Halloween, you’ll always be one of my very favorite holidays. Any situation where I’m surrounded by chocolate is very happy, indeed, but wearing a costume and partying with friends and family is a bonus, too 
I had a blast hanging out with my hibachi chef and sushi roll:
(It’s basically impossible to get Liv to smile at a self-timer)
We really lucked out with our costumes. I made Liv’s, including her ginger and wasabi headband (will post a how-to on the Family page soon!), the Pilot borrowed his chef hat and jacket from Kyle, and I picked up his chef pants and my tunic at a thrift shop. Skidoosh.
Bella even liked her costume!
That is a lie. Look at that stink eye.
She quickly forgot the she hated me as soon as we leashed her up to go trick-or-treating with all of us.
We walked around my dad’s side of the family’s neighborhood and they do up Halloween pretty fiercely. Many of the houses have elaborate light decorations, haunted houses and food, so it’s a lot of fun to walk around and see everything. At one point, a zombie mannequin with sparkly lights attached to it zip-lined across the street last night (Liv was cuddled up in the mei tai and missed it- spooky stuff!). Pure Halloween moment.
We sat on my cousins’ front porch for a while chatting with everyone and saying “Happy Halloween” to the trick-or-treaters. I thought we would come home, sit on the porch with the Pilot, drinking wine and passing out candy, but when we got back to our neighborhood, it was black. Most of the lights were out, not a trick-or-treater to be seen. Guess it happens pretty early around here, because the bucket of candy I left on the porch was nearly empty.
Wine on the couch instead:
Now we’re in November, which I have to say, I’m a little biased about. It’s my birthday month, my 7 year date-iversary with the Pilot (whoa), and the start of the holiday season. I love the holidays so much, but it can definitely be a hectic time. It’s so important to stay present and truly enjoy all of the moments that make up the holiday season, instead of waiting for a specified date (like Thanksgiving or Christmas) to be thankful for everything that surrounds you. So, I thought it would be a great time for a yoga challenge since I’m endeavoring to create more time to practice yoga in my current fitness routine.
I teamed up with a friend at Challenge Loop to make the challenge even more interactive and fun. You can read all of the details here, join the challenge, download the free app, and check-in: leave a comment using the app, or even better, add a picture. The goal is to get in at least 10 minutes a day of yoga practice. If you’re just beginning, you can check out this post, and here are some ideas on ways to “Om at home.” I really truly love yoga and think it would be exciting to add a little more “Namaste” in our November: sharing light and kindness with others while remaining focused and present.
Are you joining in? Leave a comment on this post and let me know! At the end of the month, I’ll pick a random participant (the more you check-in, the more chances you’ll have to win) to receive a $100 lululemon gift card and a batch of custom macaroons. (<—sponsored by us, not an outside company)
What was your favorite Halloween moment? Mine was when I put on Livi’s shrimp onesie and started gasping at it.
See ya later on the fashion page <3
xoxo
Gina
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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!
Totally joining the Namaste November challenge. Will be the perfect way to balance out my half marathon training!
Count me in!!
Totally joining Namaste November, so excited I actually made it a goal of mine for this month to do yoga every single day. So this is going to be awesome to have a whole group of other people to do it with. Thanks so much!
Thanks so much for starting this challenge. It was just the kick in that pants I needed to step up my yoga practice. I can’t wait to see what a difference 30 days of continuous practice will make.
Love the push to inspire people to do yoga. Namaste November!
I just hunkered down to catch up on some posts and saw this! I went to my first yoga class in 4 months this morning. Last night I was talking about how much I need to get back in to my yogi groove! Such a great coincidence!
Count me in! Thank you for having this challenge, I need more yoga in my life!
I’m totally in! I can never say no to yoga!
You’re so creative! Precious Halloween costumes, awesome idea!
Just checking in to say I just got back from my first ever bikram class!
how was it?!
I just accepted the challenge! This is a great idea, thanks for doing it!
Just got home from an amazing hot yoga class!!
awww, u guys are WAY too cute!! my sister force dresses up her doggies, they hate it at first but then usually put up with it.
wow, big month coming up for you!! holidays seem to be a love/hectic thing for most everyone…just try to ride the wave and take each thing as it comes!
just found your blog and totally loving this idea! its a few days in already but i’m doing it! I’m gonna do it JM yoga meltodwn style
Count me in for this! I’ve been so sore and know a few poses a day could really help!
I’m starting a bit late, but I want to get in on this challenge. I also plan to do Deepak Chopra’s 21 day meditation challenge that starts Monday:
http://www.chopracentermeditation.com/bestsellers/LandingPage.aspx?bookid=172&af=852
If I can keep these up I should have a very peaceful and centered November! I hope those aren’t “famous last words.” Haha
My hot yoga studio is doing a 20 classes in 30 days challenge and I signed up!
I just sent in a request to join! Great timing, I’ve been wanting to add more yoga to my life!
I am so in!
I’ll definitely join in, great idea!
my boyfriend just got me a groupon for hot yoga classes so I will be joining in hooray
Sounds like a good way to get some yoga in my life!
Namaste November, late but I am in!
I’m in! I love yoga!
Sounds like something everyone could use in their lives! I’m in.
I’m in! my booty is crying from yesterday’s yoga class :’(
I totally namasted in November. I attended Bikram yoga classes 3-4 times a week and I am feeling really great!
I like doing yoga at home using videos, it’s so convenient!