Happy Halloween!

It's become somewhat of a tradition to start off Halloween with pre-party cocktails at our holiday pad. This year's characters included Bruno (Sarah), a belly dancer (me), a black-eyed pea (Sara), Michael Jackson (Mel), a pink taco (Neena) and the pope (Nico). The festivities continued at The Frying Pan, and what should have been a 10-minute cab ride there turned out to be a 45-minute nightmare with traffic from the Halloween Day Parade. But once there, we entered via secret password and enjoyed another splendid evening over water. Below are photos from Halloween.

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An Era Gone Today

Mission Accomplished!

I've completed the Cleanse, and am now officially a "Master Cleanser."   I've lost 6 pounds (which is a lot for me), and 1½ inches off my waist. My energy level is up, and the tiny wrinkles on my forehead have miraculously disappeared. I swear I have no wrinkles. It's amazing! I'm now on the "weaning off" stage, which involves the consumption of orange juice and vegetable soup for a few days. Funny thing is that I feel like I can keep going on this cleanse. I really have no desire to eat food. But since this is my "first cleanse," I've decided to stick to the program.

What did I get out of this (physical improvements aside)? Well, if I can forego food for 10 days (with all the temptations I encountered on this journey), I can do anything!

My Progress on the Master Cleanse

Day 1:  Mother's Day and I'm on a mission! But watching my family eat a delicious Italian brunch at Aquaviva Delle Fonti wasn't easy.

Day 2:  Tough day ...headache, stomach cramps and I grew extremely tired by afternoon. Grace without food = one cranky girl.

Day 3:  Better day, but still had cravings. To avoid any temptation, I hid in my office and immersed myself in work.

Day 4:  Much better day.   No cramps, got my energy back and noticed an improvement in my skin texture.

Day 5:  Felt great!  Stopped thinking about food and ran the usual course of my daily life ...no problem.

Day 6:  Continued to feel great, played frisbee in the park and even watched Annie and Ryan chomp on big fat juicy cheeseburgers at The Frying Pan. Though our conversations relating to burgers strangely evolved into the topic of cannibalism.

Day 7:  Woke up normally, ran errands and even hit the gym! Watched Dave and Sam sip their beers, while I sipped on my water.

Day 8:  Headed to Jersey and watched my family devour chicken wings, BBQ ribs, steak sandwiches and cheeseburgers, while I sipped on my lemonade juice. Talk about willpower! ...Sometimes, I even surprise myself.

TWO MORE DAYS TO GO!

The Master Cleanse

Feeling the need for change in my life, I decided to do the Master Cleanse, which consists of a lemonade diet for at least 10 days...or longer (for those who have will power). I've heard different stories from people who have tried the cleanse -- some quitting after a mere 3 days after feeling completely miserable, and others completing the cleanse and praising its results, including weight loss, glowing skin, having more energy and mental clarity. So I thought I'd try it. This cleanse involves consumption of herbal laxative tea at night (to loosen toxins stuck in the body), salt water in the morning (to flush out the toxins) and a mix of lemonade and maple syrup juice during the day. The only other consumption I'm allowed is water, mint tea and any medications prescribed by my doctor (in my case heartburn meds). No food, no chewing gum, not even toothpaste! I can, however, brush with salt. Lovely!

So how will I actually physically and mentally be able to function for the next 10 days? Well, I read that maple syrup supplies the sugar and essential minerals for energy. I am following "the book" written by Peter Glickman, which I heard was an extremely important part of the cleanse. I was advised to read the book on a daily basis and to keep it with me in times when I may lose the will to continue the 10-day cleanse. The book also contains a journal which helps. So I have prepped myself by drinking laxative tea tonight, and will begin the first day of my cleanse tomorrow. Wish me luck! Will keep you posted on my progress....