ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 12

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 11

It is Day 11 of ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things and there is no way I could let these days go by without mentioning choreography. I LOVE it! Many of you might not know that I have presented my choreography at several of the Carnival Showcases: The Choreographers Ball in Hollywood, CA. Although you experience my choreography every day in classes, I wanted to share the following clip with you. I hope you enjoy it. I look forward to reading your comments below.

CHOREOGRAPHY BY: ILYSE BAKER

http://www.ilysebaker.com/carnival.html

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 10

It is Day 10 of ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things and I LOVE soup during the holiday season. Check out this yummy recipe below from The Silver Palate Cookbook. (It is one of my favorites) I promise you will love it just as much as I do and will make it over and over again. This cookbook has many amazing recipes. It can be purchased on Amazon.

CURRIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Squash and apples complement each other naturally; curry adds an exotic note. Feel free to experiment with other types of winter or summer squash.

4 tablespoons sweet butter
2 cups finely chopped yellow onions
4 to 5 teaspoons curry powder
2 medium-size butternut squash (about 3 pounds all together)
2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
3 cups of Chicken Stock
1 cup apple juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 shredded unpeeled Granny Smith apple (garnish)

1. Melt the butter in a pot. Add chopped onions and curry powder and cook, covered, over low heat until onions are tender, about 25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile peel the squash (a regular vegetable peeler works best), scrape out the seeds, and chop the flesh.
3. When onions are tender, pour in the stock, add squash and apples, and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until squash and apples are very tender, about 25 minutes.
4. Pour the soup through a strainer, reserving liquid, and transfer the solids to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, or use a food mill fitted with a medium disc. Add 1 cup of the cooking stock and process until smooth.
5. Return pureed soup to the pot and add apple juice and additional cooking liquid, about 2 cups, until the soup is of the desired consistency.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper, simmer briefly to heat through, and serve immediately, garnished with shredded apple.
4 to 6 portions

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 9

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 8

Join ILYSE on Facebook

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ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 7

ILYSE'S Mix purchase on itunes

✓ I Heard It Through the Grapevine (The Randy Watson Experience Sympathy For the Grapes Mix) 5:31 Gladys Knight & The Pips Motown Remixed (Bonus Track Version) R&B/Soul ✓ Jai Ho 5:19 A. R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah & Mahalaxmi Iyer Slumdog Millionaire (Music from the Motion Picture) Soundtrack 6 4/28/10 11:08 AM
✓ Swingin' 2:56 LeAnn Rimes Swingin' - Single Country 4 12/19/10 11:21 PM
✓ I Drove All Night 4:01 Céline Dion One Heart Pop 30 7/22/10 11:32 AM
✓ Heartless (American Idol Studio Version) 4:02 Kris Allen Heartless (American Idol Studio Version) - Single Pop 28 12/29/09 8:16 PM
✓ Dancing On the Ceiling (A.R. Remix) 4:51 S.L. Line HRG Remixed, Vol. 1 Dance 18 12/19/10 11:18 PM
✓ When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland) 3:09 David Guetta When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland) - Single Dance 27 6/11/10 6:13 AM
✓ Dog Days Are Over 4:13 Florence + The Machine Lungs Alternative 10 11/8/10 6:25 PM
✓ If 4:32 Janet Jackson Janet. Pop 12 12/1/09 5:48 AM
✓ Baby, It's Cold Outside (Glee Cast Version) 2:46 Glee Cast Glee: The Music - The Christmas Album Christmas 2 12/16/10 2:59 PM
✓ You Can't Stop the Beat (Medley) 5:49 Original Broadway Cast Hairspray - Original Broadway Cast Recording Soundtrack 5 4/3/10 3:43 PM
✓ For Your Entertainment 3:35 Adam Lambert For Your Entertainment - Single Pop 26 10/25/10 4:34 PM
✓ Billie Jean (Single Version) 4:54 Michael Jackson Michael Jackson's This Is It (The Music That Inspired the Movie) Pop 21 10/7/10 10:39 AM
✓ Untouched 4:14 The Veronicas Hook Me Up Pop 53 11/5/10 6:42 AM
✓ Hey Eugene 3:11 Pink Martini Hey Eugene! Pop 8 12/6/09 3:01 PM
✓ Peacock 3:52 Katy Perry Teenage Dream (Deluxe Edition) Pop 14 12/13/10 9:24 AM
✓ The Time Is Now (Live At Brixton) 5:00 Moloko Catalogue Electronic 36 4/7/10 12:27 PM
✓ Champagne Red Lights 3:53 O'Neal McKnight, Heavy D & Big Ali Champagne Red Lights - Single R&B/Soul 107 12/1/10 9:09 AM
✓ Use Somebody 3:51 Kings of Leon Only By the Night (Deluxe Version) Alternative 52 6/7/10 6:10 PM
✓ Uprising 5:05 Muse The Resistance Alternative 7 6/27/10 7:06 PM
✓ Stand By Me 4:03 Seal Soul Pop 35 9/24/10 6:54 AM
✓ Shy That Way 3:30 Tristan Prettyman & Jason Mraz Twenty Three Pop 31 6/27/10 4:14 PM
✓ Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore) 3:01 B.o.B Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore) - Single Hip Hop/Rap 135 12/15/10 9:58 AM
✓ Real Love (Acoustic Mix) 2:54 Toby Lightman Real Love - Single Rock 86 10/7/10 10:41 AM
✓ Let It Be (feat. The Roots) 3:53 Jennifer Hudson Hope for Haiti Now Pop 18 6/27/10 12:05 PM

