Hidden Gem......

Happy Wednesday!

My Daily Quote:

We all have battles, whether they are with co-workers, family, friends, whatever, we all have them.  My battle is exercising!  I battle with it all the time. I start ~ then I stop. Then I get a glimpse of myself in a mirror or in the reflection of a window at the mall...I get frustrated with myself, and I hate the way I look, then I realize that I need to start again. That is what I battle all the time. But....I'm on the up side of my battle right now.  I'm winning the battle, at least for now.

I found this amazing Hidden Gem in the neighborhood across from ours. I have been looking for a park to take My Princess Sophia to on the days that she is with me and I stumbled upon this. I could not believe that I never knew this was here. This lovely park is just a stones throw away from our house. As I was checking it out, I discovered this....a FITNESS AREA!! 

I thought to  myself...if I do this and I do my Physique 57 workouts, I may just win this battle after all.  So, on Sunday, Tiffy and I headed to Rimgate Park to check it out. Tiffy loved watching all the birds flying around and the kids running around - we took a little walk to check things out and snapped a few pics along the way...we even got a cute lil selfie.

I went back Sunday evening to walk, no more running for this girl my hips can't take it anymore, but I can manage a brisk walk with no problems...so, I put in my ear buds, turned up the volume, and took off walking around the path of this lovely park.  I must admit, I did a little singing out loud along the way.  I accomplished this...walking and stopping to do the machines....

Then I headed back last night, for just a brisk walk, no machines this time, and I accomplished this...

On the agenda for tonight was this....30 minutes with my BabyGirl.  I love this DVD. I love how I feel when I am doing Physique 57 workouts. Physique 57 is such an amazing program!  I love that my daughter is so much fun and so motivating ~ she makes working out fun. She is helping me win my battle. She encourages me and always tells me how proud she is of me even tho she probably really wants to say, come on Mom, kick it up a notch! But guess what...I felt the WOW in my arms tonight! I'm going to bed felling really good physically and feeling really good about myself.  I'm getting a pep back in my step!

Oh, and since I am in the middle of my battle, and I am so motivated, I am going to buy myself these...

So, as I look at the top of this post and re-read My Daily Quote, I am confident that I am on the right track with winning this battle.  Oh and I have a secret...I will share it soon, but for now.... keep good thoughts that my secret will play out like I want it to.  And yes...it's a good secret ;-)

So for now, like I always close out my post....

until next time my fellow Physiquesians.

TTFN

Two for two...

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

My Daily Quote.

I'm winding down for the night - feeling pretty good about myself.  Day 2 of my Physique 57 workout - CHECK!  (How great is my HollyGirl). I woke up this morning feeling well rested, a little sore, but very rested.  I slept so good last night.  I have made a commitment to myself about working out and eating right.  I stepped on the scale today; I wasn't very happy with what I saw, but if I don't know where I am, I will never know how far I have come. My daily quote fits nicely into my new mind set.  The unexplored territory for me is fitness.

We had an exciting project done at our house today.   Because we now have this little precious bundle of baby love in our family, we have invested in her safety...and the safety of all the future babies that follow her.  We put our pool in when Holly and Jonathan were teenagers so the need for a pool fence wasn't as necessary as it is now. Now that we are in another stage of our lives, that of being Grandparents, we will do anything we can to keep our Princess Sophia, and all future Grandbabies, safe.  I'm very pleased with the work and how great our backyard looks. Now, let the summer fun begin.

Maybe I can get that new bathing suit this year......

Until next time my Fellow Physiquesians....

TTFN

I'm back.....

Where does the time go?  I don't get it.  I love to blog but I haven't blogged in well over a year.  I'm busy, but not that busy.  Am I boring?  Do I think people aren't interested in lil ol' me?  Maybe, but that's ok.  I started this Blog for me....if I got a few followers along the way that was great.  So, why was I gone for so long??? That is the million $$ question.  I'm going to start again, and I know I'll be a bit rusty at first, but I will get my rhythm back, I know it. Tonight, well I'm just babbling.

So, a quick update to get me started on the blogging bandwagon once again. I'm a Grandma now...Grammie to be exact and I love love love it!  More about that blessed event later. 

I have been lazy for what seems like forever.  I know that I am the master of excuses and I even started believing those excuses.  But....guess what....look what I got....and guess what I did?

