G-Blog

4 Easy Steps to Building a Better Sandwich

2014-12-08T16:15:00.003-05:00

Who doesn't love a good sandwich?! Sandwiches are versatile, easy, portable meals that can be oh so culinarily exciting. I'm a fan, but only when they're done just right, and by that I mean; they have to be both delicious AND healthy. I don't do healthy without the delicious part, ok? Now that we're clear on that, here are my 4 steps to building a better sandwich.

1) Choose a bread that is nutrient- dense. By this I mean, whole grain, ideally with ingredients like flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, any kind of seeds because they add nutrition. READ the ingredient list. Check the fiber content, as this is key for good digestion & health. It should contain at least 2 grams of fiber per slice, preferably more. Skip anything that contains corn syrup, and a myriad of unrecognizable, unpronounceable ingredients.

2) Go Natural with the Protein: Select the most natural, simple source of protein available to you. I like in- house made sliced turkey that's nitrate free, and preservative free. In- house made means that the store/ deli made it themselves, and didn't order it from a big company where it was cooked, processed, packaged, then shipped across the country before it made it into your sandwich. Ask your local deli about this, because most of them make their own roasted turkey, chicken, beef, etc.. It's worth the switch from the highly- processed, big- name brands that are full of preservatives and nitrates, which cause a host of health problems. Other great protein options are last night's dinner leftovers like grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or canned wild- caught salmon (not tuna, because it's super- high in mercury).

3) Bulk up on the veggies. Include as many fresh veggies as you do protein, from lettuce to fresh spinach, shredded cabbage and carrots, onions, peppers, you name it! Sauerkraut is an amazing addition to your sandwich because it contains beneficial probiotics, fiber and antioxidants to further "nutri-fy" your meal! Every meal should include veggies, and sandwiches are no exception.

4) Add Quality Condiments: this is important. Again, reading the ingredient list of the condiments you choose to top your sandwich with is crucial, because condiments can contain the most obscure, unhealthy ingredients, and add unnecessary calories to an otherwise healthy meal. For mayo, I recommend choosing only ones that are made with healthy oils, such as Veganaise (my favorite is the grapeseed oil kind pictured above). Or you can make your own dressing with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and a variety of herbs and spices. Just say no to condiments that contain things like added sugars, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, trans fats, and anything you can't pronounce!

I wish you delicious journey of sandwich building.. and eating! Enjoy!

Join us on BYoutiful Body

The Day AFTER Thanksgiving..

2014-11-27T03:46:00.001-05:00

Black Friday, or as I simply call it- the day after Thanksgiving, is a day I like to mull around in my PJs, slippers, and watch movies.. and of course, eat leftovers! Here is one of my favorite ways to utilize leftover turkey!

Oh, and in case you want to do some Black Friday/ Cyber Monday shopping, we've got just the ticket for the ladies-- the all new B.Youneek shop! (which I'm really psyched about because there's much, much more to come that I will be personally creating) If you want the same deals and steals our loyal B.Youneekers are getting, well then just join our free Facebook group Byoutiful Body! OR, simply sign up for our newsletter. Happy shopping!

Meatless Mondays Are For Everyone!

2014-11-24T16:29:00.000-05:00

I am not a vegetarian, nor a vegan. However, I do believe in meatless Monday because it gives your body a rest from digesting animal proteins which are harsh and difficult to process. This is particularly true if you're eating non- grass-fed, very main- stream meat processed with chemicals, and raised with hormones and antibiotics; which I do not. Even so, I still like to give my body a rest, while at the same enjoying some vegetable based recipes that are quite comforting, hearty, and of course yummy! Here is one of my favorites!

Inspiration From My Pretty Notepad

2014-07-28T16:11:00.002-04:00

A quick snapshot of the pretty little notepad that lays on my desk on a daily basis, where I write down inspirational quotes I learn or come up with on my own. This one was written with the intention of becoming Ms. United States 2008. ;-)

"I believe... Therefore I am."