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 6

Day 6 is here...one of my favorite things is eating healthy. I love eating small meals throughout the day with lots of protein and veggies. Today, after a rainy Saturday and working most of the day, I enjoyed a nice meal at
Hook'd on Fish in Encino, CA. So yummy...

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 5

www.fandango.com

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 4

Sunday, January 9, 2011 @10:00am - 11:30am
Degas Dance Studio
16921 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316

Sunday, January 16, 2011 @10:30am - 11:30am
Wild Card Dance Company
28888 Roadside Drive
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Sunday, January 23, 2011 @12:00pm - 1:00pm
Nadia Eftedal's Rhythm Room
14261 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 3

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 2

I had some technical difficulties with my blog tonight so I apologize that Day 2 is now posting on Wednesday. :( I started the upload at 9:00pm Tuesday night and it is now being processed at 1:00am Wednesday. At 1am still not working so woke up at 3:00am and again not working so now trying before dance class. OY OY OY...I need a vacation! Enjoy!

ILYSE'S 12 Favorite Things: Day 1

Purchase Sneakers on the Finish Line Website Here:
http://bit.ly/f4qEr0

Also sold on Amazon Here:
http://amzn.to/dG6Ur2

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Chef I.B. Dancing At Your Service

Can you believe that it's that time of year where the holidays have hit, it is cold, and everyone is sick? I know I am not a Doctor, but I have the perfect medicine: SOUP!!! It is yummy, easy to cook, healthy, and warm.

Last week, one of my fabulous dancing divas, Michela brought me her homemade vegetable soup to taste and holy WOW was it incredible. Of course, I immediately had to have her recipe and try it out for myself. After getting fresh vegetables from the Farmers' Market, I decided to make it today for lunch. I made a small amount, because I wanted to make sure that my soup tasted just as good as Michela's if not better. HAHA! Well...move over Chef Emeril and Chef Michela, because Chef I.B. Dancing is in the house! WOW...did I surprise myself. My soup with my own flair totally ROCKED! I out did myself and I am so impressed! As most of you know, I am extremely busy and I barely have time to go to the bathroom let alone cook. This is what is nice about this recipe, it is quick and very easy.

