Paul Buceta Photoshoot & Cottage

Last Wednesday, I ventured down to Paul Buceta's studio in Mississauga to do a quick photo shoot. We sat around and chatted for a bit then got down to business. We nailed our first shoot so fast I was actually surprised! We got so many great shots within the first 5 minutes! The theme was a raw 70's type of feel with a collage background. As soon as I layed eyes on the background I fell in love with it. I used to put collages like that all over my books, and I make my cards like that too! (Yes, I love to hand-make cards, crafts and what have you haha). I'm a sucker for anything with a 70's-80's type feel so I loved the theme. Some are a little risque...lol. Especially for me. But I really do love the way they turned out! I wish I could shoot with Paul whenever I felt like it haha And anyone who has had the pleasure of working with him probably feels the same.
 
After we shot the 2 other looks we had the afternoon to just hang out, go over some of the photos and chat over a sub. I actually had my first sub in a loooong time. Years I think. Yum! I polished off a 12" like it was no ones business. Don't judge me. hahah

I always love going to Paul's studio because every time I leave I always feel amazing and learn something new. Whether it be about modeling, photo shop, photography, anything iphone/mac related lol, or life in general. It's nice to have someone with more experience and knowledge give me direction and advice that helps guide me along the way!
If you'd like to see more from our set, click here --> http://www.paulbuceta.com/blogs/rachel-davis-like/ and for the story behind Paul and I, click here --> http://www.paulbuceta.com/blogs/me-and-rachel-davis/



Nationals 2011

This was a very eventful trip lol! Allow me to start from the beginning:

We (Dorian, Jodi, myself, and Dorians Dad) arrived at Pearson International Airport about 10am, hoping to catch the 11am flight to Saskatoon. We were on stand by and came early in case we didn't all make it on the 11am, and then would try for the 4pm. We were in line ready to sign in and Dorians Dad forgot his passport/ID at home (they live 45mins outside of Toronto....and longer with traffic!!). So we decided Dorian should get on the 11am and Jodi, Mr Hamilton and I will try for the 4pm flight and hope we make it on.

4pm rolls around everything seems to be going smoothly, we all get on the flight. It's late taking off, but no biggy. About an hour and half in the air, the PA system turns on and they announce "We have turned around and headed back towards Toronto for an emergency landing because there is a crack in the wind shield". OMG! Ok, not so bad, we'll be landing in 20 mins. Literally 5 minutes within the announcement, the plane is nose diving at full speed towards the ground! It starts shaking (think major turbulence), with no lights on and I thought the oxygen masks were going to pop out at any second. I start to feel HOT AIR all in the plane which was heavily air conditioned and Im thinking "OMG!!!! THAT IS NO CRACK THERE'S A FRIGGIN HOLE!!!" and I am soooo scared lol. I can't even look out the window! There is not one PEEP from anyone. Everyone was dead silent. Apparently we dropped from like 18 000ft to 10 000 or something like that in less than 10 mins to ensure we were at the right altitude if the window burst. We finally landed, (thank the Lord, seriously! I was praying the whole time!!) and we get to see the windshield, and its completely cracked everywhere!! Jodi got a decent pic with her cell phone, they let us go into the cockpit!

Next, we wait in the airport for a few hours for another plane. I packed 3 extra meals in case of delays on top of my regular meals. By the time we are getting on the next plane it was 8pm. Then Comes 9pm we're still just sitting on the plane waiting for them to load our bags.....then the Captain announces since we've been waiting so long, we have to top up on fuel again before we leave. Another half hour. We FINALLY leave at 9 30pm!! I ran out of meals because I checked in the bulk of my food. Such a bad idea!! Luckily Jodi had an extra 2 meals for me......not exactly what I was supposed to have, but close enough. Not a great feeling 2 days before your show lol.

We finally arrive in Saskatoon at about 2am our time (they are 2 hours behind us). I was worried that all my food that I pre-cooked was going to be rancid from baking in the heat all day (it was a record high in Toronto), but it actually was fine! Thanks goodness!

