Experience: Words are Powerful

This election year has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Being inundated with several phone calls and friendly faces at the grocery store asking whether you've registered to vote. The process get sort of long and drawn out, but the following clips stood out to me. 

As a marketing professional, I am always criticizing commercials and their effectiveness. The following two commercials are the best so far, in my opinion. President Obama and Jay-z political commercials are the most effective political commercials I've seen in a long time. 

Honesty and compassion goes along way...

Jay-z for Obama for America...

Experience: Not Feeling It Today

Have you ever woke up and your spirit wasn't right?

I woke up this morning - thanked God for blessing me to see another day. As I laid in bed, I felt something strange in my spirit. I can't describe it but I felt it. I prayed that the feeling would disappear - go away but it's midday and I still feel this strange disposition in my spirit. Maybe I'm blowing it out of proportion, but I can't ignore it. I'm asking God to remove this spirit from my soul today. I prepare for the worse and expect no expectations.

God has sustained me through worst times and feelings. I want clarity and peace to ease my mind. God, I'm asking, I'm seeking your guidance today. Please speak to my heart. I need you more now than ever.

Experience: The Blues

Mid 30's Crisis or "The Blues"
by: Nadia Sweeting


I must say what's on my heart. Here it goes......

Feeling confused and slightly frustrated with my thoughts and position today - more explicit, my position in my life. I am extremely thankful to god for granting me another day on this beautiful place we call Earth. I woke up this morning all confused for the lack of a better word. Confused about WHY, WHAT, WHEN. 

Why do I feel this way? 

What am I doing? 

When did this feeling start? 

The constant tug of being a single mother, career woman, sister, daughter, girlfriend and friend is ....not sure of the word here.  I love my life and all the people who support me and why do I feel this way right now. I am exhausted and feel as if I've lost my passion and I'm searching for a path back to ME and what makes me happy. I was out of work (transitioning) for 8 months and during that time, I made it a point to build up my professional skills. I recently started a contract position with a Fortune 500 company and all is great, but why do I feel jumbled? I CAN most certainly do the work and is up for the challenge, but why do I fee jumbled? I am exhausted and blurred. 

Whatever I'm feeling, makes me want to breakdown and cry. Totally dislike feeling this way. I am not depressed because I have faith in God that things will soon turn around. I have so many things to be thankful about - an amazing daughter; awesome significant other; great family and supportive friends. This is all on ME. I remain in constant prayer and know that my god is walking with me during this time. 


Maybe it's mid 30's crisis who knows! Is there anyone else experiencing what I am feeling?

Changing my name to Blues Clues today 

God's Allowance: Experiencing time in the Valley

Lessons From The Valley
by Nadia Sweeting


For the past two weeks, I had the priviledge of listening and learning the true meaning of "the valley" as taught by my pastor, Arthur Jackson of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Miami Gardens. Here are just some of my notes from the past two weeks...Lessons from the valley!

The pastor mentioned how there's both VALUE and POWER in the valley. The valley represents a low point in your life; a depression; uncomfortable situation. God put us in umcomfortable positions (valleys) in effort to force us to look up at Him for guidance and strength.  Life is a balance - Peaks and Valleys. Valleys are surrounded by mountains and on the climb up, one must rely on God's guidance and path.

God gives us victory while in the valley. One must continue to praise God while in the valley. He still deliver His promises, despite our vices. According to Pastor Jackson, here are 4 reasons why God give you VICTORY while in the valley:  POWER of the VALLEY (2 Chronicles 20:13-17)

1. Manipulate your perspective (2 Chronicles 20:16)
1. Valleys place you in a lower perspective which forces you to look up (v.12) The situation is forcing you to look up! Eyes not on the situation, but on GOD!
2. Manufacture some patience
1. God requires more from our lives; God requires us to hang in there to the end of the valley. One must ask...do you have enough trust to hang in there to see to the end? When one get to the end of the valley, you must stand there and BE STILL and WORSHIP HIM! The God that stations you, is the same god that sustains you.
3. Manifest His presence (2 Chronicles 20:17)
1. You have to see all sides of god. In the valley, you experience god's hands. In the valley, god put you in a situation for you to share your testimony with others about god.
4. Magnify your praise (2 Chronicles 20:20-22)
1. Jehoshaphat teaches us about praising god
1. Preparation for praise - they praised early in the morning
2. Place for praise - real praisers pray anywhere
3. Priority of praise - make pray/praise your priority
4. Power of praise -  praise god before the situation; god moves before your situation.

