarriorFitness.

Have you experienced the marine-style workout? Let us know what you think @PierceMattiePR.

As I write this hunched over at my desk for the last 8 hours, my back screams in pain. So what more appropriate book to write about than The Yoga Back Book: The Natural Solution to Freedom from Pain by Stella Weller. The book covers yoga stretches, exercises and other relaxation techniques as a means to gently promote spinal health without drugs or surgery.

Yoga fanatics know that the poses and breathing help you to become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It also makes your body more flexible and helps you to relax even in the most stressful situations. 80% of people complain about back pain in one way or another, and learning some simple techniques without a pricey gym membership for Yoga classes, may be effective way to relieve some pain. 

Weller's book is available for pre-ordering for about $13 on Amazon. Have you used Yoga to help alleviate back pain? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

As we’ve all seen and heard, one of the best ways to get fit and relieve stress is through yoga and pilates. Vince Vaughn’s mother, Shea Vaughn has lived her life in belief that stress and negative attributes can be eliminated through yoga and exercise practices.  - And as we can all see in the above image, for a woman in her seventies…. She looks ah-maz-ing!

Shea has written a book that shares her knowledge on how to live a healthy and positive lifestyle. Shea Vaughn’s Breakthrough: The 5 Living Principles to Defeat Stress, Look Great, and Find Total Well-Being contains her thoughts and advice on how to achieve a healthy and successful life. The 5 living principles she refers to are: commitment, perseverance, self-control, integrity, and love, all of which contribute to anti-aging and stress-relieving methods.

Shea uses yoga, tai chi, martial arts, dance and pilates to stay fit and healthy along with a positive and committed mind sight. In her book she explains and guides you how to achieve this ideal lifestyle.

Breakthrough is a good learning and inspiration tool to kick off your new healthy and fit lifestyle. What better way to being a new year with a new, healthier and stress-free lifestyle?

Are you going to read Breakthrough? Also a good Holiday gift idea for those on your list. Let us know what you think @PierceMattiePR.

Last week Bally's Total Fitness was sold to LA Fitness...unbeknownest to many Bally's members who only found out when they attempted to check in for their work out, and sadly, for some Bally's employees when they showed up to work only to find out they were out of a job. While buy-outs and acquisitions happen all of the time, there is usually open communication with current employees and customers. A lot of time is usually spent in regards to public relations to made the transition seamless. Not the case the LA Fitness' purchase and now, as a result of this side-stepping avoidance tactic, LA Fitness is looking at a class-action lawsuit.

PR Issue #1: LA Fitness is allegedly not honoring Bally's lifetime memberships and instead is asking current members to re-sign with LA Fitness paying new fees.

PR Resolution: This is a no brainer--honor the lifetime memberships. There are plenty of gyms out there that current members can make the switch to. If you aren't willing to honor those lifetime memberships, it is virtually guaranteed members won't re-sign with LA Fitness. 

PR Issue #2: The serious lack of communication heightens members and current employees level of skepticism and uneasiness about the transition.

PR Resolution: Each location should hold a membership meeting and separate employee meeting explaining what the sale means to that location. Hear out concerns and answer questions. 

PR Issue #3: There's buzz of a class-action lawsuit surrounding the shady practices of LA Fitness during this acquisition.

PR Resolution: Should a lawsuit be filed, it should be settled out of court. Lifetime members who will to not return to LA Fitness at all should receive a partial refund; those who choose to stay should have those memberships honored. Anyone with a yearly membership should have it honored until the end of the current contract.

Handled correctly going forward, and keeping all lines of communication open, should help LA Fitness change this PR crisis into something positive.

Tweet us your thoughts @PierceMattiePR.

Working out barefoot is apparently all the rage lately. From Barefoot athletic shoes to literally jogging barefoot, the fitness industry is pushing for what they feel is a safer alternative to sneakers-- your bare foot. Personally, I'm not sure why it is abuzz lately, as I took dance and modern dance since I was young, in which you practice barefoot. I do, however, cringe when I see anyone going for their morning 5K run barefoot as I can only imagine my foot hitting the pavement along with any sharp item that may be in my path. Ouch.

However, barefoot fitness enthusiasts tout its benefits, stating that you can build a stronger core going barefoot because it allows you to connect with the ground. It's often been said that sneakers give a false sense of a platform when wearing them to work out (if you've ever rolled your ankle, you know this to be true.) 

Are you working out barefoot? Have you noticed a difference in your core strength since doing so? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

As health and fitness expert Jillian Michaels says, “you can eat your way through any workout.” Who wants to put in all the effort and strength and not see results because you’re pairing your exercise with an unhealthy diet? CLAY is a fitness and health club, located on West 14^th Street, designed to help and guide you through all these steps by combining personal training, various fitness classes and spa treatments and best of all, nutrition guidance. Which is perfect, because now there is really no excuse to tell yourself, they are providing all the help you need to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

CLAY offers different nutrition guidance sessions, my favourite being the “Market Tour” and “Kitchen Renewal.” So you can feel like you’re right out of your favourite lifestyle transformation shows. The Market Tour involves you and an expert taking a trip to the grocery and going over what is healthy and why and what types of food you should stay away from. Similarly the Kitchen Renewal program is a nutrition clean up of your fridge, teaching how to transform your unhealthy habits.

I always find it is best to workout in classes or groups because you encourage each other to push a little bit harder. CLAY provides its members with a variety of fitness classes from yoga and sweat classes to power and core sessions. CLAY offers a number of perfect features that everyone would want in a health club: pilates studio, lounge, concierge and café services, full gym and exercise equipment, personal training and best of all ideal spa services that are perfect for a post-workout recovery session.

Are you a member of CLAY? Try out a trail membership to a luxurious heath club and let us know what you think @PierceMattiePR.

Disneyland Resort today announced that Ghirardelli will open a new location inside Disney California Adventure park in late spring 2012. The soda fountain and chocolate shop will add yet another layer of traditional San Francisco flair to the Pacific Wharf area of the park.

"The addition of  a world-renowned brand like Ghirardelli highlights our focus on providing quality, immersive experiences that transport our guests to a different place – in this case to San Francisco," said Mary Niven, vice president of Disney California Adventure park. "With the culmination of our expansion only a few months away, it is an exciting time at Disney California Adventure and we look forward to partnering with Ghirardelli in bringing this delicious chocolate experience to our guests."

The new location will feature Ghirardelli's world-famous hot fudge sundaes and decadent chocolate products. Each guest will be able to enjoy a complimentary sample of the signature Ghirardelli Squares® chocolate. The Disney California Adventure store follows the 13-year success of a similar location at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.

"We are very excited to expand our successful relationship with Disney, particularly as we prepare to celebrate our 160th anniversary next year," stated Martin Thompson, Ghirardelli president and CEO.  "Our rich heritage, which began in California, combined with our premium brand of high-quality chocolate is a perfect fit with the quality experience Disney offers their guests." 

