*There are lots of pics in this one, so be sure to scroll down!

I spent an exciting and rewarding weekend supporting the American Heart Association's mission: Learn and Live at their 12th Annual Heart Of The Hamptons Gala in Bridgehampton, NY.  It was my first time in the Hamptons, and what an experience it was!!  But first let me explain a bit about why this event was important to me: The American Heart Association's mission is in correlation with my platform, Healthy Habits For Life.  This event was in support of educating our community about heart health, prevention, and research for a healthier lifestyle through the many diverse efforts of the American Heart Association.  I would like to thank Barbara Poliwoda and Stephen Adler for graciously inviting me to attend the event as their guest!  It was an amazing experience, and so wonderful to meet others who are genuinely interested in the advancement of health awareness, education and lifestyle.

The moment I stepped foot on the gala grounds, I was whisked onto the Red Carpet by Stephen Adler of Charity Brands, who was also my personal fabulous host for the evening!  From the Red Carpet, I gave numerous media interviews while many camera flashes went off in a matter of seconds...and I have to say, I loved it   Doing the interviews were very exciting because I was able to talk about my platform Healthy Habits for Life through many media outlets.  I had a chance to meet many diverse and interesting people, and even chat it up in Italian with a guest visiting from Italy. 

The highlight of my evening was meeting Christie Brinkley!!  She is so beautiful in person, and it is obvious that she is a humble, and kind individual just by the look in her eyes.  Ms. Brinkley congratulated me on my Ms. New York US title as I gushed about how I am a huge fan of hers- she made my day!  It's no surprise that Christie Brinkley was honored with the Humanitarian With Heart award by the American Heart Association. 


As usual, my sister and BFF, Liana was my chaperone...we always have a blast together!  We especially enjoyed being escorted by our amazing host Stephen Adler to meet so many great people- you ROCK Stephen!
Some more media pics

Our stay was sponsored by Michael Wudyka of the Enclave Inn of Southampton, who is also the owner of the brand- new Regular's Music Cafe, and everything was arranged by their wonderful Manager John LoCascio.  We were warmly welcomed at the Enclave by Eric, who was very helpful to us, as it was our first visit to the Hamptons.  Our two bedroom suite was more than comfortable with flat screen tv's, a full kitchen and dreamy comforters (which I really needed at the end of my 14- hour day of dance performances @ Make Music NYC & then the Gala).

After a good- night's rest, I finally checked out the gift bag given to us at the Gala...we got Channel sunglasses! 
Liana and I headed off for a little drive around town and ate breakfast at The Golden Pear: Egg, spinach & cheddar on a croissant with a little fruit, and of course, COFFEE!

Our short & sweet stay was concluded by visiting Regular's Cafe, and posing with my all- time favorite, Elvis!  If anyone has seen my original musical, Puttin' On The G, you know how much I LOVE Elvis

I look forward to revisiting the Hamptons and my new friends very soon- thank you all for your hospitality, generosity and graciousness!

With Love,
Graziella Baratta
Ms. New York US 2008
Graziella's Performing Artist site: www.GraziellaBaratta.com
The Official Ms. New York US 2008 site

One aspect of "Healthy Habits For Life" is a healthy diet, and by that I don't mean "dieting."  I mean an every day way of eating that is healthy and enjoyable to sustain your life and give you energy.  Although I have to admit that I have "dieted" in the sense of restricting calories, fat and carbohydrates to lose weight, it is not a way of life for me.  Dieting is justifiable when one needs to reach a goal weight because of being overfat or overweight for your age and body frame.  However, one cannot live satisfactorily or even healthfully on what we consider a typical "diet" of any kind, nor can one live healthfully on a free- for- all food binge either.  Moderation is key. 

In my last appearance for the Q-Scan Women's Health & Awareness Day, I gave the attendees my Healthy Habits Handout where I list some easy ways to kick- start a healthy eating plan, including the newest Top 10+ Super Foods.  Please download this free information to learn about how to start eating healthy now!

