Author Archives: barrebabe

Gwendolina Ballerina

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OK, so hence follows gratuitous posting about my amazing kid.
Move along quickly if you feel nauseous!

Our sweet girly!

Those of us who are parents all have them… amazing kids.
They are beautiful, smart, fun, and some of the greatest souls we will ever wish to know and be associated with.

For those of you who don’t know, Gwennie is 5.
Yesterday, we got to have our first parent/teacher conference with her Kindergarten teacher.
She got a glowing report and so much positive feedback, my heart positively swelled with pride and joy.

Naturally I was thrilled with the fact that she is right on target for where she should be learning-wise.
She recognises certain sight words and “chunks”, so she is starting to read and write little sentences.
Her art work is phenomenal. Her teacher spoke about the fact that Gwennie loves to paint and colour and takes a lot of time and effort into making her pieces perfect.
I still think we owe a lot of credit to her preschool teacher who was outstanding in the art department (amongst other things).
We have so many fabulous works of art from our little munchkin already framed and proudly displayed about the house; her rendition of
The Girl with the Pearl Earring and Van Gogh’s Starry Night, amongst other beauties.

But the main topic that touched my heart (and made me teary) was when G’s Kindergarten teacher proudly shared that Gwennie has the most amazing social skills.
She told us that G is a kind-hearted and happy little girl… Ms. H. feels so blessed to have her in her class… and that she is sweet and dear to everyone she meets.
She is known for her loving hugs… no matter if you are a girl or boy, she has one for you.
If she is playing with a friend and sees someone alone, she invites them over to join in the group.
She loves everyone and is kind to all.
I am so proud of that.
I personally always strive to be the kind of person that I would like to be friends with myself (if that makes sense).
I have tried to impart that upon Gwennie. Not that it was a difficult thing to do, because she has a loving heart by nature and needs no encouragement.
Bill is a gentle soul also and is very wise and thoughtful with Gwennie. I know it sends a huge message.
I know how she is at home with us and she is sweet, kind, easy , and thoughtful. She always wants to please and is a great helper.
You can’t help but wonder how they are when they are out of sight in the care of others, so to hear that she is exactly the same wherever the location, just makes me so proud of her.
I feel so honoured to say that my daughter truly is a good person… inside and out.

Angel Face!

Yes, I am totally gloating! No, I don’t really take any credit, because I truly think we got lucky.
She is just a great kid and I think we made some very good decisions so far with her schooling.
She was surrounded by love and nurturing in her preschool and had some wonderful teachers there.
Gwennie still talks about her past preschool teacher, Mrs. F. She misses her and often brings her up in conversation.
That just shows me what a difference amazing teachers make in a child’s life.

Gwennnie’s current teacher in Kindergarten seems so sweet and sincere and patient also. I am so grateful to her for being so diligent and kind with our little fairy.

So, I guess apart from going on about how wonderful my child is, I am also giving a huge shout out to the wonderful teachers out there who make such a difference in our children’s lives.

Thank you for helping us parents out, dear teachers. You are so worth your weight in gold!

A week (or two) in September

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I have been itching to write a post for a while now but life just gets in the way! I have had so many topics in my head depending on the day and my mood.
I guess now will be a mish-mash of thoughts and happenings!

What’s going on?

Spent a lovely mini-weekend with my beloved Bar Method Babes.
Karen (the boss from heaven) treated us all to a retreat at an idyllic location in New Smyrna Beach in honour of our 1 year anniversary of the Winter Park location.
We all met up at the house, which was tucked away up a country lane surrounded by beautiful fields, after lunch on Saturday.
We took part in some team building exercises, which were a lot of fun.
Karen, generous as ALWAYS, gave each of us a gift of a framed group pictures and she had made hilarious Paper Plate Awards for each and every one of us.
Mine was: Most Likely to Get Anyone to Do Anything Just by Opening Her Mouth!
Then it was time to get our fun on! Trish had made a wonderful welcome cocktail with Malibu and Pineapple Juice (and other special secret Trish ingredients!!!!). It was perfect!
Then the wine bottles were cracked open. We all made pizza together. Ellen was our Pro Pizza Maker… she had us all in fits as she rolled and flipped and spun the dough around like a true Italian!
I have the most beautiful memories of this amazing group of women, each so different in looks, style, background, and personality, as they all came together and just laughed and laughed and laughed.
I have some great videos of our weekend, which I won’t share here… anyone who wasn’t there probably wouldn’t truly “get it” anyway… but for us girls, it was a great memory to keep and we all said how much we rolled around just watching the footage again.
We played a game into the wee hours…. Ellen brought it and I forget the name, but it was something like “Guesstures”… a type of Charades. It was absolutely raucous and hilarious!
We all cozied up and slept a little before congregating in the kitchen once more for breakfast and more giggles.
It was a great bonding experience and we really missed the ladies who were not able to make it… Kendra, Kelly, Morgan, Fionaaaaaaa, and Suzanne.
A huge thanks to Karen for making it all happen. Once gain, I am blown away by this amazing family that I am so lucky to be a part of.

