Working It Out With Isabela Staycer Creator of " Bela's Brazilian Bootcamp" !

Isabela Staycer

Isabela Staycer is a woman on a mission...and that  mission is to change " The world one fit body at a time". Isabela Staycer is a personal trainer and runs " Isabela's Brazilian Bootcamp" which is guaranteed to get you in the best shape of your life! Isabela is a friend of mine and I wanted to share her story as well as her  enthusiasm for health, wellness, and fitness with you all! Isabela is one of those people who lives her life with passion ...truly savoring all the best that life has to offer! She is smart,  funny, sarcastic, open minded , and we became fast friends! I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I did and that's the way I see it !

Xx Billy Charles

BC: Tell me about your background and where you grew up? 

IS: I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and grew up in front of the Beach – my parents still live in the same place where I spent my childhood – Barra da Tijuca – the best surf spot in the city.

BC: What was living in Brazil like and do you miss it?

IS:  I miss my parents, I miss Barra Beach and Buzios. My parents have a beach house there where we spent the weekends. It has since become a destination where you can spot celebrities like Gisele and Tom Brady looking for some peace, sun in a very chic and cosmopolitan setting.

BC: You are living in San Fran now what led up to that? 

IS: One of my favorite stories: my now husband and I met in the OC (cue the many Real Housewives encounters!) but were fed up with the very conservative ways of the area. We decided to get married at the City Hall here in San Francisco as a protest against Prop 8!

BC: Have you always had a passion for health and fitness? 

IS: Yes. My parents are my greatest inspiration: they were macrobiotics before Madonna, took me to the gym as a teenager and encouraged me to dance and body board (I ended up a champion of the state of Rio de Janeiro at 16 years old in body boarding; and have danced for companies in many cities and countries).

Graceful in her movements

BC: Tell me about your training or schooling... 

IS: I became certified in Pilates to improve my ballet career. I was certified by a PMA endorsed studio, worked in a hospital and physical therapy facilities with Pilates for rehab. However, my real passion is using my trademarked workout Bela’s BrazilianBootcamp, Pilates, pure fitness moves to maximize performance and minimize risk of injury in athletes: from the pros to the " average joes" .

With Bravo TV's Emily Morse from Miss Advised

BC: What workouts are you doing with your clients currently?

IS:  I always do a fusion of all of the techniques I have in my bag of tricks. Unlike many trainers that provide somewhat similar workouts for many of their clients, I design specific workouts to address specific goals and needs. In fashion terms: it is the difference between buying off the rack and buying Haute Couture.

BC: What type of workout would you recommend  for people who are just starting out ?

IS: I recommend purchasing at least 1 session with a trainer. That trainer should be able to design a workout that the client can do on his/her own. I encourage my clients to walk/hike for cardio, and give them mini-workouts that they do when they don’t get to see me! I’m a control freak, hands-on trainer, but that quality has allowed me to train clients all over the world. Next: Skype sessions with your favorite Brazilian.

BC: What kind of foods do you eat and what would you suggest to someone just starting out on a healthy lifestyle change?

IS: I recommend what I call 5/2 ratio: 5 days of clean eating (proteins, lots of veggies, whole grain carbs, some healthy fats) and 2 days of allowing yourself to indulge. My clients and I train harder so that we can eat a little more.

Another Bela Tip: when you indulge, you get to pick 1 thing – make it good, make it your favorite. Mine?Cheesecake, pizza, 1 glass of red wine (not all on the same night!).

BC: What are some misconceptions/obstacles about working out and how do you help clients overcome them?

IS: The biggest obstacle is building the rapport with a client. Trust me, I’m the “Butt” Doctor (a well earned nickname), I will deliver results. Don’t deprive of your favorite things; instead make a calorie budget that you can choose from.

BC: Tell me about your personal workout routine ... 

IS: I workout 6 days a week: doing one of my classes with my people (very often, I’m like: all my god, you’re such a crazy bitch, this is hard, I want to stop, but I don’t. My people look up to me!); I hike and do longwalks 2+ hours with my husband on the weekends.

People: if you just walk to and from work or during lunchtime, you are already ahead of the game!

