MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR ETS 2011

My favorite traveling fitness spa is planning ahead for next year. Escape to Shape is out with their destination list for 2011 and I wanted to share it with all of you. Basically, the program includes a vacation to a fantastic locale with luxurious accommodations, a total-body workout everyday (like pilates, yoga, hiking, biking, swimming, etc.), eating healthy delicious cuisine, spa treatments, and cultural excursions. Bottom line, you get to jet set to unique, trendsetting locations around the world to discover new food, culture and language while toning your body. Sound like a win-win scenario to you? It does to me! The price is an investment (but one that's truly worth it)- plan to shell out around $3,000.



2011 ESCAPE TO SHAPE TRIP DESTINATIONS AND DATES:
BALI: 1/29-2/5 and 3/3-3/10
ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA: 7/16-7/23
PUGLIA, ITALY: 6/4-6/18
SICILY, ITALY: FALL
LAKE ATTILAN, GUATEMALA: 11/5-11/11
MARRAKECH: MAY
ISTANBUL, TURKEY: 8/20-8/27

EAT, PRAY, LOVE MOVIE REVIEW

It came in second at the box office this weekend, but last place in my opinion. To sum it up in one word...DISAPPOINTING! Although my hopes weren't high from the start about how good the movie would actually be, I did a least think that there would be beautiful scenery shots of Italy, India and Bali that would sort of make up for the $10.50 cost of the movie. However, there were not. The only cool part to me was when Liz and her friend went to Naples for some true Italian pizza...and where did they go? None other than Da Michele...the oldest (1870) pizzeria in Naples, and best pizzeria in all of Italy in my opinion. I was there in 2008 and had their classic Margherita Pizza...

Other than that, It truly was a waste of two hours and thirteen minutes of my life. And honestly, having Julia Roberts play the role of Liz Gilbert was not the best casting choice in my opinion. The entire movie, I couldn't stop thinking about the fact that Julia was playing the part...I think the role should have gone more to a "B List" actress. In conclusion, don't waste your money or your time going to see the movie in the theatre (just wait to see it on t.v.). But, if you are so inclined to join the Eat, Pray, Love phenomenon...spend your money more wisely and buy the book. The book was WAY better!

EAT, PRAY, LOVE THE MOVIE

The day is here!!! After reading Eat, Pray, Love what seems like forever ago...I am so psyched about going to see the movie this weekend. When I heard it was being made into a movie I was pretty excited. The general concept of this book is self-discovery and looking inward, not in a self-indulgent way but in a desire to find out what REALLY makes you happy. (And who doesn't need to be reminded of this once in awhile?). The main character, Elizabeth Gilbert, travels to Italy, India, and Bali (Indonesia) for one year, and learns about herself along the way. Having traveled to two out of the three countries- Italy...and India...(Bali Indonesia is still on my jet set list and I promise I will make it there one day)...I know that even if I am utterly disappointed in the movie (and Julia Roberts' portrayal of Liz), I will still love looking at the scenery of these three incredibly amazing countries and being reminded of why I love to travel!!!Hope you all have a great weekend! I'll let you know what I thought about the movie on Monday.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS...BALI!!!

My friends at Escape to Shape just emailed me to let me know that they've picked the first destination for Winter 2011! They are heading to Bali, Indonesia for seven nights. You can join in and get to stay in a magnificent hotel, enjoy local cuisine, daily yoga and pilates, beach walks, explore the Temples and pampering! Escape to Shape considers itself a traveling fitness spa. If you are interested, hurry up and book now because these spots do fill up quickly. Guys don't tune out, plenty of men go on these trips every year! These trips are also great for solo travelers, friends or couples.Dates: January 29-February 5 & March 3-10, 2011

Here's an example of a Day in the Life at Escape to Shape:

8:00am- Breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt and granola

9:00am- Skin-Detox session at Volcanic mud baths

12:00pm- 90 minute power walk on the beach

1:30pm- Lunch of gazpacho soup and grilled chicken salad

3:00pm- 50 laps in the pool and aromatherapy massages

4:00pm- Snack of watermelon slices

5:30pm- 90 minute vinyasa yoga session

7:00pm- Salsa dancing lessons

8:00pm- Dinner of pumpkin soup and grilled shrimp

10:00pm- Head out and dance till dawn or collapse into bed