Ghirardelli joins Disney California Adventure as it completes an expansion that began in 2007. New attractions include the nighttime spectacular "World of Color" and a classic dark ride, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure.  The project's culmination is the 12-acre Cars Land, which opens in summer 2012 along with the newly designed Buena Vista Street entrance to the park, the iconic Carthay Circle Theatre and the Red Car Trolley. The expansion builds upon the transformation of Disneyland Resort into the premier multi-day Southern California vacation destination.

At this hectic and stressful time of year, what sounds better than a relaxing spa day, to focus on refreshing and renewing your spirit? The Great Jones Spa, located on Great Jones Street in NYC, provides award winning spa services, from specific treatments, to waxing and massages, the Great Jones Spa seems to offer it all. My favorite treatment the Great Jones Spa offers is the Reiki Massage - priced at $120.00 for 60 minutes - which provides you with more energy and a lingering relaxing feeling.

The Great Jones Spa also offers many enticing amenities such as their water lounge, - which offers services like thermal hot tub, steam rooms and saunas; a hair salon with luxurious cuts starting at $90.00 and makeup application starting at $85.00, which works out to be very convenient for an ultimate spa day: relaxing treatments combined with hair and makeup services to make you look radiant and beautiful. A fabulous makeup service offered by the Great Jones Spa is a makeup lesson, which is divine for learning how to achieve your desired look yourself - and finally, a juice bar - where you can sit and enjoy fresh juices off of their menu.

Great Jones Spa also offers gift certificates in any increment desired, which makes for a convenient gift.

Another great aspect of Great Jones Spa is that you can book services and treatments online, making it even more convenient to add to your schedule.

Have you tried any Great Jones Spa treatments? Let us know your favorite @PierceMattiePR.

Makeup for the winter season can sometimes be difficult to judge, we don’t want to be too summery in our color choices or too dark. Many beautiful winter colors, in terms of eye shadow, reflect the purple shades that have hints blue - even more glamorous if it's combined with a little gold shimmer. A very elegant shade, which exemplifies this color combination perfectly, is the Las Vegas shadow, (as seen in the image) by BEAUTY IS LIFE. BEAUTY IS LIFE is a unique German company that has expanded on the idea of "just" being a makeup line - but a skin friendly and conditioning cosmetics brand.

The luxurious, admired woman behind it all, Beatrix Isabel Lied, also offers her expertise by providing image consultations. She discussed her company and experience within the image consulting business on TV talk shows and lectured at the Hamburg University - Perhaps to help with the university students who don’t know of an option aside from sweatpants and the stylish, just-woke-up hair?

Beatrix is a highly sought after consultant, who has excelled in the world of luxury and beauty. If you have the time to discover new and exciting shades of shadows and lip colors, I urge you to take a peek at the BEAUTY IS LIFE collection. The color combinations for most of her shades are bound to catch your eye. 

Let us know what you think of the collection by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR.

Makeup for the winter season can sometimes be difficult to judge, we don’t want to be too summery in our color choices or too dark. Many beautiful winter colors, in terms of eye shadow, reflect the purple shades that have hints blue - even more glamorous if it's combined with a little gold shimmer. A very elegant shade, which exemplifies this color combination perfectly, is the Las Vegas shadow, (as seen in the image) by BEAUTY IS LIFE. BEAUTY IS LIFE is a unique German company that has expanded on the idea of "just" being a makeup line - but a skin friendly and conditioning cosmetics brand.

The luxurious, admired woman behind it all, Beatrix Isabel Lied, also offers her expertise by providing image consultations. She discussed her company and experience within the image consulting business on TV talk shows and lectured at the Hamburg University - Perhaps to help with the university students who don’t know of an option aside from sweatpants and the stylish, just-woke-up hair?

Beatrix is a highly sought after consultant, who has excelled in the world of luxury and beauty. If you have the time to discover new and exciting shades of shadows and lip colors, I urge you to take a peek at the BEAUTY IS LIFE collection. The color combinations for most of her shades are bound to catch your eye. 

Let us know what you think of the collection by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR.

Along with keeping up with the resolutions of the new year, not only comes staying physically fit through exercise, but by way of healthy eating as well.  Not to say that either of these practices are obligatory, yet combining both actions is the most efficient way to a healthier and better looking body. For a while here in NY, we've had FreshDirect and now Amazon has answered the call for the West coast

AmazonFresh offers many of the same online grocery shopping abilities like ordering fresh produce, the use of mobile apps for iPhone, Android and Windows 7, as well as delivery. However, AmazonFresh has the one thing FreshDirect and their competitors don't have...AmazonNow, which basically is a tab tapping into Amazon.com that you can add to your order. AmazonFresh offers fresh fruits and vegetables and about 15,000 nonperishable choices of groceries as well.  And how can you beat a free delivery offer?

Each customer has the delivery option of either the Pre-Dawn Delivery Process (which is before 6 a.m.) or sometime throughout the day at Doorstep Delivery option.  Right now specific zip codes do apply for the mentioned services in Seattle. 

Do you think we'll begin to see more online grocers like AmazonFresh? Have you tried it yourself?  Let us know at @PierceMattiePR.  

Catering to the overweight, Downsize Fitness of Las Vegas and Chicago, is designed to not only drop those lbs, but to drop those insecurities as well.

It’s never been heard of…a place where skinny people aren’t welcome.  Well, that’s a fact for Downsize Fitness, where in order to be eligible for membership, one must be at least 50 lbs overweight.  In striving toward their weight loss goal of 50 lbs plus, once reached, a member of the gym is considered a graduate and can then begin working out elsewhere. 

The gym’s main purpose is to create a comfortable atmosphere where a client doesn’t feel judged or sized-up…literally.  It is exceedingly common for an overweight gym member to walk into a gym feeling intimidated and even more unmotivated when they are being out-jogged by a bunch of Jillian Michaels and Brock Lesnars.    Downsize Fitness rids one of all those anxious feelings, along with a complementary consultation offered as motivation to get started immediately.  

Do you think this is a clever marketing approach?  Could this be considered discrimination, although it is intended to address a true issue for those looking to lose weight and regain a healthy lifestyle?  Let us know @PierceMattiePR.

As we pass through each year, workout programs seem to come and go. We are watching for the newest workout to keep our bodies healthy. One claims to have the newest “technology” to help us get the lean, firm body that we have been trying to achieve for years (at least that is what we tell ourselves). They become the latest fad, everyone buys into it and then it dies out. Why?

The biggest factor in succeeding with fitness goals is if you have someone to support you, to do it with you or at least motivate you so you don’t give up. CrossFit is the latest trend for people who are trying to get in shape and it has the makings to stick around for a long time.

