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!
stop it. is that a recent picture? you two make me swoon.
Such a well thought out post! I love all your ideas. Of course one way to find some good valentine and Super Bowl inspiration is on pinterest! You should totally get that wallet mamma – you deserve it (isn’t that the cliche line we all say to ourselves before a purchase?).
What are your favorite mom blogs?
i love these posts gina! the melting pot is my favorite resturant.
if you are into nail polish/beauty stuff – http://perfectlypolishedtips.blogspot.com.
OMG the Vow!! Scott Speedman AND Channing Tatum? Yes please!
Three of my favorite blogs at the moment:
http://foodiefresh.com
http://blunderconstruction.com
http://www.themoreirun.com
Aw, thanks Heather! You’re a sweetheart!
i’ve been loving my friend jen’s blog: http://www.thepursuitofsassiness.com/ – she’s getting her master’s in counseling and her blog posts that discuss psychology and therapy are so, so interesting to me!
as for what i’m looking forward to? a trip to colorado to visit my girlfriends! we’ve been friends since elementary school and i can’t wait to see them!
I can not WAIT to see The Vow!! Mushy gushy chick flick!? I’m in!! My friends and I are going to the midnight premier!(: I used to analyze my Valentine’s from my crush in elementary school too!!! Hahahaha! I thought I was the only one! (; Can’t wait to make February amazing!!
Great list! I’ve already got a steady supply of cinnamon hearts sitting in the candy jar on my desk.
ANd OMG the Marc Jacobs bag is gorgeous!! One thing I’m most looking forward to is catching up with friends. I’ve got a few friend dates planned on the weekends and I can’t wait to see them! 
Great post! I want to see The Vow too! And maybe I’ll paint my nails red? Who knows?
How adorable are you and the Pilot?!? Aw!
I’m pretty sure that you already might read The Healthy Everythingtarian – she’s hilarious! If not, here’s her linkage: http://www.thehealthyeverythingtarian.com/
This month, I am looking forward to beginning to train for my first trail race (a half marathon!) and to preparing for our nephew’s first birthday party!
Love this list—thanks for sharing : )
I laughed when I saw camel pose on there. I always half-ass it because it scares me so much! One of my little goals this year is to be able to do it without chickening out.
Camel is my bikram nemesis! Some day I WILL master it.
That first picture of you two is beautiful! Piled up mail is my nemesis too and I also cannot wait to see The Vow. I’m a big baby so I’m taking tissues for sure.
This month I’m very much looking forward to visiting my family. I get to finally meet my nephew (he’s the first grandkid!) just in time for his first birthday
So excited!
Cannot wait to see The Vow either! And wearing red tomorrow also supports Women’s Heart Month.
I’ve been loving the Rock Star Diaries: http://taza-and-husband.blogspot.com/
Love these!! Gotta rock some red duds now
My friends and I can not wait to see The Vow too!! It looks so great!
I’m looking forward to our first anniversary. We were married on Leap Day 4 years ago. Our plan was to go to Hawaii with the kids, but my husband had to use all his available time off , and then some, at the end of Nov/Dec to take care of us all after the car accident we were in so no anniversary vacay for us. We will do one anniversary celebration with the kids (11.5, almost 3 and 10 months) and then hire a sitter so we can go out alone. It’s kind of a big deal, we’ve only hired a sitter 3 other times for the kids since we got married, so I will probably go get a new outfit.
Ah, I love that picture of you and the pilot! I haven’t seen it before and it’s adorable! Love your little outfit.
Welllll….if you’re looking for new blogs, my blog is all about the best/funniest/most interesting/prettiest blogs out there. A blog review of sorts
Check out Color Me Katie: http://colormekatie.blogspot.com/
The blog is full of whimsy and color and creativity and happiness! Literally, you cannot be sad looking at it.
Love that photo of you and the pilot – so gorgeous! These are great ideas – February is always when the school year seems like it’s never going to end so it’d fun to do little things like this to brighten it up
Scott Speedman on the big screen? I’ll be there opening night
Let us know how The Vow is–I’m a little skeptical but love Rachel McAdams!
Can I just say how beautiful that picture of you and your husband is?! Oh my goodness it made me so happy for you two and hopeful that one day I can find the happiness you obviously have.
That picture of you and Tom is SO adorable. You guys make my heart swoon with joy. And I can’t wait to see The Vow either. Yep, hopeless romantic target on my back.
Something to look forward to? My boyfriend’s best friend is getting married next week (!!!), his brother’s birthday and my step-dad share a birthday at the end of the month, so both of our families are coming to visit us in nyc!