~Graziella Baratta

Creamy Cabbage & Broccoli Slaw

2014-07-16T22:27:00.000-04:00

Creamy Cabbage & Broccoli Slaw

The best bang for your nutrition buck? Red Cabbage is the winner! Check out this recipe for a yummy recipe featuring red cabbage, which is great for a side dish or as an entree sized salad on its own paired with your favorite protein.

The slaw:

1/3 head red cabbage shredded

1/3 package of broccoli sprouts

1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped

1 handful fresh cilantro chopped

1/4 red onion thinly sliced

1 endive, leaves separated gently.

Dressing:

2.5 tablespoons Veganese (grape seed oil kind)

1.5 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1.5 tablespoons coconut nectar

1/2 teaspoon coriander

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

In a large bowl mix all the dressing ingredients together and whisk until blended well. Add all the slaw ingredients except the endive and toss. Assemble the endive leaves into a flower shape on a flat dish and fill the leaves with the slaw. Or, if you're feeling lazy, just toss them right into the slaw. Enjoy!

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The Spring Fling List 2014

2014-05-20T12:29:00.000-04:00

I LOVE Spring! It's the gateway to a freer, lighter, sun- kissed season we're all craving, especially after a particularly harsh winter. I'm always on the look-out for the latest and greatest food, fashion, fitness, beauty, and of course wellness finds, so here is my official Spring Fling List:

Food- EATrageous Chips: The cool folks at EATrageous sent me a sample pack of these awesome crunchy little penne pasta- looking chips, and they've officially made my spring fling list. Here's why I like them: they're non- gmo, neither fried nor baked, 100 calories per snack bag, 80% less fat than your typical fried chips, and they're super crunchy and tasty!

Fashion- Florals! They're so feminine and timeless. Florals go a long way, and today's florals are more elegant than ever. Pair florals with some structure like a belt or blazer for an updated look. Add a vintage piece of jewelry, and you're all set for the Springtime runway!

Techie Fitness- Forget the gym and DVD player! One of the new techie fitness options I've been offering- my POWHOW studio. It's a platform I started using just a few months ago that has allowed me to extend my LIVE fitness and dance classes to anyone around the country, or the world for that matter. I'll tell you why it works so well for my clients, and for me: it's SO convenient, not to mention you can get the exact same workout you would in a "physical" studio but in the comfort of your home or office. Busy bodies are able to fit in a live workout session during the day without leaving their office or home, cutting out wasted travel time. Another great techie fitness option that works for those with erratic daily schedules, is the YouFitClub.com. It features a wide variety of full- length workout videos that are available 24-hours a day from your computer, mobile device or smart TV, includes meal plans, recipes, a personal fit journal and coaching from your personal trainer, yours truly ;). I love offering these different options to clients, because it's something that I would want for myself. I'm a time cruncher, an entrepreneur, an artist, a wife and the one who tries to get it ALL done in 24 hours (not that I ever do, but that's besides the point). I know that there are many of you out there just like me who will benefit from the smart, convenient new wave of techie fitness.

Natural Beauty Products- I'm a beauty- product fiend. Not gonna lie. It's the one thing I choose to splurge on, ehhhem, regularly. Don't get me wrong, I adore clothes, bags, shoes, jewelry, food, but there's just something about beauty products that I will just not decline. I've always had an obsession from a young age too. I used to make "anti-aging creams" for my mom and grandmother, combining their basic face cream and kitchen items like olive oil and vitamin E capsules. One thing I've learned over the years is not to trust a product by it's label.. that's a big mistake. You've got to read labels on those as you would food labels. As you may already know, there are tons of toxic chemicals not only in our food supply, but also in our skincare and makeup. Check out EWG's article on tips for safer skincare in cosmetics and learn which chemicals are the worst.. it may surprise you how many of your favorite go- to beauty brands use these toxins that can cause everything from birth defects to cancer.