BC: What are some of your favorite things? 

IS: Sports: I’m a total jock and will watch as many games as I’m allowed (especially my football and my Philadelphia Eagles); the arts (dance, museums, photography…); causes (gay rights, animal rights, HIV and cancer cures); traveling (East Coast and Europe); wine, laughing, being silly with my husband, the color grey (thunderstorms, winter, overcast skies – the only Brazilian who detests the sun!)

BC: What are a few things that bother you? 

IS: I cannot stand bigotry, people who are mean to animals, older people or kids (pick someone your own size, bullies!), dishonesty, lack of authenticity. I dislike people who are dull, obsequious, fake and who overall try to hard. If you’re cool and lucky, we may be friends. Maybe.  

BC: So what do you Like to do for fun?...what are your other passions besides working out? 

IS: Hanging out with my husband (when you’re paired up with the right person, you don’t have to do much); Going to the movies, watching my Reality TV and my sports, being a tourist in our own city and exploring; watching my husband cook (I cook NOTHING because I hate knives and fire – my story and I’m sticking up with it); studying French.

The ever chic Isabela Staycer

BC: What do you want people reading to know about whoIsabela Staycer is? 

IS: I’m a Brazilian/Portuguese/American who has 3 passports, but is not a spy. I moved here as a teenagerand was able to make my own American dream a reality. My soul animal is a cat: don’t come to me, I’ll come to you, maybe, in my own time. I’m like the Mafia: if I like you, you’re MADE for life; if I don’t like you, yeah, I wouldn’t want to be you either.

Isabela takes many of her workouts to the outdoors!

BC:  ( Both laugh) Where can we find you and how would someone contact you to be trained by you? 

IS: You can contact me via email istaycer@gmail.com on Facebook at Isabela Staycer (I post workouts periodically to all of my friends as a gift to the world) or Twitter at @iStaycer.

I’ll find a way to make you fit me in your budget and schedule anywhere in the planet!

My Goal: CHANGE THE WORLD ONE FIT BODY AT A TIME.

BC: I wish you continued success and thank you for sharing your story with me!

IS: Thank you for sharing my story and if your readers ever need tips you know where to find me!

BCNY Music Spotlight: Gina Cutillo

Gina Cutillo " The Lover"

Gina Cutillo's latest collection of songs will get you up and moving!  Her latest CD is titled "The Lover" and
I would describe  the vibe of the music as dance, pop, and rock!  The overall  feel of this album is sexy, upbeat, and gets you moving! This album would make a great road trip CD or a fun party soundtrack!
 Gina is a very talented writer and the  passion that she puts into writing each of her songs is evident!
Some of my favorite tracks on this album are Lets Just Go, Remember You, Get Down , and You and I Forever ( a slower more romantic song written for her husband Craig Seigelbaum ).

                                     " Remember You " is also the theme song for The Gina Show



Gina is very busy these days with a her role as new mother, musician, wife, and now talk show host!
 You can see another creative, as well as very funny ,  side of Gina Cutillo on The Gina Show live weekly Wednesday's 11 am EST on www.inravio.com. Internet television and radio which is  broadcasting to
 6 billion people worldwide!
Gina is also a humanitarian and some of the proceeds of  her songs on Reverb Nation are being donated to
 " Half The Sky Movement"  turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide !

You can read more about " Half  The Sky Movement " here:

http://www.halftheskymovement.org

Quote from her Reverb Nation Bio:

" Signed with APM the biggest licensing company in the world, Gina Cutillo and company are having their way with TV, Film and Commercials. Gina's songs can be heard on Oprah's OWN network, Nickelodeon, Mean Girls 2, Barbara Walters, Hyundai Elantra, MLB baseball, Food Network , Degrassi and more "

I promise that Gina Cutillo and The Lover will not disappoint ! I have been playing it non stop since I received my copy!
Please check out Gina's music today and you can listen before you buy while also helping  a great cause...look for the songs marked with the red heart! Gina Cutillo is a fabulous singer, songwriter, musician and all around fun gal and that's just the way I see it Xx Billy Charles

You can check out " The Lover" by Gina Cutillo here:

http://www.reverbnation.com/ginacutillo


Follow Gina Cutillo on Twitter @GinaCutillo

Check out The Gina show weekly @inravio
www.inravio.com

Ashure Hartkopf and The H Collection Jewelry

The H Collection  " Beach Bracelets" in the seasons trendiest colors!