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program. Police academies, military operations and professional athletes around the world use the program. It is not a specialty program but provides broad and general strength training to the individual. You might be thinking that sounds hard, and you won’t be the only one. Many people are afraid of CrossFit because it sounds hard. The makers of the program figured out whether you are an athlete or an elderly person trying to stay in shape, you don’t need a different workout you just need different degrees.

The CrossFit program is scalable to the individual so that each person can come in at any level and they will meet you where you are. The thing that makes many users successful is they can sign up for classes (all over the country) and become part of a group who are all striving for the same goal. CrossFit uses many everyday movements and no exercises are the same so it never gets boring and you aren’t putting too much stress on your joints. It is a great way to finally reach your fitness goals and make some new friends along the way.

Just because it is scalable to you, it is still a workout routine. You aren’t going to get in shape without work. To ensure that you are ready to take on the program check out CrossFit’s getting started guide. Have you tried CrossFit? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

There are a multitude of diets for people that are looking to get in shape. Many try to find the one that is going to be easiest or will produce results the fastest. A diet is a hard thing to do because a lot of us lack the motivation to do it because it is easier to remain idle. Besides, we aren’t that out of shape anyway right? The hardest diet isn’t probably what you are imagining. Some people actually need to gain weight to get in shape.

For a few people that are genetically "cursed" gaining weight can be nearly impossible. You might think it is as easy as just eating a lot and that may be true, but there is more to it than that. Nutrition is a major part of any diet, but for hard gainers it is even more essential. The Hard Gainers Guide have dedicated themselves to helping those not blessed with the ability to gain mass fast.

As a hard gainer eating is the most important thing you can do. You need to be taking in more calories than you are burning. More importantly however, is what you are eating. If you are serious about gaining weight and getting healthy you must intake the building blocks of muscle: Protein, carbohydrates and fats. For details check out the basic and advanced nutrition guides. The Hard Gainers Guide also provides a complete meal plan to get you on your way to achieving results.

Of course having a good workout plan is also a part of gaining weight and converting food into muscle. Hit the gym with a workout plan or maybe a home gym is right for you. For specific questions visit www.hardgainersguide.com.

Ganache, pralines, and truffles. Éclairs, macaroons, and tarts. Is your mouth watering yet?

Making mouths water for the last 35 years, La Maison Du Chocolat originated in Paris and now has boutiques in Cannes, London, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and an online boutique that delivers in Canada, the United States, all over Europe and Japan.

When taking pleasure in a delicacy from La Maison Du Chocolat trying the Chocolate Éclair is a must. What can be better than chocolate and a pastry? And don’t forget the Ganache with Orange Liquor Mousse – the dark chocolate melts in your mouth.

The online boutique has chocolates for everyone from $8 pieces, truffle assortments for $96, to extravagant boxes, like their Concorde Hatbox, for $290.

Not that anyone ever needs an excuse to buy chocolate but if you do, Valentine’s Day is coming up and that is definitely a holiday to celebrate the love of chocolate. Give someone you care about a box of chocolate that they will never want to finish.

What is your favorite chocolate? Let us know @PierceMattiePR

Ganache, pralines, and truffles. Éclairs, macaroons, and tarts. Is your mouth watering yet?

Making mouths water for the last 35 years, La Maison Du Chocolat originated in Paris and now has boutiques in Cannes, London, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and an online boutique that delivers in Canada, the United States, all over Europe and Japan.

When taking pleasure in a delicacy from La Maison Du Chocolat trying the Chocolate Éclair is a must. What can be better than chocolate and a pastry? And don’t forget the Ganache with Orange Liquor Mousse – the dark chocolate melts in your mouth.

The online boutique has chocolates for everyone from $8 pieces, truffle assortments for $96, to extravagant boxes, like their Concorde Hatbox, for $290.

Not that anyone ever needs an excuse to buy chocolate but if you do, Valentine’s Day is coming up and that is definitely a holiday to celebrate the love of chocolate. Give someone you care about a box of chocolate that they will never want to finish.

What is your favorite chocolate? Let us know @PierceMattiePR

With its unique method and approach to treating disease, Hyland’s provides natural remedies for every member of the family, from the infant to the elderly.  Stringent preparation, on top of a century’s worth of homeopathic practice, Hyland’s health care remedies are endless. 

Hyland’s manufactures products for each of the following categories:  Stress/Sleep, Baby, Children’s Health, Pain Relief, Women’s Health, Digestion, Cough/Cold, First Aid, Seasonal Allergies, Skin, Topicals, Kits, Cell Salts, and Single Remedies. 

Sleep deprived from stress and anxiety?  Try Hyland’s Insomnia.  Rid yourself of worry and restlessness, with no risky side affects.  This product is safe for adults and children. 

Has that pulsating headache returned? Not an aspirin enthusiast?  Check out Hyland’s Migraine Headache Relief.  This all-natural formula is free of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine. More partial to topicals than tablets?  Can’t seem to escape that grating leg cramp?  Try Hyland’s Leg Cramp Ointment. Night or day, rain or shine, Hyland’s ointment temporarily relieves cramp symtomps of the leg and calf. These are only a few of the myriad remedies Hyland’s has to offer. (Shannon swears by Hyland's teething tablets! It's the only way she kept her sanity when each of her 4 sons were teething.)

Are you into holistic healthcare?  Have you checked out any of Hyland’s products?  What are your thoughts?  Let us know @PierceMattiePR.  

Warm up your winter!  There is nothing akin to bubble baths, candles, and a cup of delicious, yet calming tea at the end of your day to unwind and relax before getting some shut-eye for the night.   I was never too keen on my herbal tea preference until Yogi Tea was brought to my attention.

Although we are no longer infants, we seem to still cling to our child-like ways.  What says relaxation more so than soaking in a hot bath with hot liquid (now tea and no longer milk) running through your inner pipe works?  I cannot contrive a greater scenario. 

Yogi Tea proposes a wide variety of teas with many different, delightful flavors, each while serving a different purpose.  Do you yearn for a tranquil something to sip on?  Or perhaps you want to recharge your batteries in the a.m. and aren’t so partial to coffee.  (Neither am I!) 

Yogi Tea’s innovative, interactive website prompts you to make an initial decision with choosing your tea first by choosing either: mood, flavor or purpose.  By choosing mood, Yogi Tea asks, “how would you like to feel today?”  By choosing flavor, Yogi simply asks, “what flavor would you like to enjoy?”  And lastly, by choosing purpose, “what benefit would you like from your tea?” is asked to further discover your desires. 

Check out Yogi Tea’s colossal, flavorful selection!  Benefit your life or simply your taste buds! Is this your cup of tea?  (No pun intended!)  If you've tried Yogi Tea tweet us @PierceMattiePR.  