Mineral Fusion is a natural beauty brand that I've been replacing my old toxic standbys with, and I really like their formulations. They're made with minerals, are highly pigmented, and have beneficial ingredients that are actually good for your skin. I'm really picky about good, pigmented makeup. This natural brand holds its own!

Wellness- New Chapter: Being the health freak that I am, I get asked a lot about what vitamins I take, and frankly I've never had a favorite brand until now. I've been using New Chapter for about a year and a half, and they are by far the best vitamin brand I've used. Here are my reasons: They're NOT synthetic vitamins (most vitamins are manufactured in a lab and are not taken from actual food sources, which means they're not readily available to the human body, who then flushes them out). These are organic, whole- food supplements, making them bio- available to the human body in the most natural, recognizable form, and they're easily digested even without food. I've always had issues with vitamins bothering my stomach, but because these are whole- food based, they're nice and easy :). They contain probiotics and antioxidant blends just for women's and men's specific needs. I feel the difference with these vitamins. I have super energy and feel balanced overall. Thanks New Chapter!

I hope you've enjoyed my Spring Fling List for 2014, and try some of these items for yourself. Happy Spring!! =)

5 Things To Do Right NOW to Lose Weight!

2014-04-10T17:23:00.002-04:00

Ok so this winter has been rough, really rough. And maybe you ate a little too much comfort food to keep you warm in the never- ending Polar Vortex we've been experiencing.. Well, the time has arrived to redeem the sunshine, and your body! I've complied the top 5 things you can do right now to start losing weight!

1- Eat MORE Organic (no- GMO) Veggies and Fruit. If it's not Organic, it's very likely to be a genetically modified food, especially corn, soy, wheat and canola. Why do GMO's matter in the scope of weight- loss and health? Check out these articles of research on GMOs
Risks and Dangers of GMOs
Former Pro-GMO Scientist changes his viewpoint

Americans don't eat nearly enough veggies and fruit as they should, so up your intake of the Organic variety and you'll begin to see a pleasant change! ;)

Juicing:
A great way to get more veggies and fruit in your day from the first thing in the morning, is to juice! I have really come to love juicing in the past year and a half, as a newlywed with a new juicer ;) I went through phases of doing it everyday, then becoming lazy about it, and then back to regular juicing. You really can't beat the live, bio-available nutrients you get from fresh produce. I really love the way I feel, and if I get sick, it speeds up healing, not to mention the super- boost of energy that lasts and lasts- no crashes. Read this excellent article on a Spring Cleaning Detox for the Body!

2- REMOVE SUGARS! Yes, over-consumption of sugars of all kinds contribute to weight gain and eventually disease, with the exception of Stevia and a handful of other natural sweeteners (which should also be consumed in moderation). While you can still consume a small amount of the natural ones, you'll definitely want to eliminate any of the highly processed sweeteners Here's a great article on the best and worst sweeteners.

What do the health experts say about sugar?
Dr. Mercola speaks out on the dangers of Fructose.
Kimberly Snyder talks about the Difference of How Fructose and Glucose Affect Your Body

3- Ditch the processed, packaged foods. And (I always harp on this to family, friends and clients) READ FOOD LABELS PLEASE!! Don't be fooled by the pretty pasture picture on the front of a package, or the cutting- edge, "scientific" design. Just read the food labels on the back, because they pretty much say it all. And here's a hint, if you cannot figure out an ingredient's origins or pronounce it, the likelihood that it is a toxin/ chemical is pretty high. Beware of sneaky wording that disguises already-known toxins like MSG, disguised as maltodextrin. A simple google search will let you know!

4- Get Moving!! When paired with a healthy diet, exercise can really be super- effective. Not only does it burn fat, tone muscle, and clear your mind but it detoxes your lymph nodes, major toxin houses in the body! It's about a lifestyle and not the latest and greatest fad exercise routine (or diet for that matter). If you don't currently exercise, take baby steps. Start with just 15 minutes 3-5 days a week and build from there. I personally don't ever exceed a 60 minute workout, not even when preparing to win the Ms United States Pageant.

