Heather Wilson, a friend of mine put it in the Universe. She said she was going to write a book about her life according to her, and how people should take control of their lives. Of course, I was intrigued and very interested in hearing more! Within 5 months of meeting her, her first book arrived to her house. That's right. She told me within 5 months ago, that she was going to write a book and has now happened.
Just like many of you, Heather has two kids, and a cat. For over ten years, she chose to stay in an unhealthy marriage that did not allow her to follow her dreams or be who she was meant to be. After constantly living on the verge of being homeless, taking her kids to the food bank, and living on her husband's paycheck to paycheck mentality, she literally woke up one morning and decided to take charge of her life.
When she made the choice to get a divorce, she was a stay-at-home Mom with no job or savings; she was living with her parents; she was physically overweight and unhealthy; and she had totally lost her sense of self and confidence. She felt stuck and frustrated. She had no idea how she would change her life, but she knew she had to.
Within two years of that day, she bought her own house and crossed the finish line at the Honolulu Marathon. Since then, she has also overcome many obstacles including: losing over 50lbs, being the sole provider for a household, creating a work/life balance as a single mother, and acquiring the self confidence to follow her dream of helping others succeed.
Using her hard learned life experiences, along with lots of research, Heather figured out a process that enabled her to succeed beyond her wildest dreams. She continues to help individuals realize their true potential and live the lives of their dreams through coaching and speaking at events worldwide.
I am excited for Heather and love that she put her ideas and beliefs in herself into the Universe and was open to receiving the rewards. Every time I chat with her or photograph her, I leave feeling pumped about life! This is amazing!
Heather will be at Indigo today signing books from 1-3!! Go their and buy one, and get her to sign it! You can also check out Heather's Lady in Red Website for more information on Heather or to buy her book.
Oh & P.S. That photo on the front cover of the book, yep, it's mine!
These last two photos I had to include. Heather's cat really wanted to be in on the photo shoot. The cats name is Aura, and she had an awesome "aura" about her! Aura climbed up around my neck and was so cute! I thought we better include Aura in our photos as she is proud of Heather as we all are!
Pam and I had a lot of things in common because she also works in the wedding industry. Pam owns the company Elegant Touch Cakes which operates in Prince Edward Island.
The Elegant Touch brings you hand-made custom wedding cake designs to add to your already elegant day. Pam has 15 years experience as a cake designer and decorator.
Whether you have a design idea in mind already, a cake photo to work from or you choose from one of our on hand examples; their free one on one consultations will help you find the perfect design for your special cake. Including free of charge cake and icing testing. Working within your budget, cake delivery and cake rentals, Elegant Touch Cakes do everything, nothing is out of their reach.
Check out some of Pam's work on her Facebook Group for Elegant Touch Cakes, check out the Elegant Touch Website or email Pam to set up an appointment.
Beautiful! :)
(02.22.10)Wow she is gorgeous. Well done!
(02.22.10)Can't wait to see mine!
(02.22.10)She is beautiful and her eyes are stunning!
(02.22.10)You Rock!
(02.22.10)Rachel you are an inspiration, these are hot!
(02.22.10)Your pictures are very pretty. I would like to do this.
(02.22.10)I have just looked at Pams cakes, they look devine!! She is gorgeous. Beautiful job, Rachel.
(02.22.10)
Elements emerged from this love. Candice learned how to make chocolates via Don. Their dreams of creating a business together that featured unprocessed, good wholesome, delicious foods was always talked about. While I talked with Don, he really stressed how people want to make cooking and creating harder than it needs to be. During this time he was working on the menu for Sunday's Valentine's Day feast and the aroma's in Elements swept me away!
Don Croitor has many years of experience in 4 and 5 star hotels. His expertise is well remembered at the Delta Obsessions where he was pastry chef for 10 years. You may have also tasted these delicious works of art at the Farmers market where Candice and her children Alisha & Thomas have sold them while looking for the perfect location for Elements. They found the location they were looking for on Victoria Row last July and have been loving it since that time.
