Patio Conversations
Our patio is buzzing with healthy-eating, inspirational people who have become lifelong friends over the past 10 years. Meet Annie, national TV anchor, spin instructor and California-born (Denver-based) traveling spirit. Annie’s thoughts on balancing work, travel, health, and nutrition will have you ready to tackle your week.
Annie Taylor Efremsky
Given your work, you’re always on camera, is that stressful? Some people don’t even want their picture taken!
It sounds like it would be stressful, but for me it has become the norm. Who I am off camera, is who I am on camera. I also don't look at my career as a job. I love what I do and couldn't imagine doing anything else. The 'being on camera' part just happens to come along with telling stories.
When you’re not working, how do you fill your “down-time?” What does relaxation look like for you?
After a long work week filled with stories, shoots and meeting new people, it's so important for me to reconnect with myself and find things to do to relax. Sweating it out at a great spin class or trying the latest workout craze helps me stay sane. However, one of my favorite ways to spend a relaxing weekend is to take a book to Vert to eat my favorite salad and sit out on the patio. There's something about Soaking up the Colorado sun that restores my soul. Sometimes, it's the simple things in life that I find true serenity in this world.
You recently brought your favorite book to Vert – the cover is such a great conversation starter! What specifically put this book on your top ten list?
There is not a better title than, 'You are a bad ass.' I picked up the book at Tattered Cover after hearing so many of my fitness friends talk about how it's helped them stay fired up and motivated. I'd like to think I'm a pretty positive person, but every once in awhile you need that extra kick in the pants or that reminder that you're worth it!
Jen Sincero is the author and she is as real as they come. She shoots straight from the hip. She helps you see that we all go through the same struggles, it's just how we deal with them is what makes us different. Through her own funny life lessons, she shows you that what you put out in the universe is what you'll get back. So, if you want to be a bad ass, then start putting out bad ass qualities.
Living a healthy lifestyle is obviously important to you. How do you blend your busy work-life with your healthy personal life?
Living a healthy lifestyle has been something that was instilled in me at a very young age. It was just how our family lived. I live my healthy lifestyle with the mindset that moderation is key. Being from California we grew up with fresh fruits and vegetables right in our backyard. I'm not the best cook, so I've learned to keep things simple, but I use fresh and high-quality ingredients. To me, flavor is everything! When it comes to exercise, I always say, doing something is better than nothing. A walk around the block is always a good idea.
Favorite menu item at Vert?
I always get the duo, which is a choice of two of your favorite sides. It's the best of both worlds! I get the tomato soup sprinkled with Parmesan and sea salt and a side of their house slaw. The combination together is heavenly. Every bite gets better and better. On my way out the door, that's usually where I pick-up a cookie to-go. I love their food so much, I just can't help myself.
Ok, last question. We’re all propelled by other inspiring people in our lives. Who inspired you the most in your past to lead you to where you are today?
It sounds cliché, but there is only one person who's been my constant inspiration and that's my mom. She's worked her whole life climbing the corporate ladder making a name for herself all while giving my sister and I the world. Watching her work hard, I learned to be persistent with my dreams and goals. She's shown me how to love, how to be grateful and compassionate. My mom has made me the woman I am today.
Thank you Annie!
To learn more about Annie, check out her YouTube channel, On & Off Camera with Annie Taylor. And swing by the Vert Kitchen patio to meet other inspiring people any day of the week!
Merci beaucoup!
Noah Stephens
Q&A with Noah
What are you currently reading?
A Short Guide to a Long Life. It's a simple reminder for healthy habits.
Favorite coffee drink for a summer day on the patio?
An iced Caffe Shakerato. It's a shot of espresso, teaspoon of sugar, shaken on ice and served up like a martini.
Visit us at Vert Kitchen in Denver, CO or pick up Overt by Vert Kitchen Grab & Go at a Natural Grocers near you!