Being that cooking is a hobby of mine, I'm always creating new healthful recipes that of course, taste good too!  And in the spirit of healthy eating, I'm sharing two of them with you today
Here's what I had for lunch:

Spicy Italian Chef Salad
Three handfuls of organic mixed greens
3 slices of free-range, oven- roasted turkey breast
2-3 ounces of cheddar cheese
10 small green olives

Dressing:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
6- 8 leaves of fresh basil (or dried)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on how spicy you want it)
sprinkle of salt to taste

*Serves 1.  I paired the salad with a bowl of Trader Joe's Organic Baked Beans- 0 fat, 7 grams of fiber & 8 grams of protein...a superfood indeed!

Lastly, I will leave you with my signature Italian pasta dish, which also happens to be healthy too.  Pasta is a great source of carbohydrates & protein.  If you read labels, you will notice the nutrition content from one brand of pasta to another can vary.  Choose pasta that is 100% durum semolina because it has the highest protein and fiber content.  You can opt for whole wheat pasta, or other alternative brands such as Barilla Plus which offers a high protein & high fiber pasta with Omega 3 fatty acids.  I also love Trader Joe's Organic Spaghetti imported from Italy.

Graziella's Spaghetti Al Pomodoro
1/2 lb of spaghetti
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons organic butter
8 cloves of garlic
1 shallot
1 can of *San Marzano Tomatoes (whole, peeled)
salt, black pepper & cayenne pepper to taste
1-3 teaspoons of organic unbleached sugar to adjust acidity (this is important b/c totally white sugar contains bleach!)

Separate the whole tomatoes from their juice (both will be used) and dice into cubes & set aside.  Boil a large pot (about 4 quarts) of water with a dash of salt.

Completely coat the bottom of deep pot with a thin layer of olive oil & heat on medium.
Chop the shallot and saute until aromatic for about 2- 3 minutes, then add 8 chopped garlic cloves for about 1 or 2 more minutes.  Be careful to not overcook the garlic, as it burns easily and gives off a bitter flavor once that happens.  Add the diced tomatoes and saute for about 10 minutes on medium- low.  Next, add the tomato juice and simmer on low for about 15 minutes. 

At this point you want to add the spaghetti in the boiling water and cook according to package directions (each pasta has different cooking times).  Make sure to check it every now and then to avoid overcooking.

Now add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce, and the salt & peppers to taste & simmer on very low for 5 more minutes.  Drain pasta &  drizzle very lightly with extra virgin olive oil, then toss with a 4- 5 large spoonfulls of sauce.  Serve pasta with a small helping of sauce on top and grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (although I happen to think it's great without the cheese!)
-Serves 4

Buon Appetito!

*San Marzano is a region in Italy where some of the most flavorful tomatoes come from, and they are readily available in the US in cans.

Since a very young age, I have been involved in all types of community service. All I knew then, was that entertaining Seniors with my seasonal dance performances was cool because they were my most appreciative audience! What I came to learn as time went on, was that giving back to my community was an integral part of being a community member. Today, what community service means to me is that I am making positive contributions to my generation and to the generations before and after me for a better life, however small my service may be.

As Ms. New York US, Healthy Habits for Life & I aM for Women: Inspiration & Motivation to Empower Women, are the two issues that I have chosen to promote during my year of reign. However, I have supported and continue to support many other issues that benefit our communities at large.

This weekend, I was honored to be a guest at the Women's Health & Awareness Day by The Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network (Q-Scan). I received a warm welcome from Q-Scan CEO Gloria Rochester when I arrived, who had a table set up for me to give out my Healthy Habits Handout, and sign some autograph cards. (Click the link above so you can have one too

This event was a perfect way to encompass both my platforms, which deal with a healthy lifestyle and empowering women...I was very excited to participate and share my information with the New York community! I met many inspiring, amazing people in the Queens Community such as Juliet of Mary Immaculate Hospital (who shared a table with me), and Dr. Josiane Kamler who work alongside Q-Scan.

Ms. Rochester had especially inspired me with the story of how she started Q-Scan over 20 years ago for those who suffer from Sickle Cell Anemia like her daughter has. Gloria has done an amazing job for her community, and I hope that others will be inspired by her work as I was to contribute to their communities.

Giving back does not mean you have to start an organization or march down to your city hall in protest, but it can... Giving back means doing your part, however big or small, to positively affect society. It can be as small as volunteering at a soup kitchen once a year, making a donation, or as big as starting a national organization for an issue that is dear to your heart. All it takes is a little effort, and a big heart. And this my friends, is how changing the world starts- one person, one action at a time.

