Oh, February, month of love, chocolate and football. Something for everyone, right?
I’ve always kind of liked the fact that February is a little bit shorter. Back in elementary school days, I was always excited about Valentine’s Day (and reading the valentine from whomever I had a crush on. I’d analyze whether the cartoon one he had chosen had a secret meaning), rodeo vacation –we always get vacation for rodeo here in Tucson, but it was always a gloomy, cold month. Now, I still look forward to Valentine’s Day, but think of February as a jumping off point for spring.
Here are some ways to make it a little more fantastic:
1. Buy something red. Red is definitely a February-esque color, and a fun way to add a little brightness in the gloomy weather. Whether it’s nail polish, a cute top, dress, or purse, red tends to be a color that many people shy away from, but can be extremely fun and flattering.
Since the only bag I’ve been toting lately is full of diapers, extra teeny clothes and wipes, I have my eye on this fun cherry wallet to go inside:
2. Make a new Superbowl recipe.
There are a ton of these floating around the blog world right now, so even if you’re not necessarily watching the game, you can enjoy a tasty snack. My list is here, and some friends’ recipes that have caught my eye:
everything on Jessica’s list
3. See a mushy, lovey flick
I CAN’T WAIT to see The Vow. That is all.
4. Do something that you’ve been putting off.
For me, this = the legendary pile of mail and paperwork that’s been sitting on the breakfast table since we got home from the hospital. I pulled out all of the bills, but everything else has just been sitting there, staring me in the face and intimidating me. Time to get out the shredder and open everything.
5. Profess your love or gratitude to someone unexpected- just a simple email or card to tell someone you appreciate someone can go a long way.
Randomly, I emailed a professor a few years after I graduated to thank him for everything he taught me and for the opportunity to take his class. I was in his investments class, which was technically a Masters course- a few undergrads could enroll with grade evaluation and permission from the instructor. It ended up being the most valuable class I took, and the professor, an extremely witty, kind, older gentleman with incredible experience in the field, taught us all so much about investing wisely. I definitely need to do that again, and already know the emails that I need to send.
6. Take someone special out on a date.
Your BFF, husband, boyfriend, group of girlfriends, cat, grandma, whatever- plan a night to enjoy their company.
I’m hoping that the Pilot and I can make it out for fondue sometime this month. We’re definitely ready for a date night, even if we have an extra special little someone joining us 
7. Try out a new cardio workout
This is the month to try out that cardio workout you’ve been thinking about! Zumba, kickboxing, spinning, Winter Shape Up (!), anything you’ve been wanting to try. Of course, pace yourself and let the instructor know it’s your first time.
8. Buy some Valentine’s candy. Eat it.
9. Master a heart-opening yoga pose. My favorite? Camel.
10. Find a new blog to add to your rotation. I read a LOT of healthy living blogs, a couple of mom blogs, and a few design/fashion blogs, but am always looking to bring some new ones into my life. Any faves you’d like to share??
What’s something you’re looking forward to this month?
Here’s to a happy and healthy February!
xoxo
Gina
Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to The Fitnessista! I love blogging about my adventures as a new mom, military wife and fitness instructor, as well as sharing new workouts and recipes. Check out the About page for more info - thanks for stopping by!
Oh and I just did my Five Things for February goal list if you were looking for other ones to read!
http://girlgoneveggie.com/?p=1250
Love it! I am thinking I want to get some red Tom’s.
thank you for sharing my super bowl recipes!
I love getting all my other single girlfriends together for a “singles awareness day” dinner/night out! Also, since I don’t have anyone to buy me flowers, I buy them for myself!
I can’t wait to see The Vow!! Looks so cute, and doesn’t hurt that Channing Tatum is in the movie
I’m so excited for The Vow! It looks so cute!
Im gonna take my cat on a date. He loves ahi tuna hehe
i love that!
I am totally seeing The Vow with friends when it comes out!
You must read kellehampton.com. She’s amazing!!!
I second this! She is totally super mom.
Buy some Valentines day candy, eat it. This is my favorite.
The vow looks good, I always go for red tops if I find ones like. I’ve always been told I look good in red I think it’s my olive skin and dark hair that make it pop!
What a sweet pic of you and the pilot! Love the idea of incorporating more red this month.
I love your suggestions, and camel is actually my yoga studio’s asana of the month, so I at least easily check that one off my list!
I cannot for that movie either!!! wish we could go see it together
me too!
mine is a new healthliving blog!
http://www.itzlinz.com plus, my sister is a ridiculously good baby photographer (www.stephaniecottaphotography.com) so i feature a lot of her pictures which are amazing. 
seriously, as a new momma, you’ll just love it… guarenteed!
I love the Superbowl recipes you shared…I saw them all on those blogs earlier in the week and was drooling, for sure.
And camel is one of my faves…I love the chest and heart openers. It’s good for the psyche and it’s good for all of us who spend so much time at our computers to open up that area which tends to get so crunched, compressed, and slouched.
