Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy Friday. With the Tucson trip and Veteran’s Day holiday, this week went by so quickly! We have some fun plans for the weekend and somehow a race day snuck up on my calendar. I will be running, but certainly not racing. It’s been a little while, and while I’m dreading the early wakeup, it’s always fun to add a race shirt to the collection, right?

In typical Friday fashion, here are some of the things I’m loving this week! I love hearing about the things you’ve read, done, seen, ate (haha), and enjoyed, so please shout ‘em out in the comments section.

Pier  1 of 1 2

Plentiful macarons in this house. They know me so well.

Macaron  1 of 1

Fresh Balsam is back! This is the flavor I hoard every year and at the end of the season, I grab a ton when they go on clearance. The fake tree vs. real tree debate is a heated one here, but no matter what, we always have that piney Christmas-y scent. 😉

Candle  1 of 1 7

This November running playlist. This is an awesome collection of some current faves and power beats that were entirely new to me. I’ll be adding some of these onto my spin playlists, too.

A new straightener! Mine bit the dust in Tucson -it had a long life, but the heating element went out- and this one was a bday gift from the madre + fam. It works like a dream and also came with a very useful travel case.

This wine. It has a bit of a kick to it, but was bold and smooth. We may have to add it into the regular rotation

Wine  1 of 1 10

The dirty dozen goes beyond produce.

Honored to have been included in this article about boutique fitness classes in Tucson.

The newest BODYPUMP release! I downloaded 92 a couple of nights ago for the most part, it’s really good. I especially love the chest, triceps and biceps tracks. I can’t wait until the release so I can start teaching it.

Surprising good-for-your-gut foods to add to your rotation.

10 things your mom never told you.

Some exciting news. I can finally share why I’ve been recipe testing like a maniac over the past couple of weeks. All the details will be up Monday. 🙂 

Hope you have a very happy Friday! See ya later today with a Fitness Fashion Friday post.

xoxo

Gina

Post Navigation:

63 Comments

  1. Joanna @Makingmine on November 14, 2014 at 4:26 am

    I’m hoping my straightener never dies because I’ve become far too attached, haha

    Good luck on your race!

  2. Kaila @healthyhelperblog! on November 14, 2014 at 4:33 am

    I’ve actually never had a proper macaron! I need to change that! They look delightful. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:43 am

      they are incredible!!

  3. Lisa O on November 14, 2014 at 4:38 am

    Happy 30th birthday week to my fitness/mama inspiration! Thank you for the joy, wise words and fun you’ve brought in your 20s and bring on the 30s (I can recommend them at 33! Good times!), look forward to hearing what’s in store. Come visit Aus! We have a blast over here too 🙂 xx

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:43 am

      thank you so much!! <3
      i would love to visit! hopefully one of these days 🙂
      xoxo

  4. Brynn on November 14, 2014 at 4:38 am

    A good straightener is life changing! I had a great one and then blew the fuze while traveling in Spain. The one I have now is ok, but I still miss my old one. Rest in peace, straightener.

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:43 am

      i did that with my beloved curling iron in italy! i was sad for a second, and then i was like “we’re in ITALY’ and it was ok haha 😉

      • Brynn on November 14, 2014 at 10:10 am

        Haha, that’s so true!

  5. Amanda @ Slimplify Life on November 14, 2014 at 4:40 am
    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:42 am

      bawling.

  6. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment on November 14, 2014 at 5:07 am

    I’m intrigued about the article about going past the dirty dozen! Look forward to checking that out. I love it when my favorite seasonal candles come back. It’s like a warm hug. Enjoy the weekend!

  7. Kirtley @ The Gist of Fit on November 14, 2014 at 5:08 am

    I love love love pine scented candles! Takes me to Christmas every time!

    You’ll do awesome at your race! !

  8. Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey on November 14, 2014 at 5:08 am

    I saw that dirty dozen list earlier this week and it made me cringe!! Lately I can’t watch enough Jimmy Fallon videos! My faves are the hashtag skits, thank yous, Jacob’s Patience, and lip sync battles! 😀

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:42 am

      omg, i love the lip sync battles. will definitely check out the other ones!

  9. Britt@MyOwnBalance on November 14, 2014 at 5:09 am

    There is an amazing macaron cafe directly across from my work. It is sooo hard to walk by it everyday!

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:41 am

      ahhhhh! they would know me. 😉 i’ve been thinking about you and that beeb!!

