Posts Tagged ‘AllThingsGwen’s picks’

You don’t have to go far to get some of the best food around. Here are my favorites!

Mexican: The Tortilla Press – Collingswood, NJ
Cuban: Casona – Collingswood, NJ
Chinese: King Wong – Marlton, NJ
Thai: Bangkok City – Voorhees, NJ
Vietnamese: Pho Eden – Cherry Hill, NJ
Korean: Myung Ga – Cherry Hill, NJ
Italian: Carollo’s – Marlton, NJ
Wings: The Pic-a-Lilli Inn – Shamong, NJ
Pizza: Tarentella’s – Medford, NJ
Sushi: Tokyo Bleu – Cinnaminson, NJ and Miyabi – Mount Laurel, NJ
Bagels: Medford Bagels – Medford, NJ
Hoagies: DiVello’s – Medford, NJ
Mussels Fra Diablo: Carollo’s – Cherry Hill, NJ
Crabcakes: Bobby Chez – Marlton, NJ
Water Ice: Leo’s Famous Yum Yum – Marlton, NJ
Ice Cream: Sundae’s – Berlin, NJ
Brunch: Izzie’s – Medford, NJ

Photo by Kevin H.

If you’re looking to push yourself a little harder and get “competitive” in a fun and friendly way, workout with a partner! It’s a great exercise approach — especially if you’re used to just doing your own thing.

Two awesome runners, kickboxers and fitness enthusiasts — Tina and Tasha — demonstrate an explosive and challenging partner exercise.

In this photo, Tasha is holding a plank position while Tina executes a side-to-side lateral jump.

Plank: Lie face down with palms flat on the floor, elbows aligned directly below your shoulders. Push yourself up into a position where your back is flat and your weight is in the balls of your feet and upper body/elbows. You can keep your hands flat on the ground or together as Tasha has hers placed. Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air. Hold for 20 to 60 seconds, lower and repeat for three to five reps.

To make the plank more challenging, hold the position with all your weight on one side. Keep one foot on the floor as you lift the opposite leg off the ground and “wrap” your foot closely around your base foot — crossing your ankles. Switch sides. If you are doing a plank without a partner, you may want to lift one leg straight up off the ground, hold, and switch sides.

Side-to-side lateral jump: Stand on one side of your partner, and bend your knees into a slight squat. In an explosive movement, jump over and to the side — landing with knees bent into a squat. Continue jumping from side to side for 10 seconds to one minute.

To make this jump less challenging, stand about one foot behind your partner — and do the same side-to-side movement.

To make this jump more challenging, tuck your knees up to your chest as you move side to side. Also, speed up your time — as soon as you land, explode into a jump in the other direction.

Photo by David Michael Howarth Photography.

Billy and I are like night and day — sometimes. I’m really out there and adventurous. I’ll do just about anything once. I talk too much and I wear my heart on my sleeve. Billy’s reserved. He’s private at times and not boastful, and likes to do his own thing. I like creative stuff like dance shows and plays — and he’s a horseshoe tournament champion and loves his Yankees and Giants. When we decided to do something together — he wasn’t into my mud runs, rock climbing, etc. — we picked tai chi. We had the special shoes and all.

What is tai chi? My definition = a slow, peaceful karate-dance.

Tai Chi promotes the circulation of chi — or life energy — within the body, encouraging wellness and vitality. Basically, you do a series of flowing movements and your body is in constant motion. The exercise is not strenuous — your feet are always planted, and your move your torso and arms in graceful, deliberate, and sequenced movements. They say tai chi can: reduce anxiety and depression; improve balance, flexibility and muscle strength; improve sleep quality; lower blood pressure; relieve chronic pain; increase energy, endurance and agility; and improve overall feelings of well-being.