Staying healthy and fit does not have to equate to a sentence of eating rice cakes and two hour workouts, 6 days a week.  I happen to think, and live in the mindset that eating all kinds of foods in moderation is an important factor in maintaining long- term fitness & health.  Moderation is the operative word.  I've lived this way all my life, especially being raised in an Italian & Polish- American household as a first generation American.  Food was and still is something that is not only cherished as nourishment, but as a celebration of culture and family.  Food is fun!  However, it can be easy to cross the line from eating your favorite foods in moderation to over-doing it.  A few years ago, I read the most incredible diet book that has reiterated the way I grew up appreciating food, and really inspired me to maintain a healthy body while still eating my favorite foods: French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano.  In essence, it's not a diet book, but a refreshing instructional guide on how to eat.  One of the other keys, as Mireille explains, is eating whole foods (not processed) that are locally bought and learning to savor the flavors you are eating. 

Today I was craving a croissant, but didn't have the time to go out and buy one because I had plenty work to do in my home office, but I did (believe it or not) have time to make these similar pastries while I twittered and did other work (I am one of the best multi-taskers known to woman kind, LOL!).

These pastries are considered a "cousin" of the cream puff, minus the cream.  I think they are like a moister version of the croissant, but much easier and quicker to make at home.  I don't know why they are called nun's puffs, but they are delish!

Nun's Puffs

Ingredients 
Directions 

I was fortunate enough to experience a very rare, and exciting event in New York City courtesy of Self Magazine, The Bratskeir Company & my amazing manager, Catherine- The Self Magazine Workout in the Park, a fitness extravaganza! Sponsor tents lined the event as attendees were treated to give- aways and samples from Lancome, Silk Soy Milk, Kellogs, Clarins, Quaker Oats, Seiko, Crunch Fitness, Crystal Light, Circulon Cookware and more. It was unbelievable to see so many people working out together at the same time! I attended with my sister Liana, whose turn it was to suffer from a major allergy attack that day (mine was in March). We circled the park area on 72nd street that encompassed the event, and made sure to visit every sponsor to fill up our Self bags...our favorite was Physicians Formula who gave full- sized bronzers Yes, we both like many of the same things, and really should have been born twins instead of 2.5 tears apart, but I was faster. Anyway, Liana was a real trooper and tried some of the different workouts Self was offering throughout the day along with me. It was a blast to workout in the middle of Central Park with thousands of others, something I'm sure you've never tried either! Check this out!!

Download | Duration: 00:01:39

After a the 11- 3 workout event, Liana and I decided that we should reward ourselves by having lunch at one NYC's best burger spots, The Burger Joint in the Parker Meridien Hotel. Although it was 25 blocks and 2 avenues away from where we were currently situated, we decided it was well worth the walk, not to mention a good window- shopping experience along 5th Ave! We stopped at Christian Dior & Juicy Couture on our way where I gathered some inspiration for my national competition evening gown... but, that's a secret for now Upon arrival at the Burger Joint, we were clearly famished and devoured our cheeseburgers and fries instantly after 30 more minutes of waiting for our food to be cooked. Delish! We didn't even feel guilty afterwards because we worked out before, and actually had to walk the 25 blocks and 2 avenues back to where our car was parked afterwards- excellent!
On our way back, I found this building that I proclaimed mine...it had a really pretty crown emblem on it! It was an awesome, and productive Saturday!

I feel a renewed sense of excitement & inspiration to continue my workouts in preparation for the Ms. United States Pageant coming up soon, in July!

One of my platforms, Healthy Habits for Life is a something I strongly believe in because education and awareness begins as soon as you step foot on this earth.  It's important to get started with healthy habits from that first day...which of course, largely depends on parents, teachers and guardians at first.  However, if a child is brought up with healthy habits from an early age, they are more likely to stick to those habits for the rest of their lives. By healthy habits I mean healthy eating, exercising and lifestyle habits, such as abstaining from drug and alcohol abuse.  Although it may seem trivial, it really all begins with a healthy breakfast!  Yes, it does....breakfast is the way you start your day; the first meal that enters your body, and the first way you are taught to care for and respect your body.  It's all about the message in breakfast.  Teaching kids to eat something healthy that will give them fuel for energy is a great way to start them on healthy habits!  With that, I have included one of my favorite healthy morning recipes that is both kid and adult- friendly.  Enjoy!!
Berry Sweet Oats (5 minutes cooking time)