What is the most boring thing in the world? A question subject to opinion, but I think we can all agree that running is boring (good for you, but boring). Worse still is watching someone run. Marathon runners deserve all the respect in the world because it is an accomplishment to be proud of. However the fact remains that it is hard to watch someone run for a couple of hours. Tough Mudder has designed an obstacle course marathon that challenges the entire body and is fun to watch.

Tough Mudder was designed by British Special Forces to test not just how far you can run, but also overall physical strength, mental toughness and camaraderie (imagine that). Teams make their way through a 12-mile obstacle course of walls, fire, ten thousand volts of electricity and of course mud. Obstacles include the Kiss of Mud where the runner crawls through sticky mud underneath barbed wire, the Chernobyl Jacuzzi, a tub filled with 200 bags of ice, and the Funky Monkey which is the most intense set of monkey bars you have ever seen.

You are not let alone if you want to see how tough you really are. There are basic fitness requirements and a complete workout program for Tough Mudder on their website.  If you are ready to break out of the same old routine and challenge your body you can find a Tough Mudder event near you at toughmudder.com

Have you tried it or watched this marathon? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Looking for a change but not quite sure what kind of change? You could change your hair, your car, your clothes…or your furniture. I don’t know about you but I get a great feeling when I rearrange a room or put new furniture in a room. It forces me to go through anything and everything that has been piling up, giving me a sense of accomplishment at the end. Simple changes like rearranging the setup of a room or adding a few new pieces could suddenly turn that boring room that no one ever uses into the room you never want to leave.

Amana Furniture has been crafting beautiful pieces since 1855 that are sure to give you the kind of change you are looking for, and will definitely be that conversation piece you have been looking too add to that boring room. Amana Furniture offers original designs and unique craftsmanship in every piece, specializing in furniture, clocks, and accessories. Their designs are unique in the sense that they combine their handcrafted furniture with pieces from top names in the furniture and clock world to create one of a kind pieces.

A few of my favorite pieces to transform a room include:

1. The Double Wine Glass Holder: This is a great accessory to add to your kitchen and will definitely start a conversation. It can be used on a daily basis to display your favorite bottle of wine or could be more sentimental and hold wine and wine glasses from a wedding or event.

2. Wellington Clock: What a beautiful clock! Just hearing this beauty chime at the hour would give me chills. What I love about these clocks is they have a classic look and remind me of my childhood when I would spend long afternoons with my grandparents.

3. Mantel Bed with Raised Panels: This bed frame comes in different colors and will sure add some character to your bedroom or a guest room. Lighten it up with some white linens and soft colors!

4. Mission Curio: Display antiques, china, or even books and picture frames in this beautifully designed curio with glass doors and interior lights. Add some life to a room without having to hang shelves.

How have you transformed a room in your house? Let us know @PierceMattiePR

Lobster is not only delicious and considered a luxury food item, but it also offers health benefits such as Zinc, Phosphorus, Vitamin B12, Copper, and Selenium, is also low in cholesterol, saturated fats, and calories.

Lobster (especially from Maine) is so delicious and buttery; it melts in your mouth and you avoid looking at your plate because you never want it to be gone. It is a delicacy that you wish you could experience more and more every time it touches your lips.

Thanks to Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company based in Maine, it is a delicacy you can now experience more regularly. Hancock Lobster Company has a full array of lobster and seafood that will deliver right to your front door so you can enjoy lobster in the comfort of your own home.

Not only can you order Lemon Butter Tails (4 -5oz. tails for $80) but you can also order Live Main Lobsters (4 -1.25lb lobsters for $115) and cook them yourself. Order rich and delicious lobster and seafood that will melt in your mouth for your family dinner or impress your guests at your next party with Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company crab cakes ($47 for 6), crab dip ($56 for 2- 14oz containers), and lobster flatbread ($33) (pictured). Your party will be the talk of the town and everyone will leave craving more or wishing they could go to Maine!

Have you tried Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

A new winter fitness trend has merged. Snowboarding, skiing, and sledding have been a prominent means of exercise and simply just a leisure activity for many years. But have you heard of snow kayaking? As arbitrary as it sounds, snow kayaking has become a great way to keep in shape in our powdery areas. Although a very dangerous activity, the extremities of this sport applies to its level of intensity as a workout as well.

Not much of a daredevil? I know my incentive would be the discovery of an entertaining workout different than those of my daily monotonous gym routines. Depending on the steepness of a slope, the speed and danger may not be as severe as other higher hills. It is very common that snow kayakers, whom are really into this particular activity (the ultra-extreme snow kayaking participants) will wax the bottom of their boats, just as you would wax a surfboard, in an attempt to excel on the ice. It is very common that these individuals will reach close to 40 miles per hour!

As a fun alternative to sledding, snow kayaking allows more control among the individuals in the boat by using the paddles for steering. Yes…there’s more control…but more control doesn’t necessarily mean less dangerous. In fact, since this sport is considered to be quite the extreme of sports, it is not permitted by many ski resorts.

Have you been snow kayaking? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Working out can always be a drag.  You dread waking up in the morning because you know you should work out at some point in the day, but you can think of a million other things you have to do or should do. Maybe it's time to switch up your fitness routine and get in on the new fitness craze and start having fun while you’re working out with Zumba. It is taking over the fitness world!

Zumba began in 1986 in Colombia when aerobics instructor Alberto “Beto” Perez forgot to bring his music to his class and decided to use the Latin Salsa and Merengue music tapes from his car as a substitute. It caught on quickly in Colombia so Beto and two friends moved to the United States in 2001 and launched a line of Zumba home videos in 2002. It has since taken off and classes are now offered all over the country in gyms and private Zumba studios.

Zumba offers great benefits for your mind and body.  Zumba engages you in a full-body workout, it can improve your coordination, and it provides resistance training, as there are fast and slow intervals throughout the workout. Not to mention, you can burn 500 calories or more in an hour!

With the fast paced and upbeat tempo you will never get bored; and don’t fret if you are not a professional dancer because the moves are easy to pick up and you will be a pro in no time. Most Zumba studios also offer beginners classes where the moves are slowed down a bit and more repetitive.

Find a Zumba studio in your area or check with your gym and inquire if they offer Zumba group exercise classes. Classes at private studios can range anywhere from $10 to $20 per class and most Zumba studios offer monthly passes or class packages.

Interested in giving Zumba a shot? Check out these Zumba studios and work with the best instructors:

Misty Clark of M Dance & Fitness in New York City: Misty has great taste in music, is very knowledgeable, and her classes are easy to catch onto as she breaks down the steps. She does her best to accommodate her students, as her classes fill up quickly. So get there early!

Sandy Campanella of SC Fitness in Los Angeles: Sandy is energetic and encouraging, and dedicated to fitness. She is also very friendly and gets to know all of her students and their names.