It was a pretty cool experience. I’m not going to lie though — it was challenging! I’m very high energy, so I have a hard time being quiet and just calming my mind, moving slowly and measuring my breaths. Some of the moves were difficult to follow, but I think that’s with any new type of exercise until you get used to it. At the end of six weeks, I still didn’t think I was any good though. (Billy wasn’t any better! )

I really liked calm and gentle energy in the room …

If you’re looking to try a class, just do a quick search online. You might find that your local karate studio, gym or wellness center offers a tai chi program. You may even find a tai chi studio — TRY IT!

Photo by Diana bella computer is in hospital’s.

You never know what you’re going to find when you go exploring the local flea market. It’s a one stop shop for all kinds of food, music, jewelry, cell phone accessories, things “As Seen On TV” and the latest trends — right now, scarves in high demand. To me, that’s a wonderful thing.

I first fell in love with flea markets as a little kid. Every Saturday, my dad used to take my brother and I to the Berlin Farmer’s Market (Berlin, NJ). I remember holding on to two of my dad’s fingers or and even riding on his shoulders. We’d get gigantic flavored popcorn balls and those little boxes of white things that < <::SNAP::>> when you throw them. (Does anyone know what they’re called?) That’s where I fell in love with that cardboard/pizza rink pizza, orange soda and Bubblicious gum.

One time, my dad got us a bunch of parakeets! We had an entire cage full. Oh, the best was when he’d get freshly cut cheesesteak from the butcher and we’d have homemade sandwiches for lunch.

Now, it’s a treat to go to the flea market. I usually go with my BFF, Danielle to the Columbus Farmer’s Market (Columbus, NJ). It’s pretty routine — she comes to my house on a Sunday at 8ish and we head out. On the ride, we catch up and listen to music, stop to get cash at Wawa and put a shopping strategy together.

We’ve gone through a number of obsessive buying trends — for example, those stretchable Italian charm bracelets and “designer” handbags. I remember when my dad got us “Oakley” windbreakers there! Man, I was the coolest thing in sixth and seventh grade.

Now, Danielle gets her candles from a store inside; I get “meat on a stick” (yes, that early); we eat Pete’s Pizza; and get bags of candied nuts. The last time we were there, I got a pile of hair accessories for $5. It was four for $1, fill a bag for $5. No lie, it was all stuff by Conair and Goody. I strategically stacked everything inside the little plastic bag. I swear, there were 25+ packages of pins, clips, rubber bands, headbands, etc. — all with cute designs on them.

I guess the main reason I like to go is to walk around, get exercise and try new foods like roasted corn, fried oreos or pizza on a braided pretzel. You never know what kind of bargains or random things you can buy or eat!
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If you don’t know Daniel Tosh, you’re missing out on life. Daniel Tosh is by far, the funniest person I know. Seriously, I KNOW him. Well, maybe I just watch his show — Tosh.O — follow him on Twitter and am a fan on Facebook. But if he wasn’t famous, we’d totally be friends.

So this is his deal. He’s got his show on Comedy Central. Right now, the second season is over. But you can watch him on Comcast On Demand (assuming you’re a Comcast customer). You can also stalk him out on DanielTosh.com, follow his blog and get show updates on the Comedy Central website.

He’s hilariously random. On Tosh.O — kinda like Talk Soup, but not really at all — he shows all these random video clips and cracks jokes. I’m trying to think of a good one to explain, but I don’t want you to think I’m a mean or racist person. That’s exactly it though. He’s pretty offensive. But the good thing is that he offends everyone equally, so it’s all ok. In fact, I like his Asian jokes. (I’m Filipino so I can say that.) Here’s an example — he had all these clips of Asians Doing Christopher Walken Impressions.

Recently, he had this whole thing on Surprise Trust Falls.

That’s all I got about Daniel. You gotta see it for yourself.

Daniel, if you’re reading this … and you just might be (because you have nothing better to do) … if you want to be in my wedding, you totally can. You can dance down the aisle in the church, and you can carve the roasted pigs at the reception. Actually, there are two more groomsmen than bridesmaids, so there is definitely a place for your somewhere. LMK!

Photo from DanielTosh.com.

