Three days into my May fitness challenge, I commit to working out with trainer extraordinaire Ashley Wilkerson. Three weeks later, I mentally prepare myself enough to brave the first session. Ashley trains at Evolution and I know her through Sam (remember him?). She’s a no-nonsense, get-on-the-ground-and-give-me-50 kinda gal. I like her because she manages Sam’s life so I don’t have to (and he’s a boy, so obviously someone needs to manage it). I dislike her because her legs don’t jiggle when she walks. Not even a millimeter. It’s with mixed emotions [...]

Ponce de Leon came to Florida to find the Fountain of Youth. He failed. Whether it was because he was a boy (and girls rule and boys drool) or because he was mean to the natives, I’m not sure. Luckily, his shortcomings leave room for my success. And so I introduce you to the elixir he was looking for: green smoothies. A mix of greens, a base fruit and a sweet fruit, green smoothies are a nutritional catch-all. They have given me a choice when it comes to food, taking [...]

Happy May, Sarasota! Because I’m from up north, May is synonymous with a panicked health frenzy for me. It’s a routine: spend the winter bulking up, hiding under layers and layers, and then have an “oh sh*t” moment when you realize that it’s time to start wearing summer clothes again. And bathing suits. Bathing suits are always a concern. While Sarasota doesn’t quite have the climate for winter hibernation, I don’t think there is anything wrong with dedicating a month to health. Maybe, just maybe, actual health can be the [...]

According to the weird looks and Facebook comments I’ve been receiving, it’s not normal to fill your Spotify playlists with Yanni songs, nor devote evenings to his show. Forgive me for my ignorance. Or, as my friend Lauren would say, sorry not sorry. Forget street cred; I’m glad I didn’t know that Yanni wasn’t the coolest cat in the 20-25 year old age range. Last Tuesday, I met Richard Allenson, the tour manager for Yanni’s show, and took him up on his offer for tickets to Wednesday’s show at the Van [...]

I show up for Opening Night of the Film Festival the way I show up for most things in life: unprepared, awkward, and not sure if I remembered to put on deodorant. Had it been a normal night, I wouldn’t sweat it (pun intended), but tonight is big. I’m not only wearing a dress and hobnobbing with Sarasota’s finest; I’m also introducing my secret boyfriend to the world. Thank goodness the opening film is a comedy. Before I proceed with the night’s events, allow me to introduce the secret boyfriend. [...]

If I were a less-evolved human being, I would despise Veronica Pastore. She’s smart and pretty, kind and charming. She became the Sarasota “It Girl” by launching The Scenestress, she runs her own company and she’s now the Marketing Director for the Sarasota Film Festival. She rescues kittens, has a killer downward-facing dog pose and finds time for friends and family. It’s enough to make me gag. Jealous Keely would look at this as unfair; how the heck did she get all of this? Evolved Keely knows that it takes [...]