Posts Tagged ‘South Jersey’

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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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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It’s “holiday” season, and you’re probably feeling like your social calendar is over-booked, your to-do list is extra-long and there’s not enough time in the day. They can seem like good, valid reasons to put off exercising – but don’t! “Exercise can benefit you at times when your life is most hectic. It’s a great stress reliever, gives you a chance for some ‘me’ time, and helps you meet or maintain your health and fitness goals,” says Kelly Coffey Meyer, AFAA certified aerobics instructor and group fitness director at Active Fitness in Medford, New Jersey.

Here is Kelly during a taping of one of her fitness dvds!

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It’s here — holiday season! For many, this means frosted cookies, pumpkin pie, maybe even ham and fried turkey — as well as heavy, full meals and fried foods. Forget about it on Sundays —you’re rooting for your favorite football team and eating wings and pizza. Ehhhh, oh well. But if you indulge and cheat on your diet, make it worthwhile and somewhat healthy and fun. There’s local, fresh produce, meats and cheeses right in your backyard. Go and check it out …

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