 Victory teaches one how to receive God; Vision teaches one to see God; Value teaches one how to pray and rely on God! While in the valley, one must realize the VALUE in the Valley (Psalm 23).

We've all heard Psalm 23 and have memorized the passage. My pastor explained this passage in such a way that I was blown away. David spent time in the valley(v.4). God gave David 3 things: Green Pastures, Geniune Peace and Godly Path

One may ask...how do you get out of the valley? According to Pastor Jackson, one must:

1. Keep moving through the valley
1. Keep moving forward. God has equipped you with everything you need to move forward
2. Manage your fear in the valley
1. A shadow denotes interference of light; something in the way of light. Your valley can't kill you!
3. Keep your mind on the feast after the valley
1. God has something waiting for you at the end of the valley. Keep your mind on what's at the end of the valley. Like a distance runner, you must equip yourself with the proper clothing, shoes and gear in efforts to keep your mind on the finish line. No matter how rough the valley appears or may be, god has something waiting for you.

The final lesson here is in Psalm 23,
God was...BEFORE David (as his shepherd) while he entered the valley (v.1-3)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.

God was WITH David while in the valley (v.4)
⁴ Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

God was BEHIND David out of the valley (v.5-6)

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Take the time today to thank God for the small things as well as the big things. Thank God for your valleys and struggles for you know that victory is waiting on you at the end. I thank HIM everyday and all day for the victories and trials.

 

 

Experience: Being Sick!

Today, I'm not feeling so good. I am exhausted and have no energy.

I thought today was Saturday...just a day off. 

I must retreat back to my bed for rest. No appetite, just gummy bears.

 

Enjoy: Technology is Key

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BEST FRIEND AND MY SISTER

MAKEBA DARDEN

Today, my best friend and sister, Makeba Darden was featured on the front page of the Miami Herald newspaper. Makeba, a graduate of University of Miami and current MBA candidate at University of Phoenix, is a Mathematics teacher at Norland Middle School in Miami Gardens, Florida. She's passionate about teaching students in the critical shortage area of Math. Makeba discussed how she move her students despite the lack of technology in the classroom. Makeba has maintained high standards when it comes to preparing her students for Florida's controversial Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).


Makeba Darden, Mathematics Teacher,
Norland Middle School

This article discuss how there's a lack of updated technology in Miami-Dade County Public School system and teachers uses antiquated technology to instruct students. On November 6th, Miami-Dade County residents will have the opportunity to vote on a spending plan for $1.2 billion bond issue. "Every Miami-Dade classroom would also get some kind of interactive device, like a SMART board, under the preliminary plan. Many educators say the digital boards make class more visual, allow multimedia-rich lessons and keep the attention of students, who can touch and manipulate the screen."

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/30/3028274/miami-dade-bond-issue-aims-to.html#storylink=cp

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/30/3028274/miami-e-bond-issue-aims-to.html#storylink=cpy

Again, congratulations to Makeba Darden!!!

Experience, The WedTin Experience!

Are you a bride? Know a bride? Are a Maid of Honor or Bridesmaid and you're looking for a wedding day emergency kit? If so, continue reading!  A new and exciting product just hit the web just in time for fall wedding season. The wait is over Chicas...welcome the WedTin™ Experience!!!!



Nadashi Marketing is so excited to announce the launch of their newest product, WedTin™ Bridal Emergency Tin.

What is WedTin™ ?

Whether it’s a safety pin or stain remover, turn to your WedTin, so your wedding can go off without a hitch. WedTin™ contains the most critical and common emergency tools to rescue a bride and her party on her WedTin day.the day.

No more are the days of dumping your maid of honor's designer bag or ransacking the hotel room for a safety pin or scissors. Turn to your very own WedTin Bridal Emergency Tin for all of your wedding day needs. 