I did this tonight?  I did my new Physique 57 DVD.  I was tired, I'm out of shape, 30 minutes seemed like forever, but I did it.  I wasn't going to do it tonight because I was tired. But I didn't use one of my old excuses. I didn't give in.  I did it tonight because I wanted to do it. I want to be healthy. I want to get in shape.  I want to look good in what I am wearing. I want to be a fit Grammie...I want this for me.  

So, there you go. I've started to blog again. I've done my first night with my new Physique 57 DVD. I got to spend 30 minutes with my HollyGirl.  What more can lil ol' me ask for. I'll get there, I'm back and I'm happy and content tonight!

I will close like I always have....Until next time my fellow Physiquesians....

PS: Happy Father's Day to all those amazing Dads out there especially my hubby (who gave me my two greatest gifts), my dad (who made me who I am today), and my babyboy (who celebrated his very 1st Father's Day with his new babygirl).

PHYSIQUE 57 - PHYSIQUE F.I.T.

So.....I logged on to the Physique 57 website the other night, paid $5 and did 3 workouts in three days.  Some pretty fancy time management if I do say so myself....I even had 7 minutes to spare.

I love this short, sweet and structured exercise program that I can do right when I get home from work before I crash and burn for the night.

The added bonus, and major incentive for this momma, 

is this:

I get to workout with my baby girl!!

I like how I feel when I get some exercise in.  It's still too dark and cold when I get home from work to get back to my running, but at least doing Physique 57 workouts will get me back in shape so I can get back to running again real soon.  I'm excited to be back Physiqueing again and I'm looking forward to putting my running shoes back on and getting my Nike~GPS going again so I can be a Physiqueing - Running Momma.

Until next time my Fellow Physiquesians..

TTFN

:-)

2013....here I am again...finally!!

........Where have I been?  It's been way too long since I've blogged.  I've missed it.  I follow a few blogs on a regular basis but just don't seem to find the time to update mine.  That is going to change.

I went to bed last night and told myself that I am going to turn over a new leaf today and get back on board with blogging, running and Physiqueing!

2012 was an amazing year for me and my family...more about that later. 

I'm going to start tonight with a quick Physique 57 update then take the next several days to do a few year in review posts.

Here goes....

Guilt guilt guilt....I fell back into my old ways.  After recovering from my injured hip flexor (my very first official athletic injury), I just didn't continue on a regular basis with my running and Physique 57 workouts. Part excuses, part fear of getting hurt again.

I realized it's really easy for me to fall back into the "old Suzie" ways. I get so angry with myself when I do.  I look in my closet and hate my clothes, hate my shoes. I don't want to be the "frumpy" old AARP card-carrying lady.  I take the time to get my hair done and I get regular manis and pedis, but I'm just not happy with the way I look...I want to look good.  I will get a quick glimpse of myself walking by a glass door or mirror and hate it!! :-( I get so down on myself and I hate it! I want to be confident and feel like I look good.  I get frustrated with myself because when I am exercising - running, doing my Physique 57 workouts, I feel good.  Why do I get lazy?  All questions I need to answer, but for now, at least for today, I'm putting my pity party aside because today was a good day!

So in keeping with my promise that I made to myself last night...

(I almost came up with an excuse but I didn't)

I came home from work...bundled Tiffy up and took her out for her evening walk, an oh so chilly walk by Cali standards - a brisk 48 degrees.

How cute is she in her little fleece jacket

so.....when I got home, 

 I went upstairs, put on my workout clothes, put my old guilt notes back on the TV where they belong...

And did this!

Nothing motivates me more than seeing my very own Personal P57
trainer cheering me on!

     I am almost positive my Holly Girl gave me a secret shout-out wink wink during the triceps dips :-)

        

 Yeah! I did it! I did a Physique 57 workout. A short one, but I did it!!

My P57 socks are super comfy ~ especially after the end of my workout!!

So, as I close for the night, I hope this blog entry finds my few (oh so special followers) well and I hope everyone has had a great start to 2013.  I know this is going to be a great year for me and my family.
I have a few secrets that I will share later....hehehe...maybe even a new part-time career for this girl......

Looking super forward to updating on a regular basis and sharing the good stuff :-)...

...but until next time my Fellow Physiquesians...
Happy Tuesday!!

PS Tanya...after 2 babies - you look amazing!

Back on the blog bandwagon....

It's been a couple of months since I have blogged....no excuses, I've just been super busy.  I've been training for my first 1/2 marathon....it's hard being an athlete (hehehe).  I use that term loosely, but it seems appropriate since it is Olympic season.