Lisa Simply of Fit Astoria in New York City (Astoria): Lisa’s classes are a hardcode dance workout and will definitely get you moving and sweating. You will leave feeling pounds lighter.

Have you given Zumba a try? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Health and fitness is all about goals. You know when you have a big trip planned and you spend time anticipating your trip by shopping, working out, or planning? Think of your trip as a goal, something you are working towards. Whether it be a weight loss goal, calorie intake goal, or hours clocked at the gym goal, remember that it is important to set goals to keep yourself working towards something. Goals have to be attainable and realistic – start with short-term goals and then once you’ve built up the stamina strive towards more long-term goals.

I like to think of running in terms of goals. While I am running I set goals for myself along the way such as “sprint to that tree” or “just make it to that blue truck.” But more than that, I like to set goals for myself in terms of how far I run, distance wise. As we begin to encounter beautiful weather what better way to enjoy it then by setting running goals. You can start with a mile, then work your way to a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and eventually up to a full marathon.

As you begin to set and meet your running goal it is important to keep your body safe from injuries – or your goals could be dead in their tracks. Here are a few tips while you’re attaining your running goals:

1. Stretch. No matter how long or short your run is, to prevent injuries it in imperative that you stretch correctly every single time you run.

2. Rest. Listen to your body and learn to tell the difference between being tired from a long day and being tired from too many days of exercise in a row. It is important to take rest days as to not strain your muscles and mind.

3. Set short-term goals while striving for your long term ones. If your long term goal is to run a marathon run shorter races in between to get in the race mindset and see what your race times are.

4. Train in your race clothes. It is important to feel comfortable in your race clothes so you should train in clothes that you would wear in the race. Your run will not go as smoothly if you’re uncomfortable in your clothes.

5. Cross-train. It is important to incorporate other cross-training and aerobic exercises. Swimming and biking or yoga and pilates can contribute to your overall fitness and prepare you for your race.

What are your fitness goals? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

Health and fitness is all about goals. You know when you have a big trip planned and you spend time anticipating your trip by shopping, working out, or planning? Think of your trip as a goal, something you are working towards. Whether it be a weight loss goal, calorie intake goal, or hours clocked at the gym goal, remember that it is important to set goals to keep yourself working towards something. Goals have to be attainable and realistic – start with short-term goals and then once you’ve built up the stamina strive towards more long-term goals.

I like to think of running in terms of goals. While I am running I set goals for myself along the way such as “sprint to that tree” or “just make it to that blue truck.” But more than that, I like to set goals for myself in terms of how far I run, distance wise. As we begin to encounter beautiful weather what better way to enjoy it then by setting running goals. You can start with a mile, then work your way to a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and eventually up to a full marathon.

As you begin to set and meet your running goal it is important to keep your body safe from injuries – or your goals could be dead in their tracks. Here are a few tips while you’re attaining your running goals:

1. Stretch. No matter how long or short your run is, to prevent injuries it in imperative that you stretch correctly every single time you run.

2. Rest. Listen to your body and learn to tell the difference between being tired from a long day and being tired from too many days of exercise in a row. It is important to take rest days as to not strain your muscles and mind.

3. Set short-term goals while striving for your long term ones. If your long term goal is to run a marathon run shorter races in between to get in the race mindset and see what your race times are.

4. Train in your race clothes. It is important to feel comfortable in your race clothes so you should train in clothes that you would wear in the race. Your run will not go as smoothly if you’re uncomfortable in your clothes.

5. Cross-train. It is important to incorporate other cross-training and aerobic exercises. Swimming and biking or yoga and pilates can contribute to your overall fitness and prepare you for your race.

What are your fitness goals? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

Health and fitness is all about goals. You know when you have a big trip planned and you spend time anticipating your trip by shopping, working out, or planning? Think of your trip as a goal, something you are working towards. Whether it be a weight loss goal, calorie intake goal, or hours clocked at the gym goal, remember that it is important to set goals to keep yourself working towards something. Goals have to be attainable and realistic – start with short-term goals and then once you’ve built up the stamina strive towards more long-term goals.

I like to think of running in terms of goals. While I am running I set goals for myself along the way such as “sprint to that tree” or “just make it to that blue truck.” But more than that, I like to set goals for myself in terms of how far I run, distance wise. As we begin to encounter beautiful weather what better way to enjoy it then by setting running goals. You can start with a mile, then work your way to a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and eventually up to a full marathon.

As you begin to set and meet your running goal it is important to keep your body safe from injuries – or your goals could be dead in their tracks. Here are a few tips while you’re attaining your running goals:

1. Stretch. No matter how long or short your run is, to prevent injuries it in imperative that you stretch correctly every single time you run.

2. Rest. Listen to your body and learn to tell the difference between being tired from a long day and being tired from too many days of exercise in a row. It is important to take rest days as to not strain your muscles and mind.

3. Set short-term goals while striving for your long term ones. If your long term goal is to run a marathon run shorter races in between to get in the race mindset and see what your race times are.

4. Train in your race clothes. It is important to feel comfortable in your race clothes so you should train in clothes that you would wear in the race. Your run will not go as smoothly if you’re uncomfortable in your clothes.

5. Cross-train. It is important to incorporate other cross-training and aerobic exercises. Swimming and biking or yoga and pilates can contribute to your overall fitness and prepare you for your race.

What are your fitness goals? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

Best known for her hit reality series, ‘Bethenny Ever After,’ Bethenny Frankel has branded not only a name for herself, but an image.  Prior to expanding on her multifaceted tangents of fitness tycoon, author, reality star, and beverage entrepreneur, Frankel was faintly recognized as a natural food chef.  It is to no surprise Bethenny has provided a few beneficial, yet simple fitness tips we can incorporate into our daily lives…aside from sweating to her very own fitness DVDs, ‘Body By Bethenny’ and 'Skinnygirl Workout.'

1.  Keep it within the realm of reality: Bethenny is a believer in keeping diet and exercise realistic.  Many people set extreme goals for themselves containing strict dieting and rigorous exercise routines. "They are not realistic. They aren’t sustainable, and they lead to binge eating (beating ourselves up emotionally and physically by gorging on food) and erratic workout schedules.”

2. Consistency and companionship: Frankel feels that being consistent with your workouts is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  She also supports the thought of fitness as a friendship. 

3. Exercise and meal mantra: "Food is not your best friend or your enemy. You are not good when you don’t eat nor bad when you do. The same goes for exercise. Always be good to yourself and love yourself. You will get to exactly where you need to be."

You may not be an avid fan of reality TV, but who better to coach and sculpt our bodies than the fantastically fit Bethenny Frankel?

What do you think of Bethenny Frankel's fitness tips?  Tweeet us @PierceMattiePR.