 Order your WedTin Today!

WedTin Bridal Emergency Tin
Content

How much for Gratuity? ...TinSense Tip

WedTin Bridal Emergency Tin also come with what we call, "TinSense Tips." Let us enhance your WedTin experience with a few tips on the multiple uses of the content. Example: TinSense Tip# 1 - Vaseline. Can be used as lip gloss.

Every budget savvy bride would appreciate the tips...and if you have any additional tips that we could use love to hear from you.
 
Order your WedTin Today!
 

WedTin™ is the first product launched by Nadashi Marketing. WedTin™ was created based on the needs of some of our clients which may include brides and recording artists.
Recently, while planning a family member's wedding, the creation of WedTin was born!!!
My daughter came up with the name not bad for a spunky 12 year!!! If you haven't notice, WedTin is a play on the word wedding. I told you she was spunky.

For more information on WedTin Bridal Emergency Tin, visit our site www.wedtin.com or send and email for more information, info@wedtin.com.

 

What an experience...a WedTin Experience!!!

About Nadashi Marketing
Created by Miami-born sisters, Nadia and Natasha Sweeting, Nadashi Marketing was launched in the fall of 2010.  Nadashi Marketing is a rare combination of talents merging to create a dynamic business awesome-ship. We’re a marketing and branding boutique firm poised to assist businesses and entrepreneurs as they rise to the next level.
 

 

EVOLVE: National Association of Professional Women Newest Member: ME!!!

Evolving into the Professional Woman God made me to be
By: Nadia Sweeting

As of September 19th, I was accepted into the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)!  What an honor it is to be accepted into such a wonderful organization. As a NAPW member, I will enjoy the benefit of meeting other professional women, exchange ideas, attend webinars and the enjoyment of promoting my business, Nadashi Marketing, that I share with my sister-preneuer, Natasha.

I see big things in our future and being associated with such a great organization is a blessing. Stay tuned for what's on the horizon for Nadashi Marketing!

Check out my profile - Share this Profile


Evolving into a professional woman feels GREAT!

Experience & Evolve: MY BOOKSHELF...Produced by Faith by DeVon Franklin

What to do when you experience a career transition...read Produced by Faith

by Nadia Sweeting

September 13, 2012

Being unemployed is discouraging, having faith in God is ENCOURAGING!

As of September 9th, it made 7 months of being out of work. I like to term my situation as "transition" opposed to "unemployed" because I am in transition of a new career. I must admit I get pretty down and hard on myself with this area. Over the past 4 years, I've been unemployed 3 times...not a good stat!

After I apply for a position, I log it down on a Word document. I took a look at the amount of pages I have saved and it was starling. I have 97 pages worth of job postings that I've accumulated since July! I've applied to hundreds of jobs since being let go from my last position in February. This is so disappointing considering I am well-educated and experienced.  I apply for positions within and outside of my field and I am either over qualified or under qualified. To be honest, I am so confused. I've done all that was "required" of me....attend school obtain an education; work to provide for your family, but somewhere down the line I feel that I've crossed over to the wrong path. This path has led me to unemployment, layoffs and failed commitments. I am unsure whether it's my location, South Florida or my experience.

 

I approach each interview with positivity, great attitude and interest. I know that an interview is a 50/50 chance and when an employers view my resume, they interpret one thing opposed to reality. It was never my intentions to "job hop" as it has been mentioned to me, but my intentions were always to grow and prosper. If that's what most view as "job hopping" then I apologize. It's very hard for me to open up about my transition trials, but I know that I am not alone. I pray every day,all day that God make a move on my situation and in my favor.

I am single mother of one and I am her role model. I must continue to provide for her needs as well as mine. Today, it's an employer's market, not an employee's market. I thought about returning back to school to learn a new skill, but I have over $100K in school loans and it's not feasible for me to obtain another Master's degree. I am discounted from positions based on my education, so obtaining another degree would make it worse. I've had employers tell me that my experience is greater than what they are looking for...as a Marketing Coordinator and less than Director of Marketing. How do I process that information. I guess I became so immune to the excuses and results. Looking for work is a job, but I am in search of a career.