I've been grounded for the last 10 days because of an injury to my leg....so I decided to rest it a bit and not push it because I really want to be in good shape for my 1/2 marathon (that's what athletes do)...so I've been using a lot of this stuff...

But then, I consulted with my very special private trainer, my P57 girl...my Holly Boo, and she suggested I try acupuncture.  She was right...it helped so much.  I have had 3 sessions so far and have 3 more scheduled for next week.  Why do I just happen to have a picture you ask, well, being the FB junkie that I am, I had to take a pic during my 1st session...

And, once I got good results from my treatments....and my P57 private trainer was gently pushing me to commit...I did this...

I registered for my very first 1/2 marathon.  It is on my birthday...my 54th birthday, October 7, and I'm running it with my baby boy.  Sure wish my baby girl could join us too ;)

And....then this week...I found this.  My favorite P57 private trainer doing what she does best.  I love these...these are now being added to my training schedule.  

So, until next time my faithful followers and fellow Physiquesians....

P57 and a 1/2 Marathon.....

I've taken on a new sport.  I've been running....well really wogging at this point (as my DIL says, running and walking)!  I've thought about it many many times over the last several years, and finally just made like Nike and told myself...just do it!  I want to be a runner.

A person who runs competitively as a sport or hobby: "a marathon runner".

I went to A Snails Pace Running Store and got fitted for the proper shoes so I could at least look like a runner!

My new favorite thing is my Nike+gps app for my iPhone....I start that puppy every time I go out and play my boys....and off I go :)

I get cheers from my friends along the way and I can get instant updates when I'm done.  Although I'm still working on bettering my pace, I'm definitely putting in the mileage.  I'm excited to hit 100 miles!!

Almost 72 miles in 19 runs!

My one concern is my left calf!  It hurts, oh boy does it hurt, but only when I'm running which tells me I have not injured it! Phewwww!  It takes about a mile to get warmed up and then it is better but not great.  I started with my Physique 57 workouts again tonight.  My favorite instructor ;) told me that doing my P57 workouts in between my runs will certainly help with my pain and keep me stretched and strong.  I trust my favorite instructor!!

I've set a pretty lofty (that's my favorite new word) goal for myself.  I'm determined to make it happen.  When I turn 54 years old on October 7, 2012, I will be doing this....well the 1/2 Marathon!!

www.runlongbeach.com 

Oh and I have another goal for that day....I will be wearing LuLu Lemon when I run!

www.lululemon.com

So until next time my fellow runners and Physiquesians....

Oh and PS:  I'm am heading to see my Jersey Girl, SIL and GrandPuppy in 11 days!!

I cannot wait.

Running.....

Hi faithful followers....

I've been trying to "find" myself.  I love doing my Physique 57 workouts but I have been feeling so "stuffy" lately.  I'm stuck in an office all day long then I would come home and try to Physique but our weather here in Cali is so beautiful that I want to be outside.  I have always wanted to try my hand...er...feet at running so I thought I would do both.  I'm gonna get myself on a nice running (brisk walking to start) routine then switch off between running and Physiqueing so I can continue to work on getting toned and in shape. (I'm still dreaming of having killer abs).  I am heading to visit my Jersey Girl and SIL next month and I intend to take some Physique 57 classes with my favorite instructor so I need to stay on top of my Physiqueing too!!

I got a bit of a kick start doing a 5k on Saturday at the MS Walk, we (mom, dad, #3 and I) actually made it about 2.5 miles since we always cheat and cut the course. :) Then on Sunday, I did an actual 5k walk (with Tiffy) as part of Team Thomas at the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation Cinco de Mayo fun walk.

 Angie's MSBehavers

Team Thomas

RIP Little Dude

So I dug out my Nikes and found this super cool app for my iPhone and off I went.  I can set it and play my music and it chats to me along the way, it posts to FB so if anyone comments on my post it gives me a shout-out, then I can post my success for the day.  I love it. 

This is my total for 3 days...pretty good for a beginner.

So this sometimes lazy Suzie has put in some pretty hard workouts in the last few days.  I'm setting goals for myself.  I want to work up to running 5k's then10k's then shoot for a 1/2 marathon.  I checked on line and there is one on my birthday.  The Long Beach 1/2 marathon this year is on October 7, 2012...my 54th birthday. A hefty goal but I'm gonna do my best to achieve it.

So...I'll be running and Physiqueing..... and staying well and fit and happy.