I have never been big on going to see chick flicks in the theater but I told my husband that is what I want for Valentine’s Day. I’m pregnant, I want some snacks, some mushy love story and a reason to sob like a baby. You know, besides the normal reasons around here lately like I can’t match a sock or something
I am looking forward to Red Velvet Cupcakes, my trip to see my friend and the new Yoga/TRX studio that opens up any day now!
My partner is BESIDE HIMSELF this year because ‘we’ (note: I am automatically included here) can watch superbowl LIVE. This is not usually possible because of the time difference – everyone is at work. However, this year it coincides with our national public holiday, Waitangi Day – this is a day of rememberance around the agreement between the early settlers and the indigenous that were here when us pale faces arrived.
Feb is a big month for us. Valentines Day, the arrival of the fam from Europe, my man turns 40, nephew turns 1 (got some great ideas on that party from HEAB’s blog) and grandma turns 80. AND superbowl. Wow. I’m going to be sooo broke.
I really enjoyed this post and am looking forward to implementing some of your ideas. Tonight is my first Bikram class and first yoga class since prenatal over 2 years ago. One of my fave new blogs is Kristin Armstrong’s blog. She is so inspiring
http://milemarkers.runnersworld.com/2012/02/boo/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MileMarkers+%28Mile+Markers%29
The vow looks great. I question Channing Tatum’s capacity to act, but does it really matter? Does it? More important things are at hand — like eye candy.
You are right. Acting ability is secondary..
I melt every time a preview for the vow comes on! Definitely going to see that one. My hubby and I are also going to write each other love notes for v day. My idea lol. His birthday is on v day so I want to surprise him with a couples message. Another thing I’m looking forward to this month is getting the nursery completed!
One of my favorite blogs is http://www.thehappylilhomemaker.com/ So much information! And tips on everything under the sun! Cleaning, cooking, organizing, homeschooling…you name it!
warning: shameless self promotion ahead!
you should read my blog!
goodcleanfuneating.blogspot.com
what a cute list! i love “buy valentines candy. eat it!!” trust me, this will be done:):)
GINA! You look so gorgeous in that top photo, i thought that was a photo of 2 models! Beautiful <3
Also, this may be one of my favorite posts of yours, so uplifting and happy, perfect to brighten my day!!
Great ideas! I love http://www.cookingwithcarly.com for healthy recipes.
I am all about the Valentine’s Day candy. My favorite way to spend the day is with chocolates, take-out and a movie. Whether or not I have a valentine.
Such a cute pic of you guys. I enjoy the list posts. I’m definitely a Valentine’s fan and enjoy just sparkling up the month with hearts and red when I can. Sometimes even a little walk through Target’s holiday section will make me happy. I’m liking All the Small Things because she has these really cool hairstyle videos that are simple, but look great. http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/
Great list, February is all about love and hints of spring for me.
This might sound weird, but I am super excited for my dad’s 60th birthday on the 10th. My brother and I have so many fun things up our sleeves, and I think he’s really going to love them!
So funny that you talked about rodeo vacation. I had no idea what this was until I went to UA, and the middle school by the dorms had “rodeo break” at the end of February. Just another reason why Tucson is the best place ever. Anyways, love this post (as always!).
Ooo… I like the idea of camel pose, but it always makes me feel a little nauseated. So weird. It’s been a while since I’ve tried it. Maybe it needs another chance. :/
Great suggestions. I’m definitely planning to tackle a project I’ve been putting off. My favorite blogs are http://www.ronisweigh.com and http://www.backtoherroots.com and http://www.iheartorganizing.blogspot.com.
I *can’t* wait to see The Vow! It looks so good! Hopefully Josh won’t mind spending part of our valentine’s day celebration going to see it!
And you and Tom look amazing! Such a cute couple! <3
This new blog I have been reading is a must if you are a child of the 80′s
http://imremembering.com/
I want to see the Vow SOOOO BAD! Definitely happening in the next week or two!
hi gina… i’ve been a lurker forever & did one of your workout challenges a couple years ago. i figured i should start commenting now that i’ve had my own blog for a few months. anyway, i love your list. my favorite ones were wear something red & master a heart-opener! cute. also congrats on the baby, i was so excited for you when you went into labor. she’s lovely.
-christina
Great list of tips Gina!
We just bought red tub chairs for our kitchen breakfast nook, and the pop of color makes me so happy every time I walk by them!
I just started a blog:)!!!
mmm Valentines candy! I love cinnamon hearts.
Love this! Can’t wait for The Vow, and #8 is my personal favorite as those hearts are my favorite candy of all-time (it’s a good thing they’re only in stores once a year, or my healthy eating would totally be sabotaged
)