Kindness is plentiful in our world.  I know, bad things happen but don’t forget there are a lot more nice people in the world than mean ones. The kindness you experience in any given day may come from a complete stranger, or it may come from a friend or family member.  Embrace it when it happens and be thankful.

I am so incredibly thankful for all the wonderful women (and a few chosen men) who helped make our second Just You, Only Better Workshop a success.  When I told my presenters and sponsors that my end goal was to provide an amazing day for women

that allows them to be themselves, learn ways to improve their inner and outer beauty, and have fun, they graciously agreed to be a part of the day.  While we’ve only had two workshops, the number of amazing women I’ve met in the process has been astounding.  And for that, I am EXTREMELY grateful.

I would first like to thank all of my presenters.  Not only did they take a tremendous amount of time preparing their presentation, they spent an entire day meeting and getting to know all the attendees, sponsors and other presenters.  One attendee commented how refreshing it was to actually spend time with the speakers—which is something that had never happened at other conferences she had attended.

Medical Estheticians, Milla Waldman and Naomi Fenlin kicked the day off by sharing their skincare secrets and taught us how to get that radiant glow at any age. Julie Weiss-Schwartz from Beauty 101 showed us how to create a “perfect” brow and brought 5 of her assistants to give make-up and brow makeovers throughout the day.  Julie also explained how she custom blends make-up, including lip and cheek colors for her clients, who include many top models. The Soul Sister Circle (Sally Miller, Jackie Williams and Desiree Cipolloni) told us to lose the chit chat and get REAL.  Stop judging others and ourselves and start loving the woman in the mirror.
The FUN began when we started drawing names for the Transformation Stations.  When people arrived, they dropped their names in the bin to receive a specific service.  Their choices included:  haircut and style by Jeffrey, the Makeover Guru from Pileggi on the Square, make-up update by Julie and her Beauty 101 gang, skin consultation and analysis by Naomi Fenlin, fashion consultation by Biana—the Philly Fashionista, eyelash extensions by Ruthie Eyes, massage by Sarah Hill of Deliver Me Yoga, brows by Beauty 101, or a mini-facial by Milla of Studio M.  While the services were being performed, women enjoyed learning about local businesses (My Fabulous Mama, Catalyst Cleanse, Bailine Body Sculpting, and Financial Fitness by Angela Pawloski). They also had the chance to go shopping (The Butler Bag, Stella & Dot, Jockey, The Velvet Lily, Silpada, AnyTime Scarf, and Eileen Fisher).

Our fantastic line up of speakers continued after lunch with the incredibly inspiring and motivating Jen Groover.  She captivated the attention of everyone in the room by sharing her personal journey from an over-trained athlete on the brink of a health disaster, to fulfilling her dreams of becoming one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in the country.  She stressed the importance of losing the fears that are associated with starting your own business and the importance of banishing ALL negative self-talk.  Her message was powerful and brought many of us to tears.

Kate Biles, DPT (who had received a new hairstyle from Jeffrey, the Makeover Guru) shared excellent advice every woman should know:  The Six Secrets to Staying Sexy and Strong.  And with stress such a major part of our lives, Alice Dommert (Co-Fouder of Deliver Me Yoga) gave us an easy-to-implement One Week Plan to Harness Your Stress.  Last but not least was our favorite Celebrity Chef, Brian Duffy.  Brian taught us some of his insider “chef secrets”, but more importantly, he shared his humor and his pure love of cooking and entertaining. 

With all of this amazing information, shopping and Transformation Stations, our heads were swirling at the end of the day!  But we had to keep it together long enough to give away all of the great prizes graciously donated by our sponsors. The prizes included the following:

Sex & The City Infinity Scarf by Anytime Scarf

5 Body Sculpting Sessions by Bailine Body Sculpting 

Couture Collection of Customized Make-up by Beauty 101

Swimsuit Cover-Up by InStyle Swimwear

3 Day Juice Cleanse by Catalyst Cleanse

Customized Home Care Regime (Includes a free consultation and all skin care products for3- 6 months) by Naomi Fenlin, Medical Esthtician

Corporate Yoga Class, 5 Week Yoga Series and 2 Hour Chair Massage for your office, all donated by Deliver Me Yoga

American Leather Tie Belt by Eileen Fisher of Ardmore

Financial Consultation by Angela Pawloski, the Financial Fitness Guru

Tote Bag, Scarf & Jewelry by Jockey (Harriet Bissey)