In the midst of the heartache and disappointment of not landing a job, I must continue to believe that this is all God's plan. Maybe I'm supposed to develop a new skill which I wouldn't be able to do while working...who knows. I want to work in order to be the provider for my child. She's an aspiring volleyball player- the next Destinee Hooker, Olympic Champion. It serves me heart good to see her participate in something she loves. Her passion inspires me to get up every morning and search, network, apply for jobs and follow up.

 

Produced By Faith
DeVon Franklin

During this transition period, I read a great book, Produced By Faith by DeVon Franklin. I highly recommend this book to everyone who's in "transition" between jobs. Franklin colorfully illustrates how your "spiritual career" journey parallels the steps involved in developing and producing a movie. "Career should be a spiritual pursuit, not just a physical or financial one." (page 15)

 

 

This book has opened my eyes to see that in spite of my setbacks and difficulties in my "spiritual career", God is ALWAYS in control when it seems as if we're out of control. As one receive the proverbial "pink slip", God is there to hand you favor. "The more you trust God to lead you to glory, even through layoffs and setbacks, conflicts and failed ideas, the more success and joy you will find." (page 18).

I pray daily that god continues to bless and guide me and my career. My sanctuary is the bathroom - this is one of the only places (besides the beach) where my connection to God is at its greatest.  The bathroom is the place where I hear God speak to me as clear to my heart. Franklin mentions how "we should stop, quiet our minds and listen to God's voice speaking to us." God whispered to start a business, Nadashi Marketing, with my sister, Natasha. During my transition period, trusting God's plan to leap into a venture with his favor and blessings, is imperative. It's imperative that everyone take the time to read this book and your bible.

All of my fellow Career Transitioners listen up!  During my transition period, God has been my rock. This book was my reassuring to me in respect that it's OK to be in "transition." Majority of successful people experienced "transitions" and bouts of unemployment.  I wanted to share a few highlights from Produced By Faith. I am an avid highlighter when I read and I've taken the liberty of pointing out some pages for you to pay attention to:

Pages: 47, 99-101
Pages: 115-119, 148-149(I wrote all over those pages)
Pages: 177-8, 187, 212, 214

 

  

 

CHAPTER 14 - You, The Sequel- is the most important and direct piece of writing.







 

 

JUST READ THE ENTIRE BOOK!!!

Enjoy: Feeling Funny

Today, I wanted to post some of the most underrated funny movie scenes. I gravitate to the most obscure and find the smallest and unnoticed scene as funny and memorable. The following clips are just a few of millions that I feel deserve a spot on my "Feeling Funny Movie Clips"!

Movie: Mr. Bean

Scene: Flipping off- Hilarious

Evolve: Finding Myself

I came across this article while on Oprah.com.  I will start mediating and become more aware of self. Who's in with me to mediate today?

 

True Intimacy: How to Let Someone Really See You

By: Ed and Deb Shapiro

 

Photo: Thinkstock

Meditation enables you to accept discomfort instead of trying to smooth over or deny the bumps. You can accept embarrassment and shame, gently embracing whatever is there. Accepting yourself as you are is immensely liberating. As one of our teachers said, "Never be embarrassed by yourself."

Accepting and Loving Yourself!
Find a comfortable place to sit with your back straight and close your eyes.

Become aware of your breath. Silently repeat three times: "I am aware that I am breathing." Your breath is your best friend...the closer you are to your breath, the greater the feeling of inner peace.

Now bring awareness to your physical body. Silently repeat three times: "I am aware of the whole of my body." Visualize your body as if it were a temple...you live in this temple your whole life...know that your body is a blessing, a great gift.

Now focus awareness to the center of your heart...breathe into this space, into your heartspace...your heart is like a beautiful flower opening in the sun. Silently repeat three times: "I am aware of my heart opening."

Your life is a gift to be cherished...treasure yourself always. Silently repeat: "My breath is my friend...my body is my temple...my heart is open and loving."

When you are ready, take a deep breath and open your eyes.