  10. Linda @ TheFitty on November 14, 2014 at 5:14 am

    We have a fake tree and ifs lovely. It’s a lot less messy and reuseable and you could decorate it just the same as a real one.. I am SO ready for Christmas, you have no idea. I am going out to purchase some scented peppermint candles 🙂

  11. Christa @ Living Unablanced on November 14, 2014 at 5:18 am

    Good luck on the race! I’m also running a race (a mud run) this weekend that snuck up on me too. I was planning on watching a lot of movies and drinking a lot of wine tonight 😉 guess i’ll be going to bed early instead!

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:40 am

      haha! 🙂

  12. Lauren on November 14, 2014 at 6:10 am

    I love the once upon a vine Pinot Noir!

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:40 am

      oh, i’ll have to look for that one!

  13. Tina on November 14, 2014 at 6:20 am

    Gosh, I love holiday candles…and ANYTHING holiday-related. I usually wait until after Thanksgiving before I start decorating for Christmas, but this year I’m going to break my rule so I can maximize my holiday decor!

    Have a great weekend! Enjoy your race!

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:39 am

      i want to break the rules too, but the christmas cop lives here hahaha

  14. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on November 14, 2014 at 6:24 am

    Pine scented candles are a great idea. I never thought of adding those to make my fake tree smell real. Good luck on the race.

  15. Nicole @ Runs & WODs on November 14, 2014 at 6:26 am

    I love holiday scented candles. I just stocked up!

  16. ashley on November 14, 2014 at 6:38 am

    I ate at The Patio on Goldfinch in Mission Hills this week (there is also Patio on Lamont in PB!) and it was SOOO good! They have a whole separate cheese menu! You should check it out 🙂 Super cozy and cute.

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:36 am

      amaaaaazing. i will definitely check it out! 🙂

  17. Lizzie @ The Magic Tree on November 14, 2014 at 7:10 am

    I was going to recommend that GHD straightener to you until I clicked on the Amazon link. Mine has been going strong for almost five years! Most def worst the investment. Have a great weekend <3

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:35 am

      so awesome. i love it so far!! 🙂

  18. Carrie (This Fit Chick) on November 14, 2014 at 7:14 am

    ooo nothing like some wonderful wine! I’m loving the cool weather!! breaking out the cozy socks 😀

  19. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries on November 14, 2014 at 7:32 am

    I’m excited about BodyPump 92 too! I’m with you – love the chest, triceps, biceps tracks. I also really like the core and cooldown songs. The core moves aren’t my favorite because I prefer the addition of some plank moves, but the song makes up for it. 😉 Hope you have a great weekend! xo

    • Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries on November 14, 2014 at 7:35 am

      I guess I’m wrong! The core track DOES include some plank moves. Just checked it out again… The first time I watched it, I just watched the first minute or two of each track so I guess I missed the plankage. Now I really love it! 😉

      • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:35 am

        i’m excited to watch it! i haven’t seen the core track yet

  20. Emma @ Life's A Runner on November 14, 2014 at 7:51 am

    I’m in the exact same boat! I am running a 10k on Sunday, but haven’t done more than a mile (yesterday) in 2-3 weeks! I agree – the early wakeup will be rough, but there’s a T-shirt in it, plus the rest of the day will be awesome!

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:34 am

      that’s me, too. i haven’t done a distance run since my last half. oops. i agree, the rest of the day will be awesome 🙂 good luck this weekend!

  21. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on November 14, 2014 at 8:14 am

    Hi Gina! Happy Friday! You eager gal, I haven’t downloaded BODYPUMP 92 yet or my other Les Mills programs!! I always wait until the last minute to listen and learn though.

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:33 am

      happy friday to you! that’s what i did last time and really regretted it since i’m still new to teaching BP. for the new release, i’m trying to learn a song a day right now so i can just practice, get it in my brain and have the choreography set. i hate trying to cue and thinking to myself “is it 2-2 next or 3-1 next… or…” hahah

      • Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on November 14, 2014 at 8:37 am

        I promise it will get SO much easier every time you learn a new one. I can learn a new BP in about two hours now. You’ll get used to the patterns. But you’ve got a good plan going! 🙂

  22. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on November 14, 2014 at 8:24 am

    Ohh I’m excited for your big news on Monday!

    I grew up with a fake tree and now that I have my own place am all about a real tree. I love it!

    Those macaroons look delicious!

  23. Melissa on November 14, 2014 at 8:28 am

    The “mom” article should have come with a “tissues needed” warning!