So until next time my fellow Physiquesians...and runners...have a great weekend.

Oh and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE GREAT MOM'S OUT THERE!

Happy Sunday!!

I took Saturday off from my Physiqueing because I was beat and I was sore and I had a ton of stuff to do yesterday.  I had a good weekend tho and I didn't feel guilty because I knew I would do my Physique 57 workout today.  I did, woot woot for me :).  It's fun to admit to myself that I really do feel good when I am getting some exercise time in.  I am still struggling with the abs work tho (bummer, because I really want to work on that area :/) but I have a hard time with positioning the mats on my lower back.  I will find a way that works tho.  I'm switching between my pillows, towels, kiddie mat and my Physique 57 ball.  I wish my private instructor was here to help me...hint hint Holly Boo!

Saturday was a really busy day...I had to take Tiffy back to the vet because she has been miserable with skin allergies and gets really bad when the pollens are going nuts or it's windy out.  Last week I had to take her in for a steroid shot and an antibiotic shot so yesterday was a re-check with Dr. Laura.  The shots worked and her skin looks much better but now she has an eye infection.  Oh my $10k Yorkie pup!! While Tiffy was back with Dr. Laura having her eyes checked...I just couldn't resist making this:

It's amazing how many pictures I have of Miss Tiffy on my iPhone...this is not even all of them.

Yesterday after Tiffy's appointment we did a impromptu trip to Disneyland.  Nothing beats seeing the Happiest Place on Earth through the eyes of little ones. It pays to be a season pass holder.  I never thought I would enjoy it as much as I do...but it's really fun. Especially because it's only about 20 minutes from home.

Jon and Steph came up and stayed the night which always makes me so happy.  I love when my kids are around...I just wish my other two were not 3000 miles away and I look forward to the day when we all live in the same place again :)

So, on this lovely Sunday evening, I'm finishing up laundry, had some wedding pictures printed up, went to Ikea to buy some frames, did my Physique 57 workout (hello Tanya), and feel really good.  No complaints from this girl.  I feel like it's gonna be a good week.

Until next time my fellow Physiquesians...

Friday the 13th!

Most people find Friday the 13th a bad day full of superstitions...bad luck...and uneasy feelings.  I however love Friday the 13th.  I don't recall anytime in my life that something bad happened to me on Friday the 13th.  Today was a particularly wonderful Friday the 13th.  I had an awesome nights sleep last night...probably because I Physiqued before going to bed.  I had a good day at work.  I was invited to dinner with some good friends.  I had a great conversation with my newlyweds and I Physiqued again tonight.  I feel great!

I'm again on a roll with my Physique 57 workouts....I'm a big post-it notes fan....here is my newest one. I will be making modifications to this as I continue with my Physique 57 workouts so I can stay on track. 

Woot Woot...I'm 2 for 2 :)

                                                            

Until next time my fellow Physiquesians...

Happy Friday the 13th.

Don't stop...Don't stop...

"When no one is joining in on your pity party, maybe its time you left too."

I found this quote tonight and I loved it!  I was definitely having a pity party and it wasn't getting me anywhere.  I am done, over it, ready to get past it.  

I was falling back into my old ways and making excuses...those dang old Suzie excuses.  I have been a slacker--I've not been Physiqueing.  Yes, I've done my Physique 57 workouts here and there so I could tell myself that I was Physiqueing but I really wasn't.  I've had a ton on my mind lately - a lot of heart ache and hurt feelings and stress so I was ignoring all kinds of stuff and making all kinds of excuses not to do my Physique 57 workouts.  I was telling myself that my pants aren't really too tight; my unmentionables still fit....blah blah blah...so I must be in good shape. Yeah, right!!.  The only person who was miserable it seems was me...so I have turned over a new leaf...I'm not gonna worry about people or things that I cannot control and be thankful for who I am and what and I have and know that the people that mean the most to me are all that matter to me.   

Well...now that I have that off my chest...I'm gonna brave it and do something I've been putting off doing for a long time because I just plain didn't want to do it...but...I'm posting the dreaded "before" picture to start my soon to be transformation! Arghhhhh, I guess if I see it I will want to change it !! I just noticed something so funny....notice the basket of magazines and Jessica Alba looking up at me as if she is saying...go Suzie go :)

I also set some realistic goals for myself. I figured if I was successful in giving up Starbucks for Lent.....46 whole days and I didn't cheat once...then I can Physique until June when I go see my Jersey Girl and my SIL and my grand puppy.  