I first discovered The H Collection while looking at their photos on Instagram. I then started following them on Twitter only to find out that the creator , Ashure Giruzzi Hartkopf ,   is  from Upstate NY just like I am!
Ashure is also part Italian and we bonded over that while sharing family stories . Her first name, Ashure , was an adaptaion of " Azure" from her Mom which means sky blue " in Italian!
We became fast friends and I loved her line so much I had to share it with you all!
The designs are fabulous, fun, made with love , and are very inexpensive considering the quality and the fact that they are hand made! The H Collection  is starting to get a lot of attention and a celebrity clientele is soon to follow! My friend and creator of Beauty Kitchen, Heather Marianna , loved them so much that she had Ashure custom design  her a few bracelets which Heather is wearing currently! Music Producer Teddy Sandman saw my black cross  bracelet and I know he fell in love with it and now is ordering one!

The H Collection " Evil Eye" Bracelet to ward off negativity and jealousy!

BC: Tell me about the creation of The H Collection...

AH: The H Collection was founded in January 2012...One day myself and my friend June were shopping for jewelry at the mall,  we couldn't help to notice that everything was made from plastic!  We said to each other,  we could make our own jewelry and the quality would be a lot better. It started as a hobby at first but we soon realized that we could sell our bracelets so we created The H Collection Facebook page and soon after a store on Etsy.

The lovely Ashur Hartkopf  designer  of  The H Collection

" Autism Awareness" Bracelets inspired by her friend's son

BC: What was your biggest inspiration?

AH:  I think our biggest inspiration is our mothers,  whom we both lost. Knowing that we have them watching over us as our biggest fans is amazing!
BC: That is so sweet!

BC: How do you decide what to make and sell?
AH: We stay up to date with the latest fashion trends and create beautiful and affordable bracelets using only the best quality gemstones,  metals and charms available. We take great pride in our line and wouldn't design  anything we wouldn't wear ourselves.

BC: That's Awesome! I absolutely loved the bracelets that  I received and have had many compliments on them!  I can't wait to see whats in store next!

AH: There are many new fun designs that will be available on my ETSY shop soon!

Heather Marianna in The H Collection "Hamsa" Bracelet

The H Collection Stone " Hamsa" Bracelet for protection, prosperity, and peace was   custom created for Actress and creator of  Beauty Kitchen Heather Marianna!

Custom Designed Cross bracelet by The H Collection

The H Collection Men's Collection Cross Bracelet  that I wear!

The H Collection is available on ETSY :

www.Etsy.com/shop/TheHCollection

Enter Promo Code BCNY10 at checkout  to receive 10% off your order! 

Follow The H Collection on Twitter @TheHCollection

Raquel Castro: The Girl Behind " The Voice "

Actress, Singer, and Dancer... Raquel Castro

Raquel Castro was in show business a  long time  before she  first came to everyone's attention and captured our heart's on screen  ( at only seven years old ) in the hit movie Jersey Girl starring Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, and Liv Tyler . We watched her in many movies and projects since then but it was her  ( smart)  grown up decision to share her musical talents on NBC's Singing competition  " The Voice"  that had us pleasantly surprised,  continued to keep our  attention,  and leaves us wondering what is next for this tiny powerhouse?
 I talked to Raquel recently as  I wanted to know what else she has up her beautiful and talented  sleeve...find out below  what she had to say!


BC: What is your nationality and where did you grow up?
RC: I'm Puerto Rican and Italian and I grew up in Long Island New York!
BC: One of my favorite cities!
RC: Mine too! Growing up there was such a learning experience!