Ed and Deb Shapiro are the authors of Be The Change, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World. They are featured weekly contributors to Oprah.com, HuffingtonPost.com and Care2.com. Ed and Deb write Sprint's The Daily CHILLOUT inspirational text messages. They have three meditation CDs: Metta: Loving Kindness and Forgiveness, Samadhi: Breath Awareness and Insight and Yoga Nidra: Inner Conscious Relaxation. Deb is also the author of the best-selling book Your Body Speaks Your Mind, winner of the 2007 Visionary Book Award.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Let-Someone-See-You/3#ixzz24yYz8SlK

My Birthday Goodies Continued!!!

My Birthday Goodies continued...

 

My sisters treated me to a great dinner at SoLita Las Olas. 


SoLita Las Olas Menu



 

    










Located at 1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., SoLita has the best Italian food in town. SoLita has amazing food, lack back atmosphere with great drinks music. The DJ was slammin' ( hope I did not age myself :)
I had their grilled chicken Caesar salad- it's to die for!!! Check out some pictures our delicious meals 


Chicken Alfredo



            

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad



Add caption



 

 

 The drinks were AWESOME!

 

At the end of the night, the SoLita staff all gathered around our table and sang happy Birthday to me. Having Italian men sing to me...want a birthday goodies! I was presented with my birthday dessert...Chocolate cheesecake with truffles. The crust was superb! A must must try!!!! 

 

   

 

It was a beautiful birthday!

 

 

 

Birthday Goodies!!!

I love love love GOODIES....and my family and friends are well aware that I LOVE GOODIES!!!

My sister bought me a bottle of wine and the BESTEST- yes I said BESTEST - cupcakes ever in the world....Misha's Cupcakes.



Misha's Mini Cupcake

The owner, Misha, has a wonderful and cute business in Miami. Everytime I go to Miami, I make it my business to stop by Misha's to grab a cupcake or two, or three or twelve. Not to mention, Misha and I were high school classmates - Go Cavaliers!

My second goody was given to me by a family friend owns a jewelry business, For Women With Style. The owner, Dee, customized my Lady In Red..Earrings just for me.

 She customize each jewelry piece to your request. The jewelry speaks to women with style and who has a flare to dare!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Smooches!

 

E-Cubed! It's My Birthday

Happy Birthday To ME!!!!!

 

 

I thank God for granting me another year on this earth.

and since I am not the best singer, I found this cute video of cute characters to sing Happy Birthday to me!!!!

 

Happy Birthday to all the August 22nd-ers 

Kristen Wiig ,Comedian 

 

Best Scenes ever!!...

 

 

 

And happy birthday in advance to the August 23rd-ers

Kobe Bryant

Jeremy Lin

 

God's Allowance: Paying "Child Support"

My Heavenly Father pays His child support...now I know you're thinking God paying child support...let me continue reading this must be good! God has a baby mama!!! I play off the words "Child support" because we are all God's children. Child support as we know it is... "is an ongoing, periodic payment made by a parent for the financial benefit of a child following the end of a marriage or other relationship. " but my heavenly Father pays a great deal of ongoing support to all of my spiritual needs with no limitations. My god, my father pay his child support not in monetary form, but in spiritual form.


I was inspired to write this post when God spoke softly to my heart. God often speaks to me the most while I'm in the bathroom. Now, I am quite sure I am not the only one who experiences God's sweet and definitive voice while in the shower. I feel renewed and inspired with every intention to overcome whatever negative feeling I may have at the time. I feel comforted like a parent comforts a child. God provides support when I feel unsupported. God provides his child support when the world seems to be against you. Just like a child would turn to their mother or father for support or answers to pressing issues. 

"and I will be a father to you,

and you shall be sons and daughters to me,

says the Lord Almighty.”- 2 Corinthians 6:18

During church, my pastor preached a sermon on the advantage of having an altar and how God prioritize his children and we should all prioritize God first in our life. My pastor referenced the following bible passage referring to protection of the Lord,  Psalm 91

• God's increased favor in your life is greater than increased finance
• God will give you compensation for our frustration
• My pastor used a term that best describes God's support for his children...P.I.P - not Personal Injury Protection but Proverbial Insurance Protection

To all of my brothers and sisters, just know that we have a loving and merciful Father who support His children every morning and night.