Best known for her hit reality series, ‘Bethenny Ever After,’ Bethenny Frankel has branded not only a name for herself, but an image.  Prior to expanding on her multifaceted tangents of fitness tycoon, author, reality star, and beverage entrepreneur, Frankel was faintly recognized as a natural food chef.  It is to no surprise Bethenny has provided a few beneficial, yet simple fitness tips we can incorporate into our daily lives…aside from sweating to her very own fitness DVDs, ‘Body By Bethenny’ and 'Skinnygirl Workout.'

1.  Keep it within the realm of reality: Bethenny is a believer in keeping diet and exercise realistic.  Many people set extreme goals for themselves containing strict dieting and rigorous exercise routines. "They are not realistic. They aren’t sustainable, and they lead to binge eating (beating ourselves up emotionally and physically by gorging on food) and erratic workout schedules.”

2. Consistency and companionship: Frankel feels that being consistent with your workouts is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  She also supports the thought of fitness as a friendship. 

3. Exercise and meal mantra: "Food is not your best friend or your enemy. You are not good when you don’t eat nor bad when you do. The same goes for exercise. Always be good to yourself and love yourself. You will get to exactly where you need to be."

You may not be an avid fan of reality TV, but who better to coach and sculpt our bodies than the fantastically fit Bethenny Frankel?

What do you think of Bethenny Frankel's fitness tips?  Tweeet us @PierceMattiePR.

Smartphones are everywhere. If you look around you can probably see a smartphone or something smartphone related. Not only can you seem them, but they have taken over everything (well almost) entertainment, restaurants, and stores. They are everywhere. Now they are taking over an area that you may not have suspected: fitness.

How does a smartphone fit into exercise? It seems unlikely at best. However they have an app for that (is there anything they don’t have one for?) You may be cynical at first but there are a few that you might want to check out. They are designed to motivate and keep you healthy. That can’t be a bad thing.

For staying in good shape the Workout Trainer by Skimble may be something do go download. It is essentially a personal trainer/radio in your pocket. Just plug in your headphones and follow along to the 1000 plus exercises programmed in the app. While you are working out keep track of your exercises as well as you diet with DailyBurn. With this nutrition calculator you can easily track and maintain a healthy diet. Maybe you are feeling a little off or under the weather? Although it is no replacement for a doctor the iTriage app helps you understand your symptoms and even tells you where to go to get help.

Is there a fitness app you can't live without? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

Although avocados are most likely famous for their annual appearance in Super Bowl party guacamole, most people are not aware of the amazing health and beauty benefits this fruit beholds. While avocados used to have a poor reputation due to its 85% fat content, researchers have recently dispelled myths about this fruit. Currently, avocados are known as a super fruit that excels in nutrition, heart health, skin, hair, and being a tasty complement to ordinary dishes.

Avocados are perfect for anyone who is engaging in an active lifestyle. With the spring and summer months, you now have more opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and exercise outside. To complement your fitness routine, a simple avocado snack can provide you with key nutrients to fuel your body. Avocados have over 13 vitamins including vitamins A, C, D, E and B vitamins. Additionally, it has good fats, which are essential in providing energy to the body for the ultimate workout.

If that isn’t enough of a reason to fully add avocados into your diet, they are also known to provide tremendous natural beauty remedies. It can enhance and remedy anything from puffy eyes, dry skin, and hair. This fruit also can create a low maintenance mask to rejuvenate your skin. The only ingredient is the avocado, which you mash and spread evenly on your face, then let sit for 15 minutes. This is perfect if you have dry or sensitive skin that may react negatively to harsh chemicals.

Of course, they are a tasty, nutritious addition to some of your simple salads, soups, and entrée’s. For new recipes to incorporate this nutritious super fruit into your diet, visit Avocado.org  to experiment with some delicious treats.

How do you use this super fruit as a health benefit? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Although avocados are most likely famous for their annual appearance in Super Bowl party guacamole, most people are not aware of the amazing health and beauty benefits this fruit beholds. While avocados used to have a poor reputation due to its 85% fat content, researchers have recently dispelled myths about this fruit. Currently, avocados are known as a super fruit that excels in nutrition, heart health, skin, hair, and being a tasty complement to ordinary dishes.

Avocados are perfect for anyone who is engaging in an active lifestyle. With the spring and summer months, you now have more opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and exercise outside. To complement your fitness routine, a simple avocado snack can provide you with key nutrients to fuel your body. Avocados have over 13 vitamins including vitamins A, C, D, E and B vitamins. Additionally, it has good fats, which are essential in providing energy to the body for the ultimate workout.

If that isn’t enough of a reason to fully add avocados into your diet, they are also known to provide tremendous natural beauty remedies. It can enhance and remedy anything from puffy eyes, dry skin, and hair. This fruit also can create a low maintenance mask to rejuvenate your skin. The only ingredient is the avocado, which you mash and spread evenly on your face, then let sit for 15 minutes. This is perfect if you have dry or sensitive skin that may react negatively to harsh chemicals.

Of course, they are a tasty, nutritious addition to some of your simple salads, soups, and entrée’s. For new recipes to incorporate this nutritious super fruit into your diet, visit Avocado.org  to experiment with some delicious treats.

How do you use this super fruit as a health benefit? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Outdoor activities (especially when the weather is enjoyable) are my absolute favorite. I love when I can spend a few days outdoors and (partially) free from electronic communications. Whether I am hiking, boating, camping, running, or snowboarding, there is one brand that carries clothing and equipment that I turn to: The North Face.

Two lovers of hiking that had a dream to open a small mountaineering retail store started The North Face in the Bay Area in 1968. Since then The North Face expanded to include mountaineering equipment and apparel, skiing equipment, outterwear, sleeping bags, and skiwear. The well-made and reliable products by The North Face now include equipment and apparel for all types of athletes including hikers, rock climbers, runners, skiers, snowboarders, and backpackers.

The North Face has products for the whole family and literally any piece of apparel or equipment you could ever need for your journey. Whether you need heavy and warm clothing for a day of snowboarding or light and airy shorts and tops to prepare for your marathon in the summer, The North Face is sure to support every possible need.

The Women’s Potosi Jacket is sure to keep you dry and warm during the rainy months while the Women’s Tadasana VPR Sport Tank to allow you to move freely while you relax and tone your body in your yoga class, and the Women’s Better Than Naked Cool Jacket won’t disappoint as it keeps you cool and dry on your run. Not to mention, stay stylish in The North Face’s best selling and most popular jacket, the Denali Thermal Jacket.

Are you going to go to The North Face for your outdoor needs? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

Petrossian began as a retailer in the 1920s by two Armenian brothers. They began their business by introducing the delicacy of fine caviar to the Parisians. After the French demonstrated an appreciation for the finer foods in life, Petrossian expanded to selling other products such as fine chocolates, smoked salmon, cheeses, jams, wine and baked goods. Prices range anywhere from $11 pates to $300 goose fois gras gastronome, perfect for a summertime tea with the girls or a poker game with old chums. 

