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!!

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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!