BC: I understand you started acting at age four...what was it like  growing up " in the business"?
RC: I was always entertaining people when I was a child .. I ran around in circles every time my mom had the camera on me! I started acting when I was 4, and landed my first lead role when I was 7 in "Jersey Girl". It was an amazing experience and I was so blessed to work with such an amazing cast. It definitely had its ups and downs though..
BC: Such as?
RC :Dealing with all of the attention at such a young age and then having it all go away was very rough, and hard to understand. I love what I do though, and I believe going through the ups and downs in this industry,  my whole life, made me who I am today.

BC: Would you say that your role in Jersey Girl has been one of your favorite acting opportunities, and if so, why?

RC: Jersey Girl changed my life. So, I have to say that was my favorite opportunity! It was a huge platform and I got to work with amazing people. 

BC:  Yes! Jersey Girl was a great movie and starred major Hollywood actors...Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, and Jennifer Lopez...what was it like working with them?

Raquel Castro on the set of " Jersey Girl" with A list Actor and Director Ben Affleck

A young Raquel doing press on the red carpet!

RC: I had so much fun working with them. I got really close to Liv and Ben. They were like big kids! They made me feel so comfortable. I hope to work with them again in the future! Jennifer Lopez was one of my biggest inspirations as a child so getting to play her daughter was incredible. Also getting to work with the legendary George Carlin was awesome. He was a sweetheart. 

BC: Would you consider Jersey Girl  your " break out role" ?

RC: Yes and no. Yes, because it was my first lead role, and I was given the opportunity to travel around the world to do publicity for the film which was amazing. But, at the same time no, because I was so young. I feel like I haven't had my breakout role yet. I feel like I have so much more to show the world now as an 18 year old. 

BC: So does that mean that  you will continue to pursue acting in the future? 

RC: Yes...I took a break from acting for a little bit to focus more on my music. After graduating high school, It really hit me that I'm stepping into the real world now. I'm focusing on both my music and acting, and I'm 100% dedicated to both. This is all I know, and this is all I can ever picture myself doing. I will keep working my butt off until I get where I want to be!

 BC:  Speaking of working your butt off ( both laugh)... tell me how and why you decided to audition for NBC's  reality singing competition " The Voice"  starring Christina Aguilera  , Blake Shelton, Adam Levine , and Ce Lo Green...

RC:At first I wasn't going to do the Voice. I wasn't a fan of the whole reality TV shows idea.  However, once my mom told me more about the show, it really made me want to audition. I liked the fact that it was different and positive. It focused on what really matters "The Voice". 

BC: You were picked,  and then as if that wasn't enough, you were lucky to have  Christina Aguilera  end up mentoring you! What was that like and what advice has she given you that you have taken? 

RC: Very lucky! I loved having Christina as my coach .. I always looked up to her as a vocalist. She's amazing! She really taught me things more on a personal level from her own experiences. She taught me how people will always try and say negative things to bring you down. You just have to stay true to yourself and not let the negativity effect you. 

BC: Great advice, especially in this industry...you've since  had the opportunity to cover Christina Aguilera's  song " Aint No Other Man" what did she think about that? 

RC: ( laughs) Yes that is like my go to song to sing for people! I love the power in her voice in that song. I'm not quite sure what she thought about it I did it after the show. I would hope she liked it!

BC: What's not to love? ( both laugh)  Did you find that during your time on " The Voice" that being so young was an advantage or disadvantage? 

RC:Both, I feel like being younger helped me connect with the younger crowd, but at the same time being so young on that kind of competition made it really intimidating because I was "competing" against people who had way more experience then I did. I learned a lot though, so I wouldn't change a thing !

BC: Your singing career is really taking off! ...tell me about " Game Over" the song you just co wrote and released...

Raquel doing her thing!

RC: I wrote "Game Over" with a writer in Miami at a program called IDA. I wrote it based on my own experience from a relationship I was in. It's about being in a relationship with someone who you love, but you feel like they're playing games with your heart. It shows the struggles of not knowing whether to stay in the relationship or not. It's like, you wanna stay because you love and care about that person, but you want to leave because they continuously hurt you or make you feel like you're not important. 

BC: We are definitely starting to see you blossom into a young adult! Is there an album in the works?
RC: Yes there is an album in the works! I'm in the middle of working with these producers and really finding a sound with them. I've also been writing A LOT so stay tuned :)

Celebrity make-up artist and friend of Raquel Castro Priscilla Di Stasio

BC: Of course! How do you like expressing yourself in music and how does that differ from acting?

