a new mantra

Hi friends! Happy almost-Friday. What are you up to this morning? Thank you so much to those of you who have chimed in with your advice and tips on the Family page. I can’t believe that we’re getting close. 🙂

We had some great Tuesday night adventures. My friend Jess asked if Liv wanted to go over to her house so the girls could play and the Pilot and I could have a little date night. At first I was like, “Wait, but I want to hang out with you, too” but after a little encouragement and reminder to enjoy some time as a couple, we went for it. Liv had a blast, and the Pilot and I checked out a nearby Mexican restaurant, Casa de Bandini.

Date night

While we waited for our table, we walked around the Form shops, which is an amazing outdoor mall. I always feel like we need to live close to San Diego proper until we venture to surrounding areas and realize that they, too, have EVERYTHING. (Everything = a natural grocery store, a yoga studio, some good restaurants, and an Orangetheory. OTF studios are popping up like Starbucks and I love it.) I’m so used to living in smaller towns so this consistently blows my mind. 

As far as the restaurant went, the food reminded me so much of our beloved Guadalajara Grill in Tucson. It was authentic and fresh, and the patio atmosphere was fantastic with fountains and lush greenery. Word on the street is that they have mariachis during the weekend, so we’ll definitely be back. 

Check out this guacamole face:

Guac face

We enjoyed enchiladas and tacos, and went back to pick up the Livster, who had a blast playing with her friend, and hang out for a little while. On the way home, we passed an outdoor pumpkin patch/play area that was miraculously still open and pulled over immediately. Can’t deny a good Halloween-themed play area. 

Pumpkin patch

Liv totally crushed it at the dart game (what?!) and won herself a cute inflatable cat, ran around the pumpkins, and we checked out the petting zoo.

Petting zoo

(See the snoozing pigs? AHHHHH. Love.)

I still hold my title as master gobbler, as I was the only one that the turkey would respond to haha. It’s an art, really. 😉

The turkey

Livi at pumpkin patch

(I asked her to make a witch face haha) 

This morning, I have some work stuff to blast through and then it’s off to acupuncture.

Before I go, I wanted to share a mantra with you all that my friend Ashley sent to me the other night. As you guys know, I’m a huge fan of meditation and fiercely believe in the power of positive thoughts and calming mantras. I’ve been asked to share some more yoga and meditation related posts, so I thought some of you might enjoy this mantra as much as I have. I’ve used it during meditation for the past couple of nights, and found it to be extremely calming and reassuring, especially as we’re about to enter this new season as a family. It’s relevant to so much in life!

Here it is if you’d like to take a little Zen moment out of your day:

Silently read these words to yourself, then set a timer for 5 minutes. Close your eyes, find a comfortable seat, take some deep breaths, and use it as a chance to reflect.

Mantra

(If anyone knows the original source, please let me know and I’ll include it!)

Hope you have a great afternoon.
xoxo

Gina 

New post up on the Family page later today <3

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16 Comments

  1. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on October 8, 2015 at 6:49 am

    Love that mantra, Gina. And Jess is a good friend! It’s nice you guys are getting in some date nights before your family expands! 🙂 Happy Thursday, lady!

    • Fitnessista on October 8, 2015 at 12:47 pm

      thank you, friend! hope your week is going well <3

  2. Lindsay on October 8, 2015 at 6:49 am

    CASA DE BANDINI! I thought that place closed! My husband and our friends and I have such nostalgia attached to that place (for reasons that would be inappropriate for this blog)! Ahhhhh! I laughed so hard and immediately sent that to him. We both got a good laugh from all the way out here in NC. When we’re in SD over Christmas we definitely have to go.

    • Fitnessista on October 8, 2015 at 12:47 pm

      and now i’m so intrigued haha

  3. Lauren @ Oh Hey, I Like That! on October 8, 2015 at 7:43 am

    Anytime I can have a Mexican food date night, it’s the best! Thinking happy thoughts for you as you get ready to meet Baby #2!

    • Fitnessista on October 8, 2015 at 12:47 pm

      thank you- we appreciate it!!

  4. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on October 8, 2015 at 8:01 am

    I really needed to hear that mantra today Gina. Thanks for sharing that! Here’s to hoping baby makes her appearance soon! I keep checking every morning hoping it’s happened.

    • Fitnessista on October 8, 2015 at 12:46 pm

      <3! thank you so much.. i hope so too!

  5. Ashley on October 8, 2015 at 8:13 am

    That mantra is so beautiful, thanks so much for sharing it!

    Also, how does one become a gobble master??? haha. Sounds so fun!

    • Fitnessista on October 8, 2015 at 12:46 pm

      haha i was totally kidding. i just think i’m good at gobbling

  6. Tracy on October 8, 2015 at 11:03 am

    I love that mantra! Pinned it so I wouldn’t forget!

    I’m glad Jess talked you into taking the chance at a date! Great to take advantage of the time alone. Trust me when I say that because my husband and I have rarely been alone for several years!! Lol We need to work on that!

    • Fitnessista on October 8, 2015 at 12:46 pm

      hahah! i hear ya. it’s tough to plan time with work and everything going on, but so worth it 🙂

  7. Kristin on October 8, 2015 at 11:20 am

    I am laughing at part of your blog because yesterday an Orangetheory just popped up in my neighborhood. They were putting up the signs, but I stopped in because of reading your blog. They had founders’ rates going on so I was able to sign up and get a great deal. They open Mid-November but I can’t wait since I’ve never done one before and it sounds right up my alley.

    Bless you and your adorable family as you continue to grow. Can’t wait to read when she’s made her arrival (and find out the name).

    • Fitnessista on October 8, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      ahhh i hope you love it! seriously one of the best workouts.
      thank you so much! <3

  8. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on October 8, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    I love that mantra! And I need that guacamole face in my life!! haha

  9. Kim on October 9, 2015 at 5:30 am

    Beautiful post, Gina! Thank you!!

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