Summer!

Are you trying to shape up for the summer swimsuit season?  Remember it’s not just about exercise.  You need to focus on consuming a healthy diet and not taking in more calories than you burn.  Summer is the perfect time to add berries to your diet.  Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries can be found in abundance this time of year.  In addition to being low in calories berries are high in antioxidants.  Try adding them to salads or to your morning smoothie.  For more information on the benefits of berries and some great berry recipes go to: body + soul - Berry Treat

If you want more health and fitness tips listen to my radio show, Health and Fitness Talk, every Monday at noon Eastern on Sirius 112.

Column Research

I’m spending a couple days at Miraval Resort and Spa in Arizona to do research for a future column in body + soul magazine.  I have to say this is one of the best perks I’ve ever received!  Yesterday I did something called the Equine Experience.  By working with horses you get insight into your personal and professional relationships.  It was an amazing experience.  One thing that stood out for me is that I always want to help out those who are struggling but sometime what I need to do is let people figure it out on their own.  I always feel like it’s my responsibility to take care of and save those around me.  I know it sounds a little deep but it made perfect sense.   Tomorrow I’ll be trying some new activities like Aqua Zen, Thai massage and Holographic Memory Resolution.  Has anyone ever done a Thai massage?  I’m not sure what to expect. 

Dawna

Reunion Update

As I mentioned, I had my 20-year high school reunion last weekend. I had no idea what to expect. I ended up having a great time. I spent most of the night with one of my best best friends from high school and her husband. It was so strange seeing everyone. I have to say, the women looked much better than the men. I wonder if we just tend to take better care of ourselves? I've attached a photo from the reunion dinner. From left:  Chris, Michelle, me, Matt.

If you have a reunion coming up, I would highly recommend going!

High School Reunion

This weekend I'm attending my 20-year high school reunion. Boy does that make me feel old! I missed my ten-year, and I'm not sure how I feel about going to this one. I haven't kept in touch with many of my high school friends. I recently went to my 15-year college reunion, and, last year, I went to my ten-year graduate school reunion, and I had a blast at both. I keep in touch with all my college friends, and seeing everyone together was incredible. 

High school is different for me. I spent most of my time swimming. I swam 5 to 8 hours a day and didn't do much of anything else. I missed most of the late-night parties since I had to get up so early (3:45 a.m.) for morning practice. Don't get me wrong, I had some great friends, but instead of being voted most popular or best dressed, I was voted most athletic.

Have you gone to your high school reunion? Were you glad you went? Was it worth going?

It's My Birthday!

Today's my birthday. I can't believe how fast the year has gone by. Last year on this day I was once again away from home -- filming "The Apprentice." I remember being so worried that I might lose the episode's task on my birthday and get fired. Luckily, I won the task as project manager, and the team was rewarded with a dinner at the Four Seasons with Susan Lyne (MSO CEO) and Charles Koppelman (MSO chairman) -- not a bad birthday! 

Everyone keeps asking me what I have planned for tonight, and honestly, I don't have any plans. I just got back from a wonderful vacation, so I can't complain. I don't really know many people in New York City, and I tend to be on the shy side when I meet new people. Don't get me wrong, I'm really outgoing, and most of my good friends now laugh about how quiet and shy I was when we first met. I just may have to stop at Crumbs cupcake shop and get myself a huge vanilla cupcake with buttercream icing and sprinkles!

Everyone at MSO has been really great today. When I came into my office this morning, my next-door (office) neighbor, Jill, had flowers, a chocolate croissant and a big bag of Godiva chocolates waiting for me. It was so sweet! Thanks, Jill!

What's the best birthday you've ever had?

Back in the Real World

Can there be such a thing as post vacation depression? If so, I think I have it. There's something about spending the week on a quiet beach that makes New York City seem a little overwhelming. And to think I was just getting used to the busy streets, the crowded subway, and the constant horn blowing. I'm sure it will only take another day or two and all the craziness will seem normal again.

I've included a few photos from my vacation (below). I had a great time but have mixed thoughts about the island of Aruba -- I loved some aspects (the incredible sunsets) and was so-so on others. If you’ve been to Aruba, let me know what you think of the island. 

P.S. If you can’t get away for a week on a quiet beach but need a little break from your hectic lifestyle, try these simple breathing exercises from "Body + Soul" magazine.