30 Day Just You, Only Better Program for Life from me!

Home Safety Assessment by My Fabulous Mama

3 Hour Style Consultation by The Philly Fashionista, Biana

Designer Earrings from Pileggi Boutique (I still want these… J)

Free Haircut & Style from Jeffrey, the Makeover Guru at Pileggi on the Square 

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet from Silpada (Ana Levit)

Autographed book What If? And Why Not? How to Transform Your Fears Into Action and Start the Business of Your Dreams by Jen Groover

Consultation & Customized European Facial by Milla at Studio M

Petra Bracelet by Stella & Dot (Diane Quercetti)

Pelvic Floor Weights & Stockings from The Velvet Lily

Full Set of Eyelash Extensions by Ruthie Falkenstein of Ruthie’s Eyes

Hand-Made One-of-a-Kind Bracelet designed by Holly Thomas of SpitFire Designs

3 Month Membership to Weston Fitness

But the networking and FUN did not stop there.  Tamar Olitsky and Chris Scarduzio from Table 31 gave all of us a free cocktail and apps at their beautiful restaurant located inside the Comcast Center.   It was quite the treat after a long day of meaningful fun.

A special thanks to Biana DeMarco, the Philly Fashionista, who tirelessly helped me for the first JYOB workshop.  She asked Naomi and Jen to speak, invited a number of sponsors, and helped fill the goody bags with great samples.  Thanks Biana!  And to Mama and Cyndi for coming up from Florida  to help me for an entire week!  You guys are the best!

Even if you missed the big day, you still have a chance to win ONE FINAL PRIZE!  Tiffany Bucciarelli of Philly Health Watch has donated a $200 Spa Package to her Lux Spa here in Philly!!!  If you live in the area, and are the first person to make a comment on this blog, you will WIN the package.  See, good things happen even if you can’t make the Just You, Only Better Workshop.

Thanks again to everyone who made it happen.  I am truly grateful for your participation and passion. 

And, for the rest of you, we will see YOU at the next workshop!

Stay Well & Smile,

Molly

Isn’t it time you took a day off to truly recharge your batteries and give yourself a healthy attitude adjustment?  Transform
yourself on the inside and out at the next Just You, Only Better Workshop for Women (Friday, September 16th at The Pyramid Club).  This day of “meaningful fun” includes a line-up of fabulous speakers (including the incredible Jen Groover, the Soul Sister Circle, Celebrity Chef Brian Duffy and more), Transformation Stations, shopping, and over $3,000 worth of prizes.

Continue the fun and networking with other women at Table 31 where you’ll receive a free cocktail and delicious appetizers.

Click HERE to see the agenda and learn more about this incredible day.  As a follower of my blog, you’ll receive 
a special VIP rate for the day.  Please enter LOYAL in the Promo Code box and the day is yours for only $99.  But the deadline for registration is tomorrow afternoon…so register today!

I am looking forward to meeting you on the 16th!

Warmest regards,

Molly

The day before the hurricane dumped loads of water on us, my good friend Lynnie started protecting her garden like a lion watches over her cubs.  She hesitantly picked a bunch of tomatoes out of her garden—even though they were green—so they wouldn’t get ruined by the storm.  Lynnie called me up to see what I’d do with them and the only thing I could think of was to fry them.  But how many fried green tomatoes can you possibly eat?

So I did a little research and found this amazing recipe in the September (2011) issue of Bon Appétit Magazine.  Chef Andrew Little (of Sheppard Mansion in Hanover, PA) says he simply lets a blender do all the work!

Green Tomato Gazpacho

2 ¼ lb. green (unripe red) tomatoes

1 English hothouse cucumber, trimmed & coarsely chopped

1 shallot, chopped

½ jalapeno, seeded & chopped

1 tsp. fresh cilantro, minced

½ garlic clove, minced

1 Tbsp. honey

1 ½ inch thick slice white country bread, cut into pieces  

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ cup fresh lime juice

1 ½ Tbsp. finely grated lime zest

1 Tbsp. fresh basil, minced

Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper

½ cup ¼ inch cubes peeled, seeded watermelon or cantaloupe

1 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh mint leaves

Place first 6 ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.  With machine running, gradually add honey, then bread, then oil.  Puree until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in juice, lime zest and basil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cover and chill until cold.  Before serving, garnish soup with the melon and mint.

So whip some up and enjoy!  Don’t ever waste a tomato—even if it’s green!

Stay Healthy & Smile,

Molly