Take a look below at some tips to make your hearty, healthy vegetable soup even more crowd pleasing and delicious. Why not make a large quantity of hearty vegetable soup and freeze it for use at a later time? It's a meal that's healthy and your whole family can enjoy. I have included the recipe. Please leave comments below and let me know what your soup experience was like. Trust me, you will LOVE it!

1) Use the freshest of ingredients

Vegetable soup tastes best when you start with the freshest of vegetables. If you have a farmer's market, pick up some fresh, preferably organic, vegetables to use in your soup. Wash and chop your vegetables as soon as you get home and bag them until you're ready to make your soup. If tomatoes aren't in season, canned tomatoes will taste almost as good as fresh ones.

2) Vary your vegetables

To add to the health value of your soup and give yourself some variety, experiment with a variety of vegetables. Some suggestions include corn, carrots, okra, black-eyed peas, cannelloni beans, cabbage, turnips, beets, sweet potatoes, parsnips, spinach, zucchini, and any other fresh vegetable that strikes your fancy.

3) Consider your broth

When making vegetable soup, you can use beef, vegetable, chicken broths or even water for the base. Beef bouillon adds an additional meaty flavor to fresh vegetable soup. Try different bases and see which ones appeal to you the most. I prefer low sodium chicken broth.

4) Pump up the taste with herbs

If you're using fresh herbs, you're going to need to add more to your soup than you would if using dried herbs. This is because fresh herbs have a higher water content which dilutes out some of the flavor. You can add a variety of herbs to vegetable soup to give it more flavor but it's best to stick to two or three in any one recipe. Some suggestions include rosemary, marjoram, basil, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, garlic, dill, and parsley. These can really add to the flavor and allow you to cut down on the amount of unhealthy salt you use.

I.B. Dancing's Vegetable Soup Recipe:

All veggies purchased at the farmers market...NICE and FRESH!!!

1tbs olive oil
1 leek
2 stick of celery
2 yellow carrots
1 zucchini
1 red pepper
scallions
1/2 sweet potato
carrots
parsley
Broccoli
1 can of crushed tomatoes and/or fresh tomatoes (I used fresh tomatoes only)
Heat the oil and toss the veggies in for 10 minutes.
Then add tomatoes, chicken broth, and some water. Do not cook more that 20 minutes.
Sea salt and pepper to taste. I enjoy Trader Joe's Rainbow Peppercorn for seasoning with a touch of sea salt.

Sweet Dreams...

Support the Girls

Months and months back, I was fortunate enough to meet Kelly Dooley, President and Founder of BodyRock Sport. The minute that I met Kelly and learned more about her trendy and innovative line of active wear, I knew that I had to share it with all of you. Aren't you tired of not having the right sports bra that suits you well with your workout routine? How many of you just choose the same old boring sports bra that are stretched out with no style? Don't be shy...we all do it.

This is why I love BodyRock Sport because the clothes combine both fitness and fashion in a functional way. Sorry gentleman, but BodyRock Sport is designed for chic women who don't want to sacrifice style at the gym, but they make great presents. :) BodyRock Sport is also perfect for women who want their gym clothes to be ultra chic and wearable outside of the gym. The garments are manufactured in New York City featuring unique fabrics and original enhancements with smart details, such as built-in ipod pockets, zippered compartments, and tag less labels for extra comfort. Not only are your "Girls" supportive, but they also look super sexy while you perform your workouts.

Kelly shared with me that she believes that women need to feel confident, comfortable, sexy and stylish when they're working out, and her passion is to share her designs with other fabulous women aching to spice up their workout wardrobes. Now, do you get it?! This is exactly what I am all about when it comes to teaching my dance fitness classes to Women of all ages and sizes. We must be pleased with ourselves, in love with what we have, what we look like and just simply accept. The first step to any workout or exercise routine is to walk in on the right foot, accepting who we are, what we have, and what we are all about. The rest is a piece of cake. It is a known fact that what we wear and how we display ourselves says a lot about who we are... so...do yourself and me a favor:
1) Stand in front of the mirror and check out EVERYTHING you have
2) Tell yourself you love you and EVERYTHING about you
3) Log onto BodyRock Sport TODAY to Support the Girls and get sexified for your next dance fitness class with me.
4) Please feel free to use my discount code: ILYSE (case sensitive) for your discount
5) Finally, post comments and pictures of what you purchased

Check out Kelly and I in our BodyRock Sport attire below...