5- Reduce Starches (pasta, breads, cereal, rice and potatoes) in your diet and replace them with more nutrient-dense foods like beans, quinoa, and starchy veggies. Remember, if you're choosing corn, make it organic! Simple carbohydrates like white flour, white rice and white potatoes break down into sugars quickly, causing insulin to spike and weight gain.

If you truly want permanent, lasting weight loss and vibrant health, it's got to be a lifestyle change. Slap on a positive attitude and take it one day at a time- your body, and mind will thank you!

Namaste :)

Required Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, or medical professional, and all information given on this blog is for educational purposes to be used at your own risk. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Please note, I am a professional dancer (BA in dance with business concentration), certified personal trainer, and soon- to- be certified nutritionist who has spent countless hours researching and applying alternative healing methods for chronic allergies, asthma, sinus infections, mononucleosis, MRSA, weight loss, Dysmenorrhea and more. I am passionate about helping others lead a healthy lifestyle supported by nature.

•This blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a qualified licensed medical professional. In no way should anyone consider that this blog represents the "practice of medicine." This site assumes no responsibility for how this material is used.

Beat the Polar Vortex (aka, Winter) Blues with Beauty, Fitness & Food!

2014-02-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

Snow, rain, sleet, frigid temperatures, trying to park my car on mountains of black ice, fighting off every strain of the flu.. I'm OVER IT already!!! Here's a list of things that have helped me beat the blues this winter from satisfying food to beauty products, fitness and overall wellness...

L’Occitane Amande Shower oil mixed with my old standby- Dr. Bronner’s lavender liquid soap creates a luxurious sudsing lather that smells amazing- kind of a spa treatment in your own shower. I mix the two because alone the shower oil doesn't lather easily, and it's on the pricier side so I stretch the product (which holds the sweet almond scent) with Dr. Bronner's soap without losing the fabulous scent!

+

Dry brush: Use one of these before your shower, brushing your skin from bottom to top (minus your face) to remove dead skin cells and relieve your winter skin woes (aka, dry dull, flaky skin). This also stimulates circulation, great for overall wellness. (sensitive skin types use IN the shower to minimize irritation)

Origins Modern Friction facial microdermabrasion scrub: This stuff gets rid of the same dead skin cells safely from the delicate skin on your face, and does NOT contain the big skin-care no-no's that we should all know about such as mineral oil, propylene glycol, and parabens among others.
(more on that in a future post, I promise!)

20 minute power workouts: YES! They're amazingly effective, and time- saving. Power workouts are basically high intensity interval training (or hiit)...alternating between intensive (working at 90% capacity) exercises, and medium intensity exercise (working at 50%) capacity. I've used power workouts to great success with clients, and do them myself too. I feel great, accomplished, can complete my laundry list of TO-DO's all while fitting into my skinny jeans ;)

Nutritional Yeast: Sounds weird, but believe me, it's an AWESOME addition to your healthy diet, and happens to taste like Parmesan Cheese!! For a quick lunch (usually while I'm busy working on the computer), I sprinkle 2 tablespoons of this stuff on a spinach salad which contains 9 grams of protein and is a good source of B vitamins.

Homemade Gluten- free Brown Bread! OMG.. my secret indulgence.. this is a recipe I've been working on for a while, and have combined recipes and concepts to come up with what I consider the best tasting gluten- free, multi-grain (and vegan/egg free) bread ever! Get the recipe.

Panier Des Sens Organic Olive Oil Body Butter, PROVENCE FRANCE... one word- ahhhhhhhh! (or shall I say, sound)

The BEST (gluten-free) Sugar Cookies!

2013-12-19T20:54:00.001-05:00

I've been gluten- free for just under 2 years, and I would say that one of most challenging things to make gluten- free are baked goods. After much experimentation (and weird tasting, crumbly creations), I've created this gluten- free sugar cookie recipe that tastes like what were my "regular" holiday sugar cookies.