The day before the show I go for my spray tans, which is great. Super easy and stress free! .....I go to the athlete's meeting that evening...and yup. It's raining. I get water droplets all over my quads and some on my shoulders. Awesome, anything else? Lol!! So at that point I was starting to feel a little stressed, but surprisingly I was very calm and relaxed with everything that was happening.

Show day! I felt really good, well rested, I was happy with how I looked, I LOVED my new suit and felt I did everything that I could have done up until then. During the pre-judging I got the second call out (which means they called out the top 6 girls) then they'll call out the next 5. So I ended up getting 10th place. Youch! Not exactly what I hoped for lol.....but in all honesty I was half expecting it. I have seen these girls and they are HUGE! SO heavily muscled! I looked like a pip-squeak next to them lol. I also had my suit sitting too low; on my hips as opposed to above them creating a wider looking waist (this is due to my emergency pee run a few minutes before stepping on stage lol...guess I didn't pull them back up high enough). I am content and ok with my placing. I know I did everything I was supposed to, and there's not much else I can say! I feel that I looked better than last year, and so did my coach, Mindi O'Brien and Dorian too. Not that I was any bigger (which I needed to be I guess lol!), I just felt more crisp and even looking. I understand why I received my placing, and like I keep saying, Im ok with it :) Top 10 in Canada is still a great accomplishment, and looking better than the previous year is even better in my books! I currently have misplaced my camera, but will post some pics we took in the hotel room when I find it.

Before this show even happened I told myself that if I don't do well, maybe I should take a break off competing and focus more on fitness modeling etc. It seems like I have a better body type for this direction! I don't have a crazy V-Taper (wide clavicles, narrow waist) and I'm not extremely muscular either. It seems you need either or to place well at the National events! But I truly did have a great time. It was amazing to see (and be onstage!) with Tami Beckers who received 2nd place! She'll always be number 1 in my books. She is someone I have looked up to for a long time and gave me the initial push of confidence to compete in the first place. Congrats Tami!! You deserve it! Can't wait to see you kill it next year! I also got to hang with some great girls and fellow Team O'Brien athlete Meni M, and fellow Oxygen Model Fran Dennis after the show. We all pigged out at very oddly decorated Earl's Lol! Good times!

I just wanted to thank a few people who helped me get there and try! Dorian Hamilton, Mindi O'Brien, Jodi Boam, my Parents, Jeffrey Bell, Mr.& Mrs. Hamilton, and Pur Nutrition. I am so thankful for each and every one of you. Without you guys I couldn't have gone and experienced the 2011 Canadian Nationals! I'm so glad I did!  It was definitely a trip to remember. I now have a new perspective and goals and can't wait to pursue them!!

Shoots & Shows!

Hey everyone! Time has literally flown by and I am 1 week away from my second Canadian Nationals. Yipes! I feel fine in terms of my energy and feel my body is where it should be. I just received my beautiful suit today by Competitive Edge Designs and I can’t wait to wear it. The show is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan so this will be my first time flying anywhere to compete.

I sort of scared myself by creeping on other competitors or attending shows hahah this always seems to be the same issue with me when getting close to a show. I am not as heavily muscled as most of the girls and the girls that I’ve seen (aka been creeping lmao), so I don’t know how the show will go….. but I’m going in optimistically and with a cloud free mind. Regardless of my outcome I really enjoy the competition itself, my prep, and the challenge. I have my fiancé Dorian coming with me and my best friend IFBB Fitness Pro Jodi Boam to cheer me on so I know I’m going to have a great time! Dorian especially has been such an amazing help and my #1 supporter :) Couldn't do it without him. I am so glad Jodi decided to come! Competing without her around would be....weird. I have a feeling she might sneak that dang video camera of hers and record some stuff lol.