RC:Music is like therapy to me. It's hard for me to show emotion, so I love being able to get my thoughts and emotions out through my music. I really love to make music that people can relate to because I know it makes my day when I hear a song and say "oh my god I've felt that before", or "that's exactly how I'm feeling". It's like a shoulder to lean on, but it's music. It definitely differs from acting. In acting you're putting your own experiences into a situation to be someone else. Music is just writing your heart out on a piece of paper and saying this is me and this is how I feel. I love doing both .

BC: Which actors ( or singers) do you look up to or admire?

RC:Beyonce is one of my biggest inspirations. I hope to be as respected and talented and successful as her one day. Christina is a big inspiration as well vocally. I also really love Katy Perry as an artist.  Rachel McAdams is my favorite actress. And I'm also loving Jennifer Lawrence! She's awesome!

BC: Who would you like to meet someday if you could? 

RC:I'd love to meet Jennifer Lawrence, because she's so real and I'm a big fan of real people who don't put on some act to be someone they're not. I'd also love to meet Demi Lovato. After seeing an interview of her sticking up for Miley Cyrus, she seems pretty real as well. Also, Justin Bieber is a big inspiration and I'd love to meet him. Anytime I'm feeling down or frustrated I just watch his movie and it just reminds me to keep striving for what I want! 

BC: What advice would you give to the many young girls that are looking up to you as inspiration? 

RC: I have so much to say whether it's about relationships, making mistakes, feeling like you're not good enough or just life in general. I want to be like a big sister to my fans and show them that no one is perfect. 

BC: How do you balance work, school, and play?

RC: It was hard growing up, especially dealing with school. I was bullied a lot growing up and no one really understood me or my goals. Not even just kids, teachers too! Now that I graduated from high school, it really makes it a lot easier! I like to go out and have fun every now and then but my head and focus is really on my craft. 

BC: What would you consider a fun day off? What would you be doing?

RC:  Hmm... I don't know about a fun day off ( laughs) .. but I really wanna go skydiving! I love doing things that give me an adrenaline rush! 

Sexy but Classy

These boots were made for walkin'...

Fabulous Style!

BC: You are quite the " fashionista"... How would you describe your style?

RC: Aw thanks! I'd say I am stylish, a little sexy, but not like an x rated movie ( both laugh).  I just like to have a little edge to everything I wear. I'm really digging high waisted pants/shorts and crop tops. And I'm always wearing some type of boot. 

BC; Tell me five things that you love or couldn't live without...

RC:My family, real people, music, inspiring quotes, and  being on stage!

BC: Tell me any five things that you don't really care for...

RC: Five  things I don't care for are rumors, negative people, rude people, cockiness, and liars.

BC: What is next for Raquel Castro? Where do you see yourself in the future?
RC: More new music, and hopefully I can do some more acting! I wanna be at the Grammys some day!
BC: I would love to see that for you and I thank you for sharing your life with us!
RC: Thank you for having me!


Raquel Castro is a girl of many talents and she enjoys sharing them with the world. She has an upbeat and positive energy that is both endearing and infectious. Her musical career is just beginning and I for one am excited to watch her grow and change  as an artist as I have been since she first came into our lives on the
 " Big Screen". Raquel Castro has a good head on her shoulders and with her Mom by her side supporting her as well as managing her any path she chooses will be a " win win " and That's The Way I See It !
 Xx Billy Charles

Find out more about Raquel Castro and what she is up to on her official website: www.RaquelCastro.com 

Preview and purchase Raquel Castro's song DIARY here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/diary-j-chris-griffin-remix/id522189754

Follow Raquel Castro on Twitter @RaquelCastro

Mangia! In The Kitchen With Billy Charles NY: Spinach Frittata!

