Power Walk approximately one hour with Debra Mazda at 6:15 PM today (Tuesday March 11) and 6:00 AM Wednesday March 12. NOTE: Wednesday Power Walk is at 6:00 AM not PM…for you earlybirds. Both dates, weather permitiing. Meet outside at Vitality Fitness Center located at 2439 S. Broad Street in South Philly. - Pre-register for the CurvyGirl Broad Street Run Walking Challenge scheduledon Saturday May 4, 2008 - Wear walking sneakers - Bring anyone you want - See Debra for registration Also, 4 mile Power Walk this Saturday and Sunday! See online calendar for details. Debra

Hi CurvyGirls, I have to tell you that I am feeling alive again having enjoyed my recent SPA WEEK IN IXTAPAN, MEXICO. I have finally unpacked and am getting settled back into my life at home. The trip was amazing and I had such a good time. Getting there was relatively easy and everything ran on time. We landed and I could immediately feel the heat. I was so happy, since as many of you know that I am a hot weather chick. For our hikes up into the mountains every morning the weather was cool and crisp. The afternoon was hot and perfect with not a cloud to be seen. Excellent conditions for lounging or maybe, taking a wonderful water aerobics class from my friend Irma. She has a great personality and teaches a fun class that all of the ladies loved. At night it was so pleasantly cool that it wasnt difficult to sleep restfully. Now, onto the important question: How was the food? Well, the food at Ixtapan is definitely spa food. It was mainly fresh fruits and vegetables and the portions were perfect to drop some pounds and kick-start your healthy life. There are 2 restaurants to choose from but the DIET RESTAURANT boasts a 1200 calorie menu. For me it was ideal because the fare was close to what I normally eat. I know it took some adjustment for Lori, who was in our group. But she discovered that if you ask for another portion of meat its no problem. And she dropped 10 pounds in 6 days so the seconds definitely didnt hurt her! And the food is so clean and so good for you that it makes your skin look great. Of course, multiple facials, mud baths, salt scrubs and massages are good for giving you a sparkle, too. The staff cant do enough for you to make your trip everything you want it to be. I felt very grateful to be there. There was also plenty of exercise with yoga, aerobics, and Pilates, not to mention salsa dancing, taught by Antonio. THE CURVYGIRL WORKOUT was even introduced to the spa clientele and they loved it. I also played quite a bit of tennis and eventually came to regret the fact that I dont play golf- since the spa has one of the top golf courses in the world. It was just wonderful to see my friends from Florida and New York whom I dont get to see often. They looked terrific. This spa is really a wonderful place to go and you can choose to stay busy, rest beside the pool or get pampered all day. So why am I telling you all of this in such detail? First, because I am a firm believer that self-care in any form, whether in luxurious surroundings at a spa, or whether its just you going to get a facial or manicure, is essential to being a healthy woman. This is one of the elements of The Mazda Method; Debra Mazdas Life Coaching for CurvyGirls. Too often, we turn to food for self-care when were really searching for something to feed our souls. And I think caring for our bodies helps with that. Secondly, Id love for all of you to experience a spa week for yourself. I have spoken to the people at Ixtapa about hosting the first CURVYGIRL SPA WEEK in 2009, hopefully in February. Well have more details for you in August. The price is very reasonable considering whats included. And as Lori and I can tell you, it can change your life in fantastic ways. Have a great week. Deb

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do”. Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady, U.N Ambassador

Interview with Debbie Nigro and First Wives World