Hello, Friends! I’m wishing you an awesomely healthy and energized week. Hope you like this “mixed tape” I put together — just for you! Feel free to comment or add your own suggestions. I have more mixes coming soon.

1. “BOYZ” – MIA
2. “American Boy” – Estelle
3. “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas
4. “Make it Clap” – Busta Rhymes
5. “I’m a Hustla” – Cassidy
6. “Do it to It” – Cherish
7. “Love Lockdown” – Kanye West
8. “Bonafied Lovin’” – Chromeo
9. “Shawty Get Loose” – Lil’ Mama
10. “King of the Dancehall” – Beenie Man
11. “Jook Gal” – Elephant Man, etc.
12. “Calabria” – Enur
13. “Get Me Bodied” – Beyonce
14. “Long Way to Go” – Cassie
15. “D.A.N.C.E.” – Justice

Photo by massdistraction.

The first movie I ever saw in the theatre was Karate Kid. It’s one of my favorite memories. My big brother, Mike, and I went with my grandma and got a big tub of popcorn! Looking back, I’m not surprised that that was my first movie. Martial arts was always around me.

We grew up watching Bruce Lee movies — Enter the Dragon, etc. — and since I liked whatever Mike liked, we watched karate movies over and over again on beta and VHS. I can remember tagging along to Mike’s karate classes. My dad would pack a chicken leg wrapped in tin foil for me. When I got hungry, he’d wrap the bottom of the drumstick up with the foil so I could eat without making a mess.

At family parties, I showed our cousins that I could do a straddle too. We were the Recinto kids — Mike with his junior black belt and Bruce Lee hair cut — and me, just doing whatever he was doing.

So, it’s no surprise that Mike has a karate studio of his own now … and I work there. Actually, I really started getting into it in 1996 — because of Mike, of course! Billy Blanks came out with Tae Bo and changed the karate/kickboxing scene in a big way — just like Karate Kid did in 1984. Mike was in college and working at a karate studio; he and another “Sensei” began the kickboxing program at the studio. They encouraged me to come do the classes, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

I’ll never forget the day that Mike was like — go teach abs. I had NO IDEA what I was doing … but I just did it. Afterwards, he told me that I should have counted the sets, etc. I laugh about it now — that’s such a simple thing — but I had no idea.

Now, here I am. I’ve been teaching kickboxing and other classes for ten years! I love it. It’s a way for me to be creative, energized … and a leader. As you know, Mike has his studio, and we’re a team. More about this later — all the community work and fundraising we do through the studio — but I’ll just say, I love my life, I love teaching and I love my big brother!

To take one of our karate or kickboxing classes, call Amerikick Medford at 609.714.2212.

Photo by David Michael Howarth Photography.

Yesterday, my fiancé SERIOUSLY asked me if I knew about Imelda Marcos and her shoe collection. Then he told me it must be a Filipino thing. I just looked at him … really? OF COURSE I KNOW IMEDLA MARCOS. We’re Facebook friends, and my parents have been calling me Imelda since the beginning of time!

I love shoes. I have LOTS. But now, I go for comfort AND style. The days of crushing my feet into a size too small — and wearing stilettos for hours are LOOOOONG gone. (No more swollen chicken nugget toes!) I’ve just gotten smarter with my shoe collection … and the shoes I own now are strategic purchases.

Barely heels. I had an ex-boyfriend who was 6′ 5″! When we went out, I swore I looked like his adopted Asian child at 5′ 1″. So I wore ridiculous heels and ran to keep up with his long stride! Of course, I was 24 or so, so my feet could stand the pain.

Comfort brands. I’m all about Privo, Reiker, Keen and anything you can buy at The Walking Company or Benjamin Lovell. They’re more expensive, but they’re worth it. I got into Privos because I used to get pains — pre-stress fractures — in my feet from jumping and plyometrics from teaching kickboxing.

Sports-specific. I invested in good pairs of running shoes from the Princeton Running Company and Haddonfield Running Company. I wear stability shoes — good for most runners, but best for mild to moderate pronators, light or female runners weighing less than 180 pounds and moderate-mileage runners who average about 15-30 miles per week.