Did you participate in National Dance Day on July 31, 2010?

Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer of “So You Think You Can Dance” has been committed to support dance education and physical fitness in communities throughout the United States. National Dance Day was created to empower, challenge and inspire everyone to try various styles of dance ranging from hip-hop to ballroom to anything that moves. Above all, it encouraged everyone to DANCE as a means to stay fit and be healthy.

I, of course, Miss Dance Fitness Guru herself knew right away that I had to be involved with National Dance Day so I joined Real Dance Productions for one amazing event. The event was a huge success and took place at the Americana in Glendale, CA. We had Live music by DJ JUSTYLE, Class Demonstrations from Hip Hop to Latin as well as Live Performances by professionals and amateurs. The Americana provided the perfect atmosphere for our 1st annual National Dance Day. Check out the video below...you might find some familiar faces. Enjoy and hope to see you in class!

What's For Breakfast?

It is a known fact that starting your day off right begins with a healthy breakfast. Whether you work at home, at the office, at school, or on the road, it is not a good idea to the most important meal of the day. Eating a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day.

Breakfast is the one meal that awakens our metabolisms. A healthy breakfast should contain some protein and some fiber. Protein can come from low fat meats, eggs, beans or dairy. Fiber can be found in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. A good example of a healthy breakfast might be something simple like a hard boiled egg, an orange, and a bowl of whole grain cereal with low fat milk. Stay away from the sugary cereals, syrups, pastries, and white breads. They are digested quickly, will leave you hungry, and tired in a couple of hours. Protein and fiber satisfy your hunger and will keep you feeling energized throughout your day.

People ask me all the time, "Ilyse, what do you eat for breakfast?" When I share my choices, I usually get a VERY surprised look back. It doesn't seem like the normal first meal of the day, but TRUST ME it is delicious. It also keeps me going like the energizer battery...I keep going and going! My Cousin Jessica visited me in LA a few months ago and thought that I was crazy when I told her what I eat for breakfast. Of course, I insisted that she tried it and I was right, she LOVED it! Now, I have hooked Jessica to my breakfast recipe and she has blogged about it on her own blog: Ready & Abel

Please enjoy reading my Cousin Jessica's blog as well. She is hilarious! I hope you try my famous breakfast and enjoy it too. Please let me know what you think by commenting below. Good luck with the recipe! Find it here: Stir-fry for Breakfast?

Kids In Motion

Isn't it mind boggling that one of the top stories in the media today is about kids fighting obesity? The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese. To me, this is no surprise. Many kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or video-game console. And today’s busy families have fewer free moments to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals. From fast food to electronics, quick and easy is the reality for many people in the new millennium.

So how can we prevent kids from being overweight, obese, and inactive? How many times do you get wrapped up in the busy work day and find that it is just easier to pick up a pizza for dinner or make the kids chicken nuggets? It's the "practice what you preach" mentality. Make healthy eating and exercise a family affair and a priority. Get your children involved! Plan and prepare healthy meals together, and take them along when you go grocery shopping so they learn how to make good food choices. Be active as a family! Summer is almost here so it is the perfect time to be outside and be fit. Try sports, family races, or even a walk after dinner. Anything to get your kids movin and groovin.

If you eat well, exercise regularly, and incorporate healthy habits into your family's daily life, you're modeling a healthy lifestyle for your kids that will last. Talk to them about the importance of eating well and being active, but make it a family affair that will become second nature for everyone.