I am very excited to share my first cooking blog with you all: Mangia! In The Kitchen With Billy Charles NY  I hope to do many more and eventually to turn it into a Video Blog!
For those of you who don't know me, or may just be following me, I have a passion for food!
 I love cooking, eating, and critiquing it! I have been cooking since I was very  young. I grew up in the family restaurant business where I worked on and off from ages 15 until about 21. I am full blooded Italian and as  many people know food is a major part of our culture! We live, laugh, and express  love through our passion for food!
 Food comforts us when there is a sad occasion and ads to any celebration to lift us up! My mother, Nancy Mazza Piperata is an amazing cook... and trust me it's not just because she is my Mom! She learned a lot from her family as well as her father in law, my grandfather, who was a top chef in our state!

My Grandfather Chef Dominck Piperata R.I.P

My mother Nancy Mazza Piperata and I 

 Here I share my recipe for a dish inspired by her Spinach Frittata!

What is exactly is Frittata you ask? Frittata is an egg based dish similar to an omelet or quiche, enriched with additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses, vegetables or pasta! It usually involves frying eggs and adding whatever you desire,  the possibilities are endless, but here I make it a bit more healthy and quicker by baking it instead. Cooking is all about choices and I never follow any recipe to the letter. It's about experimenting, being inspired, and having fun in the process! I hope you enjoy making and eating this Spinach Fritatta as much as I do!

                           Billy Charles Fast and Easy Spinach Frittata! 



This dish feeds about 6 people with one  4X4 square each and should take no more than 45 minutes  including prep.

What you will need from the grocery store:

1 Cup of Milk
10 Large Eggs ( you can use egg beaters if you desire)
Garlic clove ( or garlic powder)
A small white or yellow onion ( or onion powder)
1 full Cup of Romano or Parmesan cheese ( or both)
Salt and Pepper to taste
12 ounces of chopped spinach ( Short cut; use a frozen, chopped, steamer in the bag for microwave)
Cooking oil ( again your choice) to fry the spinach up

FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I love drinking a glass of white wine with ice when I cook and listening to Josh Groban or any relaxing and passionate music!

Tools:

A large frying pan
A medium mixing bowl
A whisk
A cup for liquid measure
A cup for Dry measure
A 12X9 glass baking dish or pan ( I prefer glass looks better to serve out of )
A spatula

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and make sure you have the rack in the middle of your oven.
Next prepare spinach using the instructions if you are not chopping and cooking it fresh.
Chop garlic clove and your onion into tiny pieces.
Turn your burner on medium heat and add a few table spoons of oil and let it get nice and hot.

Spinach, onion , and garlic frying on the stove!

Throw the spinach, onion , and garlic in the pan once it is ready and be sure and turn it every so often so it doesn't burn. If you are using onion and garlic powder I suggest two full table spoons of each, or to your personal taste. I like things spicy!

Egg, cheese, salt , and pepper mixture.

Meanwhile in the bowl add all ten eggs, your milk, the cheese of your choice ( Romano or Parmesan) and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended and there are no lumps.

Be sure and spread the mixture evenly over the spinach.

Remove your fried spinach from the stove and spread it out evenly in your 12X9 baking dish. Cover the spinach evenly with the egg mixture and place sideways in the center of your pre-heated oven.

 Cook the frittata for 1/2 an hour and towards the end of cook time ( you can insert a fork in the middle and see if it comes out dry)   switch your oven to low broil to brown the top. Be careful to keep a close eye on it at this point as you do not want to burn it!

Camera ready and  Gorgeous from browning the top under the broiler! 

Remove the frittata  from the oven, and when it cools enough to eat,  divide  it in to six even pieces approximately 4" X 4"  and serve it with your choice of grated cheese for garnish! This recipe also makes a great side dish to many meals! You could even garnish with fresh cut grape tomatoes , cubed mozzarella, and a drizzle of seasoned oil. Yum!

I love mine served with extra grated Romano cheese! I also eat this cold! It's usually gone the day I make it!

This dish is easy, delicious, and a healthier choice than many meals! Perfect for vegetarians also! You can even try it with mixed Chinese stir fry vegetables as  I  have done! ( everyone has that bag of veggies in the freezer they never think about using).
If you decide to try this recipe please leave me a comment here or on twitter @BillyCharlesNY and let me know what you think! Enjoy, have fun, and  Mangia! ( eat in Italian)  Xx Billy Charles