The family all works at the Bistro where "Passion and a Love affair with Life are the crucial ingredients to whipping up a dish of happiness"
Now everyone knows me and how I love meeting people who are passionate about life and about what they do. When I asked Don what he thought of a "friend" telling me that I should step away from photography and stay with the federal government behind a desk, he told me the following. "If you aren't passionate about what you do, and love it, then find something you are passionate about"
The big Love Holiday is on the way this weekend - Valentine's Day. I decided to celebrate LOVE by giving away some chocolate love. I will be giving away 5 - $5 Gift Certificates to Elements in Charlottetown, so you will go and try the deliciousness yourself. To win all you have to do is comment on any of my blog posts and 5 random people will be chosen. One comment = One Entry. Feel free to enter as many time as you wish, on as many blog entries as you want! This contest will be open until Saturday at midnight.
Please do me a favor and buy a cookie when you are there!
****UPDATE****
Winners are as follows! Enjoy!
Jonathan M. Lane
Paula Hansen
Kerry Anne MacDougall - Insight Marketing
Wendy Chappell - The Whole Way
Geri Carragher - CJ Graphix
Rachel, I do NOT know how there are no posts yet! Ummm hello people look at those amazing looking cookies. I might have to stop in and try one of these on my way to U-fit tonight! Again, you always find the perfect touch to your pictures Rachel, no matter what your subject is! Happy Valentines Day!
(02.10.10)Yummy!! I didn't know this place existed! I must check it out! And btw, your "friend" is crazy. Step away from your passion?? Naw, that is not something I would recommend.
(02.10.10)Hello Rachel! Lovely write-up and photos of Chocolate Elements. Timely as well, since I had heard about the bistro recently and had the intention on taking my girlfriend there to see what it was all about in the near future.
(02.10.10)I agree with Don.....follow your heart !!! I will definitely be checking out the choclate...looks delishhhhhhhhh!!!
(02.10.10)Enjoyed your write up on Elements. The pictures were great .The cookies look yummy!!!
(02.10.10)wow, I can almost taste those yummy treats right through the screen..maybe I shouldnt be licking the screen though...great post and beautiful pics!
Can't wait to try one now that I am back on PEI! Delicious!
(02.10.10)No word of lie... I just looked up the website for the hours of operation and I will be leaving my cozy little home in Stratford before 9:30 tonight to get one of those cookies.... thanks. lol. (I see a problem here since our conversation about an hour ago confirmed that while I would do this for a cookie.. i would not do this for exercise... eeeekkkk)
(02.10.10)Drooling....seriously drooling. I want one of those cookies!
(02.10.10)Yummy! Happy Valentines Day!
(02.10.10)YUM!!! I need this right now!! So tempting and delicious and amazing! I hate when I drool in public!
(02.10.10)The whole place sounds very yummy! You better stay with your passion, who else is going to capture what you do best!
(02.10.10)Wow, that place looks fantastic. Many of my friends have told me to check it out but I have not got around to it yet. I think I am going to have to put the "Cookie" on my todo list for then near future.
(02.11.10)what a great idea and those cookies look delicious.
(02.11.10)best hot chocolate i've ever had, from elements.
(02.11.10)i love chocolate.
(02.11.10)i love cookies, too.
(02.11.10)I absolutely love this restaurant! My friends and I usually dine here at least once a week - always a nice & calming experience. The chocolate cookies are most definately hit, and may I add, they (as well as several dishes on the menu), are gluten free! It's great to see a restaurant that offers both entrees & desserts that are gluten free!
(02.11.10)I've been to Elements this summer and love love loved it.
A great post, with wonderful pictures!!
I must admit I have never heard of this place...but let me tell you...I WANT A COOKIE!!! I am definately going to have to add this place on my list of "must go to's"....Keep up the great work Rachel!
(02.11.10)I love this Chocolate Love , your photos make everyone want to visit this wonderful place .
(02.12.10)Rachel thanks for this information!!! The pictures look sooooo yummy. My friends are taking me out for supper for my #? birthday in March and we plan on going here for dessert. I cannot wait to try it out!!!!!
(02.12.10)mmmmm this place look delish, love the pics too!
(02.12.10)great pics, mmmm chocolate
(02.12.10)yumm, the picture of those chocolate cookies, makes me want one of them so bad!