Thank you for this post! February got off to an uneventful start so it was nice to see a few tips to kick it into high gear. I love your idea about the red!
ohhh getting red nails now!
Gina-
I am 32 weeks pregnant and love reading your blog. Which mommy blogs do you recommend?
http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/
http://www.thedaybookblog.com/
I hope you can try my blog
. I am a new blogger and would love some feedback!
Oh Camel is a good pose. It hurts so good!
I also cannot wait for the Vow. Although I am certain I will be waiting until its on dvd, and then viewing it by myself. Lol.
One of my favorite blogs is The Bloggess. At times she has me rolling on the floor in laughter. If you aren’t familiar with this blog start with this post:
http://thebloggess.com/2011/06/and-thats-why-you-should-learn-to-pick-your-battles/
One family blog that I love is the http://www.thewiegands.com. Casey is an artist and an owner of a art class place for little one called a little artsy. Her posts are inspiring, uplifting, endearing and real. A fashion blog I recommend is http://www.thepinkpeonies.com, Rachel’s style is impeccable and just plain gorgeous.
I loved your suggestions! I’m already planning a girl’s night out with my sisters and my best friends ^^
Congratulations, Gina! I just had my third son (well, 16 months ago!) so I love reading your posts about being a new mom. It really brings me back 5 years ago when my first little guy was born. Check out this blog re: fabulous baby/kiddie books. If you’re a reader, you’ll love it! http://4mothers1blog.wordpress.com/category/book-review/
I love the idea of buying something red! I bought a red J.Crew peacoat this year, and wearing it brightens up even the bleakest winter days.
I’m looking for some working mom blogs…any recommendations? Also, I am looking to eat more healthy but need to take baby steps and not sure where to begin?
focus on making small changes each week
for example, week 1: drink more water
2: 5 servings of fruit and veggies each day
3: whole grain instead of refined carbs
etc
Awesome suggestions! I totes wanna buy something red and cannot wait to see The Vow
My favourite blogs:
http://www.rockstardiaries.com
http://underagedandengaged.blogspot.com
http://www.junkaholique.com
http://www.cherrymenlove.com
I used to read TONS of healthy living blogs but stopped with most of them, in fact I think yours is the only one I read regularly now but I’m still addicted to blogs haha
aww thank you <3
cant wait to check out the ones on your list!
I love these suggestions, it is enabling me to buy some new red TOMS for when I am out on work assignments!
I have a blog, http://www.pancakesandbeetjuice.blogspot.com, about my husband and I trying to settle in to being a new family while staying fit and trying new gluten-free and vegan foods. You and Tom are definitely an inspiration!
I also love http://www.ipickpretty.com. She is a stay at home mom that gives it her all but is really frank about the challenges that come with it!
holly cuteness! Great list, love it.
Great tips! February in New England is pretty bitterly cold, I’ll take any ideas to brighten it up that I can get!
Hi Gina,
I hardly ever comment but I just wanted to tell you that you look absolutely *Beautiful* in that photo! I love your outfit and the background.
That photo of you guys is adorable! I love the texture on your skirt (weird comment but oh well!)
I definitely have a love/hate relationship with Camel pose, but that’s directly related to the fact that it’s a heart opener, so it makes sense! Haha, I’m working on it!
I love this post! #5 is such a great idea. And thanks to you I have a fondue craving…yummo.
I tagged you in my post today and would love to see your answers:) Happy Friday! http://www.bitesizewellness.com/2012/02/virtual-tag-get-to-know-me/
I can’t wait to see “The Vow!” It’s the perfect duo of good looking people.
Those are all such great things to do for February! One of my favorite blogs is New Balance Nicole – http://www.newbalancenicole.com.
Hope y’all have a great weekend!
Can’t wait for the vow! So excited to post, new to all of this and always have been a fan of yours!
lovin your inspiring eats, and fitness crave! Xo
I love that picture of the two of you; you guys make a gorgeous couple! I recently found out about the Rockstar Diaries and love it! I cannot wait to read and watch, “The Vow.”
February is one of my fav months. I love Valentine’s Day and both Isaac and I were born in February so it’s extra special. I love your list of ways to make it fabulous!
xoxo
Love buying something red and will plan to try yoga for the first time ever!
The Vow, is the first on my list….. CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!!
fitfashlife.blogspot.com
cool! I love this blog post! I think I am actually going to make a card (since I am on a micheal’s kick, still working on a scrapbook for my mom for christmas….2011) for my counselor thanking them for everything they have given me. One of those things is to do something for someone else but do not tell anybody you did it. Even if it’s opening a door for someone, yah no?
I also love reading different blogs too other then my niche which would be beauty blogs. you can always check out my blog, http://MeetMakeup.BlogSpot.com – besides beauty blogs, I love fashion blogs, health and lifestyle blogs (like your lovely blog) and I recently have been loving DIY blogs which are all basically mom blogs too by default. if you do end up going to my blog, I have a whole list of my faves in the side bar.
I can’t wait to see the vow either! looks amazing! this blog post just spoke to me, can you tell? Thanx for all of your inspiration! yours truly, erica