That's why I have come up with the idea of forming a class specifically designed for kids. A class that kids can attend with a parent or on their own. I can guarantee they will have a blast. If you are interested then I need to hear from you, so please email me at kidsinmotion@ilysebaker.com. Please specify the area you live in as well as a broad range of days and times that might work for you. Enjoy this clip below of Kids In Motion!

What More Could You Ask For?

Staying fit, active, and healthy is on our minds at least once a day. We are always reading about the hottest new workout, piece of exercise equipment to buy and/or the latest diet that will blast the fat away in just 4 weeks. We ALWAYS buy into it! There is an enormous amount of information out there about having a healthy lifestyle. Some magazines, websites, and blogs are phony and so not realistic while others are right on the money to educate us well about health and fitness.

One of my favorite places to read up on everything involving fitness and diet is Vital Juice. Vital Juice is a free daily e-mail that delivers the latest must-read information about fitness, nutrition, beauty and wellness. So, I ask you this question: What More Could You Ask For? All you have to do is make one click and you are there to read the latest tips, trends, and must haves.

I, recently had the honor of guest teaching at the first Vital Juice LA popup wellness retreat on Friday, April 9, 2010 at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood. It was an amazing event. Please read what Vital Juice LA had to say about me and my dance moves here: U.B. Dancing

CAN YOU LEAVE YOUR STRESS AT THE DOOR?

Who hasn’t faced stress? Work, family, children, friends and just life in general can cause stress; so much stress that we let it all build up and forget how to cope with the pressure. Have you ever walked into the gym or a group exercise class so stressed out that it affects the entire room? Being an instructor, I have seen this way too many times. When an individual steps into class in a stressful state it sets the entire room with low energy and a feeling of awkwardness. We all want to either help and reach out to that one person who is overwhelmed and stressed or throw them out the door. Sometimes it is best to let that person be and for them to realize that the greatest place to relieve their worries of the day is the gym and/or in their favorite exercise class.

If you are reading this and realizing that you have been that person to walk into a room where everyone surrounding you knows that you are stressed out, it is ok. No one is perfect. What is good to know is that you realize it and now you can find a way to change it the next time it is about to happen. I personally LOVE releasing all my stress through dance (go figure?! Haha!). Some of us might not choose exercise as a stress reliever so I have put together some other tips to alleviate the stress from your life and I want you to give them a whirl! Go get em!

Crank up the Music
Now, I am not talking about hard head banging music as a stress reduction tool because that would just be silly! Instead, a good tip is soft calming tunes, which are better suited to bringing down stress levels. We can always respond to harmony and rhythm, which is why soothing music can melt the stress away. Try artists like Toby Lightman, Norah Jones, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, and Sting

Dance away your stress (MY FAVORITE)
If you are someone who enjoys dancing then use it as a stress reduction tool. Make it a habit to dance everyday or at least twice a week. Putting on your favorite tunes and allowing your footwork to do the rest, should lower stress levels. Try artists like MaDonna, Michael Jackson, Pointer Sisters, Beyonce, and The Black Eyed Peas.

Hit something like a punching bag!
High stress levels can lead to evil tempers and those who bottle up their emotions are more likely to encounter larger temper outbursts. A good stress reduction tool is to try hitting a punch bag. Even taking up kick boxing classes can be a great way to focus your stress and anger in a positive way while getting a workout all at the same time! Two birds… one stone.

Take a Hot Bath
Relaxing in the tub is a great stress reduction tool. Take out some time to soak away the stress! Try lighting candles, dimming the lights, burn the aromatherapy oils, and let the stress melt away.

Talk about it
Allow yourself to discuss the reasons behind stress that you’re feeling. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, as they will help you work through the stress and the problems causing the pressure on your mind.

Don’t overschedule!
Trying to cram in too many appointments, meetings and events in one day or one week can raise stress levels very quickly. Manage your time better and learn to de-clutter your schedule.