The last 2 days have been very fun, eventful and draining at the same time. I had a video shoot with Oxygen Magazine at RKP Headquarters…. and let me tell you that they were making me work up a sweat lol! I had to perform a series of exercises that will be posted on their website, www.Oxygenmag.com .

The following day I had a photo shoot with Oxygen Mag again on location at Wynn gym in Mississauga. I’ve never shot “on location” in a gym before so it was fun! At one point I was supposed to be "speed walking" on the treadmill, really moving my arms, and I just couldn't stop laughing because I apparently forgot how to walk... I was stomping on it like a cave man, same hand and foot going down at the same time. Everyone was like wow wow wow whats going on with these pics hahah I guess that's what you call diet brain.

Paul Buceta was the photographer for the day and he always keeps me laughing! Here is a pic I took of him from where I was sitting, climbing all over the gym equipment to get “the perfect shot” LOL! I was worried for him……but luckily, there were no spills. hahah

Well that’s my update for now, don't forget to check out Pur Nutrition Online for amazing deals! http://www.purnutrition.com/ 
Also, check out this video with me and Six Star Pro Nutrition if you get a chance! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyG-aTBDEVI

Wish me luck! :)

Photo Cred: Paul Buceta (http://www.paulbuceta.com/) Makeup: Valeria Nova (http://www.valerianova.com/)

.......Self Confidence??

A question and topic a lot of us seem to struggle with. At some point, I think everyone has had some sort of difficulties in this area, including me! I went to a photo shoot recently, and afterwards I was reflecting on the day..... (which was great by the way!) But just thinking back to certain situations and topics that were brought up, I'd like to be more confident and sure of myself. I am someone who gets uncomfortable when there is a lot of attention on me, or a bunch of people are watching me. I just get awkward, sketch-baggy lol and almost embarrassed! There are times when I've thought "oh I look stupid....I'm not doing it right" or "I'm going to DO something stupid" Lol!! And trust me, I know how weird that sounds coming from someone who steps on stage, in a bikini to be picked a part and JUDGED! To me the stage is completely different. On stage you have trained and practiced for that moment to do the exact thing you are doing (poses....and in my case actually walking in heels lol...I'm like a bull in a china shop).

But I'm really glad that I sat down and thought about this. It gave me a refreshing new outlook and state of mind. I think everyone needs more self confidence and self assurance! There is nothing wrong with being proud of yourself and taking pride in something you do or have done. However, arrogance really gets under my skin. Anyone who feels they are BETTER than someone else, putting themselves on pedestals for whatever their "reason" may be. I actually can't stand it. Now here is where we separate self confidence from arrogance.

 To me, arrogance is an ugly of a trait as jealousy. Being too into yourself, putting yourself up above others or feeling like you deserve to be treated differently is nauseating. BARF! It is one thing to stand around boasting and praising yourself and the things you've accomplished as opposed to being PROUD of them. Again, to me, self confidence is being comfortable in your own skin, acknowledging your skills/accomplishments and taking pride in them in a positive way. Also accepting imperfections and not being afraid to take some risks....whatever YOUR risk may be. If I look back, each step I took to accomplish what I have so far was either a risk, a challenge, or over-coming a fear. I can honestly say that I didn't see any of my "end results" at the beginning. And I am so glad I tried and conquered them! I have some new ideas and challenges... things I'd like to pursue or put more of my time and energy to. In order for me to do so, I know I need to whip up a brand new batch of self cconfidence with a dash of assurance lol! It's almost impossible to not think, "what if I fail" or "what if I'm not good enough" or "what if I screw up"..... WHAT IF you don't?? WHAT IF you succeed? A great quote I found, "While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior."-Henry C. Link

I'm learning that you can't sit around waiting for all of your ducks to line up in row. You have to be a go-getter! "Too many people over-value what they are not and undervalue what they are" -Malcome Forbes. I dig this quote too. I believe that being surrounded by happy, positive people who genuinely care about you is so important and has a great impact on oneself. I am so lucky to have people in my life to help me believe in myself and achieve things I thought I was never capable of! Now it's time to pick up the old trousers and take that risk! Be PROUD of who you are and what you have accomplished. Be determined to conquer your goals, large or small and try new things. As the saying goes.... it's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.