Happy Birthday Whitney Houston

Honoring a musical genius, Whitney Houston

Gone but not forgotten

Miss you!

Life is a precious gift, you've earned your angel wings.

No more spotlights, cameras or negative press.

Now you're living your life free with your Heavenly Father

God's Allowance: Study Time

Study The Word More and Pray More

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I strengthen you and help you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." ~ Isaiah 41:10-20

 

I had a dream and in this dream the bible verse 2 Timothy 3:17 was revealed to me  clear as day. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: "¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

I was puzzled as to what God was trying to reveal to me. Everyone that knows me, knows that I am a master researcher and believe in conducting research prior to any purchase, ideas or questions one may have. So I took to the Internet for clarity or further interpretation of the word.

And BOOM it hit me....God wants me to pay more attention to Him and He wants me to focus my attention on Him and his word. I thank God for the smallest things. I thank god for the smallest things ... my first $20 earned selling my possessions on Ebay... God is ever present in my life. God subconsciously revealed to me that I need to turn to his words.

Seek comfort in the word for whatever is troubling me. God allows you to go through difficult times or go without in attempts for you to rely on His powers opposed to relying on your own understanding and will. God may want you to learn that you need him more than your heart's desires. At the moment, things seem to be piling up for me. I've been out of work for 6 months/actively seeking employment, bills are present, my daughter is going through minor medical treatments and I'm trying to launch a business with my sister. It's easy for me to experience discouragement and anxiety. I pray everyday and all day that God make moves on my situation and to continue to hold my hand during this self-proclaim difficult time.  I am inspired by your mercy Lord on my soul.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you ~Psalm 37:5

 I read the bible frequently, but now the bible is means more than turning to it on Sundays. The bible is food for my soul. God has his ways of grabbing my attention and this time He chose to reveal himself through my dream. I admit that I get frustrated with my current situation but God has never let me down and has ALWAYS been on time...to rescue me from me and whatever evils of discouragement, loneliness, anxiety, fear, depression and confusion that may be present. I will turn more to meditate on god's word when I feel discouraged, uninspired, sad, happy, inspired and glad.

"When trouble strikes, don't get frustrated with God. Instead, admit that you need God's help and thank him for being by your side"  ~Psalm 34:18-19

God has spoken to my heart millions of time and I feel this time is God's way of telling me - don't let the world's problem be your problem. Be still and listen to me and know that I have your best interest and I know that your future is brighter than any star in the universe. Seek me, talk to me ,  

The best way I could summarize my use of  God's Allowance: Study Time is through song. I love Yolanda Adam's song, "Bestill" and it best sums up my dream and the message God wanted to teach me. Be still and listen to his word

 


Slow down come closer, listen...
It's been a long time since we've
Gotten together like this.
And I really miss you.
I told you you could talk to me
But it's easy for you I see
For you to rush and get in a hurry
To be anxious and to worry.
Instead of coming to me,
And remaining in my safety.
You'd rather do it all yourself
But you know you need my help...

Your best is in my hands, your success is in my plan
With tenderness I speak to you, in restfulness I keep you
I'll wash your fears away so doubt can never stay
When I stand strong in you, I give you power to renew
But You never take the time out,
Sit in silence and to find out
I've always been right here, waiting on you to come near me

Dreams are direct reflections of the soul. God softly whispers his instructions and plans to your heart. As Yolanda Adams said....

Sit in silence and to find out
I've always been right here, waiting on you to come near me

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act."      ~ Psalm 37:7

My prayer: May god bless you and me as we experience life, enjoy the ups and down and evolve into the person god wants and desires for us to be. I love you Lord!

~Experience.Enjoy.Evolve....Love!

Pilates Reformer Experience

My Pilates Reformer Experience

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.  ~ Unknown

Pilates Reformer at In2Fitness Gym- Pembroke Pines!

Today, I had the awesome privilege of partaking in my very first pilates reformer exercise class with Christine DeStefano of TransForm Pilates Studios . Classes are held within the In2Fitness gym Pembroke Pines.

