Summer Slimdown Challenge Kicks Off July - Are You Ready?

Make the commitment to your health and join my 30 Day Challenge!

Summer is in full swing and already I have been out and about on two successive weekends enjoying the festivities that New York City and it's environs has to offer.  There are as many ways to celebrate the solstice as there are communities and boy do we have a lot of communities. You want to feel and look your best while enjoying the summer months sporting the latest fashions or better yet wearing a bikini. By now if you have been following along on my blog you understand the strain and stress that being overweight puts on your heart as well as the risks you face for diabetes. So before I share all the fun, I invite you and your friends to join in a 30 Day Summer Slim Down Challenge I am running using Usana's RESET Transformation kits now!  It's sure to be rewarding. When you start to regain your energy and zest for life your confidence will soar.  I want to emphasize that this is a sane weight management program free of gimmicks, hype and unsavory ingredients. A common sense approach with a daily exercise program while eating plenty of fresh fruit, veggies and water will contribute to your success. As part of your package you will receive a free and confidential True Health Assessment,  low glycemic recipes, weekly weight checks, and one on one phone consultations. I am  offering a gluten free version of this 30 Day Summer Slimdown program here.  The challenge begins in July.  RSVP by June 30th here to participate in this limited time offer.
So are you ready to look and feel your best while establishing healthy habits for a lifetime? Sure you are! So grab a friend and lets get started!

Summer Solstice Fun & Jazz Age Parties

The dance floor canopied by trees fab!

I hopped the ferry to Governor's Island Sunday,  June 16th to catch the Eighth Annual Great Lawn Party with Arenella's jazz age Dream Land Orchestra complete with a dance floor set up under a canopy of trees dancing till I could dance no more. The music played by his live orchestra hail from the 1920 and teens with everyone dressing the part. I brought a picnic lunch to share with friends though I did sample some of the treats on site. I got lots of complements on my socks as I tried my best to look like a gal of the period out to enjoy a day by the water.

Ekayani in striped chemise,ankle socks, polka dot heels

Michael Arenella sings into a megaphone 20's style

June 21 was the Summer Solstice and I went Swedish! I enjoyed my first ever MidSummer Festival held in Battery Park dancing around a maypole decorated in sunflowers to the strains of Swedish folk music while wearing a flower crown made for me by my friend the stylist Ulrika. It's been a while since I went to Stockholm but with the water from the bay lapping against the rocks and the steeple like roof of Pier 6 I believed I was there. The purpose of this festival is to celebrate and attract fertility and it's been going on a long time predating Christianity's foothold in Sweden. The whole village would come out for this with farmers as the foundation according to Ulrika.

Wearing a flower wreath

Dancing around and near the maypole on Pier 6

The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a picnic in the grass with a gaggle of friends and toddlers. After the dancing there was more eating and drinking. And then more eating and drinking. Ulrika instructed me to pick 7 different kinds of flowers to place under my pillow that night to help me "dream about my future husband". This is a Swedish tradition and this is what I picked. Sweet dreams!

All flowers I found in my neighborhood

Saturday 22 -  I went to the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island enjoying the sun, salt breeze and flamboyant costumes of men and woman dressed as mermaids. mermen,coral reefs,sailors, pirate ships and sea creatures. I am grateful that I have been taking care of my health all this time to dive into one festive occasion to another. What are the ways you celebrate summer? Leave your comments below. Remember to write what your Goal Weight is and your Current Weight when you sign up for the challenge by writing me ekayani@usana.com!

A barnacled lady! Looks like a coral reef to me Photo credit CBS News

Finally please learn about USANA's quality guarantee from the founder Dr. Myron Wentz.

Champagne Riot Hits a High Note for Bernando LaPallo

Kate Manning sang like a bird  Photo S Sheddy

The Champagne Riot NY put on a stellar show for the conclusion of the New York leg of Bernando's112th Birthday & Book Tour on June 6, 2013 at the downtown club The Slipper Room which boasts an adorable gilt framed stage. Here is a recap of what you missed to try and give you the feeling of what fun we had! Personally, I couldn't stop dancing and the time just flew by. I wrote this thank you to the group which summarizes my feelings. The performers that night were the husband and wife team Jesse Gelber (piano, musical direction) and Kate Manning (vocals), Gin Minsky (tap dancer), burlesque artists Jezebel Express, Evelyn Vinyl, acrobatic showgirl Miss Kae Burke from the House of YES, Kevin Dunn on drums, Mike Hashim on sax and Master of Ceremonies Dandy Wellington who recently appeared on Page Six for his role in the opening night festivities for the film launch of The Great Gatsby.This band does not disappoint so give yourself a treat and beat it to see them asap at The Cutting Room July 20.

 Happy Birthday Bernando! photo credit Jane Kratochvil Photography

Dear Champagne Riot New York -
Thank you for the marvelous show you put on Thursday night for Bernando! It was stellar and classy! How perfect and lovely The Champagne Riot is! Bernando was transfixed watching and enjoying every moment, moving along to the music! The music fit him like a glove and it was sheer pleasure to see him transported to his younger days of the jazz age. "That guy can really play piano"!
The trio was HOT and on the mark!

Evelyn Vinyl

And speaking of hot Miss Evelyn Vinyl you are gorgeous and I heard that more than once! Kate my dear you were really on FIRE Thursday night and we loved every single song you covered. So funny, so witty we wanted more!

Jezebel Express watch out for curves! photo S Sheddy

 When it was Jezebel's turn Bernando said "Take it easy baby take it easy"! Gin Minsky what a delight you are! I personally loved your attention to detail with glittering knee high socks that matched your umbrella. Emerald Green as you spun out of one costume to another until you were right down to your tassles. Classic!