When I head to Jersey City...

I'm gonna do this....

And reward myself with this :) 

So, I'm super happy to say that I'm feeling pretty good tonight.  I'm happy to be back Physiqueing....I'm feeling really really good.  I got some gentle little nudges along the way from H & N to get me back on track.  My Baby Girl told me just the other day that the hardest part is getting started again (she was right, as usual) and N said that pressing "play" is the first step. Well ladies...I'm back.  

Fun blog updates will be coming...I have a ton of fun stuff to share.  My baby boy got married...I've been wanting to share the details and pictures with everyone. BTW...I got into that amazing MOG dress I was working towards and I felt amazing and looked lovely (if I do say so myself)...

So, until next time my fellow Physiquesians......remember to keep pulsing and squeezing :)

33

Tonight is the eve of our 33rd wedding anniversary!  2-24-79...seems like so long ago.  We have been through so much in the last 33 years.  I must admit, it has not been without trials and challenges...but we keep coming out on top.

We have been blessed with two amazing children.  We did something right that's for sure.  They are both successful and happily married to amazing spouses ~ Holly and Matt are fast approaching three years and Jon and Stephanie ~ just hit their 1 month anniversary.

We face many challenges - Mauro and I are always separated by 3000 + miles - we spend many weeks apart but we persevere.  We are reconnecting!  Many people don't understand why our lives are like they are, but we do what we have to do.  People don't always admit to themselves that not all is a bed of roses...I think being able to admit that allows us to change that.

So, this weekend we are again together in Cali, if even for a few days before he heads out to Latin America again, but we are making the time for a together trip. I'm excited!!

I just couldn't resist sharing a couple of then and now pics...

Then....

The Newlyweds 2-24-79

Now...

1-21-12

I think we look pretty dang good!!

Happy Anniversary Honey..here's to another 33!

I love you.

xo

Physique 57 Nudge!

Nudge: 

To push against gently, especially to gain attention or give a signal.

I received a gentle Nudge today!  N sent it to H and H sent it to me. 

Allow me to share :)

(Read it from top to bottom...it will be much more meaningful)

It's ok....I'm just kidding! Just giving you a hard time like you used to give me about my blog. ;-) love you!  

Start physiqueing when you can....you'll feel much better! ;-) and then you can start blogging again and N will be so happy! ;-)

Xoxo

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 21, 2012, at 2:33 PM, Suzie <mm8483@aol.com> wrote:

I know I actually have a draft started.....:(..I'm trying to get my pics downloaded so I can finish it.  I'm having such a hard time getting motivated. I was actually going to get up early to Physique this morning but tossed and turned all night because my legs were acting up...kinda that restless leg syndrome. I didnt fall asleep until 4:30...Give N my love. Love u baby girl xoxo

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 21, 2012, at 9:22 AM, Holly Hendricks <danzer3685@gmail.com> wrote:

I got this from N today...

Tsk Tsk ;-)

Love you!

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Natasha Attal <natasha@physique57.com>
Date: February 21, 2012 12:13:55 PM EST
To: Holly Hendricks <Danzer3685@gmail.com>
Subject: mama suzie

Why isn’t she blogging anymore L

Natasha Attal

Social Media Manager

Physique 57

161 Avenue of the Americas, Ground Floor

New York, NY 10013

646-588-4850 p

917-214-1237 c

www.Physique57.com

Point well taken ladies....I came right home from work today, took Tiffy out for a walk, came back home, went immediately upstairs, put on my work out clothes (Old Navy)...sound familiar...

Pulled these babies out...

And I Physiqued tonight!!! Can I get a WOOT WOOT for Physiqueing tonight?  I was very rusty (but still got my push-ups done..mini Woot Woot), Tanya kicked my bootie (tell her I said hi), and it was hard keeping up. I'm tired, sore and a bit smelly (I kinda want to break out in song to Phoebe's Smelly Cat but I won't).   BUT....I'M BACK!!!

I have been having a bit of a hard time getting re-motivated to blog and do my Physique 57 workouts lately.  At first my lack of Physiqueing was legit...I hurt my back (that's a whole new post that is soon to come...it deserves it's own), then I was busy with all of Jon and Steph's amazing wedding plans (that too deserves a solo post-it will be fantastic)....but I must admit, I fell back into my old ways.....the Suzie excuses :(.  I don't know why I do that.  I was feeling so goooood when I was Physiqueing but I just did it.  No excuses, no real reason, no pity party, no good answer. BUT....I'M Back!!