The Bar Method Winter Park 1 Year Anniversary Retreat

Talking of families, I want to give kudos to my darling husband, who still amazes me every day with his supportive nature and actions.
Bill held the fort whilst I went away for a night. As typical as life is in throwing its curve-balls, his shop was broken into on Saturday night.
Thankfully our BFF James was in town staying at our house and so he watched Gwennie whilst Bill drove in to town to meet with the Sheriff.
Really, really fortunate, else it would have been an even more difficult situation for Bill.

I feel very blessed to be surrounded by such good people. Bill has just been amazing with my new work commitments.
Obviously, as the owner of a successful business, he is the bread-winner in the family. For me to work, it had to fit around his schedule.
However, he has been so kind, supportive, and helpful to me. It has been a transition to go from stay-at-home Mum to back-in-the-workforce Mum.
We live out in the sticks and to get G to school and go to work means driving around 60 miles a day. I get up at 5am most days during the week.
I spend about 2 hours in my car every day. Sometimes more.
I have to admit, I was feeling a little burned out last week.
Even though he works all hours, Bill immediately jumped in and offered to take G to school an extra couple of mornings this week so that I could have an extra hour or so in bed.
I appreciate it so much… it truly is the little things that mean so much. I am so lucky to have such a great husband/friend.
He has thrown himself into his new workout regime and has spent 4 mornings this week working out with his TRX personal trainer.
I’m really proud of him, because I know he does not love working out!

Bill & Gwennie at Daddy Daughter Donut Day

Gwennie continues to enjoy her new school life.
I did laugh this week as she came home informing me that her class is raising money to adopt a manatee.
She thought that adopting a manatee meant that said manatee would come and live with us… in our pool… or pond across the road.
I had to explain that the money raised to “adopt” the manatee would just go towards caring for him in his natural habitat.
Cue sweet disappointed face!
She is all fired up to go back to Sea World and visit the manatees there though.
I am looking forward to less humid days so that we can get back into visiting some of the parks on a weekend. So much fun!

Dear Kate is still the matriarch of the house. I hate watching her start to struggle with her stiff back legs.
She doesn’t seem to be in pain, but it is an effort for her to get up after being laid down for a while.
I loathe that she is getting older. She will be 13 at Christmas. I wish we could press the pause button.

Sweet old lady, Kate!

Photo Shoot by Debbie Cirillo

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We had some photos taken in the Winter Park studio last week.
The Winter Park and Dr. Philips crew joined forces for some group shots that will be used on the websites.

Cayce’s friend Debbie Cirillo did a great job for us!
Here are some of the pictures….

Beautiful Cayce and her amazing arms!

Bicep curls!

Push-ups

Thigh- 2nd position

Stretch at the Bar Level 2

Stretch at the Bar

Reverse push-ups

Beth’s beautiful arms!

The gorgeous Danielle and I demonstrate Round-Back

Flat-Back!!!

Sweet Karen!

Reverence

The best bosses in the world! Cayce Hurley and Karen Moreno

My beautiful and talented coworkers! Top row from L to R: Caitlin, Kendra, Mimi & Trish. Bottom row L to R: Kelly, Danielle, Ellen, Karen, me, Cayce, & Beth.

More amazing news for The Bar Method of Central Florida!

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I heard some great news this morning. Cayce Hurley (co-owner of the upcoming The Bar Method Dr. Philips and current instructor at Winter Park) has been asked by Burr Leonard to be a part of an Advisory Panel at The Bar Method HQ to use her knowledge as a Physical Therapist to assist with technique and modifications.

I can’t tell you how proud I am of Cayce! She totally deserves this position. Cayce is extremely knowledgeable about matters of the physical body and it has been such a blessing to have her wisdom to turn to on many occasions at work.

Wow! What a team I work with! All of my coworkers are amazing and exceptional women. They each have something unique and special to offer. I am so honoured to work with them and learn from them!

The amazing Cayce, with equally fabulous instructors Danielle and Trish in the background.