Introducing... My (new) Sugar Cookie Recipe!

P.S. These can be made chewy or crispy, and add chocolate for chocolate chip cookies ;)

Santa Baby- the modern girl's version

2013-12-10T16:51:00.001-05:00

In the holiday spirit! What do you want for Christmas?

How to Burn Off Thanksgiving Dinner!

2013-11-29T18:09:00.002-05:00

It's time to burn off those Thanksgiving goodies!! Check out how long it takes to burn off the average Thanksgiving dinner with various workouts….

photo courtesy of health.com

Running stairs? Yeah….For a more fun way to burn calories AND get super- toned & tight, try my online Bikini Bootcamp classes and burn those calories in 4 sessions.

TheDanceFitStudio.com

P.S. there's a Black Friday Special Running that you won't want to miss!

"Pasta di Venerdi Sera," aka, BAD GIRL FOOD!

2013-11-22T18:53:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm not a perfect eater.. in fact, I never have been. Even while pursuing pageant titles like Ms. United States 2008, I always allowed myself to enjoy food. And that, I believe, is key to staying fit and healthy long- term, because it keeps you sane, satisfied and not feeling deprived of the foods you love the most. This is one of my "cheat meals" that I enjoy once in a while…and you should too! ;)

Fall Faves 2013

2013-11-13T00:02:00.002-05:00

1) Amazing grass energy lemon-lime drink

I LOVE this super- refreshing and energizing green drink that has been a morning staple in my diet for over a year. It's packed with the amount of greens you would never eat in an entire day, antioxidants, yerba mate tea, probiotics++ and it tastes amazing! I guess that's why it's called amazing grass ;)

2) Cable Knit Sweater

It's so comfy a versatile, nuff said.

3) Pashminas
I own one in almost every color. They go with everything, are chic, and keep me warm.

4) Statement Necklaces!

They can spruce up any old standby, and bring a chic touch of femininity to your wardrobe.

5) L'Occitaine Immortelle Divine Cream

Loving this anti- aging cream that makes my skin glow, does not cause breakouts, is all- natural (even Organic!) and smells ahhhh-mazing!

6) Online Fitness Classes!

I'm clearly obsessed with technology and all things virtual.. but in all honesty, working out really can't get any more convenient than this! I love teaching and taking classes this way because it cuts down on travel time (which can really chop off a chunk of your day), and you get more done in less time.. not to mention having the comfort of your own space. P.S. you really don't need a lot of space for just one person either. I've been teaching clients fitness and dance classes online since 2009, but now I'm able to offer these classes in a super- convenient way through my new online studio with PowHow.

Try a live online class with me at The Dance Fit Studio! Enter coupon code "GBlogreader" for 50% off any class or package at the Dance Fit Studio, just for G-BLog readers.

Happy Fall my friends!

xo
Graziella

A Royal Reality episode #1

2013-10-22T00:43:00.005-04:00

Graziella reminisces about the past with some of her favorite peeps, and coaches client Nency for the last time before her big national pageant.

Veal Scaloppini, Fit- Foodie Style!

2013-10-14T18:28:00.002-04:00

Graziella cooks up a traditional Italian veal dish, fit- foodie style. An easy, tasty and healthy meal for any day that's gluten- free, dairy free and nut free. Dinner in under 30 minutes, oh yeah! Episode link: http://blip.tv/graziellatv/veal-scaloppini-6661369

BREAKING NEWS: New Look, Same Great Taste!

2013-10-04T20:40:00.001-04:00

Ever read a product label that says "new look, same great taste" or something to that effect? Well, that's what's going on with my personal brand! I'm super- excited to launch my brand- new website GraziellaBaratta.com that has been redesigned by Hargrave Productions! Although I've been building my personal brand for at least 10 years, it was time to kick it up a notch, so I hired my friend Evan White to mastermind the project ;) I would like to thank my amazing team for doing a fantastic job with giving my brand a new look while retaining the same great taste!! You guys ROCK!!