(02.13.10)Yummmmyyyy Cookies one or two wouldn't hurt a girl, Love the sweet Blog....haha Oh Love you too Rachel!! XO
(02.13.10)Hadn't heard about "Elements" until I read your blog...am definitely going to check it out...the cookies look yummy!!
(02.13.10)Thank you so much for the lovely pictures and words, Rachel. You are truly gifted. Candi
"I felt that there had been a mistake!" was Holly's first impression. "It seemed like an impossibility; that I would even be considered as a torch bearer. So, to have my coworkers present me with the news that I had been selected, simply overwhelmed me."
However, the Network Operations Customer Service Manager from Stratford PEI, has really earned her coworkers admiration over the past 3 ½ years. She joined a program called UFIT, lost 130 pounds and has become a role model for others looking to take the first step towards a more active and healthier lifestyle.
"I attend that hour-long class daily, and it has helped me become strong so I can pursue other athletic goals," Holly explained. "At 42, I can run 10 K now - something I couldn't do even when I was in my twenties."
For Holly, the Olympic Flame is a symbol of excellence that she doesn't take lightly. She believes it's not just a reflection on winning, but the integrity through which we compete - in sport and in life. That's why, in addition to her new-found commitment to fitness, she continues to share her time through the Bell Aliant Pioneers and other charitable causes.
"Helping those in need in the community has always been a priority to me," she said. "So as long as I am able, I will dedicate a small part of my life in improving the lives of others. I'm hoping that others will do the same."
Holly hopes her moment of Olympic glory serves as an inspiration for all her friends, family and co-workers as they strive to achieve their goals.
"I've brought honor to myself by wanting to give back to those who have helped me achieve my goals," she says. "Perhaps by exhibiting the Olympic Spirit I can help improve the lives of others, one small step at a time."
I met Holly at the Ufit classes which I mention quite a bit on my blog and on facebook. Holly was the spunky one who would get in the middle and teach for a bit. I always admired that she could do that, and secretly wished that someday I could! Holly contacted me for photos that would possibly appear on the Aliant website. I didn't know what the reason for the new photos was but I was excited to hang out with her spunkiness for a bit and accepted. As we walked around downtown Charlottetown, taking photos and laughing, she told me about the torch-bearing opportunity and that she was nominated by her coworkers. I was in awe. Losing 130 pounds and not a spec of spirit, my heart grew. I said to her when she left, I know this is why I love my photography. I get to meet amazing people, and hear their amazing stories. I was very disappointed that I could not make the torch bearing ceremony, but believe me Holly, I am none the less proud of your accomplishments this past Sunday and am glad that we were brought to meet via ufit!
I have a huge lump in my throat reading this. Holly, you are truly an inspiration. to me! Congratulations on your accomplishments and everything!
(11.24.09)Absolutley amazing Holly! You are definiely an inspiration (and I don't even know you)!
Congratulations on your achievments, and on the honor of carrying the Torch... ps...42?? Are ya sure?? "Cause you don't look like it :)
What a story! Congratulations Holly.
(11.26.09)Holly! You are such an amazing source of insporation and laughs at UFIT, I couldn't imagine it without you!!!
(11.27.09)Hi you might be interested in this short video of the torch rally in Charlottetown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2riHXoV7J8
There's a whole series of videos following the torch rally: http://www.youtube.com/user/canadiantourism#g/c/3D6317EAD1420D8E
Enjoy!
(11.27.09)Wow! What an inspirational story! Congratulations to Holly! Great pictures as usual Rachel :)
(11.27.09)I can relate........ amazing.
(11.29.09)
Eireann Rigby gives fitness a whole new shape
CHARLOTTETOWN,
Oct. 20 /CNW Telbec
People don't need to wear Spandex to fit in at Eireann Rigby's UFIT classes. Eireann, 34, broke the stereotypical fitness club mold when she developed a business from her vision of an all-inclusive, non-judgmental, fun group activity. With thousands of Islanders from all walks of life embracing her pay-as-you-go, $5-a-class concept, Eireann has earned BDC's Young Entrepreneur Award for P.E.I., which she will receive tonight at a ceremony in Ottawa.
