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Murad and FITNESS Magazine Event #itsallclear

On February 25, 2014 I had the opportunity to attend an invite only event hosted by Murad and Fitness Magazine. A few bloggers were invited to get tips on how to live, look, and feel better. The event was held at the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills.  It was an intimate day with Howard Murad, Pam O'Brien (Executive Editor of FITNESS Magazine), Mary Beth LaRue (yoga instructor & life coach), Julie Morris (natural food chef & author), and Candace (Director of Global Education for Murad).

This was the second event that I attended that was sponsored by FITNESS Magazine. Last year I was invited to FitBlogLA and had a blast!  This event was just as inspiring as the prior gathering but a little more my speed. It is definitely worth my drive up from San Diego to attend. I always come away with great memories.


What I LOVE most about gatherings such as these is the opportunity to connect with my fellow bloggers and getting to hear from industry pros!  I am in complete admiration of these ladies and each is a blogging hero of mine!  I still smile knowing that I got to practice yoga alongside FITNESS Magazine's Executive Editor Pam O'Brien, and bloggers Chris What I Run Into, Melissa The Valentine RD, and Tiffany Running Hutch!  I enjoyed that boost of inspiration from these ladies!

Our day started with fresh fruits, yogurt, tea, infused water, and an amazing hour long yoga practice with Mary Beth LaRue.  I am an instant fan of hers and loved her style. I especially admire the fact that she has developed classes held at the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles for teenagers, newborns, and their family members. It touches my heart because we were told that our son was going to be born with Down Syndrome. I will share more about that in a later post. For now, I will share the day with you.  After our workout and panel session, we were treated to lunch and I had a chance to chat with Mary Beth about our practice that morning. I told her that it meant a lot to me that she focused on having fun.  Stressing that our workouts should be based on quality, not quantity.  I had been beating myself up for not having enough time to squeeze in for exercise - but now my focus will be on truly getting the most out of the workouts that DO get to have.  I needed that little attitude adjustment!  I also confessed to her my preference for an instructor led class vs. trying to practice at home with a video. If she ever relocates to San Diego - I'm signing up with her studio! Manduka generously supplied our yoga mats that we got to keep after practice. I will be putting mine to good use!

We learned about skincare from the popular dermatologist Dr. Murad. He also shared his other pursuits: authoring a book filled with art and inspirational quotes.  Candace, from Dr. Murad's team, introduced us to their new products: Murad Acne Clearing Solution and Acne Spot Fast Fix.  After the presentation Dr. Murad graciously answered our dermatology questions.  I had minor surgery and have a raised scar from it. I asked Dr. Murad for his suggestions on encouraging healing. I stated that since I am now in my 40's - I don't seem to heal as well as when I was younger.  First off, scars are a natural part of the body's healing process. He explained that my tendency for hypertrophic scaring is that my body produces too much collagen - in essence overcompensating to heal. He did point out that people like me with excessive collagen are less prone to wrinkles.  That explained a lot. I don't have facial wrinkles. I do get ugly scars. A trade off I suppose. I do have remedies to try that he recommended - so we'll see!  Maybe there is hope yet for these scars!

I worked up a healthy appetite from my long morning drive and hour long yoga practice.  I was so ready for lunch! During our luncheon, Julie gave us an introduction to super foods and a mini cooking class.  She whipped up a delicious smoothie for us to sample. She also showed us a recipe for a super salad and creamy cashew dressing. To conclude her presentation she announced that she was gifting us with her Super Food Smoothies book!  She was full of energy and enthusiasm.  Note to self: eat more super foods!  I could definitely use more energy and enthusiasm!


My thanks to Murad, FITNESS Magazine, panelists, event organizers, SLS Hotel Beverly Hills, and Manduka for a great day! I'm inspired to live, look, and feel better!


Disclosure: I was an invited guest to the Murad and FITNESS Magazine #itsallclear event.  I was not obligated to post about the event, but wanted to share my experience. All opinions are my own. Pictured above are a few gift items that we received.

Comments

  1. How wonderful that you were invited to attend such an important and exclusive event. So glad you enjoyed it! Sounds like it was really beneficial for you!

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    1. Lisa - it was awesome! Thank you for stopping in. I am always so grateful when I get the invite!

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  2. What an incredible opportunity! It's not everyday we get chances as wonderful as this! Thanks for sharing your experience. I also look forward to hearing your story about your beautiful son. How difficult it must have been for you to expect a whole different set of challenges before he was born.

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    1. HI Leila! It was such a fun opportunity. I am so lucky to be included with such a great group! I'm so happy you stopped in. It's tough to start that post since it is still such a sensitive topic. I can't tell you how many times I've started the post... My goal is to get it out there and share our experience, one day....

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  3. What a neat event. I am glad you were invited. I can tell you really enjoyed it!

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    1. Thanks Tamika! I don't often get to attend as many events as I'd like to, so I am THRILLED when I can. Especially ones like this!

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  4. What a great opportunity to meet others in your area. I'm sure it must have been fun.

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    1. Hi Barbara! It was just what I needed! Thank you for visiting my blog. On my way to visit yours!

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  5. What a great event! How nice to be able to ask one on one questions like that, and have it be so intimate and helpful. I'm back doing yoga with just my video at home, and I think an instructor in person would be nice. There is adult ballet just down the street, and I'm getting an itch to get back to class;)

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    1. Courtney - I'd love to do ballet! Haven't taken classes since I was in college - a lifetime ago!

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  6. What a dreamy event. i think you enjoyed a lot!!! Life Coach

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