Car Seat Safety

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A comment was made to Gwennie by one of the teachers at her school yesterday, whilst she was getting into the car at car pool line.
It really got me thinking and inspired me to write.

Teacher: “Do you have a baby at home? Or are you the baby?”
Gwennie: “No? Why do you ask that?”
Teacher: “Because you have a baby seat instead of a big girl seat.”

Gwennie is 5 years old. She weighs 39lbs. In my car she travels in a forward-facing convertible car-seat with a 5-point harness.
She has a booster seat in my husband’s car.

The reason I haven’t put her in a booster seat in my car is because she still fits perfectly into the car-seat…. she can strap herself in easily, which is very useful during busy car pool when I can’t leap out to help her, plus, despite the fact she is already 5 years old, she is not yet 40Lbs which is the recommended weight (along with the age of 4 years) to move up to a booster seat.

Honestly, I think the 5-point harness is much a safer dealio. Gwennie is very petite and I am not entirely comfortable with her being in a booster seat yet. Also, her convertible car-seat is made to hold her up until she weighs 70lbs. I notice that in some States they require that a child stay in a forward-facing car-seat between the ages of 4-7 years.

I wish I was a little quicker with my wit and tongue. I was rather taken aback when this faculty member made fun of G being in a “baby seat” still. In fact, she made me feel a bit of an idiot and rather inferior, until I had time to think about why I choose to keep G in a car-seat. Let’s face it, she mostly rides with me and we drive 25 miles each way to school every day in rush-hour traffic. Personally, I think she looks and feels a lot more comfortable in her car-seat… plus it is a heck of a lot safer.

Fortunately for me, Gwennie was unperturbed by the comments made. I would have been cross if she had suddenly decided that she didn’t want to be in her seat anymore because of some thoughtless remarks!

What do you think??? Am I being a helicopter mum?

God… are you there?

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Those of you who have ever had children know that they come out with the most amazing and funniest things on a daily basis.
Usually several times a day in fact!

Here’s another one of Gwennie’s classics.

We played outside by the pool for an hour this afternoon.
I was feeling pretty weary and begged a few minutes peace whilst I laid on the sunbed.
Gwennie decided to busy herself with the pool brush.

G: “I’m cleaning, Mummy!”
Me: “Oh thank you! You are such a good helper.”

Much huffing and puffing followed and then…

G: *sigh* “I wish I had some help… not you though, Mummy! I know you are tired!”

A little more huffing and puffing, followed by…

G: “God? Are you there?”

Wow.

My little bathing belle!

Don’t call my name, Alejandro!

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Gwennie’s first week at Kindergarten seems to be going well. She has re-bonded with a little friend she made at her other preschool. G and Lilly are not in the same class at Kindy, but they see each other most days on the playground. I think it’s pretty sweet that they have resumed their friendship despite having not seen each other for a year!

G came home yesterday and said, “Mummy… you know that Lady Gaga song, Alejandro?”
Me: “Yes!”
G: “There’s an Alejandro in my class!” Cue cheeky smile.
Me: “Yes, I remember!”
G: “Well, I’m going to ask him to marry me tomorrow. Will you help me write him a letter to ask him?”
Me: “Don’t you think you should wait a week or so to see if he really is a nice person and the man you want to spend the rest of your life with?”
G: “Nope. I want him.”

Wow.

I managed to get out of writing the letter… for now! But we did have to sing the song over and over in the car on the way home!

After school today…..

G: “I asked Alejandro to marry me.”
Me: “And? What did he say?”
G: “Nothing! He just stood there! So rude!” (Poor little guy was rendered speechless!!!!)
Me: “Aha! So maybe he isn’t the right guy for you then?”
G: “Nah! He’s still cute. I still want to marry him!”

Yikes!

He is pretty cute though!

Day of Hope

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Sunday August 19th 2012 marks the 4th anniversary of the founding of Christian’s Beach. Since that day we have remembered over 15,700 babies and children down on the shore of Mullaloo Beach Western Australia. We wanted to mark this anniversary of Christian’s Legacy beginning by doing something special. August 19th is about honouring and remembering the lives of babies and children that could not stay with us. By doing this we are speaking out about the death of babies and children.

August 19th is a day to break down the walls of society that keep pregnancy, infant and child loss a hush hush subject. People view the death of a baby as just a sad thing that happened. These babies that die are not sad things that happen. They are people, much loved and wanted children. They are brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandsons and granddaughters.

August 19th is about openly speaking about these children and celebrating their short lives.

By having this special day once a year we get people speaking about pregnancy, infant and child loss. And by doing this we break those walls down so that people are not afraid to speak about these children anymore.

