Fall Family Fun...and Zombies! | NJ Halloween

Every year, around late August/early September, there is something in the air that makes saying "goodbye" to summer a little easier.  For many, it is Pumpkin Spice!  For others, it is the decrease in shore traffic that allows the locals to truly enjoy the beaches, or the chill that accompanies the night as it gets deeper into October that we call "sweater weather", or the abundance of activities - both family friendly & super spooky - that kick off the "Holidays" starting with Halloween.  But the truly stunning occurrence that we experience is the transformation from healthy, green leaves to the radiant hues that keep us in awe throughout Autumn & gazing upon every vibrant tree we pass!

Enter: Matt, Kristen & Juney.  They knew they wanted to do a family session for a while but could not figure out the exact details or time of year.  When I had talked to Kristen on the phone and she told me the idea that she came up with, I was "Thrilled"!  Being a huge fan of The Walking Dead and all things zombie, I couldn't wait to bring this shoot to life - or back to life, should I say?! ;)  

Set a Goal & Crush It | Stefanie's Fitness Achievement

Stefanie, mom of 2 young daughters, wanted to show her girls what being a strong woman was all about.  She wanted to show them that they can achieve any goal or dream that they put their heart & hard work to.  On September 17th, after 6 months of training in the gym and eating healthy foods, Stef competed in her first Bikini Competition as part of the ANBF Masters Nationals.  She placed 1st in Novice, 2nd in Debut, and 4th overall, all while her girls cheered her on from the audience!  She proved that women can be strong, fit & beautiful! 

This was so much more than a fitness competition. This whole journey was about accomplishing something after going through a lot. It was to show my daughters how to be a strong woman. That no matter who or what tries to knock you down you never fall. You get right back up and do the best you can with a new day. They give me strength I never thought I could have.

After that, she was hooked. Stefanie will be competing again mid-October and we know she is going to rock that stage! Good Luck, but with heart like that, you don't need luck!

Christa Elias | NJ Fitness Competitor & Trainer

A typical morning in the life of Personal Trainer and NJ Fitness Competitor Christa Elias:  Wake up, throw on clothes & get to the gym to do 40 minutes of fasted cardio.  Eat breakfast at the gym before beginning training sessions for the day and then lift weights after the clients.  Eating every 2-3 hours, strategically hitting every macronutrient amount and drinking a gallon of water a day.  

Preparing for a competition is seriously tough work and only the strong willed, determined & disciplined can do it.  Oh, but look at how it pays off!  This session was the day after Christa placed 1st at the NPC NJ State Championships for Fitness!  This bombshell works hard and gives hard work outs, because she knows what bodies are capable of.  Congratulations Christa - you totally deserved that win!  Proud of you girl!

To check out her fitness programs, personal training, and life coaching company, head on over to www.lifewalkercoaching.com.

New Lifestyle, New You | Lindsey's Fitness Transformation

Meet Lindsey - happy & healthy as ever!   A few years ago, unhappy at the time with her state of overall health, she made a decision to live a healthier lifestyle.  She implemented better nutrition with her family by switching to a more clean eating, whole diet & began exercising regularly.  Her journey was a long one, but she is happier for it.  She recently completed her first ever Spartan Race (8+ miles long with 25+ obstacles) and finished before her husband which she loves to brag about ;)  She has transformed herself physically & mentally, and even just won a Fitness Weight Loss Challenge!  

This session was to showcase her hard work and celebrate the amazing woman she is, inside & out.  Way to go Lindsey!  Fit, healthy & HAPPY looks good on you <3 

Jimi D Music | NJ Local Artist Promos

 

In order to tell this story, I have to take you back a little bit... 

When I first met this talented & creative gentleman, he told me about how he plays guitar & sings and has a YouTube channel. He made me promise I would not go on to look until he posted his newest video because he wanted me to see that one first. Well, I was so captivated by his voice that I contributed probably 50+ views to that video!  Shortly after that, he had played for me in person. It was like a really adorable 80s rom com mixed with Bryan Adam's "Summer of 69". He brought his acoustic guitar to the gym and after working out, played for me outside until his fingers bled.  From that day forward, any time I saw his guitar around, I hoped he would play me some songs (which he usually did :) ). And I would try and grab a quick video or photo of him playing. 

Fast forward to present day, and he knows which songs instantly put a smile on my face.  Many of which he played while we captured these images. Being creative together and following your passions... pretty great way to spend the day with your significant other (oh yea, did I mention that this handsome stud is my boyfriend?)

 

These are a collection of my favorite photographs that were taken for the launch of his music Facebook page which can be found here.  "Like" it to stay up to date and come see him play this summer & hangout! (For fans of Reggae, jam rock & good vibes) 

And who knows, maybe there will be some other creative collabs in the future ;)

(Curious to see the video that I fell in love with? It's posted below!)