-1 Cup of whole Oats (not instant)
-1 Cup of Water
-1 Cup of 1% Milk
-1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
-2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
-1 teaspoon Butter
-1/2 Cup frozen or fresh strawberries (or other berries)
-2 small handfuls of walnuts

Bring 1 cup of water plus 1/2 cup of the milk to a boil, then add the oats, butter, sugar, vanilla & simmer for 5 minutes or until tender.  If berries are frozen, add them to the last minute of simmering.  Otherwise, add the fresh berries, walnuts and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of milk.  Eat!
Serves 2.

*Note: Look for Organic or Antibiotic/RBST- FREE dairy & meat for your dishes.

Hope you'll try and enjoy!  Let me know how you liked it

For more Healthy Tips posted every day, see my TotalBeautyTips on Twitter... not just for the ladies

See The B.YOUneek Total Beauty Tips post on THE TOP 10 SUPER FOODS!

 (btw, I was too embarrassed to take this pic in front of people, so I'm in the bathroom!)

I spent a relaxing, spa- like day today getting my highlights refreshed at the Antonio Prieto Salon in NYC!  As I sat for highlights, I drank some delish cappuccino (made very well by the way!), and did some web surfing & emailing on my blackberry.  I've had my hair done by Jasellynne Brown (cut) and John O (color) for the past 4 years, and I'm happy to announce that they are my official Ms. New York sponsors this year!  I am very particular about my hair, especially because it's "high maintenance."  Yes, I said it...HIGH MAINTENANCE HAIR!  Not me as a person   Well anyway, my hair is curly, thick, and long...which spells trouble in hairland.  It's tough to deal with, straighten, and color and keep frizz under control.  Luckily, I have Jasellynne and John to help keep my hair in tip top shape!  I have an amazing versatile cut by Jasellynne that looks great worn straight or curly with some cute side- swept bangs.  John gives me striking, yet natural- looking highlights that compliment my skintone that look great in person and also "pop" when I'm on stage.  Thank you guys, Ms. New York is very HAPPY! 

Download | Duration: 00:00:47

Check out the Antonio Prieto Salon at 127 W. 20th Street NY, NY. 212-255-3741 and tell them Ms. New York sent you!

Hey everyone!  In case you didn't know, today is GOOD PEOPLE DAY!  Internet Celebrity Gary Vaynerchuk of  Wine Library TV is the initiator of Good People Day, and I am thankful for it   It's about time we celebrated positive- minded, considerate, genuine people who make our world a better place to live.  With that said, I feel truly blessed to have a long list of family, friends and associates that are Good People.  My people, and you know who you are, inspire me to do great things and let my true colors shine in the process.  You make my days brighter and shinier than my crown, and I thank you for being YOU!

Speaking of good people, I'd like to announce one of my first official Ms. New York Sponsors: Dr. Perry Nickelston of the Pain Laser Center in Ramsey, NJ.  The Laser Pain Center was created by Dr. Perry Nickelston, DC to provide the newest laser therapy technology for eliminating pain, beating addictions, and improving the quality of your life!

"I was tired of seeing patients going through weeks of painful and unnecessary treatments for pain relief. After discovering the healing power K-Laser I immediately introduced it as my primary therapy. Patients get better faster and save money on the decreased need for care. Anybody can offer therapy or chiropractic, but nobody can offer Class 4 K-Laser therapy like the Pain Laser Center."
-Dr. Perry
                                                                                               
Additionally, Dr. Perry offers a number of innovative treatments other than laser therapy such as sports massage and ionic foot baths (very interesting, google that!) which are currently helping me with my muscle aches and terrible allergies!  During my visit, I can immediately feel the 4 K-Laser at work on my muscles and sinuses, and then I am treated to an interesting foot bath which pulls all kinds of toxins out of my body.  I am super thankful for Dr. Perry's sponsored treatments that alleviate my weekly dance- related pains and allergies!

Check back next week for my latest updates and thoughts~
Love and World Peace
Graziella Baratta
Ms. New York US 2008