Casual always. There’s really no point in getting dressed, right? I wear sneakers as much as I possibly can, and pick sneaks that have a little “give” and aren’t narrow. I love my Sauconys, Asics and Puma.

Good sole. I can’t wear flat flats. I need support! Again, my Privos are the bomb, and I wear them pretty much every day.

My advice is this: Buy what you want, wear what you want … but try not to waste your money on shoes that just “look” good. Get shoes that serve a function and are fashionable! Since you’re standing, walking and exercising, you want to make sure everything — from your nose to your toes — are aligned the way they should be!

Photo by Sarah and Mike …probably.

Ten fun, cheap and easy things to do together …

1. Cook together. Choose kid-friendly recipes and work together to create an appetizer, entrée and dessert that your whole family can enjoy. You may want to try cooking a special family recipe or your child’s favorite meal.
2. Create a family tree. Map out your family tree on a piece of paper, then work together to replicate it on a large piece of poster board. If you can — add photos, draw pictures and include the birth place of each relative.
3. Be the next “American Idol.” Have each family member dress up and take turns singing their favorite song. Be sure to award prizes for each performance. 
4. Decorate food. Bake cupcakes together. When they cool, decorate them with different types of icing and assorted jimmies.
5. Camp out. Depending on the weather, have an indoor or outdoor camping adventure. Bring sleeping bags and make sure to use flashlights in the dark.
6. Give back to the community. As a family, think of ways you can give back to the community. For example, create a gift box — using an old shoe box — to send to our troops. Or, make a list of the perfect “holiday” meal — then write letters and emails to friends and family asking them to help gather these items for a less fortunate family. 
7. “Hunt” for prizes indoors. Write clues on scraps of paper and lead each family member to an exciting prize — such as a new board game you can play together. You can even have each person “find” items — such as a DVD, popcorn, candy and soda — for a family movie night.
8. Have an indoor picnic. Enjoy a meal on the floor of your family room. Lay out a blanket and serve picnic items such as sandwiches, salads, chips and juice. If space allows, play a modified version of horseshoes or beanbags — by tossing coins onto sofa cushions placed on the ground.  
9. Play with pictures. Go through old photo albums together and tell stories about each picture. Tell your kids a little bit about yourself when you were younger — or their age — and be sure to tell them what they were like as a baby and toddler. If you can, take more photos that night.
10. Have a dance party. Have everyone choose their favorite songs and be sure to include some that are slow and sentimental.  Take turns “fast” and “slow” dancing together. You could even incorporate “instruments” such as pots and pans to bang on — or a box of pasta to shake — and have an indoor concert.

This article was published in South Jersey Mom Magazine. Photo by jek in the box.

Sometimes, I’ll be sitting in the same position at my desk for hours. Usually, I’m pounding away at the keyboard with my heart racing because of deadlines. I’ll look at the clock and realize I didn’t stop to drink water, eat a snack or go to the bathroom — and it’s noon! Ugh, there goes my diet plan of eating small meals throughout the day, and my goal of staying hydrated. On top of that, my back and shoulders are tense and achy. This is all bad!

Well, besides getting a manicure or pedicure, one of my favorite “treats” for myself is massage! Yeah, it’s $59 (plus a tip), but it’s well worth every penny, especially with my lifestyle. I have long days, teach fitness classes and workout a lot and tend to over-commit to everything. I’m beat up. I’m constantly running around trying to save the world and inspire others that I just need an hour dedicated to me.  

So how else do I justify getting a massage? The health benefits! My masseuse and friend, Mandy Urena from The English Touch, in Mount Laurel, NJ, explains how massage is good for you and your body:

Massage …

• Calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxaion and well being.
• Reduces tension and anxiety.
• Improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutirients to the cells.
• Stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.
• Prevents and relieves muscle cramps and spasms.
• Can help with pain management in conditions such as a arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms.

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