    Good luck on your run this weekend 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 8:31 am

      gah! i was going to include one too.
      xoxo

  24. Amy S on November 14, 2014 at 9:03 am

    Sounds like you’ve had a great week! Something cool I did this week was run the Hot Chocolate 15K in Chicago…a seriously fun race. The course is beautiful, right in the heart of Chicago, and the post-race food is delicious. Everyone gets their own bowl with fondue and all kinds of yummy things for dipping…rice krispie, pretzels, wafer cookies, a banana…and of course, everyone gets a cup of Hot Chocolate too 😉 This was the second time my husband and I ran this race and it’s a blast! Good luck at your race this weekend!

    Fresh Balsam is my absolute favorite candle at B&B this time of year. It totally evokes that real tree scent, and of course, Christmas joy! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 12:03 pm

      i would run a race for all the chocolate 🙂 that sounds AMAZING

  25. Phoebe on November 14, 2014 at 9:34 am

    You got me hooked on the Apothic red, but I tried another red blend this weekend that was really yummy too – Dead Bolt.. very smooth

  26. Chelsea @ TableForOne on November 14, 2014 at 9:49 am

    Fresh balsam is my favorite scent!!! I am so glad it is back. I bought one the other day and my house smells so cozy now.

  27. Tracy on November 14, 2014 at 10:01 am

    Excited to hear your Monday news!!

    Have a great weekend 🙂

  28. Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork on November 14, 2014 at 10:15 am

    I’ll have to keep an eye out for that red! I’m a big fan of bold reds, especially in the winter, and blends are always fun to try. Thanks for sharing!

  29. Carly on November 14, 2014 at 10:36 am

    I have never had a macaroon…think I should get on that train. I loved release 91 (at least I think it was 91…. the one I’m thinking of has a sweet chest track and a whack of singles in the squat track.. that one!).
    Bath and Body Works candles are my favourite thing for fall and winter…I’m still on my fall one “Leaves” – so, so good!
    Happy Friday 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 12:02 pm

      that was 91! LOVED that squat track. the chest one was cool too; the double-time pushups were “fun” 😉
      love that leaves candle too!

  30. Kate @ SoCal Runner Gal on November 14, 2014 at 10:47 am

    What race are you running?!

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 12:03 pm

      the celebration run! are you running this weekend?

      • Kate @ SoCal Runner Gal on November 14, 2014 at 12:08 pm

        My friend Teresa will be running that one! I am running the Fit Foodie 5k Saturday and then doing Fit Foodie yoga & brunch on Sunday. Also NOT racing, just running. 🙂

        • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 12:14 pm

          OH i’ll see you sunday! 🙂

  31. Kara on November 14, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    Do you find the 1 inch straightener works well even with long hair? I’ve always used a two inch. Need a new one badly! I just ran hot chocolate in Chicago and it was a lot if fun! Good luck !!

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 12:15 pm

      i feel like i have more control with the 1-inch! i like to use it for waves more than straightening, and it feels a little easier to maneuver. i haven’t straightened my hair with it yet though, just waves.
      xo

  32. Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out on November 14, 2014 at 12:13 pm

    That wine looks yum! I love trying new ones out!

  33. Laura B @ FitMamaLove on November 14, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    My son and I enjoyed macaroons too yesterday–salted caramel for me and raspberry for him. Have a fun race!

  34. Christina @ The Beautiful Balance on November 14, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    Yes, yes, yes, I hope it’s a book deal!! Good luck on your race, can’t wait to read about it!

  35. allison on November 14, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    I just wanted to thank you for posting links that open a new tab rather than links that are in the same tab and then you have to go back.

    • Fitnessista on November 14, 2014 at 3:16 pm

      no prob!! i prefer that too 🙂

  36. Andrea Muzzatti on November 14, 2014 at 2:49 pm

    I love, love, love that fresh balsam candle!! Just bought it for the first time this year and I’m obsessed. It’s burning right now! Definitely need to go and buy a bunch more…

  37. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat on November 14, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    Ok, now you’ve got me seriously excited for Monday’s news!! These are awesome faves, and I am totally checking out that playlist. I just posted a massive one today full of contributions from my readers and am so excited to run to them tomorrow. As for holiday decor, I’m not going to be at my place for Christmas this year but my roomie and I are decorating anyway… and that means candles! 🙂

  38. Alex @ get big, go to work on November 14, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    Can’t wait to hear on Monday what all of the recipes you have been cooking up are related too! Also can’t wait to hear about what kind of race you did. I’d love to do a thanksgiving day race. I think that would be a lot of fun!

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.