Go get whatever makes your clock tick! I am ;) TICK TOCK!





I'm not usually a "quotey" kind of person lol....but I also liked these ones, they were fitting for me....I hope you enjoy them too!
 “Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.” Alan Alda quotes (American actor, b.1936)

"When you're young, you tend to believe what people tell you, and that's dangerous. As you get older, you learn that you're never as good or as bad as they say you are. If you understand this, you win." George Clooney (adapted)

"If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started." Marcus Garvey

Photo: Paul Buceta MUA: Valeria Nova Model: Carol Lama
http://www.purnutrition.com/

Update for 2011

Wow! Time flies.....and I guess I have neglected my blog lol whoops. For those following, thank you and sorry!!

To sum up my experience at my First Nationals (2010) it was amazing!! I recieved 4th place and am ecstatic about it! I also was able to see my long time bff Jodi Boam turn Pro! .....amazing night. Now fast forward 9 months lol..... A lot has been happening and I love it! Recently I have dipped into fitness modeling a little more. I did a shoot with Six Star Pro Nutrition after Nationals and that was great! The ads are still running and can be seen in magazines such as Oxygen Magazine, SHAPE Magazine, Runner's Magazine, Muscle & Fitness Hers, MuscleMag, Muscular Development, FLEX and so forth! I also worked the Olympia booth for them signing autographs which was surreal to say the least.

On a random night last year I was going through my first cd and photo shoot with the amazing Paul Buceta and it was just painful. I could physically FEEL my nerves coming out of the pictures LOL!! I looked terrified! Which I wont lie....I totally was. Hahah So I had to challenge myself and do it again...but better! Mission definitely accomplished. I love my new shots!!! I went for an 80's/flash dance/retro style lol .....an now I've got some good ideas for my NEXT one ;) Thanks Paul and Val for an amazing day! www.paulbuceta.com www.valerianova.com

Now for the recent stuff..... I worked the first ever UFC expo in Canada for BSN which was a great experience as well. I will admit, wearing heels all day was painful lol but fun nonetheless. Earlier this Year (Feb/March) I also did 2 segments with Reebok on live television, promoting their new lines Easy Tone and Zig Tech.

Now for the MOST recent! I went to the Reebok headquarters here in Toronto (the actual head office is in Montreal) and modelled their Spring 2012 Collection for the Forzani Group! Super fun and I will be going back June 1st to do it again. The Reebok team is absolutely great. I love working with them and hope to continue to do so!

And lastly, I helped Co-Host the O'Brien Luchka Mississauga Classic show. This was my first time doing any sort of public speaking, so it was definitely nerve racking! But I had a lot of fun with Mindi onstage! .....we did have some minor screw ups lol!! But no ones perfect and practice makes perfect right lol! There were so many impressive athletes in all categories and I find it very motivating as I am preparing for my show! So thanks guys! :D

FEWF!! Ok that's the update for now. I had alot to catch up on! Oh ya, and I am currently prepping for the Canadian Nationals again which is in July. Update on the actual prep next blog! www.PurNutrition.com

True Thoughts- 1 week

Hi Everyone!

I've had a really positive, supportive and fun prep thus far. But here are my true thoughts and feelings about the Nationals.

I am nervous! I always get nervous though. So far, (to my knowledge) I have been the youngest competitor in all my competitions and I feel extremely blessed with everything I have accomplished to date. I feel so fortunate to have achieved what I have in a few years. My goal for my first Nationals is to place top 10. I hope I have what it takes to place among Canada's BEST my first time out! I will be honest, if I don't fall within the top 10, chances are Im going to feel a little disappointed, which is natural I think. No one likes the feeling of setting a goal and not reaching it. BUT I know that I have done my work in the gym and the kitchen, so in the end, if my over-all package has improved from last year, I am EXTREMELY happy with that. I guess what Im trying to say is I just have no idea what to expect and it makes me nervous but excited at the same time ;) hahah This is part of the reason why enjoy competing!...having no friggin clue lol Regardless, I am thrilled to be stepping onstage and standing side by side with the best athletes in our Country.

