In August my husband and I ventured to the southwest part of our state, North Carolina, for a much-needed few days in the mountains. While I have been to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Asheville and Boone areas, I had never been south of Asheville. And visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been on my destination bucket list for several years. To stay the least, this visit didn't Continue Reading
10 must-know things for your first exercise class
It's natural to be nervous your first time going to a new group exercise class. The unknown is always scary. But never fear, I'm here to give you the insider scoop! For the secrets you need to know to help you feel comfortable and be successful, see my story on the Blue Cross NC blog, "10 must-know things for your first exercise class." Read story Sponsored by Blue Cross NC Continue Reading
Review: DEXA Scan for body fat, muscle and bone testing
Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary DEXA scan in exchange for my honest review. As a fitness professional who works with clients who want to lose weight and increase strength, I often emphasize the importance of body composition rather than relying solely on the scale as a means of measuring progress. The scale just doesn't tell you the whole story. For that reason, we always take Continue Reading
VIDEO: How to pick blueberries + Lemon-Blueberry Muffins recipe
It's blueberry season! Last weekend, I did something I'd been wanting to do for a few years now -- blueberry picking. We have a number of u-pick farms in my area. I chose Minka Farm in Efland, N.C. I had the pleasure of visiting this lovely place on the Piedmont Farm Tour -- see my story here. Since it's my first time picking, I thought I'd contact the farm owner for some tips on what to do Continue Reading
10 awesome hikes in the Triangle
Here are some of my favorite beautiful places in North Carolina's Triangle area to enjoy a healthy walk. All of them have free admission and are open year-round. Wake County William B. Umstead State Park – There’s something for everyone at this expansive park. It offers 22 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian and mountain biking. Trailheads on both sides of the park—accessible from Continue Reading
Photo tour: A winter hike at Blackwood Farm Park in Hillsborough, NC
Today, my son and I took the opportunity of a beautiful, mild Saturday morning to visit one of Orange County's newer parks, Blackwood Farm Park. Located next to I-40 between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, N.C., the park is 152 acres of forest trails and open spaces situated on an historic farm property. There are currently four miles of hiking trails, a picnic shelter with tables, and a pond Continue Reading