more than a cupcake

I posted this on my Instagram (@emvalerioti) a few weeks ago.  It was a huge moment for me, one that I am still proud of.  It also is so prominent because Melissa Hartwig, Whole30 headmistress herself, gave me positive affirmations on my food freedom story, and approved of my selection of cupcake with the “proper cupcake to frosting ratio.”  Love. Love.  Love.  I don’t have celeb crushes really, Robert Downey Jr. aside, but I do have some serious author/blogger crushes.  Melissa being one of them.  Keep reading to read my original post on Instagram, word for word and see a pic of when I met Melissa two months ago, eep!

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opening open day | crossfit & goals

There is this thing.  It occurs every year, and it happens every week for five weeks beginning the end of February (today) to March.  It is known by those who are familiar with CrossFit as “The Open.”  Dun dun dun… It brings a crazy mix of feelings ranging from fear, excitement, nervousness, motivation, etc.  For those unfamiliar with the CrossFit world, it’s pretty much five surprise workouts announced weekly that brings together the CrossFit community.  It is incredible in that sense.  Community is huge in CrossFit.  Personally speaking, my gym and every coach, member, dog, etc. in it, do not just fall into the category of “fitness,” but also “friendship.”  The Open magnifies this experience globally.  That’s right.  I said, globally. 

a year can change you

A lot can happen in a year.  2015 has been my year that is without a doubt. I have grown in so many ways and really nailed down what I stand for and who I want to strive to become.  Of course, I am going to give you all a run down of how exactly how I have changed for the better this year, and you will get to see fun pics of some highlights of this year’s adventures with my friends, but to leave it at that would just be unfair.  Unfair because I am not the only one on this planet that has changed this year.  Every one of us has had an adventurous year for certain.

defending a passion

If you’re passionate about something, and I mean really passionate about something, you pursue it through all ends of the Earth.  You stand for it.  You believe in it.  You defend it.  This “something” can take many forms whether it be a career, hobby, person, etc.  For me, this something is Crossfit.  

my personal sauna

The flooding is gone and the mosquitos, humidity and heat are here!  Confession: I love the heat and the humidity.  Call me crazy, but I am in my element.  I have been taking advantage of the weather for my workouts for sure.  Even if it is high noon or 3pm, I will get my booty outside.  The sun, heat and humidity doesn’t bother me, I just make sure I am hydrated.  The mosquitos on the other hand…those things can just evaporate.  Anyway…be sure to hydrate and eat a good breakfast like…