Gin Minsky taps her way into our hearts Photo Shell Sheddy

Mike your playing has an élan and we hung on every note as you soared! Thank you Sir for the ride!
Dandy and Kevin - number 721 and 428 very good and looking sharp as always!  :)
Jesse stand stands for Joy! I am so glad you got to wield your magic on a real set of piano keys. It was so much fun watching you having fun.

The Lovely Kae Burke poses with Bernando Photo S Sheddy

 And SURPRISE! Kae Burke from the House of YES! appears out of nowhere, the magical circus queen dressed like one of Lee Chappell's cupcakes thrilling the audience with worry and suspense slithering up and down white fabric ropes. You were a VISION  and I was so proud and delighted! Thank you for saying YES!

Kae Burke from House of YES photo credit Jane Kratochvil Photography

Last but no least, thanks to Lee Chappell for baking and bringing all those cupcakes making Bernando's birthday wish as he blew out his candles delicious! Everyone in the room had a treat!! Lee, thank you for making my acquaintance with The CRNY

Making a wish! Photo  Shell Sheddy

My only regret is that I sang so badly! Next time on Bernando's 113th I insist on a run through. Hopefully everyone forgave me. I wanted to do it well but I guess I just had a bit too much on my mind. I hope you will reserve your judgment on me. I admire you all so. The Slipper Room is a perfect venue for you and I do hope you go back! Soon!
Again many, many thanks for the conclusion of Bernando's Birthday & Book Tour  week in New York made as fabulous and memorable at it's conclusion as it was at it's beginning with the Yankees!
Much Love to you all xoxoxoxo - Ekayani Chamberlin, Assistant and Granddaughter to Bernando LaPallo

LaPallo meets Jeter Saturday June 1, 2013 during batting practice NY Daily News

Jazz Age Tonight Jeter Meets LaPallo

What a week! Our honored guest Bernando LaPallo met Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium,revisited the Harlem Renaissance  and Tonight is his New York side Jazz Age Birthday Bash with The Champagne Riot! A final reminder to get your tix and dress to impress baby! http://lnkd.in/JR8b5J  http://lnkd.in/dVddY5

Schedule of May June Wellness Events with The Living Connection

There are quite a number of fabulous events  we are hosting almost every week beginning Saturday May 4th in McCarren Park through June 6th in Manhattan. Here is a handy schedule for you to keep track of it all.

Saturday, May 4th Let's go Outside! Fitness and Fun in McCarren Park 10:30AM

10:30 am to 12:15 Meetup at Human @ Ease 31 Nassau Ave
Join Intensati instructor Elina LeClaire and Ekayani for some fun cardio with positive affirmations.  Perfect for those ready to lose weight or just get moving. Free. Do Bring water, wear sweats,  bring a warm dry tee shirt to change into.  Take G to Nassau and walk less than two blocks to Human at Ease gym. We'll be out front.

  Saturdays  May 11th, 18th , & 25th  Let's Go Outside Returns! Fitness and Fun in McCarren  Park with Elina LeClaire & Ekayani  Meetup 10:30AM Human @ Ease 31 Nassau Avenue

We'll in front of Human@Ease 31 Nassau Avenue as usual

Smiles all around. We had a wonderful turnout for our first class meetup so we are returning every Saturday in May! There's nothing like  doing cardio outside on a gorgeous spring day near a blossoming tree with happy people. One person commented that McCarren Park "was a workout mecca".  Elina LeClaire guides us through IntenSati leaving us feeling great in mind and body.  Ekayani shares practical knowledge on food as fuel and tips to get the most from your workout to keep you on track, Samples of healthy snacks. Tell your friends. FREE! Wear casual workout attire, workout shoes. Bring water to drink! No yoga mats necessary. Done by 12:15 After class check out the farmers market or head to Urban Rustic for real local food and veggie juices. Yum!

  Sunday May 19 Sleepinar at Unity Church How To Get Better Rest 2:30PM

Join Karina Yanku Healing Arts and Ekayani Chamberlin at Unity Church 70 West 36 Street in Manhattan.  You'll learn Self Massage Techniques for Restorative Sleep, Anti Aging tips for younger skin,  and How To make your home environment sleep friendly!   2:30 to 4pm  $20

 

 

 

Sunday May 26 Nublu Yoga on the Dance Floor with Ekayani & The Tom Glide Space MIDNIGHT

 Decidedly for night owls enjoy late night sounds of bhakti meditation while dancing to the funky goddess of house music at Nublu's late night Sundays for Butch series.
 $10  67 Avenue C (between 4 & 5th streets)  
Special screening on Butch @ 9PM

 Tuesday, June 4 Enjoy a Fresh Pressed Juice at Master Juice with Centenarian Bernando LaPallo

The 112 years young Bernando LaPallo will be talking about the secrets to his longevity at his NYC   Book Preview Lecture and Juice Tasting at Sanctuary Guest Suites with Master Juice providing a complimentary juice to guests. 196a Stanton Street NYC 7PM   $25 Limited Tickets at Eventbrite

Thursday June 6 - Party Like it's 1924, '34 or '44! 

Jazz Age Birthday Party with Author & Living Legend  Bernando LaPallo & The Champagne Riot!

Jazz Age is all the Rage right now in New York so come party with someone who has been there and done that! Meet Bernando in person while enjoying some hot jazz and cool chicks. Jazz Age attire encouraged. The Slipper Room 167 Orchard Street NYC $20 7:30 Doors 8PM Show