Rita Catolino

A Special Gift

rita — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:04:57 +0000

Back in January I celebrated my birthday (whoo hoo). When you are 30-some, although everyday is great, my former “monthlong birthday hoopLas”are now a thing of the past(thank God)! This year for my birthday, a dear friend of mine (who also happens to be one of the most talented and generous people I know), gifted me a shoot with a different light. You see, I am definetley blessed to have been able to shoot so many amazing sets with Paul Buceta- from fitness, to glam and everything in between (ahem- matadora). So this time,when placed in front of the camera once again, we decided to do something a little different…..the outcome is reminiscent of French Vogue….well it is to me….hopefully you like it….if you do…feel free to share:)

Ohh….also forgot to mention Two Chicks and some Lipstick were responsible for the transformation….. As always, Valeria and Lori made me feel the part….

Typography post

admin — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 11:37:19 +0000

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admin — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 20:54:00 +0000

Arnold Weekend 2012

admin — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 20:02:05 +0000

This year’s Arnold Sports Festival was monumental for me. Not only was this my first time competing at the Arnold’s, but it was my first time EVER in attendance! I don’t know if I was more excited about being on stage or being able to witness one of the most prestigious events in the fitness industry-both of the experiences surpassed my hopes.

Thursday was a whirlwind, driving the 6 hours to get to Columbus with my girl/client/friend/competitor Midori Rutledge. From then it was non stop…Makeup/hair by the one and only Valeria Nova, registration (where there was no shortage of hot women with hard bodies! WOW!!), athletes meeting, and then dressing room where all of the last minute details were ironed out. I was so excited to put on my new red suit by the amazingly talented Sarah Scotford, but knew that with over a 2 hour wait, it was best to find a spot with my fellow Canadians and wait it out. The wait wasnt long as this was probably one of the most organized shows I have ever partaken in (and i’ve done a few;). Before I knew it, I was shined up, lined up, and with glass slippers in tow, rushed to backstage with my other 30 -some competitors of Bikini Class E (second tallest). I try never to size up my fellow competitors backstage, but I am human and did a bit of comparing while waiting for my magic #228 to be called. Quick parentheses – this was the hardest prep I endured. My family and I are temporarily living with a minimum amount of space with my parents while we build a new home, so organization, which is key with prep, was a huge challenge. This also brought on quite a bit of new stress into my life. Any competitor knows that Cortisol is no friend to us. On top of all of this, I found out I have an aversion to dairy, which made my tummy area less then appealing. There were a few times where I wanted to throw in the towel and give up. How could I get up on this monumental stage in a string bikini and show my best physique, when too many things were going wrong? After taking 2 days off, talking with some friends, my coach and my hubby, I was ready to try again. Fastforward to backstage. I was more ready then ever. I felt like a million bucks, and the hardest journey was already behind me. I was ready to celebrate no matter the outcome (although I wanted top 10 so badly!) The actual stage is usually a blur with a mix of nerves, excitment and adrenaline. Not to mention the fact that Arnold himself was sitting front row centre! Front,back,front and stage left. Thats it ladies and gents. Less then 25 seconds of fame:) Then it was time for comparisons. I was called in the first callout. Wait! ME?! with all of those beauties? TOP 5!!! Ill take it. Dont get me wrong,I know I deserve it, we all did- I just have this special gift as seeing others as flawless, but magnifiying my own flaws. I am learning to change:) Enough with the physcotherapy……

That night included food with my roomies, Midori, Valeria, Lori, Sarah and Mr Buceta (he had to order the tempting sea salt homemade chips!)- and yes, we all shared a bed (ok,ok, not Paul). And up at 5am for a day full of hair, makeup and shooting! I had an amazing shoot with SarahLyons (PictureGroove). We got sooooo many looks Im dying to see the pictures! Maria Hairhustler made me look like dynamite and I wore some of the most amazing bikinis by Maison Lyle. Did I mention Swarovski Crystal Louboutins? Thanks Melissa Morrison. The afternoon entailed visitng new and old fitness friends at the Expo and trying out some amazing new products. Off to shoot 2 with Eva Simon. I had shot with Eva over a year ago in Miami, and really enjoyed the experience. I brought a whole new package, and a lot more experience to the shoot, and Eva is always there with her tips and jokes to make me laugh. Hopefully we will have some good news soon!Friday night ended with a great steak and glass of shiraz and sweet dreams for the finals on Saturday morning.

Up at the crack of dawn, our room was always buzzing with beauties lining up to become transformed by the magic hands of Valeria Nova, Lori Fabrizio and Sarah Scotford. Let me tell you, a lot of bonding goes on under the clouds of hairspray and puffs of powder. From fitness to fashion to Snooki’s pregnancy, I had the chance to catch up and chat with Tosca Reno, Carrie Hensman, Holly Barker, Robin Stone, Jenna McNamara, Caitlin Bellamy, Melissa Morrison and many more!If ever a problem needs to be solved…ask a group of women getting beautified…we are full of answers!

Off to the Expo with the honour and priveledge of stepping on the same stage as many of the same fitness people I look up to. The award ceremony was quick and cheerful. I am honoured and proud to have taken home the 4th place trophy in Bikini E to Canada, and to Ontario in particular. The best is that my client, Midori Rutledge also took 4th in her category, making our celebrations even more exciting! We ran off stage, hand in hand, trophies in tow and shared our achievments with our fitness family over at the Oxygen Booth. Pictures, hugs and congrats! It was a whirlwind and I didnt want to be pinched to awake from this dream!

I would like to thank the following people for making my experience so amazing and possible-

The volunteers and organizers at the Arnold’s for putting on such a great show!
The IFBB and the CBBF for allowing me to compete in this prestigious event
The OPA for letting me represent Ontario. I am honoured.
Ron Hache for being present and supporting his athletes both morally and economically
Oxygen Magazine for being my “fitness family” and allowing me to celebrate along with them
Valeria Nova, Lori Fabrizio and Sarah Scotford for beautifying me, dressing me, morally supporting me, putting up with me etc….
My sponsors Magnum Neutraceuticals for letting me not work the booth;) and being there for me!
All of the other AMAZING competitors form Canada and abroad
My family and coaches for their support and unwaivering patience
Midori for being you, for your support and friendship and for being an AMAZING client. so proud.

THANK YOU to all….I hope I am not forgetting anyone! If I am ……THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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admin — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 11:38:12 +0000

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