Petrossian has retailer locations in New York City , West Hollywood and online. For the past eighty years, Petrossian has maintained an honorable reputation of being a top importer of caviar from all over world. Quality and excellence are two of the the ideals Petrossian has strived to maintain over the years, with fresh caviar prepared and aged to perfection. 

Whether Petrossian products are purchased as a holiday gift option or personal splurge, you won't be disappointed in the eclectic mix of flavors this company has to offer. The different caviar species are available online with information about color and taste to help the customer find the perfect fit. Drink and storage recommendations are also available to make the caviar enjoyment process one to never forget. 

Visit the Petrossian website for more information about gift baskets, delivery options and more. 

Petrossian began as a retailer in the 1920s by two Armenian brothers. They began their business by introducing the delicacy of fine caviar to the Parisians. After the French demonstrated an appreciation for the finer foods in life, Petrossian expanded to selling other products such as fine chocolates, smoked salmon, cheeses, jams, wine and baked goods. Prices range anywhere from $11 pates to $300 goose fois gras gastronome, perfect for a summertime tea with the girls or a poker game with old chums. 

Petrossian has retailer locations in New York City , West Hollywood and online. For the past eighty years, Petrossian has maintained an honorable reputation of being a top importer of caviar from all over world. Quality and excellence are two of the the ideals Petrossian has strived to maintain over the years, with fresh caviar prepared and aged to perfection. 

Whether Petrossian products are purchased as a holiday gift option or personal splurge, you won't be disappointed in the eclectic mix of flavors this company has to offer. The different caviar species are available online with information about color and taste to help the customer find the perfect fit. Drink and storage recommendations are also available to make the caviar enjoyment process one to never forget. 

Visit the Petrossian website for more information about gift baskets, delivery options and more. 

Since 1986, Gaia Herbs has shown their commitment to growing organic herbs. Located in the mountains of North Carolina, Gaia Herbs has more than 50 crops growing on 250 acres of soil, producing quality, certified organic herbs that have gone through an extremely thorough laboratory process to develop the best product available on the market. 

Distributed at your local Whole Foods, Gaia Herbs can be found in the vitamin/herb aisle with other natural herbal remedies. Herbal products include supplements for body system support, daily wellness and immune system functioning. Online retailers such as Amazon and Pharmaca also offer their retail competitive pricing if the convenience of online shopping is more up your alley. 

Prices range from $7 to $15 per bottle, offering the consumer various packages for money saving opportunities. 

Visit Gaia Herbs main site for information about career opportunities, frequently asked questions and full product descriptions. With all the harmful toxins we ingest on a daily basis, why not begin a vitamin regime to ward off harmful disease and sickness? Your mother probably harps on you to start taking more vitamins, why not begin a healthier lifestyle today.

Do you use any of Gaia Herbs products? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

I find that more and more people are looking toward a vegetarian or vegan diet. Whether it is to detoxify the body of impurities or chemicals, or refrain from consuming animal byproducts, it is evident that the vegan movement continues to grow indefinitely. The most difficult task for vegans is to enjoy cuisine at a restaurant that caters to those dietary needs.  Overcome those difficult outings and take a look at a few of these vegan and vegetarian restaurants in New York City!
          
A popular vegan restaurant in New York is Blossom located in Chelsea. It is a quaint but upscale restaurant that offers a wide array of vegan options. The restaurant is open for dinner every night and open for brunch on the weekends. Some of the featured items on the menu include Seitan Scaloppini, Lemongrass Crusted Tofu, and Lasagna. For dinner, the entrées typically range from $18 - $22. There are two additional Café Blossom locations on the Upper West Side and West Village for a more casual setting.

Candle 79 is another vegan hotspot located on the Upper East Side. They pride themselves on serving organic cuisine by promoting sustainable practices in their business operations. An interesting aspect of the restaurant is that along with organic meal specials, are their “Eco Cocktails”. Some of these include Strawberry Fields, Rasa and Rum, and Tropical Sage which all feature organic ingredients. Candle 79 is open for brunch, lunch and dinner at specific times throughout the week.

Dirt Candy is creatively named for its commitment to the vegetables that grow and are natural pieces of the earth. The restaurant is located in East Village and opened in October 2008 by Chef Amanda Cohen. She is a graduate of Natural Gourmet’s Chef Training Program and has a history of working with vegetarian and organic restaurants. She opened Dirt Candy to pursue her love for the industry. Dirt Candy features creative and intricate dishes with simple names such as “Cucumber” and “Corn”. These entrées are between $17-$19 and can easily be made vegan dishes upon request.

Have you been to any of the vegan and vegetarian restaurants in New York City? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Fitness resorts are all the rage as fitness goers long for a mix of fun in their workout program with long lasting results. These camps or live-in type fitness programs offers something for everyone that help you with a lifestyle change rather than simply focusing on a diet or just exercise. California Fitness Camp has been getting media attention, especially because it's not just a 1 week stay as if being on vacation, some residents are there for months to transform their eating habits and workout regimen.

California Fitness Camp starts off with a full body analysis, so that you know what your baseline is in order to watch the transformation as you work through your time there. And as everyone's needs are different, they customize a fitness plan that caters to you. Food is prepared by a 5-star chef, but in order to make sure that healthy meal preparation is something you can carry out once you are back in your own home, they also offer education and cooking classes on healthy eating habits, recipes and even how to manage food on the go. And of course, your mental attitude plays a big role in your weight loss success, so spa treatments are incorporated into your stay.

California Fitness Camp is located at the 5-star La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. The grounds are gorgeous and the luxury accomodations would motivate anyone to want to book their stay here to get in shape.

Would you consider a live-in resort such as California Fitness Camp for your exercise and weight loss needs? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

The weather is beautiful and I want to be outside.  The mild winter we had didn’t keep me indoors for too long, but as soon as the sun starts to shine I begin to go a bit stir crazy no matter how active I have been.  Being locked up inside whether in an office or at home is a tease and makes me crave the weekends and my summer vacations. 

Beautiful weather activities usually include a nice bike ride, a picnic, or a sunset run but don’t you ever want to do something different to make that weekend just a little bit more adventurous? I don’t know about you, but waking up the next day with sore muscles from a fun activity seems so much more worth it than waking up sore from an hour spent at the gym. So here are a few fun and new ways to get outdoors and enjoy the weather:

1. Kayaking. This is definitely a great way to enjoy being outdoors and get a good workout. A lot of lakes (and even rivers but if you are new to this sport I would suggest the calmer waters of a lake) have classes to teach you how to kayak and even have equipment for you to rent.  Be sure to check out L.L.Bean for all of your kayaking essentials.