So my lovelies...H & N....thanks for the gentle, much needed NUDGE. 

xoxoxo

Until next time my fellow Physiquesians....

Getting ready for Christmas....

Things have been super crazy these last few weeks.  I've been trying to get everything ready for Christmas while still trying to keep up with my Physique 57 workouts....and I cannot fail to mention that Jon and Steph are getting married in 38 days!!

It seems that each weekend we are doing wedding stuff - I am so loving it!  There still seems to be a ton of stuff to do but our days are slowing running out. Stephanie is taking on so much herself and doing an amazing job.  She is one lovely bride-to-be and she is not showing any trace of being a Bridezilla either.

Last weekend my awesome, amazing son put up my Christmas lights.  He outdid himself and made me oh so happy.  Our house looks wonderful and Christmassy as Holly said.

I finally finished the inside of the house as well.  It took me two weekends to finish our tree and the inside decorations but I am really happy with how the inside of our house looks.  I love coming home and turning on the lights inside....even tho Christmas is such a stressful time, I love it!!

Just a quick blog post for tonight.  Oh yeah, I forgot, I've been getting up at 5:45am to do my Physiqueing - I seem to be so busy after work that it makes it easier to start my day with my Physique 57 workouts.  And....N has been keeping tabs on me too :)

Until next time my fellow Physiquesians....

Here's hoping that everyone stays as stress free as possible as we all prepare to celebrate Christmas...

Thanksgiving 2011.....

We had a blast!!! Holly and Matt are such great hosts. I feel so blessed that we were able to spend Thanksgiving with them this year...their 1st in their new home. I arrived Sunday night (Momma has to get a few days solo...selfish, yes...I don't deny it).  Matt's parents arrived Tuesday evening and Mauro came in on Wednesday night.  Two newlyweds, 4 parents (that actually like each other) and 3 cute lil pups!  Holly and Matt had a houseful.

Maggie Lu, Peanut and Tiffy

I got my groove on with Holly at Physique 57 (two times, I was thrilled).  Got some much needed corrections and now feel rejuvenated to keep up with my Physique 57 DVD's at home.  I've actually set my own challenge...I'm gonna try to Physique every day until Jon & Steph's wedding so I get into that beautiful dress and look great so I make Jon proud when we do our Mother/Son dance.  I'm on track, but I must be honest, I was so jet lagged, I skipped yesterday, but pulled out my arms and abs booster tonight and now I feel really good.  This ol' body doesn't recover from my east coast travel quite as easily as I used to.

So anyways, back to Thanksgiving.  All of us got up bright and early, 3:30 am, on Thursday (Happy Thanksgiving), loaded all six of us in the Cube (Matt's mom's car) and headed thru the Holland Tunnel into NYC to brave the masses for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!! Check that off my bucket list...Woot Woot!

We bundled up (luckily Penny and Dale had blankets and towels in the back of the Cube), walked a quizillion blocks and found our spot.  We, with a ton of other people, sat, visited, tried to keep warm, and waited, and waited, headed down to the Starbucks for a quick bathroom break while the gettin' was good, then waited some more.   Holly and I pulled off our best layered look to keep warm while we waited for the parade to start.

The six of us had a great spot right next to the Dakota, which is where John Lennon was shot and Yoko Ono still lives (just a little bit of trivia for everyone!).

Penny, Dale, Suzie, Holly, Matt, Mauro

The parade was amazing.  I'm so happy we braved the cold and the long wait to see it.  Watching it all these years on TV is just not the same.  

The balloons are a site to see; it is so amazing to see how many handlers each balloon requires.  I took a ton of pictures, got several of each balloon...here is a sampling of some of them.

Neil Diamond, Scotty McCleery, Mary J. Blige, Johnny Weir and Santa, just to name a few, all joined the fun too.

Dinner was amazing.  Holly made a homemade apple pie that was to die for. Holly's Physique 57 friend Laura joined us for dinner and we had enough food to feed all of us for three days.

Our Amazing hosts.

The moms and Holly 

Delicious!

The best desserts anywhere

Tiffy had a long day!

Friday we all headed into the city after Holly was done teaching at Physique 57 so we could check out the Macy's holiday windows.  They are just beautiful and so creative. 

Holly and I made a digital ornament that was actually in the window for a short time. 

Our ornament in the window

This was such an amazing week and a wonderful way to start this holiday Season.  I cannot wait for Christmas to get here!