And, the side dish to this main course is my brand new reality series, A Royal Reality- coming October 18, 2013 to GraziellaTV.com! Check out the teaser video below.

Sexy Grilled Chicken

2013-07-31T12:20:00.004-04:00

Re-post from the B.YOUneek Blog

Grilled chicken is a staple in today's health- conscious, body- conscious world, but it can be downright B-O-R-I-N-G if not done right. I've created a succulent version of grilled chicken I know you'll love!

First things first... I recommend skinless organic chicken breast. While "organic" is an entirely other conversation (one I could go on and on and on about), it definitely makes a difference in the taste and texture of this dish, and it's significantly juicier.

Awesome grilled chicken recipe

Now for the recipe:

skinless organic chicken breast

sea salt

freshly ground pepper

powdered sage

garlic powder

dried parsley

sunflower oil, enough to just wet each chicken breast and prevent from sticking to the grill

Pound out the chicken breasts in a zip lock plastic bag and set aside. Combine all other ingredients in a flat plate (enough for the amount of chicken you are making) and place each chicken breast into the seasoning. Coat each side well. *Hint, sage is very fragrant, so just a little is needed. Grill on either an outdoor grill or indoor stovetop grill with grates. This will grill much faster than a thick cutlet, so keep an eye on it.

Topping: Olive Tapenade

10-12 pitted gaeta olives

2 teaspoons miso paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 scallion

1/4 yellow onion

1/2 garlic clove

*water as needed to thin out mixture in the food processor or blender

Combine all ingredients except pine nuts into food processor or blender, and blend until somewhat chunky. Remove and add to a serving bowl, and stir in pine nuts.

Once the grilled chicken is done, serve it over a mixed green salad, and drizzle the olive tapenade over it. Add a side of sweet potato to complete the meal. Bon appetít! ;)

Tropical Maple- Pecan Protein Bites

2013-04-25T14:30:00.001-04:00

Try these for an excellent, healthy snack in- between meals!

A Flashback to College Years

2013-04-03T01:13:00.003-04:00

Varli Food Festival NYC: An Indian Cuisine & Culture Event

2012-04-14T14:31:00.003-04:00

On behalf of iFood.tv, Graziella explores the Varli Food Festival, an Indian food and culture event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City featuring celebrity chefs including Padma Lakshmi of Top Chef!

I'm on Telemundo!

2012-02-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

If someone would've told me a few years ago that I'd be on Telemundo, the second- largest Spanish language network in the country, I would've said "no way Jose!"...simply because I'm not perfectly fluent in Spanish! Although I can hold a basic conversation in Spanish, I never would've thought I'd be filming a TV show in Spanish!! My first language was Italian, but I was born American, so next came English in school, 7th and 8th grade Spanish, then French for 5 years, and my Spanish was rarely practiced. To my surprise, my 7th and 8th grade Spanish lessons came in p r e t t y handy when I was offered to host a fitness segment on the morning show "Al Amanecer Con Jackie!" I'm ever grateful for this opportunity to share my passion for fitness and wellness with a greater audience!

You can catch my segment "En Forma Con Graziella" on the morning show "Al Amanecer Con Jackie" on Telemundo every Monday morning between 6-7 am. I appear twice, the first time with a fitness sequence, and the second time later in the program with a nutritional tip.

Los veo en la próxima, ciao!

SUPER BOWL PARTY 2012 CHILI & NACHOS RECIPE!

2012-02-03T14:56:00.000-05:00

Three cheers for Fit- Foodie style chili and nachos!! No one will ever know they're healthy, wooo!! =)

The BEST Protein Bars Ever

2012-01-29T23:58:00.000-05:00

Graziella, the fit foodie, shares a delicious recipe for the best HEALTHY protein bars, you've ever tasted!! :)

The Classic Makeup Look...& 3 Years of GTV!