2. Jet Skiing. I personally love jet skiing and do it as often as I can. It is a great way to get on the water on a beautiful day and just have a blast. Make sure you wear a lot of sunscreen and don’t forget the life jacket. Check with your closest lake or sporting goods store for jet skiing rentals and equipment. While not necessarily fitness...jet skiing does get your outdoors and active!

3. Golfing. Summer mornings and summer nights are my absolute favorite, so why not get out and play a round of golf as the sun is coming up or setting?  Most golf courses have specials for night golf, which can be a lot of fun as long as the mosquitos have gone to bed for the night. Check out PING for all of your golf needs.

4. Hiking. This is the ultimate outdoor adventure for a beautiful day.  Pick a day that isn’t going to be unbearably hot and find a hike with a beautiful view or a lake to jump into to make it that much more enjoyable. Check out Keen Footwear for the best hiking shoes for your adventure. The Keen Voyageur is the best hiking shoe for summer!                                                                 

5. Zip-Lining. Have you ever wondered how your favorite or local ski resorts make any money during the summer? Well they have these huge mountains with beautiful scenery that are perfect for zip-lining. I went for my first time last summer and fell in love. Make a weekend out of it and get some outdoor time in while experiencing a beautiful view as you’re gliding down a mountain.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your beautiful days, if you are outdoors don’t forget the sunscreen!

How are you going to spend your free time this summer to squeeze in some outdoor fitness? Let us know @PierceMattiePR. 

When you think Summer, you think outdoors...and for those who lead an active, adventurous and fit lifestyle, that means summer sports. More specifically...sports and fitness regimens that include water. Have you ever gone hiking or even rock climbing near water? The last thing you want is to be unsure if the sole of your shoe will slide on the slippery terrain. Or when kayaking, white water rafting or wake boarding...your feet are bound to get wet, but there's got to be a sneaker out there that won't leave you squishing water in your shoes (with that smelly mildew odor when it dries to boot.) That's where Teva comes in. 

Footwear made with the athlete in mind, and to "tell better stories", Teva uses technology that protects feet by wicking away moisture (eVent) and seals out water from entering into the shoe with a membrane (T.I.D.E. Seal). There are even a pretty cool line of water shoes called Gnarkosi, that have a Draine Frame in the sole of the sneaker (to drain the water of course!)

I'm most attracted to their new Fuse-ion water shoes. Reminding me of the Keds days of my youth,  Fuse-ion has that preppy pop kick kind of look, but more modernized and with a whole lot more functionality. 

Have you worn Teva footwear? What types of fitness activities did you use them for? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

When you think Summer, you think outdoors...and for those who lead an active, adventurous and fit lifestyle, that means summer sports. More specifically...sports and fitness regimens that include water. Have you ever gone hiking or even rock climbing near water? The last thing you want is to be unsure if the sole of your shoe will slide on the slippery terrain. Or when kayaking, white water rafting or wake boarding...your feet are bound to get wet, but there's got to be a sneaker out there that won't leave you squishing water in your shoes (with that smelly mildew odor when it dries to boot.) That's where Teva comes in. 

Footwear made with the athlete in mind, and to "tell better stories", Teva uses technology that protects feet by wicking away moisture (eVent) and seals out water from entering into the shoe with a membrane (T.I.D.E. Seal). There are even a pretty cool line of water shoes called Gnarkosi, that have a Draine Frame in the sole of the sneaker (to drain the water of course!)

I'm most attracted to their new Fuse-ion water shoes. Reminding me of the Keds days of my youth,  Fuse-ion has that preppy pop kick kind of look, but more modernized and with a whole lot more functionality. 

Have you worn Teva footwear? What types of fitness activities did you use them for? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

Beauty from within no longer just means you have a great personality... Nutrition is becoming just as popular in the beauty industry as are the products meant to combat anti-aging. Between beauty supplements, Vita-Mix smoothie mania and recipes targeting various skin issues (inflammation, restoring tissue, healing, etc.), if you have a product with any nutritional value that benefits those looking for anti-aging products, now is the time to promote it.

From superfruits to veggies, the key to all anti-aging products are the antioxidant benefits they provide the skin. Kale is one such veggie that promotes healthier skin between cooking it up, eating it in a salad or mixing it into your smoothie. As are any food that contains Vitamin C (restores tissue and vibrancy to skin), Vitamin A (for oral health--healthy gums = a healthy smile), Vitamin E for better complexion, etc. 

Taking cue from beautiful women abroad in France and Scandinavia, their skin is naturally beautiful because healthy eating is part of their culture. If you need some inspiration to find the right fruits and veggies to target the right nutritional track for your skin based on your age, do a search on Pinterest. Such a great resource of recipes and ideas to get you started.

Which foods are you incorporating into your diet for better skin health? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

People go to the gym for a variety of reasons, but one thing they all have in common is that they put a lot of effort and energy into burning calories and building muscle. Many of those people, if given the opportunity, would go to a gym that kept the environment in mind when operating their facility; since, as we all know, gyms use up a lot of electricity and space.

Two green gyms come to mind that are doing it right and people are noticing. The Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon and Green Fitness Studio in Brooklyn, New York. Both operate their gyms in different ways, but with one common goal: a greener gym that takes less from the environment.

The Green Microgym uses green fitness equipment from PlugOut (which also sells equipment for home use as well.) PlugOut harnesses the energy created from people working out and subsidizes the electricity needs of the gym. It's a great way to focus on the energy you are creating rather than the calories you are burning and still get the same great physical results in the end. The Green Microgym also uses solar panels, recycled toilet paper and renewable source flooring. 

Green Fitness Studio is impressive with it's long list of ways they are green. From bamboo floors to to recycled rubber to self powered gym equipment to a living rooftop, Green Fitness Studio has really taken it the extra mile.  

What ways are your fitness center going green? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

People go to the gym for a variety of reasons, but one thing they all have in common is that they put a lot of effort and energy into burning calories and building muscle. Many of those people, if given the opportunity, would go to a gym that kept the environment in mind when operating their facility; since, as we all know, gyms use up a lot of electricity and space.

Two green gyms come to mind that are doing it right and people are noticing. The Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon and Green Fitness Studio in Brooklyn, New York. Both operate their gyms in different ways, but with one common goal: a greener gym that takes less from the environment.

The Green Microgym uses green fitness equipment from PlugOut (which also sells equipment for home use as well.) PlugOut harnesses the energy created from people working out and subsidizes the electricity needs of the gym. It's a great way to focus on the energy you are creating rather than the calories you are burning and still get the same great physical results in the end. The Green Microgym also uses solar panels, recycled toilet paper and renewable source flooring. 

Green Fitness Studio is impressive with it's long list of ways they are green. From bamboo floors to to recycled rubber to self powered gym equipment to a living rooftop, Green Fitness Studio has really taken it the extra mile.  

What ways are your fitness center going green? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.