"When I started UFIT, I chose the name to mean 'you belong' as well as to refer to fitness," Eireann points out. She had played professional basketball in Europe before starting her business seven years ago and had come to realize that people who weren't involved in organized sports had few opportunities to get active in a group setting. "I had a vision of an equal playing field for all, where it doesn't matter where you come from, who you are, what you do. I wanted to create a place where all feel equal and comfortable and non-judged and excited." One of Eireann's goals was to make it easy for people to attend her classes, and that meant making it inexpensive and flexible. That resulted in the $5-a-class fee on a pay-as-you-go basis. "It hasn't changed a bit in seven years," she says. "I have fought hard not to raise the price, even with costs going up."
As the UFIT approach caught on, the business expanded. Eireann now employs eight instructors who provide 20 classes per week in eight locations across the province, with average attendance of 100 people per class in a big street party atmosphere. "We have people of all shapes and sizes from all walks of life, ranging from young children to grandmothers in their 70s."
For Eireann, the success of UFIT is due in large measure to the team of instructors and volunteers she works with, including her husband, Gordon McNeilly, who is both a master trainer and a motivational leader. "Gord and I work together and UFIT wouldn't be what it is without both of us," she says.
Feedback from class participants is what continues to drive Eireann and her team. "Nothing beats the feeling you get when people tell you that you have changed their life."
Beyond the gym Building on its growing success, the company has branched out into providing motivational seminars that help organizations manage change, under the banner "The Power to Believe," and has produced two fitness videos.
It has also created its own foundation, UFIT CARES, fuelled by the enthusiasm of UFIT participants. "People who had been helped by UFIT wanted to give something back," says Eireann. "We created the UFIT Foundation when we decided to do something at Christmas for needy families. Last year, we gave food, toys and clothing to 125 families."
Five years ago, UFIT put together a team in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. From a small start, the team grew to well over 100 and went on to win the Society's team spirit award. This year, the Cancer Society developed an award in their name to be presented to the most spirited team.
"Eireann had a vision and, with hard work and conviction, she has turned it into a growing concern. It's more than a successful business; she has also infused it with passion that she is igniting in others," says BDC President and CEO Jean-René Halde.
"We've realized that UFIT is more powerful than an average aerobics class," says Eireann. "It has been a lifesaver in so many ways for so many people."
Eireann, I cannot say to you, how excited that you have won and been honored in this way. Ufit has changed my thinking about working out, making it exciting and most of all fun. I cried at my first class not because I couldn't keep up with your amazing energy, or because I was in pain, but because I loved it so much. My heart was just exploding with excitement. Their was no judgment in that room, people of all ages, sizes and strengths did what they could. I looked around in amazement as you shared your enthusiasm and happiness for life, as people smiled! I couldn't believe what I saw. People smiling while working out? How could this be? I think it could be because of your contagious smile, and energy. I encourage everyone to try just one class of UFIT because I know you will be back!
I am proud to say I am a huge supporter of UFIT along with a friend of you and Gord's. Congratulations on the award Eireann, it is well deserved.
What an eye opener, and awesome story! I have never been to Ufit but look forward to checking it out. I remember doing a Christmas party for ufit as a server a few years back and the energy in that room was contagious.
(10.21.09)Congrats Eireanne....what a great story!! I think I wanna join you Rachel and attend a class or two....for a dance party!
(10.21.09)Oh My God! Eireann's eyes are AMAZING in this photos!! Love them!!!! Congrats Eireann...you deserve it!
(10.21.09)Congrats Eireann! I hope to be back to your classes soon. You guys are amazing.
(10.21.09)Sounds like an wonderful class, if only I was in PEI, I would def be trying it out! Congrats!
(10.21.09)These pictures of Eireann are amazing, you've really captured what a BEAUTIFUL person she is! :) I am so happy that Eireann(and Gord) have gotten this well-deserved recognition! CONGRATULATIONS
(10.21.09)
Congrats Heather!!! Love the photos with the books on the floor!
(02.27.10)Wow, what a accomplishment! :)
(02.27.10)This is an extremely inspiring story! Heather you are an inspiration!
(02.27.10)WOW, I want that BOOK!!! Great pics Rachel..Congrats Heather..oh one more thing "Aura" your soooooo cute.
(02.27.10)That is a great accomplishment, you should be very proud of yourself! Congratulations!
(02.27.10)