2012-01-29T23:47:00.000-05:00

Graziella recreates one of her early show episodes with this classic makeup tutorial, 2 looks in one! Find out what happened to some "vintage" GTV episodes, and enter to win a giveaway sweepstakes in celebration of 3 years of Graziella TV!

Dancing in Heaven

2011-08-04T22:43:00.004-04:00

Dear Auntie Annette,

My heart sank when I heard the news... that you left this earthly plane way too soon. I love you Annette, for everything you were and taught me: dance, theater, life. You were one of the greatest mentors I have ever, ever had. You were the most passionate, genuine, caring and involved teacher I have ever learned from. You brought out of me what I didn't know I had, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. As a performer and dance professional, I strive for the brilliance you never failed to display. It was such a blessing to have had you in my life, even for this short amount of time. So it's just goodbye for now, and I know you'll be dancing in Heaven. I love you.

Annette Cardona, most known for her role as Cha Cha Di Gregorio in the movie Grease, died yesterday.

I was compelled to sit down and write this after I heard the tragic news because I could do nothing else, but more importantly, I wanted the world to know the side of Annette I knew. I met Annette through a mutual friend of ours when I was a dance major in college. I had this paper to write about, and had to find a "famous dancer" to interview...and I had NO idea how I was going to do that! Well, the opportunity to meet Annette presented itself serendipitously, and I thought "wow, how lucky am I to meet Cha Cha from Grease" (one of my all-time favorite movies)! I was so anxious to meet her and wondered how she would react to a mere "civilian" like me. To my surprise, she was incredibly humble, kind, easy to talk to and sooo fascinating- we had lunch for almost 3 hours!! We found that we were both Pisces and shared many other similarities aside from being dancers. Needless to say, I got an A on my paper, but the friendship we developed from then on was something I would have never imagined.

I eventually got to train with Annette to prepare for a performance career and Miss America local pageants in New Jersey. I would have these amazing 3 hour long workshops with Annette in my basement covering theater, improv, dance, and voice. When I say she was a phenomenal teacher, I am not exaggerating. Annette got down to the nitty gritty and made you, MADE you dig deep within to visit places you wouldn't want to go... but that's where the magic happened. I'm not gonna lie, she scared me...but in way that was SO necessary for me at that time in my life. She knew what was going on within me, and was able to draw it out of me through performance. It was the most therapeutic professional instruction I had ever received.

I was fortunate to have watched Annette in action with other students too, as I was invited to participate in her college theater course. She was unstoppable, and simply didn't allow her students to undermine their inherent abilities. A phrase that I use to this day with my own students, I learned from her: "never say I can't, because if you do, then you won't." Annette was such a giving, beautiful, humble and selfless woman who touched the lives of many.

Annette Cardona became Auntie Annette to me as our families grew closer and we shared many joyous occasions together. I was honored to have been her student, but even more so to have had her love support in all of my performance endeavors- she was there to cheer me on. It meant so, so much to me that she came to watch me in the Miss New Jersey pageant (for Miss America) in 2003, and greeted me with the best compliment I had ever been paid after a performance. This photo of Annette with my family and I was taken in 2008 shortly after I was crowned Ms. United States 2008. We drove from Vegas to California and met with Annette in Santa Monica for an afternoon of reminiscing together.

It was still cool that Annette was Cha Cha from Grease, but it was even cooler that she was Auntie Annette. After she moved back to California, we saw each other much less, but still kept in touch via email and phone. She sent me a card recently that I never got a chance to respond to and thank her for.. and it pains me deeply. I only wish I was able to speak to her one last time, and tell her how much she means to me and how she has influenced my life in such a beautiful way. We don't get these second chances. So, Auntie Annette, I hope you're up there watching and reading...I love you and I miss you. I want you to know that every time I dance, I feel that fire that you passed on to me, and I will forever carry it in my heart.

God bless you, and may you rest in peace.