I was born in Moscow to a Russian mom and Cuban dad. When I was eight years old, my family moved to the U.S. and settled in Southwest Florida. But I dreamed of living in a big city once again, so I instantly set my sights on New York City.

After high school I attended New York University, where I double majored in Journalism (with a concentration in magazines) and Dramatic Literature and received my cum laude Bachelor of Arts in May 2007. I also completed a Digital Journalism Certificate from Media Bistro, have taken several recreational writing, photography and cooking classes.

Since graduating, I have interned at magazines like Latina, Good Housekeeping and People. I have worked at InStyle, Family Circle and am currently a staff writer at Mamás Latinas. I am also a freelance writer with a blog focused on Healthy Latin Food. Although I love all kinds of writing, my passion has led me to focus on food and health.

If you’re interested in finding out more about my work experience, please feel free to take a look at my Resume or Published Clips. For a better grasp of my voice and natural writing style, you can also take a peek at my Tumblr blog.

I have always loved tackling new projects, which is why I’ve had a couple of other healthy living blogs in the past (including the now-defunct Fit Flexitarian). My passion for food, nutrition and wellness started after I lost 100 pounds and enrolled in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where I recently completed a certificate in holistic health coaching.

I spend most of my time writing or cooking but, when I’m not, I’m probably reading or watching one of my favorite TV shows or movies (typically while my kitty, Capt. Jack Sparrow, dozes on my leg and I’m doing more writing).

On the occasional times I have some down time, I am probably falling in love with my city all over again. Unless I’m traveling (which I also love), you can frequently find me discovering new things to do in NYC.

Whether it’s writing, cooking, reading, gardening (or attempting to), shopping, hanging out with friends, visiting my family, going to the movies, relaxing with my cat, traveling or exploring NYC, you will almost never find me sitting still. I admit it can be a little bit exhausting at times but, to be honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way. And I really love to write about it all…