If you would like to show your support to this day please use one of our awareness images that can be found through my albums page here on facebook http://www.facebook.com/CarlyMarieProjectHeal/photos. You can use the images on your own blog or website. Please feel welcome to post one of our awareness images as your profile picture on your favourite social media website!

Please feel welcome to share your babies and children’s names/photographs/stories on the event wall.

With much love and blessings to you all,

CarlyMarie

In Loving Memory of Christian Dudley and Hope Angel Heppleston

http://carlymarieprojectheal.com/

In loving memory of our sweet Henry James who was taken from us too soon on October 2nd 2009 at only 16 weeks.

Why do I love The Bar Method?

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So I write about it a lot. I’m an instructor so of course I am invested. But I am sure some of you are wondering, “What is so great about this Bar Method malarkey?”

I’m inspired to tell you why. My life changed the day I walked in to the Winter Park studio last September.
The change has been a 101% positive one.

Not only have I gained an amazing workout that makes me feel good about myself and has changed my body in ways that I never imagined possible, but I love the fact that I am learning every single day that I am in the studio…. AND I have the benefit of being surrounded by wonderful instructors/friends whose wisdom I try to glean on every occasion, and our clients, whose hard work and dedication always keep me inspired to better myself as an instructor.

It doesn’t matter whether you take a class with a seasoned instructor or a new one. Today, I took Cayce’s community class. Freshly certified is dear Cayce. I LOVE taking her class. She is a physical therapist so is extremely knowledgeable about the body and I love how she explains the exercises and their benefits during class. I also love her sense of humour and wit. She cracks me up! Her choreography today was perfect. It was simple yet soooooooo hard! I love that! She taught Foldover for seat and exerted a neat choreography… ueber simple, yet totally bum-whipping… that had my glutes still shaking whilst trying to grip them during curl. OUCH!

I love walking out of a peer’s class thinking, “That was brilliant! I am going to learn from that and use it in one of my classes!”

But let me back up. Why do I love The Bar Method?

I was a dancer for 26 years… 11 of those professionally. When I stopped dancing, I still had a huge desire to stay fit and keep in shape.
I tried the whole gym rat thing and was uninspired. I love yoga and have taught it… but I love it more as a form of meditation and stretching of the mind and body.

The Bar Method has helped me to discover muscles that I didn’t know I even had.
It satisfies my love of dance… it helps you to be elegant and achieve gorgeous posture.
It satisfies my needs to have toned muscles… the hour-long workout works every muscle in the body to fatigue and then stretches them out after each intense exercise.
It satisfies my need to meditate…. I get “into the zone” during every class. Eyes shut, often with a grimace on my face, and clear, precise breathing…. I am taken away to another plane.
By the time I walk out of class, I am proud that I have made it through the hour and have worked to my greatest capacity.

People are always fascinated when they hear about the hard training that each Bar Method instructor has to go through.
An intensive week long training with a Master Teacher. Then a good 4-6 months post-training at the studio. Three written exams. Community classes and a video evaluation.
And even when you do become certified (and oh it is a joyous event!) then as instructors and as a studio, we get together every week to discuss the Method… to be sure we are doing things correctly and to soak up wisdom from Head Office.

The Bar Method is safe. It is good for you and it is healthy. We are trained to make modifications for any students with injuries or issues. The Method has been formulated together with Burr Leonard and physical therapists to be certain it is completely safe for the human body.

We pay attention and give individualised focus to very single student in the class…. during EVERY class. Usually several times during the class.

I refer to Burr as “God”! I know it sounds cheeky… but she is our guru. She is so knowledgeable and has the most amazing experience and history behind her.
She worked with Lotte Burke and then went on to form The Bar Method so meticulously with great attention to detail.
This is no fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants workout. This is a methodically thought-out and produced exercise regime.
And quite frankly, it works. Ask any client.

My body is addicted to it! I love how it has strengthened and sculpted my muscles.
And I love how it never gets old or any easier! It just gets harder and more challenging every day.

Today I was excited. I had a Bar Method breakthrough and was able to put my own note up on the pinboard. I completed 40 push-ups on the balls of my feet.
(In all my life, I have never been able to do more than 3… pre-The Bar Method.)
My dear friend Trish and fellow instructor said, “Hey! One for each year of your life!” If this is what 40 is all about doing The Bar Method…. then bring on 50 and 60!!!

Thank you, The Bar Method! You are the absolute bees knees! You have given me joy, a better body, a daily challenge, and some of the best friends and co-workers EVER!