What I am 100% excited about and NOT nervous about is being able to see my best friend Jodi Boam possibly earn her ProCard this year! I keep telling her if she gets awarded it better not be before I walk out stage because Im going to look like some sort of nasty raccoon balling with makeup and eye lashes all over my face. I went out to BC with her for her first Nationals back in 2008, and you can hear me crying on the video camera while recording her routine and whispering omg omg omg with the camera shaking hahahah its actually hilarious and embarrassing. So I'm really looking forward to her moment! She so deserves it and my fingers are crossed. Speaking of Jodi....I made her book a photo-shoot Lol!! She has never done one and absolutely needs to. Another one of my best friends and I are going to go help her the day of to ease some stress. Im going to video some of the awkward moments hahah shhhh. Im kidding! I know she's gunna do great ;) (but seriously I am LOL!)

On the topic of Photo-shoots, I have a shoot the Monday after the show and Im super excited about it! I am going to watch what I eat the night of (to some extent lol!) to make sure i don't spill over for Monday.

Monday night however, I shall feast like a KING! muhahah

If you get a chance, check out the newest Oxygen Magazine (September Issue) with my mini spread on Tabata training!

For anyone who hasn't seen our gymnastics video here's the link I said I'd post lol its worth watching if you haven't! : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKw653s6EOA We did another one last Wednesday and here is the link to that one!---http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgCehOqXd8A

Well thats the update for now! If you get a chance also check out our Online Store!! : www.purnutrition.com

Photos: Paul Buceta

MUA: Valeria Nova

Hey Everyone!

So I had a great week Sunday-Wednesday! I went with Jodi last Wednesday night to gymnastics to work on/ watch her do her routine. I'll attach the video we put together when I get it from her haha we had so much fun. Im definitely no gymnast lol but I love trying! While Jodi practiced her routine I was bouncing away on the trampolines watching and critiquing. Dorian had made a bet with me that I wouldn't be able to climb the rope (as I have never done it before lol like not even tried once).

So obviously I accept this challenge. I am proud to say that I climbed 3/4 of the way up hahah once I got to that mark is when I started looking down and freaking out a bit haha hey its high!! I look hilarious trying to climb it. Then Jodi goes right after me like boom boom boom feet out straight and all that. Psssh. NEW GOAL: allllll the way this wednesday! Climb or Die! hahah Ok back to routine: Jodi's routine is so wild and fun! I love it. She is such an amazing performer and makes everything look so easy. A truly talented entertainer.

Now.....Thursday rolls around and I've finally had my first "tired day" this prep. Which wasn't too bad, you just really have to kick yourself to get goin. Come friday, I was grump of the year. Lol no, I had a good arm workout with a friend but I could not for the life of me get that "pump". It was just frustrating because you feel weak and like you can't squeeze almost. Dorian always laughs because I describe this as being "tickley". I feel tickley. Lol!! Seriously! Saturday was even worse. I was tickley, tired, and grumpy because I couldn't squeeze anything. And to top it off Americans Most Wanted SUCKED Saturday night hahah! I was feeling better by that time, because I had gotten all my workouts done. Plus knowing I have Sunday off of training is relaxing in itself. My body is now rested and I had a wicked leg workout yesterday!! Today for some reason I feel pretty sick.... like wishy washy stomach and pounding headache. I took a long nap and feel much better. Could just be the weather change? I hope so!

Hopefully I wont feel tickley til late this week again lol frig I hate that. Oh and I found this "behind the scenes" snap shot of Valeria Nova fixing a getaway curl during the shoot lol!! Straight hair! Ah! haha

Well I hope everyone had a great long weekend! It was amazing weather : )