Time to start a sport
Exercise is a great stress busting tool. Team sports, such as hockey, rowing and even tennis are all great examples to try. What a great way to relieve tension and aggression and get fit!

GOOD LUCK!

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW TO LET ME KNOW HOW YOU DID AND HOW MUCH BETTER YOU FEEL.

LIKE I ALWAYS SAY, YOU WILL THANK ME LATER!

A Simple Post

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a of couple weeks. Life has been crazy for me, but all in good ways. I have been extremely busy with many projects so stay tuned as I begin to share them in my upcoming blogs. In the meantime, grab a friend and/or a family member and see if you can groove with this clip below from my "Dance Party" class at 360 Health Club.

Behind The Scenes: Day 2 Photo Shoot

The long awaited Day 2 footage is finally here.  

 Thank you for letting me share this amazing experience with all of you.

Please click the link below to view...

DAY 2 FOOTAGE 

Behind The Scenes: Day 1 Photo Shoot

I wish I could have taken all of you with me.  

But, since I couldn't...

Please click the link below to view...

DAY 1 FOOTAGE

Dudes To The Dance Floor

Do you know any men in your life that could benefit from dance?  Could dance be something new, different, and challenging for the male population to try?  Wouldn't you agree, that 2010 should be the year that men really or actually "step up" and "bring it" to the dance floor?  

I am calling all "Dudes To The Dance Floor" PLEASE!  

You know where to find me:  http://www.ilysebaker.com/ 

Please take a moment to turn up your volume, watch this clip below and help me spread this message to EVERY dude out there:

Dudes To The Dance Floor

The Right Foot

Can you believe that another year has gone by and we are saying Happy New Year yet again? Where does the time go? 2010, A New Year and a new decade dawns: What dreams will come, what will we do?

Our society and tradition both dictate that every 365 days, we should start fresh and try to get rid of bad habits. We are told to sit down and reflect: What kinds of New Years resolutions will we make this January 1st?

On New Year’s Eve, I was asked the simple question, “Ilyse, what is your New Year’s resolution?” I answered, “Oh my gosh…I haven’t even thought of one. That is a really good question. I guess I have been so busy listening to everyone else’s goals and desires for 2010 that I forgot about my own.”

2010 for me will begin with the right foot. What do I mean by this? My Mom advises me to always walk in with the right foot whether it is for an audition, airplane ride, or even just the supermarket. It does not matter what, why, or where…walking in with the right foot says it all. The right foot sets a positive path for a new way, a new beginning, and the unexpected.

With the right foot, I will continue inspiring many, changing peoples’ lives one body at a time, motivate, be a confidant, and get the job done. I want to share my passion, drive, and enthusiasm for dance and fitness with the entire World. I will continue my blog on a weekly basis. I want to focus on not spreading myself too thin and saying yes to everything and everyone. I tend to do this a lot and realize that I am really not doing what Ilyse wants. My list of things for 2010 goes on and on…

Now it is your turn…I am sure that most of you, if not all of you have your resolutions set and your goals written out. Here are some more ways to approach things that I think will benefit you:

1) Be realistic by setting achievable goals. Winning the lottery, for example, is out of your grasp, but you can still dream?! ☺

2) Describe your resolutions in specific terms. Instead of "I don't want to be lazy," opt for "I want to exercise regularly" or "I will cut down on my television watching."

3) Break down large goals into smaller ones. For instance, commit to losing weight by resolving to join a gym and improve your eating habits.

4) Find alternatives to a behavior that you want to change, and make this part of your resolution plan. So you want to quit smoking but you smoked to relax yourself? What other forms of relaxation are available to you?

5) Above all, aim for things that are truly important to you, not what you think you ought to do or what others expect of you.

I encourage you to write your goals down on a piece of paper and post it in a spot that you see everyday. There are no excuses for 2010…you CAN do it…you WILL do it! It is as simple as what I always say, “It is not that deep. Just do it. I promise you will thank me later.” Walk into 2010 on the right foot…it is just that simple.