I was joined in class with 3 other ladies ( 2 advanced and 1 fairly new to pilates reformer. For a newbie, I did pretty darn good hanging in there with the more advanced pilates reformer students.

I have always been interested in pilates and the art form of stretching as exercise. I have to be honest, I was sort of prepped for such an engaging and intense exercise due to my workouts with my chiropractor (a.k.a. "drill Sargent" just kidding...I love him to pieces- the parts that are not sore after our workout). I am used to engaging the core and tons and tons of abs exercising and balancing using the bosu ball. The only difference is the pilates reformer machine MOVES! when you may not necessarily be ready to move.

The reformer is comprised of: a "carriage" - bed-like movable flat board;  multi-colored springs - spring tension; and a pulley system. The reformer is designed to increase flexibility, posture, strengthen the core and overall balance.

Pilates reformer benefits:

1. Overall strengthen of core (abs, buttocks, thighs, etc.)
2. Increase flexibility and movement
3. Improve overall posture
4. Relief from pain associated physical ailments such as lower back

There are probably more benefits, but as I continue with my pilates reformer classes, I will be able to lengthen the list - OR  I will leave it up to the experts to explain the benefits.

Here are some of the exercises Christine engaged the class in today:

• The footwork - purpose: to stretch the lower back and engage the feet
• Heels on the bar - purpose: to stretch and "wake up" the lower back and heels
• Short box - round back - purpose: to engage the abs and pelvis by forming a c- curve with your back
• "Goal Post" - purpose: to engage the core (abs) by pulling the straps with one hand up to a point and then release to form a football goal post.
• Short box- Flat back with pole - purpose: to engage abs, obliques and core to improve posture. It's very important to breathe - inhale/exhale.....oohhh ahhhh , oohhh ahhhh!
• Torso rotation  - "stirring the pot" - purpose: to engage obliques and abs while on pulling the straps in a circular motion and return with arm close to body.
• Side lying abduction - purpose: to strengthen the hip and butt muscles. Lie on carriage- butt towards the back - place your foot in the strap and bend the alternate leg. Proceed to stretch the leg straight and then pull forward in front of your body (my description). You will feel this burn in your buns!!!  A good bun burn!!! 

The reason I sought pilates reformer as a new form of exercising was due to my severe lower back pain that I've experienced for years since my car accident. 

My broken foot x-ray

In 2005, I was involved a car accident which resulted in me suffering a broken right foot. 3 surgeries and 4 screws later, I now experience sciatica.  According to Mayo Clinic, Sciatica ..."usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes."

With all other options expended, I wanted to try something new...reformer pilates it is! I can't wait until my next class.  I will keep you posted with my progress!!!!

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. ~Seneca

~Smooches!

April Raquel Blue Martini Industry Monday Music Showcase

BLUE MARTINI- MARY BRICKELL VILLAGE

Industry Mondays!

April Raquel Music Showcase at Blue Martini - Mary Brickell Village

Hola Chicas and Chicos....

Nadashi Marketing and April Raquel has teamed up again to work on another awesome project.

April Raquel, South Florida's R&B Rock Soultress, has requested Nadashi Marketing to create another slamming flyer to promote her upcoming musical showcase.  Nadashi Marketing absolutely LOVE working with April - an artist who's not afraid to try something new and it shows in her craft and marketing efforts.

On Monday, July 16th at 9:30pm, Blue Martini - Mary Brickell Village is hosting their world famous "Industry Mondays" where local artists showcase their talents on stage.

Nadashi Marketing is SO excited to support local talent and most of all excited to show major support to our most talented client, Ms. April Raquel!!!

Here's a clip of one of April Raquel's live onstage performance of Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" at BB King's West Palm Beach. Enjoy!

...Looking so "Crazy in Love"...got me lookin', got me lookin' so Crazy in Love!!!

About Nadashi Marketing

Created by Miami-born sisters, Nadia and Natasha Sweeting, Nadashi Marketing was launched in the fall of 2010. Nadashi Marketing is a rare combination of talents merging to create a dynamic business awesome-ship. We’re a marketing and branding boutique firm poised to assist businesses and entrepreneurs as they rise to the next level.